Bangkok and Budapest

Apr 20-May 4, 2007
AC1 YYZ-NRT, TH677 NRT-BKK, Apr 30: LH783 BKK-FRA, LH3440 FRA-BUD, May 4 LH3443 BUD-FRA, AC877 FRA-YYZ

As it was performance appraisal season I needed to complete my annual staff visit to Bangkok.  Luckily, this year I had staff in Budapest that I had to review, so got to take a mini around-the-world trip with a stopover there on the way home from Bangkok.  After helping our travel agents figure it out, it actually didn’t cost much more than a return trip to Thailand.  For Bangkok, I went with the my same manager and colleague as the previous year.  My boss’ wife and Marlene, a friend from work circling the world in the opposite direction, joined us for the second week.  The extra group gave some additional company for the second week’s touring, eating, and shopping.  Not a lot new to see in Thailand, but I really enjoyed Budapest and will definitely go back.  The city is beautiful and seems to be transforming after years of communist neglect; however, the Soviet-era subway cars are a good reminder of the past – you definitely do not want to get any part of your body near the unforgiving doors. 

Apr 21-22
After arriving April 21st, have the 22nd for sightseeing in Bangkok and getting adjusted

Lumpini Park near the hotel with an unusually clear sky

Apr 25
After a few days of work, have a corporate team building event

Gord practicing his Muay Thai (kick boxing) skills

Apr 29
A few more days of work and then my team took us to Ayutthaya 

Gord at "The Divine Seat of Personal Freedom” at Bang Pa In (royal summer palace)

Topiary in front of the formal palace at Bang Pa In

Giant river prawns from Chaopraya River, also known as lunch

Reclining Budha at Wat Phra Chao in Ayutthaya

Wat Phra Chao

May 1
Arrive in Budapest mid morning, work for the day and then some late day touring

The Chain Bridge crossing the Danube River from Buda back to Pest

Royal Palace at the hill top in Buda

Close up of Matthias Fountain on the palace

Parliament buildings from Buda

May 2
Having covered Buda my team took me on a tour of the Pest half of the city

Restored station on historic M1 Metro line, originally opened in 1896

Budapest Opera House

House of Terror – museum at former headquarters of Nazi and communist secret police

Gord in front of Heroes’ square at dusk

Heroes’ square lit up at night

Vajdahunyad Castle in Budapest City Park

May 4
Work and back to Canada