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.