End of Bangkok Days

Before leaving Bangkok we visited the Grand Palace which was consecrated in 1872, the first year of Bangkok rule in Thailand. These buildings are incredibly difficult to describe. They are so ornate - decorated with every piece of gold and mirrored tile imaginable. The detail is amazing. Along the walls that surround the Palace are murals documenting epic tales important in Thai history. I like the mural below where a big long tongue is being used to protect a village - pretty impressive.













As it's a working temple, many folks are praying and providing various offerings including eggs, water, and toilet paper.



Our last night in Bangkok we visited the Sukumvit, also known as the go-go bar area. As you might imagine, this provided for excellent people watching. The majority of the clientelle appeared to be fat Germans and Americans, some in packs and some traveling alone, who most likely came to Bangkok and Bangkok only for a week of "entertainment." Our vantage point was the Nana Entertainment Plaza where you could sip beers and ogle the goings-on. Supposedly, this is a frequent stop of foreigners in Bangkok for sex reassignment surgery. We met 2 young American college students who were here taking a tourism class. I was imagining trying to explain this to one's parents....till they pointed out that their professor was sitting about 3 stools away.

The next moring, fresh from a night of adventure, we were ready to head north.