Palace Demons and Monitor Lizards

Sawasdee!!   Je suis a Bangkok et je rencontre des demons et des lezards  (Varanus salvator ou Varan malais) partout !! haha.  D'abord j'ai vu plusieurs 'demons' statuettes recouvertes d'or et de bijoux, qui servent de 'gardes' du Palais Royal de Bangkok.  Le Palais est assez impressionnant et il y avait une grosse foule en consequence.
Pour quelque chose de plus tranquille je suis allee au Parc Lumphini aujourd'hui... mais quelle etait ma surprise d'apercevoir l'animal ci-dessous, en train de tranquillement gober son poisson tout rond.  Le Varan malais est inoffensif mais c'est tres drole d'en voir un qui se balade et qui fait aller sa langue en forme de fourche, surtout quand on ne s'y attend pas!  Les Thais n'y pretent pas plus attention, c'est comme les Quebecois et les ecureuils... "Bein quoi? Ah bon, Ca vous semble anormal, ces petites betes la?"

(English).  Hi all, Sawasdee!  I am in Bangkok and meeting demons and lizards at every street corner. I went to the Grand Palace on Sunday and saw the Dvarapala Yaksha or Door Guardians which stand at the entrance of the Emerald Buddha and all the other gilt-covered buildings inside the Palace. It is quite a sight to behold and I am glad I went to see it, despite the heat and throngs.
For a quieter excursion, I went to Lumphini Park today after getting my local SIM card... and saw the water 'monster' below, the giant Monitor Lizard, which was leisurely enjoying its fish lunch. These animals are pretty harmless but seeing them gave me quite a start! The Thais of course dont pay them any attention, much like us and squirrels.. "What these funny things? Oh they are a dime a dozen you know".

Giant Monitor Lizard Eating Fish- in the heart of Bangkok (Lumphini Park)!!

Been enjoying the food in Thailand of course!! Street food a plenty and lots of good 'modern' Thai cooking as well.  

Recommendations:

• Passport Books on Phra Sumen  (They have a lovely alcove cafe and are open until 8pm on fridays). 
• Taking the river boats!
• Eating in Chinatown
• Getting a haircut-  In Thailand I've discovered that they even wash your ears when giving you the usual shampoo prior to cutting your hair. 
• The Royal Barges Museum and Grand Palace

The Royal Barges Museum was another little hidden gem, wish I had snapped some pictures! 

This is where they keep the 'reconstructed' royal boats that the King uses for special events. There are four types of royal barge, including one type which is for the King to change into his ceremonial clothes - basically an over-water changing room, if you will.   The building and use of Royal Barges fell out of use after the fall of Ayuthaya , and most of the old ones were damaged when Siam was fighting its neighbours.  However they have restored this ages-old tradition.  The barges are quite formidable.  Each one even has a cannon to fend of any enemies that should venture in its fluvial path. 

I am off to Northern Thailand to hopefully see some elephants.  Until next time!

Mia