Trip to Bali, Laos & Thailand-My Bali Neighborhood

My hotel was about half a block from the main street, then another block to the main market. The streets are full of upscale shops and restaurants.
In the morning the main street is crowded with shoppers for the fruits and vegetables in the market which are only there in the early hours.
The doorway of the main temple next to the Palace on the main street. The images are draped because they are thought to have spirits which like a change or attire occasionally.
The busy market area.



The narrow street back to my hotel.
The entrance to a small temple on the way.
My host was a famous batik painter (framed) and also taught classes.
My lovely breakfast included a huge plate of fruit and a proper pot of tea.
A tree on the road to the hotel.
A statue outside the Temple by the Palace.
Inside the temple
Lunch at a pretty streetside cafe near the market. Rolled chicken, potatoes and creamed spinach.

Trip to Bali, Laos and Thailand...the Bangkok Airport

I have just returned from a trip to Bali, Thailand and Laos. This usually requires at least one lengthy stay in the new Bangkok International Airport. Flights from the U.S. arrive around midnight and I like to take an early flight to my next destination in order to not waste a day. If I go to a hotel I usually can't get more than an hour or two's sleep so I have lately opted to just stay overnight in the airport and not bother. This is one of the new huge statues in the checkin area.
And there was a beautiful orchid display as well.





I was flying on Airasia, a fairly new lowcost airline. Lots of other people were obviously waiting all night as well.
This piece has been in the departure area since the airport opened a couple of years ago.


Other than the beautiful statues and gardens the airport is full of ridiculously expensive shops and a few eating places...also expensive. However there is also a post office which would be very convenient if I ever needed it.

Trip to Oaxaca - The End

The gorgeous Soledad Basilica is located a few blocks west of the Zocalo. The Virgin of Soledad, the patron of Oaxaca, sits atop the altar with her five pound solid gold crown encrusted with 600 diamonds. There are beautiful statues of angels floating high on the walls.
There was a service going on so I wasn't able to take inside photos.
Back in the Zocalo a local concert was going on.
And waiters were standing outside their restaurant hoping to lure in customers.

Back at the hotel guests were still attending Spanish School or seeing the sights.
In between the two sections of the hotel was a tv room. Almost all the channels were in Spanish.
And a tiny kitchen where I could store my sodas or heat a cup of tea.
One of the two back courtyards.
The courtyard right outside my door.
My room. Small, good lighting, comfy bed, super clean and wonderful bathroom with really hot water.

Trip to Oaxaca, Part Sixteen, Museum Continued

Mother of pearl pieces.






Pieces of a Codex.
The building which is an example of the architecture of the XVIIth century and was a nuns´ house, belonged to the Villaranza family and now is the seat of this Museum which was inaugurated January 29, 1974.