We were immediately flattened by the heat and humidity when we arrived in Bangkok. It was about 8 pm and it was still at least 90 degrees and we could practically wring the water out of the air. It was heaven. We hit the Banglamphu district that night, taking in the hopping Spring Break Asia meets Tijuana scene and tucking into our first tasty plates of noodles and grilled meats from a few of the innumerable street vendors. Next day we picked up a tuk-tuk to the Grand Palace. A beautiful compound of temples, chedis, other Buddhist structures, and the former royal residence, it was a stunning introduction to the Thailand’s rich culture and art.
We then introduced ourselves to Bobbie of Raja’s Fashions and his many rolls of wool, cashmere, and silk. Pelle had had a suit made for him at Raja’s when he interned in Bangkok back in 1999, and they still had his measurements on file – he was happy to see that they hadn’t yet changed despite 2.5 years of marital bliss. Through the skill and dexterity of Thai tailoring, new suits await us when we return to Bangkok next week!
We were staying at a small guest house that was thankfully a bit outside the crush of tourists, but a bit far from the Sukhumvit; but nevertheless we determined that dinner, drinks and dancing would make the best end for our first day in Bangkok. So we returned to the Sukhumvit area again that night, hitting a curiously futuristic bar in one of the large hotels there. The music was not quite right (more like off-key Karaoke than a live band) so we set out again along the Sukhumvit to find a dance club. Only one or two accidental turns into alleys filled with he-she and girly bars before we found our place. The DJ was great, but we’d never seen so many middle-aged men in a dance club before. Perhaps the overly enthusiastic young Thai women on their arms were their reason for being there? Hmm…
Our last day in Bangkok we spent heading back to Raja’s for a fitting and then about 40 hours in traffic. Thankfully only half of those hours were spent trying to get to the airport for our flight to Chiang Mai. Note to self, next time in Bangkok don’t stay so far removed from where ever you plan to spend most of your time.
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