Wow! What an awesome trip.
We got back into Chicago around 5:30a this morning after flying over 18 hours and sitting in LAX for 5 hours.
It was over 90F when we left Bangkok on Sunday evening and it is cold and snowy here this morning. We are feeling a bit groggy this morning and are trying to stay up for a little while more to get some laundry started.
So, what worked and what didn't . . . The new packing method was the best idea ever. We used the Eagle Creek packing cubes and folios. We used just about everything we brought with the exception of our rain jackets and chopsticks. Hey mom, everyone loved the chopstick holder you made - I had to show it off to the group.
I lost one of my extra camera batteries. Other than that, everything worked fine.
We will be working on our photos and stories to go with them. We'll share them with you as soon as we can.
Hugs to all!
Deb & Karel
Monday, November 24, 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Bangkok - The final Chapter
And so, we are sitting in our hotel waiting for the taxi to the airport. This is the last update out of Asia.
Yesterday, we went on an all day tour outside of Bangkok. We went to the Bridge on the River Kwai and the war museum. Karel was able to walk across the bridge, but I chickened out because there was nothing to hold on to and there were a lot of people on the bridge. We watched the Eastern & Oriental Express train cross the bridge and back. It was an extra side trip we found out later. It appeared that the Thai were getting ready for a celebration around the bridge as they were setting up some lights and stage parts.
We then went on to the Tiger Temple. It was quite a drive. We arrived to see about a dozen tigers lounging about with their caretakers in tow. We were able to get close to take pictures and then we got the chance to walk with a tiger to the Tiger Canyon, where there were more photo opportunities. We then paid an extra fee to have our picture taken with a tiger with his head in Karel's lap and me sitting next to them. After this, we were driven back to the city. We hired a private taxi and the driver did not speak any English, so it was a quiet drive.
Updated: 11/24/08 - I forgot to tell you that as we were walking back from dinner to our hotel, we saw an elephant walking down the street. There was a guy on top of him - "driving" him and another guy on the street selling treats so that you could feed the elephant. It was a bit disconcerting because of all the traffic and this poor elephant. We didn't have our cameras with us, so we didn't get a picture of it.
Today, we took about a 2 hour private boat tour of some of the side canals in Bangkok. We got some really good pictures of houses on the waterfront. We also stopped at yet another temple for more pictures.
We ended our day with lunch at The Oriental Hotel. This was a nice end to our trip.
Next stop - Chicago - via Los Angeles.
Namaste,
Deb & Karel
Yesterday, we went on an all day tour outside of Bangkok. We went to the Bridge on the River Kwai and the war museum. Karel was able to walk across the bridge, but I chickened out because there was nothing to hold on to and there were a lot of people on the bridge. We watched the Eastern & Oriental Express train cross the bridge and back. It was an extra side trip we found out later. It appeared that the Thai were getting ready for a celebration around the bridge as they were setting up some lights and stage parts.
We then went on to the Tiger Temple. It was quite a drive. We arrived to see about a dozen tigers lounging about with their caretakers in tow. We were able to get close to take pictures and then we got the chance to walk with a tiger to the Tiger Canyon, where there were more photo opportunities. We then paid an extra fee to have our picture taken with a tiger with his head in Karel's lap and me sitting next to them. After this, we were driven back to the city. We hired a private taxi and the driver did not speak any English, so it was a quiet drive.
Updated: 11/24/08 - I forgot to tell you that as we were walking back from dinner to our hotel, we saw an elephant walking down the street. There was a guy on top of him - "driving" him and another guy on the street selling treats so that you could feed the elephant. It was a bit disconcerting because of all the traffic and this poor elephant. We didn't have our cameras with us, so we didn't get a picture of it.
Today, we took about a 2 hour private boat tour of some of the side canals in Bangkok. We got some really good pictures of houses on the waterfront. We also stopped at yet another temple for more pictures.
