Sadly, today was my final full day of Southeast Asia Adventures. Hoping to stay ahead of the busy itinerary we had ahead of us, I woke up (with alarm) at 0515 and did some reading, puzzles and Duolingo. After that, I finished packing, put my bag outside my Park Hyatt Siem Reap room (0545) and got myself ready. Downstairs, I checked out with the Front Desk (no bill) and went to breakfast (French Toast, pancakes, bacon, beans, noodles) at hotel restaurant (0600). Next, I completed my bag check and boarded the motor coach (0620). Our group departed the hotel for the last time at 0630. Despite the early hour, there were still plenty of busy streets. On the way to the airport, we passed the Royal Independence Gardens and a Royal Residence. We also saw several busy markets. The weather started cloudy (it had rained overnight) but was clearing - the morning air was actually kind of pleasant. Reth pointed out several thatched roof buildings, farmers riding and walking to work, cows everywhere, mist on the mountainsides. On my own, I was fascinated by the "plow motors" being used to build makeshift Tuk Tuks... We made our way to the Siem Reap Airport (arrived at 0730) and joined a huge line at the Thai Airways check in counter. As usual (due to the pushy Boomers), I was at the end of all the Viking group. As I had on the way to Cambodia, I checked one bag for my Thailand leg. After passing through Immigration (clear by 0835), I ended up waiting in the gate area until about 0930. Once onboard the aircraft, I found I was seated in an area with two exit rows. While the flight attendants briefed us for actions in an emergency, it became clear that there might have been five languages in play among the many other people near me. I spent part of the flight hoping we didn't actually have to communicate. Also, the flight attendants kept having to constantly tell some passengers to move to their assigned seats. Thai Airways 589 was quite a crowded aircraft so I was pleased when they began taxiing (0955) and almost immediately got clearance for takeoff (1000). As we'd seen on the first day of my Viking Venus Extension, the Thai Airways crew was able to serve an inflight meal (ham & cheese sandwich on soft bun, young coconut custard bun, tea) within about 30 minutes - wow! I did some reading enroute and was almost surprised when we landed at Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok) by 1045. Having done a Viking Post Cruise Extension before, I knew this last day could end up being a lot of “hurry up and wait.” Fortunately, though, knew how to avoid this scenario and started immediately after I was allowed to deplane. With strict entry rules (“you cut the line - end of the line for you!”), I walked as fast as I could to enter the Immigration queue. I was helped my one of the staff nearby, who diverted me to a "special needs" (old, wheelchair, etc.) line. Along the way, I watched how the Thai authorities behaved differences differently when speaking with Anglo and SE Asian people at the checkpoint. Needless to say, I was very pleased to have made it through all the processes by 1115. Even better, i quickly got my checked bag and found the Viking Reps. Since I was first to arrive (and they remembered me from the ticket/passport SNAFU on November 2), I sweet talked my way into leaving for the hotel without waiting for everyone one else. After outmaneuvering the “handlers” from the cruise line, I walked to the hotel through a series of tunnels and was at the Hyatt Regency hotel at 1135. No one else was there, obviously, so I got the undivided attention from the on-site Viking rep, who gave me maps for the local train system. At the same time, I retrieved my stored bag and was in my room by 1200. Before departing for a Bangkok adventure, I spent time organizing my belongings (getting ready for EVA Air bag weight limitations). In the end, I felt pretty good about my handling of the "Post Cruise Extension Procedures" - it took a bit of extra walking and (if I’m honest) stubborn behavior but I made it off the aircraft from Cambodia, checked into my (airport) hotel and was headed (by train) into downtown Bangkok before the rest of my group had even left the Terminal. I finally departed hotel at 1300 and, after entering the tunnel complex again, found the Airport Train station ticket machine. Unfortunately, I then discovered that it took Thai Baht cash only. Even worse, when I tried to change money (in the tunnel between hotel and airport), they asked for my passport, which I'd left in my room. In the next 30 minutes, I walked back and forth (encountering people from the Siem Reap Bus 1 group on the way) and finally was able to change $20. Back at the train ticket machine, I managed to get a little black token (for 35 Baht) but then couldn’t figure out how to use it - there were no slots for the token. Wonderfully, a nice Thai lady told me that there was an RFID chip in it and it could be tapped on the e-scanner for the fancy entry gate. As a result of this assistance, I managed to reach the platform just as a train arrived. However, there was then a five minute delay while a full security check was conducted (everyone onboard had to get off the train and everyone else had to wait to get on). We finally started rolling by 1345! I was on an elevated train and used it to reach the Makkasan Station (which the Viking Rep had told me was the place to get off). I next had to walk (outside) to the Phetchaburi Subway Station (located next to Mormon Temple) and use cash for another token (30 Baht). Since the temps were already in the 80s and it was very humid (as usual), I was sweating by the time I started down into the Bangkok Subway system and boarded Train 1. This train took me to Sanam Chai Station (arrived at 