We got an earlier start today since we have now fully adjusted to the time change. We headed to a section of Bangkok nicknamed "Backpackers Paradise" on Khao San Road -- it has cheaper arts/crafts stores and more authentic Thai restaurants. We signed-up for a Thai cooking class with one of those restaurants - May Kadiee's. It's a vegetarian restaurant which is difficult to find in Bangkok.
There were 16 people in the class -- all tourists -- which at first was a bit annoying since I felt like I was following the guide book like everyone else. That passed quickly when we started to grind the first ingredients to make green curry paste. We all walked down the block to a small vegatable and fish market where May Kadiee explained all of the ingredients (veggies, sauces, noodles) that we will use to make our meals. Upon returning, we went the kitchen and started our first dish. We made Tom Yum Soup, Inaan Soup, Fried Veggies in mushroom sauce, Pad Thai with Tofu, Massaman Curry, Green Curry, Peanut Sauce, Thai Spring Rolls, Papaya Salad. Needless to say we were stuffed upon leaving there. It was really fun and we both learned a lot. We took good notes so we'll try to have a Thai dinner party when we return.
Then, we took another tuk tuk to the Grand Palace - the most famous Buddhist temple in Bangkok - housing the Emerald Buddha and the residence of the royal family of Thailand. It was spectacular --- bold and ornate architecture throughout. Our pictures while nice really don't do it justice. We walked the grounds for a couple hours enjoying the history of the temple. Truly a must see even though it is always busy with tourists.
Next, we bargained our way to a good deal on a riverboat tour. They use longboats to go through the side channels off the main river. It was nice to have a wind in our face in the heat of the day while taking in the views. We rode past many Wats (temples), shanty housing, floating market, fish farm, and Wat Arun. We were told the boat was stopping at Wat Arun for us -- it didn't. I wasn't too happy about it so I talked with the lady that sold us our ticket. She made up a lame excuse about Wat Arun not being open because the queen was there. I knew enough to know she was lying - I called her on it. She told me to go find her boss in the market. I replied "how do I know who she is?" -- then, she ignored me, classic. Well, after some stubborness on our end we did get a boat to Wat Arun.
Wat Arun is the temple directly across the river from our hotel. It was nice to see the prangs (towers) up close -- well sort of. It was closed when we finally made it there. We still enjoyed it though. That was the last Wat that we will see in Bangkok.
We're headed to another recommended vegetarian restaurant -- yummy more curry....
Dan and Kilee
