Bangkok- The Sights and Smells

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Hello all!

We arrived in Bangkok on Tuesday after a remarkably comfortable journey across the pacific (well, as comfortable as an 18 or so hour journey can be- thanks Singapore Air!). The metropolis of Bangkok dwarfs any city we have previously visited- the city seems to stretch forever in all directions. The air is just like you've heard- absolutely digusting. Buses, cars and tuk-tuks spew fumes into the air that fill the city with a thick blanket of smog. We'd been told to avoid walking around the city, but we've enjoyed going places on foot. The city is filled with life- street vendors selling crafts, clothes and food food food! The street food is fantastic- we've had several delicious, fiery green papaya salads, terrific noodles and plenty of fresh tropical fruit. Dishes are usually in the 20-40 baht range, about $.50-$1.00. Bees are under a dollar at the ubiquitous 7-11s around town, and it's NOLA-style, drink on the go. Yes, we're fitting in quite nicely. Two nights ago we sought out a restaurant recommended in a recent NY Times travel article by RW Apple Jr- Polo Fried Chicken. The chicken was fried (but not breaded like in the US) and sprinkled with fried garlic bits. Absolutely terrific. The chicken, plus a larb salad (diced chicken and pork in lime juice, onions, chilis amongst other flavors), tom yam soup and two large beers was less than $10. Food is such an important part of the Thai culture, and we are most certainly indulging.

We spent our first couple of days visiting several Wats throughout the city. They are incredibly intircate and ornate, and stepping inside the temples is reminiscent of visiting the Vatican or Notre Dame. We've also been up and down the Chao Phraya river- a much more efficient way to move throughout the city than fighting the snarling Bangkok traffic. It also offers a bit of a respite from the stifling mid-day heat.

Yesterday we had a wonderful experience of visiting a most unusual winery- Siam Winery. (yes, even on the other side of the world, we're doing some wine touring). The wine industry here is young, with only about 6 or 8 wineries in the country. They grow some odd local varietals (pokdum, malaga blanc and others), and the vines are separated by canals (see picture). They call them "floating vineyards", with harvesting and tending being done by canoe. We emailed the winery before coming to Thailand, and they arranged a wonderful day for us- picking us up in the city, taking us to view the vineyards, serving us a delicious lunch before touring the winery and facilities. All for no charge. It was quite interesting and unlike any other winery we have visited. Tremendous opportunity for growth- the wines were just ok, but have potential, with the whites better than the reds. They are made to go with the spicy Thai cuisine, and did so quite well.

Today we will leave the city, heading either north or west. Stay tunes.

All the best to everyone in the states.

Alex & China

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Photos

Floating Vineyards
Rows separated by canals, unusual trellising

Comments

[Aneta & Jon]

Me so jealous!
great first blog- makes us green with envy and so excited to start our trip! Have fun, see you at New Years!

[mat]

frisbee
where are you now? como estamos?

[Staffan & Marcy]

More!!
Can't wait to see the next post. Although we will miss you over the holidays we are excited with and for you. Much love for a wonderous trip!