Back to civilisation!
Trip Start
Sep 18, 2006
1
22
79
Trip End
Mar 19, 2008
Bangkok,
Thailand
Tuesday, January 9, 2007
After the last few months of sometimes very spartan, rustic existence, especially within Cambodia, Bangkok was at first quite overwhelming. So many skyscrapers! So many people! It took me a few days to stop feeling like a country bumpkin on his first visit to the big city and then I started to enjoy it. I don't understand why people say its too hectic and you shouldn't spend more than a few days here. It is busy, but not so much that it eats you up and spits you out but rather in that it has a lively, pulsating atmosphere which is rewarding to tune into. It reminds me very much of Hong Kong.
There is an abundance of affluence only rarely apparent in Vietnam and not at all in Cambodia, and most people happily go about their lives without the desperation we have witnessed elsewhere but rather with the satisfaction and relaxation that financial comfort entails. So with their wealth, they can afford to treat themselves, and Bangkok is awash with consumer choice. This has been one of the biggest changes to what we've been used to - being able to buy what we want, when we want, without having to make do with some inadequate substitute.
Spent a few days sightseeing, the highlight of which was the Grand Palace. Beautifully impressive and one of the most remarkable places I've ever seen. Also spent a bit of time shopping - the general rule of thumb in this city seems to be that you'll find what you want for a fair price if you shop around.
Also celebrated my birthday early with a good steak and a trip to the cinema as we didn't know what to expect from the next destination. The cinema in Thailand has one slightly bizarre quirk to it in that the national anthem is played before every film, and the audience is expected to stand to attention. Meanwhile, pictures of the much-loved king meeting his people are shown.
Advice for any travellers in Thailand: do not insult the monarchy. There is a British guy right now serving an incredible seven years for defacing the image of the king. The Thais have quite a serious hero worship thing going on and pictures of the royal family are literally everywhere. Yellow is the colour of royalty and a lot of people show their devotion by wearing yellow T-shirts.
I could imagine living here, though of course, there has to be a gripe. Khoa San Road, the famous traveller centre, and unfortunately near to where we stayed is a cesspit, full of the dregs of Western humanity. Every kind of tosser and low-life you can think of descends here: pretentious hippies who think they're enlightening themselves and developing their spirituality, or some shit; drug addicts; sex tourists; and, worst of all lager louts. Mani and I are, naturally, too cool for school, and have kept well away.
