First impressions and the first couple of days!!

Well, we finally arrived in Thailand on January 12th, and for those of you keeping track, it’s now the 22nd. Thailand was quite challenging. Once settled in, we found it a pretty decent place to stay. The location was just two streets away from Khao San Road, which is like Mifflin Street on Halloween (I’ve heard), but it happens every night. So, the immediate reaction to being there is a great party. 

Wat Chana right down the block from our place. 

Bangkok: Back and Forth

The primary issue is that it caters mainly to backpackers
and while the quality of food and drinks is decent, 

it only reaches a certain standard. 

The area lacks a public transport system, 

but it’s also conveniently located (a long walk)
from most major tourist attractions. 

However, it was somewhat limiting as there wasn’t an easy

 way to leave the specific area we were in. 

Some of this is our fault since we weren’t prepared for the famous tuk-tuks yet, nor the river ferry system. However, the traffic was extremely bad so it didn't make much difference if we had taken an Uber, which is called Grab here. 

The Queen's Memorials 

The Queen passed in October so these memorials and bunting are all over the place.  Almost as many as the amount of Buddhas.

The people here have been incredibly kind. The only recognizable phrases we’ve learned so far are the polite bow, the greeting “welcome,” and the simple words “thank you.” These words are said so pleasantly and sweetly with a nodding bow that they provide a refreshing contrast to the divisiveness and anger that seems to dominate many parts of the Western world right now. Yes, I realize that we are tourists and people are catering to us and wanting our money, but the kindness is absolutely striking.

We made it with a grab to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) which was absolutely amazing. The grandeur of the place would stun anyone. 

Kerry in a classic Thai house in the museum which reminded both of us of the streets of Old Milwaukee at the MPM. 

 

This was the main exhibit which was really cool.

We got a grab after over an hour of waiting and then it took over an hour to get home in the rush hour traffic. 

Wat Arun and the first couple Wats

Wat Arun

Wat Pho

Above: The Reclining Buddha who has made it to Nirvana  

Below: His feet with the story to Nirvana

And more Buddhas!!

An amazing lunch on the river. 
 

The Department of defense, remember when we had one?

Kerry found her department on the long walk home. I think we did 22,000 steps.

And now a little Khao San Road.