Killing time

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So we've been finding out a lot more about the people who visit thailand. Its certainly a unique thing to observe other people's perspective and how open they are.
Not sure I approve of it all, but some of the foriengers make assumptions based entirely on stereotypes. This has made for them to make comments that could get you arrested right quick in the states. At the very least it makes for stares which can be disconcerting.

Otherwise, met a lot of friendly people, we're recognized enough for some people to greet us at times, near the area where we are based from.

Apparently Haven't realized how much walking we've been doing. Feet are killing us, so this afternoon we played cards at a local cafe and kept seeing our travel agent walk by. We're killing time waiting for our train later tonight. We're headed up north to get away from the dense tourist areas, and hopefully get to see some more prestine locales.

Theres a lot of work that could be done here as well, I checked my email and remembered seeing a note about how a EWB group needed a strucural engineer at the last min to help build a pre-school. Granted the dates overlapped our trip, in areas we aren't going to be in. Alas, would like to help or at least visit.

The remaining time in Bangkok, was mostly spent taking care of errands and enjoying some locale faire. In one of the stores Lang found “spicy shrimp Lay’s potato chips.” I tried some, but as it turns out, I don’t like the flavor. More for her! I did enjoy my coconut, in this hot weather, having alternatives to water is much welcomed.

Whilst touring the river front, ran across rentable bicycles. Transportation has been one of the many topics we’ve been discussing. Seeing the bicycles makes me wonder why some cities have trouble implementing alternative systems. After all, the growth, development and economics of a area are largely determined by the type of infrastructure it has. It’s a topic well worth looking into, as an aside I recall a British engineer who designed towns to be friendly. He did it by having no traffic signs cluttering up roadways, which were small and designed to be driven slowly. Additionally, very few if any stop and go intersections, more one car traffic circles and curves.

I don’t recall from last time, but it seems capitalism is making its way into the area. Last year there was a Starbucks (which several of us think the service is faster and better than U.S. side). But now there was a Burger King, Good Pizza and a McDonalds. There was no way we would have missed Ronald welcoming everyone in.

Skipped out on that food, and opted to check out the mobile vendors that line Khao San. The eggrolls called to us quickly. In the middle of cooking them up, many of the food carts started to pick up and move on, or as in our cook pushed hers inwards up to the sidewalk. A motorcycle police unit came by with a microphone blaring some message. The only ones reacting were the food carts, none of the other scores of stalls even noticed. Perhaps, there are rules in this seemingly free for all. Either way, the eggrolls were good.

Here is something of note, except for the curry the other night; most food hasn’t been very spicy. Lang noticed it too, and consequently ordering chili with our meals. Maybe we’ve become acclimated, or the food is toned down to suite western tastes.

As for the picture of the salad looking thing, it’s actually snapper with bell peppers, and other goodies. Yes, we put chili on it. As we waited, a few Mein (?) approached trying to entice us to buy, we ended up having a brief conversation on their children and dresses, as much as one can with the language barrier.

As for the delicious snapper, didn’t get to finish it, having had the eggrolls earlier, plus we had to get moving if we were to catch our night train.

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Photos

spicy shrimp chips
not my taste, but ive never been much of a seafood chip lover

River Monument
Some sort of monument depicting various scenes of Thai life. Its located in a park just next to a Wat

green energy
Its good to see offerings like this. It really for tourists, but the concept is good.

A small path
One of many paths that litter the city. Each unique with its own micro-chasam of life

cute
some items for tourist to buy

clothes model
First saw these in Cambodia, they really are a riot to look at.

coconut granade
about $35 baht a piece, but they were yummy. Great snack size, but I prefer the big ones.

Art Head
Reminded us of the UC Davis Egg Heads. This was outside a art museum

another hat
Excuse me, the rice paddy is in the other direction

Chinese fried rolls
we haven't been eating huge meals. mostly small meals and snacks as we feel hungry

Ronald II
If he can do it, so can I.

Mein
Chatting with street merchant

selling culture
they make a living by selling cultural related items.

snapper fish
this is fast food!