The taxi ride to the city was about 15 miles, and took over an hour. The traffic was worse than I-4 in rush hour. The meter kept ticking away - 105, 175, 223, 287, 348, 337...... which was in bahts, and only about $12.
The hotel was nice, and after settling in I decided just to have dinner at the hotel - they have 8 restaurants to choose from - but no surprise, I picked the Thai one. My mouth is still on fire. I started with the spring roll appetizer - and I finished all eight. For my main course, I had chicken and vegetables in a chili paste - thus my hot tongue, but is was so good.
What a crazy night - I think jet lag finally caught up to me. I was up and down most of the night, so at three I took a pill and slept until eleven the next morning (just like Lisa and Staci).
One of the many many Buddhas in the city. I saw at least 10,000.
I took a tuk-tuk to visit a few Buddhist temples. The driver wanted 500 baht an hour, but I negotiated him down to 200.
Here are the red shirts you've read about. The first time I saw them I didn't have my camera, but they reappeared at least a dozen times during the day. They were very peaceful, just causing major traffic jams.
Dinner was in a great steakhouse - oops, sorry, I'm not in Buenos Aires. Dinner was at an upscale Thai restaurant, where I had six more spring rolls to start and something resembling Peking duck. I think I had half a duck.
Tomorrow night I'll be daring and try eating with the locals.
Following dinner I headed off to the gay section of town. There were over 20 massage parlors, bars and saunas. The street hawkers almost forced you to see the boys on display.
Well I found a cute guy and arranged for an hour long massage. It was very relaxing and erotic.
Tomorrow I have a 6:00 am wake up call to visit some ancient ruins north of Bangkok.
I was awake at 4:00 am, still feeling the effects of jet lag. I had a quick breakfast before my pickup to go to Ayutthaya, the original capital of Siam.
We passed lush rice paddies before reaching the Bang Pa-In Palace, the favorite summer resort for Thai royalty.
I did climb to the top of this tower.
We then visited three temples ("Wat" in Thai). Two were in ruins and one restored. You were forbidden from taking a picture with your head replacing the one missing on the Buddha - immediate ejection from the grounds.
The next day, Monday I think, I found out that many tourist sites were closed until late afternoon. The Grand Palace was open, and I spent a few hours viewing the magnificent architecture and statues - and at least 2000 Buddhas.
Tuk-tuk is the cheapest way to travel. I then went to the Amulet Market, where they sold food, antique coins and jewelry. I took a boat back to the elevated train, which I finally discovered is the easiest way to get around.
I did climb to the top of this tower.
We then visited three temples ("Wat" in Thai). Two were in ruins and one restored. You were forbidden from taking a picture with your head replacing the one missing on the Buddha - immediate ejection from the grounds.
In the afternoon we cruised down the mighty Chao Phraya River on the return trip to Bangkok.
I had a nice Thai dinner before calling it a day.
The next day, Monday I think, I found out that many tourist sites were closed until late afternoon. The Grand Palace was open, and I spent a few hours viewing the magnificent architecture and statues - and at least 2000 Buddhas.
Tuk-tuk is the cheapest way to travel. I then went to the Amulet Market, where they sold food, antique coins and jewelry. I took a boat back to the elevated train, which I finally discovered is the easiest way to get around.
After lunch and another shower, I headed out to see the Wat Pho, which has the 46 meter long reclining Buddha. This is just a picture of his head. There were too many columns to get a good shot.
I wandered around taking more Buddha shots - probably over 100 pictures now.
I hopped in a tuk-tuk and went to the Golden Mount and Wat Saket. The climb gave a great view of the city, and I got more Buddha pictures - and some monks featured above.
I wandered around taking more Buddha shots - probably over 100 pictures now.
I hopped in a tuk-tuk and went to the Golden Mount and Wat Saket. The climb gave a great view of the city, and I got more Buddha pictures - and some monks featured above.
I tried visiting the Giant Buddha, but the demonstrators had the streets closed.
I had my first ever Thai massage that night (the one at the gay massage parlor was really an oil or Swedish massage). They gave me a silk shirt and pants to wear - the pants had at least a 50 inch waist, with no belt. They don't use any oil, mainly pressure and stretches. I absolutely loved it and will be back again tomorrow. The best part was the cost - 250 baht plus tip, less than $11 in total.
Chinatown was not what I expected at all. Thousands of alley shops selling material, toys, jewelry and assorted crap. It seemed like hundreds of shops with identical merchandise. What I wanted was a good Chinese restaurant, but after 40 minutes of wandering I gave up. Instead I had great Japanese food near my hotel.
I started the day visiting the Victory Monument. Then went to the duty free shopping center, which is like any airport duty free - no bargains whatsoever, but I did get a free gift
Then I headed to the shopping area, but found out nothing opened until late afternoon. They have such crazy hours here. So I hopped on the train and boat and headed for Chinatown.
Chinatown was not what I expected at all. Thousands of alley shops selling material, toys, jewelry and assorted crap. It seemed like hundreds of shops with identical merchandise. What I wanted was a good Chinese restaurant, but after 40 minutes of wandering I gave up. Instead I had great Japanese food near my hotel.
After a rest, and another change of clothes (at least 95 degrees and 110% humidity) I walked through Lampani Park, like Central Park, with joggers, swan boats and people just sitting in the heat. I couldn't wait to get back to my freezing a/c room.
For dinner - Thai again, followed by a 90 minute Thai massage. I might have to bring a Thai masseur home since I'm not sure where to find one in Orlando.
I then walked the popular night market - they are in almost every Asian city I've visited. Probably since it is much cooler at night. I bought one small gift, since there really were no bargains.
The next morning I packed, then got a manicure and pedicure, before having my third Thai massage. I sure hope I can find them as cheap in Phuket, my next stop.
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