A little more of everyday life in Bangkok

View from Cathy's Apartment 

As I had mentioned earlier in one of my other postings, Cathy McConnell (Canadian teacher at the Bangkok school) was kind enough to rescue me in my time of need.  So I bunked at her apartment from Feb 24th until the 28th, after being denied my visa.  It was really a fantastic rescue.  She lived on the 31st floor, having an amazing view of Bangkok, both at night and during the day.  The sky line is an interesting blend of modern buildings, primitive housing, old and new business and apartment buildings, and ornate Wats/temples spotted throughout.  Bangkok's sky line is a unique mixture.  

View from Cathy's Apartment, on the 31st floor

Terminal 21

Monday, Feb 27th, I arrived bright and early at the Sri Lankan Embassy to await my visa.  I got to the office for 8 am, waited for the doors to open at 8:30 am.  I was promptly guided to the waiting area and stayed there until 11 am (thank goodness for free wifi.  I was able to do some emailing).  At that time I was told to go away and call at 2:30 pm to see if I was granted entry.   

In the area of the embassy (Asok BTS station) was this fancy shopping center called Terminal 21.  It was designed after an airport.  When you enter the doors they have doormen dressed in pilots uniforms (white gloves and everything), who greet you.  Each stairway is called a gate, and each floor an exotic destination (ie. Madrid, Rome, San Francisco, etc).  Its really kinda neat. On the top floor they have a San Francisco subway car suspended over all the floors. I did a little shopping for my future in Sri Lanka, as I was told that you have to dress quite formally for the clinics there.   At 2pm I left the mall and went back to the embassy.  I wasn't going to risk phoning, because its too easy to say "no" over a phone, but in person its much harder to ignore the person waiting.  Then at 3 pm, I was handed my passport.  The receptionist who gave it to me said "I think you deserve a hug after all this".  I had to laugh.  "Kob koon ka"... aka, thank you in Thai.

Terminal 21

A local resident at the Sathorn Pier

River taxi, with a view of the King 

Anyone want to buy some traditional Thai dress?  It can be made to size for you.   

On my last day in Thailand (Feb 28), I decided to head down to Chinatown.  However, I managed to get turned around and ended up in little India.  All the colorful materials, saris, incense, and other wonders of india were found everywhere, intermixed with Thai traditional dress and more Thai silks that could be bought.  People were everywhere, the sidewalks packed with people buying things and the vendors, plus the odd stray dog.  It was just so beautiful to see all the colors.  I just loved feeling the silks.  I decided to skip out on Chinatown... besides, it was stinking hot.... even despite my attempt to escape the heat by having lunch in a shopping mall.  I was feeling drained by all the pavement, people, and heat.  I walked through the flower markets one last time on my way back to the pier.... oh, the lovely smell of roses.  I must say the flower market was definitely a highlight of Bangkok.

Beautiful Thai silk found in Phahurat Road 

Market in Phahurat Road (aka little India)

River boat approaching Sathorn (Central) Pier.  From here  you can walk to the BTS skytrain. 

Taking the river boat home to Cathy's to pick up my bags and say goodbye before heading off to the airport.

Monks taking the river boat. They even have a designated area,  with a sign that says "monks railing,  please leave room".  Only in Thailand. 

Pak khlong talat flower market

Just couldn't resist passing by these flowers one last time.  I still cannot believe how cheap a dozen rose is: 50 baht = $1.70.

Taking it easy. I thought this was funny, Pak Khlong talat market

Street Food in Pak Taklong market; sometimes a mystery as to what things are.  Adventures!

Morning traffic in Bangkok: A view from a pedestrian walkway to school

River boat... not very busy today. 

Pak khlong talat vegetable market

Another very fun and interesting thing to see was the vegetable market.  It was packed with vendors selling all sorts of lovely ingredients.  I tried to buy some broccoli for Cathy on my way home (along with rose pears, papaya, and some apples)... it was a combination of charades and a lot of pointing to indicate 1/2 a kg.  The women who sold the vegetables did not know what to do with me.  They keep smiling and saying, 1kg, 100 Baht.  But that would be way too much broccoli for just Cathy to eat.  It was kinda fun play the game of vegetable charades.  

Leaving? Nope!

