The first stop was Bangkok.  Let me share a bit about my flights. I started out from JFK, New York, which took 15 hours to my connection in Seoul. The airport was beautiful, but not for the weak and weary. Getting to other gates, though in the same terminal, is extremely long. It was another five hours to Bangkok, with another beautiful airport but quite large also with  lots of walking.  If in doubt, request a wheel chair. The decision to leave a day earlier than the tour began was an  excellent one. My first time flying with Korean air and the service was excellent from the beginning to the end. For those with request for wheel chair, It was impressive how organized it was at each airport and how helpful and courteous the transporters were.

This is my seventh trip with GCT/OAT (Grand Circle/Overseas Adventure Travel). Prior to our arrival the Experienced Leader contacted group members by phone and emails to brief us on tips to enhance our trip and the opportunity to ask questions. Traveling with OAT there is always a Leader from the region who travels with the group from country to country and in each country there is a local guide also.

One of the planned activities was a home cooking presentation. We visited a home alongside a canal where members of our group had the opportunity to participate in our meal preparation. The highlight was the introduction of local herbs and the different chili peppers. We received an in-depth  lesson on preparing curry from scratch, which was included in our lunch.

Tim Thompson, the American businessman, lived in Asia and played an important part in the Thailand silk industry. He went missing without a trail. We visited his museum. Guided tour takes about an hour tickets $20 and you can pay by cash or credit card.

Couldn’t miss the opportunity to ride the sky train. In Bangkok, let’s just say crowded but orderly, and clean, we were accompanied by our experienced tour leader.

Let me share a bit of the sights as we move around the city.

A visit to Bangkok would not be complete without visiting the Grand Palace and getting a glimpse of the Emerald Buddha.

The Emerald Buddha is what seems to be the main attraction and is considered a precious icon to the royals and natives. The Buddha is made of jade and clothed in gold. The Grand Palace consists of many buildings to include the temple where the Emerald Buddha is located. To enter the the temple, there is a sense of reverence. There is a dress code for men and women and shoes cannot be worn in the temple. Photographs are forbidden.

Many structures called stupa may be seen around near temples. A stupa is a dome shaped high structure holding relics.

In addition to cars and bikes, a popular mode of transportation is the tuk tuk. We had that experience returning to the hotel. Each tuk tuk transports 2 passengers.

After a brief rest we were off for a dinner cruise on the Chaophraya River aboard a traditional rice barge.

The next day we left the city heading to the ancient city of Ayutthaya to visit a World UNESCO site that was once the home of kings from different dynasties. Take a look as we left the city Eating seems to be a favorite people eating or purchasing food in the mornings could be seen at almost every corner and as you travel a long the highway.

As we approached the site we could see an elephant walking down the street.

After leaving the park we headed for a boat ride on the Pa Sak river.

Elephants represent strength, loyalty and longevity in Thailand. They have historical and religious significance as well as their use in tourism. Elephants played a role as it related to status in the royal family. This was a treat for our group and to see how smart the elephant was recognizing the difference between food and money. He stored his bread but gave his master the money. At the end he went under the water and surprised us with a big spurt at those who were close.

Well that about raps up our time in Thailand and we are off to Laos next for more learning and adventure.