March 21st - Bangkok, Thailand

Had an early breakfast and we were off to visit the Wat Trimitr (the Golden Buddha Temple).

 

Took a drive through Chinatown on our way to the next stop. Here, as in many other places in Asia, one will see that all the auto parts shops are clustered together and on another street one might find all the hardware stores, etc..  Really convenient for the shopper.

 

Arrived at the Grand Palace with its extensive murals, golden spires and fantastical architectural designs. Here the sacred image of the Buddha sits high atop a golden throne in the Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha).

 

The guide did not exaggerate about the heat, or the crowds we would encounter here. In all of my travels, I think this has been the most crowded place I have visited. So many of the visitors here today were Chinese, that one wondered who was minding the store back home in China!

 

After a sumptuous and relaxing lunch it was time to head back to the ship to make sure we were back before the 2:30 all aboard.

March 20th - Bangkok, Thailand

Got right off the ship and headed into Bangkok. Because it was Sunday the traffic was lighter and we were able to make it in 2 hours.

 

Arrived to the “City of Angels” and boarded a longboat to explore the city via the canals and river tributaries. Along the banks one can see shanties that look like a strong wind would blow them away. Next to these one might also see a modern high rise or beautiful temple.

 

Made a stop to feed the catfish for good luck. The fish listen for the sound of the motors approaching this temple and swarm the boats, knowing they will be fed. There is no way I would eat the fish from this waterway.  If the boat crash did not kill you, swallowing any of the water certainly would!

 

Had a lovely lunch at a restaurant along the river before heading over to see the Royal Barges. Currently, these boats are only used in Thai festivals and processions on the river. The King’s barge is more than 160 feet long and requires a crew of 50 oarsmen. Then stopped at the Temple of Dawn to see the golden reclining Buddha and the Chedis of the Kings.

 

Headed over to the hotel and had a two hour massage to rest up for dinner. During the traditional Thai meal, we were entertained by dancers performing stories from traditional Thai literature and folk tales.

 

The temperatures today were in the high 90s with humidity levels to match – we were told to prepare for an even hotter day tomorrow!

 

 

March 19th - Nathon, Koh Samui

Spent the night in Singapore before boarding the MS Volendam on March 17th.
I think I have recovered from the gruesome flying time.

The temps in Singapore were the same as in Maui, but the humidity and lack
of breezes really make a difference.

Upon arrival to the ship I ran into Anto, one of my favorite dining room
stewards on Holland America. He took such great care of me for three of the
four months I spent on the Rotterdam in 2014, I asked if it was possible to
have him as my server again - presto, change, thanks HAL, he and Rim will be
taking care of me each evening until I leave the ship in May.

Since leaving the Rotterdam, Anto and his bride have welcomed a son to their
family, he is a very happy and proud father!

Our first port of call is Nathon, Koh Samui in Thailand. What an adventure.

Took a 90 minute speedboat ride to the Ang Thong National Marine Park,
stopping at various places along the way for snorkeling, swimming, kayaking
and a Thai lunch on the beach.

Tomorrow heading to Bangkok for a couple of days, then will be taking
another overland upon arrival to Cambodia. Will catch up on my return!