1445), which is located right below the most beautiful Buddhist temple I’ve ever seen: Wat Pho. I'd thought it was closed due to the death of the King's mother but, when I'd wandered around for a little while, I found a way into the complex (after buying a ticket for 300 Baht). The place was full of amazing buildings, including the four main monumental towers that loomed overhead., Overall, it was a maze of spectacular buildings. Unlike the places I'd visited in Cambodia and Vietnam, almost everything was original and in the place where past kings had placed them. It's amazing what a lack of looting will do for the ambiance... Along the way, I found a HUGE reclining Buddha and encountered saw other Viking Venus passengers. All I can say after visiting is that the Thai people know how to put on a show - the architecture and artwork were stunning! Had I stopped there, the “Jim Excursion” would have been enough. Afterwards, though, I walked towards the river (I'd considering crossing it by boat). Feeling hungry, I stopped for drink and early dinner at Amarosa (Arun Residence by the River), which was a riverfront residence with multiple floors, each with a view of Wat Arun. At 1550, I ordered Thai fettuccini with Italian sausage (very rich) and two Singha beers. While there, I watched boats of all kinds in the river. I got some "sticker shock" when the bill for my meal arrived - it cost 955 Baht (around $30 but the service fee comprised almost $10). As a consolation prize, I got a photo from the top of the building and then departed (1645). I'd seen ice cream at “Before Sunset” (downstairs in the same building) so got some of that about five minutes later. Next, I walked down lots of alleyways and stopped at several piers for views of the river. I got to see some beautiful images of the sun setting behind Wat Arun (on the other side of the Chao Phraya River). During this time, I was still considering getting on a boat but never did use one. Instead, I wandered endlessly through a humungous Flower Market I found. Along the way, I found myself navigating with a compass and following back roads. In a few places, I was surrounded by school kids in uniform. Fortunately (for later actions), I noticed that there were MANY entrances to Sanam Chai subway station, the one I needed to retrace my steps on the train. Instead of entering, though, I walked towards Grand Palace. I was already tired, hot (80s) and sweaty so was relieved to find a city park that (somehow) had some cool breezes. For a little while, I watched lots of local citizens doing sports and socializing in this pleasant slice of nature surrounded by the urban sprawl. By that point, I knew it was time to go back to the hotel. On the way to the Subway entrance, I noticed the many sparkling jewels on buildings within the Grand Palace complex - wow! At the Panam Chai Station (1755), I used my Visa to access the subway (instead of token/cash) and boarded Train 2. We didn't depart immediately and more people joined me - the car got completely packed by the time we reached Phetchaburi Subway Station. To get out, I had to squeeze by dozens of young people who were glued to their mobile phones. Somehow, though, everyone let me pass with no fuss or comment. In fact, it was mostly silent for the entire "commute" I was doing. Next, I changed from the Subway to the Airport Train. I bought another token (35 Baht cash) and made my way through huge lines (everywhere) until I found myself in neat and orderly queues. Most of us got on for a special train - it had to reverse direction on the track and then waited until it was completely full. We were packed like sardines! A bit disconcerting, I was surrounded by sick people (at least some wearing masks). It was interesting to (again) watch the school kids. I was VERY relieved as the Airport Train started clearning out at the halfway mark and even happier when we arrived at Airport stop (1900). My train rides all afternoon were quite eye opening - SO MANY people behaving in an orderly, polite and efficient manner - very glad I got to witness that. A quick walk through the tunnels provided me with access to the Hyatt Regency lobby. I’m definitely glad I ventured out for six hours (7+ miles of walking)! I visited the Viking Cruise ladies and gave them a summary of "lessons learned", my Bangkok itinerary and said "thank you". They were very appreciative (one said “you should work here with us”) and gave me a Singha Soda Water - that was very refreshing. As I was departing, they recommended I check out the garden on the second floor so I could launch a flower in the moat. When I took them up on the idea, I found more people from my Siem Reap Bus 1 group. Fortunately, this allowed me to say my farewells. Back in my room again (2030), I finished organizing for final packing and even had time for reading and watching videos. I went to bed just after midnight. My afternoon in the capital of Thailand (that probably would never have happened if I just followed the group) allowed me to reach the kind of “Travel Zen” that results when I’m on one of my solo travel missions. In the perfect scenario, I look around and realize I’m completely surrounded by locals who are going about their daily routines as though I’m not there. Kind of like a fly on the wall. I’ve seen so many little kids playing games, old men talking on street corners, groups of young people smiling & laughing as they head out for dinner, shopkeepers chatting about their wares, patient train passengers surfing social media in perfect silence, couples looking longingly towards the setting sun as it crowns the monuments of the city. I’ll never forget these images - very glad I’ve gotten to see a slice of life in this vibrant and interesting part of the world!
