Four Nights in Bangkok - June 20-23 (Eric)

One last entry about Bangkok and we will be fairly up-to-date. I know "Four Nights" doesn't quite have the same ring as the Murray Head song from Chess, but what can we say. Bangkok was much more interesting than I expected. Yes, it is "crowded, polluted, stinking" as the song suggests, but it is filled with both a "little history" (or a lot depending on your view point) and a remarkable culture that I personally find fascinating. Unlike the voice of the song, Jenny and I were both gripped by the "muddy old river" and the "Reclining Buddha." Again to save time, I will bullet point the highlights and then finish with pictures.

• Bangkok at night (even if you get your "kicks above the waistline") is an experience. It is vibrant and electric even avoiding the party districts. 
• The Thai people are amazingly friendly. The nickname "A Land of a Thousand Smiles" is well deserved, and no, they're not just looking for a tip. Tipping is not expected in Thailand, but it is definitely much appreciated by the locals. 
• Visiting the temples ("a god in every golden cloister") and sights around Bangkok is a must, but be prepared to battle the crowds, especially at the Grand Palace. 
• The Tuk Tuk drivers, suit makers, and other service providers will aggressively try to sell you their products. Scorpions on a stick were one of the more unusual food items for sale (no, I did not try one - sorry to disappoint).
• Ayutthaya, an old capital of Thailand, is a short trip from Bangkok and contains some amazing ruins (if you've seen Mortal Kombat then you've seen them). We had a fabulous tour guide who showed us "everything but Yul Brynner." Our trip included being blessed by a Buddhist monk, a river boat tour, a Buddha head in tree roots, a chicken street, many amazing centuries-old ruins, and a six foot monitor lizard. 
• We did not make it to any "bars" or "massage parlors", but we did have a poolside massage at our hotel, the Riva Surya, which was delightful, but I must warn you if you have never had a Thai massage, the Thai people are quite strong, so you might want to ask them to be gentle. We also had a pleasant experience at Susie Wong's Beer and Buns (not what it sounds like) where we shared a good sandwich and good music with some of the locals. 
• And now pictures...