BANGKOK....and some island time

Thailand (Part 1): Bangkok, and some island time at Ko Jum
We will be returning to Thailand in the near future but stopped in on our way up the coast for some white sands and then to the gateway into Thailand and  much of southeast Asia: Bangkok.(All pics from the island trip and Bangkok were on my camera that was stolen in Saigon)


Thus far, Bangkok has only received a bad repoir from fellow travels and I was curious to see why.... We did not venture far but the infamous CoSon Road, but within the 5 block radius I was entertained by the shopping, vendors, rough backpackers betting on a little party and plans to escape to the beaches. Supposely beyond the tourist refuge lies erotic shows, prostitution, a community of drug dealers, crime, and waste. We will be returning later and maybe I'll get a more defined taste of this notorious Bangkok. 


My picture moment thus far is in the airport at our gate to Saigon. In a matter of 6 rows at the gate were a group of monks wrapped in orange, papapya, and banana colored robes - all set with their new Cannon cameras, cell phones, and i phones at the hip. A principle of Buddism: be aware of distractions. :) Just behind the holy toga men were 5 transvestites (or lady-boys if you will) all in black, accented with red lips and shoes, well manicured for the destination ahead and in light conversation with one another. Quite the sight these two groups. To fill in the rest: the posh, the peasant, and the backpackers. Off to Saigon we go!