I am now sitting here at the desk. Dad is asleep. Silence in Bangkok. Dinner was spent by the dusty streets of this amazing country. We ate beef ball noodles which cost 25 batt per bowl. Pretty decent compared to KL's. AirAsia was on time today. The landing and take off was nothing less then perfect. They were both orchestrated in the air like a ballet company on clouds. Our pick up van was waiting for us at the wrong gate when we arrived. The person that picked us up looked like a man cum lady. I am giving her the benefit of the doubt. Our hotel, The Twin Towers, is just great. Unfortunately it was situated out of nowhere.
25 March 2009
The day started really early. We had 3 wake-up calls. Each complimented by a different voice. The first two were from the hotel reception. The third was from James, our tour guide. The calling for an early breakfast has come.
Half way through breakfast we found out that we were led to wrong hall. I believe there was a miscommunication between the hotel and us. I think they thought we were part of a tour group from China. I had the notion that we were at the wrong place as I came to realize that there were only Chinese speaking quests at the hall. No white people to be seen. Something was indeed wrong.
Our tour guide was late. His driver was given the wrong room number of the other tourist. The driver and the unfortunate tourist ended up waiting for each other. After settling the confusion, we were on our way to Chao Praya river. This is our first river tour of the day to witness the abandon floating market. There were only a few of them left that day, like drifting wood in the middle of the South China Sea. The spectacle of struggling fishes for bread amuses me though.
Next destination was Wat Arun. An ancient temple with elaborate designs. A class of its own to capture the imagination of tourists. This temple was heavily influenced by China in the past. We were asked to pay 50 batt to enter the temple. Upon my refusal to pay, I managed to find a backdoor to the temple. The monk at the exit did not bother me then. After the temple we went to the jewelry factory and after that the honey factory where I had the pleasure of sacrificing my burnt body to the age old insects (bees).
For lunch it was Siam Paragon's food court. Having lunch in food courts is not my idea of sampling the local food. Yes it is safer but I was prepared for a major diarrhoea then. Yet once again, I have to admit that the food courts in Bangkok are to die for. The food is as delicious as those by the side of the streets. Besides the air conditioner, these food posts are also pleasing to the eyes as oppose the tongue. There are many beautiful people to look at whilst eating.
I have also come to realize that the beauty of Bangkok is not at the high streets. Rather it is found in its back lanes and small walkways that holds this capital's through essence. Watching Thais in their natural surroundings and getting down with their daily activities is both refreshing and heart warming.
The day ended with a kickboxing match that we got to watch for free. It was held outside MBK shopping centre. The event started out with two young kickboxers (around 10 years of age). They were both demonstrating the complex moves of this dangerous sport. Their act was playful. It gave me the impression that this was staged to please the public. I was totally wrong. When the adults reveled themselves, they only had one thing on their minds and that is to inflict pain in their opponents. They exchanged fist, threw knee jabs and body crunched each other whenever they could. It was a real fight. The crowd was filled with adrenaline. The spotlight showcased traces of sweat, mixed with tiger balm, in the air. Vaporized like the rest of us. I felt their pain.
26 March 2009
The tuk tuk wanted to charge us 100 batt but we got a taxi instead. The taxi cost the same with the air conditioner included. A big plus when traveling in Bangkok. Our destination was the Pratunam Market where you can find the usual fake goods and of course great tasting road side food. Instead of shopping I opt for the streets where tourist shy away. I love the back alleys and the non commercial part of Bangkok. It is the best way to experience the Thai way.
I met up with dad in the later part of the day. We stopped by a lovely street side store that serves up lovely beef ball noodles. It closely resembles the Chinese Hor Fun Noodles. Very tasty. After the good meal we were pumped up for the 45 minutes walk to Siam Paragon. It was hot and polluted. Sun beams burning my retinas. Sunrays bleaching my hair and scorching my skin. Dad had a back ache that time so we took it slow.
My walked continued after dad decided to a rest at MBK. As one point I started to feel dehydrated from the long walk. I was disappointed with the park that I wanted to visit as there was nothing much to see then. The scorching sun was still above me then. Burnt and heart bruised I headed my way back to the city centre via the surface rail.
After having a meal at MBK we headed to Pat Pong to witness the night life of Bangkok. We walked the small streets where bar doors were left opened to showcase beautiful bikini women dancing on the bar.
A Thai lady dressed in skimpy bikini was trying to attract me to enter the bar she was at. I decline. The next street turn we were surrounded by a large number of prostitutes. We politely decline their offer. It still amazes me that tourists are also found along the streets. Largely Japanese tourist and clients of the prostitution trade, amongst others.