Tag Archives: travel

The top ‘must sees’ for families visiting New York

Posted on by

New York is a great choice for families. Right from the food – which kid wouldn’t love to eat at a typical New York deli or one its perfect pizza parlours? – to the many attractions, there’s bound to be something to keep your littles ones entertained with a vacation in the Big Apple.

If you’re planning your family visit to the city, here are some ‘must sees’ to put on your list:

American Museum of Natural History

One of the biggest museums in the world, the AMNH is guaranteed to tap into the imagination of your children. The showstopping exhibits that they’ll enjoy most are probably the dinosaurs. Don’t miss the fairly new addition to the fold – the 122-foot long Titanosaur is so big that it doesn’t fit into one room and is the largest creature ever to walk the earth. The 94-foot long blue whale model is pretty impressive too – and the Discover Room is especially good as a hands-on area for intrepid 5-12 year olds.

Broadway

The theater really isn’t just for the adults. In fact, if we’re honest, the best Broadway shows offer a heady mix of fun for all the family. Aladdin, Wicked, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The Lion King are among the many shows on offer – book yourself in and prepare to be blown away.

Central Park

There’s hours of fun to be had in Central Park – the picturesque heart of this otherwise fast- paced city. Kids will love the ice skating rink in the winter – which doubles as an amusement park – and Tisch Children’s Zoo has a cute collection of potbellied pigs, goats and sheep as well as the opportunity for your little ones to unleash their inner animal by crawling, jumping and climbing until their heart’s content.

Rockefeller Center

From the Lego Store and Nintendo NY through to the NBC Studios tour right up to the awesome views at the Top of the Rock – the Rockefeller Center is full of fun for all the family. In the winter, you can enjoy its world famous ice rink too.

Children’s Museum of Manhattan

If your kids like to get stuck into some creative fun, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan is the place to be. Primarily for younger kids, there are five floors to explore here – offering workshops, exhibits, performances and parties galore.

Coney Island

Coney Island is where it’s at if you’re young – or young at heart. There’s the beach, an amusement park featuring 50 rides and attractions and the New York Aquarium. Oh, and lots of hot dogs. Adults find it fun in a ‘hipster retro’ kinda way, kids just find it fun, period.

Bronx Zoo

With more than 5,000 animals in a 265-acre site, there’s plenty to keep your kids entertained at the Bronx Zoo. The gorillas are a constant favorite – and quite right too – while there’s a chance to feed the penguins and sea lions, see pandas and elephants on the Wild Asia Monorail and ride the bug carousel.

 

By Patrick Vernon.

Why Nassau Should Be On Your Bucket List

Posted on by

Source: Wikimedia

The coldest part of winter is finally upon us, which means that many Canadian snowbirds are starting to migrate south in search of the warm reprieve of a sunshine holiday. And who can blame us! Months of cold weather and dark days on the East Coast are enough to drive anyone to dream of hammocks and cocktails on an idyllic white sand beach. What could be better that spending some of your hard-earned time off on the impeccably named Paradise Island in the Bahamas? With increasingly low airfare to Nassau, it’s easy to see why so many people are realizing the potential of this beautiful spot as a holiday destination.

Better known as the jewel in the Bahamian crown, Nassau Paradise Island is one of the most colorful and vibrant capitals in the world. Its crystal clear turquoise waters, bustling downtown district and old-world colonial charm lure people from across the globe to the unique atmosphere. Favorited by a wide spectrum of holidaymakers, from honeymooners to health- conscious backpackers, Nassau is a great destination for those seeking the best of all worlds.

What to do: Originally a favored hangout spot for pirates, Nassau boasts a protected harbor along with kilometers of sparkling white beaches and epic stretches of thriving coral reefs. With waters so blue they can be seen from space, this idyllic island is perfect for those who enjoy all kinds of water sports including snorkeling, diving, and fishing. In fact, the island regularly hosts one of the biggest international freediving competitions, with as many as 56 athletes from 21 countries competing at Dean’s Blue Hole for titles such as world’s deepest free diver. Snorkeling is also hugely popular in Nassau, with several underwater wrecks to explore as well as the opportunity to swim with and feed sharks.

