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Published: August 13th 2009
Deep Thoughts by travelin' Laluke....
Bangkok is steamy, smelly and noisy.....but in between the steamy is warm friendly heat, that good sweat, and an exhausting feeling which makes that first beer taste that much better. In between the smelly is the wonderful Thai spices, street vendors aromatic cooking, and fresh market produce - finding a good meal is not a challenge. All around is the noise from the streets, the tuk-tuk's engines popping, the taxi's honking, pop music, and the street peoples trinkets - our favorite has become the bullfrog.
Some people like Bangkok and stay for a few days perhaps to return, others can't stand the busy streets, the perils of crossing the street, the constant hassle from someone trying to help, scam, or sell you something. I, personally, kinda dig it.
We tried to get into temples and Wat's with their golden architecture and holy Buddha's but every time it's the wrong time, or Thai's only, or our attire is not proper. We took a boat tour across the Phyra Canal and into Thom Buri, it is sometimes referred to the "Venice of the Far East", although, I don't know how much crap is floating in the canals of Venice and the quality of homes along those routes. It's a nice tour of the canals and homes there, fisherman, young and old line the walls trying to avoid the boot, tire, or scrap of plastic fishing for something to take to the markets. As always, Bangkok's finest aromas will pop up at any second and knock your eyebrows off, most times, it just smells of busy city.
Holli has a local friend Au, (sounds like Ew) who was great and took us around the city, once during the day, and the other at night. We went to an over-stimulating mall and ate at Hot Pot. It's like a buffet of raw food which you drop into a bowl of boiling water at your table - kinda like Fondu - done Bangkok style. I skipped out on the raw pig intestine and pig liver, although tempted, I am not ready for that challenge just yet. However, there were many locals that seemed to enjoy those offerings.....I guess it's healthy for you????
We went to the Chatauchuk market - it's like the size of 3 football fields and has everything to offer under the sun including very cute puppies, baboons, and other creatures. As cute as they are, it's sad to think of how they're being breeded.
Our hostel was off Rambutri road which is one block away from the famous Khoa San Road - again, a place that has everything to offer. Street vendors with food and drink, tailor shops to make you a suit, a fish eating foot massage (yes, little fish peck away at your dead skin -going back to try that one), bars and neon lights. Great hostel, great location, and non-stop busy action - terrific for people watching. We met Au the second night in our part of Bangkok and went out for drinks, a Thai cover band, and another bar with music to end the night. Au brought with him two of his friends and we tried to learn as many Thai phrases as possible and I taught them "Jack Daniels!".....I think they probably would like to forget that one....
We left Bangkok for Chain-Mai - a 14 hour train ride through the night. I awoke early to watch the sun rise and the jungle pass by the window. At one point in a bend I could see the rear cars of the train and it reminded me of every shot you see in the movies, the train cutting through the jungle valley....only difference is now we are on that train and it ain't no movie. It's our adventure.
We're in Chaing Mai now and plan on going to visit the Tiger Temple to pet and play with tiger cubs. Hopefully they've been well fed already today. We're also planning a 3 day trek which includes a couple long hikes, waterfalls, elephant ride, white water rafting, a float trip and whoa knows what else.
Other quick takeaways....
Our hotel which we're in now is a huge room with tv, a bath room, a wardrobe, small patio, comfy beds, there is a pool and it's only 8 bucks per person a night. Meals are about 75 cents and I am officially addicted to Thai food - I love the spice - it's required that I sweat out my eyeballs every meal.
We were sitting outside at a bar having a beer when an elephant cruised up to say hi to us - nothing special, just an elephant being guided down the street and for about $1.25 USD you could feed the guy some sweet water stalks.
Under the gun to post blogs - it's not that easy and I almost lost this blog twice! Sorry for skipping around. yesterday Anna and I sat with lion cubs and adult tigers, I was pretty nervous, but it was great - pics to come soon. Also yesterday marked the second time in 30 days that I've had an animal with sharp teeth (Northern Pike) and deadly venom (King Cobra) very, very, close to where the sun don't shine - they like to have fun with the guests at the Snake Farm - more to come on that.
Today we embark on a 3 day trek - hiking, climbing waterfalls, elephant rides, and white water rafting!
Rock on and spice up your food till your eyes weep! I love it!
La Norn
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Colleen
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Amazed
Please keep the blogs coming. Be safe and have the time of your lives.