not really safe for tourists. However, we decided to enter anyway because we had to get back to Hong Kong somehow (so brave...what can I say?) There were military men strewn everywhere with huge guns...quite intimidating. Also a crazy assassination attempt occurred (100 bullets shot into the car of the leader of the "yellow shirts") while we were in Bangkok. Luckily, we were safe the whole time.After 2.5 weeks in third world countries, with heavy backpacks, staying in crappy hostels, and eating street food, we decided to treat ourselves to a...hotel (see picture) in Bangkok! We stayed at a 4-star hotel in Bangkok, and got a great
deal for it. This was a nice treat because we had clean sheets, a comfortable bed, a concierge, and a SWIMMING POOL! We spent our first afternoon chilling by the pool because we were just too exhausted to go out and see the town. That evening we ate some local food at the Night Bazaar, and it was the best we had eaten. I got Pad Thai (which I love in the US), and I was astounded: for only $1, I could get the most amazing Pad Thai. At home, that would cost at least $12.On our first full day in Bangkok, we went to see the Grand Palace, Temple of the Dawn, and the Reclining Buddha...a very full day. The temperature was 41 degrees Celsius, which is like 105 degrees Fahrenheit. I used an umbrella all day to shield from the sun, and I still got sunburned. But I was grateful for the non-cloudy day because our pictures turned our really well. The Grand Palace is exactly as it is called: grand. It is extremely ornate with glass pieces and gold reflecting the suns rays giving it a really amazing effect (the pictures cannot do it justice).
After the Grand Palace, we were scammed into following a tuktuk driver: "Come see a Buddha! Missy, only open today!!! Special holiday! I take you for special price. Good price for you beautiful lady." But of course, the Buddha was actually a tiny Buddha statue in the middle of a run down building...no other tourists were there because it isn't actually a tourist destination (for good reason). So we decided not to believe any of the locals suggestions on places to see after that, and we stuck with our guidebook. We saw the Temple of Dawn, which gave us a great view of the city. It was a hike up some pretty steep steps, but the view from the top was well worth it.
Our last day, we went to the Chatuchek Weekend market where there are (get this...) 15,000 stalls. It is only open on the weekend (I am sure because it takes forever to get ready for this). The place sold everything from curtains to pet flying squirrels and dogs to cheezy souvenirs to beautiful wooden vases to the materials needed for making silk flowers...everything. Locals and tourists alike can all find things they want or need here. If you go to Bangkok, definitely go to this market. It will blow your mind.
After a day at the market, we went back, rested, and then went out for the night. We got some amazing food, again. (I think I ate Pad Thai almost every meal during our Bangkok stay...ha!), and spent some time at the strip of bars where there was some great live music.
Overall, I had a great time in Bangkok. Since it was the end of a very long trip, I took fewer pictures and was exhausted pretty much the whole time, but I enjoyed the city nonetheless.
The trip back to Hong Kong felt very long because we all were just ready to get back "home." The traveling was also difficult considering I practically doubled the weight of my bags since the first day of the trip (and I even left my towel, some clothes, etc. at the last hotel in order to make room)! This picture shows my new backpack nearly busting at the seams...what it doesn't show is the small backpack and over-the-shoulder sack that I was also carrying in front of me...Southeast Asia just has too many good deals! Then the day I got back to Hong Kong I had to furiously study for my midterm the next day. No worries, Dad, I ended up doing fine...school before traveling! :)
No comments:
Post a Comment