Bangkok
The Qantas flight from Sydney went smoothly and we landed at 11.50 p.m. after 9 hours in the air. Both watched "Black Swan" very disturbing. We were met by Anu from Dietholm travel and he turned out to be our personal guide for the whole stay! Charming and helpful and recently at university. The car took us to the Sheraton Grande Sukhumit in about 30 minutes - the roads are amazing with traffic jams and flyovers. A very grand room on the 17th floor overlooking the swimming pool and very central at the convergence of 2 skytrain lines. We were woken at 7 a.m and went by car to the Grand Palace which is beautiful. The temple of the Green emerald buddha very impressive. The car dropped us at the tube station so Anu could explain the system which proved easy and quick. From the hotel we went to the Paragon centre where you can buy a Porsche or Lamborgini on the third floor (car as temple object!) We bought some outfits for Ciarán. Busy food court and then down to the basement to visit the Siam Oceanworld with sharks, rays, penguins and huge fish. We went on the behind the scenes tour and had our feet nibbled by tiny fish! Watched nutrias and otters being fed. Back to hotel for pickup to go on river cruise on old boat with excellent Thai food and dancers. Had the full alcoholic package of mai tai and wines and amaretto!
Tuesday up at 7am to go on tour with Anu using river taxi, sky train and tuk tuk. Flower market on roadside, temple with huge reclining Buddha. We opened up lotus flowers and folded the petals before presenting them. The lotus is a symbol of enlightenment and of the Buddha. Across river to the exquiaite Temple of the Dawn which we did not climb.
Jim Thompson house where had coconut milk and watermelon juice and interesting our with many lovely things. To Siam Central world where we bought Jim Thompson items and found Marks and Spencers! Looked at swim trunks but expensive. Back to hotel to rest and check out of room at 6 p.m. Unable to print boarding pass at business centre and in fact it turned out I had changed the seats for the flight to the back row 2 together. Qantas site does not allow reentry once you have checked in. To hotel pool but water cold but enjoyed the jacuzzi. To the hotel spa for a full body aromatherapy massage in couples room - very relaxing. Sat in hotel library until 10 p.m. pickup to airport and checked baggage in. Flew at at 00.45 and 12 hours later at Heathrow. Guy across aisle kept muttering and even singing! Watched "Love and other drugs" and programme on Joan Sutherland.
Ciarán threw up when Louise arrived at airport car park so a short delay but we were in Acton by 9.30 a.m. He is very curly and had 12 teeth and recognised us. He says Duck, Dada, Jack and more sounds. Had a rest and snoozed and Louise brought us home - we met Ben at the station. Loads of post and magazines to read! Glad to be home. Woke up too early and up at 5.45 a.m.
Tuesday up at 7am to go on tour with Anu using river taxi, sky train and tuk tuk. Flower market on roadside, temple with huge reclining Buddha. We opened up lotus flowers and folded the petals before presenting them. The lotus is a symbol of enlightenment and of the Buddha. Across river to the exquiaite Temple of the Dawn which we did not climb.
Jim Thompson house where had coconut milk and watermelon juice and interesting our with many lovely things. To Siam Central world where we bought Jim Thompson items and found Marks and Spencers! Looked at swim trunks but expensive. Back to hotel to rest and check out of room at 6 p.m. Unable to print boarding pass at business centre and in fact it turned out I had changed the seats for the flight to the back row 2 together. Qantas site does not allow reentry once you have checked in. To hotel pool but water cold but enjoyed the jacuzzi. To the hotel spa for a full body aromatherapy massage in couples room - very relaxing. Sat in hotel library until 10 p.m. pickup to airport and checked baggage in. Flew at at 00.45 and 12 hours later at Heathrow. Guy across aisle kept muttering and even singing! Watched "Love and other drugs" and programme on Joan Sutherland.
Ciarán threw up when Louise arrived at airport car park so a short delay but we were in Acton by 9.30 a.m. He is very curly and had 12 teeth and recognised us. He says Duck, Dada, Jack and more sounds. Had a rest and snoozed and Louise brought us home - we met Ben at the station. Loads of post and magazines to read! Glad to be home. Woke up too early and up at 5.45 a.m.
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