Bangkok, Day 8

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Ok a busy day ahead so up early with a traditional Thai breakfast of Noodles with Shrimps (King Prawns) Mmmm

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Jumped into a meter taxi and headed through the commuting traffic to the Grand Palace, home of the famous buddhist temple The Emerald Buddha. The buildings statues and houses cover over 260 acres with many different architectural styles, all intricate and very detailed.

Walking around the grounds highlighted to me the peaceful and considerate nature of buddhism, what a pious religion. Hiring an audio commentary was a learning experience, leaving the credit with the office....here so many scarey stories but I am slowly learning that the vast percentage of Thai are very helpful friendly and genuine. So I hoped the card was in good hands....no trouble at all.

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Having wandered out of the Gran Palace complex I decied to jump onto the Bangkok Skytrain to The Emporium shopping complex. The SkyTrain glides high above the packed streets of Bangkok, making trips across the city much more relaxing and enjoyable. I was a little dissapointed with the shopping as it was much like back home, the MBK centre was far better and I found thats where most of the locals hung out.

Jumping on the skytrain I got back to Silom and wandered back into the massage shop for a Traditional Thai Massage. This combines massage with manipulation to relax and stretch the tired and weary muscles.

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After a complimentary cocktail (Mai Tai) in the hotel Club Lounge I jumped into a taxi and headed for the Lumpini Stadium for a night of watching the top Thai Boxers in Thailand. The place was a buzz with bands playing (not Snow Patrol though) and street sellers touting for business. The programme consisted of 2 prelimary bouts for up and coming professionals followed by 7 bouts, the 5th being the top billing of the evening. Each bout consists of 5 rounds but dont get going til the 3rd, when the judges start scoring. These guys are tough and very fast. Up at ringside I really got a feel of their true talents fitness and bravery.
On the way back it was back to the Street cafe for a snack and then an early night as tomorrow is another travel day.