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Some may think we're crazy. Probably most. But those of you who know my adventurous spirit will understand wholeheartedly when I tell you that I have decided to embark on a one-month trip to Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia with my fiancé Jason, our 4 month old daughter Twila Beth, and my mom and dad. We will be touring from January 31-February 26, about 26 days too long if you ask my mom. I, on the otherhand, cannot wait for this adventure.
Day 1: We flew out on Qatar Airlines from Austin to Dallas to Doha to Bangkok. The 24 hour travel time went by in a flash, like the halftime show on Superbowl Sunday. The Q-suites in business class are exceptional. They were essentially able to turn our seats into a queen sized bed, and all three of us slept like babies (well at least one of us). Arriving in Bangkok* at 1am we rested in the hotel for sometime before embarking on our tour with our guide, Ving**.
We started D1 at the Prasart Museum, a museum housing thousands of prehistoric artifacts, Buddha images, statues of Brahman gods, pottery, Thai furniture and paintings, as well as objects from other parts of Asia. The museum is located inside a group of buildings designed to showcase the architectural excellence of former times and was opened by the private collector, Prasart Vongsakul, who told us personally it was the realization of his dream to house these artifacts in one place for people to enjoy. Personally, I felt hot and bothered throughout most of the 2-hour tour and had to duck away to cool off the baby and feed her. I know dad and Jason quite enjoyed learning about the art and culture of many thousand years ago.
After the private museum tour, we explored the city, drove through Chinatown, and walked through the hustle and bustle of Pak Khlong Talat, Bangkok's flower market, which is open 24-hours. Here you can buy a bouquet of orchids for $1 (which would easily cost 50x that in the US). The narrow halls were wet and dirty, as became my feet. People were everywhere-riding by indoors on motorized scooters, running through with loaded rickshaws and hustling about. Women were intricately creating beautiful floral offerings to be sold at Buddhist temples for luck, gratitude, and inspiration. The market was fragrant, colorful, and crowded to say the least. Ving had said it was stroller friendly (it wasn't). But Twila Beth slept through the entire experience while Jason navigated his way through the frenzy.
We ended the day at a local Chinese restaurant where we had the best roasted duck. We also enjoyed roasted and crispy pork, spare ribs, and fresh stir-fried kale and bok choy. Yum.
*A word about Bangkok. This city of over 8 million people has recently made headlines for having to close schools due to worsening pollution. That didn't bother me so much. Yes it is polluted. It is also hot. And this is one of the coolest months of the year. Jason wanted us to wear masks and I told him it's too f*ing hot for me to wear one but we if we could find an N-99 for Twila Beth, I would certainly assist in trying to keep it on her. I was not a fan of this city when I visited fifteen years ago, nor am I now. I think I may enjoy it more if I were to visit a friend and see it as a local, rather than a tourist. Because to me it is my worst nightmare (aside from the food). Kind of like what I imagine hell to be. Loud, dirty, steamy, and extremely crowded. But…the food. The food is heaven.
**A word about Ving. Ving is not only a tour guide but is also a retired monk. He told us he went into the monastery twice and came out after having health problems both times. He told us he had a calling to become a monk but was falling ill and then getting well when he left, so he felt it was no longer his calling. I'm not sure about what that symbolizes and I won't try to analyze it, but I do know that this man does not take any water or food from sun up to sun down, which I don't see how that is possible when the temperature is easily over 90 degrees and humid.
- comments
Susie Andrews Twila inherited your adventurous spirit, Annie. Glad all is going well. Love, Aunt Susie
Erica Exciting! I love to travel and discover new things. I agree the best way to do it is with someone you know that knows the non-touristy treasures. Have fun, look forward to reading the blogs! I need food pictures!!!
Sharon Kemp I love the Linebarger adventures...always entertaining! I look forward to reading them. I'm wondering how many times your mom has said f!*#&@%! Stay safe!
GAIL broughton berry Looking forward to your comments. You are a brave lady with a baby with you. That little girl is so precious . Tell your Mom I said hi and she looks fantastic. Gregory girls age beautifully. Have fun. Gail
Lillian Davis I’m not feeling envious about being in Bangkok (given your description) but great admiration for the trip in general. Best wishes for cool nights and fresh air...l/L
Amy Rakowczyk So interesting!! Can't wait to read more!! :D
Juan M Peña Have a great time and when home if you miss the heat and all, we can take you to the market in Reynosa, Mexico!
Earl the Pearl That's cool. When I went to R&R when I was in Viet Nam in 1966-1967 I chose Hong Kong but Bangkok Thailand was my 2nd chose. Lots of us did go to Bangkok on R&R. I heard good stories