We spent our last day in Bangkok at the Grand Palace. The morning was spent researching a family friend in the Royal Archives.
Then, along with several thousand other folk, we wandered the grounds and buildings of the complex in awe at the grandeur and gold.
On our way back to our hotel we stopped by a temple to discover a courtyard with several table tennis tables chocka with school boys who played well. Got thrashed.
We arrived in Bangkok this afternoon and after settling into our final room of this long trip, we took a ferry northwards up the Chao Phraya river to Tha Tien pier where we visited Wat Pho (Wat Phra Chetuphon). It is the oldest and biggest temple in the city and known for its huge 46m long and 15m high Reclining Buddha.
It was particularly noisy in the temple courtyards with Chinese New Year celebrations taking place. The relatively quiet space near the Buddha was refreshingly quiet and peaceful.
Up before dawn to witness the monks receiving the hospitality of those who filled their food bowls and who in turn received a chanted blessing. We were struck by the humility of the monks and the respect of those who cared for them.
Then we drove up the mountain to the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep theravada temple in Chiang Mai province. We relished the stillness of the early morning before many people arrived to visit and to pray.
We have spent a fascinating couple of days wandering the streets of this lovely, busy yet gentle place, encountering the wildlife, finding stillness in the temples and meeting some of the villagers who live in the hills surrounding the city.
The Thailand flag is red, blue and white. Red represents the blood of life, blue, the Thai monarchy and white, the colour for purity which is also is the colour of Buddhism.
It was officially adopted in 1917 and can be seen everywhere in villages, towns and cities.
We have arrived in Bangkok, Thailand and will head north to Chiang Mai this evening.
The hills we flew over before landing shone blue through the clouds. Perhaps we may get to explore something of the hill country during our short visit.
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