Seven

Traveling in a pack of seven isn't easy even in the best of circumstances.  Factor in jet lag, a chaotic foreign city, no wireless communication, sticky heat and one could have a recipe for disaster.  Fortunately, our adventure to The Grand Palace was anything but, even though we were denied admission immediately upon walking through the gates by a militant woman in khaki standing guard of the ticket booth.  "Madam, listen to me," she began her angry tirade.  Seemingly, bare arms and naked knees were on par with Catholic school girls smoking cigarettes during recess.  Her attitude and the long, slow line to rent the appropriate attire caused us to come up with plan B.  We decided to take a chance on Wat Pho, a temple located down two lengthy, steamy roads, hoping off the beaten path would equate to less stringent rules.  With ease we were admitted into the cool courtyard surrounded by  towers decorated with multi-colored glass and enamel.  Sitting, standing, relaxing, kneeling Buddhas watched over our actions.  Architectural detail varied from section to section, yet all the pathways were filled with quiet awe.  After several sweaty hours of meandering among the ancient artifacts we made our way back to the pier and hailed a long tail water taxi down the Chao Praya river back to our hotel.