Dusit Zoo in Bangkok
Dusit Zoo, or Khao Din as local people call it, is a popular place for Thai families to go at the weekend. It is in Central Bangkok between Chitlada Palace where the king lives and the Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall (above). It was originally a private garden with wild deer from Java, established by King Rama V. However, the royal family later donated it to the government to be operated as a private zoo and garden. It was opened to the public for the first time on 18th March 1938 and named Dusit Zoo.
Reclining Buddha in Bangkok
The Temple of the Reclining Buddha is just south of the Grand Palace in Bangkok and most tourists visit both in one day. The full name is Wat Phra Chettuphon Wimon Mangkhlaram Ratchaworamahawihan, but most Thais just call it Wat Pho. The temple is one of the oldest in Bangkok. The highlight for visitors is of course this 46 meter long reclining Buddha. But the temple is also famous for its school for traditional Thai massage. There are also many statues showing various yoga positions.
Thai Wedding Reception
Every now and then I get invited to a wedding. Though, the chances are they want me to go as they need someone to take pictures. I have done a number of weddings for free. I don't mind doing it for friends but really it is hard work. I had to take pictures of everyone as they arrived at the reception. The bride and groom stood near the door and we had to do group shots. By the time everyone had arrived, it was time to take pictures of the speeches up on stage. Once that was over, I then had to take pictures of them standing at each of the tables. The food looks good doesn't it? However, I wouldn't really know as by the time we had finished the last table, all the food had gone!
Temple made from Oyster Shells
I was driving around in Pathum Thani Province one day when I came across a temple with an intriguing name. It was called "Wat Chedi Hoi". This basically translates as "The Shell Pagoda". I went inside and found this Buddhist monument made from literally thousands and thousands of giant oyster shells. What is even more surprising is that this temple is to the north of Bangkok and the sea is about 60 kilometers to the south. Apparently, hundreds of years ago, this whole area used to be under the sea.
Mardi Gras in Pattaya
The name "Mardi Gras" is probably more famously linked with the carnivals in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and New Orleans, Louisiana. The first Mardi Gras that I have been to was here in Pattaya, Thailand. It is another classic example of how the Thai people love to adopt any festival if it is colourful and fun. This certainly fit the bill.
Giant Dragon Climbs Building
I was driving to Nakhon Pathom one day when I spotted in the distance this giant dragon climbing up a building. I just had to go and take a closer look. The 17 storey building is in the grounds of Wat Samphran. Wrapped around it was this dragon which went all the way from bottom to top. I have never seen anything quite like it before in my life.
Traditional Thai Desserts
I love Thai desserts and that is probably one of the best things about living here in Thailand. You can see two of my favourites in this picture which are the "golden sweets". These actually had their origin in Portugal but have been in Thailand for so long that most Thai people think it is their own. They are made from the yolks of duck eggs and cooked with thick syrup.
Night Tour of Ancient Siam
I have been to Anicent Siam (Muang Boran) many times. But, today I saw it in a different light for the first time. Literally! In April 2010, they will be running night tours where you will see many of the exhibits lit up in all their splendid glory. I joined a press preview this evening and I must say that the sights were really beautiful. If you are in Thailand next month then don't miss it!
Traditional Thai Clothes
For the majority of the time, Thai people wear clothes much the same as in the West. It has been like this since at least the 1940's when the Thai government at the time encouraged their citizens to cover up and "modernize" their clothing. These days, it is usually only the grandparents that you might see wearing anything that could be traditionally called Thai. However, on special occasions, we often see children and adults dress up like in this picture.
Playing the Angklung
One of the most unusual musical instruments that I have come across in Thailand is the "angklung". It is made from carved bamboo tubes which are attached to a frame which is then shaken to produce a note. Each frame has bamboo tubes of different lengths which produces different notes. Normally the musician will stand and hold one or two of these frames. However, this is the first time I have seen them sitting down with a total of seven angklungs per person.
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