All I can say is now I know why they call it Bangkok.
We were dropped off at 5:10 am on a random rode in what we hoped to be Bangkok. A little drowsy and a lot of confused, we just followed to crowed down a dark alley way to end up on the infamous Ko Shan Road. Shockingly enough there were still gaggles of partiers sprinkled throughout the littered street and we were lucky enough to find a our hotel just down the road.
For the first time since arriving in Thailand we decided to stay in a proper hotel. The kind with private bathrooms, locks on doors, and beds with sheets. Since it was 5:23 am at this point we basically sat in the lobby of the "Dang Derm Authentic Thai Hotel" until it was light outside and then set out on a adventure.
Luckily enough we stumbled into a travel agency that offered us a great deal to take us to all the major tourist spots and included lunch. We signd up. Traveling in Bangkok is a little sketchy and most of the time you can't trust taxi drivers along the roads. They are notorious for taking you to the wrong location or charging you astronomical amounts so having private transportation for the day was a huge relief.
Mr. Mike and P' Millie made sure we had a great day along with our new Korean friends. We were able to see some amazing sights in Bangkok.
The Grand Palace:
The name is pretty self explanatory but it is where the King lives. He is a sacred symbol here in Thailand and is admired in Thailand more so than Buddha (which is saying something). His campus holds multiple buildings, temples, statues, and ancient relics all holding symbolism and meaning. Maybe I'll get around to posting about different buddhas and Thai symbolism.
Wat Do:
Wat means temple. I'm not sure what Do means but Wat Do is famous for having the third largest Buddha in Thailand. The position in which Buddha is placed means different things. This particular Buddha is reclining, which is the "Tuesday" Buddha. Supposedly on the Tuesday of the week of Buddha's enlightenment he had a dream in which he viewed what heaven was like, therefore this fellow is laying on his side. It is MASSIVE! Around the walls of the temple or drawn images of the human body in both man, spirit, and devil form. This is where Thai's were taught and educated about human anatomy. The images on the wall were how they would learn the art of massage and are still preserved for students to study today. (Don't worry Richard, I took pictures so you'd have a jump on all the other med school students. None of them will have Thai cheats. :) )
Sunset Temple:
Situated right across from the river in Bangkok is a temple reaching miles into the sky. In the top section of the temple sits Buddha statues in which the climber may worship once they reach the top. The view was amazing and we even signed our names on the wall to show that we made it!
Long Tail Ride:
We use the most random sources of transportation here. Along the choppy river go hundreds of these long tail boats. I have no clue how they steer these things with such great precision. We were taken into little channels where people live in shacks with pet iguanas just chilling by the shore. We stopped right outside a temple where monks were making bread. I was a little confused why were all given loafs until suddenly literally thousands of fish swarmed around our boats. As legend has it these fish can only be found in this small section of the channel by this particular temple. If caught they must be released and not harmed. Anyone who harms or uses these fish will bring evil spirits into their homes. But don't worry. I gave feed them my whole loaf which means good luck to my household. You can thank me later Mom and Dad.
After our buffet lunch on the river were were taken back to Dang Derm where we relaxed by the pool in the rain. Such a great day ended with 30 baht street pad thai.
So if you are ever in Bangkok look up my pals Mr. Mike and P' Millie. Best Thai tour guides I've ever had.
Pictures to come soon!
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