The ride up the river showcased how the privileged and poor live side by side in a way that is less obvious from the street. As in any City, water front real estate is prime but the hodge-podge progress results in a strange effect. Crooked shacks and aging buildings of importance stand nestled amongst newer condominums and resort hotels. It is as if time stood still for some as they watched their neighbors prosper from a real estate
buyout. Off the river, I explored Khao San Road... otherwise known as backpacker lane. For those familiar with NYC, it is similar to the shopping portion of Canal Street. Fresh watermelon ice tea and coconut balls were the refreshing fare of the afternoon. When it began to rain, I tucked myself into the corner of an open-air bar and enjoyed a few drinks while watching a Muay Thai boxing training session. Although a bit daunting, I think I'll try it out at some point!
A walk that began as a journey into a new neighborhood on Friday resulted in a 6 mile walk in 95 degree weather! I made my way to Lumphini Park and found a sanctuary within this City. Reminded me of a small-scale Central Park in NY. I found a shaded area next to a fountain to pause and take it all in. Joggers passed by. Kids played games. Older gentleman played what looked like checkers with ceramic tiles. Exercise classes were held out in the open accompanied by 80's music and Thai songs. One group must have had 200 people participating. I was lost in thought and brought back to the moment when I heard the Thai National Anthem piped in from speakers all around me. Turns out everyday at 8am and 6pm, time stops to observe the Anthem. People stop whatever they are doing and stand still throughout the song. It occurs everywhere: the park, the subway, the Malls.
I checked out the huge Chatuchak Weekend Market, Thailand's greatest flea market. It spans 35 acres where you wander through row after row and brouse a phenomenal array of antiques, clothing, jewelry, food, junk, etc. Amazingly, I bought nothing seeing as I would have to lug it around with me or mail it back to the States!
The smell on the streets infuses the air to the point where sometimes you feel you cannot escape it. Rather than my usual coffee and oatmeal, I have the choice to opt in for rice and fish or pork or beef and other things you wouldn't think to eat in the AM. I love the street food and always dine with the locals. We do not understand each other but when I point to something, we usually try to repeat each other in the other's language. Even with the heat today, I sat outside and enjoyed a bowl of spicy pork noodles! What's a little more heat, right? I think it was almost 110 degrees today topped with a heavy portion of humidity!
Congratulations to my friends who just got engaged! Kelly and Carrie, I expect updates since I'm not there to enjoy it with you! :-)
buyout. Off the river, I explored Khao San Road... otherwise known as backpacker lane. For those familiar with NYC, it is similar to the shopping portion of Canal Street. Fresh watermelon ice tea and coconut balls were the refreshing fare of the afternoon. When it began to rain, I tucked myself into the corner of an open-air bar and enjoyed a few drinks while watching a Muay Thai boxing training session. Although a bit daunting, I think I'll try it out at some point!
A walk that began as a journey into a new neighborhood on Friday resulted in a 6 mile walk in 95 degree weather! I made my way to Lumphini Park and found a sanctuary within this City. Reminded me of a small-scale Central Park in NY. I found a shaded area next to a fountain to pause and take it all in. Joggers passed by. Kids played games. Older gentleman played what looked like checkers with ceramic tiles. Exercise classes were held out in the open accompanied by 80's music and Thai songs. One group must have had 200 people participating. I was lost in thought and brought back to the moment when I heard the Thai National Anthem piped in from speakers all around me. Turns out everyday at 8am and 6pm, time stops to observe the Anthem. People stop whatever they are doing and stand still throughout the song. It occurs everywhere: the park, the subway, the Malls.
I checked out the huge Chatuchak Weekend Market, Thailand's greatest flea market. It spans 35 acres where you wander through row after row and brouse a phenomenal array of antiques, clothing, jewelry, food, junk, etc. Amazingly, I bought nothing seeing as I would have to lug it around with me or mail it back to the States!
The smell on the streets infuses the air to the point where sometimes you feel you cannot escape it. Rather than my usual coffee and oatmeal, I have the choice to opt in for rice and fish or pork or beef and other things you wouldn't think to eat in the AM. I love the street food and always dine with the locals. We do not understand each other but when I point to something, we usually try to repeat each other in the other's language. Even with the heat today, I sat outside and enjoyed a bowl of spicy pork noodles! What's a little more heat, right? I think it was almost 110 degrees today topped with a heavy portion of humidity!
Congratulations to my friends who just got engaged! Kelly and Carrie, I expect updates since I'm not there to enjoy it with you! :-)
