When we first moved to Thailand we often wondered and speculated who might be our first visitors from the U.S.
Monday night they were entertained as we made our way down the crowded soi's of Patpong where we were surrounded by street vendors selling everything from pirated DVD's, porno DVD's, miscellaneous knock-off watches, clothing, and pocket books while at the same time being hawked by all the bar girls standing outside the open-air go-go bars blasting music from both DJ's and live bands. The bar that stood out the most was the one that boasted the sign "Super Pussy." This venue is one that is famous for the "ping pong ball" show...use your imagination! After a quick walk through and a beer they were ready to head back to the hotel as they could barely keep their eyes open. Jet lag was starting to take effect. After bargaining with the driver we all crowded into a small "tuk-tuk" and made our way back to our comfortable beds at the Holiday Inn.
Tuesday was an early start as we headed for Bangkok's Chao Phraya river via the BTS Skytrain. Once at the river we all boarded a river taxi for the 20 minute ride up to the area of the two famed Temples...Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Grand Palace. By late afternoon we were ready for a refreshing shower and a quick nap before heading out for the evening.
Evening brought a quick stop by the Walen School of Thai where we had attended during our first six months. There we met owner, Mac Walen, who later joined us at a nearby restaurant along with two of his administrators. While there we were treated to a local elephant that wandered up along with it's rider and trainer looking for tourists that were prompted to buy small packets of sugar cane for feeding. We only had time for a quick beer as we were having dinner at one of our favorite outdoor restaurants not far from where our condo had been. As it turned out it was one of Shawna's favorite dinners while here. We all tur
ned in early as the jet lag was really "kicking in" as Craig and Shawna was having trouble keeping their eyes open. The big Singha beers didn't help either.
After another late afternoon shower and nap we were again ready for that evening's entertainment. Front row seats at the famous "Calypso Cabaret" located in the Asia Hotel. For those unfamiliar with this stage show it is known as the "lady-boy" show. Most of whom are either transsexuals or transvestites. It's sort of scary how beautiful some of them are. I personally was singled out, sung to, given a kiss, and laid out on the stage to every one's delight and laughter. I guess that's what happens when you're in the front row! What a conclusion to the last night in Bangkok.
Thursday was a leisurely breakfast followed by a noon check out. Quick trip to the airport to catch an afternoon flight up to Chiang Mai where Craig and Shawna would spend the remainder of their holiday. Thursday evening they were treated to some familiar cui
sine...pizza at Duke's on the Ping River.
Their remaining days included a day in the mountains at the Mae Taeng Elephant Camp where they were treated to an elephant show, elephant ride through the mountains, an ox cart ride, buffet lunch, and ended with an hour bamboo raft ride down a quiet river. Of which one of the highlights were girls meeting us in the middle with a float carrying submerged cans of beer for sale.
Another day was spent driving up to the famous Temple, Wat Doi Suthep, lo
cated in the foothills just west of the city. From there we traveled further to visit a local hills tribe village where we explored on foot, had lunch, and bought some of their local handicrafts. I don't know if it was the constant heat, or the 200 plus steps up to Wat Doi Suthep, but Craig looked down at his feet and discovered they were about twice the size as they should be. We decided that following dinner that evening we would all go for foot massages. Well, the look from his masseuse when she saw his feet...let's just say it was "priceless!" That evening Phyllis also attempted to get the swelling down. A combination of soaking them in a bucket of ice water, to more massaging, and lying down with his feet elevated. At this point we took advantage of his incapcit
ation by placing flowers between his toes.
Luckily by the next morning the swelling had subsided some and he was able to make the flight back to Bangkok, where they caught their connecting flight via Korean Air which routed them through Seoul, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, and finally back to Boise.
Then on Monday evening, March 9th, we welcomed our daughter Shawna, and our son-in-law, Craig with a big "Land of Smiles" smile when they arrived at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Actually it was a mixture of smiles and tears as Shawna and her mom greeted each other with big hugs and kisses! Craig and I was not quite that emotional but have to admit it was touching and did rub off as I felt my eyes watering but brushed it off as the hot tropic air and pollution of Bangkok...hmm, if you can believe that.
Our driver and van was waiting to introduce them to the crazy Bangkok traffic as he transported us into the heart of the city and to the Holiday Inn Silom which is conveniently located on Silom Road not far from the infamous "Patpong" area of Bangkok. For the next three days they would experience many of the sights, sounds, and flavors of Bangkok.
