Asia 2005 Journey Day Eighteen
                                   Bangkok, Thailand
                                            
                                            May 21, 2005:  Early morning showers followed by sunshine.  Another cultural cuvee - blending strong
                                            religious Asian influence with a unique warmness and pride.  The smiles of the Thai people could go on
                                            forever.  Again, another city with ease of communication due to the required English language being 
                                            taught in schools.
 
                                            A new elevated "Sky Train" provides some light rail service.  A good option is to use the Silom Line
                                            to the final stop at Saphan Taksin.  After arriving, a quick walk down a few meters is all that is needed
                                            to reach the river Chao express boat.  The river route provides a more scenic approach to the Grand 
                                            Palace and Wat Pho.  These are two key tourist sites with extensive Thai architecture, materials, and 
                                            colors.  The river is a life onto itself - boats for selling wares and face paced "dragon boats" taxis 
                                            (imagine streamline gondola boats with an exposed large V-8 engine with a eight foot long prop shaft).
 
                                            Serendipity was part of today's adventure.  The Royal burial grounds and inner temple grounds
                                            have been restored to 90% complete.  The extensive use of gold, jewels, pearl, and glazed color
                                            tiles are now back to it's original luster.  In the first time in 150 years, outsiders were allowed in
                                            the inner circle grounds.  We were the first American couple following a French couple.  The 
                                            official Architect to the King (a.k.a. "The Big Boss") was inspecting the grounds.  Again, the Thai 
                                            pride became apparent as we enjoyed the afternoon sitting at a marble table set under flower trees 
                                            listening to his stories first hand of the restoration and Thailand in general.  Not only did the Royal couple 
                                            complete their temple marriage vows here, the other tragic side or life was clear when the Royal grandson's 
                                            ashes were placed here after losing his life in the Tsunami.  
 
                                            Many of the monks were in town for an annual festival at the various Wats (Temples).  Interesting
                                            to see the monks clad in dark yellow gold garments traveling on modern transportation as everyday
                                            tourists.  As we traveled from site to site, the infamous question "Do You Have a Map?" was asked
                                            by attendants.  Their eager helpfulness made us unsure at first; however, we began to understand
                                            their pride in city and country.
 
                                            Of all the countries visited, the purchasing power was very strong here.  $4000 Thai Baht was
                                            equivalent to $100 USD.  Thus, an all day River Boat pass (with bottled water and guide book) was
                                            only $2.50 USD.  And an all day Sky Train pass was only 80 cents USD.  We visited the Royal
                                            Lapidary that provides jewels from Thailand for the wholesale trade and happened to be open 
                                            due to slower economic business.
 
                                            However, a chasm between wealth and sparse income continues.  On the main river Chao, a
                                            large and luxurious hotel could be next to a small shanty.  His Majesty The King has instilled in the 
                                            people to be self sufficient and the drive is very apparent in the majority. The King has provided
                                            or set aside land on the Royal Residence grounds to research various agricultural improvements.
                                            The country's diplomacy has resulted in a land with limited war conflicts and ability to work with other
                                            countries.
 
                                            After a heat filled day, it was time for a refreshing cool shower and an early Asian dinner. 
 
 
                                        Chao River    Chao River
                                Chao River    Grand Palace    Wat Pho
                                     Wat Pho  Wat Pho  Wat Pho 
                                           Wat Pho  Royal Memorial Grounds  Royal Memorial Grounds  Royal Memorial Grounds
                            Royal Memorial Grounds  Royal Memorial Grounds  Royal Memorial Grounds
                                           Royal Memorial Grounds    Royal Memorial Grounds  Royal Memorial Grounds  Royal Memorial Grounds
                         Royal Memorial Grounds  Royal Memorial Grounds  Royal Memorial Grounds Royal Memorial Grounds
                                 Royal Memorial Grounds   Royal Memorial Grounds    Royal Memorial Grounds  Royal Memorial Grounds
                        Royal Memorial Grounds   Royal Memorial Grounds  Royal Memorial Grounds  Royal Memorial Grounds
                       Royal Memorial Grounds  Royal Memorial Grounds  Royal Memorial Grounds  Royal Memorial Grounds
                        Benjasiri Park    Benjasiri Park    Bangkok Streets  Bangkok Streets
                                        Bangkok Streets  Bangkok Dancers  Bangkok Life  Bangkok Skyline
                                                                                      Grand Hyatt Erawan
 
 
                                           Travel specs:  BTS Sky Train, Chao Phraya Tourist Boat
 
                                            Return to Asia 2005