We ended our day with lunch at The Oriental Hotel. This was a nice end to our trip.
Next stop - Chicago - via Los Angeles.
Namaste,
Deb & Karel
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Kathmandu
Well, today is our last day in Nepal. We are headed back to Bangkok this afternoon.
Yesterday, we were in a mountain resort near Kathmandu. We had a beautiful view of the snow capped mountains at sunrise. We then had a relatively uneventful drive back into Kathmandu because there was a transportation strike going on for the whole day. Only tourist vehicles were allowed on the roads. This made for a nice quiet day.
The purpose of the strike was a protest against the Maoist extremists who had killed a couple of sports players a couple of weeks ago and they finally found the bodies. We passed one road block where they had a bunch of tires burning in the street.
We went to a medieval portion of the city which had several pagodas and royal baths and palace. We weren't allowed into the palace as it was for Hindu people only. We then went to another area of the city where they perform public cremations along a holy river and then push the burnt remains into the river. There were several cremations going on when we were there. It was a bit disturbing for me and a couple of the other people in our group.
Unfortunately, I don't have my guide book here so I can't tell you the name of these places. I will update this post when I have more info.
We are staying in the Dwarika Hotel which is very nice and calming. There is an inner courtyard with a pool and places to sit outside and enjoy the gardens.
Last night, we had a nine course Nepalese dinner and we surprised Mike for his birthday. The hotel made a big production out of it so it was a lot of fun. The food was good.
We'll try to post again tomorrow evening after our tour to the Tiger Temple and the museum at The Bridge on the River Kwai. We will be quite busy tomorrow and hopefully there won't be any protests going on as they were on Thursday near our hotel.
Namaste,
Deb & Karel
Yesterday, we were in a mountain resort near Kathmandu. We had a beautiful view of the snow capped mountains at sunrise. We then had a relatively uneventful drive back into Kathmandu because there was a transportation strike going on for the whole day. Only tourist vehicles were allowed on the roads. This made for a nice quiet day.
The purpose of the strike was a protest against the Maoist extremists who had killed a couple of sports players a couple of weeks ago and they finally found the bodies. We passed one road block where they had a bunch of tires burning in the street.
We went to a medieval portion of the city which had several pagodas and royal baths and palace. We weren't allowed into the palace as it was for Hindu people only. We then went to another area of the city where they perform public cremations along a holy river and then push the burnt remains into the river. There were several cremations going on when we were there. It was a bit disturbing for me and a couple of the other people in our group.
Unfortunately, I don't have my guide book here so I can't tell you the name of these places. I will update this post when I have more info.
We are staying in the Dwarika Hotel which is very nice and calming. There is an inner courtyard with a pool and places to sit outside and enjoy the gardens.
Last night, we had a nine course Nepalese dinner and we surprised Mike for his birthday. The hotel made a big production out of it so it was a lot of fun. The food was good.
We'll try to post again tomorrow evening after our tour to the Tiger Temple and the museum at The Bridge on the River Kwai. We will be quite busy tomorrow and hopefully there won't be any protests going on as they were on Thursday near our hotel.
Namaste,
Deb & Karel
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Where Tigers Fly
We had an early start today. We are in the city of Paro and we drove west to a bit outside the city where we had a breathtaking view of a snow capped mountain (can't remember the name right now), it is the second highest mountain in Bhutan - over 22,000 feet. The sky was clear blue so the contrast was striking.
We then drove to the most famous temple - Tigers Nest. We started at an altitude of 8,500 feet and some of the group made it to the temple which was over 10,500 feet. I barely made it to the tea house where myself and 2 other ladies sat for the rest of the morning while the rest of the group continued up higher. The tea house was at 9,600 feet.
The temple is precariously perched on the side of a vertical cliff. Karel, Sally, Mike and our guide made it all the way to the temple which required descending into a gorge and then ascending up to the temple via over 1,600 steps with a steep drop off over the side. The steps were about 4 feet wide without any railing and they were unevenly placed.
