We left Sydney on a perfect day of clear blue skies and 29C temperature and flew to Bangkok. We arrived around 10.30 at night. It was 31C - Bangkok smelled hot and humid. After a good night sleep and a refreshing shower, we looked out of the window of our 15th floor room, yes it was raining but the skies also suggested Bangkok suffered from a mild smog. We were last in Bangkok on our honeymoon 25 years ago, but we did not really walk the streets then. This time we did and I felt that we were seeing something of the real Bangkok.
Our first mission was to shop! I must admit to succumbing to some Fluff tendencies – I wanted to shop! Linda wanted to have some clothes made and our concierge recommended us to a tailor in the most expensive district of Bangkok, but after the intervention of two separate Bangkok women (one a lawyer and the other who recognised us from our hotel), we were off by Tut Tut (see picture) to Brioni where we chose our material, selected our designs and were measured for our shirts and skirts (hers not mine). We followed this up by walking in considerable heat around workshops and market stalls to a large mall, the MBK where we were to have lunch in a Thai Food Centre (see picture). After initial confusion we became familiar with the system and chose our food – don’t ask me, I haven’t a clue what I selected, but it was hot spicy and extremely delicious- and cost less than £4 including drinks and a fresh mango dessert..
Back to the hotel, we had a swim in the pool and then got ready for our evening out with Jim and Judy’s son Richard and his girlfriend, Halomi. They took us to their favourite restaurant and it was quite different to be eating at tables on a glass floor where fish swam underneath – Linda did really well - she did not even need her travel bands. The food was delicious and the conversation went into the night. We only left when the restaurant turned the lights out. Although the restaurant had closed, Bangkok was still open on its night time shift and showed no signs of closing up. But we went back to our hotel, we had to get ready for a heavy day’s temple visiting the next day.
Traffic conditions in Bangkok have not improved over the past 25 years and, indeed, there still seem to be more taxis and tut tuts than people. However, the building of the sky train and the MRT has taken some pressure of the roads, even though this may not be immediately apparent. We took the sky train to the Chao Phraya river and from there we took a ferry to the Grand Palace where we also viewed the magnificent Emerald Buddha. The temples were incredible and the crowds were vast in their numbers. Maybe I am being cynical, but as there is due to be a massive anti-government political rally at the weekend, which could get violent, could the crowd be flocking to the temples while they still have a chance? Back to the hotel for a refreshing swim and then off to a fitting for our new clothes.
Our first mission was to shop! I must admit to succumbing to some Fluff tendencies – I wanted to shop! Linda wanted to have some clothes made and our concierge recommended us to a tailor in the most expensive district of Bangkok, but after the intervention of two separate Bangkok women (one a lawyer and the other who recognised us from our hotel), we were off by Tut Tut (see picture) to Brioni where we chose our material, selected our designs and were measured for our shirts and skirts (hers not mine). We followed this up by walking in considerable heat around workshops and market stalls to a large mall, the MBK where we were to have lunch in a Thai Food Centre (see picture). After initial confusion we became familiar with the system and chose our food – don’t ask me, I haven’t a clue what I selected, but it was hot spicy and extremely delicious- and cost less than £4 including drinks and a fresh mango dessert..
Back to the hotel, we had a swim in the pool and then got ready for our evening out with Jim and Judy’s son Richard and his girlfriend, Halomi. They took us to their favourite restaurant and it was quite different to be eating at tables on a glass floor where fish swam underneath – Linda did really well - she did not even need her travel bands. The food was delicious and the conversation went into the night. We only left when the restaurant turned the lights out. Although the restaurant had closed, Bangkok was still open on its night time shift and showed no signs of closing up. But we went back to our hotel, we had to get ready for a heavy day’s temple visiting the next day.
Traffic conditions in Bangkok have not improved over the past 25 years and, indeed, there still seem to be more taxis and tut tuts than people. However, the building of the sky train and the MRT has taken some pressure of the roads, even though this may not be immediately apparent. We took the sky train to the Chao Phraya river and from there we took a ferry to the Grand Palace where we also viewed the magnificent Emerald Buddha. The temples were incredible and the crowds were vast in their numbers. Maybe I am being cynical, but as there is due to be a massive anti-government political rally at the weekend, which could get violent, could the crowd be flocking to the temples while they still have a chance? Back to the hotel for a refreshing swim and then off to a fitting for our new clothes.
GREEEEEEEEEEENNNNN I tell you. Green with envy! :) Would pay good money to see that skirt on you though David! hehehe Seems that you guys are both still enjoying it all. I must admit that I am going to have to emulate you at some point and go do the same. :) Even if it is to eat unmentionable but delicious food.
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