The tropical monsoon climate in Nassau makes it home to a spectacular range of wildlife, which has led to the creation of Clifton Heritage Park, The Retreat Garden National Park (The Retreat), and Primeval Forest National Park to help preserve the species indigenous to the area. Flamingos “march” three times a day at Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Centre, where visitors can also enter their enclosure to feed the birds.

In addition to the stunning natural beauty and favorable climate, Nassau also features some of the best nightlife in the Bahamas. From an open-air dance hall overlooking the harbor to raucous pool parties, the nightclubs here do not disappoint. The distinctive regional music emanating from the local bars and restaurants set the mood for a night out as pulsing African rhythms blend perfectly with Caribbean calypso melodies to create a typical Bahamian party atmosphere.

Where to eat: The cuisine in Nassau is mainly centered around the deliciously fresh seafood, which is widely available in the area. Conch is a staple of the Bahamian diet with many food stalls offering cracked conch, conch salad, or conch burgers at rock bottom prices. Doc Sands’ Conch Stall is a must for anyone traveling to the Bahamas on a budget, but for a special treat, the fine dining of Café Matisse is sure to impress even the fussiest of eaters.

 

When to go: Nassau has rainfall for most of the year, with May to October being the wettest part of the season. June through to November, however, is hurricane season, which is something to be aware of if you are planning on booking your holiday during that time.

The UNESCO Creative Cities Network recently recognized Nassau as a Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art, a title belonging to only three Caribbean cities. To really get a measure of the folk art available here, it is advisable to visit during one of the city’s colorful festivals. The main festival is Junkanoo, a vibrant street parade featuring brightly colored costumes, loud music, and festivities until the early hours of the morning, is a must-see.

 

Where To Travel On A Budget In 2017

Posted on by

We’re almost ready to turn the calendar over to a new year, and that means all kinds of suggestions and predictions for 2017 are floating around the internet. People are talking about resolutions, major upcoming events, changes in the world, exciting films on the way, and all kinds of other things. But one of the most enjoyable things to talk about this time of year tends to be travel. The turn of a new year is a great time to plan ahead for a vacation or two, and around this time there are always new (or rather, updated) suggestions regarding where to go.

Here, we want to look at a few destinations in particular that might be ideal for travellers on a budget in 2017.

where-to-travel-on-a-budget-in-2017nambia

Namibia

Even among those who are fascinated by the idea of vacationing in Africa, Namibia doesn’t seem to come up often. Most people tend to focus on places like South Africa, Morocco, or Tanzania. Lonely Planet—one of the better online sources for destination browsing—wrote up a list of 2017 budget destinations and pointed to Namibia’s appeal in a pretty irresistible fashion. Noting the long-term depreciation of the Namibia dollar as a reason that now is a great time to go, the article pointed out desert wildlife spotting, river canyon hiking, and even sand surfing as activities to enjoy. And on top of it all, this is a country filled with rare natural beauty—which of course is the cheapest feature to enjoy on any vacation!

venice

Venice, Italy

If you’re interested in travel, you probably don’t need to be told about the beauty and intrigue of Venice. Viewed by many as one of the most stunning destinations in the world, it’s a bucket list item for a lot of us. However, it also has a reputation as an expensive place to stay. But the aforementioned Lonely Planet post points out that thanks to services like Airbnb it has become far easier to find affordable accommodations in Venice.

hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

Hanoi led the way in a write-up about budget travel destinations compiled by the Irish lottery site Lottoland. While primarily geared toward gaming, the site makes a point of posting about fun things for lucky winners to do with their winnings. As a result, this was a nice little travel article. Regarding Hanoi, the point was that despite immense growth and popular recognition as one of the world’s most fascinating cities, has remained incredibly affordable. A hotel room can cost as little as £20/night, and food costs are practically negligible compared to most popular destinations. For those prices, travellers can enjoy an amazing city steeped in history and cultural intrigue.