Tomorrow morning we will spend a little time in the city doing some shopping before we leave the country in the early afternoon. We fly back to Nepal tomorrow where we will spend 2 more days at two different locations.
Unfortunately, the Internet connections are a bit slow, so we are unable to upload any pictures to this site. As soon as we get home and get them sorted out, we will share them with you all.
Namaste,
Deb & Karel
We then drove to the most famous temple - Tigers Nest. We started at an altitude of 8,500 feet and some of the group made it to the temple which was over 10,500 feet. I barely made it to the tea house where myself and 2 other ladies sat for the rest of the morning while the rest of the group continued up higher. The tea house was at 9,600 feet.
The temple is precariously perched on the side of a vertical cliff. Karel, Sally, Mike and our guide made it all the way to the temple which required descending into a gorge and then ascending up to the temple via over 1,600 steps with a steep drop off over the side. The steps were about 4 feet wide without any railing and they were unevenly placed.
Tomorrow morning we will spend a little time in the city doing some shopping before we leave the country in the early afternoon. We fly back to Nepal tomorrow where we will spend 2 more days at two different locations.
Unfortunately, the Internet connections are a bit slow, so we are unable to upload any pictures to this site. As soon as we get home and get them sorted out, we will share them with you all.
Namaste,
Deb & Karel
Monday, November 17, 2008
Back from the Jakar "Base Camp"
Since we last posted, we took a drive further east to Ura where we took a long mountain hike at over 11,000 feet. We ended up in the village of Ura where we were invited into a Bhutanese farmhouse. It was interesting to see how the people live, sparse and dark, but they had TV!!
We then had a picnic in a field and were almost overrun by a herd of sheep coming down the mountain. Our guide quickly shooed them away, but they were then followed by a couple of dogs, crows and myna birds who enjoyed the remnants of our lunch.
Back at the hotel we learned to appreciate having a real bed and hot water, but shortly after that we learned to appreciate having water as the boiler gave out and the water intake from the mountain was blocked.
On the morning of the last day, the temperature outside had fallen to 20F and inside our room it was 48F. Thank you mom for the hand and foot warmer packets last Christmas!!! Our departure was delayed as the coach had difficulties starting in the cold weather.
Yesterday was another long day driving back to Punahka (10 hours) of winding roads over two mountain passes well over 10,000 feet.
This morning we travelled to Paro, the final leg of our Bhutan journey. Today we saw an archery tournament (which is the national sport like football is to the US). It is quite amazing that they can hit the small target 150 yards away.
The hotel is close to the airport, but our guide tells us not to worry as there are only two flights a day and we already saw them land.
Tomorrow will be a big day. We will drive to the most famous dzong or temple - Tiger's Nest. It is built on the side of a cliff at 10,000 feet. We have a 2.5 hour trek to the top and you guessed it - 2.5 hours back down. There is a stop about 1/3 of the way where there is a tea shop. Then about 1/2 way there is a lookout point. The rest of the way are steep steps that zig zag up and down without railing along the edge of the cliff. We'll let you know how far we get!
We leave Bhutan on Wednesday back to Nepal. Since we are at the hotel right now, I think we can give you an update tomorrow afternoon about our trek.
Happy Birthday, Mom!!!
Deb & Karel
We then had a picnic in a field and were almost overrun by a herd of sheep coming down the mountain. Our guide quickly shooed them away, but they were then followed by a couple of dogs, crows and myna birds who enjoyed the remnants of our lunch.
Back at the hotel we learned to appreciate having a real bed and hot water, but shortly after that we learned to appreciate having water as the boiler gave out and the water intake from the mountain was blocked.
On the morning of the last day, the temperature outside had fallen to 20F and inside our room it was 48F. Thank you mom for the hand and foot warmer packets last Christmas!!! Our departure was delayed as the coach had difficulties starting in the cold weather.
