Thailand Day #3
We had planned to head East to the Khao Yai National Park for some fun in the jungle. Before leaving, I really wanted to go swimming in the incredible hotel pool. We could see it whenever we walked around the hotel grounds—it was beautiful and huge, with a pool bar and everything. Yet, we hadn’t even stuck our toes in. So, after our second delicious breakfast with watermelon juice we hit the pool. As soon as we got in we started to jokingly rethink our plans to leave. Then we started thinking about it more seriously… until we were completely sold on the idea. We giddily (a word?) rushed up to reception about 30 minutes before check out to ask for another couple of nights. The first two nights had been free with Tom’s points… the 3rd and 4th nights we stayed in the same fabulous “Junior suite w/river view” with all the freebies for a mere $139. As much as I had been looking forward to the park and jungle hiking, the Marriott resort was too relaxing not to take advantage of it… and after the train ride we were still a bit hesitant to spend another day in travel right away.

We celebrated by getting back in the pool and having fru-fru drinks in the pool. It was fantastic.

Later, we dried off and set out to get Tom a haircut. We then grabbed our free cocktails and appetizers on the hotel before jumping on a gorgeous rice boat for a sunset cocktail cruise run by the hotel. Turned out we were the only guests to sign up (though the dinner cruise was booked every night) so it was our own personal cruise. Got a bit tipsy and spilled my margarita, but it couldn’t have been the first time they’ve seen that one.

After the cruise we set out for shopping and dinner. We took the free Marriott water shuttle down the river to where their public train system starts. It is rather new and though it doesn’t go to far (like, not to the airport), it was very convenient for the areas it connected. We took the train to the Pat Phong area and checked out the “night market”. Also found a handicraft shopping mall just a bit after all of its stores closed. Never really got more than fresh juice and some toast to eat, either.

Day #4
Headed out to visit Bangkok temples (wats) and the Grand Palace. We followed the advice of our guide book and dressed in long pants and closed shoes and were soon roasting. First we visited Wat Pho- a beautiful temple with lots of reflecting glass pieces and a massive, gold reclining Buddha. After that, we walked several blocks in the direct, hot sun around to the entrance of the Grand Palace. More than one money-hungry taxi/tuk-tuk driver tried to sell us a Bangkok tour by claiming the palace was closed until 2pm for a royal ceremony. We kept walking. It was of course, very open.

Dying in the heat, we entered the palace grounds (which, as accurately portrayed by those fabulous Lonely Planet folks, did NOT allow you entrance in pants that ended 4 inches short of your ankle bones or in sandals or tank tops) where piles of gold, mirrors, glass, and other random shiny things made me feel like I was in a convection oven. The palace grounds contain the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. It was highly impressive. Literally every color imaginable with intricate details and extensive murals. The name refers to the toddler-sized jade Buddha that sits on top a huge throne of gold. He has no official history… but apparently he makes the king the king. He was pretty cute…

So then I thought we’d seen everything, but we hadn’t actually even seen the palace yet. And I was melting… melting…

We breezed through the royal palace area, I was secretly happy they don’t allow visitors… saw a weapons museum and had some Hagen Daaz, the profits from which go towards the upkeep of the temple and palace. Fancy that!

Took the water taxi both there and back- it was pretty fun all crammed in with all walks, students, tourists, orange-robed monks, your average thai commuter… bouncing up and down the river. Then we had the lovely Marriott boat to take us to our doorstep and headed straight to the pool!

(remember, pictures posted on yahoo…. There aren’t descriptions but they are in order so you should be able to generally follow along). Promise to post the rest of the trip this weekend! (and no… you aren’t missing anything from my day to day here- except that the JLPT is this weekend and it hasn’t snowed yet!!)