bangkok: getting around

 // smoggy sunset from the river

first: I hope you are not getting sick of vacation posts already, as we haven't even gotten to the bulk of the Thailand trip, or even touched on the Philippines. we only spent 48 hours in Bangkok, if you can believe it. and I have another post or two just on this city.

second: being as we were only in town for a few days, we didn't even see most of the city. Bangkok is HUGE. but this is how we saw what we were able to see.

// cab ride from the airport

we flew through both of Bangkok's major airports while in Thailand, and the cab ride in/out of town gives you a chance to see the city. or really, to see just how large and sprawling it is. you'll notice the driver is sitting on the right hand side. Thailand was never officially colonized by a European power, but being sandwiched between French and British colonies clearly has given a lot of influence. that, and being a trading powerhouse with Europe during the 16th century. [thanks, Wikipedia!] Bangkok is still a major gateway to Asia - mostly through the airport. our cab driver had tip money tacked to his ceiling in dozens of different currencies.

one other note about taking a cab - make sure you get one who will use his meter, otherwise you are going to get ripped off.

// water taxi // the rich, the poor, and the European // rush hour

during our stay, we decided to take the water taxi up the river and stop at various temples along the way. the ride cost about 20 baht [less than $1 US] and you can take to boat as far as it goes. we made our way up to the Wat Arun stop, but got to see quite a bit of the city along the way. it was an interesting mix of wealth [note the private yacht], poverty [people living in a shack that's literally falling into the water], and old buildings with clear European influence. you'll see your share of temples and skyscrapers as well. I definitely think the water taxi was a great way to get around, and if when we go back, we will take it farther upstream.

// tuk-tuk

after a night + morning of walking, and an afternoon of climbing temple stairs, Husband and I [or really, my tired knees] decided to take a tuk-tuk from the river docks back to our hotel. what is a tuk-tuk? imagine a scooter that has a metal cart attached to/around it. and a driver that's even crazier than your typical cabbie. it's definitely an experience, but one you should probably have while in Thailand. the good news? you get where you need to go, fast + cheap.

other modes of transportation we took while in Bangkok: free shuttle bus between airports + a ferris wheel [does that count?]

bangkok: wat arun

we visited Wat Arun during our one full day in Bangkok. it's a huge temple complex on the bank of the river, and we easily could have spent another 3 hours exploring. the place just sprawls. buildings and temples and courtyards and statues galore! and it's also very, very tall. my knees were complaining by the time I made it to the top, but the view is worth the climb.

also. wat = temple. and that means they have a dress code. if you show up in shorts or a skirt that is higher than your knees, you have to rent a wrap to make your look more modest. I wasn't the only one sporting a rental sarong, though I did see some ladies bring their own. I think my pink elephants added to the charm of the experience.

Wat Arun was the only temple that we actually went "into" while in Thailand, so I don't have much to compare it with. but it was gorgeous. elaborate carvings, colorful inlay, strands of flowers. it never ceases to amaze me the kinds of intricate detail humans are capable of creating. you can bet I will be visiting more wats when I return to Thailand. [because I will return to Thailand.] but for now, some pictures.