Yesterday was another long day driving back to Punahka (10 hours) of winding roads over two mountain passes well over 10,000 feet.
This morning we travelled to Paro, the final leg of our Bhutan journey. Today we saw an archery tournament (which is the national sport like football is to the US). It is quite amazing that they can hit the small target 150 yards away.
The hotel is close to the airport, but our guide tells us not to worry as there are only two flights a day and we already saw them land.
Tomorrow will be a big day. We will drive to the most famous dzong or temple - Tiger's Nest. It is built on the side of a cliff at 10,000 feet. We have a 2.5 hour trek to the top and you guessed it - 2.5 hours back down. There is a stop about 1/3 of the way where there is a tea shop. Then about 1/2 way there is a lookout point. The rest of the way are steep steps that zig zag up and down without railing along the edge of the cliff. We'll let you know how far we get!
We leave Bhutan on Wednesday back to Nepal. Since we are at the hotel right now, I think we can give you an update tomorrow afternoon about our trek.
Happy Birthday, Mom!!!
Deb & Karel
Friday, November 14, 2008
The Center of Bhutan
Ah, we've found Internet access in the center of Bhutan. And Karel's cell phone works better here than in the States, go figure.
We have been travelling for the past couple of days. During this time we received notice of Karel's mom passing peacefully in her sleep. She passed away on Tuesday, November 11th at 10:45p. We have been putting up prayer flags to honor her passing so that they face the Himalayas.
We travelled all day yesterday to get to Bumthang, the cultural heart of Bhutan. The scenery was breath taking as were the narrow roads hugging the sides of the mountains. The main highway to this region is 10 feet wide and everyone has to use it including all the big trucks.
The night before, when we were in Punahka, we went to the main temple for the majority of the monks in the country. It was very beautiful. We also went to the fertility Temple via walking through the rice patties and farm land.
Today, we went to a special religious festival where there were special dances. It has become a tourist event as well as the locals festival. Unfortunately, the tourists were too pushy and rude so the group opted to leave after about an hour and explore the local temple and town. After lunch we took a walk to the original royal palace, no longer being used as a palace, but being kept up by the local monks.
Tomorrow, we will be taking a day tour of several other temples and historic sites.
Overall, the group that we are with are very nice and get along really well. Also we have been blessed with excellent weather.
Deb & Karel
We have been travelling for the past couple of days. During this time we received notice of Karel's mom passing peacefully in her sleep. She passed away on Tuesday, November 11th at 10:45p. We have been putting up prayer flags to honor her passing so that they face the Himalayas.
We travelled all day yesterday to get to Bumthang, the cultural heart of Bhutan. The scenery was breath taking as were the narrow roads hugging the sides of the mountains. The main highway to this region is 10 feet wide and everyone has to use it including all the big trucks.
The night before, when we were in Punahka, we went to the main temple for the majority of the monks in the country. It was very beautiful. We also went to the fertility Temple via walking through the rice patties and farm land.
Today, we went to a special religious festival where there were special dances. It has become a tourist event as well as the locals festival. Unfortunately, the tourists were too pushy and rude so the group opted to leave after about an hour and explore the local temple and town. After lunch we took a walk to the original royal palace, no longer being used as a palace, but being kept up by the local monks.
Tomorrow, we will be taking a day tour of several other temples and historic sites.
Overall, the group that we are with are very nice and get along really well. Also we have been blessed with excellent weather.
Deb & Karel
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Gross National Happiness
We arrived into Bhutan yesterday afternoon. The minute we deplaned, we were in awe of this country. We arrived into Paro Airport. We have never seen a more beautiful airport with their architecture and cultural ornamentation.
We drove for 1.5 hours along twisting, winding roads towards the capital of the country, Thimphu. The country is like a Buddhist Switzerland. Karel says that even the unique Bhutan architecture is very Swiss with intricate woodwork.