lapaz

Bolivia

Bolivia, and specifically the capital city of La Paz, is also mentioned in the Lottoland write-up, on the grounds that it offers the beauty and charm of Latin America at a far more affordable rate than most other destinations in the region. It’s estimated that a whole day of activity in Bolivia can cost as little as £20, which means that outside of actually getting there, this can be an extraordinarily cheap trip. Best of all, visitors can check off one of the truly magical places in the world from their travel lists: the legendary salt flats, or Salar de Uyuni.

portoportugal

Portugal

Forbes compiled its own list of 30 cheap places to travel in 2017, and was remarkably thorough about it. Portugal was included because it tends to be more affordable than the rest of Western Europe. It’s also worth noting that Portugal is sometimes overlooked alongside France and Spain as a stunning destination. Described in the Forbes article as “California Highway 1-meets-Tuscany,” it’s a beautiful place to explore, and one where you’ll find plenty of comfort in food and wine as well!

A Staycation Beats The Winter Blues

Posted on by

With the economy on the rise, businesses are having a ball. While increased income puts many much closer to affording vacations in luxurious destinations, what this means for most professionals is more work and even less personal time. Taking a well-deserved vacation is shelved once again.

df69196e46993f749c8a740540cbf1de Image Source: pinterest.com

 

The term staycation was coined during the financial crisis of 2007-2010 in the U.S. and subsequently when the U.K. pound sterling dropped in 2009 and destination vacations became too expensive. Today, staycations are making a comeback because workaholics can’t find the time to take longer than a weekend away.

 

If a staycation is all you have time for, there are many modern conveniences that can bring luxury and decadence right to your front door. It does take a little planning, but relaxing right at home can truly satisfy as the season gets chillier.

 

To create the feel of a vacation, take a half-day on Friday and come in after lunch on Monday. No one is so indispensible that they cannot take 2 half days off. Plan your staycation like you would a vacation – all inclusive. One of the most important things NOT to do on a staycation is clean up after yourself. Make sure you are pampered as if you were not at home.

 

ape_header3 Image Source: apersonalelf.com

 

Whether it’s cleaning your flat in London or your ranch house outside New York, schedule someone to come each day you are home. Have them do all of your dishes, make your beds and change your towels daily. Pay extra for special touches like fresh flowers, setting your bathroom up as a spa or simply prepping coffee for the morning. Just a few consecutive days of not tending to dirty dishes or smoothing rumpled sheets is going to make a huge difference to your mood.

 

Make sure you collect all the local menus and delivery services in case you want “room service” or the weather runs foul and you choose to stay in. Have a local gourmet grocery deliver decadent snacks of fruit and cheese, wine and champagne. Use your best china and crystal, knowing someone else will clean up after you.

 

Make Friday night your big night out and then in. No matter where you live, have a luxury car pick you up and take you to an early dinner reservation at the trendiest restaurant in town. Reservations before 6PM are usually easy to get. You also get to come home before the evening chill really sets in.

 

clearwater-casino1Image Souce: casinofee.blogspot.com

Have a friend prep the house while you are gone to turn your living room into a nightclub and casino. Change out some lights, hang a disco ball and have your favorite dance mix ready to play. Put wine or champagne on ice and, when you arrive home, dance like no one is watching.

 

Hook your computer up to your large screen TV, get your friends over and get ready to bring the thrill of real-time action into your front room. Play live games with real dealers and cheer each other on as you toss the dice on the craps table or beat the house at Blackjack. You never know – Monte Carlo could actually be your next holiday!

 

For Saturday and Sunday, split the planning up and assign a day and a budget to each person. That way everyone gets a nice surprise. Many people never know the historic or unique attractions of their home city unless someone comes to visit. Check into local tours or events or better yet, download a local activities app to discover what’s going on in your neck of the woods.

