Bangkok

 It was our second arrival into Bangkok after about 1.5 months of travelling, and this time we intended to stay. One of the grand things to see in the capital is the Grand Palace. For 150 let it served as a home for the king and his court, as well as, the entire administrative seat of the government. Although the king does not live there anymore, the palace remains the seat of the power and spiritual heart of the Thai kingdom. The complex is notoriously famous for a statue of the Emerald Buddha which is considered Thailand's most sacred site, located in Wat Phra Kaew.

 There is a strict dress code to enter the complex and no body parts should be over-exposed. Although we were sure that Anna's scarf would pass the dress code, we had some initial trouble getting past the guard no matter how good we wrapped her. Fortunately there's a shirt rental service on premises which proved extremely useful.

 A statue of Hermit Doctor, the father of Thai herbal medicine greets us right at the entrance into the palace.

 A pair of 6m tall Yaksha demon statues guard the entrance to scare away and  prevent visitors' demons from entering the complex.

 The complex grounds also depicts 3 pagodas of different styles representing changing centers of Buddhist influence, from left to right, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Khmer (Cambodian).

 Demon guardian at the entry to Thai library temple in the foreground. In the background you can see Phra Sawetkudakarn, a temple that was decorated with donated Chinese porcelain.

 Our sweet guide with a picture of the Emerald Buddha dressed in 3 costumes. Only the crowned prince is allowed to touch the Emerald Buddha while changing his costumes and jewelry 3 times a year to mark the change of seasons. The Emerald Buddha itself is only 75cm tall and, sitting on a large stupa far away, you can barely see it. Although it was very special to be in such a spiritual place, we can't say it matched our expectations.

 The dragon railing at the entry into the temple.

 Outside the temple there was a bowl filled with holy water and lotus flowers. One would dip the lotus flower into the water and bless himself.

 Along the perimeter wall of over 1km in length there are murals depicting fragments of the ancient Hindu story, Ramayana, showing the triumph of good over evil.

 Dancing demons holding the roof of a temple.

 And other statues...

 Miniature model of Angkor Wat.

 The actual Grand Palace in the background which still hosts the most important ceremonial events in Thailand.

 Our next stop was Wat Pho, Bangkok's oldest temple known for housing an enormous statue of reclining Buddha.

 Beautifully decorated pagodas with colorful porcelain pieces.

 Model of the entire complex.

 Colorful portal into a small garden.

 Tranquility...

 A statue of Buddha meditating, protected by the 7 headed Naga

 We were allowed to enter and pray with the monks to the statue of golden Buddha.

Passing through the flower market where you can buy many kind of flowers. These particular ones are used in temples and shrines as gifts.

Bangkok was a perfect spot to trim Slava's uneasy hair. You should have seen the surprised look on the face of the owner of the salon while we tried to communicate to her to let Anna do the cutting.

 Thai telecom :) a common sight in south east asia.

 On next day was the celebration of Chinese New Year, which precisely why we arrived to Bangkok, as it's supposed to be one of the best celebrations outside of China. Picture hundreds of people walking the main street, street food, music performances, dragons and costumes.

 Chinese tea flower bud sold by street vendors among a myriad other things.

 Freshly squeezed pomegranate juice, a very popular drink.

 Many funny encounters.

 You can find anything at Chinese New Year, even your future ;)

 Steamed dough balls with funny faces.

Chinese lanterns overlooking the crowds.