Rest and play in Bangkok

After visiting a bunch of temples and museums we needed some fun. Here is what we did:

We went to the floating market. Bangkok used to be called the Venice of Asia and a lot of business used to be done in these markets.

Ali went on a shopping spree. No worries, when custom made shoes cost less than a six pack of beer this was not a financial disaster.

Mackerel anyone?

The spirit of the floating markets lives on here. Talk about point and pick food.

Our tour to the floating market included a boat ride to see fireflies and upon return we found this traffic jam. 

After the floating market Ali needed yoga to recover.

The shopping spree continued. Since I imagine some day I will need a job, I decided to get a custom tailored suit. How could I not, since the whole suit cost me less than renting a suit in the US for just one day and should look better than ever.

We took an easy day off to go to an amusement/water park with the Musik family.

Where we would get devoured by a lion and puked out by a panther.

We went on some pretty crazy rides. Notice there are no lines or crowds? Take that Disneyland.

The water slides made this my first water park ever.

I caught air while sliding down the 7 story tall speed slides - the tallest in South Asia.

And of course we had cartoon celebrities like… maybe my sis knows who this is.

Thai kitty says goodbye and chillax. 

The Temples of Bangkok

After arriving to Bangkok and selling the bikes we spent some time visiting the temples and museums like most tourists. Here are some pictures of the temples and architecture of Bangkok.

We stayed in the Phra Nakhon District in Bangkok. Within walking distance we could walk along the river and see the Santi Chai Prakan Pavillion shown above.

The Phra Sumen Fort was close to our accommodations and delighted us every night. 

We visited the royal palace. This is where the royal family used to live until they moved to a better neighborhood.

The place is amazing and Ali is clearly having a good time.

The walls are painted with gold leaf telling stories that mix religion, mythology, and history about the Thai people.

Of course the whole place is dedicated to Buddha. There is no official state religion in the Thai constitution, which guarantees religious freedom for all Thai citizens, though the king is required by law to be a Theravada Buddhist.

I found even the bell towers to be magnificent.

One temple is dedicated to the Emerald Buddha. The story goes that this Buddha was covered in plaster until it was struck by lightning and the Buddha was revealed. The Buddha has three sets of gold clothing and quite an amazing story.

There are many museums in the Royal Palace. We went to the the Royal Textile Museum as well as the Thai Historic Weapons Museum. No photography allowed in the museums so you miss out.

I leave you with the artsy picture of the week. Bye.