Bangkok - What Wat?

One of the must-sees in Bangkok is the Grand Palace. I decided to visit yesterday and, after picking up some rambutan from a fruit vendor to eat later, hopped into an idling taxi nearby.

I don't speak any Thai. The driver didn't speak any English. But, since the Grand Palace is probably the most popular tourist attraction in Bangkok, I didn't think communicating with him would be a problem. I was wrong. I showed him where it was on the map. I enlisted the help of a passerby. But he still didn't understand where I wanted him to take me. All this was happening while the meter was running. Finally, I pointed to Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, which is nearby. He seemed to understand that, confirmed it with me, and we sped off.

Forty-five minutes through traffic-clogged streets later (only $3.00 on the meter), he dropped me off at....
Wat Traimit, in another part of the city. I groaned to myself, got out of the taxi, and was pleasantly surprised at where his mistake took me. (see photo)

I saw the Grand Palace later the same afternoon.

 

Bangkok - First Impressions

I arrived in Bangkok at approximately 5:30 PM. I was in a taxi, heading to my hotel, by 5:50 PM. The whole immigration/baggage claim/customs process took less than 20 minutes. As soon as I left the airport, I was almost overwhelmed by the hot, humid air outside. The taxi ride, which should have been about 20-30 minutes, took over an hour as the driver made his way through the crowded highway and streets, trying to avoid the many motorbikes that weave in and out of traffic.

After settling in at my hotel, I decided to take a walk. Although the sun had already set, the air temperature was still in the mid 80s, and the humidity level was still as high as earlier. I took the BTS, Bangkok's modern skytrain system to the section of Sukhumvit Road that is popular with tourists.

This area was buzzing with activity. Shoppers, including many Westerners, were busy looking at counterfeit bags and clothing. The many restaurants, pubs, bars, and pool halls were filled with both locals and tourists.
Prostitutes, including some ladyboys, were busy trying to attract customers.

I had dinner in a small outdoor restaurant. A satisfying dish of stir fried chicken with basil (spicy), and a Singha cost all of $3.40.

I walked back to my hotel. I love this city.