Grade 10 SSIS student Sherry Hsiao discovers the majestic beauty of the Grand Palace in Bangkok

For anyone looking to enjoy a relaxing getaway and visit a cultural landmark, I would highly recommend a trip to the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand. The Grand Palace consists of 22 buildings which are each covered in gold. It has a total surface area of 218,000 sq. meters and served as the official royal residence for Kings from Rama I through Rama VIII. When you first step into the entrance, you can feel the reflection of sunshine on all the surrounding buildings. Every blink seems to be filled with the glittering of gold. It is truly a spectacular sight.

I first walked toward the center of the palace where the Phra Mondop building is located. I noticed small guardian angels lined up in two rows at the base of the wall. As Thailand is a Buddhist country, the walls were inlaid with gold medallions showing the image of Buddha. I looked up and was amazed by the beautiful carvings on the surface of each steeple. As my gaze moved from one special construction to the next, it made me think of the luxurious lifestyle of the royals.

Due to the emphasis on Buddhism in Thailand, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is also a major sight within the Grand Palace. The temple is said to be the most sacred site, and a great sense of respect and sincerity surged into me as I walked toward it. Despite the warmer temperature, the atmosphere inside the temple was extremely calm and peaceful.

I looked at the statue of the Emerald Buddha and it was extraordinarily beautiful. The emeralds on its body were as clear as fresh sea water and all the details of the statue were meticulously carved. I knelt down facing the seven-meter high Emerald Buddha and placed both my hands in front of my chest, praying for peace and health for my family forever. After leaving the temple, I turned around spontaneously just to look at it once again. I could not help but admire its beauty as I realized the intricate roof had been created with continuous layers of golden carvings.

The last place I visited in the Grand Palace was the Vimanmek Mansion, which is known as the world’s largest golden teakwood mansion. It is incredible how people were able to build such a great structure with just teakwood, and how well it has been conserved since its construction in 1900. Different than the other buildings, this mansion was built in a European style as King Rama V ordered its construction when he returned from Europe.

The Grand Palace seemed like a golden paradise to me and I wasn't able to let go of my camera. I wanted to snap pictures of all the splendid images of the palace. However, I know the most wonderful memories and images are always kept in our hearts, and so I know I will never forget this trip.

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