Easter Weekend in the City of Angels – Part 1

Bangkok is actually the old name for the city – its official name when translated is "The city of angels, the great city, the eternal jewel city, the impregnable city of God Indra, the grand capital of the world endowed with nine precious gems, the happy city, abounding in an enormous Royal Palace that resembles the heavenly abode where reigns the reincarnated god, a city given by Indra and built by Vishnukam". So it’s probably more convenient to refer to it by its original name of Bangkok which simply means “riverside village with olive plums”.

I’ve had a fantastic long weekend in Bangkok - if somewhat hot and sticky with temperatures in the low 100s… and despite the factor 50 I’m my usual lobster red! I’ve loved exploring the amazing sights and culture of this fascinating city. Around every corner you seem to come across another temple… beautifully decorated in the traditional Thai style.

My colleague Brian in Tokyo’s wife comes from Bangkok so he’d provided me with a detailed itinerary of things I had to do… which left little time for rest! I managed to do everything except go to see the Lady Boys of Bangkok perform… and I can always do that in Edinburgh during the festival! Here’s some photos...

Wat Phra Kaew & The Grand Palace





Wat Pho (and the reclining Buddha)

There’s too much to squeeze into one post (lest I receive any complaints…) so part 2 will come during the week. But to close here’s some views of the city from my hotel…