Yesterday, after a wonderful buffet breakfast at the hotel, we started our day with a little exploration of the street just outside. Immediately across the street is a "supermarket" (comparable in size to two convenience stores), with anything we should need to purchase plus an ATM. Just down the street are a variety of shops--laundry, tours, massage, pharmacy, restaurants, bars, hair salons etc. as well as street vendors. Right across from the hotel entrance is a fruit stand with so many fruits that we've never even seen before let alone tasted!
We signed up for a private tour of the Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha (they say if you haven't seen this you haven't really seen Bangkok) and were met by our tour guide, Lily, and driver, Joy, at 12:45. After about 45 minutes of driving in heavy traffic, we arrived at the palace grounds. The king does not live at this palace, but it is used for coronations and for receiving foreign dignitaries. We were impressed by the beauty and the architecture, but felt saddened by the superstition woven into the art and statuary. Take a look for yourself...
Our guide was very nice, but she insisted on two additional excursions--the tailor shop and the jewelry store. We think she was hoping for a commission on whatever we bought. Oh well, it was fun to experience it.
We made it back to the hotel just about dinner time and decided to walk down the main street to find a little restaurant that our tour guide had recommended. By this time all the street vendors were out in full force along the sidewalks and the nightlife was in full swing. It was interesting to see all the goods for sale, but we didn't take the time to shop. At the restaurant, we each tried a new dish and were not disappointed. Thai food is awesome! The atmosphere was fun too--just a little hole in the wall place with plenty of locals as well as foreigners, open on two sides to the streets, stairs leading up to the owners' residence above, Mitch had a great view of the dishwashing station.
The rest of the evening was relaxing and restful.
Today we have plans to meet our friend Mai, whom we met back home. She is going to take us around Bangkok and show us her favorite hometown places. We are looking forward to seeing her here and feel blessed to have met her!
1 comment:
Thank you for setting this up. It is almost like getting to go with you. Enjoy to the fullest for me. Oh and Take lots of pictures. Praying for your safe return.
Nan
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