Bangkok - Where modernity sits in harmony with tradition!

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Chong Nonsi Canal Park

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There is so much to explore in Bangkok, knowing where to start is difficult. As I opened the curtains from our hotel room yesterday morning and saw the MahaNakhon tower, or the more aptly named 'falling down' building, outside my window which is truly a marvel to behold, I knew Darrell and I needed to explore the city before we headed for a more sophisticated stay down by the river, away from the fray of Silom 4 Alley.

I have enjoyed staying in this part of Bangkok, it certainly has been an eye-opener, but the extremes in this part of the city are laid bare (literally) in a very raw way. What you see is what you get here. This is a particularly seedy area, (there I've said it) and it wouldn't be a place where I would choose to stay again, but walking around, jumping on a BTS train from time to time, you can see a softer, more traditional side of Bangkok.

The community around our hotel is rather colourful, but if one looks deeper, below the surface, it seems sex isn't the taboo, it is in the UK in particular. There are clubs, massage parlours and 'money boy' bars everywhere, but that is just part of the course when you stay in Patpong, and it really just adds to the unusual atmosphere of the place. Its gritty underbelly is a reason to visit here alone; you will never see anything like it again.

A short sky train ride away we stumbled upon the Chong Nonsi Canal Park, similar to the one in Seoul in Korea, where we visited in 2019, although certainly not as well looked after or clean. The canal is still fascinating to visit, but still very much under construction. The water has a distinctly brown hue, rather than crystal clear; I dread to think what lurks inside.

The buildings around Chong Nonsi are particularly stunning, bright, modern and sparkling in the morning sun, interconnected with the brutalist structure of the BTS Sky Train system and a city living very much above the streets of Bangkok. It is a bit of a culture shock if you are not used to this extreme urban way of living, but to live it first hand was a treat and something I will never forget!

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Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, Bangkok

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From Chong Nonsi, we visited Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, nestling between the modern glass buildings that litter the skyline. This traditional Hindu place of worship was a fascinating encounter. There was a lot of noise, colour and the smell of incense was intense. This feast for the senses feels rather foreign to the casual observer. If you aren't used to Hinduism it can be quite a shock. Religious practise in the UK bears no resemblance to the Hindu religion and for that reason alone it is worth a visit. I was however, expecting a much larger building and was struck by how small it was, but the intimate space offered a look into a way of life, that people like me from western nations have very little concept of.

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Golden Buddha Statue

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After a short break at the hotel, freshening up after the scorching temperatures outside, Darrell and I walked the short distance to the nearest MRT station, to take an underground train, to the Statue of The Golden Buddha. The most annoying thing, about the otherwise perfect, public transport systems here in Bangkok, is they are not integrated, The BTS Sky Train works independently of the MTS Subway and this can be terribly frustrating.

We bought a day travel card for the Sky Train, at a cost of three pounds, rather than the twenty pounds you would pay in the UK, and being unknowledgeable tourists we initially thought we could use in on both systems, but no. At a cost of seventeen Bhat (about thirty pence) we paid separately for a token to take us the one of the most famous landmarks in Bangkok, situated just outside China Town.

The complex where the statue is situated was roasting hot and packed to bursting with pilgrims all wanting to go to this Buddhist site. We bought a ticket each to enter the inner sanctum, and it was a rather beautiful experience. It was of course difficult to take in everything in its full glory, due to the amount of people there, but it was nevertheless a visit I was glad to have undertaken. Yes it is a typical tourist stop, but that is what I am here for, to see these places and discover more about Thailand.

The biggest shock for me was the surrounding area, where the temple is build, which has clearly built up over time. I have often found myself surprised at just how run down the urban sprawl is around these monuments, it is completely at odds with the way things are in Britain at least, but it really does add to the lawless feel I have often felt here in Bangkok.

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Bangkok China Town Gate

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The Statue of the Golden Buddha is situated just outside China Town, which makes this a particularly colourful part of Bangkok. The smells, sights and feel of the area is typically Chinese and is a captivating place to visit. We didn't venture too far into the Town because we were extremely hot, but just took a brief look around, especially as I am such a fan of anything Asian.

By now we were literally melting and sweating profusely, so as we made our way back to the subway station we stopped for a welcome break in Starbucks. It did seem very odd seeing this vestige of western commercialism in the middle of this particular district, but it is again a reason why I love this part of the World so much. Asian culture is so different from our own, but you do on occasion see the two ways of life living in perfect harmony, side by side. There is after all no reason why our different lifestyles and traditions shouldn't coexist, it is just up to us to ensure we embrace all our peers as equal, without prejudice and afford one another the respect we all deserve.

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Funeral of The late Queen Elizabeth II

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After an exhausting day of sightseeing, I made it back to the hotel to watch The late Queen Elizabeth's funeral service. It has been difficult trying to find away of viewing this emotional event at home in the UK, since there is very little English-speaking television channels at the Siam Heritage Hotel. However, I did manage to watch the entire thing on a live feed from Sky News and what a very touching experience it was; something I will never forget for as long as I live.

The funeral began at 6 pm Bangkok time and with Darrell swimming in the roof pool, I sat down to watch Her Majesty's funeral without interruption. I don't think I have ever felt so moved in my life. My homeland was giving the only Monarch most of us have ever known, the best send off they could, and if I am honest, it has been heart-wrenching watching it from the sidelines in Bangkok; I would have much rather been home at this time.

I have done my best to remember The Queen whilst travelling, in the most respectful way I can. Friends and colleagues back home have also helped to make me feel a part of the proceedings back in Britain, by laying flowers on my behalf and saying a few words from me, which has helped with my own personal pain, watching the Queen's death unfold from afar.

Luckily I have been able to pay my respects to The late Queen here in Thailand. Visiting the Statue of the Golden Buddha, gave me the opportunity to say goodbye to my Queen in a very unique way. A few thoughts for a Lady who had a tremendous impact on my life. As a Monarchist, I will always respect the institution, whoever is King or Queen, but Elizabeth R, will always be the most amazing lady I have ever known. Her sense of duty is unmatched and her loyal service without precedent. I was glad to end the day immersed in the tradition and remembrance of a woman who has been the constant in my nations life and as I continue my travels around the World, I will always remember her as a beacon of light in this terribly dark World.

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