It's like coming home

Somehow, returning to Bangkok was a little like coming home. The sights and sounds are familiar and of course seeing Bonnye and Greg is wonderful. This is the part of our trip where we kick back and catch up with family.

On Friday they both went to work and we visited Wat Arun, the Amulet Market, and the National Museum- places we missed on our last trip. We do not exactly understand the Thai custom of collecting, wearing , and trading in these small amulets but it appears to be very serious business. Men with jewelers eyepieces closely examining and then placing the amulets in tiny plastic cases. The engravings do not appear to be particularly religious.

Wat Arun- named after the Indian god of dawn, Aruna, is said to be where King Taskin was inspired to move the Capitol of Siam to Bangkok from Ayutthaya. Quite spectacular, the structures are intricately carved and also encrusted with designs some of which are made with pieces of broken Chinese porcelain. The stupas( spires) are up to 82 meters tall. We went up about 1/2 way on really steep steps but the it got a bit uncomfortable ( yeah, heights and Joy)

We got to the National Museum only an hour before closing but did see a great history exhibit that was an excellent precursor to our historical sites visit next week.

You know you are with the younger set when you set out for dinner at 8 PM and follow up with a visit to the bar and close it . We went to the area where All the ex- patriots in Bangkok hang out and what a happening place. Note the VW bus converted into a street side bar. Oh and the sign with directions to the restroom hanging in Cheap Charlie's ( the bar)

Saturday we had a low key day of shopping a visiting. Joy and Bonnye picked some new glasses - a great deal in Bangkok and we went to the shopping district to look for a suitcase for Bonnye who leaves for Singapore in business on Sunday. We want to an awesome bar for drinks and fantastic apps and visited the night away.