The first surprise to greet me in my hotel room: An elephant structure made from towels! Elephants are the national symbol of Thailand and are revered. No wonder you see so many charms, bracelets, decorations made with pictures and figures of elephants!
So you can imagine that when my parents told me they've opted to spend 2 days transit a.k.a. a-little-spoil-me-time in Thailand, I was thrilled! Dad gets to go golfing with his buddy buddy while Mom and I go shopping like "mad cows" - a term my sister used to describe our behaviour when it comes to eye-googling handbags, shoes and what nots.
Second surprise to greet me in the hotel room!
I tell you what... Bangkok is definitely a bustling city. As with all major cities in the world, the traffic is horrendous... but for those shopaholics in Asia, I say forget Singapore and Malaysia as shopping havens because Thailand has them all: quality original goods (at a HEFTY price tag after they add in taxes) but you can also find quality local goods at cheaper prices (if you know where to find them). The city has so many things to offer: things to see, do, taste, smell, feel (if you dare to) haha...
As you can see in the left: traffic is PACKED... and taxis are... PINK! lol
On the right: I also noticed how most cars driven by locals had beaded necklaces
hanging by the rear-view mirror. Charmed luck, possibly?
Since traffic was horrible and dad scooted off with our driver for the two days, my mom and I decided to have a walk around the neighbouring area. Luckily our hotel was situated within the confines of Siam Square, a heavily commercial area crowded by locals and tourists alike. It was booming with colourful visuals, live music and commercial adverts. It was like a mini-version of Times Square in New York... except the weather was humid.
A bustling evening market where you can get foods of various sorts!
Be warned: it's meant for heavy-duty stomachs, otherwise you'll spend the whole evening in the crapper!
Imagine this! A Golden 7-11!!
So we spent our "transit" days walking around the area, checking out what Bangkok scene has to offer.. and like I said before: TONS... there were SO many shoes and handbags on offer, that I could feel my heart fluttering as I walked pass by them... ahhh... IF ONLY we didn't arrive in Bangkok with excess baggage, then I could've probably bought the stuff I was dying to have. But then again... if it was the other way round, I think I would have splurged uncontrollably over handbags, shoes and god knows what else... lol Thankfully my mom was there to keep me in check hahaha, otherwise I would've probably end up having to buy a new suitcase!! hehe
After walking about one of Thailand's renowned mall, MBT, we popped into
Aunty Anne's for some tidbits and freshening drinks.
Dad enjoying the Almond Pretzel with Caramel Dipping.
So *ehem* you know who you are... jealous, yet? lol
For two days straight, my feet were SORE.. i mean unbelievably sore.! Even after having foot reflexology every night in Thailand, they were still sore! I don't think I've ever walked that much in my life... Wait. Actually I have but in more comfortable walking shoes. lol. It came to a point that when we flew from Thailand to Frankfurt, my left foot swelled up and I couldn't wear my shoe!! hahaha Thankfully it managed to go away.
One of Thailand's famous road transports: the "tok tok".
Sadly, my mom told me, you don't find as many of them as before. :(
One advice I'd give to ANYONE who plans on going to Thailand: bring COMFORTABLE WALKING SHOES... because you're going to be walking A LOT. It's the only way to go about and discover the city - but it's worth it! A thoroughly wonderful experience.
One thing I've noticed: In Thailand, the locals here are very proud and
protective over their king. Very much beloved, as well.
You'll see plenty of adoration like these all over the city!
Once in a while, you'll come across some interesting sculptors created by local artists.
I found this one to be awesome... it looks so trippy, like you're looking at a photography
but as you keep walking straight, the image slowly distorts in front of you.
If you're ever in Thailand, I say check it out!
It was by chance that when we flew into Thailand it was during the election protest period. So unsurprisingly as we drove around there were a couple of roadblocks and security checks. There were a few times that we passed by tents filled with soldiers and police men in riot gears and heavy guns. Even as we were on the way to the airport, leaving Thailand, I saw some heavy armoured vehicles on the roadside highway, positioned for any last minute emergency calls.
During the two days, I never saw any protest demonstrations carried out in public... The only major "happening" was that we drove by a car filled with 'red' supporters waving a HUMONGOUS red flag by their window, driving around the city.
Secretly I think our driver was a protester too - though I can't really confirm that. Just subtle hints, I picked up like how he always wore the same red plain shirt night and day and stuffed in the pocket of his vehicle, I noted a red cap and a small red flag. Then again, there were many possible answers to these observations: so guys, bear that in mind.
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