Elle's Belles: Almost too much bling

It was touch-and-go on Day 3. Tim woke up with a splitting headache and didn't think he would be able to make it to the Grand Palace and temples up the river. Luckily, after an emergency trip to Boots the chemist down the road, we were able to hit the road and then the river. The guidebook said that you needed to start early and we soon realised this was sage advice. Doing touristy things in the midday sun is not fun.

By the time we reached the pier Tim was feeling perkier and our day just kept getting better. We took the shuttle boat up stream to Tha Chang, the stop for the Grand Palace, and as instructed by the guidebook, followed the crowds until we reached the entrance. I had read about the dress code for the Grand Palace so had opted to wear trousers and a t-shirt that covered my shoulders - it is a sacred place so you have to cover up. Needless to say, I was absolutely boiling. Tim had to queue up to borrow a pair of attractive mushroom grey trousers to cover his legs so he was absolutely boiling as well. There was a lady at the entrance with a microphone pointing out when people weren't dressed appropriately. While I was waiting for Tim, I stood listening to her and it was really quite hilarious - both what she said, the way she said it and people's reaction to it. Some people just carried on regardless, thinking they could get past her and some people stood in front of her looking totally perplexed. Obviously they hadn't done their research.

Despite the discomfort of sweating profusely throughout the tour, the Grand Palace was breathtaking. Almost too much to take in in one trip. The highlight of the complex is the temple that houses the Emerald Buddha (no pictures allowed). We went inside the temple and were surprised by how small the Buddha is - he sits atop the most ornate, gold encrusted platform that rises to the ceiling but he is only about 50cm high. In fact, everything was gold encrusted and ornate. The Buddha's room was beautiful, with scenes from his life decorating the walls. It is a sacred place for Thai people, and there were lots of locals mixed in with the tourists paying their respects. A very special place.

The pictures don't really do it justice, but here are a few highlights anyway.