Bangkok Part 2

We had two action packed days in Bangu. On Saturday morning, most of the group chose to take part in an optional Thai cooking class.  We went to a cooking school that is set up for groups where we each get our own cooking station.  They began by teaching us about Thai herbs and spices.  Then we donned our aprons and began cooking.  We would watch the chef make the dish, we would sample her results and then we would all have a chance to recreate the dish.  After we completed each dish we got to eat it!  We made Stir-fried cashew chicken, spicy grilled beef salad, Pad Thai and water chestnuts in coconut milk for dessert.  It was all very tasty and we were all very full when we finished!! I am not so sure how I would do with a recreation of these recipes but I will give it a try!!

Once again the traffic caused us problems so we got back to the hotel in the afternoon just in time to pick up the rest of the group for our afternoon excursion.  We went on a speedboat tour of the river and then through the canals of Bangkok.  It is fascinating to see how people live alongside the canals.  The waterways are an important form of transportation in Bangkok, a good way to avoid the road traffic!!

We stopped to see Wat Arun (the big white temple with the scaffolding in the pictures).  We also got to see numerous Monitor Lizards along the canals.  It is the first time I have seen a real monitor lizard!! Exciting!!

We return d to the hotel and had two hours to cool down and relax.  Then we headed out again, this time to take in some typical Bangkok entertainment.  We went to the "Calypso Cabernet", which featured all men. The catch is that most of the men were "Lady Boys", so they looked like women.  We all found it hard to believe that these were actually men.  It was a very interesting experience!!

After the show we took an hour to do some shopping at the night market that was next to the theatre.  This was a well-lit, indoor market, so it was very enjoyable.  The suitcases got heavier again!!

From the night market we split into two groups.  One group went back to the hotel while another group of us went on a "Bangkok by Night" adventure.  It was actually pretty tame.  We walked through a street called Soi Cowboy where they have a very "active nightlife". If you want details, google Soi Cowboy.  We walked back to the hotel and on the way we stumbled across another "party" street so we had a little more entertainment (or should I say education?).  It's all part of the adventure!! Gotta run. More later!!