Japan / Bangkok
June 1-3
Key Figures: Barry Shane, Walker
My friend Walker enjoying our $25 (3000 yen) lunch in the Tokyo Airport, because United's galley equipment broke down.
A memorial shrine on the Golden Mount ascent, overrun by roots. The whole way up was loaded with such memorials, twisted staircases, tiny niches, little caves, and long-expired flowers.
Me on top of the Monastery, with the "Golden Mount" behind me. Great view of Bangkok from up here.
Thai Dancing at Vimanmek Mansion, which is all made of Teak wood.
Me and those dancers after they spun me around for a while!
Some monks on the top of Golden Mount (one is holding his cell phone....)
Courtyard area of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
Part of the garden at Jim Thompson's house (he was a famous industry person who started the silk trade in Thailand and mysteriously disappeared in Malaysia)
One of the mural depictions of the Ramayana on the outer walls of the Grand Palace. This one was particularly graphic.
Me and the Reclining Buddha, the largest in Thailand. Can you get an idea of how big it is? Just look at the toes.
Praciticing may T'ai Chi in front of a carving at Wat Arun (west side of the Chao Phraya river in Bangkok)
The spires of Wat Pho, probably the most ornate Wat in Bangkok. You can't see the detail, but suffice to say it is exquisite.