Sawadee Kha! We are finally here! Last night we arrived at 11:30pm and instead of getting "hit" by the humidity, the damp air instead settled into our clothing and skin. The smell of the air here can't be described as anything else but "Thailand." I guess the city smells like a bustling, humid, metropolis.
We were met at the gate by my Uncle Sumo and Uncle Ben. Apparently one of them knows someone who works at the airport, so instead of walking with the crowd to get our entry visas, we got into a small doorless car (used for security) and drove past everone! We quickly got our visas, in a line that consisted of just me and Grant (again because one of my Uncles knew someone) and we were out the airport doors on our way to the hotel.
Driving in Bangkok
There are a quite a few things one should know while driving in Bangkok: 1.) the driver's side is on the right side, 2.) seatbelts aren't required in the back seat, 3.) on some big freeways there are no lanes and as for the roads with lanes, people don't really try too hard to stay them, 4.) there is a speed limit, but no one pays attention to it. In short, thank God we weren't driving.
Swanky at its Swankiest
My aunt arranged the hotel room for us and it's absolutely beautiful! Think Whistler time share, just ultra modern and decorated with a dash of the orient! A glass box encases the toilet, and another glass box surrounds a shower. The floors are made of hardwood or another material resembling the look and feel of marble. The dining table is flanked by electric blue velvet chairs and on top of the table, my family has left a bunch of Thai sweets (known here as "kanom") for us to try.
Today, my aunt will pick us up and we will go see my grandparents. Hopefully Grant remembers to bow respectfully and say "Sawadee Krup!" Then after that, it's off to explore the city!!!
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