January 23,2025
After our flower market visit, Sayan drove us to Wat Pho, sometimes know as Wat Po…one of the oldest, largest and most visited temple complexes in Bangkok.
I parked Timmy on a bench to rest his ankle and took off to snap a few pics.
This is Genghis Khan. Yes, you read that correctly.
There are beautiful relaxing spots like this throughout the complex.
You ring the gong three times for good health.
As we entered this altar space, Pok asked us what day we were born on…we looked the days up on Google. We needed to know the day because there’s a Buddha statue for each day of the week. Each day is symbolic and is said to impart certain personality traits.
Here are the seven day of the week Buddhas…I’m Monday, the second from left with the raised right hand, Tim’s Saturday, his Buddha is seated in front of mine,
Monday’s Buddha
Pok explaining the process
We place candles as an offering
Then we light the incense sticks
Holding our lotus flowers and incense sticks we bow our heads and pray.
Next we place our jasmine wreaths
Then we apply gold leaf to three places on our statue…I applied the gold leaf to the head, the heart and the hand.
When we were planning our tours, I always chose any option that included a blessing or prayer ceremony. While not religious, I am a spiritual person…I believe there is a force for goodness in the Universe and I always want to honor that force. And do my best to perpetuate it♥️
Afterwards I said to Timmy “I prayed for the LoveBugs…what did you pray for?” Tim: “I prayed we survive the next four years”. Amen,Timmy. Amen.
Wat Pho was rebuilt by Rama I …the first King of Siam, on the site of an existing temple. It was expanded by Rama III.
Wat Pho is the home of the giant reclining Buddha…he’s about 151 feet long.
The image of the reclining Buddha represents the entry of Buddha into Nirvana and the end of all reincarnations.
The soles of the feet are inlaid with mother of pearl…the feet are 10 feet high and 15 feet long.
Here’s Timmy showing Pok how his camera App allows him to remove people and objects from his photos…I should have asked him to remove my finger from this photo…whatever.
Another peaceful water feature
Wat Pho is home to more than 1000 images of Buddha
It’s not just his ankle that needs rest…Timmy also “did something” to his knee the day before we left.
Leaving the complex was hard…I loved being in that space. The reverence and peacefulness was palpable…
We came upon these monks as we left… I think Pok said they were part of a study group.
We stopped at the Navy Wives Association Cafe for some iced coffee. The ambient temperature in Bangkok was quite warm…I’d compare it to Sarasota towards the end of May.
The outside of the Navy Wives Club.
A bit more strolling and we decided to return to Symphony.
Waiting for Sayan to fetch us for the ride back. We had a wonderful two days in Bangkok with Pok and Sayan…every moment was a joy. Pok is kind and so knowledgeable and was so patient with all our questions. We loved him and I think he really liked us too.
We returned to the ship just before Beef Bar closed lunch service. We started with quesadillas…braised Wagyu beef, manchego and black truffle.
Moved on to fried chicken with Szechuan pepper sauce
This believe it or not is Umami Caesar Salad.
Tom Yum
Then a visit to the gelato bar
I read on the balcony in the late afternoon…Tim napped…
Tempura oysters for us both. Yes, it’s dinner time.
This wonderful team takes the best care of us every evening in Waterside. We request to sit in Ramazan’s section, and Remi graciously accommodates us. From left to right: Sommelier Sanela, Sr. Waiter Elio, Sr. Waiter Ramazan , Head Waiter Santana, and Waiter Kamel.
This pasta with prosciutto was yummy.
And one of my favorites…Grand Marnier soufflé.
Timmy loved his chocolate coffee caramel torte.
Hopefully I’ve been able to capture a bit of Bangkok… we had less than two days, we are slow travelers, and don’t need to see and do every touristy thing. We hope to return some day. Thanks for following along ♥️.