Monday night they were entertained as we made our way down the crowded soi's of Patpong where we were surrounded by street vendors selling everything from pirated DVD's, porno DVD's, miscellaneous knock-off watches, clothing, and pocket books while at the same time being hawked by all the bar girls standing outside the open-air go-go bars blasting music from both DJ's and live bands. The bar that stood out the most was the one that boasted the sign "Super Pussy." This venue is one that is famous for the "ping pong ball" show...use your imagination! After a quick walk through and a beer they were ready to head back to the hotel as they could barely keep their eyes open. Jet lag was starting to take effect. After bargaining with the driver we all crowded into a small "tuk-tuk" and made our way back to our comfortable beds at the Holiday Inn.
Tuesday was an early start as we headed for Bangkok's Chao Phraya river via the BTS Skytrain. Once at the river we all boarded a river taxi for the 20 minute ride up to the area of the two famed Temples...Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Grand Palace. By late afternoon we were ready for a refreshing shower and a quick nap before heading out for the evening.
Evening brought a quick stop by the Walen School of Thai where we had attended during our first six months. There we met owner, Mac Walen, who later joined us at a nearby restaurant along with two of his administrators. While there we were treated to a local elephant that wandered up along with it's rider and trainer looking for tourists that were prompted to buy small packets of sugar cane for feeding. We only had time for a quick beer as we were having dinner at one of our favorite outdoor restaurants not far from where our condo had been. As it turned out it was one of Shawna's favorite dinners while here. We all tur
ned in early as the jet lag was really "kicking in" as Craig and Shawna was having trouble keeping their eyes open. The big Singha beers didn't help either.Wednesday was a early start as we met our tour guide and driver in the lobby at 7:30. After about an hour and half drive west of Bangkok we were met by our long-tail boat driver. However, before boarding for the half hour klong ride to the famous floating market Craig had to make a stop at the local toilet where he experienced his first "Asian squat toilet." Once at the floating market we boarded one of the local flat bottom paddle boats that make their way through the congested market waterway. If you've ever experience "bumper cars" at a carnival...well, this is similar, just in boats.
After leaving the market our van was waiting to return us to Bangkok, but we made a scheduled stop at the Thai Wood Crafting Center. Here we were able to see locals actually doing the teak carvings, some of which take up to 8 months to complete. On display is perhaps some of the most beautiful carved teak furniture ever to be seen.
After another late afternoon shower and nap we were again ready for that evening's entertainment. Front row seats at the famous "Calypso Cabaret" located in the Asia Hotel. For those unfamiliar with this stage show it is known as the "lady-boy" show. Most of whom are either transsexuals or transvestites. It's sort of scary how beautiful some of them are. I personally was singled out, sung to, given a kiss, and laid out on the stage to every one's delight and laughter. I guess that's what happens when you're in the front row! What a conclusion to the last night in Bangkok.
Thursday was a leisurely breakfast followed by a noon check out. Quick trip to the airport to catch an afternoon flight up to Chiang Mai where Craig and Shawna would spend the remainder of their holiday. Thursday evening they were treated to some familiar cui
sine...pizza at Duke's on the Ping River.Their remaining days included a day in the mountains at the Mae Taeng Elephant Camp where they were treated to an elephant show, elephant ride through the mountains, an ox cart ride, buffet lunch, and ended with an hour bamboo raft ride down a quiet river. Of which one of the highlights were girls meeting us in the middle with a float carrying submerged cans of beer for sale.
Another day was spent driving up to the famous Temple, Wat Doi Suthep, lo
cated in the foothills just west of the city. From there we traveled further to visit a local hills tribe village where we explored on foot, had lunch, and bought some of their local handicrafts. I don't know if it was the constant heat, or the 200 plus steps up to Wat Doi Suthep, but Craig looked down at his feet and discovered they were about twice the size as they should be. We decided that following dinner that evening we would all go for foot massages. Well, the look from his masseuse when she saw his feet...let's just say it was "priceless!" That evening Phyllis also attempted to get the swelling down. A combination of soaking them in a bucket of ice water, to more massaging, and lying down with his feet elevated. At this point we took advantage of his incapcit
ation by placing flowers between his toes.Luckily by the next morning the swelling had subsided some and he was able to make the flight back to Bangkok, where they caught their connecting flight via Korean Air which routed them through Seoul, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, and finally back to Boise.
These pictures are highlights from their trip and speak more than I can possibly put into words. Needless to say they had a full itinerary and was probably relieved to be flying back so as to be able to recoup and recover. They were exhausted. 
