Monday, December 10, 2018
THAILAND - Royal Grand Palace, Bangkok
Thanks so much to Lia for the card from her travel.
The Grand Palace (Thai: พระบรมมหาราชวัง,) is a complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. The palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam (and later Thailand) since 1782. The king, his court and his royal government were based on the grounds of the palace until 1925. King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), resided at the Chitralada Royal Villa and his successor King Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) at the Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall, both in the Dusit Palace, but the Grand Palace is still used for official events. Several royal ceremonies and state functions are held within the walls of the palace every year.
The palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand.
Construction of the palace began on 6 May 1782, at the order of King Phutthayotfa Chulalok (Rama I), the founder of the Chakri Dynasty, when he moved the capital city from Thonburi to Bangkok. Throughout successive reigns, many new buildings and structures were added, especially during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). By 1925, the king, the Royal Family and the government were no longer permanently settled at the palace, and had moved to other residences. After the abolition of absolute monarchy in 1932, all government agencies completely moved out of the palace.
In shape, the palace complex is roughly rectangular and has a combined area of 218,400 square metres (2,351,000 sq ft), surrounded by four walls. It is situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River at the heart of the Rattanakosin Island, today in the Phra Nakhon District. The Grand Palace is bordered by Sanam Luang and Na Phra Lan Road to the north, Maharaj Road to the west, Sanam Chai Road to the east and Thai Wang Road to the south.
Rather than being a single structure, the Grand Palace is made up of numerous buildings, halls, pavilions set around open lawns, gardens and courtyards. Its asymmetry and eclectic styles are due to its organic development, with additions and rebuilding being made by successive reigning kings over 200 years of history. It is divided into several quarters: the Temple of the Emerald Buddha; the Outer Court, with many public buildings; the Middle Court, including the Phra Maha Monthien Buildings, the Phra Maha Prasat Buildings and the Chakri Maha Prasat Buildings; the Inner Court and the Siwalai Gardens quarter. The Grand Palace is currently partially open to the public as a museum, but it remains a working palace, with several royal offices still situated inside.
Crown Prince Willem Alexander and Maxima Zorreguita 2001
The royal family ride a bike. Thanks to Leony for the great card.
Saturday, December 8, 2018
SWITZERLAND - Einsiedeln Abbey
Thanks to Sabrina for the card.
"Einsiedeln Abbey (German: Kloster Einsiedeln) is a Benedictine monastery in the village of Einsiedeln in the canton of Schwyz, Switzerland. The abbey is dedicated to Our Lady of the Hermits, the title being derived from the circumstances of its foundation, for the first inhabitant of the region was Saint Meinrad, a hermit. It is a territorial abbey and, therefore, not part of a diocese, subject to a bishop. It has been a major resting point on the Way of St. James for centuries."
Wednesday, December 5, 2018
MOROCCO - Greeting from Moroc
Great card from Morocco. Thanks Sava for sending card from your travel.
GERMANY - Fiancee on Vacation
Fiancee on vacation in laboe (baltic sea) with supervisor. Thanks to Bianca for the lovely card.
HONG KONG - University of Hongkong
Thanks to Anny for the card.
"The University of Hong Kong (HKU) is a public research university in Hong Kong. Founded in 1911, its origins trace back to the Hong Kong College of Medicine for Chinese, which was founded in 1887. It is the oldest tertiary institution in Hong Kong."
JAPAN - Winter Kanaguya
Thanks to Conjurer for the card.
"Kanaguya is an historical 250+ year old ryokan found on a narrow main street of Shibu Onsen, Nagano.
There are a total of 9 baths in the inn; 5 which are private (you can enter and lock the door and have it all to yourself) and 4 that are communal baths. One inside bath for men and one for women and 2 outdoor communal baths. Kanaguya’s hot spring water comes from 4 different sources from the mountains surrounding the inn." Source
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)