Day 2 in Bangkok - Grand Palace and Temples

Today we visited the Grand Palace and several Temples in and around Bangkok.

Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Keo) within the Grand Palace is a sort of national cathedral, housing one of the country's most sacred objects. As such, entry is free to Thais but foreigners must pay an entry fee (200 Baht, about US$5). The temple is enclosed by a cloister like gallery painted with scenes from the Ramakien, the Thai epic based on the Hindu Ramayana.

Wat Po (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)

Immediately south of the Grand Palace lies Wat Jetuphon, commonly known as Wat Po. Its actually the oldest temple in Bangkok, having been established in the 16^th century. It was extensively remodeled by the early Chakri kings who made it Bangkok's first center of public education.

The reclining Budha. Dani and Elle making wishes.

Wat Arun

On the east bank of the Chaophraya River, the temple pre-dates the founding of Bangkok as the capital. You can reach the temple by ferry from the Tha Thien pier a short walk from Wat Po.

Shots of us riding back from the Hard Rock Cafe in a tuk tuk.

An early Christmas

Since we are leaving on Friday night we decided to have part of our Christmas early, it was hard to fit in with Dani's busy social schedule, Larry's work and our trip, but we squeezed it in on Friday around noon.

Elle's big present was a having a dress made. She picked out the style from pictures on the internet, then we picked out fabric and got her measured. We were shocked that the dress was done on time (that almost never happens in Dubai) - but it didn't hurt that I took Larry to the same tailor the day before to have shirts made while nagging the tailor to be sure Elle's dress was ready on time. She was one happy little girl!

Dani's got Ugg boots and some cool Converse high tops. The boots are black which means she can wear them to school - yeah every 12 year old living in the heat of Dubai needs a pair of Uggs -right?

Larry received a GPS runners watch that he has been wanting to help him train for the Dubai Marathon. We are looking forward to cheering him on in mid January for the race!

And I got the best gift of all an Canon D7 Digital SLR camera! It's a wonderful piece of hardware. I can't believe the great pictures that it takes. Thanks honey!!!

Thailand Day 1 - One night in Bangkok...

When we arrived we gave Dani and Elle their next Christmas present which were new cameras. I know they will more responsible with these ones.

On the first day we took the Metro to the weekend market (Chatuchak market). What an amazing place! You could seriously get lost for hours in there. I wish that we had had more time to shop. The prices were amazing.

Then we met our guide who took us on a tour of Chinatown and the Flower market.

The girls at the airport with their new cameras.

Elle at subway, getting some lunch. The view from our hotel room in Bangkok

Our hotel room.

Elle checking out my new camera.

The weekend market

Chinese temple and a tuk tuk (taxi).

A chinese temple

An interesting assortment of birds nests, shark fins an other dried stuff.

Chickens (but I think they look like bats) and crabs.

Dried squid, so yummy! Just kidding, there's now way I would try it.

Gorgeous flowers huh? Only 25 Baht per bunch.

Amazing fruits and vegetables at the flower market.

A funny dog with sun glasses riding in the basket of a scooter. Elle in her new Chinese dress.

You can't got to Bangkok without visiting one of their "adult" districts. Our hotel was near the Soi Cowboy district.... interesting to say the least.

The Hartshorn's are going to Thailand!

We've been working on this trip for a few weeks now and it hasn't been panning out... very frustrating, long story that I don't feel like writing. Any how, today, we worked with a local travel agency in Bangkok and we are booking the trip tonight and leaving on Friday night. Quick turn, but we are so excited!

We are going to Bangkok for 4 nights and Phuket for 6. Whoaoooo can't wait!

Larry's visit to Kenya

Larry went to Kenya for work but was also able to visit a few animals on a safari. He also got in a visit to the world famous restaurant Carnivore - you know he loved that! I'll bug him to write more about his experience there.

Dubai Rugby Sevens

Again this year we went to the Rugby Sevens - so much fun! We rented a limo and hung out all day at the event. Dani and the neighbor girls ended up in the Gulf News.