Settling in Backpackerville

so we've had a few nights to settle in to the low-end digs.  roel has been dealing with it ok but there is definitely a visible ongoing (mostly inner) struggle.

well we hit the khao san road crazyness night before last.  a truly international vibe with all languages under the sun being spoken.  however it is a lot calmer and more under control than i had expected based on what i had heard, seen in movies and pictures.  but don't get me wrong still a lot going on.  fried bug vendors, buckets of alcohol, beautiful fresh fish restaurants, touristy junk, clothing, etc, etc.

yesterday was a big day with us visiting the two major temples (wat pho with the largest reclining buddha in thailand and wat phra kaew with the emerald buddha) both these temples have many other features namely the exterior construction.  you don't fully realize or appreciate the detail until seeing it in person.  we also walked by  the grand place, took a boat along the main river (chao phraya) to chinatown where there were endless laneways and markets.  so much fun to wander through that area and get lost.  we ended up at a lonely planet recommendation for dinner at the royal india restaurant.  one of the best meals i have ever had.

 

  

 

i was feeling pretty wrecked by the heat at the end of the day so we just stayed in and went to bed early.  we've had a slow morning thus far (almost noon) and we're probably going to do some people watching in the famous red light district area.  apparently there are more gawkers than anything else these days.  we will see!