From Wat Arun's steep staircase, we watch the Chao Phraya River meander around downtown Bangkok.

Porcelain flowers,

Guardians and Demons.

We inhale the calm before a thunderous visit to Grand Palace.

We follow the masses toward the foreigners' entrance.

Tour groups assemble.

The loudspeaker blares, "No shorts!"

We haven't had a second to breathe or find sarongs.

Lines slither to the ticket booth, the Emerald Buddha temple, and through walkways.

Guards confiscate cameras to delete photos from those who ignore signs inside the temples.

Though it glitters and sparkles, it's hard to connect spiritually.

Mass tourism too often dulls experience.

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Thank you for reading and supporting Travel Drabbles. This is Thailand's final chapter and the story will be flying off to Myanmar soon. See you there!