I am deliberately not doing much detailed planning for my short three days in Bangkok. Some of the sights I want to see are, in no particular order:

• Jim Thompson House
  I have been to the Jim Thompson House twice before. It is a great museum and representative of Jim Thompson’s legacy of stimulating the Thai silk industry and other international trade for Thailand.
• Teak Palace (Vimanmek Mansion)
• Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn (formerly Wat Makok)
  Wat Arun was one of the very first temples in Bang Makok, the village on the river that evolved to become what is known by Westerners as Bangkok today.
• Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple)
• Wat Pho and Wat Phra Kaew near the Grand Palace
• Wat Saket

While in Thailand, I will miss seeing the ocean. When I am at my home near San Diego, across the highway from the coastal city of Del Mar, I walk on the beach almost every day, early in the morning, taking in the beauty and energy of the ocean, its vastness and power.

The ocean often appears fairly calm, with blue skies and moderate waves. On this morning, there are few surfers because of the relatively low waves. The waves and the sound of the ocean are meditative; the constant recurring waves and the moving tide is a reminder of the power of nature.

Then there are almost stormy days when the sky is not so blue, and the waves are more agitated. The ocean is much more gray, reflecting the color (or lack of color) of the sky.

I am off to Thailand in six days, and with work and the holiday, those will be busy days. I am excited, a little nervous, and a little anxious … am I packing enough? too much? the right clothes?

Next: The journey unfolds.