Wat Wonders of Bangkok

For many, Valentine's Day is not an ordinary day. It is an extra-special day especially to two people inlove. However, I have a different view of the heart's day. It is not solely for lovers or couples but it is for everybody. It is not the only time of the year when we say our 'iloveyous', present our gifts of roses and chocolates and take extra effort to make our loved ones feel special and treasured. Everyday can be Valentines Day. Moreover, I deem this occasion as the time to reexamnine our relationships with people whether romantically or non- romantically.

This year's heart's day was a different one. I got to clebrate it with my girl friends.Just to give Valentines a different twist and considering the fact that we can't spent it with our loved ones, we decided for a wat-hopping.

Part of my goal for this year, I set my mind that I must visit places I want to and to explore not just Bangkok but Thailand as much as possible. I just have to make the most out of my stay in this magnificent country.

A non-ordinary Valentine's Day of four ladies on the loose...

Wat Phra Kaew is one of the most important and highly visited temples in Thailand.

I houses the famous Emerald Buddha
(taking photos inside is prohibited)

A miniature model of Cambodia's Angkor Wat

Mythical giant guardians (yaks)

Despite the scorching heat of the sun, I did have a great time marvelling at the beauty of the pagodas and the elegant architectural design of the structures. Since we finished touring around Wat Pra Kaew past 3 p.m., unfortunately the Grand Palace was already closed.

It is important to abide the rules when entering Wat Pra Kaew. Be reminded to follow the dresscode: short and sleeveless shirts are not allowed. However, you can rent sarongs and trousers.
Also don't forget to take off your shoes when entering the temple as a sign of respect. In addition refrain from sitting with your toes pointed towards the Buddha images.It is considered rude.

Over all, visiting Wat Pra Kaew was worthwhile and fun because I had to do some role playing. I had to pretend to be Thai because I was with two Thai ladies and a French-Laotian friend who can converse in Thai very well. Since Thai can enter the place for free, they asked me to pretend to be one of them. So, were exempted from paying the entrance fee and off we went.

Next stop Wat Pho....Temple of the Reclining Buddha

the Reclining Buddha is gold plated and is 46 meters long and 15 meters high

buddha's mother-of-pearl-feet

Wat Pho is considered as Thailand's first university and the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.


Since it was still Valentine's, and through the generosity of our godmother (Mrs. Chatchareepun), we ended the day by a dinner cruise along Chaopraya River

entertainment on board
traditional thai dance

So far this year's Heart's Day is very memorable to me. I may not be with my loved ones to celebrate this special day, but the fact that somebody remembered to make this day not just not ordinary day is very touching and heart-warming.

Special thanks to Mrs. Chatchareepun (our godmother and the kindest person I ever met so far), Proud, Kryst (for the additional photos) Pe Deng and Pe Kun.