Bangkok Day 2

We started the morning with a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. Brayden and I thought that the pancake making machine was rather cool and would love to have one at home.

We continued with our leisurely start to the day. I had a manicure and pedicure and Jason and Brayden had pedicures...

It has been pouring rain...and of course we had to get back to meet Geoff, Chalor and Poi in the rain. Actually the rain was so torrential that the fire brigade were out trying to disperse the water heading into the carpark of Terminal 21.

Terminal 21 is one of the newest shopping complexes in Bangkok. Our hotel is right next to it/above it. Here is a photo I took last night...our hotel is the tallest building, the brightest is Terminal 21.

Because of the rain we decided to grab a coffee and wander around the shops for a little while, hoping the rain would ease. Each level of Terminal 21 represents a different country and the merchandise and shops try to reflect that. The styling features do too! Here are a few photos...

This photo is of an escalator that is 'express' it goes direct from a lower level to a higher level skipping other levels in the process.

After coffee and a bit of shopping (nothing bought)...yes, what else do you do...EAT!

We had lunch at Santa Fe...very appropriate as Jason is heading there in April.

After lunch the rain had stopped so we decided that we would go to Jim Thompson's house. Such a beautiful place. I wasn't able to take a lot of photos (they were restricted) however the ones I did take may give you a little picture.

Jim Thompson was an American born in 1906. He volunteered for service in the US Army and campaigned in Europe and Asia but saw no action. He was sent to Bangkok a short while later as a military officer and fell in love with Thailand. After leaving the US Army he decided to return to Thailand to live permanently.

Jim Thompson revived the craft of hand weaving of silk and contributed substantially to the industry's growth and worldwide recognition of Thai silk. Jim gained further renown through the construction of his house, representing the best in traditional Thai architecture. Most of the houses were at least two centuries old and were dismantled and brought to the present site, some from as far away as the old capital Ayutthaya.

In 1959, Jim Thompson moved in. The house and the art collection soon became a point of interest and he decided to open his home to the public with proceeds going to Thai charities.

In 1967, Jim disappeared whilst on a visit to the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia. There has been no explanation for his disappearance and not a single valid clue.

A very beautiful place. The history is amazing and the art work is sensational. A place worth a visit!!

Tonight we have had dinner at Reflections Restaurant - another yummy Thai meal and several cocktails. We walked down Sukhumvit Rd and shopped at the markets and then took a Tuk Tuk back to the hotel.

Another great day!

Before finishing up we hope that all of our friends and family involved in and near the fires in NSW are safe. We are thinking of you all...please stay safe.