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Bangkok, Thailand

Our first stop in Bangkok we visited the National Museum. It wasn't supposed to be open, but it was Buddha's birthday, so not only was it open, but it was free! This marked the first time, ever, that a tourist attraction had been opened for us when it wasn't supposed to be.

Our first stop in Bangkok we visited the National Museum. It wasn't supposed to be open, but it was Buddha's birthday, so not only was it open, but it was free! This marked the first time, ever, that a tourist attraction had been opened for us when it wasn't supposed to be.
Next we headed to the National Palace.
This is where the King lives.
Wat Pra Kaiew is inside the palace complex.










Next up on our walking tour was Wat Po.


Inside Wat Po is the Temple of the Reclining Buddha.
This is a detail photo from Buddha's foot, made of mother of pearl.



Every donation basket seemed to make a different note as people dropped coins into them.


Eating on the street.
Wat Arun is a short hop across the river. It is built in the Ayutthaya style.


We suspect we know where Gaudi got some of his ideas...


The next day we made the mistake of heading to Damoen Saduak, a floating tourist <s>trap</s> market. As far as we can tell, it's impossible to get here from Bangkok before the locals leave and the tourists take over.

These photos were chosen very carefully not to show the tourist stands selling the same crap that you see at every tourist trap around the world.



Back in Bangkok, we went for a walk through China Town. The fabric on the right is the identical pattern to our Ikea shower curtain!
We visited the Temple of the Sitting Buddha, Wat Wat Tri-Mitr Wittayaram. Tri means three, Mitr means good friend. The story was told that this temple was built by three friends. They were merchants in the area.

There sure is a wat of these around!
Randomly found in the middle of the city are these old traditional teak houses.
We went to the MBK Center, a huge shopping mall in Bangkok. This is the Tokyu department store, with some great slogans. We like the "onlooker" bit. English is very popular, but not very accurate.
This is the food court inside the mall.


Waiting for the LRT that soars above the city. Unfortunately, it doesn't really go into the city itself just yet, but it's a very fast way to get to the edge of the city.