I visited Thailand for the first time in 2003 and did a couple of 1/2 day tours to see some of the sights, one that was a must do at that time was seeing the Grand Palace. Visitors to the grand palace are required to they are wearing clothing covering the (upper) arms and legs - my cargo pants and a t-shirt were fine, people wearing shorts, tank tops, short skirts were able to hire clothing at the entrance to cover up.
It was built in 1782 and for 150 years was home of the King and seat of the government. Whilst the king no longer uses this as his official residence the complex is still regularly used for official events. The palace is not just one building but a complex of buildings, temples, halls, pavillions and lawns, gardens and courtyards.
The complex is also home to the shrine of the Emerald Buddha which dates to the 14th century. The robes on the Buddha are changed with the seasons by The King of Thailand, and forms an important ritual in the Buddhist calendar. To enter the shrine a visitor is given a series of instructions, no photography was a big one, sitting on the floor keeping ones head lower than that of the buddha was another. Guards constantly hissed "no photo" which somewhat spoiled the atmosphere. I tend to obey requests for no photos, but nobody said I wasn't allowed to take a photo from outside the doorway looking in at the buddha.
Fans of musicals could easily transport themselves to "The King and I"
What an incredible place - hard to believe it is real rather than fairy-tale. (But of course I believe You!) I was thinking "The King & I" all the way through reading your description!
What splendor Megan. Composition is perfection........you did this wonderful place justice in your winsome photograph. All my best, Les x
Thanks for including your experiences along with these photos Megan; they become that much more wondrous and unique. :-)))
("Mrs. Anna!!..........." "Shall we dance?.........."
I always listen to the 'no photo' request. Horrific to see the busloads of tourists show up to Uluru last year taking photos of the "no photos" signage!
I was there in 2005 and was also disappointed that we couldn't take a photo of the emerald buddah, I didn't think to take one from outside ;-). It was a beautiful place to visit.
Amazing and bizarre, would be great to stand there and see this strange profile. As the 365 police I feel it is within my jurisdiction to say, hey wassup? not like you to miss a while. Although I admit uploading daily isn't quite mine to boast about at the moment, ahem, hope you're well.
@jenrobcarr@chewyteeth hi, thanks Jen and Dave, I am fine, I was away for Easter visitng my family and had no internet access and found I was enjoying a break from 365 so decided to extend my break from it, I will be back very soon x
Thanks for including your experiences along with these photos Megan; they become that much more wondrous and unique. :-)))
("Mrs. Anna!!..........." "Shall we dance?.........."