Wat Pho - A breathtaking experience - 9 September 2023!

After spending ten days in Bangkok last year, Darrell and I have seen much of what this city has to offer. Our positive experience in 2022, is what brought us back today. There wasn't one aspect of this place I didn't like - old meets new in this city of contrasts, the Venice of the east has been an amazing introduction to Thailand and I hope to see more and more of this country as the years go by.

Of course, there were some parts of Bangkok we just didn't have time to visit last time, so we have planned to see them this time round. The largest such site, and a must-see place to go, is Wat Pho, which contains a massive, otherworldly statue of the reclining golden Buddha. On Saturday we took to the water, taking a river taxi to this famous religious site or 'Wat,' to explore this extensive complex, right in the heart of bustling Bangkok.

Wat Pho is awe-inspiring - a richly decorated Buddhist temple complex, dedicated to Buddha, situated in the Phra Nakhon District, on Rattanakosin Island. I have read a little about it, and understand it to be one of the oldest religious sites in Bangkok. However, nothing can prepare you for the majesty that confronts you, as you walk through the doors of the Temple of the Reclining Buddha itself. It really does take a lot to impress me, and I was just amazed by the sheer size and opulence of the place; it really is a sight to behold!

We removed our shoes before entering the great hall and walked silently around the golden Buddha. The sun reflected brightly off the lavishly embellished surface of the golden statue. The room itself is similarly adorned with sumptuously decorated works of art, paintings and tapestries. The temple is a place to impress pilgrims and those devoted to the teachings of Buddha. As someone who isn't particularly religious, even I was taken aback.

All around me, people were laying flowers and offerings, the air was thick with incense and people just stood looking upwards, thinking, processing the overload on their senses. The echoing inner sanctum was a welcome break from the searing heat outside, and it was also the perfect place, to just spend time with your thoughts. I stood at Buddha's feet looking back towards his head, just thinking of friends and family no longer with us. In my own way, I said a small prayer and felt at peace, reflecting on a past so different from today.

Outside, we spent several hours wandering around the immaculately manicured grounds. Smaller temples, religious icons, statues and traditional Thai architecture, all existing in perfect harmony; colourful tiled surfaces illuminated from the sun glistened brightly, as we gently strolled around this complex. Like all Wats in Thailand, there is a sense of disconnection with the real world and a deeper understanding of the eternal. This is what makes Thailand so special and a place to visit time after time.

From Wat Pho, we took the boat into the city of Bangkok, where we jumped on the BTS Sky train to Siam Square, for a bit of impromptu shopping. This is the one aspect of Bangkok I love. The Sky train is unique to the city; it isn't the most beautiful architecture in the World, but its brutalist style, a vision of the future with a distinctly 1960s feel, is truly amazing. I am always impressed by this functional, utilitarian metro system sweeping skywards. Of course, it was built this way to accommodate the growing Bangkok population cheaply. This is a far more economical alternative to the underground systems elsewhere in the World.

These high-rise structures offer a glimpse into another World. Whole communities and neighbourhoods flourish above ground, along walkways, covered with canopies, keeping commuters cool in the barmy Bangkok temperatures. This is the complete opposite of the subterranean life so common in London, New York and other major cities. It is almost dystopian in nature and futuristic in appearance.

From Siam Square, we went to the MBK shopping mall, a short walk away. This sprawling complex sells everything you can imagine and in many respects caters for the tourist market. Prices are highly inflated, and you are pestered by shop and store owners as you walk past. This is the one aspect of Thailand I can not stand. You can't even browse in a shop, without somebody breathing down your neck. For that reason, I bought very little while I was there and was happy to leave at the earliest opportunity.

In the evening, the rain came down, in bucket loads. The temperature was still hovering in the mid-thirties and the rain was warm, almost refreshing, but not quite. As soon as the water hit the ground, it evaporated, which makes for a spectacular display. With humidity levels also in the nineties, it was decidedly moist. Personally I thoroughly enjoy this kind of heat, Darrell on the other hand, doesn't

At 7pm, we made a mad dash, avoiding the showers, for dinner at So Samsen. Aom, our hostess from last year, had arrived back from Chiang Mai, and we were delighted to see her. It really is good to reconnect with friends after a year; it feels like we have never been away. If I could come back here year after year I would, but sadly we have other countries to explore, so will make the most of our time here while we can.

We did manage to catch up with our old friend and neighbour from Spain, Katie, who we haven't spoken to since we left Gran Alacant in 2018. This was a long overdue chat and I thoroughly enjoyed speaking with her after so long. As individuals, we should all make more time for one another, and relaxing on holiday is the perfect opportunity for Darrell and I to speak with people, without the need to constantly look at the clock! No one seems to have enough time these days, and that really is part of the problem with society today; talking costs nothing, friendship means everything!

It was heartening to hear Katie and Andy were still doing so well in Spain, having just bought a new house and farm. Had things turned out differently, we would most certainly still be there as well. I still keep up with the expat community on the Costa Blanca, and love to see how people are doing. Katie was such a big part of our life for so long, it feels like talking with family. We will of course be back in the future to see the Stewardson family once again; until then we have precious memories to take with us on our travels.

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With day two over, I am looking forward to the remaining few days in Bangkok, being relaxing and chilled. We don't have anything planned, since we saw everything last year, but we will certainly search for new and wonderful experiences to fill our day, enjoying the delights of Bangkok in our own special way! This is a city that rightly deserves a more considered stay, rather than just a night or two as part of a stopover. This is the perfect holiday destination for us, I just hope all of you agree!

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