We left for the airport early. It’s a short distance to the airport La but takes a long time because of the poor roads…the streets give you a complimentary massage.
We are now in Bangkok, which has a new official name: Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (City of Angels). This is actually a shortened version—the city’s full ceremonial name is the longest in the world. It translates to:
“City of Angels, Great City of Immortals, Magnificent City of the Nine Gems, Seat of the King, City of Royal Palaces, Home of Gods Incarnate, Erected by Visvakarman at Indra’s Behest.”
We toured the temple, and it felt like Las Vegas meets Buddhism—over-the-top gold, jewels, glass mosaics, and dazzling bling everywhere.
There does seem to be a contradiction between the elaborate display of wealth and the core teachings of Buddhism. The Buddha emphasized simplicity, detachment from material possessions, and compassion for the poor and suffering. Yet, many of the grand temples and statues built in his honor are adorned with gold, jewels, and intricate decorations—symbols of immense wealth. Case in point, the largest reclining Buddha in the world (45 meters long)
We learned that the Thai language has 36 vowels and when you recite them you sound like a monkey.
Riding in tuk-tuks to the flower market—the largest in Southeast Asia—felt like being on Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride at Disneyland. It was crazy and totally fun.
Later we toured the largest flower market in SE Asia
Marsh Travels 
Wow! What a flower market!! Do all those flowers sell to the Thai’s or are they shipped? Wow! That is a lot of flowers! The smell must have been amazing!
Not much difference between the Thai Temple and the Vatican. Jesus preached don’t hoard, give it away. The Vatican, as you well know, is super opulent. Idolatry is everywhere. Luther commented on the disconnect.
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