See just a few of my favorite photos from this trip.
View of the wild architecture at Marina Sands, a new area developed when Sean and Shveta just got there. I had to get a view from the top. Then we into the park with the man made topiaries that process their own irrigation. Finally we had some Indonesian street food.
Visiting with Dahlia in her playground. With the public art and landscaping, you would not know that this was public housing.
We left, after a monsoon thunderstorm, for sunny and dry Thailand. (By the way, did i mention that we experienced a 7.0 earthquake while in transit via Tokyo airport? everyone else felt it except us).
Ahh..finally got to Thailand. I wanted warm, sunny and good food. We arrived to a well organized airport, shared a packed plane with other western vacationers and many Asian traveling for christmas holiday. The planes are new, clean, big seats and stewards seem to appreciate you flying with them. Our hotel, Conrad Bangkok, was lovely and centrally located. We met our friend Mike Reagin who travels monthly there to escape the desert of Abu Dhabi and enjoy the food and music scene. View from our hotel - night and day.
Our first evening was spent by the Olympic sized pool and I swam laps. THe next day, we walked around Lumphini Park, Thai's version of Forest Park, but with public art and graffiti outside US Embassy:)
These guys were Muay Thai boxers with major "ink", getting some religion before the next fight?
Is that the Tin Man in Thailand?
I had to 'rent" a shirt to enter the Palace from hawkers outside the walls.
Jeff looks like a spy in Thai
Jeff took picture of telecom service man without safety equipment and on bamboo letter on Wireless Road with major wires, can you find the electric one?
ah yes, The Dome, the night time club on the 33rd floor, it was hot with jazz music and glass walls overlooking the city.. yes that is a ferris wheel for tourists.
Next day, a trip to Wat Pananchoeng temple built in 11th century on the way to Ayutthaya (undefeatable city) ruins which was the original capital of Bangkok from 1350 through 35 royal kings until 1767. The man below is taking long cloth and money from us to cast above which is unfurled over all of us as he prays for good fortune and health.
Yes you can buy a baby bottle and feed the koi
Ayutthaya ruins. this was the seat of warring kingdomes, agricultural, artisan ceramics, rice, elephants and ivory.
yes it is a buddha head which the tree grew around
The Waterside restaurant with acres of seatting areas, docks, private cabins for karaoke, bands decked out for christmas.
Next and last day, we traveled to the floating market where people travel for food right from the sea or farm. then back to Bangkok and JJ Market for unusual shopping, like Samurai sword from 1800s'. Jeff almost bought it.
FInally flew to CHiang Mai, about 6 hour drive north of Bangkok. it is a small village that has attracted artists and excellent restaurants with mountains, a river and a moat around the old town section. I walked around the moat for 2 hours,,, there were so many schools, Buddhism monasteries, galleries, small inns and restaurants crowded together. Everyone was so friendly and relaxed. We checked into Manathai Lodge, right in the city and an oasis. Lovely staff.
It was Sunday so were advised to ramble through the Sunday weekly night market. i was captivated by this woman singing Thai music... is she absolutely beautiful at her age? Young Thai body building contestants too.
Next day was the highlight of our trip to the Maetaman Elephant camp. THey rehab elephants by working to drag logs out of the forest. We rode with our "mahout" (handler) for 40" up to viist hill tribe and then back down through the river for lunch. They steer the elephant with their feet via the giant ears. YOu do have to feed them first and watch their show.. Jeff called then the "Lockettes at Ladio City Music Hall", maybe not very "p.c.". oh yes, and you can watch the baby painting a picture, very cute.
Next day, we had Thai cooking class with Pam. First it was coffee then the market,cooking and then lunch.
My favorite Thai vegetable, morning glory.
Visited one of the holiest temples, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, in the mountains outside Chiang Mai ( the topology is so similar to Oregon). This area functions as a spiritual center plus merchandising and general hangout for university students learning english with the tourists and families picnicking in the cooler air.
Our tour guide insisted we get blessed by this monk who joined as a young boy and knew where Oregon was!
Finaly fly from CHiang Mai to Bangkok and stayed at the airport's onsite hotel which was fabulous and short walk in the morning. Asian airports were so organized, clean and easy to navigate. Look forward to next trip
