Today we got a bit of a late start but got a taxi to the Royal Palace to explore the large compound that encompasses the palace and a large wat called Wat Prah Kaew. The royal family does not live there anymore and only uses it as a place for ceremonies. The palace grounds were consecrated in 1782 when the capitol was transferred to Bangkok and it used to be used for the king’s family and to house his large harem. We were hoping to hire a guide at the ticket booth but none were available so we went to explore on our own. The first thing we saw was the murals of Ramakian, which are extensive paintings telling the life of the local life from the 19th century as well as Hindu mythology, which is interesting given there is a Buddhist temple on the grounds and Thailand is now a Buddhist country. There are also several enormous yaksha ogres that are giants from Hindu mythology and said to be protective and we really loved their crazy faces! There are several parts including the large royal palace buildings, the Three Spires (3 gold covered chedi or stupa), the Wat Phra Kaew (which holds a large jade Buddha) and the Grand Palace Hall.
After the palace, we ate lunch at the expensive but convenient Au Bon Pain outside the entrance and got an Uber to the interesting medical museum nicknamed the ‘Museum of Death.’ Michael had read about it in the book and wanted to check it out. There were several different displays all located in the museum which was in a building on the campus of the large public hospital. It included a display about pathology (mostly cardiac, neoplasm and fetal/maternal pathology.) I was most fascinated by the multiple specimens of various conjoined twins, harlequin ichthyoisis, hydrocephalus and congenital cardiac defects. There was also a display of normal anatomy including adult, pediatric and fetal. The next display was forensic pathology mostly gunshot wounds but they also had some serial killers that they had essentially mummified…a bit creepy! Overall the whole thing was a bit overwhelming and ended up being more fascinating for me as a physician than Michael. Still an interesting museum though!
We headed home and then went to have an incredible (albeit expensive) meal of good American BBQ with Erika. The food was great and the cocktails were even better!
Mera and Michael Travel 