what's going on?

Yo, so I've been in Bangkok now for 3 weeks, and all I can say is I wish I would have come sooner. The sights, the smells, the energizing hustle and bustle of the city are an inspiring sight. Men and Women, older than the moon, stroll smoothly down the busy streets with smiles as wide as America's financial crisis is deep. Earnestly, they push their carts ready to serve up fresh noodles, or grilled pork & fish coupled with a healthy portion of sticky rice. A completely satisfying, yet unbelievably cheap, meal.

Hoping on and off the air conditioned, immaculate Sky-Traine, one can travel throughout the city in a matter of minutes. One day, I took the train to the river, where I hoped on a boat and journeyed up stream to the 'Grand Palace' (The most visited tourist destination in all of Thailand). The whitewashed walls form a fortifying circle around the palace and were constructed around 1782. It was built several hundred years ago by one of Thailand's great leader, King Rama I, who wisely placed Bangkok as the new center of Thailand. For a century plus, this area served as the home to the Royal family, but now is used primarily for royal functions and coronation ceremonies.

Inside the walls, lies one of Thailand's most sacred monuments: " The Emerald Buddha." The approximately 5 feet Buddha is completely made of emerald and was discovered, by accident, in the South of Thailand. Explorers first thought it was made of Jade, but soon realized it's true makeup. The statue sits high in the temple overlooking all the patrons. Its chair is adorned with precious jewels and gems, and its crown made of a gold that shines brighter than the sun in many parts of the world. One cannot help but let their eyes wander throughout the temple as the intricate art makes one kneel agape. The artwork finely painted across the walls represents Thailand's history, its struggles and its celebrations.

Scattered throughout the temple grounds are armed guards who serve as a visual representation that if anyone dares to mess with Buddha, they will gladly subdue the person.

One of the most interesting artworks within the palace walls is a recreation of Angkor Wat. For those of you who don't know, Angkor Wat is an ancient wonder found in Cambodia
http://www.sacredsites.com/asia/cambodia/angkor_wat.html

I going to see the real Angkor Wat one day (perhaps very soon) and I will then blog about its intricacies.

On the employment side of things, I have applied for several teaching jobs at local universities. In Thailand, one only needs to have a masters to teach. So, hopefully i'll have some cheddar soon.


I miss you all, but life is so good. Everyone should begin looking for cheap tickets and plan a trip asap. We can sit on the street and drink cheaply and watch the exciting city happen before our eyes.

Hello Thailand

My first few days in Bangkok!

Twice since I have been here, I have experienced ‘A Meal a Mile Long’ similar to the story I used to read when I was younger. The first, was in Paragon Mall where the entire first floor is swarming with nearly 100 restaurants—Some are fancy and other are the world known McDonalds, KFC, and Burger King, but there are also dozens of Asian, Mexican, Italian, and different desserts places. Mind you, THIS IS A FOOD COURT! This mall blew any and every American mall out of the water. But the best part is one can eat incredible things for under $3.

This is the entrance to Paragon, and an unusual sight. This long queue is for Krispy Kreme’ doughnuts that has just opened in Bangkok. This line has been continuous for 5 straight days, and it is quite a sight to see Thais leaving the store with 3 or 4 dozen each. Although there are other American food chains, this is something new and has taken over Thai lifestyle for the last several days.

As I walked throughout the city, the overwhelming smells of spices mixed with the fresh crackle of pork and chicken awakens the deadest senses. Riding the sky train from destination to destination, it is neat to see the Buddhist shrines delicately placed along the city. Worshipers gather in the hot sun to burn incense and pay respects to their god.

My first night out in Bangkok was a great experience. Jacqui, Rebecca, and I went out for dinner at a nice Mexican place in the city, and then rendezvoused with one of Jacqui’s high school friends, and then the party started. First, we went to the “Red Wagon,” which is literally a red Volkswagen that serves stout alcohol on the side of the street. After a few drinks, we made our way to Khao San Road. Khao Sarn is known to Thai’s as old town, and used to be the heart of the city, but today it is where tourists from all over the world come to experience a crazy night life for practically nothing.

We sat in the thick Bangkok night, with the humidity wrapping her heavy arms around us. Nonetheless, the party pushed on. As we drank buckets, we watched crowds of inebriated tourists swim up and down the road looking and tasting at all Khao Sarn had to offer. If one chooses to find a Lady Boy, one can, or if one wants delicious Thai food for cheap, one can have. As far as the eye can see the road stretches into the steamy night with people meeting, greeting, falling in love, and making new friends; an experience that words cannot capture, but must be experienced first hand.

These pictures are classic of the experience. The one on the left shows my friend Rebecca leaving the Khao Sarn excitement while the picture on the right is Jacqui speaking to an old cart-women placing an order for some Pad Thai and spring rolls.