Today, we had our first day trip around the city. Everything is still decorated for the 5th King's coronation which took place on November 6th. This King is only 29 years old. Everything has bright colored flags and banners and today was a holiday for the 4th King's birthday. Everything is very festive.
We visited government buildings and the coronation site which was one of the few venues open today. The coronation site is the main temple in the city which houses over 500 monks. We got to see and touch the King's throne and see the large Buddha. Unfortunately, we are not able to take picture when we enter the insides of temples.
Tomorrow we have a long drive ahead of us. We will be heading into the center of the country. We will be making several stops along the way to see some of the other famous temples and sites.
We will be reaching 13,000 feet within 2 days. We learned today that there will be a big festival in the town we are heading towards.
We learned that the 4 pillars of Gross National Happiness are 1) Preserve Culture/Architecture, 2) Health, 3) Environment, 4) Education. The unmentioned 5th one is that there are no lawyers allowed!!!
The Bhutanese value Gross National Happiness over Gross National Product and it shows. Most of their income comes from selling hydro energy from their rivers and wind and from tourism.
All the best, we'll see how far the Internet stretches beyond this point. We have had great success with cell phone service and have been in almost daily contact with Karel's sister.
Deb & Karel
We drove for 1.5 hours along twisting, winding roads towards the capital of the country, Thimphu. The country is like a Buddhist Switzerland. Karel says that even the unique Bhutan architecture is very Swiss with intricate woodwork.
Today, we had our first day trip around the city. Everything is still decorated for the 5th King's coronation which took place on November 6th. This King is only 29 years old. Everything has bright colored flags and banners and today was a holiday for the 4th King's birthday. Everything is very festive.
We visited government buildings and the coronation site which was one of the few venues open today. The coronation site is the main temple in the city which houses over 500 monks. We got to see and touch the King's throne and see the large Buddha. Unfortunately, we are not able to take picture when we enter the insides of temples.
Tomorrow we have a long drive ahead of us. We will be heading into the center of the country. We will be making several stops along the way to see some of the other famous temples and sites.
We will be reaching 13,000 feet within 2 days. We learned today that there will be a big festival in the town we are heading towards.
We learned that the 4 pillars of Gross National Happiness are 1) Preserve Culture/Architecture, 2) Health, 3) Environment, 4) Education. The unmentioned 5th one is that there are no lawyers allowed!!!
The Bhutanese value Gross National Happiness over Gross National Product and it shows. Most of their income comes from selling hydro energy from their rivers and wind and from tourism.
All the best, we'll see how far the Internet stretches beyond this point. We have had great success with cell phone service and have been in almost daily contact with Karel's sister.
Deb & Karel
Sunday, November 9, 2008
On Top of the World!
Yesterday, we met the rest of the group. Really nice people. We took a tour of several parts of the city.
We started at the Monkey Temple. We had to climb up some 100+ steps to get to the top. The view of the valley was spectacular. A lot of people were up here meditating and praying along with the monkeys!
We then went into the heart of the city Kathmandu. We went to several palaces and temples. We even got a glimpse of the Living Goddess. She was just selected as the Living Goddess last month and is only 4 years old. She was quite shy. I won't go into the gory details of how the Goddess gets selected but it is quite gross.
We then went on to a third part of the city where the original palaces were and some more temples.
This morning we got up early for a sunrise flight along the Himalayan ridge culminating in a turn around at Mt. Everest. It was a beautiful, clear blue sky morning and I hope our pictures turn out. One by one we were allowed to go to the cockpit to take more pictures. My pictures will consist of the wing, engine and propeller!!
Karel was at the back of the plane and has some awesome pictures.
We are now on our way to Bhutan. I'm not sure how often we will be able to update this blog. Otherwise we will update it when we return to Nepal in 10 days.
Namaste!
Deb & Karel
We started at the Monkey Temple. We had to climb up some 100+ steps to get to the top. The view of the valley was spectacular. A lot of people were up here meditating and praying along with the monkeys!
