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Published: December 22nd 2006
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We picked up Capri and Vic from the airport and after three hours of confusion about what flight they were on (because they missed their connection in Tokyo) and us almost leaving without them; we did manage to find them waiting patiently an hour after their plane landed, at 2am. Last time we picked up Capri from the airport we had to wait over five hours for her plane to unload. We've decided we are never going to pick her up again as it is never quick and easy. Something always goes wrong. Anyway, hugs and kisses went all around and short visit on the bus ride back to Khao San Rd and then we headed straight to bed.
Chatachuk Market
The following morning and afternoon we wandered through the weekend Chatachuk market. The alleys were filled with trinkets of incense, candles, mini tea pots, clothes, place settings, silk flowers, paper, pottery and jewelry. We all got fruity slushy drinks and I gulped mine down with a furry. You just can’t sip a fresh strawberry kiwi drink, bug gulps work much better! Jarrod and I introduced Capri and Vic to their first “street stall” food for lunch. We kept it
simple with some green papaya salad, pepper pork and fried chicken. However, Capri doused her meal with her cup of water. She insisted that she spilled it by accident but I figure that the spice was too much to handle. A new plate and many pink mini napkins later she was ready for seconds. Vic sat quietly using the mini napkins to wipe his brow and agreed that the food was quite tasty. All in all, I think it was a good experience for them both because at dinner they were ready to try more street food - just not the spicy stuff.
Khao San Virgins
After dinner we took a stroll down the busy Khao San Rd and it was interesting to see the street through virgin eyes. The wooden frog sellers seem to be able to pick Vic out of a crowd and Capri likes to point at interesting items for sale making a purchase almost inevitable. Capri and Vic are slowly picking up that if you keep looking at the vendors and say their bright yellow shirt with shoddy stitching is “very nice” then they won’t leave. Who wouldn’t want to buy something that’s very nice?
Especially since we’re all so rich and Thailand is so cheap, right?
Grand Palace
The following day we made our way to the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. Once we got within a 20m vicinity of the palace we were approach by a well dressed, authoritative looking man who politely informed us that the Grand Palace was closed to foreigners for two hours because it was a special Buddhist holiday. Until 4:30pm (a half hour before closing) the area was open to Thai’s only. And we wouldn’t be allowed in Wat Pho (a temple) because we were wearing a tank top. Down the street there was a shop that we could purchase a t-shirt before entering. Huh. This sounds awfully similar to a story we heard about the last temple we visited - yet it wasn’t closed for two hours. I wandered away and started chit chatting to other tourists and fluffed the man off as a scammer. Until the ticket lady says it’s closed, I’m not going to believe anyone. But, the official looking man caught the attention of Capri, Vic and Jarrod for a elaborate 10 minute explanation of what they could do until the temple was
Wat Pho
The great Reclining Buddha open to foreigners. To settle the matter, we decided we should at least go to the actual entrance and if, in fact, it was closed we could always come back to the nice man. The gates were open and we purchased a ticket with ease and were loaned complimentary long pants and shirt to cover up with. The nice man was a total lair. Capri was quite shocked at just how boldly he outright lied, but I saw it coming after he uttered “closed for two hours”. See, two hours is just long enough that you likely won’t want to sit and wait so he gives you an alternative, something to do: go to his commission shops!
We had a lovely time wandering the grounds, marveling at the detail work of shinny mirrors and gold paint. We took time out and sat with monks and locals (and many other tourists) in front of an emerald Buddha for quiet some time. The pedestal the Buddha sat upon was lavishly decorated and the walls were painted with story-telling murals. That room alone could take hours to look at in detail. We didn’t have hours on end so after 15 minutes we
Mom and Carol with a Couple Monks
The monks didn't want to get too close! headed on out to the next attraction of the day: Wat Pho.
Wat Pho
Wat Pho houses the largest reclining Buddha resting at 46m long and 15m high. This time, however, I concluded that bigger isn’t always better. He was big yet rather plain. Maybe if he was made of solid gold I would be in awe; but he was brick and plaster finished in gold leaf.
For the journey back to the hotel, we hitched a ride on a river ferry to rest our achy feet. The river was pretty choppy from all the boats - it would have been great for tubing! - so it rocked a bit. I held on to the railings and checked to make sure there was a life vest under my seat. But I’m a wimp on boats and everyone laughed at me for being paranoid. We grabbed a bite to eat and our bags and then headed off on a two hour bus ride to the next town, Damneon Saduak, to see the floating market the following morning.
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Sandy
non-member comment
Nice to see you're having such a great time and with your family! No snow to speak of here in Thunder Bay and real balmy temperatures! This is just like Vancouver weather!! Your entries are REALLY amazing. Stay in touch and have a wonderful Christmas! Happy Travels....Sandy