I started my day by packing up all my stuff, cleaning up the apartment, and hulling my pack to the school.  Mary had told me the previous day that my visa for Sri Lanka was ready and all I needed to do was pick up a document at the Sri Lankan embassy in Bangkok.   I left my things at the school and began the trek to the embassy… not a quick adventure.   I  arrived at 2pm, having left the school at 11am… only to stop for lunch a subway station.  I ordered some rice noodle chicken soup…. Or so I thought.  I got the soup and there was what I think to be chicken, and some mystery organ meat floating the bowl.  I ate the chicken but decided to leave the mystery meat for today.  I can only be so adventuresome.

I finally arrive at the Sri Lankan embassy, thinking I was almost finishing with my day’s events… however, I was soon to find out, it was only beginning.  The receptionist at the visa processing desk told me that I had to have brought passport pictures, and some other documents, which I did not bring and fill out this long form requesting a visa.  I couldn’t believe it!  I thought this was already done.  Mary had told me I only needed a to show a printed copy of the visa she sent me and that I would be picking up the original document.  I told him I don’t have a spare set of passport photos with me, so he directed me to a place to get photos (in a coffee shop… again, strange.  This place did whole photo shoot for portraits in the back, but had a full coffee shop in the front. Nothing in Asia surprises me anymore).  This place only did one hour developing.  Agh.  I paid the fee and went back to the embassy. 

Upon returning, I started talking to the receptionist who told me that they don’t issue visa’s in the afternoons. What?  What kind of country is this?  I was so frustrated, because I just spent money on pictures, not to mention my flight was leaving tonight at 10pm.   I started to get pissed off at this point.  I told the receptionist my story, and that I have been given the run around for months regarding this visa, and enough was enough.  Why do they keep changing the rules?  

I was so disappointed because I was under the impression that if this working visa didn’t pan out, I would simply enter the country under a visitor’s visa that I would get upon entry.   However, as of January 2012 the rules for a visitors visa had changed.  They no longer issue visas upon entering into the country, I had to have applied online prior to entering.   Agh.  Bureaucracies.

  

The receptionist said to wait and see if the Sri Lankan diplomat can issue me something himself.  He would be returning at 4pm.  So I waited.  The diplomat finally showed up and nothing!  He said he couldn’t do this, and I should just fly tonight and see what happens.   

Now I was getting frustrated.  It was 4:30 and the school closes at 5pm.  My bags would be held captive if I didn’t get back in time.  I asked the receptionist if I could make a call with his phone, he said no.  On my search for a pay phone, I went to check on the photo developing… nothing.  Off I went to find a phone.  The one I found kept taking my money but wouldn’t allow me to dial.  I was about to scream at this point. 

I found a white guy and asked him where I could find a phone, but he said he didn’t know.  I went back to the embassy, and with some detective skills I found a pay phones in the lobby (hidden in the back).  I called Cathy, she said not to worry, just get back so we determine our next step.  I went to the coffee shop, got my photos and hailed a cab (not straight forward because 3 cabs refused me, the fourth didn’t speak any English but would take me).  The cab driver who agreed to take me was a little gross.  He kept hoarking into a klenex and had a weird twitch with his head and neck.  I just thought to myself, oh well just get me back to my bags.  I’ve had enough of this city!

I found Cathy at the school waiting for me. Cathy was patient and helped me to work through what needed to be done.  We re-scheduled my flight because there was the distinct possibility I would be denied entry and told to fly back to Bangkok.  Cathy graciously offered her place to me for the next few days.  We went back to her apartment had pizza and Cesar salad and watched a movie.  Pizza is always a good remedy to a chaotic day.

I was just so disappointed that I wasn’t going to Sri lanka (yet again).  This was the third time I would be rescheduling my flight.  I will be so thankful if/when I finally get there. 

Somehow this was not what I had imagined for a birthday celebration…. But what are you gonna do?  Enjoy one more weekend in Bangkok  I suppose?   J

My everyday life in Bangkok ... at the school

Left: Front Entrance to the P & O school in Bangkok
Right: My desk for the week, with a welcome sign

Thought people might be interested in seeing some of the P & O school in Thailand.  I took a few photos before I finished my job on Feb 23/12.  Yeah for spinal orthotics!

The school is really quite impressive.  Very modern and all new machinery.  They have had great funding from the Nippon Foundation, which is a Japanese based charity.  I was thoroughly impressed with their facilities.  The ground floor was huge, with massive rooms for work benches (probably 25 or more), modification/rectification rooms of ample size, assessment rooms, full clinic for patients to be seen, gait training lab, lamination rooms, moulding rooms, etc, etc, etc.  Its really way better than even in Canada (sorry GBC).  

