7/2/13

Bangkok

Laura said she got in around 2:45 am. I heard her come in but immediately fell back asleep. We set our alarms for 9:15 so that we would wake up in time to have breakfast that ended at 10. Charlotte, Steph, Sarah and Kristine came down and ate with us. There wasn't much food left when we got there but I was able to have cereal, fruit and yogurt and mini pancakes. There were other people in the restaurant who were just beginning their G Adventures tour so it was funny to overhear them talk about the itinerary.

We decided to meet downstairs again at 12:00 to say goodbye at checkout time. Laura and I went back to the room to just chill before 12. She packed and we used the wifi. I told her how weird it was going to be to not have a roommate until my next tour.

At 12 we went downstairs to meet with the other girls. I had the front desk call me a taxi but I did not understand what they were saying about where it would pick me up. I gave a final hug to all the girls. I was much sadder than I thought I was going to be considering I was only with them about 12 days. But I guess when you share rooms with people and hang out with them nonstop each day, you realize how close you can get to people in a short amount of time.

I headed outside and found a taxi on my own. Chen told us to find one that will use the taxi meter or else they will bargain with you for an inflated price and pocket the rest. We were also told not to use the tuk tuks because they are always more expensive. It took me a few tries but I did find one that would use the meter and take me to the grand palace.

It took about 30 mins. to get there. The driver dropped me off down the street from the entrance. By the time I got out of the cab, around 12:30, the heat and humidity was stifling.

I found the entrance where I was told I could use the sarong I brought to cover up but could not use my scarf to cover my shoulders. I had to get in line to rent a shirt. I paid a 500 baht deposit (about $18) to get a button up shirt. I then bought my ticket ($17) to get in to the palace.

Wearing my sarong and shirt made me even more uncomfortable. I had to also wear flats because you are not allowed to expose your toes! Soooo many rules! I got a map and started to walk around the temple side of the palace. It was very crowded, mostly with Asian tourists. They take pictures of everything! The temples were really beautiful and I also saw the "emerald" Buddha, which is actually made of jade, that I later found out.

After realizing that I wasn't sure of what I was looking at, I decided to join the free guided tour at 1:30. I decided to wait about 15 minutes in the shade of a temple before joining the tour. At 1:30, Ken, our guide, took us around the temple area to explain what everything was. Some fun facts I learned: the painted walls around the temple is the longest painting in the world, Bangkok's actual name in Thai is the longest capital city's name in the world AND kids have to learn how to say it in school, the story of how Thailand came to be involves a war of humans and monkeys fighting against demons, the "emerald" Buddha has 3 different outfits that the king changes when the seasons change, and the king no longer lives at the main palace but apparently his daughter does.

After visiting the jade Buddha, we had the option to continue the tour or to go off on our own. I decided to go on because I was starting to get hungry and dehydrated. I saw the palace on my own and a couple more temples on my own before leaving.

I got my deposit back after returning my clothes and attempted to get a taxi. Because it was the afternoon there was heavy traffic. None of the taxis would use the taxi meter and kept trying to overcharge me and pocket the money. After trying about 15 taxis, I got fed up and crossed the street to get a drink and chips at 7-11. I realized how hungry I was so I decided to go into Subway to get a sandwich because it was air conditioned.

After eating, I went back out to try to get a cab again. Still no luck. I got mad so I just started walking away from the palace hoping to maybe find a cab in the not so touristy part.

After walking about a mile or so, I felt like I was melting. I spotted a hotel across the way and decided to try to get a cab there. A man was getting dropped off in a cab so once he was out I asked the driver if he could take me to my hotel using the meter. He said yes!!! Thank God! I hopped right in and we were on our way.

It took a long time to get to the hotel because of traffic but the ride only cost $1.50. I gave him a good tip and went right to my room, put on the air, and chilled out.

Around 7:30, I headed to the train station to find the Hard Rock Cafe. It was only 4 stops away and required only 1 train switch. I got off at Siam Square which is basically a cluster F!!! There were people selling things on the narrow sidewalk so no one could really walk very quickly. I stopped in a pharmacy to ask for directions to the Hard Rock which was actually only about a 5 minute walk away. Once I found it, I was relieved. I went in the shop and picked out a cool pin for my dad. I checked the menu to see the prices but realized I didn't want to spend $15 on a meal where I could eat for maybe $3. I found a little chain restaurant called Chester's and had pasta and bread. I then immediately hopped back on the train to get back to my hotel.

When I got back I made sure everything was packed and ready to go for the morning so all I had to do was get dressed and go. I went to bed around 10:30 and set my alarm for 7:15.

Until next time!