Hello Thailand

We have arrived in Bangkok.  Our flight on Qatar Airways was good – spacious seating with game/tv consoles on the back of every seat, extra open seats in which to sprawl out, and even a little snack (our flight was only 1.5 hours).  Once at the airport, we were able to take the new train into the center of the city.  From there we would need to catch a cab to our hotel, but taxis are ubiquitous here.  There is a taxi stand just outside the train station, but the rates quoted were extortionate.  Basically the same price as if we had caught a cab from the airport.  So we marched out to the street and caught a cab on our own.  We negotiated a reasonable rate, then the four of us and our luggage crammed into a little sedan with a huge propane tank occupying most of the trunk (taxis run on propane here).  We were able to fit Gary and Jan’s suitcases in the back and everything else came in the car with us.  Talk about sardines in a can. 

We had the name and address of our hotel – in English.  Note to self… always have the name, address and a map IN THE LANGUAGE of the country you are visiting.  After driving around in circles, with our driver getting out multiple times to inquire as to our whereabouts and an attempt to drop us at a seedy dive, we finally got to our hotel.  We were a little perplexed at the confusion, since the first thing we did upon entering his taxi was to type the name of the hotel into his phone, which then translated it into Thai as well as providing a little map.  Once safely delivered to our hotel, we paid him, gave him a very good tip, and sent him on his way.  We must have looked like a clown car, though, when we started rolling out of the taxi, and rolling out is pretty accurate.

We are at the New Siam Riverside hotel, and as its name would imply, we are immediately next to the river. The outdoor dining area is just steps away from the water and makes for a very pleasant place to have a beer (last night) or breakfast (this morning). There is also a pool – a very nice amenity in sticky 95 degree weather. 

We have agreed that today is to be one of relaxed activity.  Jeff, Gary and Jan have gone to see the Imperial Palace and I am “home” catching up on my blogging, scouting the area for provisions and generally holding down the fort.  We may do a canal boat cruise later this afternoon or in the evening when the weather cools a bit or we may just choose to hang by the pool or river trying to stay cool.