Bangkok in the daylight

While well-known for it's nightly entertainment, Bangkok offered a lot in the daylight too. Leaving our poolside paradise on the second day, Craig and I took to the city's bustling streets. Our first stop was the city's Grand Palace and dazzling Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha). Be advised that men and women must be wearing long pants and covered shoulders. If you aren't prepared, they do provide clothing inside the gates for a refundable 100 Baht deposit so no need to purchase something from the hawkers outside. Craig got to wear some scrub-like pants for the visit. For more on the palace visit http://www.bangkok.com/attraction-palace/grand-palace.html. The temple's glass mosaic walls reflect the sun at every step and the gold painted spires were remarkable against the clear blue sky. Inside the temple's sanctuary sits the emerald Buddha, dressed to suit the current season. We enjoyed the calm and serenity of the sanctuary, as well as, the respite it provided from the day's sun.

The palace itself was official looking but didn't impress us nearly as much as the temple. You'll find the national symbol of luck and happiness, the elephant, guarding the building instead of lions in Thailand.

Outside the palace we wandered through some of the city's older streets, taking in the smells, sounds and sights. Street-side food stalls are nestled all around the city; some offering curb-side seating. Day markets are not hard to find either. We stopped for some of the best Tom Yum soup at a local eatery. Tuk Tuks are a popular form of transportation in the city and can be heard from blocks away as they sputter through traffic. They remind me of a decked-out dune buggy. From the Tuk Tuks to the brightly-colored taxis I have to say that Bangkok has some of the most colorful traffic.

An easy, fun and cheap way to see the city and more local life is to ride along the river taxis. Several routes take commuters up and down the river and from bank to bank. For a fraction of a dollar we road the water taxis with the locals and took in the views of several other temples along the river's edge. The routes can be a little confusing as signs are written mostly in Thai. At one stop we didn't realize we had to disembark until a guard kicked us off because the route only shuttles people between the river banks. We just did a quick transfer to a faster boat that sped down the river. Cruising down the river also gives you a look at some of the life that exists at the water's edge. Wooden houses and house boats line parts of the shore.

After a day of sight-seeing we enjoyed a traditional Thai massage. Thai massage involves a lot of stretching and therapists use their entire body to aid relaxation. At times you may have to tolerate a little of discomfort but the benefits are well worth it!

We originally planned to leave Bangkok on the next day but, my travel companion and I swapped on the illness. Note that it is important to stay well hydrated in the Thai heat! You pay dearly if you don't; Craig can attest to that. As Craig convalesced at the hotel, I headed to Lumpini Park. Melting away a few pounds on the walk, I arrived at the city's largest park. What most intrigued me were the hundreds of joggers making their way along the paths. Having lived in China for a year I hadn't seen much running as a form of exercise in Asia. Locals and tourists were out exercising, playing and lounging. I watched some men playing a game using a rattan ball like a hackey sack that is kicked back and forth over a net like volley ball. The park proved to be a nice break from the Bangkok's noise and pollution.