Another great day with Crystal! Some Valentine’s Day planning, two coffees, the Royal Palace, the Amulet Market, some pool time, laundry and dinner. 

The Grand Palace is insane. It’s a holiday all year bc of the king’s recent death. All the roads are blocked to street traffic. Swarms of mourners arrive by the busload, all day, every day. There was so many people trying to leave the Emerald Temple area, and the exit was blocked, I had a little panic attack and had to run away. It was worth it!! So beautiful. I have been to three other towns in Asia where the Emerald Buddha WAS, so great to finally see him.

The majority of the palace grounds are of course off-limits. It’s a working royal residence.

There was, in addition, a great little textile museum. Two exhibitions, a collection of Queen Sirkits clothes and gowns, and a display of performance costumes.

The amulet market was super neat. Taxicab drivers (and others) in dangerous professions buy and wear these charms to protect themselves. Cheaply made or priceless treasures, all can be purchased by the handful.

I had a pleasant beer on the backpacker street listening to a pretty great singer cover the Chili Peppers and Nirvana while Crystal got a footrub.

Overall, another great day!

Happy Valentine’s Day!!

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