February 23 -- Exploring Thailand, Day 2, Bangkok (Part 2)

(This blogpost was going to be so long with all of the photos, I was posting, that I decided to split it into two parts. Continuing with photos from The Grand Palace, then showing photos from the tour of The Temple of the Dawn, and finally photos of Bangkok and countryside scenes from the rides into Bangkok and back to the port.)

Some observations and thoughts about Thailand

• It is very hot at this time of year. Warning to the elderly, sick and children. Better to venture out in the early morning and early evening hours, for safety's sake.

• It is much more industrial, at least along the coast, than I had imagined.

• Bangkok is not on or near the coast: fly in or plan accordingly.

• Although it was an English colony, many people do not speak English. Learn a few phrases to help you manage getting around (hello, thank you, I need help, etc.)

• The sides of the highway have a lot of trash, even more than I observed in Vietnam.

• Bangkok is a highly developed city, but also has a lot of people who struggle, based on the condition of the housing.

• It can certainly be an alluring place, particularly if you are seeking a more relaxed, more inexpensive life style. (A lot of European and American ex patriates live here.)

• If you can, spend more than one or two days, and get away from the typical tour sites, in order to gain a fuller perspective of the country and its people.

• Still, with all of the above, it is a wonderful place to visit at least once. Its history, people, and culture are fascinating.