Bangkok, Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Bangkok is a crazy city that prompted us to hold hands while running across every street since it was never obvious when to cross. The streets are filled with motorcycles, motorcycle cabs, tuk tuks, cabs, and cars. In addition, most of the sidewalks are filled with vendors leaving very little room for clearance.

Our hotel room was pretty amazing for the price -- a suite with two very large rooms and a kitchenette. I had every intention of sorting through my backpack (where only the top layer has been accessed for over a week), but ended up unstuffing and stuffing.

We sat on the river breathing diesel fumes at dusk and then moved onto Chinatown where we successfully bought and ate a meal on the sidewalk. Chinatown is nothing like U.S. and Canadian Chinatowns -- merchandise is mostly wholesale, and most restaurants are in the street (literally). The cats are all tailless and hungry and saw a number of desperate beggars. It is a lot to take in.

Today was a bit calmer. We started with a trip to Jim Thompson, the high end Thai silk manufacturer. After buying a few very expensive things, we walked to the Oriental -- the classic old hotel frequented by Joseph Conrad, Grahame Greene and others. We walked into the cafe and had a few drinks on the water. Everything was very five star - catch the photo of just one of the many orchid arrangements in the lobby.

Relaxed and rested, I ran through the gem stores. Most of them import from Afghanistan and Pakistan and are filled with all manner of beads and stones the size of bricks. I managed to pick out a few things, knowing I was paying too much. But then I am not a wholesaler, so was satisfied with enough for my personal use.

Right now I'm sitting at the airport waiting for my flight to Chiang Mai. I was able to get a roundtrip ticket for less than $100 - I think I paid twice three years ago.

I may stay in Chiang Mai, but am toying with a sidetrip to a place called Pai, a bit further away.

Please note, KFC sign is from Bangkok and a response to son Max's KFC sign from Prague.

toddles.