Some general observations on Bangkok!

Bangkok, Thailand's capital is an enormous and very spread out city. Everywhere you go there is a curious mixture of old and new....a two block stretch of high rises will suddenly be broken up by a cluster of old buildings. You also are never very far away from either a wat complex or a mosque (Buddhists dominate in Thailand but there is a strong Muslim presence, as well.)

The other thing That is always close by is a good restaurant. Thai food is, of course, an obvious expectation, but you will be suprised at the number of pizza parlors and English or Irish pubs. There is some variety in the Thai restaurants as each section of the country has its own style of cuisine. Our son's girlfriend's family is from northeastern Thailand, near Laos and her aunt and uncle (our gracious hosts in Bangkok)run a successful Isan restaurant in Bangkok. The cuisine there is probably to Thai cooking what southern country comfort food is to family meals back home. There's always a little bit of everything on the the table. Family style service is standard practice and there's always an assortment of fresh herbs, spices and sauces on the side as well as in the prepared food. Trust me, you haven't experienced the full scope of Thai food until you've enjoyed a country Thai breakfast. It might consist of a small salty crusted fish that looks similar to bluegill accompanied by "sticky rice" dipped in chili paste and perhaps served with a side of herb and rice soup mixed with either squid or pork or both! It definitely isn't biscuits and gravy from Cracker Barrel! It is, however, suprisingly good for breakfast and gets you through the day.

You are also never far from someplace that gives Thai massages. From booths in open air markets to kiosks and shops in the mall to very elaborate spas you are sure to be able to unwind the cares of any day with a trained Thai masseuse. We did just that on our second day (is this a pattern developing?). This time we went for the cadillac spa treatment...refreshment served before and after, personal concierge for our group in addition to the individual therapists and a private room and two hours worth of therapy. Did I mention all this cost us less than $20 per person?

We're getting a bang out of Bangkok and we look forward to discovering what else this wonderful land has in store for us as we continue "juntos en el camino de la vida".