Exploring in Bangkok and the Royal Palace

We skipped a few cities from Northern Thailand as we made our way south due to flooding and spent 3 days in Bangkok.  It was different, but not one of my favorite places.  I've come to the realization that I really enjoy 'walking' cities and that is not Bangkok.  There was mass transportation, but it was limited and the tuk tuk drivers here were worse than anywhere in SE Asia, as far as price gouging, at least in my opinion.  Anyway, here a few photos - hope you enjoy.  

 (Statue outside the 'Central Park' of Bangkok)

(View of the city from the park)

 (This temple holds the largest solid gold Buddha statue in the world)

(Just a few statues for sale)

(Entrance to China Town)

(Tuk Tuk)

(This shrine was in one of the temples we went in to)

(A few guys hanging out in China town, having their morning tea)

 (Junk for sale)

(Royal Palace with shady Tuk Tuk drivers.  They will try to tell you the palace is closed or they will offer you a free ride and take you to certain shops so they can get gas coupons.  Or, they will double the price, just because you are a foreigner.  However, I am sure there are some honest ones out there...)

(Entrance to the Royal Palace)

(They had quite a few temples/shrines/buildings jammed in one area.  However, I enjoyed the different architecture of each one.)

(Protector)

(More protectors - just to give you an idea of the size)

(A fun end post on the railing)

(Full scale model of Angkor Wat)

(Another view of the same temple)

 (These guys were holding up the shrine which housed the remains of Buddha)

(This temple housed the Emerald Buddha.  Unfortunately, no pictures were allowed to be taken in side.  You go in, sit down, people watch/meditate for as long as you like, which I think was about 10 minutes, and then move on.)

(It is extremely difficult to see, but that is the Emerald Buddha.  It actually has its outfit changed depending on the season - how cool is that?)

 (Katrina with a guard)

(The actual Royal Palace, home to the King and Queen.  Surprisingly, most of the countries we visited still had a ruling royal family.  However, I'm not sure what political power any had, but I believe some still wield significant influence.)