Off to Wat Pho!

Several surprises await us on the way between Wat Phra Kaeo, which we are leaving, and Wat Pho, where we are headed.

First surprise: seeing Wat Arun for the first time!

Second surprise: an unexpected encounter... an old man approaches me in English with an accent... Complicated! He tells me not to keep anything in my pockets because he thought the map in my pocket was my wallet. He then takes out his police badge: a little pressure, as it turns out he is a member of the Tourist Police! But he explains that, for them, the safety and well-being of tourists are paramount, given the significant share of their economy represented by tourism. He then gives us some suggestions for visiting Wat Pho, along with a few logistical details. What a lovely man!

The same observation applies here too: magnificent gardens

Richly ornamented buildings

Imposing statues

Others are rather amusing

And some, instead of guarding the grounds, do cat-sitting!

There is certainly no shortage of cats here...

And THE famous one...

With feet featuring surprising patterns!

We finish the day by heading to Chinatown in a tuk-tuk! A really enjoyable experience, and the driver drove quite well, so there were no scares! The other drivers on the road seemed amused to see us being driven around, especially an old man in his blue Volkswagen Beetle from some unknown era, who laughed and waved at us. There is truly an incredible atmosphere in the streets of Bangkok!

After making a few trips around Chinatown during the day, we enjoyed some gyoza while waiting for nightfall. Indeed, the atmosphere and the scenery are completely different at night! The lights from the signs and shops are what give the area all its charm. I was expecting more people, though; perhaps it was quiet because it was a public holiday and a weekday? And then, at the end of the day, we headed back in a Grab with yet another driver watching a series, replying to his messages and calling his friends, but despite all that, he seemed experienced...