November 11, 2008 – 3:00 PM – New Siam II.

We just got back from touring the Royal Palace. I almost couldn’t believe it but there was also a wat in there too. The Palace was pretty impressive. Tons of work must have gone into it and every building is very intricately detailed.

We saw and emerald Buddha that we can’t remember how old it was but it had been stolen and won back in wars with the Vietnamese. Take a look at the pictures, they’re cool.






Also checked out the Kings weapons arsenal. Lots of old guns like Colts and Lugers that were actually given to the King of Thailand by Samuel Colt himself and also some swords.

We walked back from the Palace down a side street through another authentic Thai market and I bought some Buddha statues for souvenirs. Two big Buddhas and two tiny ones. So, it may sound like there is not a lot to see in Thailand other than wats and markets and this is probably true. The wats are all very impressive to look at but you do start to get a little tired of them. We have also walked through a lot of markets but I haven’t gotten tired of them in the least because there are so many weird and interesting things for sale selling to look at. You can’t get bored.

We also watched the army practice for a princess’s funeral. That’s it, it was a good day, don’t know what we’ll do next.

SPECIAL BONUS SECTION: INTERESTING THAI CULTURAL OBSERVATIONS.

-At a restaurant if the waiter asks you if you are ready to order and you say that you are not, the waiter will stand and stare at you until you make a selection. No pressure, hurry!
-You always have to ask for your bill, always.
-Waiters also stare at you while you count your money for the bill. They stand and wait. This never happens in the US so you don't notice it but you will when you feel how awkward it is when it happens in Thailand.
-No paper towels to dry your hands in the bathrooms. When you do get a paper towel it is really small and disintegrates when you get a drop of water on it. Try blowing your nose.

-No flushing TP down toilets. That detachable dish sprayer that you have in your kitchen sink, exact same thing that you are supposed to wash your vital bits with here.

-No tipping… we think.
-Lots of old whities with Thai women.
-Same Same. What does that mean?
-Yellow shirts, we need one.
-Assorted animals are always around when you are eating, always.
-You bargain for everything here but we still manage to get ripped off.