Bangkok!

From May 18, 2009. Yesterday I explored Bangkok. I have to admit that I am quite proud of myself for taking a van, then the sky train, and then a boat to downtown Bangkok without getting lost. Well, I might have gotten lost once, but it led me to a lively street market where I bought fresh pineapple, bananas, and a green pistachio pastry shaped like a lotus flower, a specialty from southern Thailand. I took a boat which operate like water taxis here along the Chao Phraya River to Wat Arun, Temple of Dawn (Wat means temple in Thai). The temple was beautiful and glistened in the sun. The towers were covered with mosaics made of Chinese porcelain and elegant narrow pathways through the monastery were lined with pools and statues. The most impressive statues were the two fine giants, Yuk Wat Jaeng, mortal enemies of the Yuk Wat Po across the river. I took the ferry across to take a look at the Yuk Wat Po and was taken back by the beauty of this temple too. Wat Po is a very large compound and houses the Thai Traditional Medical School. Given my interest in natural medical practices, I could not resist getting a massage. The Thai massage is similar to Indian Ayurveda and Chinese acupuncture and is intended to have healing effects on the body. It seemed like the therapist was definitely getting a work out as well while she was using her hands, legs, knees, and feet to move my body into all sorts of positions. Overall it was a very energizing experience but there were times when she was putting me into yoga-like stretches when I wasn't quite sure what I had gotten myself into. Next time I go, I would like to try the foot reflex zone massage. It must be noted that everything is incredibly cheap here, including one hour long massages.

I have added a few pictures from Wat Arun and Wat Po but I am very frustrated that my camera could not capture the true beauty. Also, the towers are so high that they usually do not fit onto one picture. I also apologize for the aesthetics of the picture arrangement, but this website is making things very difficult.