Wow, the jet lag has kicked in and I'm probably going to fall asleep before I finish this. Or while I'm writing it. It's hot today. Sweltering, to be honest. Nice to be in my room with a bit of air con. Had breakfast at the hotel (toast/pineapple) before meeting my guide for the morning, Ami. We went to the Wat Pho first, home to a 15 foot high Buddha and the Reclining Buddha. Saw monks and had a really informative tour (my lucky colour is yellow since I was born on a Monday and women are not allowed to touch or give presents to monks... what would one give to a monk anyway?!).
Then we went to Wat Benchambopitr. Again, lovely but less shaded than Wat Pho. We spent time inside the temple just sitting, watching a monk pray with a small group of people. It was very peaceful (complete contrast to the conditions I'm typing this in - listening to a group of pubescent chav's swearing) and very awe-inspiring. After that, I was dragged around two fancy jewellery shops, a tailors and a 'souvenir' shop (since when are $7,000 rugs a souvenir?!).
Back at the hotel now. I'm booked onto a River Cruise tomorrow night. It probably won't be much cooler but at least the sun will be gone. Not many other plans for the rest of today and tomorrow. I'd really like to get caught up on some sleep then maybe just explore the area tomorrow morning. Khaosan Road is just bursting with stalls but after today, I don't think I can hack much more haggling. Here are my impressions of Bangkok:
Contrasting: on the way into the city yesterday, there were little slum areas close to high-rise buildings. I haven't seen much of the 'rich', probably because of where I'm staying.
Fast: Today, I spent the morning in a car with a broken speedometer. Scary.
Spiritual - 400 temples in Bangkok alone. Think Ami said there was 30,000 in the whole of Thailand and 95% of Thailand is Buddhist.
Think that's my lot just now. HBO is the world's most random channel I've discovered!
Kirsty xx
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