An Entirely Different Kingdom

A guard stands at attention near the entrance to Wat Phra Kaeo on the Grounds of the Grand Palace.

Above: The temple library and Royal Pantheon. The more rounded top is influenced by Khmer architecture (from Cambodia).

Below: A view of the center of the temple grounds, including the gold chedi.

Above: No, it's not some new design for Taco Bell restaurants, it's a chedi. Apparently this one contains part of Buddha's breastbone. Parts of his body are scattered throughout Asian temples. Below: Catching reflections off the mosiac tiles that are used to decorate the temple buildings.

Above: Me, imitating these characters from the Ramakien as they hold up "prangs" (that's more pointy things to you and me). The Ramakien is a sacred and well-known text that is often performed in traditional Thai theater. It originated in India, but came over to Southeast Asia, just like Buddhism. It's kinda like the Bible and Camelot mixed together.
Above: Offerings outside the Bot of the Emerald Buddha; not pictured: the Emerald Buddha (because cameras aren't allowed and it really wasn't as spectacular as the build-up anyway).

Below: A little girl watches a man burn incense and pray at the offering altar.