Travels in Thailand - Part 3

...a visit from cutenekko's brother and girlfriend, continues...

The last stop on our tour was the Grand Palace. It is famous for two things: being the former residency of the King and for housing the Emerald Buddha. 

This spot was packed with tourists, so I felt it difficult to take photos without getting in anyone's way. I hope readers will be satisfied with my pictures. 

Inside the front gate, stretched a huge lawn...

Walking inside, we walked to the amazing Golden Pagoda. It is completely covered in gold mosaic stones, which are covered with glass to protect the gold. 

Golden Pagoda: 

Near that, was a model of Angkor Wat -- perhaps the most famous temple complex in the world. I was surprised to see a recreation of this at the Grand Palace: 

We walked further and I got a photo of a mythical creature. The guide said he is half bird:

Finally, we reached the temple which houses the Emerald Buddha. The outside of this building is quite spectacular, covered in glittering mosaics: 

In the photo below, you can see demons which are said to guard the temple: 

We were not allowed any photos inside, so I got a shot of the guide's placard. He explained the Emerald Buddha has 3 different fashions -- based on the seasons: summer, rainy and winter. We saw "Summer", which was quite elaborate with leaves branching out from Buddha's arms. 

The three styles of the Emerald Buddha: 

 I was surprised regarding the size of the Emerald Buddha -- which is actually made of Jade -- is quite small.

After exiting, we walked to see the palace. The white building was well guarded with officers in white uniforms.

Front, center view of the palace: 

Corner view of the palace: 

A temple nearby: 

Click the photo to see the details. 

I hope you could enjoy your visit to the Grand Palace. ^_^ Tomorrow, I'll show you around Old Siam by Tuk Tuk. 

The Grand Palace is open everyday (despite what some scam artists might tell you) from 08.30 -- 15.30. Cost: 200 Baht. Good information can be found HERE. The wiki page, which explains much of the history, is HERE. 

Travels in Thailand - Part 2

...a visit from cutenekko's brother and girlfriend, continues...

Yesterday, I mentioned a tour we took to visit several temples. The second stop was the infamous "Wat Pho". Inside, it plays host to the most iconic Buddhist statue in Thailand -- the Reclining Buddha.

We entered the main hall to view the head...

...then the feet:

After walking to the end, I snapped a photo of the soles of Buddha's feet. It shows 108 scenes, which reflect the 108 symbols which represent Buddha. They are inlaid with Mother of Pearl stones.

Soles: 

I had been before, so I snapped a photo of some lesser seen sights at this temple -- a smaller Buddha statue for example:

Next, we explored the outer grounds of the temple, which is one of the largest in Bangkok. Our guide explained these large statues, from China, can be found all over the temple complex:

They were used as balances inside wooden trading ships when they returned to Thailand from China. They have no purpose at the temple and are only used for decoration.

Next, he explained the many pagodas on the temple grounds. These are used to store the ashes of family members, usually, one pagoda per family.

A pagoda: 

To place the ashes inside, one uses a special tool to open a stone which has 5 holes in it. Can you see in the photo below, these 5-holed stones?

Listed on the base of the pagoda were the names of family members inside. In Asia, it's common to cremate bodies, rather than bury them (as we often do in Canada).
Names: 

While looking carefully, I spotted a lazy cat...or guardian of the family ashes?

Wat Pho is also famous for housing a large number of Buddha statues -- there are supposedly, over 1000! They were placed here to prevent thieves from stealing or selling them overseas.
Statues: 

Many of the statues are very detailed and elaborate.
One statue: 

Close up of the statue's base: 

We walked toward the inner court, to view the Buddhist image here, which houses the ashes of King Rama (the first? or the third?..sorry, I am not sure.) While on the way, I spotted my country's flag! ^_^

Oh Canada! 

The Buddhist image inside was quite amazing...

