Tuesday in Bangkok

Michael slept in to try to kick the cold. The rest of the group got up early to get to the Grand Palace by 8:30 and avoid the crowds. Dick and John hired a guide. We forgot to tell Dick that shorts are not allowed in the Palace, but their guide found him some long pants to put on. This is a common "problem" and the Thais are prepared.

We met up for lunch at the Jim Thompson House Museum. Jim Thompson was stationed in Bangkok in 1945 as part of the OSS. He fell in love with the people and culture and built a house in Bangkok. He then set about building up a Thai silk industry. Mr Thompson disappeared mysteriously in Indonesia, but his business continues. You can tour the house, but not take photos inside. Very nice collection of Asian pottery, wood panels, art, and sculpture. Also a very nice "jungle" garden that isolates the house from the street and the busy canal. Note the wood screen behind Michael. (He's playing with his iPod)

We had a nice lunch in the restaurant (pic is pad Thai in an egg wrapper), toured the house and I bought a silk scarf with weft ikat. There is another silk shop nearer to us that we are thinking of visiting tomorrow morning. Then the national museum in the afternoon.

Michael is feeling better, but not great. We were both glad to hear that the flight on Friday morning to Bhutan is at 8:40, not 6:30. Means we can leave the hotel at 5:30-6:00, not 4.

I think I have won the battle with the dryer. at least the clothes are mostly dry. Took 2 hours and emptying the water reservoir twice.