Today started out early, partially to beat the heat; also to beat the large groups of Chinese tourists. A short bus ride from our hotel, through Chinatown to The Royal Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
As sign of respect closed toed shoes, long pants and covered shoulders are required and checked by guards as you enter. It was 95 degrees with a feels like temperature of 107.
As we came in we avoided the crowds and went into the Museum of the Royal Family to learn about the Monarchy and the saw the changing of the guard.
After that we went on through the gardens and outer areas of the temple- amazing murals, towers and sculptures.
Beautiful golden statues, mosaics of Chinese pottery and inlays of glass
Unfortunately, you are not permitted to take photos of Emerald Buddha, a beautiful image carved from a single piece of green jade and clothed in gold. However, the outside of the temple was allowed and stunningly beautiful on its own
Our last locations were the new palace (European style) and the older palace ( a mixed of European and Thai styles).
WOW!!!!!