collecting memories --emerald buddha in wat phra kheo

Be careful of touts working outside the palace area who tell you it is closed, and suggest their own guided tour instead.

This warning is on the website on wat phra kheo. Surprisingly I was not approached by touts the last 20 or so visits! But as Arun, Surya, Priya and I walked out of the Pier we were accosted by an old person who tried to dissuade us from visiting the grand palace as it was closed for the day. While I was inclined to believe him, luckily Surya did not believe that Grand palace would be closed and sure enough it was open.

I always enter Grand Palace with mixed feelings. While I am awe struck at the variety of structures we encounter as we enter the courtyard, I find it a challenge to take photographs at the palace. I have invariably come out feeling unhappy about the harsh light, we are there around mid day, and the milling crowd. This time was no exception and I almost tripped and fell as I tried to get some impossible angles crouching. My knees are not that flexible anymore!

While the palace still feels beautiful, I am reminded of the present day Bangkok wherein skyline is full of tall buildings which appear to choke each other! I asked Priya who is an architect, whether more space between structures would have made the grand palace grander. She said yes in agreement and I am sure the pictures would have been absolutely great, if it was so!

Surya, Priya's son titled this picture 'Wat Arun and Grand Palace'!

Emerald Buddha from a distance. Once you are in it, the shrine feels very serene.

It was not as crowded as I thought it would be.

An example where I did not bend enough to get the crown in full!

This time I did it right!

One only person seen in the picture. A rarity.

I thought I had bent my knees enough!

Well rounded trees and people!

It is likely that Priya saw a painting of a lady in the murals with same hair style as hers!

The walk through the pavilion is always a delight. I hope to read the stories depicted by the murals one day!

There you go! Another picture where I must have straightened my legs after focusing. We do that often while taking a golf swing and top the ball!

collecting memories --Felicitating Aruna

Aruna Bagga, we call her Aruni, is a well liked and talented young singer in Bangkok. She recently represented Thailand in the reality show Star Voice of India in Mumbai. She was not part of the competition but was invited to show case the singing talent prevalent in Thailand. It is a way to encourage artists from all over S.E. Asia where Star has its cable network for the Indian Diaspora. Tara and Bobby Rishi were the judges for the audition held in Bangkok and Aruna was selected from out of 55 participants.

Her performance was well received by the judges and the audience at the show. She has promised to write about her experiences in Mumbai for my blog along with pictures. While we wait for this here are a few pictures from the evening at Peter Mansion, organised by Viji, Gayathri and Tara to felicitate Aruna.

Gayathri is not singing here, while she could, she chooses to compere!

Viji totally engrossed in her music.

So is the audience!

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Tara renders a song

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Aruni sings some livley songs in which her son joins.

So do a few youngsters in a dance!

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Gayathri introduces the song 'mere dolana sun' which Aruni rendered at the show in Mumbai

Aruni sings the song and the audience were so moved they wanted an encore.

A good job done. We were also treated to an excellnat dinner after the program.