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My hotel, The Asia Hotel Bangkok

Frankly, I'm surprised to show you this photo as I'd been to Bangkok before but just passing through. I took the trains and didn't get lost. It's centrally located right off the elevated train with lots of conveniences in close proximity. It's not fancy but it's a great value.

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The first 'touristy' thing I did in Bangkok was the Grand Palace...the largest. I knew they didn't allow visitors to wear shorts/dresses but I didn't remember so I had to go back to my hotel and change. Big mistake to go to the biggest tourist attraction on New Year's Day. It was three miles to my hotel. My return trip, after an hour of sitting in gridlock, I got out and walked. Now, I'm clueless about the symbolism so any queries will be met with a simple "Duh!". Just enjoy the photos!
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The Grand Palace...
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I'd seen my share of this architecture in Beijing and Laos. In Beijing, we coined the term 'templed out'...having seen so many temples that they all look alike. They're indistinguishable.
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A Bluelou Photo Moment...
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I'm Feeling Selfie...Oops! Photo Bomb!
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I'm hungry... It wasn't far from my hotel. As Hard Rocks go, they're becoming more of a revenue raiser rather than a memory. Food was great. It quickly became a favorite spot to eat.
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Bluelou hangin' with the cast of Siam Niramit. It's a dinner theater/historical musical about Thailand's history and culture.
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Part of the experience.
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More hang time. Sorry, they took all cameras at the door so this part of the photo tour ends here. You'll have to go to their web site.

The sleep monster followed me to Thailand attacking me in the show. I had some success fighting back. What I did see was impressive.

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Another night, another show. This is another dinner theater, the Calypso Thai Restaurant. The Expedia advertisement said Cabaret. There were two shows, the part that went on during the actual dinner which was more historical. After I bought the ticket from Expedia, I read the fine print...Cabaret with Lady Boys. She's not a lady boy.
In all honesty, I fought going to see this show in spite of paying for the ticket. I'd like to think I'm not a prude but something inside me says I am. I went anyway.
The satirical lyrics were lip-synced. I’d expected singing but there was none. I looked up the definition of Cabaret. Singing is not in the definition. There was nothing in the show that was cheesy or gaudy. Having lady boys as dressed as ladies, in my opinion, it's a gimmick and it detracted from the performance as I was always wondering...she or he?
Yes, I know you may not agree with me but these are feelings that aren't easily changed.

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Pics of the performance.
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Pics of the performance.
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Part of the cast...You could have your picture taken with any member.
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Bangkok has all forms of public transit including taxis, tuk-tuks, busses, trains, etc.. Though I didn’t go for a ride, Bangkok truly exploits their waterways for transportation. I’m told it’s the best, most efficient, and cost effective way to travel around the city.
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A humorous sign outside a pay toilet.
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Last show of the trifecta...Thai Boxing. The firm offering this tour kinda screwed this one up. There was an early show and a late show. I was too late for the early show and too early for the late show. Not a big fan, I saw the last five bouts of the early show. My dinner theater was catered by Subway.
I love the WWE and I like to watch boxing. UFC is a former interest as well. I'd seen Thai boxing in movies but never live until now.
I had a guide for this show. I had to know if these kids were being exploited. I didn't get the impression that they were. Most were trying to gain fortune to fight their way out of poverty.
I expected a hot sweat box for this venue as the ticket said I'd get a towel and a bottle of water. I got two colas but no towel. I didn't need a towel. It was a new venue that was clean with proper climate control.
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The best part of the show was in the audience watching the old men bet on the fights
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Last shot...your eyewitness reporter hanging at the Thai Boxing.
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