Bangkok

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Wat Pho, or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok. It is home to more Buddha images than any other Bangkok temple and it shelters the largest Buddha in Thailand, the gold plated Reclining Buddha (150 feet long and 50 feet high.) What Pho is also considered the birthplace of Thai massage. Jeanine and I started the day here while Kyle was still sleeping.

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At noon we rendezvoused with Kyle at the entrance to The Grand Palace. In addition to the palace, the 54 acre complex contains the  Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

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After a nice lunch we walked to Wat Saket, popularly known as the Golden Mount.  It is a low hill crowned with a gleaming gold chedi. The temple grounds feature mature trees and typical Buddhist structures including a main chapel, ordination hall and library. Its origins can be traced back to the Ayutthaya period (1350- 1767 AD).

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We bypassed some amazing looking street food for a highly recommended restaurant which lived up to its reputation. After dinner Kyle returned to his apartment while Jeanine and I made a long walk to have a peek at the infamous Red Light district for which Bangkok has much fame.

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