First an update on the situation in Bangkok: normalcy has been restored, the curfew normally expires on 1 June.
Tom had some visitors over from Belgium earlier this month (Adam & Eva, these are their real names!). Their original flight had been delayed due to the volcanic ash cloud from Iceland and now they were in Thailand during the turmoil. They were fortunately not in Bangkok during the military operations and returned right after normalcy was more or less restored. In order to escape the curfew, we decided to leave Bangkok for the weekend (together with Jeroen, a colleague of Nirmala). We opted for Pattaya, not for its limitless charm but rather for convenience: it is a relatively short and comfortable drive from Bangkok (with two alternative highways). In addition, the city council had somehow pulled off to have the curfew lifted just for Pattaya, even though it was still in force in Bangkok and 23 provinces, including the surrounding areas. The (in)famous nightlife must have suffered greatly...
We found a nice design hotel in the middle of the city, but secluded enough to be isolated from the night life. We visited the Sanctuary of Truth, a shrine made entirely out of teakwood (no nails or screws). In the evening, we went for a walk and drink on Walking Street, the main 'entertainment' area of Pattaya, quite a contrast with the serenity of the Sanctuary. On the way back to Bangkok the next day (after a lunch near the beach), an impressive cloud formation hovered above the expressway, offering spectacular vistas of nature at work.
1 comment:
Nice post, thanks for the memories of the Sanctuary Of Truth. I am sure I had to wear a safety hat when I was there. Thank's for sharing, Cheers
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