We decided to stay on the river at the Shangri-La to to make getting around tons easier for a short weekend. River taxis are far more efficient than trying to get through the city. But I love a good tuk tuk ride. We arrived late afternoon which was just perfect for a lovely meal and rest for two days of adventure.
I don't know why, but I decided not to hire a guide for the first day. So we set off late morning for the Grand Palace. We knew ahead of time that we were likely to get guides trying to rip us off. So we hopped on the river taxi. OMG - who knew that a river could be as rough as the sea. Every time we got on one, we took the life jackets seriously. Unfortunately, we arrived at the Grand Palace just as the monks were starting to pray so no tourists were allowed in. After all that, we bumped into a lovely tuktuk driver who became our defacto guide and took us all around. One has to be careful to negotiate prices up front as well as to be clear on what you do and don't want to see. There is inevitably a stop to some factory or other with whom they have an agreement to bring tourists. We had to keep on the ball to make sure we weren't taken places we didn't want to go.
As luck would have it though, he did take us to James the Taylor (yes). We went in wanting nothing, and left with two suits, two shirts, two ties for Gary and a dress plus three trousers for me. Not sure I will ever buy off the rack again.
We managed to see the Grand Palace after all, which was stunning. Also saw the massive reclining buddha. And made sure to take photos in the exact places that the Cohens were when they visited in December.
Bangkok was HOT HOT HOT. So we never went out for very long without having to head back to the hotel for respite and food or tasty cold beverages. Then back out for more. It's just that kind of a city.
Back to the hotel for lunch. Then we headed BACK out again - this time to the stunning Wat Arun (aka the riverside Temple of Dawn). Iconic Bangkok. It's totally different during the day. At night it glows like a gold beacon. And you can climb dizzying stairs to the top. Gary and Nick went higher than Sadie or I. I cannot believe how much heights bother me as I get older. Ridiculous!!!!
Anyway, it was a jam-packed and beautiful weekend. And I'm glad that we got some of the tourist spots out of the way. We are trying to get back to see cousin Dima play with the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra August 8. Aaaaah Asia.