Bangkok: Not Europe



Chinatown



So, when we arrived, Bangkok certainly didn't seem as crazy as we thought it would be. 

Now we're starting to get it. 

Chinatown closed the deal - food vendors haphazardly pushing their carts right through a sea of taxis and mopeds zigging like mosquitoes, that smell, and all sorts of people interested in "helping" us out.



Peaceful Fountain at the Jim Thompson House



Of course, we have managed to find of number of peaceful places to enjoy the city.

We spent a couple of hours at Jim Thompson's House - a famous expat (and former CIA agent) who built a successful business by reviving the Thai handwoven silk industry. 

Full of antique art and sculptures from his personal collection, the multi-building home and gardens depicts a life many could envision retiring to.



Wonderful Hotel Shuttle Boat to Sky Train



Since we're on the river, we've managed to take a variety of both comfortable hotel shuttle boats as well crowded local commuter boats.

The Sky Train, a modern elevated system, was also a nice way to see some of the downtown district well above the traffic.

 

It looked like there were hot dogs
 in this soup, but we're not so sure now.


Food courts are abundant and it is clear that some are meant for foreigners and others for locals. 

The attempt to westernize local food for us tourists is at times welcome since authentic cuisine definitely takes some getting used to.

One more day here in Bangkok before we head north to Chiang Mai for a couple of days.  Stay tuned...