Day 1 - September 18 - Bangkok, Thailand-

Finally made it to Bangkok. We booked a hotel since we weren't sure where we were going to go afterwards, but, apparently, this is not a very obvious hotel and the cab driver had significant issues finding it. But I was happy just sitting in his car. His music tastes were quite good: America's Sister Golden Hair and some Creedence Clearwater.

We get to the hotel and head out to the Vietnamese Embassy to see if we can get our visas. On the way a random Thai dude literally bumps into us and tells us the Embassy is closed, we should go to a travel agent to have the visas done. Our first scam! We say, no thanks, talk to you later. Embassy is open and available for visas, but it would take the weekend. We decide to get the visa later, and hit up the Wat Pho now. We took the Sky Train (Bangkok's light rail system) to a boat on the river and go to Wat Pho. Their public transport is fantastic.

Wat Pho is incredible. It is a huge complex of various temples and stupas. The most impressive with the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. A huge hall with a statue of Buddha lying down, maybe 50 feet long. Inside the temple is a constant 'ding ding' sound from worshippers throwing donations into steel jars arranged at the back of the temple. Very cool. The colored glass and gold spires reflect the light across the temple grounds, creating an interesting shimmering effect on the entire site.

After the Wat, we decided to have drinks at the Mandarin Oriental, near the Sky Train and on the river. We had some interesting cocktails (Thai Sour, Mandarin Orange Vodkas, etc) as the sun was setting over the Chao Phraya river. Long boats and junks plied the river loudly in the waning daylight and eventually lit up with Christmas lights. It would have been cheesey if it wasn't so cool. We ended up staying for dinner and had great, spicy Thai food. I'm a fan.

Starting to get hit by jetlag, we decide to call it a night, and we went to get a taxi. Our driver was insane, constantly offering us various 'shows' for 200 Baht. Good for you... Good for me! was his mantra. We just said, take us to the Park Plaza, dude. Thanks.

Overall, a great first day. Tomorrow on the Chiang Mai.