Since I’m working during the week, I haven’t had much time to actually explore Bangkok and tick off the must-see places. So on Constitution Day, a public holiday in Thailand, I decided a day-trip to Wat Pho was necessary. I need some instaworthy photos with the reclining Buddha.
So Wat Pho is one of Bangkok’s oldest, biggest temples. It was built in the 16th century, and is associated with the reign of King Rama. I’m v confused though, because they’re all called King Rama – Rama 1 Rama 2 and Rama 3… Ramamamamamama. (I better Google the history of Thailand!)
I had a slow start to the morning, and everything didn’t go according to plan. I just a went a tiny bit too hard the night before at Karaoke and DJ station – the biggest, flashiest gay club in Bangkok that spreads over four storeys. (Ladyboy shows mixed with camp, drunken bangers playing all night. Rhianna and J Biebs to name a few. SO MUCH FUN.) I had to pay the price the next morning though, when I woke up in agony and felt so incredibly sorry for myself. Get up, Buddha ain’t gonna feel sorry for you.
So the only way I could get there was on this gnarly boat, which kept bumping into things and splashing people. *Vom* On top of that, my ego hates to admit it… but I ate something funny last week off the streets, and was suffering a dysfunctional digestive system. (Look at the pic below. In hindsight, I pretty much asked for it – looks like raw shellfish!? Hangry Tomo does stupid things.) I totally thought this day could not get worse.
But it was like Buddha knew I was having a heinous day, and let me cleanse my body and soul inside the temple. Saying the place is beautiful is an understatement – it was absolutely mesmerising. High-rising pillars with detailed and colourful mosaic tiles (pictured below), statues of gods and demons and well-maintained gardens… the place was a little piece of paradise. Although the area surrounding the temple was hectic and touristy, there was peace and tranquillity inside.
And Wat Pho isn’t just known for its reclining Buddha: inside this ancient palace, there’s countless Buddhas who each have their own area of worship, all varying in size and in colours. I took my shoes off and sat in front of one for an hour, partly to take a breather (it was so hot, like 35 degrees) and partly just to admire the detailed craftsmanship. How did the Thais make these super detailed and super big structures and statues few hundred years ago, without the help of modern technology? It puzzles me, soooo much. Probably some ancient magic.
And the big Buddha himself is out of this world. My face made a big O as I walked inside the temple. The sheer size of him – Woah. He’s longer than a swimming pool, brighter than sunlight and bigger than life. I felt like I had literally entered Buddha’s home, I was looking up at him in awe and he was looking down at me like hey, I’m so judging you right now – choose the righteous path of life, now bless your soul. I say this very jokingly but it was a truly moving experience.
The artwork surrounding him that extended up to the ceiling was just as breathtaking – telling old tales of gods, demons and what life would have been like in ancient Thailand. Like I said in my last post about Jim Thompson’s art collection, Buddhas depicted in these ancient drawings look super cheeky and fun.
The Grand Palace is right next door, so usually tourists go to both. But I’d spent way too much time just hanging out with Big Buddha that I didn’t have the time or energy to go there. But that’s okay, I have another 3 months!!
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Lost in Gustation 
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