Bangkok

It's easier to get to Bangkok than it is to get to Singapore! This is going to be our next easy get away for some western style fun. I don't know what I was expecting in Bangkok, but it's a modern city with lots to do and see. Clean, easy to get around, great food and a feeling of being home...almost.

Me on the river

We left Johor Bahru after work and headed to Senai Airport about 20 minutes away from the apartment. With a quick 2 hour flight we were in Bangkok. Getting through immigration was a snap. So quick. Then it was a taxi drive to our hotel. We stayed at the Chatrium Hotel Riverside. I'd highly recommend this hotel and will stay there the next time I come to Bangkok. http://www.chatrium.com/chatrium_hotel/default-en.html This hotel was fabulous! It was right on the river, and had a boat that would take you to the next dock to catch the train or other boats. And the breakfast buffet was outstanding. Everything you could want. Omelets, bacon and sausage (Pork) Waffles, french toast, fresh fruit of every kind, Asian breakfast like noodles, rice and meat, smoothies! Oh how I miss smoothies!

After a night of rest we were off to visit some famous sights. First up a boat ride down the river to Wat Pho, a Buddhist Temple. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wat_Pho
We took a boat ride from the hotel down to the next dock, and then caught another boat farther down the river and a short walk to the Temple. I thought maybe we would be cooler here but it's as hot as Malaysia. LOL There was a festival going on in Thailand called Songkran, or called the Water Festival. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Songkran_(Thailand)
Everywhere we went there were huge water fights as people celebrated Spring and New Years. In the Temple there was plenty of water activities. A lot of water was poured over buddhas and the monk was blessing people with water. I watched for a while and noticed that as he used a wooden whisk type of thing he would get some people wetter than others. I went for a blessing and caught the eye of the monk on my way up....should have known something was up. I must have needed a bigger washing for my sins, cause he really got me. And the water was full of ice, so it was really cold...but refreshing.

It was pretty awesome seeing the huge reclining Buddha and all the beautiful sights around the temple. So many unique statues and buildings.

Sunday I made the trek to church. Caught an Uber. It was not easy to find the place and the driver wanted to just drop me off, but I told him I didn't want to be stranded so he stopped and asked someone for help and was able to get directions. And there it was! My wonderful church that I've been abel to find all over the world! The meeting was wonderful, being Easter that had some extra special music and talks. Loved the spirit I felt there. Before the meeting started I met a couple from California, and then I met a man from Eagle River, Alaska. I didn't know him, but I started naming people I knew from there and he knew everyone. He even pulled out photos of hunting with Jason Rampton. What a totally small world.

We spent some of our time visiting markets, including the largest market in the world. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chatuchak_Weekend_Market
The Chatuchak Market was incredible. One interesting thing I noticed was there was very little bargaining. The prices were fixed. And fairly cheap. I picked up some cute clothing items for about $6 each. And the coconut ice-cream is fabulous! We only had a few hours as we had a plane to catch. We are thinking another trip for Christmas presents will be coming up.
Want a job? They were advertising. 15$.....for the whole day! Tough life for people.

I am grateful I'm able to travel and see new places. It opens my eyes to the very difficult lives that some people have. I don't know why I am so blessed, but I hope that I, in some small way, can give something back and help out where I can.