“Everyone must correct his own self; this is something more difficult to cope with, but it is not impossible.”      Bhumibol Adulyadej

Leaving Vietnam this time we were on a high. Not just ‘high in the sky’, but ‘high’ because we had enjoyed such a great time, so we were leaving in ‘high spirits’.

Flying into Bangkok, the sky was blue with puffs of white clouds.  The sky was promising us a great start, with no pollution or smog in sight.

We were a little concerned about visiting Thailand because we did not know what to find with the passing of 88-year-old King Bhumibol Adulyadej on 13th October – earlier this month.

On entering Dusit Thani, it was hard to believe it was exactly one year since we had been here in Bangkok.

When we walked into our Dusit Thani Suite, it was exactly the same layout as we remembered last year, and Explorason ran around excitedly through the 3-way bathroom (entry to the bedroom, dressing room, and ensuite lavatory) which he thought was great fun – even with the camera.

We arrived around sunset, so as soon as we checked in, the room service staff were ready to turn down our beds for us.

We left them to this and headed down to the Lower Lobby where a stunning lounge offers new guests a complimentary beverage.

Dusit Thani is proud of the many celebrities that have graced their property over the years, so we look around the busy lounge wondering if an actor or musician might be among the crowd that was all enjoying their evening cocktails?

Tasteful white flowers decorated the hallways and foyer of Dusit Thani, and subdued tones reflect the feeling of the people of Thailand.

Their hearts are broken at the passing of such a great man.  He was such a positive influence on this country. There has been no war, and they have not suffered the unrest that neighboring countries all seemed to have felt.  He took this country from a rather poor position and with his American university degree and rich knowledge has made Thailand into the great country it now is.

What a man!  He achieved so much in his lifetime and his family, friends and his country is now grieving.

With the passing of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, we had received a caring letter from the hotel management on arrival, and black ribbons were available to wear to show our respects.

I was grateful for one of the Dusit Thani staff who offered to pin this on us correctly.

We return to our room and delicious exotic fruits and pretty orchids await us.

I love the little touches at the Dusit Thani.

Beautiful toiletries, an iron and ironing board, bathroom scales, and yes – even the softest 2-ply toilet tissue!

Then there is the practical side of things – like an umbrella in the room, shoe cleaning service, a safe, iron, and ironing board and of course cool cotton robes and slippers.

We venture out to dinner. All along the streets, there are stands selling black and white clothing for mourners to wear.

A lot of the evening market stalls I remember seem to be missing, and some of the bars are open but there is no loud music.  I think it has a more tasteful feel to it.

As I wander past the famous Patpong Night Market, even the ‘night ladies’ are dressed in black and white and a little less provocative.

We traveling around Thailand this month, but will use Bangkok as a base.

So each time we return to Bangkok, we will try and stay in a different part of this amazing city and explore it section-by-section and individually.  A far easier way than racing around all over town with a child, I think.

I sleep so well, but in my usual form I rise along with the sun, and as we have balcony doors, (both the bedroom and living rooms) I jump out for a photo.  But alas, the coolness of the air conditioning against the warmth of the Thai day makes the camera lens fog up, and I miss this glorious moment.

So I sit and enjoy a coffee and my morning quiet time and look across the city skyline and down over the beautiful Dusit Thani property where lush gardens surround the pool.

Rarely a day passes that I don’t wait and have time alone where I sit in the stillness of the morning and count my blessings.

We head downstairs and take a walk through the stunning hallways.

We stop to look at the Wall of Fame where Explorason is impressed by the photo of the famous singer 50 Cent is amongst them.

Next, we walk down to the lower lobby area and pass the shopping arcade to breakfast.

We are quite late, but there is still a great spread that seems to be eternally replenished. Explorason heads for the bacon, and I love the sushi in the Japanese food station.  Even when we are there till the end of breakfast, the staff offer to go and fetch a banana for Explorason, and he returns with a platter full of them.

We then spend the morning sorting out some visa and passport issues at the hotel. The Concierge is incredible.  He is calling the Embassy and Consulate offices of several countries to assist with my list of questions and concerns.  He was just so patient and knowledgeable. Definitely not the service you would get from an average hotel, and a reason I love staying here.

Definitely not the service you would get from an average hotel, and a reason I love staying here.

This man knew who to call and was very prompt in getting through immediately on the telephone.

Not only that but he then emailed me all the relevant information.  What a brilliant service!

Two books were there – one for the people of Thailand and another for foreigners.

Our stay in Dusit Thani this time was very different from our last stay. Thailand is in a period of mourning and it was a time to learn about the king and all he did for the Kingdom of Thailand.

Your king was the longest reigning monarch in history, and the longest-serving king in the history of Thailand.

Our hearts go out to Thailand.  You have lost a great man, but may his memory live on in your hearts and may he form a part of history where he has shaped Thailand to be what it is now – a great country.

I would like to dedicate this blog article to The People Of Thailand.  We are saddened greatly by the loss of your king and we wish to pass our thoughts of remembrance onto you at this sad time.

We remember much of his wisdom – and we hope we can share with all who read this that your king was a wise man.

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We leave you with his words:

“Goodness is something that makes us serene and content; it is magnificent. Those who are not good are evil.”     Bhumibol Adulyadej

May goodness prevail not only in Thailand, but increase through this world.

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