Wednesday, November 12, 2014

A Grand Palace indeed!

Fast forward a bit.  Orientation for my program took place in Bangkok for the first week.  During that time I learned more about Thai culture, language, and what to expect once I reached my school (which was basically 'expect the unexpected'-- and later I will get to just how crucial that motto has become).  I was with many other Westerners (about 95% Americans) who were in the same boat as me.  While I did meet some genuinely great people, I must admit I was anxious to strike out on my own and get away from the 'ugly American' stereotype some of my fellow 'teachers' seemed to exhibit.  The staff from my program, however, were very helpful (both Thai and otherwise).  

One of my favorite excursions of the week was to the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.  It's some of the most magnificent architecture I've ever seen.  The facade of the buildings is composed of tiny mosaic mirrors--thousands upon thousands of them.  




Fun with the fish-eye lens!
Close-up of the mirror mosaic...
... And the overall effect.
The virual effect this imparts to the building is nothing short of magical.  I can't imagine the countless hours that went into creating this masterpiece,  and now how many hours go into maintenance to keep it looking as sharp as it did when it was built in 1782.  To enter the main temple I removed my shoes and quietly filed in.  When praying to an image of the Buddha, it's proper form to 'wai' (bow your head with your palms together) with your thumbs at your forehead (the third and highest form of the wai), then bring your hands down to the floor where you are kneeling.  Repeat three times.

I learned that there's more than just Thai culture represented here.  Some buildings are made of porcelain from China, not the mirrors that cover other buildings.  I learned from Peter, our guide, that when ships from China came to trade in Bangkok, they needed to bring goods from China to properly weigh down their boats.  Some of these ceramic goods inevitably broke in transit, but yet were put to good use decorating these buildings.

One of the Chinese-style buildings
Peter, our wonderful guide
English influence can also been seen in the design of some buildings
Within the grounds of the Grand Palace there is also the Queen Sirikit Textile Museum.  Of course, I absolutely loved this.  I wish I would have been able to take pictures inside to show you, but sadly it wasn't allowed.  The inside featured display after display of the Queen's outfits worn at various state events and international visits.  The patterns and colors of the textiles can only be described as rich.  Rich in every sense of the word.  There was a really cool animation of how a simple rectangle of silk is folded and turned into a chong kraben, a sabai, or a sampot.  I think I watched it three times through!  There were also exhibits about the social projects the Queen has taken on, as well as a cool video of how silk is made from the cocoons of the silkworm.  




Interior of the entry hall






A guard stands at attention



Cheers from Bangkok!



Monday, November 10, 2014

Greeted by a Familiar Face

After nearly 24 hours of traveling and multiple layovers, it made all the difference in the world to see a familiar face at the Suvarnabhumi Airport.  That face belongs to my dear friend Nam.  I met her when I was a junior in high school, and she was an exchange student.  I remember one November day we were sitting in math class and it began snowing.  Gazing out the window, Nam's eyes got about as big as saucers.  She excitedly asked if we could go outside for a minute because she had never seen snow before.  Our teacher obliged, and she went twirling around the school courtyard.  It's one of my favorite memories of our time in the states together.  And now I'm looking forward to having more adventures with her!

My fancy-looking visa

     That first day, Nam and her mom drove me to their house in the humid Bangkok air.  Her mum is so kind!  She was especially kind to brave the Bangkok traffic to come get me; they might as well not paint on lane lines-- people don't follow them anyway!  Once we arrived safely at the family house, we went to the morning market just down the street.  New sights and sounds greeted me at every turn.  We picked up some fresh papaya (malago), pork (mu), and sticky rice with mango (khao niaw ma-muang).  It was so fun to, in some ways, complete the circle of cultural exchange between Nam and myself that we began eight years ago.  Of course there is lots more to learn and explore!


Nam perusing the market

Dinner out and a trip to the night market with Nam and her boyfriend, Ben