ljplicease | Thailand

We arrived safely and well cared for in Bangkok - Thai Airlines proved hospitable with excellent service and food....

After a night's rest ... we toured the Royal Palace and its multiple buildings and shrines, another temple with a huge 150' reclining Buddha plus many more of all sizes and dispositions. The outside of the temples are decorated with flowers made out of broken china! It's all spectacularly colorful, with not only china but gold leaf and colored stones shining in bright sunshine. In general, the atmosphere is peaceful and protected some from the hustle of the heavy traffic all over the city.

We had lunch on the banks of the River watching the river tours and barges going up and down. It is a working river with lots of activity and commerce. Our lunch we were told was at a "chain" restaurant, but since it was a Thai chain it was very exotic for us. Sweet and sour short ribs and garlic prawns with a papaya salad was our fare.

After lunch John took us to see the home of Jim Thompson - an American entrepreneur who came to Thailand after WWII and set about creating the finest silk manufacturing empire. He loved Thailand, and his home reflects that, built in traditional Thai architectural styles and filled with art work, collectibles, and religious objects from every Thai period back many centuries...

Tonight we had dinner at a restaurant called "Cabbages and Condoms" run by a wealthy gay man who uses the restaurant takings to support sex education in Thailand. Apparently, Thailand has done better than most in the region in controlling the aids epidemic in part because they have a very open attitude about discussing sexual matters and also to integrating/accepting people with different sexual orientation. This attitude has helped with public campaigns to encourage safe practices. The food was very good at the restaurant!

My Mum

Mum - I hope you don't mind I thought I would share some of your adventures in your round the world trip.