Bangkok Begins

We arrived in Bangkok at 5am. Our flight from the Maldives was possibly the worst flight of our trip. Although smooth and uneventful, the departure time at midnight left us exhausted. We were both unable to sleep on the flight and were sleepy(and Kelley grumpy) when we landed. Lucky for us, the morning only got better from there. We were met by our guide, B , inside the airport and taken to our awaiting transport van.

Our first view of Bangkok was impressive. This place is a beast! A huge sprawling city with towering buildings spread around the expansive landscape. This was different than US cities with a centrally located city center, and much different than an Indian city in that it is clean and no thick cover of smog and dust. Very modern in appearance, good roads, and little traffic this time of day. We were at our hotel within 30 minutes, The Peninsula Bangkok, the second nicest hotel of our trip. Met at the front door with white glove service and smiling faces, we easily made it to the front desk and were given an early check-in. Can you imagine a 6am check-in time in the US, and the staff seeming happy you had arrived early?

At this point I felt post call. I was tired. I hadn’t slept in 24hours. I needed a shower. Vacation isn’t supposed to remind you of work but this sensation was all to familiar. Lucky for me, all I had to do at this point was sleep, which I did. I just wish my pups had been there, too.

After a few good hours of sleep, we went to the mall. Shopping was basically the same as in the US with department stores anchoring the mall and retail chains in between. Many the shops were the same as we have at home, very Westernized. However, things changed when we decided to see a movie. We agreed upon the new Harry Potter and off we went to buy a ticket. The theaters have many options for the type of ticket you can buy. Basic ticket for about $2, Digital tickets a bit more, and a few other options leading to a VIP ticket. We opted for the VIP ticket thinking why not? After standing in the line we got to the counter and told them ticket type and show time, only to be ushered down to the end row. We were supposed to go down the red carpet, literally, with no line to buy VIP tickets. For about $15, you get the movie ticket, access to the lounge for an hour before the movie, appetizers, welcome drink, and an in movie menu. When you get to the actual theater, you are seated in large reclining chairs and are given your choice of a variety of soft drinks and choices of popcorn. During the movie you also only need push a small button for more of anything. Best movie experience ever. The movie was pretty good, too.

This concluded night one in Bangkok.