Thailand - Day 2 Bangkok

Our first full day to experience Thailand...

A Tuk-Tuk, the economy tricycle-taxi of Thailand.  Open air so you can enjoy the cool 37+ degree air radiating off the streets.

Sweet Pink Rims!!! They must be standard issue for everyone on the Ford Racing Team

The most ingenious parking system ever!  When all the parking places are taken, you just park in front of the other cars and leave your car in neutral.  When people need to leave they just roll your car out of their way.

The local market Pudtan took us to for lunch

The first of many "snacks"

We had to walk through the kitchen to get to the dining room in the back, but obviously it is the fresh cooking that draws people in from the street

A sweet Jelly drink to help us digest our meal

browsing the market after lunch

fresh spices

Wat Phrakaeo - The Grand Palace
Warut's mom worked for the Princess, so she has a VIP parking pass that allowed us to park inside of the palace gates.  

The ornamentation and detail is amazing.  It is actually a bit overwhelming as everything appears as if it should be the focal point

Everyone enjoys a break in the shade

Ella Ella, ay ay ay, under my umbrella

Basically the same picture twice...or is it?

Model of Angkor Wat

Phra Si Rattana Chedi

After viewing the Grand Palace we decided to exit from the main gates.  When we tried to walk around to the side gate to get the car we were told the palace was closed and we could not enter...

...because the Prince was on his way to change the robes on the Emerald Buddha for the summer season.

After the Prince had entered the Palace they allowed Pudtan to be escorted by guard to pick up the car, and meet us at the gate.

Traditional Thai street food carts

Pudtan & Warut highly recommended we stop at this shop and pick up a roasted duck for dinner 

Nothing like watching the chef chop and prepare the entire duck once you select the one you want

a Tuk-Tuk stand

Relaxing at Warut's house after a hot day touring Bangkok

Warut, his Mom, Pudtan, and Aya eagerly awaiting dinner

Everyone will have to wait for one more picture

Cheers!!!

Aya and I decided to explore the area around our hotel and found a cool open air restaurant to enjoy a few appropriately named beers.

Thailand - Day 1 Bangkok

Over the Golden Week holiday Aya and I finally managed to expand our range beyond Japan and the United States, traveling to Thailand for our honeymoon 2 years in the making.

 Pudtan and Warut, friends from LSU, welcome us as we enjoy some cool cocktails and the great view of Wat Arun across the river

 Wat Aurn @ night

Cheers!

Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall.  As we would soon learn the best time to sight see is at night, so you can avoid the blazing sun.