The Grand Palace ~ Bangkok, Thailand

We have arrived in Bangkok,

Thailand and visited the

Grand Palace.

On the grounds of the Grand Palace

is the Royal Monastery of the

Emerald Buddha.  This building

houses a Buddha found in 1434. 

The statue was made of plaster and

was thought to be an ordinary Buddha

image.  A Monk noticed the plaster

flaking off and beneath it was green,

thought to be emerald.  It actually

was carved from a block of jade.

People use these flowers to sprinkle

their heads with water.  You must remove

your shoes in the building and sit with your

feet pointing away from the Buddha.

The Buddha wears elaborate costumes

that are changes three times a year in

ceremonies presided over by the King.

Offerings are made to Buddha,

such as flowers, burning incense,

and here, people attach small bits

of gold leaf to a Buddha statue.

The Upper Terrace.

In this area, sacred

scriptures are stored.

This area is used for

state ceremonies such as

the birthday of the King.

This area is used to receive

foreign ambassadors and for

state banquets for visiting

Heads of State.

Borom Phiman Mansion

While visiting the Palace I kept

thinking of Anna Leonowens

of The King & I.  The truth of

the book and movies have been

disputed but she did come here

alone with just her young son and

taught the Royal Children.  It

must have been exciting and

frightening at the same time.