Thailand

We arrived in Bangkok March 1st and stayed in the bustling city for a few days. Despite the heat, crowds, filth, and some very strange characters, we both really like it here! We stayed in the popular backpacker neighborhood of Thanon Khao San where at 2:30 am (when we arrived) the bars were still full and the street vendors still open. The accommodation is pretty cheap and the food even cheaper- delicious pad thai for under a dollar!
We walked to the Ko Ratanakosin area which has some of the countrys most holy sites: Wat Phra Kaew -Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and The Grand Palace- the former residence of the king which is still used for certain ceremonies. Both have amazing architecture with highly detailed artwork. We also went to two markets. The Chatuchak market is huge with vendors selling everything from live chickens to fake designer handbags. Outside Bangkok, we went to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Our fist canoe traffic jam! You can shop for fresh fruits and veggies or hot food from other canoes paddled by Tai women, or souvenir shops lining the banks of the canals. A very fascinating site.
And what visit to Bangkok would be complete without seeing a cobra fight a mongoose? We went to a cobra show which was actually pretty exciting. Some "highlights" include a man picking up a huge cobra by the tail while it strikes out at the audience, another man capturing three snakes by himself- one in each hand and the other with his mouth, and of course the fight between the cobra and the mongoose- apparently the mongoose wins every time!
So after these strange but exciting days in Bangkok, we headed south to relax on the famous islands. Yesterday we took a one hour flight to Phuket, and then two boats to the island of Phi Phi. We have a simple bungalow on the beach. The scenery is pretty and the water is clear and warm. And today we got our first Thai massage on the beach. Welcome to paradise!