A Train to Chiang Mai

Friday, August 19, 2011

We were in Bangkok longer than expected because we were trying to figure out t-shirt printing and design while we were in town. When we ordered the shirts, we were ready to move on. Except the trains were sold out because many people were traveling for New Years. It was a big relief when we finally boarded a train for Chiang Mai.

We rode on a sleeper train to Chiang Mai that travels overnight. The train seats unfold into small beds and overhead beds fold out of the ceiling. A curtain pulls around each bed for privacy from the aisle and other travelers. It was quite cozy and comfortable, though I stayed up much of the night reading, working on a cross-stitch, and listening to music in my little cubby. I felt like a kid in a fort.

In the morning, I was one of the last to fold up my bed back into a seat. I hurried to catch some of the lush green view and do some reading before we arrived at our destination. A train ride just isn't a train ride without a book and some gazing out the window. 

The great thing about overnight trains is that the trip flies by. Before we knew it, we were in Chiang Mai, the cultural center of Thailand. We'll share that next.

- Julia

A curtain pulls around each bed (top and bottom) for privacy during the night.

Bangkok, Thailand II

Thursday, August 18, 2011

This is our last set of photos from Bangkok. We spent quite a bit of time walking around the Khoa San road area but when we wanted a break we caught an express river boat (yet another way of getting around the city) to the shopping district of Bangkok. This was a completely different area than the rest of Bangkok. There are plenty of fancy multi-level malls, a sky-train, nice restaurants, and modern architectural buildings... and ridiculous traffic.

We did some browsing at some of the fancy malls, got some frozen yogurt and checked out some of their elaborate Christmas decorations. From there we headed to Chatuchak Park, which is a beautiful park with golf-course like grass. We were there right when the sun was setting and the light was beautiful. It was a nice way to spend the evening. 

Bangkok is a beautiful city. There is so much to see and do. The people are incredibly nice, the food is amazing... can't wait to go back.

-Yuriy

Next up: Chiang Mai, Thailand

Some of the houses along the river, captured from an express boat.
This is what traffic looks like very day in certain areas.
Never been to a mall with more stories than the ones in Bangkok.