Saturday, December 3, 2016

Dec 3 Bangkok Temples

To date we've visited five temples- 1 Sikh, 1 Chinese and three Thai Buddha. The latter being the most impressive, with so much gold being used for statues. 

Sikh Temple



Chinese Temple, many locals and visitors coming for prayers

Buddha Temples
This Buddha is made of gold

Valter, Italian living in England on tour with us


BuddhaTemple#2




BuddhaTemple #3 is next to the King's Palace and was built by the reigning King.
Monks in training


Apparently Buddha used to lay on his side when teaching.





















Dec 2 On the Streets of Bangkok

What a big and interesting city, and I was corrected, there are 13 million people living in Bangkok. Our hotel Grand China right in the heart of China Town, and at night it is impossible to walk on some sidewalks. Street food operators spring up, and many set up tables and chairs. There are many other operators selling almost everything you can imagine, and lots of gold shops, selling mostly to Chinese tourists.







Julie looking down at the large lizard next to a canal 


Lots of traffic on the river


Friday, December 2, 2016

Penises and Winged Cocks

Some other Railay moments of fertility shrines and fighting cocks.
Fertility Shrine...and a pile of bones



The resort owner and his fighting cocks

This lizard was over 1 meter long





December 1 Travel day Krabi to Bangkok

Very anxious leaving Railay Bay Resort. We booked a long tail boot leaving from Railay East and hoping that we would not have to wade in the water with our suitcases. And it was a relief seeing our boat on the pier. However, it was a long floating pier that moved as we walked. No mishaps leaving, however both Julie and I almost did a face-plant getting off the boat at the Krabi pier.

Good-bye Railay


Lots of longtail boats coming and going transporting visitors and supplies

We were a bit anxious arriving at the Bangkok airport, not knowing whether we would have to negotiate with the taxi driver, but all went well. We were amazed how well organized the transportation area is, and the taxi drivers must always use their meters, hence no haggling required. But what a shock coming from Railay where there are no cars and arriving in Bangkok with a population of 10 million, and the streets always looking like rush hour. And very quickly getting adjusted to busy intersections and busy sidewalks. Walkways are also a hazard since some scooters use them for shortcuts.



What a surprise to see our names as we arrive to our hotel.


Saturday, November 26, 2016

Monkey Business

NWe watched the most funny thing today, a monkey dropped from the tree and grabbed a lady's grocery bag as she walked to the beach. It grabbed the Pringles container inside the bag and jumped back on the tree branch and proceeded to open the container and started eating the chips. I think this particular monkey had stolen before. He knew what to look for. The other younger monkeys were looking on with envy. 

Unfortunately I didn't have my camera to capture this moment. Borrowed Google image is similar.

They look so cute, but you must always keep your eyes on them. 
They can not be trusted. Guard your bags at all times.








Mario playing with of a local boy. One vendor got angry because the ball was hitting his merchandise, and told them to go play on the beach.



Friday, November 25, 2016

Things to do in Railay

Things to do in Railay.

Eating is a good start to the day, and bringing food back for the resident cat.

Playing with the many cats.

Playing peek-a-boo

Eating some more from beach boats

Watching sea snakes

Watching this guy taking some punishment from this tough broad

Rock climbing or best yet, watching

Visit to the caves

Beach walks