Bangkok Jan. 11/10

Sahwahdeekah Everyone,
Bangkok is a bustling city of nearly 12 million people and we have only seen the tip of it. The main religion is Buddhism and the statue of Bhudda can be seen everywhere. Saffron-robed monks mingle with the crowds as they go about their business. People greet each other with hands together and a slight bow of the head. Even Ronald McDonald assumes this pose in front of the restaurant.
Although the streets are jammed with traffic, there is very little horn honking. Everyone demonstrates aan abundance of patience. Taxis, motorbikes and tuk tuks transport people everywhere. We experienced our first tuk tuk ride - a small motorized vehicle with an open air cab - which took us to several jewellery shops and tailors where the driver would get a cut if we bought anything. Of course we didn't because we are only travelling with backpacks. As far as having suits and shirts tailor made in six hours, well, being retired, we really don't have much occasion to wear that type of clothes anymore. However, the prices are fantastic and the materials are beautiful.
A riverboat cruise on the Chao Phraya River took us to the Temple of the Dawn, the King's royal longtail boats with their guilded intricate carvings and a tour of the canals lined with wooden shanties where people just step into the river to do their laundry and bathing. We ended our tour at the Grand Palace which enforces a very strict dress code. Ross had to rent long pants along with many others who were wearing shorts. Women's shoulders had to be covered and they either had to be wearing dresses or long pants.
The Royal Thai family lived in this complex from the 1780's to 1946. It is an immense complex with residences, temples, ornate golden carvings and government buildings. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha was especially impressive and many people were making floral offerings and burning incense to honour him.
Shoes need to be removed before entering any temple and toes must not be pointed toward the Buddha.
We took a local riverboat ferry back to the Central Pier along with as many other people who could be jammed onto it- no life jackets in sight! Cost 20 Baht (80 cents) for a twenty minute boat ride.
Last night we met up with an acquaintance of Ross' from many years ago. Scott has been living and working in Thailand since 1992. He arrived at our hotel with his huge hockey bag and stick as he was playing hockey that evening. Where would you find an arena in Thailand? Apparently there is a hockey league for expats here.He is a senior editor of five travel magazines for Southeast Asia and was able to give us many tips for things to see and do.
Scott's recommendation for dinner was a restaurant called "Cabbages and Condoms" which was opened by a local senator who founded the Population and Community Development Association. This restaurant helps fund population control, AIDs awareness and a host of rural development programs. The meal was excellent and when the bill arrived, instead of the usual two mints on the tray, there were two condoms!! On our way out, we strolled into the gift shop and you won't believe the things you can make out of condoms!
There are three Red Light Districts in Bangkok and although we are not in the middle of one, we are only a short stroll away. Needless to say, our walks at night have provided us with some eye opening entertainment.
Bangkok is a very easy and safe city to get around in and we are comfortable using its' BTS (skytrain).
Tomorrow we leave for Siem Reap, Cambodia. We look forward to a calmer and slower paced small city and the much anticipated tour of Angkor Wat.
We have decided to take the hour flight to Siem Reap in order to have more time there, rather than spending nine hours on a bus with the possibility of a hassle at the border.
Until the next post,
Joan & Ross