Bangkok, day 2

And a busy one. After a lot of self talk I decided on the hotel breakfast. Decided that 400 Bht for an easy all you can budget and no lunch was the way to go. Then set off in my PJ's, well not really my PJs but the long trousers that go with the set. I was off to the Grand Palace and modesty is required.

Took the river ferry. There is quite a skill in getting off and on really quickly and making sure you don't choose the wrong one. They don't hang around. It was very hot, 35 deg, and very sunny: hat and sunglasses were the order of the day.

The palace was busy, tourists of which I am one. Much good and broken China. It was ballast and they used it to decorate the buildings. I think I now understand the China elephant in Vientiane (see. Feb 19).

After the palace it was a museum dedicated to Queen Sirikit contrasting many of her outfits. Fascinating to see how she went from a svelte 20.yearbold to a matronly octogenarian. Must have been weird for her to see how she changed over the years on mannequins. Then across to Wat Arun and more Buddha. Thailand is very similar to Laos, unsurprising really.

Back to the hotel for a swim before the sun disappeared behind the skyscrapers opposite and then across to IconSiam. Remember the Dancing Waters shows? Well they have an updated multi media version, all dedicated to the current and former monarch. IconSiam is giant Mall with the Luxe bit next to the bit with H&M and Uniqlo. Ate in the food court, my favourite Lao/Thai type food Inc mango and sticky rice for pud. All for a fiver.

Back to the hotel bar for a Riverside Singapore Sling and slightly more than a fiver but 5 star luxury doesn't come cheap. Still warm with a slight river breeze.

Edit: Another historical footnote.  Today was the day that the first known positive case occurred in Thailand when a woman arrived in Bangkok from Wuhan.