Wat Pho and the Reclining Buddha

      With the Bangkok traffic always looking this congested, we opted instead to use mass transit. We tried to travel at times when it was not as crowded.

     It's very simple and so fast! Just purchase the ticket, which is a token. Place it on the magnetic spot and voila, the stiles open. To leave the train station one just inserts the token in the slot and you're on your way.

     We wore our masks each day whenever we were on the subway, train, or walking throughout Bangkok. We only took our masks off to eat! At the time we were in Bangkok, there had not been any reported cases in Thailand of the Coronavirus which originated in Wuhan, China. Nonetheless, no one was taking any chances. Virtually everyone on the subway, trains, and markets were wearing some variation on the masks.

We were impressed with how orderly the subways were. Passengers lined up on the 

 platform in an orderly line! 
     Of course, the policewoman on hand helped.

     When we traveled back to our hotel in the evening, it was exceedingly crowded, like being in a sardine can. Thank heavens for masks!

     Throughout our stay in Bangkok, one of our favorite spots was the famous Wat Pho. It is one of the oldest, largest and most important temples in the city. It is located on an impressive 20 acres on Rattanakosin Island! In fact, the full name of Wat Pho is  Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan. Fortunately for us, saying  "Wat Pho" (pronounced "poe") got us where we wanted to go. Wat Pho predates the moving of Siam to Bangkok as the capital. No one knows how old the temple is nor who constructed the original shrine known as Wat Photoram.  Incidentally, Wat Pho is the birthplace of Thai massage and also serves as an important center for studying traditional medicines.

     Wat Pho also more than 394 gilded Buddha images beautifully displayed throughout the grounds. 

     We wandered the halls and pavilions marveling at the master craftsmanship in the stonework, 

                 

the gold leaf Buddhas, and the intricately hand-painted ceiling panels.

We strolled by the 91 stupas. 




Each one was exquisitely made of ceramic. 

     No matter where you walked throughout Wat Pho, you were surrounded by beauty.

     Even when you looked up, you never knew what gold-leafed image you'd see shimmering in the sunlight. 

    As impressive as all this was, Wat Pho has an astounding feature. It houses one of the most famous reclining Buddha statues in the world. This reclining Buddha statue is the largest in all of Thailand.

     The reclining Buddha statue truly is the centerpiece of Wat Pho.

 It is 150 feet long or put in simpler terms to visualize, Buddha is reclining from a football field's endzone all the way to the 50 yard line. This reclining Buddha is also nearly 50 feet tall! The reclining Buddha is covered in gold leaf.

     One of the reasons that the reclining pose of the Buddha is so religiously significant is that this image represents Buddha lying down during his last illness prior to entering "Parinivana". Parinivana is the ultimate enlightenment for it means reaching Nirvana after death. 



This reclining Buddha has massive feet with each positioned one on top of the other. The long projections of the 10 toes jut outward and even have swirled toeprints.


     The reclining Buddha's feet are 16 feet long. 




They are exquisitely illustrated with mother of pearl inlay.



 There are 108 illustrations representative of the 108 positive actions and symbols that helped lead Buddha to perfection.  

It was truly an awe-inspiring experience to view such a massive yet elegant, magnificent image of an iconic spiritual leader. 

     As we traveled through the bustling, cosmopolitan city of Bangkok, we were surprised and delighted by the number of green spaces and parks right in the heart of this capital city of Thailand. 

Green, tranquil sanctuaries offered a respite for those to exercise, relax or unwind.

              

      We enjoyed exploring Lumpini Park. It is called the "green lung" for it is considered one of Bangkok's most beautiful parks. 

                            

It has an impressive 142 acres full of a lush variety of plants and an inviting lake with friendly egrets strolling nearby. 

There are even swan paddle boats to while away the afternoon.

It was a lovely place to sit and relax.

     Throughout the park, there are both historic

           

and modern buildings which are constructed the traditional motif.
                   

There was always something new to discover. We loved this sundial.

  Both the sundial and the park clock told us it was time to be on our way.

      This natural sanctuary in the middle of the city was a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of busy Bangkok and we enjoyed every relaxing moment. 

         Tomorrow morning we leave for Chiang Mai.