Bangkok

Shopping, shopping and more shopping in Bangkok

Its been at least 18 years since I was last in Bangkok, for Mark longer. Coming from Khatmandu we had no idea what to expect. We arrived at a sleek new airport, washrooms were clean, there was toilet paper. We searched for a room with the travel agency at the airport. She could only find us a room for $80 a night. “Very busy in Bangkok” she says. We take what she offers for 2 nights. She says “This is the best deal”. We decided we will look for other accommodation once we get settled as it was already late.

The hotel is clean but nothing special. We do find a Night Bizarre walking distance from the hotel. This Market is massive, with a huge eating area, all delicious Thai food and a market of all sorts of goods, clothing, art. We see all sorts of incredible stuff we want to buy.

Curries and more curries

The next day we visit a few areas in Bangkok. The city is not what I remember. It has become modern, high paced, it is clean and a sense of orderliness. The people are friendly and many speak a few words of English. We visit the Siam downtown area. It is expensive and high end. There is a street of hotels that are more affordable. We find possible places to stay. Artemis wants a pool so we are looking for cheap, clean, nice and a good pool. We don’t find it in this area but we do find just the right hotel for the price in Khaosan Road. This is the tourist area of Bangkok.

Easting delicious Thai Food

It is has changed so much since I was last in Bangkok that I do not recognize anything. It has grown in size. There are streets of hotels and services for tourists but it also seems that it attracts Thai people for its vibrant night life.

Feeding pigeons and fish at the river - kids have a good time.

The hotel we find is perfect. We have two rooms which are simple but very nice and there is a pool on the rooftop! We indulge in the best of Bangkok which includes lots of fabulous markets and delicious food. Bangkok also includes lots of personal pampering. I indulge in a facial massage – fabulous – pedicure and hair highlighting. Artemis was too busy in the pool to do much but she did find time for a manicure and pedicure.

Eating amazingly flavorful Bangkok soup

One day we decide to take a tour to see some sights just outside of Bangkok. The tour includes visiting the Floating Market, which sounds interesting on the brochure but ended up being a HUGE tourist trap we called the Floating Junk Market. Next we are taken to the Bridge at the River Kwai. Seemingly interesting but really nothing there except the bridge, no information, a crappy museum. We left there quickly and we hoped the final destination would prove to be exciting, The Tiger Temple. This was certainly the hi-light of the day and since we had not really read up about the temple before going we are more than pleasantly surprised.

The Tiger Temple was established in 1999 by a monk who was instructed by his superiors to find a higher calling. He started when an injured wild bird was delivered to him He cared for and healed this bird. When people heard of this, one day a baby tiger was presented to him. This tiger had been a pet, but soon too much for the owner it was sent to a taxidermist to be stuffed. Already injected with chemicals somehow the somehow got a hold of it and brought it to the monk. He cared for it and healed the tiger which stayed with him. Hearing of his ability with tigers, other abandoned cubs were brought to him (abandoned b/c of poaching). He also cared for them. The number grew and the cats began to mate. At the same time other animals started to gather around the monk. (a short version of the story)


Artemis petting a baby (we ran out of battery for the petting of the adults tigers. AHH)

So now there is The Tiger Temple where at least 10 grown tigers and a number of cubs, numerous wild pigs, oxen, birds and goats which live peacefully and safely. It has been opened to tourist for them to pet the Bengal Tiger, walk amongst them. It was amazing to kneel beside these tigers and stoke their fur. The monk was there, along with a number of attendants, many of who were from abroad and one I who came from Vancouver, escorted you amongst the tigers as they basked in the sun.
It was definitely one of the Thailand Hi-lights. Unfortunately I don’t have any photos b/c the battery died! I did take video but am not able to upload this to my blog.

Crunched in a Bangkok elevator
Back to Bangkok and then on to the overnight bus ride to Koh Tah, Thailand.
Lianna

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