Oh my Buddhas!

We had three nights in a cheap hotel until we had to catch a bus down to the south of Thailand. The hotel was called Amazing House (should have been called ‘Just about OK’ House). It was a box of a room with just a bed, fan, light and bedside table. What more did we need? Oh and showers were as a cold as the English Channel in winter.

I think it was a combination of sightseeing and having just a few days to get in as much as we could, but it was like a Buddha conveyor belt was unveiling in front of our eyes.

And when you think you've seen them all, something comes around the corner and takes your breath away, like this giant Reclining Buddha.

Perhaps they had a really big building and asked themselves, "what in the world should we put in here?" Or if they had this giant sideways Buddha lying around and had nowhere to put it... anyway, it was very impressive indeed.

A size 15, perhaps?

We spent our last day in Bangkok looking around a few of the main temples to get some sightseeing in. It was just amazing how extravagant the architecture and decorations were in these places.

With all due respect to Buddha and his devoted monks, this was like walking through the 'Claire's Accessories' of architecture.

This Grand Palace is a must-see site, containing countless buildings decorated with colour and gold coatings, each one very different.

More Grand Palace pictures containing temples and Buddhas. Taking photos inside these buildings is not allowed, but the insides are just as elaborate.

Lisa was popular with the local students interviewing tourists on why we were here.   

Say cheese everyone!

We were in Thailand’s rainy season, which meant it poured down quite heavily at least once a day. I love wet socks! Don't panic, I bought some flip flops very shortly after putting the socks back on. 

We had to check out the pure gold Buddha before we left. He lives in this building (above) and looks a lot like this (below)...

This Buddha actually comes apart in sections to make it easier to transport. Not that I tried to...

A huge ceremonial swing!

This monk is catching a ride on one of Bangkok's river boats. They are very cheap and a lot of fun... the boat ride that is.

This was a real gem of a find while we were walking down some side streets on our way to see Lisa's friend for lunch. Two things I would never use together, especially in cooking... cabbages and condoms.

Us having food with Lisa's friend Aticha. This restaurant requires you to cook your own food, which made me wonder what the chefs were doing. Anyway, great food and company to match.

Saying farewell

Us at Bangkok's popular Khaosan Road before getting on the coach for our next destination, Koh Tao island.