Temples and Buddha Statues in Bangkok

There are a lot of Buddha statues around Bangkok, Thailand. Two of the most famous are: The Reclining Buddha and The Emerald Buddha.

The Reclining Buddha

The Reclining Buddha is the most famous Buddha statue in Thailand. He can be found at Wat Pho, in Bangkok. This temple is one of the largest and oldest in Thailand.

The Reclining Buddha

The Reclining Buddha is 15m high and 43m long. It is very difficult to fit the whole statue in one photograph. He reclines in his right arm. His feet are inlaid with mother of pearl designs displaying images of flowers, elephants, and tigers.

The Emerald Buddha

The second most famous of Bangkok's Buddha statues is the Emerald Buddha. He is found on the grounds of the Grand Palace, in Wat Phra Keaw. 

The Emerald Buddha

The Emerald Buddha got his name from his colour - he is green like an emerald. He is not made from emerald; he is made from green Nephrite, and he is dressed in gold. He has been housed in the Wat Phra Keaw since 1784, after three hundred years of transfers between Laos, Cambodia, Burma and Thailand.

So, if you get the chance and are visiting Bangkok, be sure that you do not miss seeing these incredible statues of Buddha. They really are awe-inspiring!

~Angie

A Day At Universal Studios, Hollywood

Universal Studios, Hollywood...a must see for any movie fan.

The "Universal Studios" globe

The first stop of the day was the studio tour. This was really cool. I got on the 'train', a bunch of cars all hooked together that provide open air seats, so that you can see everything. There was lots to see...

Wisteria Lane from the Desperate Housewives set. The studio where CSI was filmed. Norman Bates carried a body from the "Bates Motel". And the War of the Worlds set, having just been used to film the Tom Cruise version of the classic story.

Norman Bates outside the "Bates Motel"

The "War of the Worlds" set

There was also a set for a simulated earthquake where I got to experience an earthquake for the first time. (This was about five months before I experienced a real earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand, but it was a scary experience none-the-less.)

After my studio tour finished I wandered around the Universal lot. Lots to see. I 'met' Lisa Simpson before heading down to the park to check out the rides. Afterward, I decided to watch "Waterworld", a live production put on every day.

Lisa Simpson & me

"Waterworld"

I even had time to watch a movie. It was a full day and a really fun day.

Tickets can be purchased from your hotel or hostel, including transportation. Or they can be bought at the Studios entrance. You can also buy them before you go, online at: http://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/

~Angie