Sam does talk Thai, Sam talks Thai very well...

Okay, so part 2 of the Thailand adventure.  After leaving town on our first excursion, we decided to stay closer in for the next one and hired a guide to show us the Grand Palace and two of the local wats (temples). There are literally hundreds of temples in Bangkok so it's hard to even walk a block or two without seeing one of them. And, they are all pretty spectacular--even the tiny neighborhood ones.  They look unlike anything I had ever seen before. The facades are covered in gold leaf and bright glass and the architectural styles range from Thai to Chinese, Indian, and whatever else.  Some of the temples spiral up into the air--our guide said it illustrates the reaching of man toward heaven (nirvana, I guess). Others are plainer and cone shaped.  The Royal Palace complex was magnificent.  I can't really describe it so I am just going to post some pictures:

 

A close up of some of the carved details in one of the buildings. 

 

Another close up of carved details. Or, maybe this one is cast bronze--I can't remember!!!

 

The largest pure gold Buddha in the world. This is actually at a different wat, I think.  At any rate, it was covered in plaster or stucco until the neck started cracking to reveal a huge solid gold Buddha.

 

Worshippers.  Note the monk.

 

Melinda, Sam, and the Buddha.

 

Graham looking cool.

 

Actually, I think this one is not the Royal Palace either. It's another wat!

 

You can see Graham's red head in front of the gold-leaf covered temple thing.

 

 

The Royal Palace has a miniature of Ankar Wat (Cambodia).  Here is Sid at the Ankar Wat.

 

Sid and Sam at the Ankar Wat.

 

Graham, Sid, and Sam at the Ankar Wat.

 

The Thai are very child-friendly and many Thai people wanted to touch Sam or his hair because he is so fair.  This is our guide, Jay. He was wonderful and Sam took a real shine to him and he to Sam.  It made for a very pleasant day.

 

Part of a huge mural depicting scenes from the story that the Marriott dancers were acting out.  Note the amount of gold used.

 

Pretty tile work at the Grand Palace along one of the walls.

 

Sam talked Thai well enough to get this guard let him take a photo.  After the photo was shot, Sam said, "Kapuncrap" or thank you.  Men say "crap" at the end of many words. Women say "ka."

 

No, not more talking...let's get going!!!!!