Bangkok for everyone.
(Or good practice for India)
This is our fourth and almost last day in Bangkok. Finishing off our two weeks in Thailand. What has been the pervading impression of this visit so far? Money. Bangkok is all about money. Selling, scamming, stealing, bartering, spending. One must be acutely aware of money at all times while in Bangkok. Or at least that is my impression. Of course, by Canadian standards, everything is cheap cheap cheap. And quite often beautiful and fascinating. But the Thai people see foreigners as a way of making a living. Get in a taxi, make sure to get the driver to use the meter. Try and buy something, don't settle on the first price because it is unfair. Make eye contact, be ready for forceful selling tactics. Try and take a tuk tuk, be wary of unwarranted stops. Interesting interesting. But not bad. Never bad. Simply experiencial. Ah ha haaa...
Ryan and I are trying our hand at being seasoned travellers. Taking the bus/public transportation rather than using taxis or tuk tuks. Walking to sights and attractions. Exploring the city on our own. Though uncomfortable with the idea of bartering, we are only getting better (I wouldn't say we've mastered it yet...). So what, you may ask, have we done so far?
1)We have explored the oddity that is Khao San. A backpackers paradise. A small road lined with vendors, shops, bars and all that is cool. The prevailing trends? Dreadlocks, tattoos, piercings, over-sized backpacks, thai fisher pants and beer shirts. And men standing around saying "Tuk tuk? Ping pong show?". If you are unsure as to what they are referring to, you will have to ask around. Because I'm NOT TELLING!
2)We have explored (on foot) all the expected sights. Grand Palace, various wats (temples), amulet market and statues of Buddha. Which were astounding in their intricacies and beauty. Pictures to come later.
3)Visited (via public transportation) the Chatuchuk weekend market. The biggest, densest, madness of a market we have yet to experience. Move over night markets in Taiwan, Chatuchuk is here! While here, we managed to pick up some small souvenirs/christmas gifts for you special someones. Yeah, you.
4)Briefly explored Siam Square. The downtown, large mall-filled area of Bangkok. Saw a movie. About dancing. And as I told both Julie and Ryan... When I was a child, I wanted to be a dancer. Now I settle on seeing dancing movies and teaching yoga. Hilarious.
So now that you are sufficiently updated on our activities, I will be off. Time to see what today has to offer. Loveyoumissyou.xx.-n.
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