Not The Grand Palace?

Our first full day in Thailand, we had no plans to do anything. We walked and found some breakfast at a all you can eat buffet for 199 baht or $6 US and see some sights she was so cute when I asked her for Photo Bangkoks security hard at work. 

We Decided to go to The Grand Palace and summoned our first Tuk Tuk, he was fun. Tuk Tuk to River boat sounded fun. 

hanging on to my oh shit grip on the streets of Bangkok. Needed on every vehicle...... Luann lost her beloved Flamingo cap on the back of a TukTuk on the streets of Bangkok. then he stopped “for gas stamp” and we found ourselves in a jewelry store which none of us had any desire. We looked around a minute and walked out. Driver was a lil shocked. So, since we had seen this Hindu temple pretty close by we went and took some photos but, didn’t go in. everything is so shiny! And Gold! Back on the TukTuk and we arrived at the river and yet again a pricey affair. Davina handled the negotiating of decreased price for a 1 hour tour and drop off at The Grand Palace. 

Our boatFront of our boatsome water viewssome artanother oh shit ‘what did I get into’ grip!!!nursing school behind uslocal floating market with overpriced souvenirsLOVE!!

What we didn’t know is that we each had to pay a 30 Baht (90 cents) Landing fee to get off the boat at The Grand Palace. Not a big deal but, just another surprise. The tour was Great for photo ops but not history.... they did not say a word.. 

I had yet to buy/try any street food so, I took my opportunity here... yep! you know it!! mmm yummy street ice coffee!! 150 foot reclining Buddha 

Bottoms of reclining Buhddas feet.. oh Mother of Pearl! 

No idea what kind of flower this is, but it’s unique. Literally a thousand of these.. how many pics do you need? So For many hours, We thought this was the “Grand Palace” ..... all this time!! Nope!! It’s What Pho! Now, we are on the hunt for the real Grand Palace!! Prayers in progress ... SSHhhh probably a thousand of these here. I’ll save you from all the Buddha photos ;) I have those on video!! 

Will the REAL Grand Palace please stand up?!?!?

The REAL Grand PalaceStrict dress code enforced by guards at entrance.The Real Grand Palace adventure has to come another day. 

Hot, overheated,red faced and tired feet, we negotiated a Tuk Tuk back ‘home’ he said no no, too far. So, a Taxi it was. 

Welcome to Thailand

I am so full of emotion, I know that I am so very very blessed to be able to travel like I do. I try to stay humble , appreciate and share my daily experiences with my family and friends who live vicariously thru my travels. please note that I am not a good wordy “blogger” so I just share what I know with pictures. 

I can’t explain the feeling, I have here, it’s between, fear, excitement, curiosity and I definitely can’t wait to see what adventures good or bad the next 8 weeks brings to me Davina , Luann and to this blog. Please leave comments so I know your there!! I am on my blog daily, I will see it. Thanks!! 

Traveling is completely empowering! Pushing yourself beyond comfort zones, to unknown environments, cultures and people, can be one of the most rewarding events of your life.

Enjoy South East Asia with me for the next 8 weeks. 

Thailand for the next 17 days. 

Had a nice flight to Bangkok, this airport,?well umm, was what I would call a cattle call.. sweaty ppl rubbing against you was eww!! And the smell wasn’t to pleasant from my short advantage point. 

Chaos Line for Immigration/customs. Davina making sure she has all her documents in order.Well they let us all in, found our backpacks, found our personal driver and we are headed in. These are some of our first views of Thailand from a van. billboards are huge! The apartment owner sent a driver to pick us up. I have never had anyone waiting at the airport with a sign with my name on it before. I didn’t get a picture!! (Sad face) I don’t think he spoke any English but that’s ok as long as you can drive. Thank you very much for the ride Mr. 

Had to do an currency exchange at the airport, this is Thai Baht. (Each 1000 is 31.75 USD)
So Henry greeted us at the van (he is a expat from England that is married to a Thai Doctor) and explained that we had a housing change. The people that were in the smaller 2 bedroom that I had actually rented wanted to stay longer so he opted to just upgrade us to an beautiful 3 bedroom 2 bath apartment for no additional cost to us for his convienance. We are now on the 14th floor of a very secured high rise condominium, 6th floor pool, gym, sauna, hot tub , ping pong etc etc. 

LOVE thisDavina getting connected to the internet.!treadmill— 6thfloor view

Then we go exploring and get some real Thai food. 

Luann first to try street food, is it chicken? 

170baht Thai chicken Something with no spice and a coke. Was pretty good :) 

View from apartment, we are right by the huge malls Terminal 21 and Emporium. Train station is close (maybe too close for quietness) 

This will be a rare event with this beautiful apartment , we will be mostly in hostels, Air BNbs, locals homes.  Tomorrow we are off exploring! Have a great day/night. 

Jesus loves you and so do I!