How about a weekend workshop for Language B in Bangkok? Professional development takes on a different meaning in Asia and of course, I leapt at the chance! Inspite of a few worries about travelling alone, I arrived by midday and quickly took a taxi driven by one of the Thais lining up in the rank. We sped down the expressway and passed billboards advertising housing estate, private schools and aftershave...it's a man's world. Well, judging by the flamboyant sexuality near the bureau de change, it's not technically a man's world anymore...more of a "fashion yourself a gender personality".
The Sukhumvit road has pretty much tidied up the spare cash of wandering travellers. British retirees were sat at the bar in the restaurant, enjoying cafe food cheaper than they could make themselves and massage parlours and bars keep the atmosphere of the place lively and entertaining. It's not bohemian, or particularly stylish. You get the feeling that locals take pity on the tourists who come in search of sex. And of course, it's diverse and multi cultural. Restaurants serve Indian, Lebanese, Korean and Japanese food, if you ever get bored by the tasty Thai food, which isn't often.
I jumped onto the sky train and then changed at Siam and found the Silom line. 3 stops later and I was pretty much down on the river at Central, on Chao Phraya river. I paid 150 Baht for the tourist boat, which seemed like a good idea at the time, although the local boats offer a better deal. Then I stopped at the flower market and wandered through the stalls of yellow chrysanthemums, orchids and lilies. Thought I would find a bouquet for the reclining Buddha, can't go empty handed to the Buddha!
As it turned out, he was closed for the holiday so a local Chinese recommended another temple: Watrajapradit. It was nice, there was a gem dealer in the corner and a local teacher showed me around...the shrine, as the temple is a monk only zone. I left the flowers and then completed my side of the deal and visited the local gem factory...yes well, not in that much need for a sapphire ring at the moment. Thanks anyway.
The river ride was exciting. The air was cool and refreshing after Guangzhou. The temple of dawn was impressive also, and I considered climbing it for oh, about 10 minutes. Stupas are best left at a distance.
Aside for my day out on the river I shopped for a yard of hand loomed silk, attended a 3 day workshop, ate good food and wandered the streets with a purpose. Bangkok is a lively getaway and the language sounds like Hindi mixed with Arabic...well something weird anyway.
Would love to return to Chang Mai for the volunteer programme in Spring break...
