Colours of Bangkok

This photo was taken on Th Sanamchai, the main road running adjacent to the Grand Palace in Bangkok; the former royal residence of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. At first I was struck by the monks calm and considered pose; quietly sitting on the bench waiting I presume for the bus given the few measured glances down the street. The passing technicolor traffic, particularly large red (and noisy) buses provided a compelling canvas against which to paint an entirely different photographic portrait than would otherwise have been possible.

Upon later reflection, for me this photo encapsulates the stark juxtaposition of cultures standing side by side in modern day Thai society. The coming together of ancient rituals, history and rich heritage, all of which are constantly colliding with the moderm ambitions of a technologically advanced nation seeking economic success. Bangkok in particular is a wonderul example of this colourful and intriguing interchange of the past, present and future.

The golden reclining Buddha, Wat Pho, was something of a marvel; 46m in length, 15m high and finished off in gold leaf, its an impressive and imposing figure, something which adds to the sense of humility you feel when slowly pacing around the temple.

The streets of China town are awash with colour and life; from the constant stream of technicolour traffic to the lively sound of the numerous street vendors plying their daily trade, China town is a full frontal engagement with your senses.

Street vendors hard at work; a large percentage of out door market trade in the city appears to revolve around fresh produce, particularly fruit and vegetables.

There is colour at every corner, whether the blue hues of an old garage playing host to a street tarot reader, to the heart warming orange starburst of the buddhist monks' robes; a walk through bangkok takes you on a rollercoaster ride through the colour spectrum and back again.

You'll just as easily stumble upon someone meditating by the sides of a canal as you will encounter a lively conversation and debate being played out on the pavements and doorways of Bangkok.

Comments

[Artiface]

Gorgeous image of the monk. It's fortunate that he's sitting so contemplatively still while life races colorfully behind him. The image captures this perfectly.
KHT