School workshop

Outdoor Gait Training grounds, includes steps, uneven terrain, etc.  Excellent idea. 

I was also very impressed at the class size.  In Canada we have 8 students, but here the class size is much bigger.  I think one class had around 24 students.  This is really a large number considering what the teacher has to do with the students.  I am very impressed.  It must feel a bit maddening to the the teacher at times, but it all seems to work out.   They break it down into two groups of 12.  Still quite a large class size.

More belt sanders and grinders

Machine room, including fancy Otto Bock trautmans with ventilation systems

Second year class casting their first transtibial patient

Transtibial casts from the 2nd year class awaiting leg fabrication

Thailand Cultural Show

A display outside the Sirm Niramit Cultural show

This was technically the last day of my stay in Bangkok (details to follow).  I needed to finish the project that I had been given at the school, so I spent the majority of the day working.

 

Cathy McConnell offered to go out with me in the evening.  After some research on the net, trying to find fun evening events in Bangkok, we decided on the Siram Niramit Cultural show.  It had received rave reviews on trip advisor and other places (including the largest stage in the Guinness world book of records) so we bought 2 tickets. 

We took the river boat from the school to Cathy’s apartment.  She gave me the grand tour.  Her place is amazing; 31 floors (she lives on the 31^st floor), with a view over the river (priceless), 2 roof top pools, a fully equipped gym, sauna, squash courts, badminton courts, a track for running, etc.  Its nuts.   She said, “only in Asia could she ever afford something like this”.

Cathy quickly changed and off we went to grab some dinner.  Cathy was craving western food so we went to this shopping mall on our way and ate at the “Black Canyon coffee shop”.  Not what you would expect, as it has a full diner menu plus coffee.    I had a Thai dish with noodles and prawns, she ate a club sandwitch.

After filling our bellies we ran off and took the BTS (skytrain), a subway, and a shuttle bus to get to the Thailand cultural Center, where the show "Siam Niramit" was taking place

The evening’s entertainment started with the Thailand national anthem.  With a video showing the great lengths that the king of Thailand king will go for his people.  Then the show started.  It was absolutely fantastic.  The show was broken down into different scenes, which showed or demonstrated various cultural aspects and the unique characteristics of each of Thailand’s provinces.  Including the Chinese influence on Thai culture. There was also a portion about Thai myths and beliefs (interesting to say the least … there was a scene with the devil and what will happen to you if you do bad things like steal, lie, commit adultery, etc.).  The show also included live animals like goats and elephants.  At one point the elephants were walking around the audience with their trainers on their backs.  Amazing.   They also had a stage that would cover with water for the scene with boats and to show the low lands and river communities in Thailand.  It was a spectacular event, full of brightly colored costumes, fantastic dancing, beautiful stage props, etc.  I thoroughly enjoyed the evening events.  I would definitely recommend this show to anyone going to Thailand. 

An elephant from the show; not a great picture, but the only one I had of the elephants.

Pak Khlong Talat flower markets

Today's adventure was heading to the Pak Khlong Talat flower market (means, market at the mouth of the canal).  Its vendors sell flowers, fruits, and vegetables.  It is the primary flower market in Bangkok.  Its is located on Chak Phet Road, close to the Memorial bridge.  The market is open 24 hours, but is cited to be busiest in the morning, when the flowers arrive from the surrounding provinces and countryside.

As usual, I had problems getting to my destination this morning.  I thought I would be smart and take a cab to the water boat taxi (should have only cost 55THB/$1.80… but eventually ended up at 75THB/$2.50), rather than getting lost on foot trying to find the pier.  My driver did not understand my directions; which consisted of pointing to a little boat on my map, (which is the symbol for the pier I wanted) and saying in my best Thai -pronunciation “Pinklao” pier. Apparently you don’t say the “l” in Thai, it is silent.  Pinklao sounds like “pink-ao.   He seemed to understand, he nodded, and off we drove.  Next thing I know we are driving over the bridge to the wrong side of the river, and we arrive at the Grand Palace.  Agh.  So I said no “Pinkloa pier”.  So I then pointed to the next closest pier, and said that would be fine.  He seemed to understand, nodded, and off we drove.  This time we arrived at the first pier I had wanted: Pinklao.  Good enough for me.  I was already thinking this isn’t a good start to my day, but oh well. 

