Bangkok, Thailand
My run, or plod, early this AM was difficult along the busy sidewalks. My destination, Lumpini Park for some open running space. A beautiful park in the middle of this enormous city. Nate would love the play structures and grassy areas to play tag. At one point, the largest reptile I have seen (apart from a crocodile) crossed my path. It was about three feet in length and I guessed it was an iguana. And me without a camera.
We wanted to head to the area of the Grand Palace. The best way to travel in this city is by water taxi. A bit of a long hike to the river for us, but efficient, interesting and economical (40cents) travel on the boat. The taxis have different coloured flags indicating where they go. The men who work the loading area give different whistle sounds to the captain as messages.
The Grand Palace was extremely busy with mourners. I thought due to the long queue of people dressed in black entering and exiting the Palace that it was a national holiday. A lady explained that it was not a holiday. They were there paying their respects to the King who died October 13. We found out later that up to 100000 people may visit the palace per day to pay their respects. The King will be mourned for one year.
Bangkok is the most western of the south east Asia locations we have visited. A trip to McDonalds was promised. Many thanks given to Ronald.
Today’s mission – find a Thai boxing class. Mission accomplished. The end of Khau San road had the most authentic gym for Muay Thai lessons. Nate and Levi were so pumped. Luke, with fever and fatigue did not feel up to it. His on again, off again mid to low grade fevers has had me worried.
This trainer was a professional fighter and now runs this gym.
Our last night
with Ans and Evert. Almost three weeks travleling together; they have become
part of our family. It is hard to say goodbye.
Luke had lost his appetite this evening and still had a high fever. Nate practicing his boxing moves all along the road while walking to Saint Louis Hospital. We are staying in an area with embassies so we expected good hospitals. Saint George’s hospital. The entrance and intake was good. The doctor, not so much. He wanted me to cancel flights and have Luke hospitalized for 3 days to track his fever. He then wanted to draw blood to check for every tropical and non tropical disease on the planet. Everything from HIV to typhoid fever. He wanted us to see an infectious disease specialist. I asked him to simply check his ears to see if there was an ear infection. He seemed confused how to work the ear light and claimed he did not see anything. He was concerned about 2 pimples on Luke’s chest and thought they were point of entry for disease. I explained he was 16 and this was normal. After seeing the condition of the ear device I asked about the sanitation of phlebotomy needles. He said “I tink dis hospital up to international standards.” I need more than an “I tink”. No thank you. He was amazed I would decline treatment for my son. Hearing I had insurance, I think the battery of bizzare tests and hospitalization was a money making scam. At the thought of hospitalization, Luke’s pace on the walk back perked up tremendously and he agreed to start drinking more water and taking better care of himself. The threat of staying in a Thai hospital does wonders.
Luke had lost his appetite this evening and still had a high fever. Nate practicing his boxing moves all along the road while walking to Saint Louis Hospital. We are staying in an area with embassies so we expected good hospitals. Saint George’s hospital. The entrance and intake was good. The doctor, not so much. He wanted me to cancel flights and have Luke hospitalized for 3 days to track his fever. He then wanted to draw blood to check for every tropical and non tropical disease on the planet. Everything from HIV to typhoid fever. He wanted us to see an infectious disease specialist. I asked him to simply check his ears to see if there was an ear infection. He seemed confused how to work the ear light and claimed he did not see anything. He was concerned about 2 pimples on Luke’s chest and thought they were point of entry for disease. I explained he was 16 and this was normal. After seeing the condition of the ear device I asked about the sanitation of phlebotomy needles. He said “I tink dis hospital up to international standards.” I need more than an “I tink”. No thank you. He was amazed I would decline treatment for my son. Hearing I had insurance, I think the battery of bizzare tests and hospitalization was a money making scam. At the thought of hospitalization, Luke’s pace on the walk back perked up tremendously and he agreed to start drinking more water and taking better care of himself. The threat of staying in a Thai hospital does wonders.
Waiting in Saint Louis hospital.
The next day Luke was feeling better and he wanted to try the boxing. We spent the afternoon at the gym.
No one wanted to mess with this lady!
The best food so far in Thailand. Pad Thai street food.
Nate is happy with his new fighting outfit.
Tonight the thunder boomed and the rain poured in through the window. The wet season continues.