We then went into the heart of the city Kathmandu. We went to several palaces and temples. We even got a glimpse of the Living Goddess. She was just selected as the Living Goddess last month and is only 4 years old. She was quite shy. I won't go into the gory details of how the Goddess gets selected but it is quite gross.
We then went on to a third part of the city where the original palaces were and some more temples.
This morning we got up early for a sunrise flight along the Himalayan ridge culminating in a turn around at Mt. Everest. It was a beautiful, clear blue sky morning and I hope our pictures turn out. One by one we were allowed to go to the cockpit to take more pictures. My pictures will consist of the wing, engine and propeller!!
Karel was at the back of the plane and has some awesome pictures.
We are now on our way to Bhutan. I'm not sure how often we will be able to update this blog. Otherwise we will update it when we return to Nepal in 10 days.
Namaste!
Deb & Karel
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Now we are in Nepal
First, the airport in Bangkok is very beautiful and full of shops. It seemed futuristic where the departure gates were. The Thai people were very friendly and cordial.
The flight was uneventful. The weather was clear and we were able to see Mt. Everest and the Himalayan range from the plane.
Kathmandu airport is infinitely smaller and more realistic dating back to the early fifties.
We are about 5000 ft. above sea level here in Kathmandu. The Radisson is a nice hotel.
We ventured out yesterday afternoon to a portion of the city called Thamel. Thamel has many small hostels, cafes and lots of trekking shops. The narrow winding streets are lined with little shops selling all sorts of Nepalese and Indian trinkets from pashmina cashmere scarfs to local crafts.
We stopped for a bit to watch some folk music festival that was taking place in a soccer field. It was quite interesting and crowded. We did not have our camera with us so we weren't able to capture the moment.
In the late afternoon we sat upstairs of the hotel outside where there is a pool and bar. We quenched our thirst with a Gourkha(?) beer and a snack. The sky was very clear but a bit hazy at the lower levels due to all of the dust kicked up by the traffic on the non-paved roads.
At sunset, there were thousands of black crows that started flying all around the city. They were joined by flocks of white cranes flying through the rooftops.
It was a spectacular sight. We asked our waiter what was going on and he said that one of the crows died and they were all flying around announcing it.
Today, we will meet the group and sign up for a day tour to visit some of the historic sites here in Kathmandu.
Namaste!
The flight was uneventful. The weather was clear and we were able to see Mt. Everest and the Himalayan range from the plane.
Kathmandu airport is infinitely smaller and more realistic dating back to the early fifties.
We are about 5000 ft. above sea level here in Kathmandu. The Radisson is a nice hotel.
We ventured out yesterday afternoon to a portion of the city called Thamel. Thamel has many small hostels, cafes and lots of trekking shops. The narrow winding streets are lined with little shops selling all sorts of Nepalese and Indian trinkets from pashmina cashmere scarfs to local crafts.
We stopped for a bit to watch some folk music festival that was taking place in a soccer field. It was quite interesting and crowded. We did not have our camera with us so we weren't able to capture the moment.
In the late afternoon we sat upstairs of the hotel outside where there is a pool and bar. We quenched our thirst with a Gourkha(?) beer and a snack. The sky was very clear but a bit hazy at the lower levels due to all of the dust kicked up by the traffic on the non-paved roads.
At sunset, there were thousands of black crows that started flying all around the city. They were joined by flocks of white cranes flying through the rooftops.
It was a spectacular sight. We asked our waiter what was going on and he said that one of the crows died and they were all flying around announcing it.
Today, we will meet the group and sign up for a day tour to visit some of the historic sites here in Kathmandu.
Namaste!
Friday, November 7, 2008
. . and then the room started to flood
Okay, we last left off with us having a nightcap and going to bed.
As we were getting ready for bed, I noticed that the floor by our door was quite wet. I opened the door to find about an inch of water standing in the hallway. Mind you there are only 3 rooms per floor and we were on the 5th (top) floor. We heard running water from the room next to us.
