Let's see, where to begin?
Day 2 in Thailand, Robbie and I set off into Bangkok to check out some of the neighborhoods we had heard/read about, most of which were notable for their nightlife. We were setting off fairly late in the day (slept in and waited out the rain a bit), so that was no problem. (Also please note the lack of images, on account of the lack of light on a 5.6)
We took the light rail into the city toward Khao San Road, which was easily noted by everyone as the "backpackers' district." Not being entirely sure what that meant, we were all the more intrigued. The light rail in Bangkok is new and modern and a pleasure to use. It's even ahead of SF public transport if only in only in light of the flat screen TVs with round the clock commercial advertising that adorn each train car. I had a moment watching it where I got confused because the program wasn't coming back on, only to remember that there would be no program. Won't be long until we have the pleasure. From the light rail stop closest to Khao San we jumped on a bus to get further west and jumped off at the Democracy Monument, a notable landmark to orient ourselves with our map.
Walking the few blocks over to Khao San was more difficult than we thought. The Thai people are notably friendly and very helpful and today was no exception. We got stopped by locals 5 times along the way (before we started keeping our head down and map out of sight) who wanted to inform us of what we should really be doing with the next hour. Apparently that day was the day to go to the Temple of the Smiling Buddha to get luck, so much so they weren't charging entry. On top of that a Tuk Tuk ride was 10 bhat a person to the Temple of the Smiling Buddha (subsidized by the government), so it would only be 20 bhat for us to go and get some major luck for the year. We tried to explain that we wanted to walk around which was easily lost in translation, one because of the language itself and two because, what "were we crazy not to go do this right now, it's only open for one more hour!"
Backpacking district delivered as promised. Hostels, bars and restaurants catering to and filled with travelers from all over the world. Robbie and I stopped for a bite and some beer, and still thinking like travelers in a exotic country, we ordered the exotic sounding "Tower" of beer, only to find, its the same tower that party people all over the world order to posture their commitment to drink, and keep said drink cool. Oops. As night fell the street really became alive but we wanted to see what was going on with Thai kids at this hour.
Off to Ratchathewi a neighborhood containing the university, might be just that. We grabbed a Tuk Tuk for a wild ride back east toward this district (also a major light rail stop), and made it there in no time. Immediately noticed the markings of college life. The malls were just closing (although fascinating in their own right) and we headed into a block that housed half a dozen open air "restaurants" (which by the way can range from what we know as a restaurant to a cart or permanent kitchen stand and tables). Accidentally ordered the spiciest beef salad known to man, accompanied by more Sing Ha. Wandered a bit more toward neighboring Phaya Thai distinct and jumped a light rail home.
Next day headed to airport to catch a flight to Chiang Mai. Arrived to meet a very helpful taxi driver and tons of day trip options for getting out into the jungle and culture. Caught a traditional dance dinner show at the cultural center (will post video of Robbie getting dragged up on stage asap) which was very interesting. Made it an early night to head out this morning to a full day white water rafting and meeting a tiger.
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