Outside, I found an unusual statue. Is he molesting himself??? (laugh)

This statue is another example of the Chinese made carvings used as
 balances inside wooden trading ships that traveled back and forth to Thailand.

Finally, we wrapped up our tour of Wat Pho at the most famous photo spot, which showcases the numerous pagodas. I got a photo:

I hope you enjoyed Wat Pho. It's a "must see" when in Bangkok.
Check again tomorrow to view another temple and more travels in the city. ^_^

Information about Wat Pho can be found HERE. Access: Maharat Road, OR take a river bus from BTS Sapan Taksin and then get off at Tha Tian Pier. Open: 08.00 -- 17.00 everyday. 

Travels in Thailand - Part 1

My brother and his girlfriend braved a 30 hour flight from Canada to visit me in Bangkok. It was their last chance before I move, so I was happy to act as host and guide; it was also a good chance for me to go out see more of the country I've called home for over 2 years now.

We booked a city tour and spent the morning visit several temples. This one, Wat Traimit -- best known as "The Temple of the Golden Buddha" -- was our first stop.

The temple is quite new and as we climbed the stairs, could witness some lovely artwork:

mosaics: 

bell: 

carving: 

At the top, four floors up, sat the Golden Buddha. It's very popular with tourists, so you had to fight for a photo. To avoid getting a shot of people's heads, I did the Mazda way -- zoom, zoom! This Buddha is solid gold and weighs about 5.5 tons (=530 kg).

The Golden Buddha: 

I really liked the window shutters, which featured elaborate carvings:

 

Information, entrance fees and more on this temple HERE. Learn the history and discovery of the Golden Buddha HERE. Access: Traimit Road (west of Hua Lampong Station), Chinatown. Take the MRT to Hua Lampong and walk. Open 08.00 -- 17.00 everyday.

Afternoon Tea with Honeybee ^_^

After returning to Bangkok late on Friday night, my close friend, Honeybee, asked me to join her for afternoon tea service at a nearby hotel. We met up on Saturday afternoon to enjoy all the finger sandwiches and sweets. ^_^

I ate about 3 plates of food! The first plate was full of sandwiches and scones. The second plate -- desserts!


My second plate:

My friend, Honeybee's plate:

We could also order as much as we wanted to drink too. I started with cold (iced coffee), then moved to hot tea.


Apple tea:

In between our fun chat, I snapped photos of the food.


View of main sweets:

Chocolate fondue fountain:

More sweets:

It was so great to catch up with Honeybee. While I was in Japan, she sent me numerous emails and messages, detailing all the excitement I was missing from Bangkok. (sigh) I'm going to miss this city.

This afternoon tea service was provided at the Queen's Imperial Park hotel. Access: Sukhumvit, BTS Phom Phong and walk about 4 minutes through Benjasiri Park. Afternoon tea is served in the lobby from 14.30 -- 17.30. Information is HERE. My friend paid as a birthday gift. (Thanks, Honeybee!) 

春の武士[haru no bushi] - part 13

...a trip to a famous temple continues...

Earlier, I introduced readers to a Japanese temple, Sumugawa ("cold river"). I came to this temple to receive special prayers for protection and to have a safe move.
View of halls and lanterns from the main gate:

After filling out the paperwork, I had to pay 3,000 yen (=$30), got a number and was told to wait in a room inside. There, I could enjoy free snacks and green tea. The room was filled with about 15 other people -- who also were to receive special prayers.

View of the main temple hall -- inside, I completed the ceremony.

When my number was called --- actually, the whole group of us were the same number -- we moved to the next area. Here, I received a white, kimono like robe with a purple rope. I had to put this on and then, washed my hands again (which is the custom before entering any sacred temple or shrine in Japan).

We were not allowed photos inside, so I researched and found some images. Using the images, I will explain the procedure:

1) Entering the main shrine, I sat down on a bench in front of the alter. It looked something like this:

(image courtesy of Google Images)

2) A monk chanted and shook a stick, full of papers, over all the members. This was for prayers. While the monk did this, we stood and bowed our heads.

