A Photo a Day...

resting

A Photo a Day...

Colors

A Photo a Day...

A Photo a Day...

A Photo a Day...

shophouse kitchen

Graduation Day

So, today is the big day. Around 6,000 students are graduating from Burapha University and the streets of Bang Saen have been packed with people...

cars...

flowers...

and stuffed toys...

The princess arrived around 2 and the main street was cleared as people waited to watch...

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get any photos of the motorcade. They stopped people taking photos about 5 minutes before she arrived. Still, it was pretty cool to watch. Her escort included about 7 police cars and 5 ambulances and an additional 5 cars. Right now she's in the process of handing out 6,000 degrees. Better her than me!

A Photo a Day...

wedding guests

Graduation Eve

Tomorrow is Graduation Day at Burapha University. In preparation for the big day and a visit from one of the princesses who will preside over the event, the main street of Bang Saen has been getting a make-over...

a fresh coat of paint

a thorough clean

brand new flags

Tomorrow I hope to get some shots of the sidewalk vendors selling flowers and stuffed toys. I have no idea why, but stuffed toys are the graduation gift of choice here in Thailand. And vendors camp out (literally) for the 3 days leading up to the event to sell them.

A Photo a Day...

clear

Sanam Luang

If you get a chance to head to Sanam Luang before the end of the month (and if it's safe to do so), there's an exhibition on display at the funeral site of the late Princess. The grounds themselves are gorgeous, especially at night. There are plenty of food options at the accompanying fair, but it's also not far from the river where you can relax, escape the crowds and take in some beautiful night-time views.

the funeral site of the late Princess Galyani

an accompanying fair

around Sanam Luang

A Photo a Day...

A Photo a Day...

a day at the beach

A Photo a Day...

Customs House

One of my favorite unexpected discoveries during my recent stay in Bangkok was Customs House. Having never explored the area around Charoen Krung before, I was more than a little excited when I stumbled across the beautiful, though well worn buildings that make up what used to be Customs House. Currently being used by the Port Authority, it's soon to be transformed into a boutique resort. I'm really hoping the restoration will leave in tact its charm and magic...

A Photo a Day...

steaming crabs

A Photo a Day...

more bus art

Charoen Krung

On the last day of my little trip to Bangkok, I decided to walk along Charoen Krung away from Chinatown and down toward Saphan Taksin where many of Bangkok's fanciest hotels reside.

I started off early from the China Gate...

walking along the quiet sidewalk of an otherwise busy road...

taking a few side trips...

Holy Rosary Church

stumbling upon beautiful old buildings...

Old Customs House
(more on this to come!)

some with colorful trims...

others more conventional...

Assumption Church

and others dwarfed by the surrounding opulence...

The streets and lanes around Charoen Krung are great for exploring offering lots of unexpected glimpses into Bangkok's past. One of my favorite surprises was Old Customs House. What a gorgeous place! Old, delapidated, falling apart, but gorgeous! More on that to come...

A Photo a Day...

peeling garlic

Chinatown at Night...

Walking down Yaowarat Road in search of food, you don't have to go too far...

Possibly the most popular night time food venue in Chinatown - Soi Texas - is literally a block from the Shanghai Mansion...

The great seafood cook-off between the reds (Lek and Rut's Seafood in red t-shirts) and the greens (T&K Seafood in green t-shirts) happens nightly on the corner of Soi Texas and Yaowarat Road. Both restaurants are super popular, although Lek and Rut's gets the most guidebook recommendations. I tried both and can honestly say that I had great seafood on both occasions. Delicious seafood right on the street, friendly staff and a great view of one of the busiest streets in Chinatown. Definitely a fun night out!