Back in Bangkok with Barb

The first couple times we were in Thailand we often found ourselves saying how much Chad's Mom, Barb, would like it there, and how much she would probably enjoy Thai beaches.  Finally we thought, "well why don't we see if she wants to join us?".  Fast forward a month and we were at Bangkok international airport picking her up for two weeks of temples, food, and fun!  On our first two days in Bangkok we took her to some of our old favourites, as well as trying out a few new spots, all while Barb waded through jet lag from her 24-hour travel odyssey.

Keep in mind that it is the hot season in SE Asia - Chad and I are pretty much used to the heat and humidity after almost two months here, but coming from the cold Canadian winter has required some adjustment for poor Barb.  We started off her first day with a walk around Lumphini Park in the brutal humidity, but at least there was some shade to duck into!

Hardly even looks like it's 35 degrees at 10 am with 80% humidity.

The perfect time to get in a quick workout.  Not many people think that - these machines are in serious disrepair.

This monitor lizard says welcome to Bangkok!

Chad is lucky to finally have a travel companion to share new foods with.  Barb jumped in with both feet.

Barb's first Thai iced tea.

Snack of sweet and savoury mini-crepe/pancakes with coconut cream.

On our way to an afternoon in the air conditioned super malls we checked out the Erawan shrine again, the perfect example of how the Thais have blended ancient tradition with the ultra modern concrete jungle.

That night we checked out the clothing vendors set up in front of the mega malls, elbowing our way through the Friday night crowds...

Friday night shoppers take the streets of Bangkok by storm.

...followed by a visit to the Soi (side street) 38 night market for more street food.  I wish I could tell you things had cooled down by then, but it was still very hot out.

Looking down on the deliciousness of Soi 38.

Liking the duck noodle soup! Barb's first taste of roast duck in a restaurant.

And of course, no street treats are complete without mango and sticky rice.

The next morning we were up bright and early to head to Bangkok's Chatuchak market; a new sight for Chad and I too, as it is only held on weekends and this was our first Saturday in the city.  Chatuchak is a feast for the senses - you can find anything you might want there, and probably a bunch of things you didn't know you wanted!

Heading into the fray - the market is divided into numbered sections to make it more navigable, but it is still pretty massive and overwhelming.  Friendly, English speaking tourist police are on hand to give you maps and tell you to watch your valuables.

I got in trouble just for taking a picture of this dog wear sign.  Sorry, Allie - I didn't pick you up any of the latest dog fashions.  Too humiliating!

We took a mid-morning break at a swanky lounge/restobar in the market.

And left before getting sucked into buying any of this real-looking-but-actually-plastic fruit!

That night we went to Chinatown, to show Barb around and to see if we could rustle Chad up a better meal than the below-average one he had there last time.

Diving into the depths of the MRT (subway).

Barb's first temple!

We will soon miss freshly squeezed pomegranate juice for $1 .

Chinese Buddhist temple (quite a different look than the Thai version)

We found ourselves a street food place that really looked like they knew what they were doing.

This hungry cat watched over diners for any fallen morsel.

This Chinatown meal is Chad-approved.

Chad (and Barb!) finally tried fresh durian for dessert - the famously stinky Asian fruit.

The durian was a bit of a letdown, though it was cut fresh from the gourd.  It was almost totally devoid of any aroma and had a very mild flavour.  Jackfruit was a far more powerfully aromatic and flavourful fruit. I suppose they should be thankful that they didn't sample old, stinky durian!

Back at the MBK mall we found a food option that we hope never to visit...

Bangkok was such a treat to come back to after two weeks in Burma - very easy and familiar for Chad and I on our fourth visit there, and so much fun to show to someone new.  We're looking forward to having two more nights there before heading to Japan!