Finally...A Day To Ourselves!

Goodmorning! Today Grant and I finally get a day to ourselves! Since we've gotten here we have spent every waking moment with my family. It's much MUCH more time than families in the states might spend together; Here, family matters. But I'm not saying it's been bad. In fact, we haven't paid for a meal since we arrived. Every meal has been fantastic and VERY filling. In Thailand it's customary to refill other people's plates for them and that's exactly what's happening to me and Grant. I honestly thought I was going to lose weight while in Thailand due to the hot climate and all the walking I expected to do...but I was so wrong. I'm pretty sure I'm gaining weight!

Here, there, everywhere...COCONUTS!

Everything here seems to be made with coconut. From the appetizers, to the main dishes, to the dessert, it all seems to have coconut milk. People even get coconut juice to go with their already coconutty meal! Yesterday my Uncle Ben brought us to a nice traditional Thai restaurant. It was spicy and awesome. Thai food here is, for obvious reasons so much better than in the states.

Shopping Shopping SHOPPING!!!

Yesterday we also went to Ma Boon Krong (sp?) also known as MBK. There are about 6 floors of intense,cheap and crowded shopping. I'm pretty sure this is what heaven is like! I got to bargain (in Thai ofcourse) for every single thing I bought! The electronics aren't that cheap, but it seems everything else is. I bought an IPod charger for $10, three purses for $6 each, and a pair of heels for about $13. I'll need to head back to MBK to do some more shopping before I leave...can't pass up good deals like these!

Too Much Teak To Take

We also went to the Vimanmek Golden Teak Mansion, built in 1900 and home to King Rama the 5th. It is the biggest all teak buliding in the world. No nails were used, only teak pegs. We got the ultra special tour and were allowed to take pictures and explore restricted areas. Actually, because tourists aren't allowed to take pictures a photographer followed us around and took pics for us. Lots of tour groups passed, gaping at us, as we posed in rooms that were roped off; it was kind of cool :) I'm lucky my Uncle knows people!

Well, time to go! Grant and I are planning to take the BTS Skytrain to the river and then a boat up to the old city where we can see the Emerald Buddah and biggest Reclining Buddah (about 140ft long)! Can't wait to see and take pictures of all the beautiful temples!