From Home to Bangkok and on to Kanchanaburi

So, here we are in one of my favorite cities but quite possibly due to the way we have spent the last 3+ years, the once fun hustle and bustle seems a bit overwhelming: the traffic, motorcycles and hoards of people are a little intimidating. I haven't been in any city and Bangkok is not just any city. It is (imo)THE city: huge, filled with sites, things to do and experience, great food, great shopping. I have awakened each morning to an unidentified bird whistle, a Muslim call to prayer and the first klong (canal) boats traveling up and down. This part I love! We have eaten some good food, seem some interesting sights, had two great massages (1 lavender and 1 coconut oil) and are ready to move on to Kanchanaburi. Before moving on though, I just want to comment on a band we saw. I can't publish video or pics as I didn't get permission and the lead singer was ... 10? The bass player couldn't have been more than 8 and you literally couldn't see the drummer over the drumset but the did a Cranberries song that blew me away! She could sing, the bass player had the moves as well as the tempo and the drums were spot on. What talent! 

So we have rented a car and, after talking a good game, I chickened out on driving out of Bangkok.  However, Chuck did an amazing job with Paulette navigating. Yay and thanks to them both. We are now at one of the poshest places I have ever stayed in with two swimming pools beautiful grounds and really lovely rooms with terraces overlooking the River Kwai (which is actually the Khwae Noi. Today we walked across the bridge - tomorrow we take the train so I'm sure more photos will follow but here are some for now.

Face-off with a Monitor Lizard in Lumpini Park

Morning from my Room in Bangkok. Jim Thompson House and a Klong boat

On the grounds of our Kanchanaburi Hotel

Don't know the name of this beautiful bird

Our hotel was next door to this Chinese Temple

 

On the grounds of the hotel in Kanchanaburi

Mating butterflies

Heron in the shallows of the River Kwai

A Kingfisher - My favorite

Sunset on the river

Sunrise on the river