And what a year it has been….so frantic, so many changes, so many things to do, so much water under the bridge and now entering a new year in Thailand at the outset of our year away. A bit mind blowing really!...And our travel dream became a reality and here we are in Bangkok, Thailand!
Two common tree shrews dashed along the tangle of power lines outside our condo, just playing. For us, the smallest thing we usually see running along a power line is a possum. These little fellows were nimble and cute!
It was Annika’s turn to feel a bit unwell today but in the end she decided to come for our trip to the Grand Palace. We took the Sky Train and ferry and walked to the Grand Palace. As Bangkok’s Number 1 tourist destination, there were throngs of people. We wore long trousers this time so we didn’t have to change into “respectable” clothes to go into the temples. The temple of the Emerald Buddha was glittering with glass mirror mosaics and ornate stucco figurines and flower offerings brought by local Buddhists. Even the kids were awestruck by the size and intricate design. And there was more….most striking was the golden pagoda which appeared to be smooth but up close was also millions of small golden glass tiles. Sunglasses required even to look at the structures on such a sunny day.
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| Tiny tiles colour the buildings |
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| Luke outside the Temple of the Emerald Buddha |
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| The Grand Palace |
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| Not gold paint but all tiny golden tiles, each catching a different angle of sunlight. |
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| Water lily |
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| Attempt at Grand Palace panorama. |
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| Very grand indeed. |
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| Trufula trees? |
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| Luke loved the canons |
It was very worthwhile visiting. Just near the exit we had a quick but fantastic walk around the museum. Karl and I were interested in how the florid ornamentation and decorations of the temples were made and subsequently renovated. Some structures were made of wood, some of steel and then covered with plaster and painted.
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| A long but interesting morning. Luke was very ready for lunch as you can see. |
We ate various meaty skewers and some roti for lunch before taking the ferry and Sky Train back to our condo. We really are in a very central part of Bangkok. Karl and I went for a walk alongside Lumpini Park to the little covered market we have discovered. I don’t think westerners generally go there. Very cheap and fresh veggies and some fried chicken for dinner. We lashed out and bought special icecreams for New Year!!
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| The ferry Boat conspiracy... |
We walked down our street to Chit Lom Road and along to Centre World where the throngs of people swarmed towards the New Year entertainment. Minutes after we turned left onto the main road, it was closed to traffic and within seconds hundreds of little stalls were set up with flashing lights and various glowing headbands for New Year celebrations. The music was pumping out so loud that it could cause an arrhythmia!! So much to take in and so great to be part of it!!
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| Happiness Meter by night |
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| Luke banging the Happiness Meter! |
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| Happy New Year! |
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| New Year countdown in Bangkok.. |
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| Tim and Annika celebrate with handstands |
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| Flashing lights at a road side stall |
One of the most interesting stalls was some baby goats and a piglet which you could pay 20 Baht to bttle feed! Not at all sure that the RSPCA would approve of their little wire baskets they were housed in.
We came back in time to swim in our lovely pool and moon bathe while we ate our ice creams and looked at the pretty lights. This is a WOW every minute place and we will all reflect on the amazing accommodation and surrounds for many new years to come.
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| The front of our condominium |
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| Night time swim in the wonderful pool on 7th floor. |
Whilst the kids all slept, Karl and I heard the explosions from fireworks but couldn’t see them from here. It is a far cry from last New Year at Eildon when the booming music pumped out all night in the national park!
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