I'm in the Khao San Road area--tourist hell, but close to the train station and some cool temples. Early this morning before the sun and humidity set in, I walked just a mile or so to "The Golden Mount" and Wat Saket. It's a temple built on a man-made "mountain" (King Rama III in the mid-19th c. to be exact) with commanding views of the city. After a long climb up the stairs, a glorious view and a 10 baht charge await you (about .$25). Not one tourist in sight, they were all apparently hanging out together down the street. After burning incense to pay respect, I descended the stairs and walked across the road to The Wat Saket School, where Buddhist monks study. Very cool. It was just me and the monks, not even any
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