 

ig7xhjguau7smdy77q2fSource: greatvaluevacations.com

 

Choose a weekend where there is a music festival or holiday gala going on. Get last minute tickets to a favorite sporting event or check out local fairs and farmer’s markets – all the things you never have time for. Jump on a train and take a day tour of the countryside or simply go to the movies.

 

Make sure you take that half-day Monday so Sunday evening can be a special evening at home. Hire a traveling spa to provide late afternoon massages and body treatments followed by a bath. Get a personal chef to create a gourmet dinner at home. Nothing is too extravagant – after all, you don’t work by halves, so why do relaxation as if you don’t really mean it?

For Monday, find a local restaurant that serves weekday brunch or breakfast and have your car take you to your lovely morning before returning to work. Make a plan to get each other a small and special gift to celebrate your staycation. And don’t forget to take pictures to record your treasured memories!

 

 

A rare day out with Mr P by Alex Bannard Bangkok Correspondent

Posted on by

With the children at school Alex and her husband have a chance to go tourist.

Mr P is on gardening leave. Which since we, the kids and I, have not even been here a year is a little alarming but we have been through worse so we’ll get through this. So before his new job takes him off again and in the spirit of making the best of things, we decided to explore beyond Bangkok. After all two month’s in one another’s company is a long time, so better we do these things before we are fed up with one another.

A rare day out with Mr P by Alex Bannard1

I had always wanted to go to Ayutthaya – the second of the two original ancient capitals of Siam and heralded as the Angkor Wat of Thailand. Thankfully Mr P agreed. We dropped the kids off at school and headed out of the city, noses in our iPhones clearing emails, returning messages and playing Candy Crush. Ok Candy Crush, that was just me. I like to make use of the exquisite privilege of being driven everywhere by using my time wisely. Gawd forbid we might strike up a convo and run out of things to chat about by mid morning.

 

We arrived at the Unesco World Heritage site early before the mini vans and tourist coaches but failed to secure the bikes we had dreamt of. Never mind. The site didn’t look that big and there’s nothing wrong with our legs. So off we set. Within minutes we had come across the famed Buddha in the tree roots. ‘Great,’ announces Mr P, ‘We can go home now.’ He’s not the best tourist. Sightseeing is not his bag. He once described Petra as ‘cr*p’. It was shaping up to be a long day and it was barely 9:15.

 

I want to say ‘and it did not disappoint’, except it did a little. Wat Maha That is stunning without question. And one can not help to marvel at the skill of the ancients who built the complex but it somehow just did not have the majesty and splendor of Angkor.

 

A rare day out with Mr P by Alex Bannard2

 

We wandered through the historical gardens and over the road to other ruined temples and buildings which were not open. I pondered on the irony of some of these ancient ruins amidst modern day Ayutthaya as many of them are. Again something different from Angkor – or it certainly was more than a decade ago when I visited it. In Angkor you feel like you have stumbled across something magical, in Ayutthaya it feels like the ruins are struggling to compete with the pace of modern living. Although I had to smile at all the bike helmets left on the wall of one ruin as chickens clucked in nearby pens and the drivers swung in hammocks hung between the trees. 

 

We crossed the road briefly stumbling across the paths of elephants carrying a hoard of Chinese tourists around the periphery of the gardens. The mahouts did not take kindly to Mr P patting the elephant’s trunks, oblivious to this being our first ‘official’ elephant experience so far on our Thailand adventure. I suspect these are not the ethical elephants we dream about introducing the kids to at some point. 

 

We discovered a modern temple where a recently renovated Buddha resides, one of the largest in Thailand and one the Queen herself has helped restore to its former glory. In the gardens surrounding the temple the bushes were shaped like elephants – probably more ethical to be honest than those up the road. The Ancient Palace and Wat Phra Si Samphet nearby were more impressive. A little off the beaten track, they had more charm somehow. 

 

By now it was time for lunch and we settled on a quaint restaurant over looking the river where we both inhaled a Singha and enjoyed a delicious meal. 

