Page 56 - BHUTAN 2007

districts and really plush ones with houses that must cost in the millions.
The neighborhoods are protected by water locks against high tides and

these are quite interesting to watch in operation. Almost every house is

decorated with riotously flamboyant flowers and shrubs. Children play in

riverside playgrounds and attend schools that border the water as well. We

were happy to have seen that part of Thai life.

The Grand Palace and Grounds are amazingly splendid—the palace itself,
the temples, the stupas, and the public buildings. The carvings, the

outrageously colorful inside and outside walls, the enormous statuary, the

radiant golden roofs atop all the structures—everything was opulent and

awe-inspiring. The Thai people love their king who is in his 80s and was in

hospital while we were in his country. The beauty of his abode could incite
envy and resentment among his people except for this love they bear him.

All are hopeful that he will be returning to the Palace in good health.

Apparently, he did return home shortly after we left his country for the last

time but we have no idea how impaired he was/is from the stroke he

suffered.

Bangkok is a wonderful transitional transportation hub! And, Thailand is

very important in the history (and present) of four of the countries we were
visiting. For the Bhutanese, Bangkok is the nearest modern Mecca for

superior health care. For the three Southeast Asian countries, Thailand is an

historic friend, enemy, influence, and trading partner. It also shares the

Buddhist faith of all these countries so the religious practices are similar in

many ways that educated us and mystified us.

But now for us, it’s on to Laos.