Two nights in Bangkok … and the world’s your oyster.
Realizing how important nature, walking and a sensory reset were, we looked for a park near where we stayed and took a walk the first day. It was so warm and more what our original vision of the trip would be. They had public exercise equipment- three different areas like this. Impressive orchids that don’t need a greenhouse for o stay alive since it’s 90F and humid pretty much all the time. I could definitely commit to getting rid of all the cold weather clothes! It is usually hard for me to get rid of useful items, but clearly the cost wasn’t going to be needed…at…all.And a free butterfly gardenThis was enclosed so they don’t fly away or get eaten by crows and mynah birds. This lady was very friendly and was wearing a truly perfect dress! Pretty magical. I hadn’t remembered this so Zarah was unprepared. Which was even better. Then we ran into this guy, at least twice the size of the first! The patterns on their backs are lovely. There were workers out leaf blowing and raking and there were lights and guards to make us feel safe walking home at night. Then we got to the Chatuchak weekend market. I have never seen anything like it. Stalls maybe 6×12 feet and packed together into 15-20 aisle of 60-80 stalls. Then a diagonal section adding another half. Trinkets, clothing, food, massage, art…in the evening there was a really good DJ we listen to for a while. We barely scratched the surface, but we were there at least 7 hours. Somehow the crowds don’t bother either of us nearly as much when they are people going about their varied activities. The tourists on a mission are what seem to be draining. We could watch people here all day, and we did. We didn’t take many pictures though. The energy but also the relaxation of moseying and shopping don’t really come out.
We didn’t find out until later this is the largest open air market in the world.Bad air quality makes for a beautiful moonrise. Day two was getting to the big temples and palace. I loved the many fountains with statues doing yoga. At one point there was some call and response chanting coming from one of the bigger buildings. This is Wat Phra Chetuphon.This is the reclining Buddha. He is 46 meters long… meters!The detail on the walls is almost as much a sight as the 46 meter long main attraction.The soles of the feet have “108 auspicious symbols by which the Buddha can be identified” inlaid in mother of pearl. This was so genuine and kind it made it more special. Pretty extreme heat for a second day when we have been in winter for several months was getting to us. So we found a nice little restaurant with a Michelin star. This water spinach side, Crab dip with veggies, and pad Thai with shrimp, and mineral water and virgin mojito all under $35. And did I mention the view out the window of Wat Arun? Even after eating in air conditioning we weren’t feeling great so we skipped the boat ride and the palace and the temple of the Emerald Buddha. I needed to refill some meds and had to get to a doctor’s appointment for that before we head to the small island of Koh Tao the next day. Next day had a pretty sunrise. And the 8:40 am flight took off at 8:25!
Hi Shannon! Thanks so much for that. It was definitely the hardest post to try to construct. And the one that I worried people wouldn’t get. So thanks for the encouragement. And nice to hear from you. I hope you and Tom are doing well.
That is one massive Buddha. Erin and I were talking about how cool the pattern is on the backs of the monitors when you sent us that pic the other day! Sooo many orchids. The temples are very strange and fascinating.
Jessica Wandering 
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