One day I went out on my own to visit a temple near the Motorcycle shop. Wat Suwan was a very photogenic temple. I happened to meet a monk, Brother Michael, who was schooled in Canada and traveled extensively in the US. We had a great visit and before I left he offered me a job teaching kids english in the temple school. There would be no pay but the job included food and accommodations in the monk�s quarters. For now that is plan "B".
I got to visit my friends at AEROTHAI and had a great time at their Christmas office party. We had lunch a week later at a great Chinese restaurant that Khun Kan arranged for us. There was a great variety of food that was all delicious and the company was nothing less than marvelous.
The beautiful lady was our hostess and is my dear friend is Miss Kan.
This photo was taken at a outing of the BKK NOC staff at Sattahip Thailand. I wish I could have been along as it looks like they were having fun.
I had read about the Bangkok folk museum for some time but I had not been until now. We arrived at the front gate and high wall and except for a small sigh no one would know it was there. Once in side we met out tour guide. He was sharp and very professional. He knew everything about the house and answered every question without hesitation. The house was built before WWII and looks like as the owner just left it with all the furniture and accessories still intact. It was a real time capsule and we really enjoyed it. The Thai visitors we met there were amazed to know it was even there. A very under rated spot in my view.
The Jim Thompson House was the next stop. I had been there many times but this was Marisa's first visit. I really enjoyed showing her around one of the most famous museums in her own home town. I recommend this museum above all others. I also suggest reading one of the many books about Jim Thompson�s life and his disappearance in 1967.
We took the bus for 5 hours to Chantaburi where Marisa�s father lives. There was a town fair in progress and we enjoyed seeing all the food venders and the crowds walking about. The food was good and the price was right. It was like a 10 block outdoor dollar store.
We walked around the town visiting gemstone market area that I had read about. The real high light was the Chantaburi Cathedral. The Catholic Church was brought to Thai soil by 1711 Vietnamese immigrants. This church is oldest Catholic Church in Thailand and built in 1909 in the classic European gothic style.
Back in Bangkok I did a little shopping at the bronze statue shops and sight seeing. I got two bronze statues and visited the temple Wat Suthat and the giant swing too.
SuanPakkard palace or "Wang SuanPakkard" hidden in quiet area of Phayathai district,Bangkok. The palace is traditional Thai style opened in 1952.
Marisa�s mom really spoiled me with all my favorite foods at breakfast everyday. The fresh fruit is so sweet and flavorful I just love it.
On our next visit we plan to go to the north, Chiang Mai, and a side trip to China with Mom and aunt as tour guides. Oh Fun.
If you decide to go to Thailand, a little online research and planning will really payoff.
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Christmas vacation 2007.