The Queens we use Would not Excite You

Today was dedicated to a trip to Bangkok. As part of the trip, we did two things the guidebook tells you never to do. One ended up being a great choice, the other less so but still overall positive.

One of the things that you read is to be careful of taxi and tuktuk drivers because they often have deals with stores and will take you there instead of going directly where you want. However, we got to the Grand Palace and were deflected for a bit. Instead, a tuktuk driver was called to take us to see the Lucky Buddha:



The Lucky Buddha temple is located up a tiny alley and is not a place that I would have even considered going without the tuktuk driver. However, it was absolutely lovely. We met a former monk - most men in Thailand become a monk for at least a little while and this gentleman had been one for three months - who told us all about the shrine and regaled us with stories of being a Chinese-Thai man who now lives in L.A. It was a remarkable time and gave me many ideas for things to write about.

After that, we went to the Pan-Siamese Gem Co., Ltd. This is a government "factory" that makes and sells jewelry. Generally, everything is sold via export and the manufacturer is closed to the public. The one exception to this is the week of Chinese New Year. Today was the last day that they were open to the public - and was a tax free day. Needless to say, there was an amazing array of gems. I picked up two lovely pieces for myself: a cat pendant with a two caret star sapphire for the body and Thai rubies for the eyes and a half caret star sapphire ring that matches remarkably well. I couldn't resist, the pieces are so beautiful. (Pictures will follow in the next few days.)

The next stop was James Fashion International, a local tailor. I had been planning on going to one anyway and so chose a lovely mint colored silk and a beautiful pattern and am having a dress tailor made for me. I will pick the dress up in just over a week. I can't wait to have it finished and will have to find some where to wear it when I get back to the States.

Then we went back to the Grand Palace, only to find out that it was closed. There were people selling lovely cloth panels painted like the walls of the temples in the Grand Palace. I bought several for use as pillows - and possibly gifts - and we were instantly surrounded by people wanting to sell random stuff to us. We escaped into a taxi and headed back to the hotel. Now it is time for some dinner and mellow time in the hotel room. Tomorrow: OCEAN!!!!