* * *
Another temple that you will find close to the Grand Palace is the Wat Pho or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. Again, it is more a common name for an area than for a specific building.
So are these conic structures in the yard.
I was again impressed by the number of tiny details and the colours.
The Wat Pho owes of course its name to a statue of Buddha.
Reclining means here "resting" or "relaxing". So you will not be surprised that he is lying down. After all, it is a man.
His feet are decorated with mother-of-pearl. The images show various symbols associated with Buddha, like tigers or flowers.
Looking at this wealth of elements and decorations you will surely not be surpisied if I tell you, that the reclining Buddha is not the only statue in Wat Pho. There are also standing ones ...
... and some other sitting.
I tried really hard to seat in this position but finally I gave up. I meditated a bit instead, together with my new golden colleague.
* * *
Wat Arun is probably one of the best known landmarks of the city. Its name means Temple of Dawn. I've been told it really looks amazing when the first rays of morning sunlight touch it. Sorry my friends, we will have to believe the tour guide, no way that I wake up this early.
The complex is obviously huge.
The best known building is the tower. On postcards it is typically shown from the side of the river.
But the main entrance looks nice as well.
It is guarded by some statues. And yes, golden ones.
It is possible to climb up the tower. Actually to climb it up up.
You can see from the top the entire city.
Unfortunately, then you need to go down. It seems even more steep than the climbing.
Let's sit for a second in the nice park to catch our breath. You can use this time to watch a nice panoramic tour of the Wat Arun.
* * *
Our next stop will be Wat Traimit. It is located in Chinatown.
It seemed to be a bit smaller than the other Wats.
A tiny bit of climbing again.
Wat Traimit is best known for its staute of the Golden Buddha.
I know what you are going to tell me. All these Buddhas are gold. But take a second look. This is the world's largest solid gold statue. The gold in the statue is estimated to be worth 250 million dollars. Quite some money, isn't it?
* * *
Last but not least comes the Wat Saket, better known as the Golden Mountain.
To reach the temple you need obviously to climbe up the mountain. Luckily the road winds calmly through a peaceful garden.
From the top, you can again admire the city.
I really like this contrast between the modern buildings ...
... and the traditional ones.
I believe it must be really great to spend time on such a mountain, calm and peaceful despite being located in a huge metropolitan area.
So let's pray a bit by ringing this bell. This will be our last stop for today.
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