Thanks to the wonders of modern air travel and technology - we're in Bangkok! Still not sure what day it is, and our bodies are prone to unpredictable, near-narcoleptic episodes. Before I talk about Bangkok, I have to say "thank you" to Boeing for persevering with the 787 Dreamliner. Of the 20+ hours of flight time on the trip over, 11+ hours were on the 787, and it is a delight to fly. The economy seats are remarkably comfortable, the lighting is somehow different and much better, there is far more headroom and - most important of all - it is pressurized to 4K rather than the former 6K or 7K of earlier jumbo aircraft. It is the very first time - on countless long-haul flights - that we've arrived without swollen ankles and toes - amazing! The only place where the 787 falls short is the on-board entertainment system; it's operationally clunky, and the offerings are skimpy. That may be attributable to UAL rather than Boeing. Otherwise, this plane is a beauty!
First impressions: Bangkok is modern, very tourist-friendly, immaculately clean, full of flowers and lush greenery and, most importantly, smiling, helpful Thais. The airport is a monster, easily a half to three-quarters of a mile walk from the arrival gate through immigration and customs to the taxi queue area. All very new and very slick. Taxi to our rented flat was an adventure (I think the driver was illiterate and couldn't read the address I showed him and our Thai is very rusty)!
We're in a very upscale area, a short walk to the Chao Praya River, the BTS (city transit) and countless street stalls selling everything you could possibly want to eat (and didn't know because you couldn't identify it).
That's our apartment building in the distance - 40 stories tall! We're on the 5th floor. Those covered walkways are the only way for pedestrians to cross this very busy road.
Our first foray into BTS - very slick system (reminded both of us of the DC Metro) - one stop to the Central Pier and the water taxies.
Taking a boat ride on the Chao Praya (river) is a must in Bangkok. We need to take care of a train reservation (or lack thereof) and take the 'normal' (non-tourist) boat to the train station. Couple of photos from our first ride.
Train reservations all sorted, time for a graze through the food stalls before getting back on the boat.
The walkways between the food stalls and store fronts is about 3' wide - no way could I stop and take a photo without causing a major people-jam. We buy some fried chicken nibbles, a bowl of noodles, and a luscious piece of chocolate mousse/almond cake for at-home dining.
Tomorrow, the Palace!
First impressions: Bangkok is modern, very tourist-friendly, immaculately clean, full of flowers and lush greenery and, most importantly, smiling, helpful Thais. The airport is a monster, easily a half to three-quarters of a mile walk from the arrival gate through immigration and customs to the taxi queue area. All very new and very slick. Taxi to our rented flat was an adventure (I think the driver was illiterate and couldn't read the address I showed him and our Thai is very rusty)!
We're in a very upscale area, a short walk to the Chao Praya River, the BTS (city transit) and countless street stalls selling everything you could possibly want to eat (and didn't know because you couldn't identify it).
That's our apartment building in the distance - 40 stories tall! We're on the 5th floor. Those covered walkways are the only way for pedestrians to cross this very busy road.
Our first foray into BTS - very slick system (reminded both of us of the DC Metro) - one stop to the Central Pier and the water taxies.
Taking a boat ride on the Chao Praya (river) is a must in Bangkok. We need to take care of a train reservation (or lack thereof) and take the 'normal' (non-tourist) boat to the train station. Couple of photos from our first ride.
Train reservations all sorted, time for a graze through the food stalls before getting back on the boat.
The walkways between the food stalls and store fronts is about 3' wide - no way could I stop and take a photo without causing a major people-jam. We buy some fried chicken nibbles, a bowl of noodles, and a luscious piece of chocolate mousse/almond cake for at-home dining.
