Final Bangkok blog

I was too ill yesterday to post any final pics so here they are for those of you who have been following my travels.
It was very quiet in Soi 19 so a game of street cricket was in order for these Indian tailors. Guess no one felt like trying on a suit in 40 degree heat.

This is what the inside of a legitimate massage parlour looks like - not busy today though.

Family outing - look mum - no helmet

I am always impressed at how the buildings just keep growing

Last view of Bangkok - the long long walk to the departure gate at the new airport. Fairly impressive building in terms of size.

Hope you enjoyed these glimpses.

Quiet day

Yes there is such a thing as a bad massage - we just had one. The foot massage was ok but the head massage was anything but. More of a poke and a breast rub which was indeed very odd. My head is now very sore to touch. Maybe they had the second string team on today but it certainly wasn't overly pleasant. Tough I hear you say and you are probably right - too much of a good thing .

Anyway after the excitement of yesterday we have taken it easy today with only that one excursion except that Peter is out exploring again. He goes on long walks and finds interesting things to look at but it is all too hot for me today. I think a swim is on the cards.

Anyway - here are a couple of shots from the last few days.

Monks are treated very kindly here

You can even send them food parcels

This chicken was very tempting too.

I got some of these roses for my birthday

One more of the silk from yesterday - isn't it luscious

Birthday in Bangkok

First excursion of the day was to a Thai Craft Fair. These are held regularly with different villages bringing along crafts that they have made. It is a wonderful way to get income for small villages as well as developing new skills.
These were some baskets which would be fabulous at home but too big to get onboard the plane I fear.

These timber chairs were actually part of the Hotel display I think as there were no price tags on them but amazing organic shapes don't you think?

If you look closely - the colour in these bags is created by dyed silkworm pods.

Jim Thompson is credited with reviving the Thai silk trade and although he disappeared mysteriously many years ago his legacy lives on. His products are very expensive and elegant but there is a Factory outlet which is 5 floors of silk and cotton products. These are a selection of cushion covers in every colour of the rainbow.

Here are some of the racks of silk bolts. I bought some wonderful two colour silks and some amazing pleated silk.

As it was my birthday I also managed to fit in a facial and a wonderful Italian Dinner. Yes I know the Thai food is great here too but variety is always good.

In the Heat

It is very warm here in Bangkok which does tend to slow you down a lot. But I hear we are having torrential rain at home which is well overdue. Just hope my house is not flooding.
There are skyscrapers growing overnight here (or so it seems). This one is just near our apartment and I don't know about you but there is something very phallic about this building but I will leave that to you to decide.

Today we went to the weekend markets Chatachuk which - seeing as it is Friday - was pretty interesting as only a few stalls were open and the others were either closed or setting up for tomorrow. I have been there many times before and negotiating the completely incomprehensible labyrinth is impossible in the heat and crowds. Luckily the bead stall that I like is open on Fridays so it was found with relative ease.



Finding my way back to the train station was not as easy carrying an undisclosed weight of beads in 40degree temperatures but I managed.
Chatachuk is, however, a definite must see place for any visitor to Bangkok on a weekend as you can buy anything from turtles and rats to food, clothes, antiques, furniture, art, craft - just about anything. But tip for unwary travellers - if you see it, like it - BUY IT THEN. You will never find the stand again!

Japanese lunch followed (it was airconditioned) and then back home for a swim.
This is some street food which looked really tempting too.


Once we recovered it was back out to face yet another foot massage - well someone has to keep the economy going.

The Emporium is one of many glossy malls each with a Versace, MontBlanc, Cartier, etc etc store. I have never worked out why they need so many in Asian cities as they are invariably empty but never the less - they are there.

They have a wonderful food hall too with lots of samples - quite filling really if you go through the entire hall


Love the way these prawns were packed.

There was however a large display of Thai goods and I loved this quilt. Didn't buy it but did get a couple of dyed shirts in the same store.

Where am I?

Ok - it's very hot, the smell of spices and motorbikes fill the air and I am just about to go and be pampered again.

You guessed it - Bangkok!

Here for a few days R&R before a frantic couple of months and am really enjoying the pampering and the food.

A few shots to tempt/torment/amuse you.

We went up the river this morning to Chinatown where I bought some plastic bags - yes I know it is a long way to come for plastic bags but they are really nice ones....

This is one of the old houses which line the river although they are fast being removed for condos and hotels.


Old makes way for new everywhere here!



Floor to ceiling plastic bags in every size you want ..and SOOOOO cheap!


That was pretty exhausting so lunch was next - here are two of the four dishes which were all very very delicious

To recover from lunch I had to go and have another foot massage - not a great shot but I felt a bit rude snapping all these sleeping people.

Shopping centres here are art forms - here are some sculptures

These seem to be made out of some form of construction paper & wires.

These are butterflies




OK - enough for now so off for a manicure and pedicure - saving the body scrub and facial for my birthday on Saturday.