These are the days of My Life - Bangkok, Thailand 3/30/2011 Wat Pho

I asked myself why do all these sites of interest start with Wat...answer it is temple in Thai.  So today I visited Wat Pho.  Per the travel guide it is officially known as Wat  Phra Chetuphon.  Bangkok's oldest and largest temple also Thailand's foremost center for public education.  Wat Pho is a traditional medicine center which the famous Institute of Massage is a part.  The temple houses a 46-m (150-ft) reclining Buddha. The reclining Buddha has intricate mother of pearl images on the sole of the feet representing the 108 lakshanas, which are the auspicious signs of the true Buddha.  The temple is decorated with porcelain ceramic designs.  There is a Bodhi Tree which is said to have been grown from a cutting of the tree under which the Buddha meditated in India.  Are you ready for this?

Dried Fish Market that smells to high heaven. 

Amulets are a big part of the Thai belief system. 

Guard at the gate.

Home of the Reclining Buddha.

Intricate ceramic and glass inset with gold leafing is everywhere. Unbelievable in the bright light just fabulous on this overcast day.

Reclining Buddha feet with intricate mother of pearl inlay decoration.

intricate Mother of Pearl inlay.

Each of the 108 panels is breathtaking.

The pictures don't do the real deal justice.  I took alot of just the feet it was so fascinating.

Another view of the bottom of the Reclining Buddha's feet.

Gold Leaf and decorative wall  paintings.

Gold leaf Deity on the hand painted murals inside the temple.

reclining Buddha and intricate wall, pillar and ceiling murals

Mural detail is extraordinary!

Thia is reclining Josef.  Had to take this one.

Mosaic flower details

This detail is on all the temples exteriors.

Where ceramic is not used multi-colored glass tiles that when hit by the sun sparkle blindingly.

Golf leaf/paint is really a decorator highlight.

My new friend.