Golden Chedi

If you dare to wander a few meters outside Khao San Rd when visiting Bangkok (or if you are not in bed with a hangover), you'll spot at the end of Tanao street a chedi peaking from behind the trees. This is the temple called Wat Bowon Niwet.

Surprisingly, far from being the most visited by tourists, Wat Bowon is regarded as one of the most important temples in Bangkok. Built in 1829, it was actually two different monasteries separated by a canal:  Wat Mai to the north and Wat Rangsee Suddhawas to the south. It was later incorporated into one temple during the reign of King Rama VI (1910-1925).
His Majesty Bhumiphol Adulyadej (Rama IX), the present monarch, stayed here for a short time during his ordination in 1956.

Pictured here is the chedi of the temple. A chedi, or more popularly known as Stupa in English is a spire like structure containing Buddhist relics and used as a place of worship.
The shape of the chedi represents the Buddha, crowned and sitting in meditation posture on a lion throne. His crown is the top of the spire, his head is the square at the spire's base, his body is the vase shape, his legs are the four steps of the lower terrace and the base is his throne.

The entrance to the temple is free making it a good place to visit when short on time after staying on the "Khaotic" Khao San Rd.

Tuk-Tuk line

Yes, it is completely impossible for anyone to avoid the tuk-tuk calls when walking in Thailand. No matter the hour, place or weather. They are everywhere and will take you on a temple tour for 10 baht / 0.3$ (and many shops on the way to get a commission).

So when you see a line of tuk-tuks on Khao San road in Bangkok, all waiting to jump on you with the "tempting" offers, either run for your life... or simply mention them that you are deaf!

Sidewalk Kitchen

This restaurant (The Green House) is one of my favorite on Rambuttri Rd, parallel to Khao San Rd. in Bangkok, Thailand.
As most restaurants in the area, it is open on the street and half the tables are actually on the sidewalk. In Thailand, sidewalks aren't used for walking. They are overtaken by street vendors and restaurants while pedestrians share the street with tuk-tuks, bikes and cars.
This mini kitchen is where the "Thai food" is prepared as it is less complicated to prepare than western food. I suppose they also have another one back inside where all the pasta/pizza/burgers/sandwiches and juices are prepared.
I was sitting not far from the cook and I couldn't resist taking a photo with the beautiful light from the setting sun.

And I ate well!

Photo Essay - Songkran, the Thai New Year!

Songkran is the traditional Thai New Year from the 13th to the 15th of April. It is also widely celebrated in Laos, Burma and Cambodia.
Traditionally a time to pay visit to elders and family, prayer, cleansing and renewal, Songkran has evolved into probably the world's largest water fight lasting up to a week in Northern parts of Thailand.
The water throwing originated as a way to bless people, by capturing the water used to cleanse Buddha images or shrines and sprinkling the passers.
Nowadays, as it falls during the hottest days of the year, the emphasis is on water-fighting with hoses, buckets and waterguns, widely celebrated by foreigners, tourists and locals.
The water is often mixed with mentholated talc and the use of chalk is common to cover faces to mark blessings.