Advertisement
Published: August 1st 2005
Edit Blog Post
Hey all:
One thing I forgot to mention in my last entry is that Jim saw Ice T a few blocks from our building when Jim was (what else) rummaging through bookstores. For those of you who may not know (like our parents), Ice T is a famous rapper and also acts in a lot of tv and movies. In fact, Ice T came to speak at Harvard Law School while I was there on First Amendment issues. Ice T was in Bangkok to judge a rapping contest. Unfortunately, Jim did not have a camera with him so I can't post any pictures of Ice T on our blog, but Jim said he was with an entourage of people, including his beautiful blond wife. It's funny, because in DC we never saw anyone other than annoying politicians like Newt Gingrich. We're not even in Bangkok for 2 weeks, and Jim already spots someone famous. The Embassy newsletter last week also posted auditions for a major motion picture called "Rescue Dawn" directed by Werner Herzog ("Wings of Desire") and starring Christian Bale. I was tempted given that they said no experience necessary, but the only female part open was that of
Max digging in
This ice cream only cost about 10 cents. Can't beat it! a nurse, and somehow I just don't see myself being cast in a role like that. Usually they want either tall blondes or older dowager types. There are a lot of films made in Thailand so hopefully I'll have another chance at stardom someday! 😊
I finally checked out some shopping today - at Narayana Phand, which is a government run crafts center. It's not as cheap as bargaining in a place like Chatuchak market, but it is a great introduction to Thai goods, to get an idea of prices so that you can bargain effectively, and to shop in an air conditioned uncrowded setting. Plus the prices are good by American standards and they have two floors of non-bargaining shopping and then a basement bazaar setting to give you the bargaining experience if you want it. The selection was great - very good for one-stop shopping. One amusing thing I saw on my way back to the sky train station was a Ronald McDonald statue performing the Wai (the Thai greeting of respect). It was so hilarious that I took some pictures and have posted them here.
I finally got to meet the New Zealand hair stylist
Post-ice cream Max
What can I say - he's a ham. in my building who I have heard so much about. Her daughter, Ava, is going to be in Max's class at the school and we walked over together so that she could show me a good shortcut through a Thai school. The short cut makes for a much nicer walk - past Thai children playing, quiet streets, and ending up right at Max's school. With the short cut, we can avoid "Lolita's", the gentleman's club I previously had to pass on my way to Max's school when I took the other route, which is usually in full swing by the time I pick Max up from school at 2 PM. Not that Max knows what it is, but it's not the most lovely sightseeing. Also, the traffic is much better on the short cut - barely existent.
I have attached some photos of Max in the food court at Robinson's department store enjoying some Thai ice cream and also with his sunglasses, dancing away. We finally got our Ipod to work with the radio here, hence the music and dancing.
Unfortunately, our Internet service is very spotty right now since we're hooking into a wireless network while we
Max & sunglasses
A young Elton John. wait for a permanent high speed connection to be hooked up. It takes quite a while. We are trying to learn to be patient, Thai style. So if you can't reach us easily, either via email or Skype, that's why.
It's hard to describe what Bangkok is like - like any city, there are wonderful things and terrible things. Basically, it's divided between these major paved roads and these small lanes called "Sois" that run into the major roads. There are also canals here, although I have not yet had the opportunity to take boat trips on them, though I really look forward to doing that. We live on a nice Soi, for the most part, though they are currently tearing it up with sewer system construction that is supposed to be done by October or November. Lots of pleasant smells as you can imagine when you walk down the street. When it has rained and is not too hot, it is pretty pleasant walking around the city. Otherwise, when the pollution is bad and it is very hot, you are better off staying inside or moving to higher ground except in the mornings and evenings. Sometimes the city reminds me of a science fiction novel, especially when the air is bad, with the "up-aboves" living in their nice high rises above the pollution and noise (like us) and the "down-belows" being stuck in the smog. At those times, it seems like a city out of Blade Runner. But on good days, this is a truly vibrant city with the most international group of people living in it. Where else in the world can you see this many Asians, Africans and Westerners all living and colliding in the same place? It makes for amazing cuisine. BTW - speaking of cuisine - down the street from where we live we have found Via Vie, the most fabulous pizza I have ever had, and Crepes and Company, the most fabulous crepes I have ever had. So that gives you some idea of how good the food is. It's a good thing I have to do a lot of walking!
Best,
Maddy
Advertisement
Tot: 0.178s; Tpl: 0.02s; cc: 6; qc: 51; dbt: 0.1328s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.1mb
Karen
non-member comment
cute sunnies
Hey, Ice T was just here in Melbourne (last week maybe?). Love Max's sunnies in that bottom pic. :-) --Karen