Rising spirits in Bangkok at Wat Arun

Looking upward toward the golden Buddha at the top of the Wat Arun central "prang" or pyramidal tower. Plain stairway dominates, while the walls on either side are decorated with bits of ceramic, figures, flowers, and borders of intricate design. A golden figure of the Buddha seated on three elephants is at the top. Construction began in 1809, using rubble brought on ships as ballast.