Learning Thai

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Yesterday we visited Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn). This is one of Bangkok's most recognizable structures because of its unique shape and its location on the Chao Phraya River. The tall tower is called a prang and it was built in the early 1800's on the site of another wat that had served as the royal temple and palace before the capital was moved across the river.

We really enjoyed the beauty of the prang and the surrounding temple grounds. There were a lot of statues, flowers, and trees and the overall effect of the architecture was very impressive. The girls had fun finding the animal statues and did a good job of tolerating all of the people who wanted to take pictures with them. (I'd love to hear what they say about these pictures later..."here I am with this foreign kid that I saw...").

After we were finished at the wat we rode a boat back across the river and took a tuk-tuk to Bangkok's largest flower market. It's an area where the streets are lined with people selling all kinds of flowers - for incredibly cheap prices. Being a romantic husband is definitely less costly here - the 5 dozen roses that Candice is holding set me back a whole $1.12.) There were piles of orchids, row after row of roses bundled in newspaper, and elaborate garlands and other arrangements designed for religious purposes. It was definitely the best-smelling market we've visited!

The girls did a great job despite the long day and the heat and were rewarded with some McDonalds ice cream on the way home.

-Tom