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

Sense and Sensibility: 200th anniversary

In 1811 Thomas Egerton of Whitehall, London published Sense and Sensibility . Quick math shows it has been two centuries since Jane Austen became a full-fledged author. Quite an anniversary, indeed. A celebration, I declare . Blogs regarding the publication anniversary of this romance novel picture Jane Austen 's engagements whilst making the final touches of her manuscript from Sloane Street. In letters to her sister Cassandra, Jane gave accounts of her shopping for muslin, the party that their brother Henry and SIL Eliza gave; mentioned several acquaintances, and referred to her book as S and S . As a fan I wonder which between sense and sensibility did JA deem more important since she portrayed both attributes equally well. I'm obliged to enthuse over my S & S reading experience. Alas, I only managed fourteen chapters before getting sidetracked by another novel, the very first that JA wrote. I will resume and complete my affair with the celebrant before 2011 end...
8 comments
Read more

Thank you for blogging and happy new year!

Glitter Graphics - GlitterLive.com That's it! We are about to conclude 2009. I am thrilled to have finally begun something I have been curious about for awhile: blogging, and that it turned out to be a wonderful experience. The friends I found and the interaction with them are the highlights of my online social life this year and I intend to have the same or more next year and next.... There are beautiful bloggers to whom I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation through this given to me by Mommy Moments host Chris at the Mommy Journey: Thom, whose playground Thom's Place 4 Well Whatever is a very interesting read; for becoming my no. 1 bloggy friend, always leaving me comments that are guaranteed to put a smile on my face if not make me fall off my chair laughing Lisa of Lisa Notes for her significantly inspiring posts, always well-written and lovingly hits where it is reasonably necessary. I feel blessed every time I visit her blog Anya of KARELTJE en ikke!!! ...
11 comments
Read more

Hallelujah Chorus: stand or sit?

According to legend, King George II of England rose to his feet when the Hallelujah Chorus was sung. Following protocol his subjects rose up as well. Thus began the tradition of audiences around the world rising during the Hallelujah performace. There are many speculations as to why the king stood or if he even stood at all. The Bangkok Combined Choir is composed of volunteer singers of around twenty nationalities. Every year in December, the choir performs Handel's Messiah. I sang once. (pure luck: there was no audition in 2000) Rehearsals got me thinking of the tradition of standing when the Hallelujah Chorus is sang. I googled what people have to say and my today is a list of opinions about audience decorum during the chorus: 1. The Hallelujah Chorus is like an anthem for the church. Whenever you hear it you are supposed to stand up. 2. Standing for the Hallelujah Chorus just interrupts the performance. 3. People should not be taught that they need to stand up at a certain time ...
22 comments
Read more