Earlier this month we went to Bangkok, and while one would expect a myriad of photos of temples, elephants and floating markets in the following Bangkok-related entries, I am sorry but I didn’t do that kind of cultural immersion in Thailand. Yes, we did go to a temple, and we went to a couple of places that are very Bangkok. For the most part, however, the trip was really just diving into this different country without any plan, and just feeling where to go and what to do next.

The only temple we really went to was the Wat Pho Temple, otherwise known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, which was breathtaking in a way. The intricate designs and the architecture just drew me and even the chedis were also beautifully made.

The Reclining Buddha, I believe, stretches for more than 40 meters, and is more than 10 meters in height. I’m amazed at how maintained it is and how shiny it is. The photo below does not do justice how wonderful it looks. And apologies the photo doesn’t capture the feet of the Buddha which has a display inlaid with mother-of-pearl.

Obligatory photo with the Buddha! Apologies my wai was very off!

I also did the 108 bronze bowl coin drop where it is believed that if you exactly have 108 coins–no more, no less–your wish will come true. Unfortunately, I had around 5 to 10 coins extra. Oh well. At least the donation made will go a long way to the maintenance of the temple!

Before leaving the temple, I saw this cute Buddha just sitting on the side and I just had to take a photo.

Having left the actual Temple of the Reclining Buddha, I wandered and got separated from everyone else. I was drawn towards more statues, all of which looked phenomenal individually and as a whole.

I was lucky to capture this moment of a woman saying grace as I was waiting for some time to capture people praying. Something with how they say they grace feels just so honest and so genuine, that I wish more and more people in our country pray with the same honesty and sincerity.

I was able to find everyone else after exploring on my own and before leaving the area, we decided to get ourselves some massage. After all, the temple was considered to be one of the earliest schools to have taught traditional Thai massage. I got a foot massage because all of the walking made my feet sore. The massage was simply amazing.

And this is just the beginning of a series of Bangkok-entries.