Attached to the Palace is the, perhaps even more spectacular, Wat Phra Kaew- The Temple of the Emerald Buddha. This is still a working Buddhist temple and OH MY GOSH. I have never seen anything like this place. I don't even know how to describe it- but here are some adjectives: amazing, ornate, gilded, intricate, impressive, unbelievable, expensive.
I walked around, completely in awe, for a few hours- all in the hot sun. (I got pretty sunburned- totally by accident) But then, right when I thought I might pass out from the heat- I happened upon the a cafe and Thailand's best Hagen Daaz smoothie mixer. I didn't think to take a picture of it of the time because it was too delicious, but let me just say that it was orange juice, mango sorbet, and ice blended into a heavenly drink. If I had the same thing right now, I don't know if I would feel the same, but it was the perfect thing for that moment.
After my smoothie, I walked around the outside of the palace for a while. I perused the souvenirs, and found a nice spot by the river to sit and rest a while.
Next, I went to tour the Jim Thompson House. Jim Thompson was an American man who fell in love with Thailand while stationed there with the Army. After he got out, he made Bangkok his home and completely revolutionized the Thai Silk industry. He built a traditional Thai home, and lived there for many years until he mysteriously disappeared in the Jungles of Malaysia in the early 60's.
The home is absolutely beautiful- a complete oasis. There are trees all around, flowers, and a fish pond. The house is all made of that dark red wood and has such a serene atmosphere. I wonder how much the rent is....
So after that, I was completely wiped and made my way back to the hotel for an evening swim and some street pad thai. It was a lovely first day exploring my vacationland!
I promise that I will pick up the pace on these recaps! Still have lots of fun to go:)
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