We went to Thailand a couple weeks ago for a visa run and to do some medical tests, followed by a few days of rest.
We had visited Bangkok years ago (before kids).
Traveling with kids is totally different than traveling with them.
Still wonderful, but very different.
Kids cause us to notice immeasurably more things we probably wouldn't have noticed before kids. :)
We had a plan, a list of things to see and do.
We researched what part of the city to stay with kids...
Let's just say - a great plan doesn't always come to fruition. :)
Our journey started with a blessing and surprise! We arrived about seven hours earlier than anticipated. Hong Kong Air rebooked us to a much earlier flight due to anticipated weather issues. Getting to leave early from the airport is definitely a first!
Our first adventure here was a boat ride down the canal.
Did you know that Bangkok is called the "Venice of the East"? Rightly so, there are many canals to travel and this seemed to be the quickest mode of transportation for us in this enormous city.
However, our kiddos (especially our little man) preferred this mode of transport - the Tuk Tuk.
Even had some "party lights." ;)
Our first night we stayed at a lovely guest house. The kids enjoyed the playground and interaction with other families there.
Love this girl, I often wonder what is going through her amazing mind.
We started the day off with a trip to the hospital for medical tests then off to our list of tourist destinations.
First on list- The Grand Palace.
Their faces says it all here.. the heat and humidity was intense.
The structures truly are stunning.
However, it seemed like a weight being carried while walking through. Such emptiness in the worship of Buddha, emerald Buddha or whichever other.
haha...no idea what Mei is doing here, but she is smiling. :)
Don't you love Brian's paints (I have since stolen them - so comfy!!). I remembered girls needed to wear long skirts but forgot men needed long pants. They sell for twice the price outside of the Palace (or you can borrow/rent something to cover yourself).
Ian enjoyed the selfie stick...
We still haven't mastered the art of it yet.
Inside this building is the Emerald Buddha.
Along with many people from various nations burning incense and bowing to worship this very small idol (about 30 inches tall) made of green jasper (not emerald, surprising huh?). He even has three changes of clothes made of gold.
While inside we prayed that the one true God would reveal Himself to these people.
That the truth they are searching for will be found in Christ alone.
That the weight of darkness we felt there could be lifted and eyes opened to see, minds and hearts opened to understand and believe in the only One who can provide the peace for which they desire.
The kids were pretty much done after the palace, but we managed to squeeze in one market before heading back to the hotel. Each wanted to try something new and each were equally disappointed. However, we are so proud of them asking to try things. :)
We went back to our hotel for the night. The guesthouse was full so we found what was said to be a "family friendly hotel." (insert chuckle)
This was the street. By day, it looked like many streets here, full of shops and people.
The sign below is a bit misleading.
I definitely don't love Khaosan but we thought the Ronald was cute as he gives a Thai greeting.
Khaosan is where you'd want to stay if you wanted to party all night.
I would not recommend this area for families.
Earlier in the day a drunk Brit asked B if he could buy our little man.
No idea if he was joking or serious, but sadly this happens so much in Thailand (and around the globe). Such a broken world we live in. Depravity was easily seen here.
Our hotel was pretty cool looking with Thai beds on the floor.
However, our room literally vibrated - not exaggerating, from the music played outside. It was like we were trying to sleep inside a club with music blaring so loudly even my ears hurt.
However, by the grace of God two out of three kids slept.
It did finally stop somewhere between 2-3 am.
This is the view from our window.
Definitely the highlight of Bangkok for us -
Oh so yummy!!
We got 2 1/2 dozen - lol
We stopped back in Bangkok on our way home after some rest in a much quieter area of Thailand and hit a few more favorite spots. Filling up on the American "luxuries" before heading home where these don't exist. :)
Can you tell we really like Krispy Kreme?
We have 7/11 in our country but they don't have slurpees! Thailand 7/11 does though! Woohoo!
As we were leaving the airport, one of the workers at the duty free store gave our kids Lindt chocolate balls! People are always giving them things, this was a huge treat though - Lindt chocolate - yummy (at least I remember it being yummy, they inhaled it so fast I didn't get a taste). ;)
So thankful our kids get to experience different cultures and countries.
Also thankful how He often uses trips to other places to help us appreciate where He has us. :)
At one point Aili said, "Mommy, Bangkok makes Ch look sparkling!"
Not sure I would choose Bangkok as a destination again soon, but thankful for the experience.
Nonetheless, our trip a little further south was amazing and provided the rest and relaxation we needed.
Beautiful pics of God's creation to come in the next post. :)
We had visited Bangkok years ago (before kids).
Traveling with kids is totally different than traveling with them.
Still wonderful, but very different.
Kids cause us to notice immeasurably more things we probably wouldn't have noticed before kids. :)
We had a plan, a list of things to see and do.
We researched what part of the city to stay with kids...
Let's just say - a great plan doesn't always come to fruition. :)
Our journey started with a blessing and surprise! We arrived about seven hours earlier than anticipated. Hong Kong Air rebooked us to a much earlier flight due to anticipated weather issues. Getting to leave early from the airport is definitely a first!
Our first adventure here was a boat ride down the canal.
Did you know that Bangkok is called the "Venice of the East"? Rightly so, there are many canals to travel and this seemed to be the quickest mode of transportation for us in this enormous city.
First on list- The Grand Palace.
Their faces says it all here.. the heat and humidity was intense.
However, it seemed like a weight being carried while walking through. Such emptiness in the worship of Buddha, emerald Buddha or whichever other.
We still haven't mastered the art of it yet.
Along with many people from various nations burning incense and bowing to worship this very small idol (about 30 inches tall) made of green jasper (not emerald, surprising huh?). He even has three changes of clothes made of gold.
While inside we prayed that the one true God would reveal Himself to these people.
That the truth they are searching for will be found in Christ alone.
That the weight of darkness we felt there could be lifted and eyes opened to see, minds and hearts opened to understand and believe in the only One who can provide the peace for which they desire.
This was the street. By day, it looked like many streets here, full of shops and people.
I definitely don't love Khaosan but we thought the Ronald was cute as he gives a Thai greeting.
Khaosan is where you'd want to stay if you wanted to party all night.
I would not recommend this area for families.
Earlier in the day a drunk Brit asked B if he could buy our little man.
No idea if he was joking or serious, but sadly this happens so much in Thailand (and around the globe). Such a broken world we live in. Depravity was easily seen here.
However, our room literally vibrated - not exaggerating, from the music played outside. It was like we were trying to sleep inside a club with music blaring so loudly even my ears hurt.
However, by the grace of God two out of three kids slept.
It did finally stop somewhere between 2-3 am.
We got 2 1/2 dozen - lol
On our original "to do" list was to go up into the Sky tower that overlooks Bangkok. Since the kids were not handling the heat well, we skipped it. As we flew over Bangkok, Ian said, "Look Mommy, here is that tower we missed!" :)
Also thankful how He often uses trips to other places to help us appreciate where He has us. :)
At one point Aili said, "Mommy, Bangkok makes Ch look sparkling!"
Not sure I would choose Bangkok as a destination again soon, but thankful for the experience.
Nonetheless, our trip a little further south was amazing and provided the rest and relaxation we needed.
Beautiful pics of God's creation to come in the next post. :)
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