Instead of staying in India to go to the Pushkar Camel Fair, Kim and I cut our losses and left India. Good thing too as the situation there has gotten less than desirable over the last while. We departed on the 10th rather than waiting until the tour was over on the 13th or staying in India on our own longer. I booked Pat and Jessica a room at the Royal Orchid Sheraton in Bangkok and then did the same for Kim and I.
This is an absolutely delightful luxury hotel with all the trimmings and amazing customer service. It is located right on the Chao Praya River and every room has a gorgeous view. The plush beds and 2 pools were delicious as well as the food and ambiance. It was just the sort of pampering for a couple of nights that we all needed to get over the bad feelings from our trip through India.
Upon arrival the girls took a nap and Kim and I took the water bus over to the Vieng Tai Hotel in the Khao San Rd area to retrieve our left luggage. It was there and intact so we were pleased. This meant not only that I had some clean clothes again but also that Kim would have his old laptop to be able to work from.
When we got back we ended up swimming and falling asleep by the pool for a few hours to make up for the red-eye flight from Delhi that night. The four of us got together for dinner and I can't remember now but there were definitely some foot massages in there somewhere.
If I haven't talked about them let me just say that getting Thai foot reflexology is one of the best things about being here. For an hour session they wash your feet, apply mentholated rub, massage and use a stick or knuckle to work the acupressure points. It is so relaxing and most of the time for the last few minutes they have you sit up and they rub your shoulders and neck to finish.
Our second day in Bangkok with Jessica and Pat we spent going around the Khao San Rd area looking at jewelery for Pat and then while Jessica got pampered by getting massages and foot rubs the three of us went on a longboat ride through the narrow canal passages in Bangkok. It was a part of the city I had never seen before and it was both interesting and beautiful.
Later that evening before the four of us went to dinner we sat in the lobby and watched a parade of beauty contestants from all over Thailand and a small dance/music performance. It turns out that this night was the Loy Krathong Festival and there would be big celebrations, floating and flying lights and fireworks everywhere in Thailand. We took Jessica and Pat to one of our favorite restaurants(Kim and I try and go there every trip to Bangkok) it is called Tongue Thai and it was even better this time than I remembered. At the end of our meal they presented us with the flower/candle arrangements that are meant to be good luck offerings. On our way back to the Sheraton we stopped at the pier and lit and launched ours into the river.
We then sat in Pat and Jessica's room in front of the huge picture window and watched the amazing fireworks display over the river. I have to say I haven't always been impressed by fireworks displays but this was by far the longest, most elaborate and largest I have ever witnessed.
We had such a great time with the two of them, we were sorry to see them off the next day as they headed to Hong Kong for a brief layover on their way home to Sacramento.
Kim and I checked out of the Sheraton and into the Win Long Place just a few blocks in from the river and a fraction of the cost as well. Two nights there and some laundry and catching up on rest and we decided to head for Chiang Mai.
On the last night before we left, Kim and I put on our fancy clothes and walked over to the Shangri La Hotel. I had found out online that they had a live jazz band. Turned out we were the only ones in the whole bar. So, when they played a suitable song we got up and danced. The bartender gals enjoyed it and the band was delighted and asked us what we wanted to hear. So we got to dance to several more songs before heading back to our hotel. It was a great night and Kim and I plan on going back there when we go through Bangkok on our way home.(Given that the airports re-open and we go out that way.)
Next stop: Chiang Mai in the north-west of Thailand
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