Bangkok!!

Sa wat dii ka! My journey has begun and I am feeling surprisingly relaxed. Following a nine hour flight with the lovely Thai airways, I found my way to a bus stop and landed in backpacker-town, Khao San Road. Have a little room in Soi Rambuttri, where taxi and tuk tuk drivers are eager for business at all times of the day.

I have found my feet, having spent most of yesterday wandering the streets of Banglamphu. Met up with two lovely American women and we spent hours at the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, temple of the Emerald Buddha. The Emerald Buddha is clothed for each of the seasons (hot, cool and rainy) however a local man was telling us that Thailand has lost it's cool season of late. The level of artistry in the paintings (the massive walls are hand painted, and some are highlighted with gold leaf) was astounding! I spent ages just watching some Thai artists absorbed in their work restoring the walls.

We then made a massive journey to find the small alley where a family make begging bowls for monks. The woman was happy to show us how it is done and explained that her family have been making the bowls for 200 years. I may just need to return so I can bring one home.

We then found our way to Wat Suthat, where a massive golden Buddha sits in meditation. As it was bordering on twilight, the wat was empty of tourists and we were able just to sit for awhile in the peace.

It was amazing to walk along Bamrung Muang road, it is lined with many shops selling Buddhist images, statues, incence etc. I am exercising great thriftiness and restraint in a world of hippy-shopping dreams! Today I plan to make a pilgrimage to see the standing, sitting and reclining Buddha's at temples fairly close by.