Hong Kong - The End!

This is the end of the trip since we leave for the US tomorrow. It is also the end of the blog. Incidentally, we found Hong Kong a fitting climax since it was far more interesting and captivating than we had expected.

Proper attire in a Hindu temple

We went with a guide this morning and started by seeing a Balinese play that we didn’t understand even with a translation in English. Then we went to a factory for jewelry, which Marge understood all too well even without a translation. More sightseeing of beauty in the PM. Then on to our guide’s favorite temple for which we had to dress appropriately. When Fred saw how charming he looked in this outfit, (or so he thought,) it was difficult to restrain him from becoming a Hindu on the spot.

Beauty and the Beasts in Bali

In anyone jumped to a foolish rash conclusion, we hasten to point out that the beasts being talked about are those on the beautiful wood carving.

Monkey farm in Bali

We were impressed with the monkey reading the paper, but when we discussed it with her afterwards, we found she was strongly prejudiced with a Republican point of view. So we went to the others and hoped to find a good democrat, but all they wanted to do was eat eat and laze around rather being involved with politics.

A last look at Thailand before we leave tomorrow with 3 pictures:.

Two charming Muslim girls from Malaysia with whom we shared an oxcart, a charming elephant who shared her girth with us, and a charming sign from a Buddhist temple that shares a universal sentiment.

The last look at Thailand before we leave tomorrow with 3 pictures:.

Two charming Muslim girls from Malaysia with whom we shared an oxcart, a charming elephant who shared her girth with us, and a charming sign from a Buddhist temple that shares a universal sentiment.

Contrasting ideas in Thailand

The contrasts of Thailand and of some visitors.

We went to a tour of a“Rose Garden” but didn’t realize until we got there that this is not the season for roses in Thailand. However, they gave us an interesting show, not of roses, but of Thai cultures. We still aren’t sure of the connection between an empty rose garden and Thai cultures, but this picture is the result. The next day we visited the spectacular ultra modern shopping center in the other picture, but we didn’t do any shopping. The Thais probably can’t see the connection between a shopping center and non-shoppers , so I guess we are even.

Newer Bangkok

We find Bangkok to be a world unto itself. There is a great amount of modernity (as shown in the buildings in the picture) combined and overlaid with elements that are old and worn and everything is enmeshed by a pervasive Buddhism. We plan on spending several days in the city, trying to figure it out at least to a small degree.

We and the elephants

We feel we have successfully battled the elephants to a standstill, but we may be in a little worse shape than the pachyderms after our encounters.

Now in Chang Mai, Thailand, which I assumed Marge has been dreaming about visiting since her youth.

This is another temple, but the interesting thing about this is that the picture beside the Buddha is of the present king. He had to spend 30 days in a monastery in his youth, just as every Thai male does.

Tomorrow we go to grapple with the elephants

Bangkok at dust

We are back in Bangkok. When we were first here a couple of weeks ago, we thought of it as a city of complete pandemonium. After our days with the traffic catastrophe that is Hanoi, Bangkok now seems almost tranquil and serene..

The perils of Hanoi

Traffic in Hanoi outdoes it all. Those who know say there are two ways of crossing a major thoroughfare. The first is to go half way and pray. The second is to go half way, shut your eyes, and then pray. The streets are one continuous Near Death Experience. That applies even to walkers because the sidewalks are so jammed with parked cars, motorbikes, and vendors that it is frequently necessary to walk in the street.