Vertigo

On the 59th floor of the Banyan Tree hotel is 'Vertigo', a rooftop bar that gives great views of the city skyline. We order ourselves some virgin cocktails (still no booze allowed) & wait for the sun to set.

Reclining Buddha

The major attraction at Wat Pho is the giant golden reclining Buddha. It really is giant and takes up the entire building it is housed in. Here are some top to toe pictures including one of Paul marvelling at the Buddha's straight toes just to give you an idea of scale.

Wat Pho

Near to the Grand Palace is Wat Pho. There is a primary school right inside the Wat grounds and the children are taught by the monks. While we were there a young monk was teaching a group of children a song with lots of cute actions in the courtyard. Sadly we didn't have time to get a snap before they finished & went running off to their next lesson.

The Grand Palace

Here are photos from our visit to Bangkok's Grand Palace. Some would say the decor is a bit OTT. They certainly weren't stinting on the elaborate decoration. Dozens of conservators were restoring the paintings while we were there and there was gold leaf blowing about in the wind.

What no Booze?

By some cruel twist of fate we have arrived in Bangkok on election weekend when it is illegal for bars & shops to sell alcohol for the entire course of our four night stay. Normal drinking life will resume on the morning of our departure. Typical. So, having our nightlife plans scuppered we're forced to find some other things to entertain us. We go to a 'Lovetaurant' where the rice is served in teddybear shaped moulds & free heart shaped sweet are dished out. We also busy ourselves walking along the waterfront, watching people playing takraw & taking in the odours of the local dried fish snacks.

Beard gets it in Bangkok

After a pretty hellish twelve hour bus journey over the border from Cambodia we arrive in Bangkok.

The views from the bus as we arrive at night are amazing. It looks like a scene from Bladerunner. After catching up on some sleep we take a river boat trip & do some sightseeing.

Paul finally decides that he's had enough of his beard. It's too itchy & off it comes. The barber approves too.

Views of Cambodia

Cambodia is so beautiful. It's lush & green & even the tiniest puddle of water has deep pink waterlillies floating on it. The final photo is the sunset taken from our hotel room window in Siem Reap.