Sept 8-9 Pamplona (camino starting point)

What a great little town, made famous with the running of the bulls. Thank goodness I booked our hotel room a few months ago. Being the weekend, many hotels and albergues were full ("completo" or "lleno" are not Spanish words I wish to hear when trying to book accommodations). 

On Saturday there were many street markets with vendors dressed in medieval costumes and some of the products being sold were unique. And I must emphasize the gastronomical delights - the bakery and pastry shops, the tapa bars and restaurants, all featuring local foods. One could gain a few pounds if staying too long!

This vendor had animated characters for old stories. A hit with the kids.

Sept 6-7 Madrid

We're always anxious before a major trip and it's hard to sleep the night before leaving. To add to the anxiety, there is the fear of not waking up on time. But as always, everything went smoothly and we had a very interesting passenger sitting next to us - George from Victoria, who worked for BC Stats and therefore we had some common interests. We talked the entire trip from Toronto to Madrid, which passed the time very quickly. And what a coincidence, he was staying in the same building as us, but a different hotel.

Without any sleep on the plane we arrived feeling like zombies, but knew we had things to do before we could take a nap. First order of business was the tourism office to get directions and map to get our passport (Compostela) for the camino and the bus station to get to Pamplona (our camino starting point). Once done, off to the supermarket for some refreshments. And, boy did we sleep well once our heads touched the pillow! At about 5pm, off to see the town, but still feeling a little drowsy. Dinner was early this evening and back to the room to relax.

El Corte Ingles Supermarket with the Star Wars Theme

Day 2 we were feeling much more alert and after breakfast off to Orange Mobile to buy a SIM card for our phone. Little did we know it would be a 4-hour ordeal! Before leaving for Spain I confirmed with our phone company that the phone was unlocked, but after purchasing a SIM card for $30 I was informed that the phone was locked.  Then the adventure began with Virgin Mobile Canada. Because of the time difference I needed to wait until the Canadian offices were open and then being transferred to three different departments. Eventually the phone was unlocked and the new SIM card inserted. A time for celebration! Off to the Mexican Factory restaurant for a burrito and margaritas. Yes, the Mexican culture is making its way into Spanish life. There are many more Mexican restaurants and Mexican foods in super markets.

High price hotel with rich guests. This old racing car has no space for luggage.

A very shiny hood!

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.