Bangkok is a great city to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Our friend Tevi arranged for us to stay in a new hotel, the Grand Siam. Her mother was visiting and together with Tevi’s roommate and her precocious daughter we went to the Golden Mountain Temple to make offerings and prayers for the new year. Then we met Ajieine at her 5 Star Hotel for dinner and fireworks, welcoming the New Year in front of an ever reflecting pool of stupas. May this be an auspicious year for all beings.
Welcoming in the New Year
The welcome at the hotel was appreciated.
We were happy to have a Christmas tree in the foyer.
And fine examples of Thai art.
And, most important.....dancers.
In the morning we explored the neighborhood, getting a Thai massage, manicures and pedicures. Just down the street - old fort.
Just past the fort - a temple/gazebo/park.
With musicians
And dancers.
Tevi and her roommate’s daughter joined us for lunch.
The hotel was right on the river bank
Can you see the web of supports holding up this massive bridge?
We were tempted to take a river taxi just for fun but our destination was the other direction, we had a big agenda and only one day.
We started our pilgrimage at the Golden Mountain Temple making small offerings at the entry shrines.
There were several temples at the base of the hill but we wanted to climb before it got dark so we appreciated the outside and carried on.
This waterfall marked the entry of the pilgrimage to the Golden Mountain Temple.
The first part of the journey was lined with bells of all sizes and the pilgrims rang them as they climbed.
Some bells were ornately carved and had a magnificent resonance.
Others were small and simple.
This temple is the highest spot in Bangkok.
The Thai are especially creative with their temple roofs.
Almost at the top there is the sacred inner shrine.
A place of great veneration, the crowds were regulated but there were four doors and you could slide into an empty space and meditate. Wonderful, vibrant energy.
A number of statues adorned the outer court and there was quite a bustle
Many devotees were offering incense and candles
Quan Yin received her own special offerings of costume jewelry
.....and veneration.
This golden stupa crowned the top.
Robin with Tevi, her mom, her roommate and her roommate’s daughter.
Around the side of the temple this construction of little bells was an opportunity to clip special prayers onto the bells and to clip paper money (baht) as well
There was also a very long, red prayer flag & we were invited to put the names of our loved ones and prayers.....we spent a lot of time there, we have a lot of loved ones, a lot of prayers.
Notice the money hanging
The top of the bell stupa
This monk was handing out blessing sweets and little golden buddhas
Back down at the base of the mountain there was a small craft fair with lots of local food.
One of the traditional arts of Thailand is the making of begging bowls for the monks and nuns. This family, seeking to preserve the art, were demonstrating the process.
We left Tevi and friends to go back to our hotel and dress for the evening dinner with Ajieine. The taxi driver chose the most amazing road.
It was ablaze with lights.
He explained that this was the kings 70th year and the whole country was celebrating all year long
The Garuda is one of the symbols of the king
Scenes from his life were on these 10 foot frames in the center of the median strip. The king is well loved in Thailand, a true servant of the people.
At the hotel we were happy to explore the beautiful art.
And pose for pictures. This dress is velvet and sparkly things and the photos do not do it justice, it is remarkable. Robin bought it in Delhi for this occasion.
A New Year portrait of Ajiene.
Prema had this dress made especially for this night. The material was definitely celebratory
The hotel provided the top hats
And in front of these stupas reflecting in still water we welcomed in the New Year. May all be blessed with peace, joy, inspiration and fulfillment. .
