It took me 2 seconds to LOVE Thailand!

I arrived in Thailand with no expectations.  And, within 20 minutes I had  my OWN seat on a brand new, plush, air-conditioned bus WITH a separate area for my baggage!!  After so many Indian rides in over-crowded metal-box engines, I never knew how much I'd appreciate a bus ride.  Yes - a bus ride!

Within one minute of getting off my bus in Bangkok, two Swiss girls told me about the perfect place to stay.  So, I didn't even open "the Bible" (Lonely Planet, for those of you who didn't know it's proper name)!  They were right.   This hotel/hostel/dorm was close to the famous Khoa San Road - on a cute little street with its own restaurant/bar/shopping 'scene'.  I think that I saw more westerners my first evening there than I did my entire time in India.

I felt like I was being re-introduced to a world that I had known in a previous life.  I ate meat (for the first time since the goat in the desert).  I drank cocktails with ice (for the first time since Istanbul).  I got online and had a fast Internet connection!  Wow - Thailand is amazing!!!  It's so easy here.

I spent 4 days wandering around Bangkok.  I met a really nice girl from Egypt and together we visited as many Wats as we could.  This had an entirely new meaning to me after my Tushita Buddhist Meditation experience and reading so much Buddhist philosophy.  For me, visiting Buddhist temples has become more than just 'sight-seeing' - they actually make me 'feel' something.   And, they mean something to me.   Bangkok is filled with wats (Buddhist Temples) and iconic Buddhist statues.   I visited the "Standing Buddha," the "Reclining Buddha," the "Golden Buddha," "the Emerald Buddha," and a dozen more.

My Canadian friend, Deb from Mcleod Ganj (and Pushkar) met up with me and we shared stories and shopped the crazy Bangkok markets.  I never knew I was such a good shopper.  I can bargain!  But shopping is too easy here.  If you're good, you can get every item you want for under $10.  If you're REALLY good, you can get two-for-$10.  Its actually quite fun.  What will I do with all this stuff....?

I had a FANTASTIC time in Bangkok.  And, for the next few months, I'll be passing through here quite often (at least two more times). So, I'm glad i had a great introduction.  Here are some photos.  Enjoy, but get ready because my next stop is the Thai islands!!!!