Bangkok--Day two: our first real morning.

Ah...sleep. Yes, enjoyed a mere three hours (4-7 am) but seriously, this is how I acclimate. A brief “nap,” then it works for me to get going. I can take a snooze during the day, but without delving into the here-and-now of the day’s rhythm of the country I’m in, I struggle. So...up and going.

A fantastic breakfast on the 19th floor offered a plethora of fruit, eggs made-to-order, breads, Thai dishes, and surprisingly good coffee. What amazed me besides the food selection, was the clothing choice of some of the women who dined there. A few were as casually dressed as I, but goodness...some of the Asian women at 9 am were dressed as if they were attending a gala event. Lovely, gracefully draped clothing, stunning accessories, well-coiffed--puts the rest of us to shame.

But speaking of clothes...I realize I've packed an embarrassment of shoes, or at least sandals. Ten pairs. Ten. Three pairs of flipflops, water shoes, running shoes, three pairs of black sandals, comfy walking sandals, and dressier heels for the big events. Guess I just kept stashing them in the suitcase. Oh well...I'll try to wear them all. It's a girl thing, right?

The Wieses and I were the first of the 30 or so in the Hellie wedding entourage to arrive at Hotel Muse, so we decided to initiate ourselves into Bangkok life with a morning walk. The others would arrive throughout the day. We strolled the 10 busy blocks south to Lumphih Park, passing an interesting array of food-related stands. The park seemed similar to Central Park in New York. Closed to vehicles, the park allowed many people to jog, race bikes, perform Tai Chi, and simply relax on benches overlooking the various small ponds.

It didn’t take me long to morph into an 85-95 degree-weather sun worshipper. Sandals, sleeveless top, skort (and suntan lotion) and I was ready to go. It soon became apparent, however, that, despite a nice breeze, the humidity was getting the best of me. For the first time in months, I again felt the inevitable companion to summer: sweat. In short order I was dripping, so we slowed down, purchased water, and got into summer mode. Busy staff kept the park clean, most using what we’d term “old-world” methods. Delightful.

Back at the hotel, I decided to visit the pool on the 19th floor and blog a bit--couldn’t help but marvel at the architecture of some of the surrounding buildings here in downtown Bangkok. Some buildings swirl, others glisten like satin stainless. So fun.

The bride and groom arrived in the afternoon, and I enjoyed giving Alex, as well as his bride Tak, a hug. Lovely couple. Soon the guys were off to a sport club for an evening of Muay Thai fighting. Their mode of transportation? Motorcycles. Tak took us girls (those who were already at the hotel) out for Thai food, and I enjoyed the dishes she ordered. Not too spicy, but I could see how it could quickly become so.

Alex on his way to the Muay Thai fights!