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

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.