BANGKOK: the Grand Palace and Wat Arun, almost

The Grand Palace in Bangkok is amazing. Sparkling, glittery, shiny and peaceful. I took a great tour last time I was in Bangkok. But this time we only spent a few minutes there because let's keep it real again, the babies were SO DONE. So we saw the bling from afar, watched the umbrella clad people walk by in their borrowed baggy elephant pants or high heels, and then we were on our way.

Thanks to Nicole for all the pictures in this post.

Nicole and sweet Annika. 

 

  

a short tuk tuk ride to lunch

 

I absolutely love this picture. I can't believe Nicole snapped it. She is that good. This was one of those quintessential South East Asia travel moments. One of those moments that I have learned to handle so much better.

We had just gotten out of the tuk tuk and were going to a restaurant that was only 20 feet away. But a line of tourists came up and stood right in front of us blocking our way. Just to stare at us. I don't blame them, we are cute. And totally a circus. While we are trapped the vendors pounce. Umbrellas? Fans? Its super hot. We are boiling on the cement. Usually I put my head down, no eye contact and just barrell through. But we weren't going anywhere. So what the heck, I actually do need an umbrella or two...

 

  

We also almost made it to Wat Arun. It is called the Temple of the Dawn because of the way the morning light hits the walls. Its made of ceramic crockery. Very cool. But like I said the babies were SO DONE. So we spied Wat Arun from across the choppy river and then headed back to the hotel.