Bangkok

The plan was to try and stay awake all day to get accustomed to the new time zone.  That lasted until about 11:00 am.  The boys retired to their room (Matthew went to brush his teeth and didn't return).  I was more determined so I dragged Karen for a walk.  Went down a sketchy side street where we saw a lunch prayer including some monks chanting.  Walked to the river and back through the shopping area, almost getting mowed down by a scooter in a hurry.  

Then back to the hotel and a dip in the pool - but that was all we could manage before we laid down for a siesta too.  Seems like our worst bout of jet lag so far, as we slept the afternoon away.  Got up and hopped on the water taxi to the Sky Tram Saphan Traksin station and rode to the World Central mall at Chit Lom station.  We didn't have too much trouble with the tram fare on the way to the mall, but the return trip was another story.  Also, got off too early on the way there but no problem to hop on the next tram and continue.  The fare system depends on how far you are going, so you need to know where you are getting on and where you are getting off.   It took me a while to sort this out, much to everyone else's consternation.  Anyway, we found our way there and back.  The mall is ridiculously huge.  The prices seem to be similar to home or higher (sometimes much higher).  Regardless, the boys bought more clothing that they couldn't get along without.  Outside the mall, we noticed a shrine where a lot of people were congretating to burn incence and place candles or floral garlands.  

Went into the square to watch a bit.  One interesting thing was there was a large vat of water with small silver cups where people would come up and dip the cup and sprinkle water on themselves (head, shoulders and arms) after praying.  There was also a group of women dancing.  Unfortunately, we continue to have problems with the memory card in our camera, so didn't get a photo of this.  Also weren't  sure we were allowed to take pictures.  We also found a very popular Thai restaurant for dinner.  When they say spicy, they mean it!