Page 55 - BHUTAN 2007

exploration of the Land of the Thunder Dragon. May it continue to thrive
and bring contentment to its citizenry!

BANGKOK

During this marathon visit to Bhutan & Southeast Asia, we were in Bangkok
four times altogether because it is the gateway city for flights to all the

countries where we traveled. BKK (as the airlines identify it) is an

architecturally marvelous city. It is very large and spread out and we cannot

pretend to have explored its many wonders. But we did enjoy times we

spent there which was always the case as we spent only one night at a time.
Anyway, thanks to Micki and Dan, we stayed at two really splendid hotels—

world famous ones actually. They promised we wouldn’t regret the extra

cost and they were absolutely correct. The Peninsula Hotel and the Oriental

Hotel were simply stunning, luxurious, beautiful inside and out, and they sat

on opposite banks of the river that runs through the city. The city is a blaze
of lights at night and the river traffic with its lighted boats and junks carries

through that theme. From our balconies in both hotels, we could look out

on a magical scene with such an exciting artificial “aurora borealis”

emblazoning the skies over our heads and across the river!

Dinner outside on the banks of the river was also really enjoyable. The

Peninsula, in particular, had an interesting menu and really delicious food.

The breezes were soft and sweetly scented. The skies were clear and deep

and the river traffic was fascinating to watch as little boats tacked their way
back and forth across the water ferrying hotel patrons from one place to

another.

On our last entry into BKK, Kay and I booked a city tour that gave us a look

at the floating neighborhoods and at the magnificent royal palace grounds.

The neighborhoods in which the houses are built right next to, over, and

cantilevered out above the river are quite interesting. There are low-rent