 

Afterwards we drove out to Wat Chaiwatthanaram over the river. I loved this set of ruins. Here there was a majesty and splendor as we explored the cloisters and the decapitated Buddhas that surround it. It was here that I took a quiet moment of solitude in front of the huge restored Buddhas that overlook the river surrounding this island of ancient temples, monasteries, palaces and statues destroyed by the Burmese in 1757. And here that I realized that none of it disappointed. I had arrived with expectations and they had disappointed. The temples and palaces, statues and stupas were all splendid and don’t deserve to be compared to Angkor which I fear in the intervening years since my first visit has possibly lost some of it’s magic as chain hotels creep into its being.

A rare day out with Mr P by Alex Bannard3

And I remembered why I love Thailand. I love places that are not completely touristy (it was midweek and still blissfully quiet) and still retain a rustic charm. I love that real life juxtaposes right next to stunning temples and glorious ruins, that everyday people, often on the brink of extreme poverty, live right next door to these fabulous and stunning spiritual reminders. I hope they find it as spiritually uplifting as I do. 

 

Looking at the map of Ayutthaya I realized we barely scratched the surface of all the ruins. But I did the same in Angkor. Once can get a little templed out. It doesn’t mean the memories aren’t vivid and wonderful. And I have no doubt our memories of this day will be the same because in the end it did not disappoint. And we didn’t run out of conversation either. 

Glamping near Hellfire Pass by Alex Bannard: our Thailand Correspondent

Posted on by

One of the hottest summers in Thailand has just drawn to a close and as the rainy season dawned, Alex Bannard and her family joined friends glamping near Hellfire Pass.

Glamping near Hellfire Pass by Alex Bannard- our Thailand Correspondent.riverkwaepicB

It was to be a compensation prize after Alex’s husband’s ‘blokes’ fishing weekend seemed to hook only appalling seasickness, and no fish. As Alex says: thinking we were going to Khao Yai I was vaguely surprised to learn we were actually going to be based in a campsite north of Kanchanburi near Hellfire Pass. The kids were excited at the prospect of going glamping, if not at little confused by the prospect of glamourous camping. 

Glamping near Hellfire Pass by Alex Bannard- our Thailand Correspondent.1

We left early and made the journey across Bangkok in around 20 mins. Amazing how easy it is to navigate the city when there is no traffic. And it afforded us an unplanned stop off at Kanchanburi to see a train cross the bridge over the River Kwae and pop into a friend’s newly opened waterpark. The park was fun. My 8 year old was so brave tackling the steepest slide and as we embarked on the last leg of the journey to Hintock Camp site we were refreshed.
Glamping near Hellfire Pass by Alex Bannard- our Thailand Correspondent.2 glamping

As we approached the campsite we drove through the nearby village where villagers were dancing along the road celebrating the nuns who were leaving for their spiritual journey at a nearby temple. The celebrations lasted until late into the evening and kicked off again at 4am as they finally left for their new life. 

 

The campsite did not disappoint: the tent’s were raised off the ground on stilts, had their own outdoor bathrooms, proper beds, even A/C. This is how camping should be – glamping. The kids ran around the campsite whilst the grown ups enjoyed a celebratory G&T or several. Then the heavens opened and the evening BBQ buffet around the campfire was relocated to the restaurant over looking the river. Although there was not much sleep to be had thanks to the nuns’ farewell in the village next door.
pic3fishingbangkok
The next day we had a blissfully relaxing day at the campsite, whose tropical gardens were the perfect back drop to games of cricket and lazy coffees. Just before lunch attempts at fishing commenced. Mr P aced it catching 2 fish almost immediately. The  mums took the children to the fresh spring pool,  with stunning views over the river. That afternoon after a heavenly head and shoulder massage we took the kids on a long tail boat ride down the river. And we celebrated the end of a fabulous day rain-free by the campfire.


