Of course, our room wasn't ready because it was only 10am and checkout isn't until noon, but that didn't really faze us, and we relaxed in the hammocks next to the tropical looking pool (much nicer than where we usually stay!) while we waited for our room. It was just what the doctor ordered after too little sleep...Alicia was able to take a short nap and Karla read up on pop culture in vogue magazine (soooo her). It helped us recooperate from the grueling plane-ride as we each had either a headache or a tummy ache.
The downside of this recoup time was that we didn't get going until around 2pm (we had to freshen up!). But we've started to show real growth since the first part of our trip because we finally accept that we won't be able to see everything and that unless we're somewhat well rested, we won't be able to see anything!
Hungry for a little pick me up from all the lounging, we stopped on our way to the skytrain at (gasp!) McDonald's for a mcflurry (we are ice cream deprived). Guilty pleasure. We were thankful we did though, because it took us a fair amount of time to find a restaurant after getting off the skytrain. When we did, it was a tiny little noodle shop that appeared clean...we crossed our fingers and ate their delicious soup (we think it was the only thing on the menu)! Sidenote - we did not in fact get sick. A result of our hardened stomaches after getting through Africa. By the way, we never technically got sick (other than Karla's motion sickness) in India (its a miracle!!!).
Reenergized, we resumed our long walk from public transportation to the sights. It took a lot longer than we anticipated to get to the old part of Bangkok by the river...we were walking for nearly 2 hours! Luckily we ran into a couple of sights en route, such as a giant red swing that had to be partially deconstructed because so many people died swinging on it when it was used in festivals etc, and this beautiful, albeit elaborate, temple called Wat Suthat. We felt as though it could have been munchkin land (we have amazing imaginations). There was also a giant golden statue of Buddha chilling inside, which was very impressive- and soon to be the standard. Taking yours shoes off before entering any temple is always a must. Although we found this fun in the beginning, after all the temples we've been too, its starting to wear on us...
We continued our walk to the Emerald Temple and the Grand Palace, but unfortunately it was closed for the day. The sun was beginning to set, so we walked through this memorial park that appeared to be set up for a princess who had recently passed away. The buildings were so elaborate and ornate that they really (sadly) reminded us of a Disney-rendition of palaces. It was also mobbed...and we were practically the only white people in sight. The other factor in our conclusion was that it was so clean! Perhaps people are hired to clean the streets here too...
Deciding that we'd see what the fuss is about tomorrow, and wanting to see the sun set over the river, we walked that way and were rewarded with a pretty view. Or anyway a pretty sunset over an industrial skyline.
We took a cab to the skytrain...we think he didn't understand where we wanted to go so despite being entirely new to the city, we had to give him directions. Oh well. From the skytrain we walked to a lovely little garden restaurant where all the proceeds go to HIV/AIDS education in Thailand. It was the perfect way to dine - great ambiance, live background Thai music, good food and a great cause! There were also statues of santa clause and superheros colored and covered with (parents plug your ears) condoms. Everyone who walked in exclaimed, we should have brought our camera! (we had). The restaurant had been awarded a prestigious international award for health awareness. How cool!
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