(image courtesy of Google Images)

3) Next, the main monk chanted each person's name and their wish. The chanting was really neat! You can listen to it HERE. My name was called, along with my address, and my 2 wishes.

Above view is the inside of Sumugawa Temple. I completed the ceremony here.

4) After the chant finished, we were presented with a small tree branch which had white papers tied to them. We had to place these branches on a wooden shelf in front of the alter.

Example of tree branch (image courtesy of Google Images)

6) Finished! After exiting, we were presented with a bag of prayer goods that were to be placed inside the home. These items included:

• main prayer card -- placed facing South in the home for protection. Made of wood, with a white paper tied around it. 

• smaller prayer card -- carried in one's wallet for protection. 

• small packet of soil -- meant to be placed on either side of the door of one's home, plus the four corners of the property. While placing the soil, you must repeat a short chant. 

• two cookies

• a pair of chopsticks

• instruction booklet explaining what chants/ prayers need to be said and how to place the objects in the home

After the ceremony -- view looks from the main hall to the gate.

Samurai was impressed that I completed this distinctively Japanese ceremony. But, I had talked with my Japanese friends, and they had all done it as well, so I thought: "Why not?" I'm not very religious by nature, but exploring religion in different countries opens up more about the country's culture.
I hope my readers enjoyed the entire "Bushi" series.

This ceremony has a special name, but I forgot it. Sorry! Can my Japanese readers help？

**Additional** 

I really need to say a big "Thank you!" to Samurai and his mother for being so kind and acting as wonderful hosts. I really enjoyed my month long visit and am looking forward to returning soon. 本当にありがとうございました！

春の武士[haru no bushi] - part 12

For my last full day in Japan, I wanted to do something unique. So, I requested to do TWO things:

1) eat more Taiyaki (fish shaped snack) and.. 

2) visit a temple to receive prayers.

Samurai was happy to meet me after work and we headed out to fulfill my wishes.

First up, that yummy fish snack! I introduced Taiyaki to my readers in Part 9 of my Bushi series. Check HERE to see the explanation. We headed to a famous Taiyaki shop on the way to the temple. Custard flavor was sold out, so I got the traditional red bean paste filled fish sweet. I snapped photos of the shop:

They had also a map of shops located throughout Japan. Hmm.My next goal: to visit each shop? (laugh)
Map:

Close up of the fishy fish! ^_^

(and the fish tasted very sweet!) 

We moved on to the temple, which is a very famous one in Kanagawa, called Samuigawa (meaning: "cold river"). The walkway to the main gate is quite romantic...with Japanese lanterns lining either side of the path.

Lanterns: 

I was told the path is actually the road for God, so when walking, you must walk along the edge. After washing our hands (common etiquette at Japanese temples), we emerged at the main gate. It was so impressive!!
Gate:

To the left of the gate, were thousands of paper fortunes, tied to ropes. I loved the sight of the papers slightly blowing in the wind...

The real purpose for my visit was to receive a special prayer. Why? In Japan, there are certain ages which are considered "unlucky". This year, I am at the age for women which is unlucky -- %$# years old. (I'm not telling you my age!!!) But here is the sign that shows the "unlucky ages", so readers can take a guess if you like. ^_^

If you guessed "19", I would say you're right!! (laugh)

Samurai helped me fill out the paperwork. I thought: "Shouldn't God already know my address?" but I shrugged it off and let him fill in the form. (laugh) My wishes were: a safe move to Japan and, prayers for protection during my unlucky age year. 

Filling out paperwork: 

I'll explain more about the ceremony and show further photos from this famous temple tomorrow. Please be sure to visit again. ^_^/

*** Special Bonus! *** 

I found a You Tube video of the temple featured in this post. Please enjoy!

General information about Japanese Buddhist temples can be found HERE.