Redefined Timeline

And just like that, our time in Cambodia had come to a close. Next challenge would be the sweaty, awful border crossing into Thailand. At least we didn’t have to bribe any customs officials this time! We just had to stand in a sweltering building with no air conditioning or moving air. Then a bus ride to Bangkok. Our time in the capital city was short and damp, but the Hubs and I did manage to wander a solid portion of Bangkok’s Chinatown in the Sampheng District, along with the governmental and royal seats in the Wang Burapha District.

The Kingdom of Thailand was the one country visited on this trip that had never been colonized. Instead the leaders befriended the United Kingdom’s royal family, so the pair had a good working relationship. Thailand’s official religion is Buddhism, but the country is also home to Hindus, Catholics, and Muslims who all live together in harmony. Remainder of the world take note.

Bangkok is the most populous city in Thailand with nine million people residing there. The sprawling urban metropolis is made up of fifty districts and is the seat of all branches of the national government. The Chao Phraya River snakes its way around the crowded streets, avenues that are lined everything from skyscrapers to temples plastered in gold and mosaics. Depending on your budget, one can partake in everything from luxury accommodation and high end dining to backpacker friendly holes in the wall. The city is steeped in centuries old tradition with accents of steel industrial modernism. And chaos, don’t forget the never-ending chaotic challenge navigating the urban landscape can be.

I honestly have very little intriguing, hilarious or unique insights into the sprawling city. Bangkok is large, extraordinarily busy, full of many markets, teeming with street food vendors, and it is home to a continuous cacophony of horns, unintelligible shouts and wails. While we were in Bangkok, the weather proved to be muggy and rainy. We darted from awning to awning, market to market to avoid the precipitation. Mostly successfully.

We did manage to find a cute little cafe in a part of town that looked dilapidated and was something I never would have discovered and Uncle Google not aided my search. Arteasia, A Hidden Cafe. Delectable little treats!

Other than the sights we happened upon during our jaunts in the sweaty metropolis, one can also embark on the Hop On/Hop Off bus around the city. If you are dressed a bit more conservatively than I was, I would recommend seeing the Temple of Emerald Buddha, the Grand Palace and/or the Wat Pho Temple. Adorned in magnificent golden details, all are accessible to the public for a fee and proper dress. Lastly, there are the Khlong Lat Mayom (floating market) and Bangkok Art & Cultural Centre (museum) as other options for enjoyment.

Bangkok was the end of our time with our current awkward group of travel companions, and it marked the beginning of our next week with a new group that proved to be much less forgettable and strange. See ya, Mr. Bean doppelgänger, you will not be missed. Also, I failed miserably with my goal of getting caught up on blog posts prior to flying to the Maldives, and I am now almost TWO YEARS behind. I shouldn’t give myself such lofty ambitions in the future. Next we head to the beaches of Thailand.

Almost forgot the handstand in Bangkok!