Exploring Bangkok

Dear Mom and Dad,

We have been doing lots of sightseeing. We went to the largest open air market in the world. There were 8,000 stalls or shops. Right outside the market was a car show. The boys loved the batmobile. 

Here I am standing on the bridge in Bangkok. There arent as many skyscrapers as we thought there would be.

There are hundreds of food stands, and it felt like we were at the fair sampling food. Spring rolls and potato chips on a stick were my favorites. The boys tried fried squid and squid eggs.

Andy is modeling his new tank-top and my necklace. Family members should get excited because we also bought gifts for everyone.

After a long and hard day of shopping, we got Thai massages for $8 for one hour. Half the hour was a leg and foot massage. The second half or the "Thai massage" was the most painful experience of my life. It was a bad chiropractor experience. Andy didn't think it was as bad as I did. The lady was standing and throwing herself all over our bodies. Charlie just had a standard back massage and loved it. 

The next picture was our favorite bar. 

Here are the boys relaxing in our hostel.

The next day we visited the Grand Palace and two temples.

Buddha statue.

We didn't actually go into the Grand Palace because it cost $20 but took a picture to say we were there.

Here we are taking a water taxi to the next temple called Wat Arun.

monks in school at the temple.

View of the steep steps that we had to walk up to get to the top.

At night we sat ringside for Muay Thai fights. This cost $60 a person. (Too cheap for the museum...splurge on athletics) 

As ringside ticket holders, we had VIP access to meet the fighters. Here are four champion fighters of the night.

My money is on the red fighter. Overall, Andy made the better picks for winners and will continue to be a Muay Thai gambler when back in the states.

Here is Charlie with one of the younger fighters. This one knocked out his opponent in the second round. He was thrilled when Charlie asked to have his picture taken with him.

My buff stud waiting to take the ring and fight.

Today, we visited a floating market. The shops are on little boats and you travel from the little "shops" via little boat in a canal. 

Charlie looking over the market.

People live on the canals and can only travel from place to place on the boats. It's very remote and primitive.

This guy taking a selfie, and we happened to be in it, so we took a picture of him and us in the background.

Today we are getting on a night train at 730 pm for 14 hours. Let's hope boarding this one is easier than the last. We are traveling to Chang Mai for a few days where we will be going on a jungle trek. Riding elephants, bamboo rafts, and waterfalls are on the itinerary.

Love, 

The shopaholics