Bangkok

Ya know - there are a lot of people in Bangkok. I must say - I am a little tired of the crowds. Yesterday, I walked down to the river and took a river taxi almost to the end of the line. When the taxis get to a dock - it stops only long enough to get on or off if you move rather quickly. I witnessed a couple of people jump back to the dock because all of the members of their group did not make it on. I got off the boat close to a Skytrain station and took that around that part of the town. I exited at Victory Monument and the good old #28 bus delivered me back to the entrance of the University. That whole trip around town using public transportation cost me a total of about 40 Baht or $1.35. If you are willing to put up with the crowds, it is a great way to travel and you can generally by-pass most of the traffic jams and incredibly long stop lights. If you want to go the more expensive route, you can get an air-conditioned taxi. However, in a taxi, especially during rush hours, you can end up sitting at a complete stand-still for 10 minutes or more. The University is situated in an area of Bangkok that is not conducive to walking around or exploring - so in order to go anywhere or see anything - you are thrust into the sea of humanity. The program ends on Friday and on Saturday Carol and I are checking into the Shangri-La Hotel right on the water. We will be steps from the Skytrain and water taxi and I am confident that we will have a much different experience for a few days. On Monday, we are going to Koh Lanta, one of the Thai beach islands. Then, the vacation part of our trip can start for Carol. A few days resting in a hammock looking out onto the blue water and sipping fru fru drinks or beer should set us up for more exciting adventures. We will keep you posted.