To make a long story short, the man in the next room apparently fell down and knocked his head and we think that as he tried to grab onto something, he slashed his hand. He was trying to stanch the flow of blood by running a lot of water with the sink stopped.
We helped the night boy clean up the water and finally convinced the night boy to get the manager.
We didn't get to bed until after 1:00a and had to get up at 6:00a to catch our flight.
More later, the flight is being called.
Deb
As we were getting ready for bed, I noticed that the floor by our door was quite wet. I opened the door to find about an inch of water standing in the hallway. Mind you there are only 3 rooms per floor and we were on the 5th (top) floor. We heard running water from the room next to us.
To make a long story short, the man in the next room apparently fell down and knocked his head and we think that as he tried to grab onto something, he slashed his hand. He was trying to stanch the flow of blood by running a lot of water with the sink stopped.
We helped the night boy clean up the water and finally convinced the night boy to get the manager.
We didn't get to bed until after 1:00a and had to get up at 6:00a to catch our flight.
More later, the flight is being called.
Deb
Steamy Bangkok
Today was hot and humid.
We took another trip on the Mae Nam Chao Phraya River today. This time we went to the Wat Pho Temple - home of the Reclining Buddha. The oldest and largest buddha in Bangkok, which was built in the 16th century . It features the largest reclining Buddha and the largest collection of buddha images in Thailand.
Then we continued on to the Flower Market. The most famous wholesale flower market, and renowned for vegetables and fruits. This market was not quite what we had expected given the comparison to the floating flower market of Amsterdam. While there were hundreds of flower vendors, they were all packed together in a street market type atmosphere.
Next we went to the Jim Thompson House. We had lunch here which was quite good. We were going to partake in the tour, but bailed at the last minute as they were quite pushy about the whole thing. Jim Thompson was instrumental in reviving the silk industry of Thailand after WWII. He disappeared after reviving the industry in 1967 and was never found again.
This evening's dining experience comes from a recommendation from the Food & Wine magazine. The Mahanaga, which is a stylish restaurant serving contemporary Thai cuisine. The service was a bit overbearing, probably due to the fact that we were one of the very few people there. The presentation of the food was very good, but the balancing of different tastes was not optimal - everyone is a food critic!!!
On to the Lolitas! We decided to take a walk in the 'hood where we are staying. There is a sort of quiet desperation around here. Most of the restaurants/bars that we walked past contained young Thai women actively lobbying for us to come and join them. Some were dressed in themes of school girls, cheerleaders, vamps and other tarts. We finally escaped to the Atrium Lounge of the Windsor Suites to be the sole audience of their lounge act. We were asked to provide a list of songs, but the ones that we provided were evidently not part of their repertoire. Instead of Red, Red Wine we got Lady in Red!
Getting ready for the next leg of our adventure. We are leaving for Nepal in the morning. We received word from our friends that they will not be arriving in Nepal until late in the night so we are on our own tomorrow.
Stay tuned and let's hope that we have internet access in Nepal!
Deb & Karel
We took another trip on the Mae Nam Chao Phraya River today. This time we went to the Wat Pho Temple - home of the Reclining Buddha. The oldest and largest buddha in Bangkok, which was built in the 16th century . It features the largest reclining Buddha and the largest collection of buddha images in Thailand.
Then we continued on to the Flower Market. The most famous wholesale flower market, and renowned for vegetables and fruits. This market was not quite what we had expected given the comparison to the floating flower market of Amsterdam. While there were hundreds of flower vendors, they were all packed together in a street market type atmosphere.
Next we went to the Jim Thompson House. We had lunch here which was quite good. We were going to partake in the tour, but bailed at the last minute as they were quite pushy about the whole thing. Jim Thompson was instrumental in reviving the silk industry of Thailand after WWII. He disappeared after reviving the industry in 1967 and was never found again.
