Thailand - Bangkok

Wednesday 8 April

Arriving in Thailand at 6:00am Thai time (that is 9:00am Aus). we journeyed to the hotel. Most of us had managed to get enough sleep on the flight.The atmosphere is definitely excitement and expectation.

We arrived at the Hotel at 7:00am. The first few hours were spent looking at the markets, so many tiny stalls with vegetables, fish, clothes, cooked meat on sticks, etc. They literally go for miles and miles.

Ruth and Fiona at the markets

Having planned a trip to visit the various temples around the city centre, we started by visiting the Golden Buddha. Our jouney took us along the ‘Venice of the East’ a filthy black river with long wooden boats powered by inboard diesel engines that literally roar up and down the river traveling at about 30-40 kms per hour and spaying the floating trash over the walls of the channel, and grinding to a sudden halt as they slam them in reverse.

The 'Vienna of the East'

The Golden Buddha - The similarities with Nebuchadnezzar’s Golden Image is obvious. It is a statue of concrete covered in gold tiles that stand about 4 or 5 stories high! The Idolatry in Bangkok is incredible. By the end of the day we were templed out, there are just so many of them, and we did not go to the Golden Temple, which is supposed to be the greatest of all.

Worshipers at the Golden Buddha praying for good fortune.
(notice the money on the end of the sticks)

Pris, Fiona and Simon in front of the Riot Police at a temple.
Notice a 'Red Shirt' in the background.
These are protesting against what they say is corruption in the government

While we were touring the temples we happened to be amongst a peaceful protest of about 1million ‘red shirts’ against the current government because of corruption. You may remember the sit in at the Thailand international airport some months back which resulted in some deaths. The trouble still seems to be brewing, and the Financial Crisis is really starting to have its affect. People are fed up with the ever increasing struggle to feed their families knowing that corruption is fleecing the system. We really didn’t realize till latter how volatile it could have been as we mingled among the protesters and the riot police. A situation that could have erupted at any moment.

Fiona looking at finches you are supposed to let go for good luck
(after you have paid for the privilege)

Visiting the MBK shopping center was another shock. Materialism has well and truly made its mark in Thailand. It would have to be five times the size of Charlestown Square, at Lake Macquarie and about 8 or 9 stories high.

Anthony enjoying his ride on a tuk tuk
(it latter broke down and he had to push)

By the end of the day we were over the smells and sad situation of so many. Looking forward to flying out tonight to Jordan.