Bangkok

We have had a busy few weeks since our last blog post. After watching the coverage of the floods in Bangkok on the news we travelled to the city with some apprehension. As we neared the outskirts of Bangkok, there were certain tell-tale signs; hawkers selling rubber dingys, the normal t-shirt sellers selling waders and at the market, instead of the familiar walls of flip flops there were wellington boots.

On the way to Wat Arun

 And then we had our first glimpse of what we had been watching on the television; brown smelly floodwater, around 2 feet deep. Amidst all this however, people were getting on with their daily lives, using the afore mentioned rubber dingy to hawk food as opposed to the trusty motorbike. Luckily for us, the water was no match for our packed out mini van and we made it safe and dry through the water. 

Even for Bangkok the traffic was bad and movement minimal. Fortunately we started to notice familiar landscapes and as chance would have it we saw Jim’s apartment block (aptly named ‘The Mansion’). Due to the non-moving traffic we were able to jump out in just the right spot.

Many buildings succumb to the water

After checking into our rather swish hotel it was time for a little family reunion. The last time we saw Jim was last year at our wedding when he, rather heroically, flew half way across the world to share the day with us (just the one day mind.) It was fantastic to meet up with him and have him show us around his hometown, including delicious food and local drinks of whisky and coke. Needless to say a good evening was had by all.

Slightly worse for ware, the next day was spent in the refreshing air con of the many Bangkok malls doing some Christmas shopping, which was a strange experience when its 35* outside. Then it was time for a bigger reunion, as Matt’s mom and dad joined us in Bangkok.  There were a few tears at the airport and even jetlag could not stop the reunion party.

Some of the sights at Wat Arun

As Jim had work the next day (poor Jim) we went to visit Wat Arun with Ann and Clive. Matt and I visited the temple last year but we can honestly say that it was even more impressive than last time and definitely one of our favourite places in Bangkok. From the tranquil gardens to the bells ringing in the wind and continual smell of incense.

The temple is decorated with elaborate mosaics made from Chinese porcelain, a left over from Chinese Ships who used the pottery as ballast. From afar the Khmer-style tower looks tall and impressive but on closer inspection you are taken aback by the sheer detail on every inch of the temple.

In bustling central Bangkok you would not think that just a few miles out people are living with 2-meter high floodwater. Our only indication was on the way to Wat Arun, reaching the water taxi involved wading through some unsavoury water (although two hours later on the way back it was all clear) and what appeared to be gallons of water being pumped out of the temple grounds and climbing over strategically placed sandbags.

After another great meal we hopped on a northbound sleeper bus without Jim, who had to work again and headed towards Chiang Mai.