Santa Run

Vince and I and about 10 other friends took an early morning taxi (6:30 am) to head down to Lumphini Park in the city for the first annual Santa Run. I was supposed to do one in Vermont but seeing as that didn't happen I searched for one nearby and got lucky. We decided to do the 2.5 km wlak.

We were kneeling behind bushes to try and look like elves but don't think it worked.

The aerobics instructors running the warmup. It was full on class time.

The warmup. Our gang is front right.

Relaxed atmosphere...ready, set, go!

Vince looks a little disheveled after the walk.

Friends, Kay and Megan who are always keen to do pretty much anything.

This little one was completely adorable.

Post run/walk. We won the largest group...yeah!!!!

After a great brunch we headed off to do some shopping and check out the Christmas sights of which there were very few.

Tired legs = coffee stop in the mall and a fabulous view.

Five lanes of traffic one way and one in the other. We watched busses gunning down the empty lane and swerving back in...scary. The boats heading out under the bridge head towards where we live and we actually took one back so that we could see how to get to the pier from our end. It's probably faster if there is traffic but would also be a lot more crowded. The choice of mode of transportation involves many variables. 

Headed back to the park for The Bangkok Street Show which was essentially a busker festival. Having been to the Halifax one a few times, I expected cheering crowds but these were quiet spectators and although there a few shows going on and lots of people watching it wasn't what we expected. It may have gotten better later in the evening.

Balloons for sale!

Near the park.

Swan boats in the park.

I was just saying to Vince that I had heard about the big monitor lizards in the park and I had yet to see one...when this guy showed up.

...and here he is in action.

Different view of the traffic....6 vs 1.

The last leg of our days adventure...the klong boat. The map.....didn't help us much but we knew what direction to go. It all ends being one more piece of the puzzle that is Bangkok. It was fun to take the boat because it was also our first adventure from the hotel where we stayed for 5 days. We are still friends with those 6 people and still find adventurous things to do. 

The final pier is called Wat Sri Bunruang Pier...Wat meaning temple where we found a huge pig roaming the street (missed the photo op) and these cows. Well, they are cow-like anyway.

Part of Wat Sri Bunruang

Took the bus to our bikes...then home.