Skip to main content

Of short heights and thrones

The few visitors in the throne hall of King Narai's palace were leaving when I got there. Pleased with the solitude, I lingered. The quiet seemed to usher in an opportunity to commune with the spirit of the ruins, however fleeting it was. As with usual thrones, this one is elevated. One suggested attribution is the king's short height. Over at his palace King Narai had ambassadors of France's King Louise XIV whose practice of wearing high heels was hypothetically due to his being not very tall. There might have been some influence or connection there.

Whether these kings were short or tall, records show they certainly occupied thrones. This is the Dusit Sawan hall. Imagine King Narai going up the steps to sit on his throne. I tried climbing. It was uncomfortable, but then I'm no king.

This is (a closer look of) the memorial plaque portraying King Narai granting an audience with french ambassadors

I ambled behind the throne which was like playing hide n' seek with whatever friendly ghost was left in there. The ruins still exuded so much character. Numerous climbs must have happened on this flight of stairs before the roof went off to reveal that sole flier in the vast blue above.

Then I proceeded to the living quarters of the king's many wives....


is brought to you by the MyWorld team:
Klaus Sandy Wren Fishing Guy Sylvia

Labels:

Comments

Sylvia K said…
What an interesting tour! Thanks for taking us along! Love your photos and your text -- makes the pictures really come alive! Enjoy your week!

Sylvia
2 February 2010 at 07:42
Anonymous said…
Very interesting. Is there a part 2 for this? Nice shots.
2 February 2010 at 08:12
Indrani said…
Where is this place in Bangkok?
Interesting post.
2 February 2010 at 09:21
Rajesh said…
Very interesting place and the plaque portraying King Narai granting an audience with french ambassadors is fantastic.
2 February 2010 at 09:59
Hazel said…
Sylvia, thanks

ewok, most likely

Indrani, it's in Lopburi outside Bangkok

Rajesh, I did stare at the plaque longer than a couple of minutes :)
2 February 2010 at 12:33
Anonymous said…
That throne room must have been very impressive and majestic once upon a time...
2 February 2010 at 15:05
Victoria Tsavdaridou said…
Thank you so much for these information, I always like learning about knew places!!! Your photos are beautiful!!!!
2 February 2010 at 15:23
My name is Riet said…
What an interesting post. LOve to learn.
2 February 2010 at 16:29
ksdoolittle said…
You are a very gifted writer! Your words and accompanying photos made learning a little history most enjoyable. I hope there's more! Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving such a nice comment. ~ks
2 February 2010 at 20:08
Carver said…
Very interesting post and great shots. The King would get plenty of exercise climbing the stairs to his throne. Remarkable place.
2 February 2010 at 22:29
Ebie said…
I always wonder, if the wives know each other, haha!

Very lovely sculptures, the plaque looks like gold laden!

Thanks for the tour.
2 February 2010 at 22:37
Anonymous said…
WOOT...Boy you go away for 1 week and everything changes. Like the new theme my friend. I love this my friend. Very well done and so interesting :)
4 February 2010 at 05:00
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Thirteen 13-word Quotes

1. I may be wrong , but I have never found deserting friends conciliates enemies. Margot Asquith , British Political Hostess (1864-1945) 2. Man's love is of man's life a thing apart; Girls aren't like that Kingsley Amis , English novelist and poet (1922-1995) "A Book Idyll" ~ see possible origin, also a 13- word quote: M an's love is of man's life a thing apart, 'Tis woman's whole existence Lord Byron (1788-1824) 3. An autobiography is an obituary in serial form with the last instalment missing. Quentin Crisp , English writer The Naked Civil Servant (1968) 4. Happy the hare at morning for she cannot read the hunter's waking thoughts. W.H. Auden , English poet (1907-73) Dog Beneath the Skin 5. Kissenger brought peace to Vietnam the same way Napoleon brought peace to Europe. (by losing) Joseph Heller, American novelist (1923- ) 6. Guns aren't lawful; Nooses give; Gas smells awful; You might as well live. Dorothy Parker ,
13 comments
Read more

A little boy's tiara

It's a week abundant with life's little pleasures, and I'm enjoying such a great Friday mood with the FFF ladies over at Susanne's Living to Tell the Story . If you are dropping by from Mommy Moments, please scroll down a bit; thank you. Now the highlights of my week -- 1. Birthday dinner at Cabbages and Condoms . A friend put up with my fondness for dining out and exploring restaurants. C & C supports social development programs of the PDA, an organization that complements the Thai government's effort to promote family planning. 2. Cafe de Tu . We took the sky train to get to a posh mall for dessert. There's a lovely ambience for a slice of chocolate banana cake and a long glass of iced lemon tea. It was sheer relaxation verbalizing ephemeral wishes. From the high ceiling pretty lamps cast off a warm, soft glow making the place conducive for twilight dreams. 3. Work over lunch at Fuji . Now comes a hard, raw bit. I had to carry work to one lunch bu
31 comments
Read more

Newborn Days and Foggy Mornings

Friday's Fave Five: Foggy Mornings (Please scroll down for Mommy Moments) i. Refund . The business office refunded my visa problem expenses. I had to pay the fine but they took care of everything else which was a pleasant surprise as I didn't expect them to and I already conditioned my mind to face a few deprivations. A colleague who is privy to the vice president told me, "They refunded you because they need you." I don't know whether I should believe it. Foreign employees are sometimes treated like necessary evil around here. But well, it's the refund that's the fave. ii. Foggy mornings . I counted two early mornings of fog. I could not see buildings 2 minute-walk away. The illusion of cold made me smile. iii. Bible Heroes , Ceejay's new DVD interest. He never wanted to watch it when he was 3. I'm glad he's back to christian stuff. For now it's goodbye, Buddhism. iv. Phone conversation with Mama . Mozart's (on left side
21 comments
Read more