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.