So, we arrived in Bangkok just prior to Thanksgiving. We have begun to settle into our new home, and get a feel for the place. Aidan started school before the winter break, and made some new friends quickly. We dove into exploring the city, and the area by our home just north of the city.
We had a great Christmas party at Siam Nimrat, a Thai culture center. Santa arrived on an Elephant, and Aidan feed an Elephant (see pictures below).
After the party we heading into the city, my first experience in town. We took a taxi to the Mandarin Oriental on the river, had a cocktail, and then took the local river taxi up the river to the part of town we live in. The river taxi has quickly become our favorite mode of transport. Most of the sights are on the river, and the pier is a quick 10/15 minute taxi ride from our house. Then you get a nice ride on the river, with fresh air, and a panoramic view of Bangkok. Much better than sitting on the expressway in a taxi, stuck in traffic. Takes a bit longer, but worth the time, and it is super cheap!
Over Aidan's break from school we visited the Bangkok aquarium at the Siam Paragon mall. Afterwards we headed to a friends apartment in Sukhamvit Soi 3. They have two kids, and we enjoyed a nice afternoon with a glass of wine while the kids played. The peace was shaken when it took us some time to find a taxi to take us back north during rush hour. We ended up paying a hefty farang (the word for foreigner), but we got home! Will be glad when our car arrives for those times the river taxi is not convenient so we are not at the mercy of Thai taxis.
We were invited to have dinner and spend some time at Khun Boom, our maid's, home on New Years Eve. Her family opened their home, and hearts to us, and gave us a New Years to remember. Amazing traditional Thai food, Karaoke, wonderful people, and kids for Aidan to play with, really a great night.
New Years Day we went for a more American approach with brunch at the Peninsula hotel on the river. They had a magician, clowns, and games for Aidan. For Matt and I we got to relax and enjoy the overflowing amounts of seafood! I think Matt ate his weight in things that used to swim. We then headed home to relax and enjoy some much deserved down time.
Our last outing before school started back was to Wat Arun, the temple of dawn, on the river in downtown Bangkok. As the pictures below show, it is an awe inspiring sight.
Now that we are settled, I hope to update often with thoughts, pictures, and my observations about our new home. I also plan to have Aidan produce a weekly entry for his friends, our family, and anyone interested in Bangkok from the perspective of a 7 year old, should be entertaining and educational!
We miss everyone at home, but hope by sharing our experience through this blog you can experience Thailand too.
Aidan feeding an Elephant a cucumber
Aidan with the Elephant
modern high rise, and the traditional river buildings.
Christmas Eve dinner
Matt and I had cocktails!
The temple is on the river, right in downtown, and is awe inspiring.
The mosaics are made from pieces of china.
background.
