Khaosan Road
I’m writing this from an internet cafe on khaosan road, a backpacker’s destination in Bangkok (of The Beach movie fame). [Remind me to reset every password I have...] Unfortunately, this means no photos for now.
Getting to the city proved difficult – I arrived at about 2 am last night after well over 24 hours of travel. Miraculously, like a cat landing on its feet after a fall, I am somehow on the right sleep schedule.
Today Greg and I went to the Grand Palace, which is a compound of many buildings and minor temples, culminating in a visit to the building housing the Emerald Buddha. This small statue (about 75 cm) is a highly revered symbol of both the local religion and embodies a nationalism due to its history of theft by foreign invaders and subsequent re-acquisition by war over the centuries. One interesting thing about it is that it has three sets of “clothing”, one for each season (hot, cool, rainy). These bejeweled garments are changed by the king himself in a solemn ceremony at the beginning of each season.
We’re off now to one of the weekend markets, then a late lunch. Tonight, we’re planning dinner at a place called the “Bed Supper Club” – meals are served on large beds. And what a ridiculous name – I have to see it. Tomorrow we’ll find our way to Chiang Mai via overnight train.
More later from the road…