This evening's dining experience comes from a recommendation from the Food & Wine magazine. The Mahanaga, which is a stylish restaurant serving contemporary Thai cuisine. The service was a bit overbearing, probably due to the fact that we were one of the very few people there. The presentation of the food was very good, but the balancing of different tastes was not optimal - everyone is a food critic!!!
On to the Lolitas! We decided to take a walk in the 'hood where we are staying. There is a sort of quiet desperation around here. Most of the restaurants/bars that we walked past contained young Thai women actively lobbying for us to come and join them. Some were dressed in themes of school girls, cheerleaders, vamps and other tarts. We finally escaped to the Atrium Lounge of the Windsor Suites to be the sole audience of their lounge act. We were asked to provide a list of songs, but the ones that we provided were evidently not part of their repertoire. Instead of Red, Red Wine we got Lady in Red!
Getting ready for the next leg of our adventure. We are leaving for Nepal in the morning. We received word from our friends that they will not be arriving in Nepal until late in the night so we are on our own tomorrow.
Stay tuned and let's hope that we have internet access in Nepal!
Deb & Karel
Thursday, November 6, 2008
We've made it!
Well, after 24 hours of travel we arrived in Bangkok after midnight on Wednesday.
Today, we ventured forth to explore the city. We took the SkyWay to the river. We signed up for an all day river taxi pass.
We went to the Grand Palace where the sister of the king is laying in state. Not sure when she passed, but we were not allowed to view her but the Thai people were allowed into that area. The Palace is very beautiful with sparkling tiles all over the buildings.
We saw the Jade Bhudda - the most sacred Bhudda in Thailand who is offended if you point your toes at him. Unfortunately, we were not allowed to take pictures inside the building.
It was very hot today - 33c/93f. We both got a bit burned today.
We had lunch at the Oriental Hotel which is a very luxurious hotel on the river. We had Thai tapas specialties which were very tasty along with a couple of cold Thai beers - Singha.
Off to explore the famous shopping district and find some dinner.
Today, we ventured forth to explore the city. We took the SkyWay to the river. We signed up for an all day river taxi pass.
We went to the Grand Palace where the sister of the king is laying in state. Not sure when she passed, but we were not allowed to view her but the Thai people were allowed into that area. The Palace is very beautiful with sparkling tiles all over the buildings.
We saw the Jade Bhudda - the most sacred Bhudda in Thailand who is offended if you point your toes at him. Unfortunately, we were not allowed to take pictures inside the building.
It was very hot today - 33c/93f. We both got a bit burned today.
We had lunch at the Oriental Hotel which is a very luxurious hotel on the river. We had Thai tapas specialties which were very tasty along with a couple of cold Thai beers - Singha.
Off to explore the famous shopping district and find some dinner.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Countdown T-Minus 2 days
Hi everyone,
Well, this is my first attempt at a blog and as you all know, I am not partial to these things.
My goal is to keep you all up to date with this Most Excellent Adventure with the least amount of blathering!
Karel is still in the Netherlands helping with his mother. A lot of people have expressed their thoughts and prayers to you Karel, Ineke and Meip.
I have us mostly packed and the checked luggage weighs in at 40 lbs each!! We have room to bring stuff home!
Karel is due home Monday and we'll keep you posted.
That's all for now as I get used to this medium!
XO
Deb
Well, this is my first attempt at a blog and as you all know, I am not partial to these things.
My goal is to keep you all up to date with this Most Excellent Adventure with the least amount of blathering!
Karel is still in the Netherlands helping with his mother. A lot of people have expressed their thoughts and prayers to you Karel, Ineke and Meip.
I have us mostly packed and the checked luggage weighs in at 40 lbs each!! We have room to bring stuff home!
Karel is due home Monday and we'll keep you posted.
That's all for now as I get used to this medium!
XO
Deb
Sunday, October 26, 2008
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