I can think of about a million other names that might be a more apropos fit.
Heat, pollution, rooftop bars, kittens, strange and delicious food, tuk-tuks, searches for air conditioning, traffic, wats, and massages. Welcome to Bangkok. This place isn't what I expected. That's ok though; I'm just glad this will not be my new zip code for the next year.
Tonight Mitch and I and some fellow backpackers are tuk-tuking it to a bar on top of one of the tallest skyscrapers and then to the best jazz joint in town (or so I've heard). After an endless amount of temple browsing, we're going to indulge in the 'spirit'ual side of Bangkok.
In other news, I have 46 bug bites that itch like the dickens.
The absence of jet lag has brought back my sense of humor, and I am learning to enjoy aspects of the hottest city on earth. For instance, the massage at Wat Pho was an experience and a half. Traditional Thai massage combines Indian yoga, chiropractic elements, and acupressure. Fingers in stomachs and heels in armpits are sure to delight. Boat rides through the crocodile infested waters of Chao Prahya to the floating markets where you can buy beer among other things could be a relaxing experience for the savvy traveler. Not so much for Mitchell and myself. Or anyone who gets conned into paying 3000 baht per person (that's $90!) for something that never costs more than 600 baht ($18). You win some, you pay out the you know what for some. On this exorbitant cruise we saw colossal iguanas lounging on porches. Pets maybe? Another pleasant element: the BEST pad thai I've ever had has located itself conveniently a mere one minute's walk from our hostel.
Tomorrow we'll be on a train to Phetchaburi and other towns south of here to experience more of the Land of Smiles.
the structure on the right used to be a swing where people competed to snatch a little silk bag with their teeth. it has since been banned due to the near 100% fatality rate of the participants.
there he is: Buddha himself. quite the impressive fellow.
another impressive fellow. how charming is this restaurant?
ceiling of a wat. not sure what the ball of string is about, but it may have something to do with the large number of cats who prowl the city.
you can buy birds to set free in the courtyard of the wats. since i don't want to encourage the entrapment of more birds, i didn't help to propel the market for them. also, i thought i could find better things to spend my baht on.
my favorite picture so far. that baby was precious and slept like a champ even in the sun and noise.
more pictures and an ever-improving attitude coming soon!
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