I picked Ben up at the airport and couldn't wait to get him back to school to meet my students. First he got to experience a sawng-tao (basically a pick-up with a cover and two benches), which was funny because he is so tall and his knees took up all the space in front of him. And of course, the sawng-taos were more crowded this time than usual. The good thing is that one can just ride standing up on the back. It gave him a chance to stretch out those long legs.
We got to school and I introduced Ben to the students that were here. About half of them were still at home for the vacation, but I think easing in to all the new names is helpful anyway! Of course, the main comment was "He's so tall!".
Ben didn't get much time to settle in because that night we were headed to Bangkok. It was my first time on a train here, and for my part, I will stick to buses. They're cheaper and you seem to get about the same amount of leg room - plus they're about 3 hours faster. (There is an argument for the train if you get a sleeper!)
Upon our arrival we hiked to my friend Ian's place. I still am not cured of my inability to tell distance on a map. I showed Ben how close Ian's apartment was. "Look, just over the tracks and the main road and we're there!" Well, not quite. The "getting" over the tracks part took a bit of a detour. However, half an hour later we arrived at the apartment without further trouble.
That Friday began with quick R&R (if it can be said there is such a thing) and then a trip to the local coffee shop. I'm willing to admit I may be going to the wrong places, but every time I try to get a cup of coffee in this country I am not very satisfied. Generally the quantity is minuscule (by my Americanized standards) and, worse, its lukewarm. I don't care if it's in the hottest of hot season (which, by the way, now is not), I want my coffee hot! Therefore, I will unabashedly admit that I went to Starbucks twice over my three day weekend. It was well worth it.
After getting some fake energy we headed to the area of the Grand Palace. I had already been here, but tagged along with Ben. We were admitted to see the Emerald Buddha but not the Grand Palace. The week prior to Ben's arrival the King's older sister passed away. This calls for a period of mourning and she was laid out in the Grand Palace. I had learned that when someone dies, especially a member of the royal family, the people wear black or white (generally black). This information came in handy when we were stopped by a reporter and cameraman from Channel 5 (the English language channel in Bangkok I believe). The reporter asked why so many people were wearing black and also asked me my opinion on the devotion to the king. I actually had answers for both questions. She looked surprised at this. I couldn't help but feel that I had done a little towards changing opinion that Americans know zilch about other parts of the world. Of course, that was partly undone because as I answered this question I wasn't wearing black (hey! I didn't know when we were supposed to wear it!), but coincidentally Ben was.
This used to be part of a religious ceremony held every year in front of Wat Suthat. Somehow it involved swinging about 82 ft off the ground to try grab a bag of coins. This was banned in 1932 because of all the fatalities.
After seeing the Emerald Buddha we headed next door to see the Reclining Buddha. (I'm foregoing the actual names of these Wats because I already included them in one of my first posts - and it is rare that I am able to remember Thai words.) I read a book while Ben went in.
After that we went to see Wat Arun. This Wat is across the river and has amazing views from the top. I had not been to this one before. It is covered in mosaics and is very pretty up close. We climbed up as high as we could and I got a little feeling of vertigo - the stairs were so steep! It was like being at Angkor Wat (in Cambodia) again.
Friday night we were able to meet up with a friend of Ben's for a nice Thai meal and then amazing views from the top of the Banyan Tree hotel. That hotel was amazing. I would almost say it's worth the price of the rooms!
The rest of our weekend consisted of seeing Lumphini Park, going to one of the Night Bazaars, hitting up the ritzy shopping area (but no buying!), and general meandering. On our way back to Chiang Mai we got a sleeper car. While I have to say the seats were spacious, and the beds were clean and comfortable, I will take the bus from now on. For those willing to pay, however, this is a pretty good option.
