At the Grand Palace grounds...Mark in background w/ statue
Family photo at The Gran Palace
The Grand Palace
Detail inside the Temple of the Emerald Buddha
After an "expressway" taxi ride to try and bypass the Bangkok traffic, or should I say gridlock, we arrived at the Grand Palace grounds around 10am.
As a note to anyone coming to visit here, the hours are usually 8am - 3 pm and try to come earlier when maybe slightly cooler (like 1 degree). Since we arrived at 10am, we were right in the peak heat through 12:30 pm. I have been ok so far in the heat and humidity, but today at the Grand Palace I reached maximum capacity (yes Cheryl...I now know how you must have felt). I was hot already and then add a 2 year old that wanted to be held the entire time and not walk herself...let's just say we were both soaked. Audrey even took her hat off since her head was so hot and sweaty. (Allison, notice your outfit that worked so well in today's heat) Most people here carry a handkerchief and I had brought mini washcloths that we could use. Audrey and I both had them out and were dabbing each other's faces!
The complex of temples and buildings are amazing with their golden and colorful architecture, many from tiny little mosaic type tiles and mirrors. We've shared some photos, however, looking at them now, they don't even do justice to the real thing! Truly an amazing site.
Audrey was the star of course. Some Thai school girls there for a tour came up and took pictures with her since they thought she was so cute. Several European tourists would look at us and then look again and smile, almost trying to figure it all out. (Two blonde people with darker, Thai looking child...mmm???) Most local Thai people try to figure it out, but I don't think are familiar with adoption. They all comment how cute Audrey is and once they find out we've adopted her, they get all excited and say how wonderful that is and how she is such a lucky girl. WE are the lucky ones!
Like I had said earlier, about 2 1/2 hours later and we were ready to quit and go back to the hotel. The air conditioned taxi never felt so good. Audrey fell asleep so went down for a nap once we returned to our hotel.
While I took a shower later in the evening, Mark picked up Audrey to see how she'd react and she cried but only for a very short time. Then she was fine and even giggling with him. I think it will just take some time and getting used to Mark. He said she'll eventually figure out he's not leaving and he's "part of the deal" so she'll just get used to him!
Well, we're off to bed early since we have our Visa interview appointment at 8am, which means leaving no later than 7am due to the traffic gridlock!
The Royal Pantheon
Architecture detail
Paper or plastic? I'm sure this method works, but I much prefer our system of transport!
