Thailand: Bangkok
Michael and I traveled to Thailand as part of our 2007 career break. The following is an excerpt from our travel blog.
[singlepic=475,200,,,right]We left the quiet windy roads of New Zealand, where we were greeted by sheep at every turn, to the tuk-tuk filled traffic of Bangkok, where the King’s smiling face looked down at us from billboards, banners, and even buildings. Bangkok travel would definitely prove to be a completely different experience.
Having arrived late afternoon, we decided to fight off travel lag by exploring the Suan Lum Night Bazaar for Michael’s first market experience in Thailand. Rows upon rows were filled with fabrics, t-shirts, carvings and jewelry, among hundreds of items. But bargaining would wait for another day as we headed to the open beer garden for Thai food and beer.
It was not a late night by any means as we were to rest up for our big day ahead. With just one full day in Bangkok before heading south, we had to be sure to get in the “must see’s”: The Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha; Wat Pho, home of the massive Reclining Buddha; and Wat Arun – the Temple of Dawn.
Grand Palace Photos
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The Grand Palace is a massive complex covering 61 acres, and its numerous temples and buildings reach dramatically up into the sky, offering colorful and expansive views that are difficult to capture on film or video. And within the complex is Wat Phra Kaeo, considered the holiest Buddhist site in the country and home to the most important image, the Emerald Buddha. You could easily spend hours meandering around the complex.
Wat Pho Photos
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It was just a short walk down the road to Wat Pho, the oldest temple in Bangkok, which also houses the 45 meter long Recining Buddha. As you admire Buddha in the position of him reaching Nirvana, the clank of coins being dropped in bowls resonates throughout the building. It is believed that if you drop a coin in each of the 108 bowls it will bring you good luck and a long life.
Wat Arun Photos
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Then just a quick ferry across the river and we find ourselves at Wat Arun. This wat dates back to the Ayuttaya period (the former capital) so it takes on more of a Khmer style architecture (think Angkor Wat) and really stands out from the rest of the temples. As we ascended p the extremely steep and narrow stairs (not for those afraid of heights) we could look across the river and spy the Grand Palace.
[singlepic=497,250,,,right]Our tour would not be complete without a stop in the backpacker haven of Khao San Road. Having a beer during the day was enough experience for us, as the street turns into an all night party.
As this was Thanksgiving Day, we were fortunate to have been invited to an orphan-Thanksgiving, hosted by a former Peace Corps volunteer. Greg worked under Pimsuda, who is now the CCS Country Director for Thailand, so we dined with many ex-pats and CCS staff and volunteers, most of who weren’t even American. Still, we had a lovely rooftop feast with all the works – turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and gravy. We were indeed thankful for the experiences that brought us this far.
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Leah on Mon, 6th Jun 2011 8:12 am
I really enjoyed reading your post. I am thirty-two soon and have itchy feet that are ready to try out foreign soils.
It is a fear of leaving the security of the day to day grind of paying the bills and living a safe and non-challenging way of life that has put me on hold for some time.
I hope (as it has I) your post will inspire others to go and follow their bliss – Leah 🙂
Patricia GW on Mon, 6th Jun 2011 8:54 am
Travel and experiencing a new culture really has put it into perspective, and filled that void with purpose (and joy).
In three weeks I’ll be moving to Paris myself for one month. I have the same feeling – the incredible surreal realization that I’m going to be living there…. it’s thrilling!!
Abby on Mon, 6th Jun 2011 2:11 pm
Oh, Jenny! Escargot isn’t palatable — it’s delicious! I love your writing style; it’s so fun and energetic. Can you believe how far we’ve come? Everyone, Jenny and I were in the exact same industry and have known each other online and via work emails for years and years. But we’ve only met once, many, many years ago. And one of those jobs she was sleeping next to her BlackBerry for was one I’d just left. And now she’s 33 and living abroad, just like I was last year. Kindred spirits. Jenny, you’re a true inspiration — I can’t wait to see how your adventure unfolds!
Debbie Beardsley on Mon, 6th Jun 2011 3:22 pm
Your life in Paris sounds ideal. It is nice to read about people who follow their dreams instead of wishing they had! Enjoy the rest of your journey.
Terriaw on Tue, 7th Jun 2011 1:40 pm
Wow, fabulous and well said! I love your new outlook on like. After experiencing career burnout and feeling a little lost and purposeless lately, you have encouraged me. I look forward to seeing Paris someday!
Jenny on Tue, 7th Jun 2011 6:50 pm
merci for all the sweet comments! @abby we are soooo kindred spirits! well except when it comes to our differing feelings on escargot…;) and congrats patricia on the move! thrilling indeed!
shawna on Thu, 9th Jun 2011 1:32 am
you’ve reawakened my travel bug. must. return. to. france. (someday.) eat a croissant for me!
Weekly Travel Blog Links — LandingStanding on Mon, 13th Jun 2011 6:16 am
[…] how badly I want to go to Paris… If only we could afford living there for an extended period of time during our travels! Any […]
G. Michael Schneider on Sun, 19th Jun 2011 3:36 pm
I am a firm believer in living and working overseas, just as you described. However, many of us actually like our jobs and our homes and are simply looking to renew and refresh our lives, not change it. However, you can have the same type of cultural experience without having to reach into your own wallet and without having to quit your day job–by taking what I call a “working vacation.” My wife and I have done this 15 separate times, from Australia to Zimbabwe, Turket to Tibet, Mauritius to Mongolia. I describe how to do it in my blog otherguysdime.wordpress.com and via Twitter at @otherguysdime. Learn how to have fun without having to have burn any of your bridges behind you.