From Pinklao Pier I took the river taxi down to my destination, Memorial bridge, and started to walk.  At first I thought I was lost again, as I was in some back alleyway that did not look like a market, rather the dropping point for the vegetable market.  According to my map I was heading in the right direction…. But with my current track record, my navigation skills are not something I can rely on.    But then around the next corner what did I see? Flowers, flowers, and even more flowers.  It was so incredible.  The colors and smells were amazing.  And the prices were unbelievable; 50 THB/$1.50 for what looked like 24 roses, 240 THB/$8.50 for a huge bunch of orchids, 5THB/20cents for a large bunch of daisies, etc.  I tried to resist temptation, but I couldn’t.  The orchids were out of this world.  So I bought a bunch.    They are now sitting in my apartment; greeting me as I get home at the end of the day.  I still can get over the price for the amount of orchids I received.  There has to be at least 30 or 40 steams in the bunch.  

Orchids by the dozens

  Phuang Malia (flower garlands) of marigolds, with orchids and jasmine flowers

Pak Khlong Vegetable market

My boutique of beautiful orchids, which greets me in my apartment

Thai Food

I was warned before going on my trip about only eating things from official restaurants, things that can be pealed, nothing that is rinsed like salads and fruits, and the meat must be thoroughly cooked.  For the most part I am following these rules.  However, in Thailand I have read and been told that street food is somewhat safe if you are careful and have common sense.  So I have been sampling of the select vendors off the streets.  First I try to spot other local "foreigners",  I also see how "fresh" the meat is (ie. no flies hovering about), and see if the sight of the food appeals to me.  So far I have been eating a lot of Pad Thai, as it is so tasty and cheap.

Last night after a long day at the school I decided to try some street food for dinner.  After getting lost (which is a norm for me), I found a couple of vendors which I thought would be good.  I picked up some fresh pineapple for 20 THB (70 cents), and a noodle soup for 35THB($1.20).  They packaged it up for me, and away I went to my apartment.  Check it out in the above pictures. Today I decided to see what the local corner store had to offer for my sweet tooth.  I went to the 7 eleven (which the Thai seem to love, as they are everywhere).  Some chocolates and gummy treats with a cold coffee drink (which tastes like a version of an ice-cap from Tim Hortons).  

Also thought a picture of MacDonalds was also necessary to be added to my food section.  Another common thing I have found in Thailand is prepackaged individual drinks.  Shown below is a mix for  hot chocolate.  You can also get something that looks almost exactly the same, but is an instant coffee mix which contains both milk and sugar (Nescafe with coffee mate).  I am not a huge fan of coffee mate, but milk or cream is not easy to find... or at least in my short experience so far.    

Wat Arun, temple of the Dawn.

I woke up early today to make my way to Wat Arun.  I thought I would try to walk to the river boat pier and then take the boat to the temple.  I was given directions the day before from the Canadian (Cathy McConnell) teacher at the school in Bangkok.  I was told it is very straight forward and simple to find.  So off I went with my backpack full of things and my map in hand.  My goal was to find Wang Lang pier.  Well, of course I got lost.  A helpful traffic director try to steer me in the right direction, but I still managed to get lost.  I ended up on a pier by the river, but it was definitely not the pier I needed:  There were a couple of Thai's fishing and the surroundings were that of a construction site.  Defeated, I took a cab the rest of the way.  I was kind of nervous about the cab driver as he only had one eye, and was weaving in and out of traffic very quickly.  However, I made it safe and sound.  

So a little information about Wat Arun.... It is named after Aruna, the Indian God of the Dawn.  It is considered to be one of the most well known temples and landmarks in Thailand.  The temple is named as such because of the light the morning sun casts on the walls of the temple causing a shiny iridescence.  Originally the temple was located on the palace grounds across the river during the time of Rama I, but was later moved.  It was abandoned for a long time until Rama II restored and expanded the temple. The main attraction of the temple is its colorful porcelain exterior.  The height of the main tower is 86 m.   

Climbing up the tower was easy, but going down made me nervous.  The stairs were purposely made to be steeper and more difficult to climb as you went up, symbolizing that the climb to greatness is also more difficult the further you go in life. 

After I finished my tour of Wat Arun, I headed back to the school to work for the afternoon.... not nearly as interesting as being a tourist.