I arrived back into Bangkok on New Year's Day at 3:30 in the morning. After arguing with a taxi driver about why I wasn't obligated to pay him an extra four dollars just because it was New Year's Day and pushing away a few hookers who were keen on offering me their services, I found my way to my hotel and took a three hour nap before getting up and preparing to explore the city. 

I feared that everything would be closed on New Year's Day but what I discovered was that I could not have picked a better day to explore Bangkok. Not only were all of the temples open, but the entrances were free and Tuk Tuk rides to anywhere in the city only cost 20 BHT (about 50 cents) because the government was subsidizing the gas costs as a holiday promotion. By the time the hot sun had mercifully begun to dissappear over the horizon, I had visited many of the city's attraction including the Nopanat Temple, home of a 45 meter standing Buddha, Benchamabophit, a famous Marble Temple, and the Anantasamakhom Throne Hall. In addition, I visited the Golden Mount (a temple with a great view of the city), the City Pillar Shrine, and the beautiful Temple of Dawn, which was located across the Chao Phraya River. I was  also successful in not falling prey to the numerous gem and gold scams that were presented to me throughout the day by rickshaw drivers and Buddhists that I met in temples. 

Many people have inquired of me whether or not I spotted any women that looked particularly masculine during my travels. The answer is yes. In addition to its exotic islands, ornate temples, and beautiful monuments, Thailand is also famous for its large shemale population. When I made my first sighting, behind the desk of my hotel lobby, there was no wondering involved. A large adam's apple, strong calf muscles, and a pretty but  suspiciously masculine face made it abundantly clear to me that I was looking at a shemale. Throughout my time in Bangkok, I saw others at restaurants and on the streets. I have seen and heard various explanations, including religious and cultural ones, as to why the transsexual population is so high in Thailand but whatever the reasons may be, the fact is, it is much easier legally speaking, to have the operation done in Thailand than in other countries.  

Later, I spent a little time in the beautiful northern mountain city of Chang Rai before heading North into Laos and continuing onto China. I look back fondly on my experience in Thailand and I hope to return some day and see many of the other attractions that the country has to offer. I believe the fact that Thailand, which means "Land of the Free", has never been colonized by western powers is one of the main reasons that this country's rich culture and exotic beauty remain largely unspoiled. The only regret that I had leaving this little Kingdom was that I didn't have time to stay longer.