Grand Palace Wat Phra Kaeo

We visited temples today - I was at Wat Phra Kaeo and sighted one of the largest consumer temples in Asia.

We had already been to Wat Phra Kaeo two years ago but didn't go inside.

On the one hand, it was too expensive for us, and on the other hand, there was a tremendous hustle and bustle. Busloads of Chinese tourists would have ruined our visit for sure.

In hindsight, it was definitely a wise decision because this time the crowds were in a very pleasant amount. Mainly Thais and a few Western tourists made the visit a pleasant experience.

Every visitor was registered upon entry and again upon exit.

I don't know the meaning of the many individual buildings and temples, but that doesn't change the wonderful impression. The whole complex is lovingly maintained and clean. Many different temples in impressive Thai architecture. One seemed overwhelmed by the variety of shapes and colors, especially the abundance of gold dazzles the eyes.

The heart of the temple complex is the Hall of the Emerald Buddha, where a lot of gold was used, but photography was not allowed.

I don't want to diminish the importance of the Buddha, but the statue sitting on a high, pyramid-shaped altar was quite small and difficult to make out, but that didn't detract from the devotion of the believers.

So far, I haven't had the opportunity to delve into the history and significance of the temple, nor the nearby Grand Palace, which is reminiscent of British colonial style rather than Thai architecture.

After a 3-hour tour and extensive photography, I left the heavily secured complex and made my way back across the river by express boat.

The old, loud, and narrow boats from two years ago have now been replaced by new, more spacious ferries. Back then, there was a wild screamer on board who guided passengers in the desired direction with a stick, similar to an unsympathetic shepherd tormenting his sheep. He shouted his incomprehensible commands in Thai.

A friendly female voice from the loudspeaker has taken over his function, calmly informing passengers about the next stop in Thai and English.