ABpic 5 Hellfire Pass

All too soon it was time to leave but not before we wandered over a nearby suspension bridge to investigate a small temple and it’s 5 huge Buddhas which reside next to it before heading to Hellfire Pass. Walking along the path which had been carved out of the rocks by hand by British, Australian & Dutch POW’s and local’s it is not hard to imagine the ghastly inhumane conditions those men had to endure.
abdunlopbangkok

12,000 POW’s died subjected to brutal working and living conditions, with little food, very limited medicine and absolutely no comfort. Hellfire’s Pass is so called because the men  often worked their 15-18 hour shifts in firelight, emaciated and exhausted. It certainly gave me something to reflect upon on the journey home especially one of the quotes on the memorial plaques: ‘Go home and tell them, they gave up their tomorrow’s for your today.’ And we should never forget the bravery of previous generations who fought for the democracy, safety and peace we enjoy.

 

Of course with children in tow we could not explore the full path and one day I will walk the full 7km pass. But for now it was enough. Besides the heavens opened, well it is rainy season after all, lightening the mood, drenching but refreshing us and hastening us towards the car and the journey back to Bangkok. But of course, we will not forget, and we will return.

Another week of back to back diverse but delightful experiences by Alex Bannard – Bangkok correspondent

Posted on by

When we came to Bangkok I really thought I would achieve so much. Nine months in I realize if you achieve one thing a day you are doing well. So when I have a week of back to back opportunities in which to experience the weird and the wonderful of Bangkok, I utterly relish it.
Another week of back to back diverse but delightful experiences by Alex Bannard - Bangkok correspondentpicA
It all started with 2 nights retreat on the river in Amphawa – home of the original authentic floating market and many a temple. It was literally sunset yoga on the river; merit-making with monks in boats at sunrise, a completely beautifully serene and peaceful way to start the day; post-merits yoga on the pontoon on the river; spa treatments including acupuncture, a needle literally inserted in my third eye, hot herbal bath, probably my first and last bath in Thailand because it was SO hot and a Thai massage.
Another week of back to back diverse but delightful experiences by Alex Bannard - Bangkok correspondent1
Later, a soaking in fizz, closely followed by a drenching in river water (in my remaining clean outfit so I travelled home smelling like a Thai drain puddle) and some rather spectacular firefly demonstrations on the river bank. The trees were lit up like Christmas trees. And a finale of sunrise om floating on the river and reiki. The whole experience was complete zen.

On returning home it was a back to back birthday extravaganza…first a 5 year old’s birthday welcomed us back to our Moobaan, more fizz, more fun, no soakings. Then my birthday: kids made fabulous cards and Mr P excelled himself on the present front; brunch with my BKK-Bessie’s and another amaze-balls gift; rooftop bar drinks with Mr P and a delish Indian tandoori dinner…lots of time to reflect that getting older is really getting more fun.

Another week of back to back diverse but delightful experiences by Alex Bannard - Bangkok correspondent3

The following day my friend, Meghan and I headed off to Chinatown on the hunt for fabric. Despite better and wiser advise, that the last Friday before the Thai schools went back was a bad day to go, off we set. Bts, tuk tuk & taxi with intermittent footwork and we arrived in Little India. We were scouting through the rolls of fabric before 11am in Indian Emporium – a result in itself. Made a purchase: some cool linens for 100bht/m. Next stall…linen 50bht/m…fatal school girl error. Much friendlier proprietors so to compensate I went mad on a colour palette reminiscent of the river: khaki, slate, Air Force blue, ocra…I do love colour but my skin tone suits, well pond water shades.

On Saturday one of my 4 birthday twins invited me to a Grease night to celebrate her 40th. Once I realized the Mr’s weren’t invited it was game on for me. 50’s skirts and fitted tops were sourced. A pink wig was secured. I was good to go.

What a night. Slick smooth and stylish it was not. Fun, raucous and silly it most definitely was. We laughed, sang loudly, danced hysterically and it was fabulous. Never in a million years had I even anticipated the previous, as our look see in Bangkok came to an end, that a year later my birthday week would be ending like this. And I think that unpredictability is what I love most about Bangkok. Anything is possible and anything goes.

