Always impressive to see the sheer amount of gold and jewels on display when visiting some palaces and grand temples. I always wonder, how hard would it be to chip away a tiny bit, and how much would that yield? Not that I have any intention of doing anything remotely like that. I do like the old motto, adopted by the US National Parks, "Take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints."

Now that we covered my hidden klepto thoughts, I'll also reveal that I often wonder just how many people were involved in building these beautiful, artistic structures. Did one guy work on this little demon looking creature here, or was it joint effort of a sculptor along with a decorator?

Thai bling adorns Wat Phra Kaew.