Floating along on the last day in Bangkok

We headed to the infamous Damnoen Saduak floating market this morning. As we got into the longtail boat the canal was relatively empty. An hour or so later the canal was so packed that you could hardly see the water and one could walk across from one side of the canal to the next just walking on boats. A woman paddled us along and it is amazing how they maneuver through the canal and not one boat gets stuck. It is like a massive jig-saw puzzle at all times and the boats all just slip and slide by each other. Shannon bought some spices from one of the boat vendors and I bought a pancake with eggwhites and coconut (my new fatty obsession since Cendol is nowhere to be found in Thailand).

There were actual "floating restaurants" where the women would have full cookers on their boats and make soup and other goods right on their boat. We then took a longtail boat ride through the canal away from the markets and passed a bunch of homes with families and children yelling "hello madame!" and giggling as we waved and went along the waterway.

The market is something to definitely go to when in Bangkok. It's about an hour outside of the city but well worth the trip. You've seen the pictures of this canal, undoubtably. It really is just as bright as it seems in all the postcards and magazines. There are so many fresh fruits and vegetables and goods in all the boats; the scene is vivid and exciting to watch in action.

When back in the city we went to Lumphini Park, the largest park in Bangkok, to walk around. They have an outdoor health area for exercise; it was fantastic. There were people running (crazy Asians barely noticing the heat) and there were people using machines and weights that were all outside in this park - and free! What a great idea.

We were exhausted after the park and came back to the hotel and took a nap even though Shan and I both said "I am never able to take naps." Five minutes back in the room that sentence was nonsense as we drifted to sleep for an hour or so. Rejuvenated we brought ourselves to a sushi restaurant on KohSan Road and then back home to bed. Boy were we geriatrics that day. Sometimes the effort of traveling really catches up to you and it's best to just get some rest so that you can enjoy more of the next day. I know what you're thinking: "Oh poor Allison - so tired from traveling all over Asia. Here, let me dry your tears." I know. But this was a serious situation regarding sleep: we had to rest up for our flight to Phnom Pehn, Cambodia the next day! Tis a rough life.