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Wat Arun
Temple of DawnFrom Sydney, I had plans to go to Kenya for a few months before heading back home to America. I had plans for a very long weekend of traveling and I was hoping that by arranging my plane tickets, I would have two day-long layovers in some very intriguing places. Once I got to the airport and set off on my journey, I realized I was allowed one bag and one bag only. I had three (including my dive gear). Thus, I ran to the post office, picked one bag to take with me, and shipped two bags home to America for small sum of just under $400. But, none the less, I was officially on my way to Kenya and nine hours, a layover in Taiwan, and three airline meals later, I found myself in Bangkok, Thailand.
Upon my arrival (about 10:00am), I had plans of exploring the city and seeing one of my newly discovered interests, Asian temples. As I wandered through the airport terminal and cleaned myself up, I noticed a large group of Asian women giggling and I was curious. I went over to check things out and I found PSY hanging out at the airport.
Riverboat
The backstreets of Bangkok. Just chilling taking pictures and whatnot. So I took a quick photo and hopped in a taxi and was off to Wat Arun.
Wat Arun, or the Temple of Dawn, is a Buddhist temple that lies of the river and the first light of morning makes the temple iridescent. It really is a beautiful structure and quite a challenge to climb. It sits in a pavilion of other buildings and smaller temples that are seething with monks and tourists alike, each enjoying the calming atmosphere that the temple brings. After I spent an hour or so exploring and admiring the buildings and shrines, I decided to take to the river.
Some of you know Casey (my brother) had recently been to Thailand and told me to take a tour on the river since I had such a short amount of time. So I took his advice and went through the back waterways of Bangkok and saw a different side to the city. I found myself thinking about diving and then thought what kinds of things would be found in the river. As my mind wandered, I saw a 7-9ft (2.5-3m) lizard swimming in the water, and then I
Street Meat
mmm chicken hearts! realized they were all over. It was kind of creepy in a way, large animals lurking in the rivers of Bangkok, I let my mind wander to better things and enjoyed the end of my ride.
I found myself across the river at a different temple, Wat Pho, or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. I enjoyed this temple a bit more, and then I discovered why it intrigued me so much. As I was wondering and admiring the temples, I found what is considered to be the birthplace of the Thai massage. I thought I died and went in heaven, and immediately signed up for a two hour massage. And for around $20, I had the best massage of my entire life. I left relaxed and rejuvenated and was ready to head off to my next stop.
Again, as Casey instructed, I was required to try all the street food I could, and man was I glad I did. The food was fantastic and I even tried chicken hearts! They were very chewy! My favorite was by far the mango sticky rice, it was so good I had two. I wandered around looking at the markets and
admiring some of the unique things that I could find and some of the local food that the others were eating. After I was full on chicken and pork and other delectables, I headed off to my last part of my layover.
I decided to have a few drinks at a nice place that I had heard had a fantastic view of the city. It was raining when I arrived so the outdoor bar wasn't open, much to my disappointment. I met a couple about my age who were from Australia and we had some good conversations about our travels, as they were on vacation as well. After a drink, the rain had stopped and we made our way to the outdoor bar to check out the view. And a view it was! I could see the whole city, including all of the temples I had visited earlier in the day, all lit and making up the Bangkok skyline. Had another few drinks enjoying the view and finally said goodbye to my new friends.
I took a last look around and made my way back to the airport for another 9+ hour flight.
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Grandma
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Luky you!!!
I can't believe what a wonderful experience you are having!! Be careful & keep safe!!! Want you to come home safe. Love you bunches!!