Here it is then, the second instalment of this holiday blog. I haven't worked out how to change the main title, but the subtitle will be an accurate update of where we've been.
Nothing quite prepared me for Bangkok. The heat is incredibly oppressive and the traffic is unreal. As though of you who know me will know, the heat is not a close friend of mine, although after the winter we had back home, it is great to feel the sun on our backs.
Anyway, having navigated our way to our hotel, we spent a little bit of time in Lumpini Park, Bangkok's 'Central Park', with it's beautiful lakes and it's insane runners! 9 o'clock on a Saturday morning seems a great time foe a run, but not in 35 degree heat!! We lasted as long as we could, before running for shelter and a snooze at the hotel. This then led us nicely into meeting our tour group. 7 other people are with us, all of whom are North American. They are a great bunch and all have toured like this before, so that's a relief.
Our first day proper followed, after a good sleep, which led to us hitting the Bangkok river system for a tour of traditional river dwellings. These houses built on the river were incredible, but they were in differing states of repair dependant on the wealth of the owner. These houees are passed down through generations, so the only scope for improvement is through the job you get and the capital you allows you to do the repairs and upgrades. We then went onto visit the Grand Palace, home of the jade Buddha. Thisl incredible piece of architecture was over shadowed by two things; the stifling heat and the THOUSANDS of people. It was an incredible place though and also very humbling to see so many Buddhist's lining up to give thanks to the Jade Buddha.
We then headed back to the hotel to pack and get on our overnight train to Chiang Mai. 14 hour train jouneys aren't my friend either, Thai sleeper trains weren't made for 6'1", 17 stone Westerners, but I managed to get some sleep. Chiang Mai is a bit cooler than Bangkok, though as I write at 10:10 at night, it is still in the high 20's, although we can't feel it in our air conned room. We visited two places today, an elephant sanctuary (yes I rode one) and Doi Suthep Temple. Both were amazing for different reasons. The elephants were great and well cared for. 7 of them put ona show for us and clearly love their Mahoots. While it was hard to see them chained up in some places, it was a large enough park for them to get execised. The Temple was again a very solemn place and I have now experienced my first Buddhist blessing. It was a little damp getting splashed with the water, but a great thing to do.
We have not long returned from a traditional northern Thai cultural evening. The dancing and food were outstanding and along with the venue and costumes, added up to a great evening. I love these glimpses into traditional life and tonight was no exception! Tomorrow brings us more traditional Thai activities, including cooking school, a language lesson and Thai massage. All things I can't wait to try.
So until next time, night. I'm off to put some aftersun on...
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