Bangkok

Amy (bless her) volunteered to pick me up at 6am for our flight to Bangkok! I was a bit shocked when she turned up at 5.35am but, believe it or not, apart from putting the rubbish out, I was ready to go (a bleary eyed Denise was already in the car). Thanks to Amy we were able to get the 7.15am flight to Sydney, instead of the 8am. This meant we had nearly 2 hours to get to the international terminal instead of just the one - phew!! and hurrah...I was able to hand in my tax documents for the ring I bought and actually wear it. The flight to Bankok, which was nearly 6 hours was uneventful except we were more aware of the Corona virus as many people were wearing masks. We had decided not to bother as they are pretty ineffective but we are up to our eyeballs in hand gel and have the most hygenic hands in Thailand - we have been getting quite a few stares though as Denise has got a hacking cough that she caught in Melbourne (no fever though!)
We only had one full day in Bangkok, which to be honest was enough as the sky was thick with a dark grey smog, so we made the most of it. The hotel had a free tuk tuk which took us to the Palace (no Denise didn't drive!)

When we got out of the tuk tuk a man in the street advised us that the palace wasn't open until 11am and sent us off to the river where we got on a boat and went around the backwaters of Bangkok - it was fascinating and something we would never have done if it wasn't for him

We had to go through a lock

Look at that for a fancy engine

I only spotted one type of bird, but look what's

in the backgound - it's a water monitor lizard

- No wonder no-one was swimming in there!

Bangkok skyline (with smog)

The boat dropped us off at the Palace where we donned our sarongs and went in - what an incredible place, the quantity and quality of all the buildings and decorations - I was quite taken aback. The Palace was established in 1782 and consists of the royal residence, throne halls, government offices, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and many statues. It covers an area of 218,000 square metres.

An unusual bird for you Mandy

The trees were exquisitely manicured

The birds enjoyed the offerings

Our ticket also included free transport and entrance to The Khon performance at Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre. This show is staged to follow the footsteps of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkom in preserving and carrying forward the nation's high art form of classical dance. It was a most enjoyable performance with excellent scenery and exquisite costumes - a lovely way to end our cultural activities.

After the show we headed back to the hotel in a tuk tuk for a pre dinner cool-off in the pool, which was well needed as it had been extremely hot all day

Can you see us?

That night we had arranged to see an old friend of mine, Jaki, who I haven't seen for years despite living only a few miles apart (Denise organised it). We met her and her wife Veerada at a restaurant called Cabbages and Condoms - an unusual name for a restaurant don't you think? Anyway it had a very important 30 year history which was to promote better understanding and acceptance of family planning and all profits go to support development activities of the Population and Community Development Association (PDA). All decorations that you see in the next few photos are made from condoms! (the message couldn't have been clearer)