Another week of back to back diverse but delightful experiences by Alex Bannard - Bangkok correspondent4
Afterwards we went to Titanium. I was totally expecting a mega club, but instead it is a small bar with a live band. We looked rather like a hen do, all dressed same and so unfortunately attracted attention in that vein. I had to keep myself in check as there were more than a few fat ugly Farang with their trophy Thai gals, a side to Thailand that challenges my non-judgemental yoga principles and my face muscles – I am completely transparent and you can tell exactly how I am feeling by the look on my face. The all girl live band were awesome. The bonkers Ozzie and his scary ‘tash, not so much. But we danced some more, drank some more and laughed a lot more. Then I journeyed all the way home, itchy ghastly wig still in situ if not a little wonky, with possibly the jolliest taxi driver ever – a real life happy Buddha.

And that’s how life is sometimes in Bangkok. Back to back experiences, sense overload, a fun-fest. And I love it, I absolutely love that life flits between the sublime and the ridiculous so effortlessly!and so regularly.

 

The Golden Mount & Baan Bat by Alex Bannard | Bangkok Correspondent

Posted on by

The Golden Mount & Baan Bat1alI was delighted, soon after arriving in Bangkok, to meet a fabulous and inspiring neighbour who is a practicing Buddhist. This is a philosophy I have enormous respect for and a fascinated interest in, but she was also planning on starting a meditation course which had been on my Bangkok bucket list from the start.

 

Being a huge fan of yoga and mindfulness I was intrigued to learn the spiritual art of real life Buddhist meditation. As our guru has the most enchanting French accent, I felt that if it all proved a bit much, her voice would be like a meditation on its own.

 

She suggested we visit the area where the monks’ alms bowls are made. I am a traveller at heart and have backpacked clutching my Lonely Planet many times. I was all in.

 

We took the water taxi for Bang Sapi pier near our Moobaan. This is an adventure in itself. For 20bht we went all the way from Bang Sapi up to the temple at the Golden Mount, Wat Saket, changing only once. I love the people watching opportunities this kind of adventure affords.

The boat was packed, yet at every stop as people disembarked, yet more people embarked. The only person wearing a lift jacket, predictably was the girl taking the money and dispensing the tickets – you must protect the assets after all. The sights of local people living their lives alongside the river were extraordinary and the smells were…well it’s Bangkok I don’t need to elaborate. I loved it.

The Golden Mount & Baan Bat4al

When we got to Wat Saket as it was Loi Krathong week, there was a fun fair and collection of stalls. This happens every year and there is a wonderful carnival energy surrounding the streets. The temple sits on a small man made hill up 300 steps which circle the mount, revealing fabulous views of the city.

The Golden Mount & Baan Bat5al

The Mount itself during Loi Krathong is shrouded in red cloth and is a popular pilgrimage for local people who write on the cloth. I wrote a message for a friend who badly needed better karma…I hope it worked.

The Golden Mount & Baan Bat8al

After some time at the top soaking in the atmosphere and appreciating seeing the city from above, we headed off to Baan Bat. Almost all Buddhist monks have alms bowls and begin the day collecting offerings from the local community, a custom that dates back 2,500 years. Nowadays almost all the bowls are manufactured but there remains in the alleys surrounding The Golden Mount, one last soi dedicated to the ancient art of alms bowl making.

The Golden Mount & Baan Bat9al

The bowls are hand made by battering steel into shape and decorating it and the community remains and functions in exactly the same place, albeit in a slightly different fashion (I did see a surprising number of tablets of the electronic variety keeping the children entertained) and in much smaller numbers.

 

Over the years a thriving industry has been reduced leaving just one family making the traditional bowls although the surrounding area still functions in some way to support the monks with various temple supply shops. The whole area is worth exploring and like everywhere in Thailand the people are welcoming and friendly.

 

Before long it was time to return to the water taxi and head home for pick up, alms bowl under arm after some nifty bargaining. I should donate it to the faithful monks but I like it too much.