Where can you drop some change, get a rub down and take a nap?

Above is Wat Pho; it is Bangkok's oldest temple. It sits near the bank of the Chao Praya River adjacent to the Grand Palace.

The grounds are rather large, containing a school for children, several buildings for worship, spires, the famous "reclining Buddha" and a noted school of massage.

There are many statues to "guard" the temple; some are lions, chinese warriors, serpants and also foreigners. The photo below is of one of the "farang" guards (farang means foreigner); the large nose, top hat and beard are unique to these large statues.

Above: the head of the "reclining Buddha". I wanted to ask some of the Japanese tourists who would win in a fight: Godzilla or reclining Buddha, but never found the right moment to ask. Below: me in front of the massive Buddha. He's big, he's gold, he's tired.

Above: Original fans of the Amazing Race will remember that the contestants in the first season had to go to Wat Pho and drop coins in these pots to get a "Fast Foward". The Thais believe that if you get a cup with the exact number of coins for each pot, you will be blessed with good luck. I think there are 181 pots.

Below: An old wall painting of pressure points to be used in Thai massage.

Stay tuned. Coming up: the Grand Palace, Jim Thompson's house, Temple of the Rising Dawn and much more.