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Published: March 2nd 2011
This week I will take you along on my journey into Bangkok, Thailand. I had the pleasure of joining Monique and Pam on their adventure. It was time of discovery and bonding with new friends. Lifestyles in Bangkok are very enlightling. On this journey it is best to visit with an open mind that is completely free of judging others. I am learning about many cultures, customs and daily lifestyles which predetermine individual lifestyle choices that may be a bit foreign to my understanding.
02/22- Tues. Monique, Pam and I had planned to leave from DHL at 5:45 a.m. Upon arrival to the base I encountered a snag. 'I had left my base pass at the apartment which was 5 min. away'. Matt turned around and we went back to our home so that I could get my ID. I arrived at the DHL front entry at 6 am. finding that I am not seeing the ladies. Waiting seemed like an eternity. By 6:15 I began to question if they had already left. After 3 phone calls I reached Monique. The ladies had been waiting for me in another location that I had overlooked. No worries, we took our taxi
ride to Seoul Station. Monique had excellent directions of where to catch the Express Train. We all arrived in plenty of time at Incheon Airport after our fun train ride of 40 minutes. No hitches in our flight either. Arrived at The Montien Hotel, checked in and then went to dinner at the Mango Tree. Great place to eat!
02/23-Wed. Busy day today. We rode a shuttle van to our tour bus. We were then off to visit the Grand Palace. The Grand Palace is amazing. The design of jewels, gold and inlayed stones is breath taking. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha resides on these grounds. At the end of our morning tour we were escorted to a taxi which then returned us to the hotel just in time for our next exciting adventure. PJ our tour guide from World Travel Service began our journey by van to the canal and river tour. He was educating us along the way. I was intrigued to discover there are thousands of Buddist Temples throughout Thailand. We then loaded onto a smaller boat and toured the Canal. After that we loaded onto a River Barge where we enjoyed fruit juice and
a variety of fresh fruit. On this barge is where I met Rosie a local woman who paddled her canoe to our barge to sell her goods. I purchased her rice hat right off of her head. She was so gracious! We also participated in feeding the large catfish pieces of bread.
02/24-Thurs. Full day of adventure. PJ was our own personal tour guide today from World Travel Service. He is an excellent guide. Enroute to the Floating Market we stopped at the Salt Farm. It was amazing to see how they make salt in the water pits. As the water recedes the workers pile the salt into perfect piles for bagging. I can only imagine how hard this job is, especially, in the heat of the day. They do everything by hand. On our way back to the van a man with a bottle of beer ask if we wanted to take a picture with him. I agreed, however, with the statement of "Don't Touch Me', of which created many later moments of laughter between us girls. Monique, Pam and I loaded into a small canoe and began our adventure down the narrow canals in order to reach
the Floating Market. The photo slideshow reveals how amazing this place is. As you wander down the canals you are intrigued at how the Thai people survive along these waterways. The Floating Market was so much fun. Us ladies have definitely acquired the talents for shopping until you drop. Not to mention our bargaining skills are not so bad either. I must admit Pam is the best negotiator I have ever seen. It is amazing to see her charm and negotiating talent in action. After our Floating Market journey we hurried to the Rose Garden for lunch and the Thai Village Show. After the show we were so fortunate to spend time with the Elephants. The spirit of joy in touching, riding and feeding them provides you with everlasting warm fuzzies. PJ took us to the homemade wood carving facility. The name is escaping me. Here is where we purchased some awesome wood carvings. I brought home two elephants and a musician playing the guitar. They are stunning. Great place
02/25-Fri. We toured the jewelry wholesalers. I found some gorgeous pieces that I could not resist. That evening we attempted to travel by taxi to the Siam Niramit Show. Due to heavy traffic that created for us to be in a taxi for two hours foiled our plans to attend this one. By the time we got back to the hotel Pam and I were both feeling a case of nausau. Soon I began to get the same symptoms of illness that I had in Seoul.
02/26-Sat. Stayed in bed most of the day. Not feeling well so I rested as the girls played.
02/27-Sun. Today was our day of rest and relaxation. Went and had my hair washed and styled. Feeling a little better, still not feeling 100%.
02/28-Mon. Us ladies were up by 3:30 am. in order to have enough time to catch our flight. We timed this perfectly. Arrived back home around 7 pm. What a wonderful journey with beautiful friends. I was however glad to be back home in the arms of my sweety.
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Carolyne
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Wonderful trip!
Karen, looks like a wonderful trip! Brought back lots of memories for me and I'm sure Chandler will say the same when he reads it. Loving the elephants! So sorry to hear you weren't feeling well: hopefully that passed quickly and you are back to normal now that you're home. Thanks for posting all your adventures: so much fun to enjoy them vicariously!