Monday, March 21, 2005

Bangkok Upswing

We're okay. We found a very sweet little corner of Bangkok, Rambuttri street near Khao San Road, much quieter but still quite lively. It reminds us very much of Saturday night at the Oregon Country Fair. Pretty lights, lots of mellow cafes, street vendors--many of whom are selling actual crafts they've made. I bought pad thai from a woman with a little cart who woks it up right there to order. It's great.
Today, once we moved into our nicer (much nicer) guesthouse (has a pool on the roof terrace and is actually clean) we dragged ourselves out in the heat to find the water taxi pier. It's easy walking distance. We ended up hiring a longtail boat so as to get to the Grand Palace before the gates closed at 3:30. Jeeesus what a ride. not safe! lots of spray hitting us! yikes! But we got there and hit the gates around 3:10 (it stays open inside till 5pm). Krista had to borrow a sarong to cover her shorts and India socks and shoes to cover her feet. It seemed like an enormous hot hot sticky hot hassle, but once inside we were floored.
I'm just so glad we didn't go here first! This place is the Disneyland of wats. I've never seen such oppulance. I really can't describe it. Ornate, delightful, over the top, astounding. It makes even the most spendid wats we've seen look shabby, and it just goes on and on. I'll try to get some photos up.
We hired a tuk tuk and all crammed in to take us to wat pho to see the reclining buddha. The thai version of the statue of liberty. Even though they were dead tired and starting to complain, the girl's faces lit up with delight and appreciation. Eden got positively excited.
more later. maybe.
I'm trying to get some photos up.

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