The next day our group of 8 set off by subway train to see the city sights with our guide, Som Pond. . Some of us had come in a day earlier due to snow projections, but we were all together this morning.We saw the Grand Palace first after embarking on a river boat trip following the subway. There were various buildings that were used for different occasions – the Funeral Palace, the Reception Palace, the Throne Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Royal Guest House, and the mysterious Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha image in Thailand. Then we walked over to WatPho; home to the famous reclining Buddha, measuring a staggering 45m in length, as well as one of the oldest Traditional Thai-massage schools in the country.
We then rode tuk tuks to visit the unique art of making monk’s alms bowls; Down the street we found a very local restaurant where we enjoyed Pad Thai. I had to wait to use the “bathroom” while the resident took s shower. He came out covered by a towel. We then took a very interesting boat ride on a canal to see the Jim Thompson silk and his Thai home. Jim Thompson's famous silk house showcases the history of the mysterious American silk merchant; and the more cutting edge Siam Square. He disappeared mysteriously in Malaysia- speculation that he was killed by CIA. We ended our tour returning home by the train.
Bangkok is very busy and noisy and there tons of Chinese tourists visiting the temple. Thailand is a country that has remained its independence but has an influx of Burmese, and Chinese and Lao peoples. 
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