Bangkok

I arrived in Bangkok and headed to the famous Kao Shan Road where backpackers gather, sleep, drink and shop. I arrived at 10 p.m. at night when the road was blocked off from traffic (as it is every night) because people gather in the streets to browse street vendors shops, drink alcohol from buckets, transform their image by getting fake dreadlocks applied to their heads or henna tattoos, and test their taste buds on street Pad Thai and Banana Pancakes for $20 Baht (a little less than $1 US). The next morning I hired a tuk tuk, a small three wheeled motorcycle reminiscent of the cheap Pulmonias in Mazatlan, as cheap transportation to take me around town.


I visited several Buddha statues including the standing Buddha. I have learned that the position the Buddha statue is in, i.e. standing, sitting, lying down, each has a different meaning, as well as the position his hands are placed in. I believe this particular statue is believed to bring luck and blessings when you pray in front of it.



I also hired a taxi to visit the famous ancient city of Ayutthaya. This city is the ancient capital of Thailand from 1350 until 1767 when the city was destroyed by Burmese invaders.



Near by I was able to visit elephants that offer tourists an opportunity for a quick ride or photo op. I choose the photo op : )

From Bangkok I headed south to Krabi and Railay Beach to do some rock climbing and spend yet more time on the beach. The waters of near by Pranang Beach are so beatiful, they could seduce you into drowning. See pictures next post : )