Thailand Part 2: Bangkok

For the second half our trip to Thailand, we headed to Bangkok. Kurt and I had a tech. conference at an International school there. While we were there, we were able to explore temples, cruise via river taxis, wander about, and go to a floating market... all in just a few days. I am pretty impressed that we were able to do so much with a toddler in tow! 

We've been to our fair share of temples, but The Temple of Dawn was incredible because it is decorated with bits and pieces of Chinese porcelain that glimmers in the sunshine.  The temple was originally built in 1768 and then a King expanded it in the 1800's (that's when the porcelain details were added).  Getting there was an adventure because literally 1 minute before we boarded the ferry to cross the river, it started down pouring. The torrential (I'm really not being that dramatic) lasted about 25 minutes. As soon as it let up, we jumped on the ferry and just our luck, it started raining again! At least the ride was just across the river. The rain actually ended up benefiting us since there were barely any tourists when we arrived.

Spicy Thai Beef Salad

Lunch on the river (view of the temple) *I spy Lennon's leg

River taxi

I'm so glad we ended up going to the Amphawa floating market. We were a bit skeptical since it was at least a two hour drive outside of Bangkok, which is a long ride with a wiggly baby who's not in a carseat. We made the trek to the floating market on our last day in Bangkok and it was so worth it. I loved that it was authentic (we only saw a handful of foreigners), not a tourist trap. We did a 45 minute river cruise and saw restaurants, shops, home stays, and houses, along the river. 

Sawyer was a little celebrity when we strolled around the market (I'm assuming it's the blonde hair and blue eyes) as many people stopped to smile and wave at him, or simply just to stare. Everyone we've come across in Thailand is so incredibly sweet and kind to Sawyer. 

I would love to go to this market at nighttime because fireflies are supposed to light up the trees like Christmas lights...it sounds so magical! 

           Below is a little video I made of our travels to Thailand:

                                  

     Thailand 2014 from Shanna Callahan on Vimeo.

Thailand Part 1: Ko Lanta

We have just arrived back in China after a ten blissful days in sunny Thailand.

The first four days of our journey started out in Ko Lanta (an island) at a small eco resort on the beach. To say it was relaxing would be an understatement. 

Our mini villa was right outside the pool, so it was perfect when it was Sawyer's nap time because we could just leave him to snooze while we swam or hung out by the pool. We traveled with our friends Kristin and Frank from school and their sweet baby, Lennon. My dear friend Emily and her super cool (yes that is how I'm describing you) fiance, Shawn flew all the way from Wisconsin to explore Thailand with us. I've been friends with Emily since 4th grade and felt so blessed to be able to make special memories with her on this trip. 

My favorite part of Ko Lanta was when we rented a tuk-tuk and Kurt drove us around the island. We looked ridiculous, but it was all sorts of fun. 

*Stay tuned for a video of this!*

I didn't do the best job of documenting our time in Ko Lanta, I guess I was too busy lounging... but we all did our fair share of sun bathing, drinking fruit shakes, and eating tons of delicious Thai food! 

Here are a few photos that Emily took of us on the beach one afternoon. She is such a talented photographer.