Two nights in Bangkok
We left San Francisco on Friday afternoon and arrived in Bangkok at 2 am Sunday morning, loosing a day to the date line and much comfort to the small seats and cramped leg room.
Our party consisted of Normano, Bernie, Don, and Doug. Doug was only going as far as Bangkok, where he would meet (for the first time) his wife-to-be “Jetta.” Doug would stay in Bangkok, getting to know his future bride, while the rest of the Dharma Bums headed to Cambodia. We would meet Doug on our return to Bangkok on January 19th and return together to the USA on the 20th.
Our adventure began in earnest when we reached the Shanti Lodge in Bangkok at 3 am to discover that there was a mix-up with our reservations and we had NO rooms. We were on vacation and couldn’t let a little problem like that get in the way, so we bought a few beers at the 7-11 and waited for the morning to come (with the promise of a room and bed) at 10 am.
We discovered a massive open-air market across the street that stretched for several acres with literally hundreds of stalls. The market didn’t open until 6 am, but by 5 am the street was buzzing with motorcyles, cars, trucks, and people bringing vegitables, meat, fish, and lord knows what to the market in a frenzy of preparation. By 6 am we’d had enough beer and were ready for breakfast!!
By chance, we lucked upon a marvelous stall for breakfast run by “Diamond.” She served us rice porrage (rice, pork sausage, pig liver, fresh peppers, and broth – mixed together and poured into a bowl containing a fresh raw egg). Delicious!!
After breakfast, we returned to the Shanti Lodge and were told that they still had no room for us – and wouldn’t anytime soon. However, they arranged for to stay right next door at the Sawadtee Inn – another backpacker’s hide-away. The rooms were sparse and cheap (400 baht – $10/night), but they did have their own bathrooms (however, no towels, toilet paper, or hot water). Home sweet home!
The rest of our stay in Bangkok had one theme – “It’s all about us”- as we rested and indulged ourselves. These indulges included daily shaves at the barber shop, the famous Thai massage (involving much pressing, pushing, pulling, and gouging), the almost as famous foot massage (more pressing, pushing, and pulling), a pedicure and haircut (for one lucky Dharma Bum), noodle soup, and several brands of Thai beer.
We also managed to wander around town to drink in the local flavor, support the street food vendors, find the department store, sample public transportation, and take a Tuk-tuk to Pampit Plaza, the gartantuan electronic gizmo bargain complex.
It was very challenging for us to travel across the date line and against the clock. It became clear just how challenging it was, when we discovered on Sunday night that our flight to Phnom Penh was NOT the next morning (Monday), but Tuesday morning. No problem!! More time noodle soup and local flavor.
Phra Pinklao Bridge on the Chao Phraya River – 5 minutes from Sawatdee Guest House
Tags: Bangkok, Dharma Bums, Travel
Dharma Don
Hello Travelers,
Now we’re having fun! Interesting pics. How many of you fit in a tuk-tuk? Can you go inside the temples? Beautiful.
Are you able to do any cooking, Norm? Bet you enjoy those markets. We’re looking forward to our first meal of the season at Normano’s on the Lake. Hold the raw eggs.
Lindy
No rest for the weary! But Hunter would want it that way, right? Sounds like the beer is smoothing the way. Great pics – I especially like the people pics.
Tracy
Sitting in my 60 degree house imagining warm tropical weather. Great job taking those crummy experiences and turning them into fun. Keep goin’ with the flow and keep us updated while we wish we were there.
Is it, “What would Hunter do?” With a name like the Dharma Bums I would think you’d be wondering, “What would Jack do?”
No time for such weighty matters now, it’s best just knowing what you are doing.