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Published: April 21st 2013
Taj Mahal at Sunrise
First reflecting pool and much jostling for key positionWhoever first uttered that nugget obviously never visited Bangkok in April. Sure, it's infernally humid but mix that with nearly 100 balmy degrees (F) and that has the makings of one hot city. I've been here a week and the last couple of days I've taken to staying in my air conditioned hotel room between roughly 11 am and 6 pm while catching up on the New England Patriots productive off season and the Celtics futility against the eminently beatable New York Knicks for which I was not about to wake up at 4:00 am local time to watch live on the internet. The rooftop pool is small comfort from the heat.
I haven't blogged since early December 2012 from Turkey. Since then I've been to Egypt for 2 weeks, Ethiopia for a month, Nairobi for a couple of days, and India for the most recent 3 months. Lost my motivation in Ethiopia which I did not like and India certainly did not help me regain the missing mojo. India is one of those places that almost everyone loves or hates. I was somewhere in the middle but most of it seemed kind of underwhelming and not worth the immense
amount of hassle that comprises a significant portion of the quintessential India experience. However, Egypt was great, second revolution notwithstanding (no impact on tourists back then), and that blog entry is forthcoming. I hope someday to post more pictures from India but for now the amazing Taj Mahal will have to suffice even though pictures do not really do it justice.
Everything is fine aside from the barely tolerable heat which should slightly diminish as I work my way south to one or two sea-breezy Thai islands then Penang, Malaysia on the way to Sumatra, Indonesia. It is like
dejá vu all over again as the itinerary is vaguely similar to my 2006 trip to Southeast Asia. Unlike 2006, I'm mildly shocked and chagrined that there are still hoards of tourists during what is purportedly the start of the low season. I was also in Bangkok in April of 2006 and I don't remember it being anywhere near this crowded. Or expensive...
Best to everyone.
Go Celtics!
Jon
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Classic Steve
non-member comment
The photos of the Taj Mahal are so amazing that I can't imagine what it is like if they "don't do it justice." It is definately on my list of desinations. Don't make us wait so long for the next posting. We have been trying out some other options for Trivia the past few weeks but it's hard to replace the Norm's vibe. Take care.