The golden Mount in Bangkok is one of those elusory sights that I see the first time I arrive in the city and I walk past it every time I leave the hostel. The gold stupa on top glints in the daylight and the double staircases twist themselves around the structure. People, in miniature, look down from the top. During my stay, I keep meaning to visit it.
Bangkok is a city that has surprised me. I don’t know what I was expecting but I was not expecting to like it. Yes, I have the usual scams tried out on me, some with success, and some not. The taxi man from the airport suggests I would like to pay 800 baht to get to the hostel and then lowering that to 700 when I start to make a fuss and eventually agreeing to put the meter on. Or the tuk-tuk ride that I foolishly take at an extortionate price because I am tired and not thinking; a horrible ride as it turns out, in the heat of a rush hour traffic full of choking fumes. Even taking a Grab cab is not without its hiccups. I have to get out before we even get going. A traffic policeman turns up and the driver obviously does not have the correct paperwork. I like the old historical areas, the new shopping centres and high rise buildings, the impressive wide Royal avenue, and the brash backpackers Khao San Road. But maybe not the traffic.
The first sight of the Grand Palace is overwhelming; the crowds of people adding to the feeling. I stand and stare.
I gaze upwards at the coiled spires, and stepped roofs. Behind me two imposing guardians, swords clasped vertically, blades resting on the ground, survey the courtyard.
In the humidity, as sweat runs down my back, I tour the different structures, admire the murals, appreciate the tiled walls, and take in the huge amount of gold that adorns everything. I take respite from the sun under the covered walkway that runs around the edge of the complex. I can’t believe the wealth and opulence on display.
My attention is taken by a model of Angkor Wat. I enjoy walking around it, recognising the features that I’ve seen in real life, and taking photos.
Nearby, is the temple of Wat Pho, housing a huge reclining Buddha, probably the largest I’ve seen so far and of course, with enormous feet.
The actual precinct of the temple is the most interesting, with little courtyards, hanging prayer flags, sculptures of giants, Buddha statues and a row of beautiful tiled stupas. I would like to stay longer, but it is too hot.
Everywhere you go in Bangkok (and Thailand) there are photographs of the King. The Royal family are revered and venerated by the nation. Even at the cinema, just before the film starts, we all stand to pay our respects while listening to the national anthem and watching scenes from the life of the King.
One of the highlights for me is visiting a shopping mall and seeing all the Christmas things! As you know, Christmas is one of my favourite times of year. I am so excited to see Christmas trees and decorations hanging up.
Although when you would actually wear the woolly hats and Christmas jumpers in the heat of Thailand, I really don’t know!
The other success is completing my mission to find the ‘noodleman’ that my friend, Julie met when she was there. I get my photo taken with him and eat at his noodle stall.
On the last day in Bangkok, it is Loy Krathong, The Floating Lantern Festival. This is where people float the lanterns they have made on the nearest river or canal. It symbolizes the letting go of the bad things and making a wish for a good future. Yui, the lady at my hostel, points out that they will be making lanterns for the festival later on tonight.
I arrive back from the cinema just in time to make my very own lantern. It obviously takes a bit of practise, as shown by the lady who demonstrates the folding of the banana leaf strips into leaf shapes. Hers are neatly folded in a few seconds, mine well….. I succeed in making my very own banana leaf lantern, incorporating flowers, incense sticks and a candle onto a piece of banana-tree trunk. I’m actually very proud.
As a small group from the hostel, we walk down to the nearby canal, light the candles and gently place our lantern on the water. We watch it float away.
Then Yui leads us off in the other direction. Next thing I know, we are actually climbing up the steps of the elusive Golden Mount. For once the steps are shallow and easy to walk up. We clang the massive temple bells on the way up. Hundreds of other people are ascending too, taking flowers as offerings. When we reach what I think is the top, I see in the corner a small, narrow stairway.
Emerging onto the roof we see the impressive golden stupa. People are giving their offerings and praying.
The view of the city from here, even in the dark, is spectacular. I’ve finally made it! To the Golden Mount. That seems a very good way to finish my time in Bangkok.
Journeys with my pencil 