What a place! Where else in the world is there such horrible smog in a huge, confusing city, total opulence next to extreme poverty, such nice people, INSANE traffic and so many beautiful temples. I am staying at a lovely little hotel on a canal with bridges over it that reminded me of Venice until, as I was walking along, the sidewalk suddenly turned into a bunch of boards strewn about. A Thai woman in her 80's motioned to me that it was safe and I could follow her, but thankfully a nice man showed me the long way around which of course was down a driveway and through a gate which led to an alley. Only in Bangkok!
Went to three wats (temples) today, all beautiful and very different from each other. Wat Bowonnwet was the first and the gold Buddha and the scary bearded man are from there. A man came up and explained that the beard was decorated during Chinese New Year celebrations. I also visited Wat Phra Kaew which houses the emerald Buddha. (Pretty anti-climactic as it appears the statue is only about three feet tall, but the altar was magnificent!). This is also the Site of the royal palace which is so far over the top it's unbelievable (one small bit is pictured - 3 pictures). Lastly, I went to the Gold Mount which is up many stairs and looks over all of Bangkok. The offering bell that I hung (see picture) is hanging there at the top of the Gold Mount being rung by the wind.
I think I'm getting better at dodging cars, buses, tuk-tuks and motorcycles so, if all goes well, I'll find my way to the Klong Lat Mayom floating market tomorrow, the South to the beaches. Yay!
A few things new and some I forgot to mention: My new friend, Joe, who I met on the plane. Joe is from Guam originally but grew up and lived in San Jose most of his life. He now lives in Guam because of his wife's job and enjoys living there except for missing his family. He said I reminded him of his wife in many ways including we both run, do yoga and are hard of hearing in the same ear! What are the chances?I look forward to meeting her -She sounds like my kind of person!
Today I met Carolyn at breakfast and we hung out together all day and had a great time. We went to the Taling Chan floating market and bought flower bracelets, went to Khoa San Road (her first time), had lunch, got lost, went swimming, got Thai massages (her first), had dinner and walked to the river. She is from British Columbia and I should remember the town but I have to look on a map. We have a great many things in common and we plan to keep in touch. I'm looking forward to getting to know her better. Two days - two great new friends. I feel very fortunate.
Pretty amazing!! Glad you made it safe and sound, try and stay that way :) sounds like you have already had a few close calls! Love you.
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