Lost in Siam

Today we headed out to Siam Square section of Bangkok, which is known for the shopping. We had looked up tailors so that I could get some fresh suits made up on the cheap and wanted to find Marco Tailors on Soi (street) 7, Siam Square. We took the Sky Train two stops and decided to walk around amongst the shops until we stumbled upon Soi 7 and Marco Tailors. The streets were packed with locals and tourists alike and the smells were intoxicating. Overwhelming scents from the street food vendors and traffic flooded our noses with the smell of melted butter, fried food, spices and exhaust.

We walked and couldn't find Soi 7, though we found Soi 1 - 11 all easily marked. We asked in our very limited and poorly spoken Thai and could not find a reasonable direction. There were several folks who stopped to give us answers to find what we where looking for, ultimately looking to make a commission off of us for sending us in a tuk-tuk (local taxi) to another shop or who knows what. They were more than friendly and insistent that they could send us to a good place that had a special one day deal. Lucky us.

We walked some more and stopped for lunch before deciding to head to Jim Thompson's House (http://www.jimthompson.com/index.asp & http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Thompson_(designer)), which was in the neighborhood. Jim Thompson first came to Thailand with the OSS and eventually helped to establish and internationally develop the Thai silk industry. He disappeared in 1967 while on vacation in Cambodia under mysterious circumstances with his body never found. Some suspect a tiger got him or perhaps something tied to the American military intelligence operation or CIA. We'll likely never know.

Jim Thompson did leave behind his estate, which was built by combining several Thai houses together to create a beautiful expanse on the riverside. The sculptures, pottery, carvings and paintings he collected were all exquisite, many dating centuries old (from the 7th century old), and the landscaping with ponds and native plants, flowers and trees was immaculate. In one small pond, there was a HUGE stingray that must have been 4 ft wide by 6 or 7 ft long. Going to upload some pics after writing and will include a shot of the ray. It was nice to have Heather man the camera since every time I said, "did you see..." she would snap a pic.

On the tour there was this one couple we were making fun of who was also taking pictures. The dude would have his girl pose every few minutes and would give her really specific directions and count 1... 2... 3... out loud or with his fingers. Provided some amusement for us as we walked around the Thompson house.

After we wrapped up the tour we walked back towards Siam Square hoping again to find Marco Tailors. We stumbled upon a map of the Square, which we soon learned was on nearly every corner (duh) and found that we had walked up and down Soi 7 at least twice. In fact, the two guys we asked where Soi 7 was were on Soi 7. Not sure why they didn't say that... likely that they either thought we were morons or our Thai/there English was that bad. We again walked up Soi 7 and low and behold MARCO TAILORS.... was closed. shit. Of course another local guy came up to us to offer another Tailor he knew of with a special deal and to send us in a tuk-tuk to find them. We politely walked away and headed back to the sky train to go back out hotel (by the way - http://www.banyantree.com/bangkok/index.html).

We were awfully tired and a little sore from walking all day. And man, there where a lot of stairs to walk. Steep too. Every time you wanted to cross the street or get to the train you need to walk up stairs and there were plenty. Got back to our room showered and took a nap.

We went to a restaurant in, or should i say on, our hotel. The restaurant, named appropriately Vertigo, is outside on the 63rd floor/roof of the hotel, the 2nd largest building in the city. It was really cool to see the entire city from where we were lit up in the night sky. After dinner we walked over to the bar (also on the rooftop), mingled with the folks and had some cocktails. Good times. We forgot our camera, so were going to go back and snap a few shots when we get a chance and post them when we get a chance.

Parting thought - We all know the stupid joke about Japanese tourists in America with their cameras hanging around there necks taking pictures of everything they come across. Is that true in reverse when Americans go to Asia?

ta-ta for now.

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