On Marian's first day here we went to Grand Palace. Rory and I had been warned of the likelihood of someone trying to scam us. No one tried to sell us fake tickets, or a fake tour guide; no one told us that the Palace was closed and offered us a "tour" of the city instead (meaning tour of their friend's tailor and jewelry shops); nor were we told that we HAD to purchase clothing that covered more of our arms/legs before entering the grounds. It was a piece of cake!
Rory's shorts were a bit too short (going only just past the knees), but he was able to rent pants for a mere 200 bhat once inside the Palace walls.
So, what is the Grand Palace?
The Grand Palace was built in the 18th century by King Rama I as royal residence. On the same grounds is Wat Phra Kaew (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha). This Buddha is actually made of jade, but was mistakenly identified as emerald by the abbot who discovered the image beneath a layer of plaster.
The buildings on these grounds are all ornately decorated with tiles, mirror, murals or sculptures.
Though the royal family no longer resides here, it is still used for certain ceremonies. The day we happened to be there a part of the grounds were closed to visitors because a funeral service was taking place. Whose funeral service? I am not sure, but clearly someone quite important.
I was primarily fascinated by the decoration, not the architecture, as my photos indicate below.
The Emerald Buddha - taken from outside of the temple through a window. It is the small statue that looks like gold here.
Cameras could not be used inside of the temple.
"So many shiny things...."
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