Bangkok - Wat Arun at Sunset

Well , week one in Thailand and it's been a week of sleep deprivation, cultural toe-dipping and fun.
We are certainly not in Kansas! Bangkok is a crowded, noisy, traffic-jammed city. Skyscrapers more in evidence than traditional buildings; taxis the transportation of choice (very inexpensive); Tuk-tuks the way to go if you can stick to back streets; train and river ferry equally inexpensive, more fun and easy to navigate. There's an inversion layer over the city - very obvious in the last two days and I have a sinus infection to show for it. Oh for some clean high- desert-country air!

First major exploration was via Skytrain to Pier 13 on the Chao Phraya and river ferry eight stops to the area around the Golden Temple. Our mission was a sunset dinner from a deck overlooking the river. We ended up at a restaurant called The Deck - mediocre food but directly opposite Wat Arun - a sort of missile shaped temple dedicated to the dawn. The spire, or Praang, is a distinctive landmark and spectacular as the western sun slips down behind it lighting up the glitter and gold on the facade.

Skytrain was a breeze to manage - clearly signed- orderly lines of people and far above the madding traffic jam below. Our stop was a minute walk from the pier and again the system for getting a ticket for the river ferry couldn't be easier. Your ticket is the color of the stern flag on the ferry that will take you where you plan on going. Our ten minute river "cruise" took us past the famed Oriental Hotel, shrines, humble abodes and mansions.

Venturing out of the hotel one morning I was assured by the charming concierge that I would not have any problems in Bangkok as "elders" are revered! hey - it works for me and Chris, the "other" G'ma. It would also appear that the blond Toto and her pregnant mom are also revered. Surprising and welcome manners in all public places - seats given up- doors opened. How refreshing.

After dinner we wandered around the walls of the vast Golden temple compound , saving entry for a full day and more decorous dress - long skirts and sleeves the order of the day in hallowed temple grounds. From our vantage point I was able to get glimpses of the ornate temple roof line and a visit is a must - I'm intrigued.


New baby, Finn, comes "home" today so Chris and I are on G'ma duty to take the Toto to the Gymarium - a toddler tumbling heaven in one of the swishest malls I've ever seen.
Gerry