We hired a long boat for an eye-opening tour through the canals of Bangkok. These whacky, unweildy boats can be seen zipping up and down the river all day. They’re fine – as long as they’re going straight. Turning presents a challenge for a boat with a long drive shaft attached to the boat about six feet above the water line. Things tend to tilt wildly at the slightest hint of a turn.

On the canals of Bangkok, structures range from sublime to squalid.

We visited Wat Arun – the tallest in Bangkok, where I stuggled to suppress an almost overwhelming urge to dangle my doll.

We sweated through the heat and humidity at Wat Pho, where we visited the enormous reclining Buddha. (Sorry Joe – your advice about the massage comes a bit too late.) We ran out of steam before making it to the Grand Palace – a trip we’ll make this afternoon.

Afterward, Kelly treated herself to a massage and facial at the local spa. See how content she looks? In the evening, we scouted out the local restaurants. We have more or less settled on lord Jim’s in the nearby Oriental Hotel for dinner tonight – and not JUST because of the catchy name!