My last stop in Australia, the Akubra hat shop near Flinders St. Station.

Down by the riverside near Phra Atit Road

Walking down the street, I met a very nice man who spoke decent english. He told me that I could get a great tour of several special buddhist wats (temples) from any of the passing tuk-tuk drivers. He also babbled something about being able to get a special deal on some merchandise at the "export center" and that my driver could also take me there. Apparently, there was a gov't sponsored special to promote tourism, subsudising these tuk-tuk trips for only a 20 bhat cost to me (that's about 80 cents).

Just then, a tuk-tuk came around the corner and I got in. The dude knew the deal, and we were off, buzzing through the streets to the first wat.

The giant buddha at my first wat. I spent some time here talking to a nice fellow who explained that the wats were open for any person seeking a peaceful place to rest or pray. The atmosphere on the grounds was quiet and reverent but I felt quite comfortable exploring.

At the next wat, I met a nice english speaking fellow who told me that I could get an incredible discount on Thai gemstones if I visited the "export center," backing up the story of the first guy. He told me that the gems that I bought here (because of the wholesale and tax-free gov't sponsored offer) could be resold for big profits overseas. He himself had just got married and was going on his honeymoon to Australia, paid for by gems he would sell in Sydney. "Buy the biggest stone for the most profit," he told me.

Walking back to my tuk-tuk, coincidentally, suggests that we take a stop at the "export center" before stopping at the next wat.

These people sure are interested in helping me make money, no?

"Sure, why not," I say. Couldn't hurt to have a look. This initiates a 20 minute ride through the city that culminates in a random back alley at the "Official Thai Gemstone Express Company, Ltd" or something. All very respectable. Yeah right.

Entering, I feel like I'm at the timeshare pitch of gem stores. I'm asked to watch a 5 minute video about the quality of Thai gems and then ushered across the various display cases containing all sorts of glittering jewlerly, including the necklace/earing sets that I had been advised were the "best investment".

Tired with the charade, I asked the guy if I could come back tomorrow. "No! Only today!" Yeah right. Oh well. There's always another scam tomorrow.

For his efforts, my Tuk-tuk driver was rewarded by the gem company with a full tank of gas. That's the racket.

Red Bull was invented in Thailand. Here's their version.

This dude I met, Mon, offered to take me to a nice park off the main tourist route to see a large Buddha. I agreed and we went off. Here, before approaching the statue, you make a tiny donation to buy a block of wax which you then add to this cauldron and then make three pours into the candle mold. In this way, they build giant candles used in their ceremonies.

The giant Peace Buddha

Since you can't touch the giant Buddha, there is a smaller one at its base. Notice the string connecting the two to "transmit" your worship. Also notice the gold leaf left by worshipers on the statue. Shrines like this all around Thailand are continually gilded by worshipers who come and rub tiny foils on them.

The giant Peace Buddha

After visiting the Buddha, Mon took me to a pleasant outdoor Thai barbeque restaurant. We sat and chatted over self-grilled food and cold beers.