Next morning we drove out out of Bangkok to the Damnern Saduak floating market. We took long-tailed taxis through the canals to the market. But when we arrived... it was something of a disappointment.
There were some people selling from sampans... but
mostly this was tourist market on land. This is where
I bought my traditional Thai hat, though. Back on
the bus, people thought I bought a lamp shade even
after I put it on my head. Or maybe because I had put it on my head. Nu explain that this was
the typical Thai hat and then everyone wished they
had bought one... come on' folks... what kind of
travellers are you? You were all VERY
busy buying that gem and gold jewelry!
And while we were at the market, Nu purchased some
real, fresh Druian for us to try, Well, some of us
tried it, not many. maybe three of us... and either
it was better than the candy, or I was getting used
to it. I had several pieces, then had to quit. I need
more time and practice to gobble down a whole chunk
of Durian. The darn stuff sure does stink. Nu
enjoyed the Durian that we were unable to finish, but
he has had a lot more practice.
In the afternoon, we toured the Grand
Palace. This is a startlingly, beautiful place.
Here is a site that has some lovely photos of the
Grand Palace... as nice as any that I took myself. Do
click on the thumbnails of the photos... the details
are exquisite and I am sure you will enjoy them. Here is another link with historical
information and more photos, should you be interested. This truly was a mind bending
experience... visiting this palace, and we went to
see the Emerald Buddha there. It isn't really
emerald... it is imperial jade... the most rare and
vibrant kind. It does look like emerald. This Buddha
gets his gold and jewelled garments changed by the
king three times a year. Most of the other Buddhas
are garbed in saffron robes, if that.. but this one
was different. Very different.
We had a cocktail gathering before dinner tonight... for our farewell dinner. I ordered a Margarita, and although it was delicious... made with fresh lime juice... I still maintain that there wasn't a drop of tequila in it.
We went to the Oriental Hotel for a marvelous
dinner and a program of traditional Thai dancing. The
dancers were lovely with beautiful glittering,
sparkly costumes. It was quite an evening.
Our wake up call the next morning came at 2:30 am to give time to check in for our 6:30 am flight home.
Everything went smoothly at the airport the next
morning. And fortunately we were too busy with all
the procedures to realize what a sad thing it was to
leave Thailand. As far as routine went, this was the
most entertaining airport I have ever been in. They had
machines that collect the departure tax, and a
machine that wrapped your luggage in a plastic band
after it was X-rayed. The people stuck stickers on
everything! On tickets, on carry-ons, on regular
luggage, on boarding passes... it was great sport.
Cuz and I were unable to get seats together for the flight to Tokyo. I did ok, but poor Cuz got a couple men next to her, who were drunk when they got on the plane... as they took their seats... one commented, "Oh, Baby!" We don't know what was meant by that... perhaps it was the only English phrase he knew. Cuz was not a happy flier, but at least they didn't try to steal her shoes.
We got new seat assignments in Tokyo so that we
would be sitting together... the devil you know, and
all that... heh, heh.
When we finally arrived in Minneapolis, after days and days of flying, our Boston flight was delayed because of fog in Boston. So we took off two hours late... and missed the early bus from Boston to Portland.
But we did arrive safely at last... and we got the very last bus out of the airport to Portland, Boy were we tired. When we flew to Thailand, it took us two days. When we flew home, we arrived the same day we left. No wonder my body clock is short-circuiting!
I was so glad to see The Gypsy King at the bus station.
Fortunately, the weather was clear and we could toss
our bags in the back of the truck. I was getting
very tired of that luggage. When we arrived home at
last... it was 2:30 am.. and our vacation was truly
over.
We had a wonderful time and enjoyed everything we saw and did. I know there is an underside to every nation of the world. Thailand traffics in child prostitution; Burma deals with endangered species products... mostly tiger. And who knows what else goes on? But we were spared from seeing any part of this type of activity. Every nation has situations of which its citizens should be ashamed... and the US is no different; we also have a very dark underside.
Thailand is a beautiful country. It's people are gentle, joyous, and generous. My wish is that you will also may have an opportunity to visit this amazing country and meet the beautiful people of "Thailand, Land of Smile".
I hope you will join me again for the next chapter
in Gypsy's travel adventures with her Cuz...