Seen in Bangkok.
Thai Forts
Dragon Alarm
Seen at the Golden Mount
Golden Mount
Several temples with many buddha statues situated around and on a hill. Great views over Bangkok.
Money Gifting
This is taking presenting money as a gift in a decorative way to a whole new level. What a piece of art!
… and how much money was used, I wonder?
Gorilla Art
across London
Very apt
Litter Marketing
Cullen Skink
A traditional Scottish soup with smoked haddock pieces, leak, potato and cream. Delicious.
I met the Chief of Clan Mackenzie
I had timed my drive up from Fort Williams via Loch Ness and overnight stay in Strathpeffer to fit one of the few open days at Castle Leod. Why, you ask? Because as an Outlander fan this is what you do.
And who greets me when I walk up to the castle entrance? Non other than the clan chief himself! John Ruaridh Grant Mackenzie, 5th Earl of Cromartie.
I was speechless. He told me about the history and urged me to go around the tree park. There is a rare and very old sequoia. Plus Diana Gabbaldon has planted a tree there. I was still awestruck and could only nod.
The castle interior feels lived in. Very unassuming but still impressive. The great hall is Regency style which was unexpected. So was the Edwardian billard room. I was clearly on Outlander time line in my head.
Impressive is also the collection of agates on display. The Earl himself collects, tumbles, cuts and polishes them. Majority is for sale.
Did you know you can become member of the clan and go to gatherings? Oh yeah! Check the website for details and fascinating stories about the Mackenzies: castleleod.org.uk
Wat Pho
This temple is just behind the Grand Palace. Its many pagodas have ceramic decorations. Just beautiful.
The main attraction though is the longest reclining Buddha. 46 meters! They surely must have build the temple around it.
The temple complex is one of the six top royal temples and houses the largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand.
On site is also the school of Thai medicine which is attributed to be the birthplace of Thai massage. A museum informs about uses of different spices and herbs as well as anatomical techniques. It also had air condition which drew in even uninterested tourist. You can book a walk-in massage session at the school on site.
