Breath

Hi,

We're getting used to the fact that it's now the rainy season and that summer was short this year. As things settle back to a semblance of 'normal' it has given me a chance to reflect on our weekend in Bangkok. Read on.

You might not think this is 'Easy' but I got responses. We've played with this one before. I believe you know it.
"As he rises to her apology anybody else would surely know, he's watching her go, but __ __ __ __, he sees. No wise man has the power to reason away, what seems to be is always better than nothing, and nothing at all keeps sending him..." Hint: There was another word from the title in my 'intro' comment. Here's a giveaway hint: You'd be a fool not to believe me. (Ha)

While walking down Sukhumvit Rd. (pronounced Soo-come-wit) we noticed several Spirit Houses next to businesses. This is not so unusual, but the offerings were what jumped out at us. Instead of fruit, or flowers, there were cups with soft drinks, soda cans, and candy bars. I guess the spirits in Bangkok have a sweet tooth.

Transportation is quite different in Bangkok. There are Tuk-Tuks of course, but they're bigger than the ones in Chiang Rai. They are also in many different colors as opposed to all being blue. Samlors, the peddle-driven three-wheelers are not seen in the city. They're just too slow. There is an abundance of what are called motorcycle taxis. Basically, it's a motorbike driven by a guy with an orange vest. For a small fee you climb on the back, put on his spare helmet, and hope you get where you want to go. Bangkok also has a City bus line that seems to move a lot of people around. It's hard to imagine sitting in traffic in a big, old bus with no air/con, but they do it. The biggest form of transportation on the street seems to be the metered taxis. They come in green/yellow, orange, and my favorite: pink. It's always important to make sure that the driver uses the meter to figure the fair. Sometimes they'll offer a flat rate from point A to point B, but that usually turns out to be higher. Last but not least, there is the Skytrain, which is a rail system high above the street, and the Metro, which is an underground rail system. It's a wonderful thing to be able to move across town quickly. At times it's a crush of humanity, especially during rush hours. Some of the stations have escalators, others have three flights of stairs which can leave you breathless and ready for a seat if you're lucky.

Walking down Sukhumvit can be an adventure sometimes. There were a few blocks that we walked where guys would approach us asking if we wanted to buy a suit. They'd hold out a card for a shop and sometimes follow us down the street. Late at night there were the 'working girls' posing at various places. It definitely made me feel like I was from another place.

The 'presenter' at Sompong's art opening is an architect who was born in Chiang Rai and makes his living working in Bangkok, designing arenas and large centers. We talked to him and he told us that when he was born there were only two cars, and five trucks in Chiang Rai. In the winter, when the sun came out, people would lie down on the road for warmth. He lamented the traffic that is in the town now, but compared to Bangkok, it's a breeze. He spends half his time in Bangkok and the other half in Chiang Rai. He told us we were lucky that we got to live there all the time. We agreed.

Have a Happy Tuesday.

Peace,
Danny

"Keep what is worth keeping -
and with the breath of kindness blow the rest away."
~Dinah Muloch Craik

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
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