BANGKOK: The Big Mango

I spent a weekend in Bangkok with 2 of my favorite friends.

My guide book called it the city of opposites. And that's exactly what we saw -  sparkling temples next to gritty markets, glitzy shopping malls with a mother and child begging on cardboard out front, monks walking next to ladyboys. A little confusing to take it all in. 

We saw the sites, did lots of shopping

T.R. Gift Shop (thanks for the pic Malia)

at the Chatuchak market. That place is HUGE!

 and ate mango sticky rice every chance we got.

The city was huge and busy and shiny. I loved the pink taxis.

And the smiling faces.  

 

Street food was everywhere. Coconut ice cream in a fresh shell and this fresh squeezed citrus juice were my favorites. It was a fruit that was green on the outside like a lime but orange on the inside and oh so sweet. Anyone know what that is called?



We saw so many things on our list but missed our night bike tour past the glowing temples and to the flower market. We didn't make it in time. We were on our way but there was a huge traffic jam right outside our bike shop.

A Red Shirt rally. It was a peaceful rally to "unite" and mark the anniversary of the less than peaceful protests of last year. We did not stay long!

BANGKOK: Grand Palace

We hired a guide to take us around the Grand Palace. And we're so glad we did. He showed us nooks and crannies, taught us the history and even told us the best spots for "photos like in magazine" smiling all the while and teasing all his friends as we passed by.    

The place was massive.  Built for King Rama I in 1782, now has over 30 amazingly gorgeous buildings, stupas and temples. 

Including Wat Phra Kaew or the Royal Monastery. The home of the Emerald Buddha (made of jade). The most famous and sacred buddha in Thai Buddhism. No cameras allowed in side. Can you see him from the doorway? You take off your shoes, go inside and sit in silence at his feet with people praying, meditating and leaving offerings. 

Once you come out you can be sprinkled with holy water for blessings.   

 

Or you can leave offerings to the god of health. 

 

  

Every intricate detail in the whole complex was made of glass, or gold, or porcelain. Hand cut and put on piece by piece.

or hand painted. Like this huge mural of the Ramayana.

BANGKOK: temples

After the Grand Palace we saw 2 more temples.  The Golden Mount was a sweaty walk around and up to the top of a hill. And so gorgeous.

With a great view of Bangkok at the top. 

Then we headed to sparkly Wat Pho with its Huge Reclining Buddha. 

 

his toes

pots to drop in your donation or "prayer coins" 

BANGKOK: floating market

The Damnoen Saduak floating market was gorgeous. You can hop in a long boat and see what's for sale. Fresh produce, cooked thai food, hats, souvenirs.  

fresh coconut juice

fresh spices

Banana stand. Our guide told us bananas, mangos and coconuts are always in season in Thailand. Yum. 

yummy boat noodles