January 6, 2010 – Day 377 – Bangkok, Thailand

With Latham’s approaching flight this evening, we decided to save some of Bangkok’s best of last. Today we went to the Grand Palace. When they named it, they really were not kidding!

Golden statue

January 5, 2010 – Day 376 – Bangkok, Thailand

With all the bicycling we did yesterday, we felt fully justified in taking today to relax and rest our lazy bums. For Lin’s birthday we splurged on beer and pizza. Yum!

Happy birthday Lindsey!

January 4, 2010 – Day 375 – Ayatthaya, Thailand

The ruins of the old capital Ayatthaya are scattered across the now restored, modern city. Renting bicycles is a great way to get yourself around the city, using the extensive road system, a handy map from the rental folks, and a bit of caution when crossing the multi-lane highway that operates on the opposite side you might be used to. This is how we saw Ayatthaya’s ruins and it turned out to be a whole lot of fun.

In the ruins

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January 2-3, 2010 – Day 373-374 – Bangkok, Thailand

Well, the time came for us to go back to Bangkok and sad as we were to leave beautiful Samet, we made the drive back. We made another visit to the Chatuchak Weekend Market to pick up any last minute souvenirs before we send Lin’s backpack home with Latham stuffed full of goodies. (Note: in place of Lin’s 35L backpack listed on the packing list, Lin will be downsizing to a 24L pack. Seems small but we have learned to travel with very little).

Musicians in the market

January 1, 2010 – Day 372 – Koh Samet, Thailand

So it’s officially 2010. Feels nice, like a clean sheet of paper and sharpened pencil. Ready for anything!

Best way to start the new year

December 31, 2009 – Day 371 – Koh Samet, Thailand

It’s New Year’s Eve! And what better way to start the last day of the year than with a glorious dose of Thai sunshine and a big breakfast. In case you’re curious, breakfast in Thailand for us consists of omlettes, toast, fresh fruit (watermelon, banana, and pineapple), bacon, and hot tea. That’s the breakfast of champions right there.

Lindsey awaiting breakfast

December 30, 2009 – Day 370 – Koh Samet

Despite the beautiful weather early this morning, it turned out to be a kind of grey, stormy-ish day. Saben and Latham tried to go snorkeling but the water was a bit too murky without any sun and didn’t get to see much. Started sprinkling rain mid-afternoon so we made today an internet and drinking inside kind of day. Better luck tomorrow!

Random beach shot

December 29, 2009 – Day 369 – Koh Samet, Thailand

Slept in, ate a big breakfast, and hung out at the beach all day. What more can we say? It was fantastic! For once, Lin and Saben could leave their valuables in safety and go gallyvanting off into the ocean for the sun and sea—without taking turns! Look! There are even pictures to prove it!

Us!

December 28, 2009 – Day 368 – Koh Samet, Thailand

“Uggghhhh.” We all three grunted at the alarm clock in unison. It was suggesting that we get out of bed at the ungodly hour of 6:45. Why, oh why must buses to beautiful beaches run so blasted early? Is it some kind of karma pre-payment plan for getting to go somewhere lovely while the rest of the city zips around on the back of a moped huffing diesel exhaust? Maybe…

The goal

December 27, 2009 – Day 367 – Bangkok, Thailand

After a stout breakfast of eggs and toast, we set out for a walking tour of the city’s main attractions. We left Khao San district and headed for the sizable Democracy Monument.

Democracy Monument