- 3//8/14 Day 2 - We hooked up with taxi driver, Mr. Jack. He promised to show us anything, anywhere for cheap. Sooooo we drove for a couple of hours to see the Teak Mansion. He suggested that we see the Grand Palace 1st.. We would then see the Mansion for FREE (2 for 1). In so doing, Katie got to see the Emerald Budha that she really, really, wanted to see, (happy accident), but somehow we missed seeing the Grand Palace ??? The Emerald Budha, Thai symbol for freedom, was stolen from the Laos during the war. It is about a foot tall, not made out of real emerald, is enthroned in a temple & surrounded by massive mural paintings gilded in gold, & golden statues. We had to remove our shoes to enter the temple. Lots of people were sitting in prayer. We were able to get phad thai w/dried shrimp at the Teak Mansion (didnt taste anything like Thai food at home). This huge mansion is built entirely of teak & painted a light olive green & tan color scheme. Beautiful furnishings throughout, at least 3 stories. Again, we had to remove our shoes. I had to buy a skirt because I was wearing short pants. On the way back to the hotel, Mr. Jack stopped at the worlds largest jewelry store, (he got 500 baht for fuel for taking us there. He called us his coupon) We only had to go in for 150 - 20 mins. Once we got in there, we stayed longer. You enter into the work area where the stones are processed. An escort attaches themselves to you & shows you all the different items for sale. Very impressive show room, not much savings on the jewelry. Gift shop was attaced & I did get a souvenier from there. Returned to room hot, tired & blistered feet. The charge for the entire day of taxi service, & re embursement for the lunch was 2,000 baht, (about $60.00). 3/9/14 Day 3 - Today we went to the floating market. This was an experience & 1/2. Mr. Jack told us water & banana free; not so. It cost us $93.00 just to get in. Most of the venders are not floating, we were. You stop to look, be prepared to barter. Yeah you can talk them down about 1/2 the cost. Did we really save any money?????
Posted on: Sun, 09 Mar 2014 11:00:49 +0000