HIGHLIGHTS OF BANGKOK

Our introduction to the Far East was Bangkok , a huge sprawling polluted Metropolis.  The best way to travel is by sky train and the river as most of the time the city is gridlocked – hence the pollution.

Temples are evident all over Bangkok with Buddhas for every occasion. Many of the buildings have traditional Thai roofs with polished orange and green tiles gleaming in the hot sun, and ornate walls covered in marble or decorated with gold and guarded by snakes and traditional Buddhist creatures

A ride in a tuk tuk took us to other parts of the city - the only way to travel through the busy streets.  It was an experience!  The driver weaved in and out through gaps in the stationary traffic and just when you thought it couldn't get worse, he would suddenly increase his speed and do a U turn across a slow moving six lane road in order to find a better route!  The better route proved to be the back streets which certainly showed a different side of life to the cosmopolitan main streets.  The poverty was in great contrast to the gold and bejewelled decoration of the many temples and Buddhas.

Our evenings were spent exploring the busy streets, packed with street vendors.  We met an elephant, complete with rear light flashing on his tail, wandering down a crowded street! The most interesting street traders were those selling all manner of delicacies, crickets, frogs, maggots, locusts, all nicely crisped along with various types of fish, burgers etc.  We ate in local restaurants with extensive menus (sea bass cooked in 19 different ways!) and enjoyed delicious, inexpensive meals.

We thoroughly enjoyed our 3 day visit and would have liked one more day before moving North to Chiang Mai.

Anne Tester