Day 1: Bangkok

The Heckermachers arrived in Bangkok early Sunday morning. They checked into their hotel, the Shangri-La, where they were greeted with fresh fruit (including longans and dragonfruit) and paid a rather-too-long visit by the hotel's concierge, who showed them several places to visit in Bangkok. 

After breakfast, the exhausted Heckermachers wandered out to explore their hotel's neighborhood, Bang Rak. It was Chinese New Year and the largely Chinese neighborhood was quiet, with many shops shut down. After making a large, bleary-eyed circle, the Heckermachers found themselves back at their hotel, where they valiantly fought the urge to nap.

On their way back down to the hotel lobby for Bangkok Excursion: Part II, they were rewarded with a glimpse of a Chinese New Year procession featuring men in man costumes (see photo), a frisky red dragon, and a giant (and incredibly loud) gong.

Men in man costumes

Energized by the experience, they boarded a river ferry and headed for the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Though overrun with tourists, both were magnificent.

Smart Anna is happy she wore long sleeves and a skirt to visi the Temple. Proper attire is mandatory.

Magnificent Temple is Magnificent.

Warrior statues glower fiercely at the hordes.

Tim poses in front of a jade facade.

Elephant statues guard a spirit house. 

After touring the Grand Palace, the Heckermachers hopped the river ferry back to their hotel. They passed the majestic Wat Arun, another popular Bangkok temple, on the way.

Wat Arun with longboat in the foreground.

Another view of Wat Arun. 

But they were too tired to stop.

In fact, after their first taste of Thai Massage in a nearby spa, they were too tired for anything - even dinner. Even thought it was only 8 pm, the exhausted Heckermachers fell into bed. Perhaps it's a good thing they did. They had a big day coming up!