Bangkok

Thailand Part 2: Wats the deal?

Bangkok is a huge bustling city. Since the port is inconveniently located about 2.5 hours by bus from the downtown mostly we got a detailed impression of their highway system, mass transit, traffic, taxi service.
With wider roads, more lanes, better condition that your basic freeway in Michigan, functional elevated transit system and underground transit system, slews of taxis cab and TukTuks (3 wheel powered open carts)
So, slot Detroit under Bangkok in the world rankings of functional cities. Is there such a thing a 4th world city?

With so little actual time in the city center we opted to charter a longboat for a ride through the river that bisects the city and through the adjacent canals. Ultra modern houses next to simple and even broken down hovels. Kinda reminded me of Ft Lauderdale.
The place is infested with Temples and shrines depicting Budda in all manner of ways. All very impressive in a Babylon the Great sense but we passed on detailed tours.
Instead we focused on the temples of commerce. They know how to do these as well.
MBK center was best of them. Think Twelve Oaks on Black Friday. Now imagine 6 of those on top of each other plus 2 additional floors of food courts. One floor 'international' on floor local Thai foods.
Doris did real damage in Silk purchasing.
Place has a much more lively vibe than Singapore. The SAI was acceptable, with one one starbucks per mall as well other cafes.