Hooray Thailand!!

Bettysue says: Hooray - we are back in Thailand - we are feeling good - acclimated to the heat - not jetlagged and everything seems a little more familiar - we were a little concerned about being in Bangkok - it is the first time for us and everyone said - so congested! - so busy! but even though more people in Sri Lanka could understand us (English is taught in the schools and they have about 98% literacy), somehow it seems easier to find what we need - there is more infrastructure for tourists, maybe. There is a little less tourists - people got scared off because of the airport closure in December - but I figure if we braved the Tamil tigers, what are a little peaceful protesters?


We found our ride to the hotel just fine but I was just a bit stressed because Sri Lanka airlines sent my bag on to Hong Kong and I faced the prospect of losing all of my clothes! But, at 1:45am we had a knock at the room door and my bag had returned to us! So, the first day we headed off to see Jim Thompson's house - it's a strange story about this American but basically he had a very beautiful teak house built and filled it with Asian beautiful objects - he is gone but they have tours of his house. We loved it all and were filled with envy - want that - want this! It's funny but most things don't inspire this craving - we kinda feel that we have had enough - big houses, land, etc and we now don't really want much more. However, we did feel this want and need for a beautiful tropical Asian style house.


We had our first sticky rice and mango and it was wonderful. Then we headed for Khao San Road. It's a legend and you really can't say - I have been to Thailand 3 times but I have never seen Khao San Road. Uhm, now we have seen it and now we know what we haven't missed. I did get some knit pants (brown) and a teeshirt top - more travel clothes.

Today, we went to the Chakachak weekend market - huge huge market with anything you can imagine for sale. We were looking for hilltribe textiles and silver and mostly noting what we can get here if we don't see it in Chiang Mai.


And, we made the decision to return to Bangkok after Chiang Mai and before returning to San Francisco. We like our guesthouse and the neighborhood (our neighborhood now). Not many tourists around - it's near the river and we have been to 2 riverside restaurants within walking distance - great food - fish - huge prawns for under $10 - can't get that in SF!


I have had a foot massage already and I am now looking at Dave getting a full massage from the same lady that hurt me yesterday! I have to say that it was the most intense massage ever but my legs and feet felt like they were not there afterwards. Maybe Dave will feel like his body has disappeared!


Our guesthouse is so cute - it is 'artsy' - I guess - you can see it if you go to www.phranakorn-norlen.com - people are really nice and there are a number of people with little children - babies and toddlers - I have to admire the energy it would take to travel with little ones in this climate - and what do you do? - hit the city parks!


We return to the Chatachak market tomorrow - we lasted only 4 hours today and then, we leave for Chiang Mai on Monday. We have a dinner date with Janah (and Brady) - meeting at a riverside restaurant just down the street from our hotel that evening. Always so much fun to meet up with friends half way around the world!


Hey tomorrow is Sunday and HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAN! Many happy returns and all - I think we should start celebrating your day first thing - whilst you sleep.

No pics this time - will post some next time. More from the north....