I left Denver at 8 AM having woke up after 4:30am to finish packing. I'm one of those last minute packers. Funny because I did the same thing in school with tests. Security wasn't the hassle it's been in the past- shoes remained on my feet, no taking iPads or toiletries out, even kept my hat on. Breeze compared to international travel in the past. Good to see the US easing back to a more relaxed state.
In the weeks leading up to my adventure I really didn't put to much thought into my trip. I was focused on finishing up work, closing out my accounting, packing to move when I get back, releasing my first book (albeit a children's publication but even that wasn't a breeze) and various other activities that seemed to fill my days morning to night.
My first stop was San Fran (SFO) with 1.25/hr layover. Good reading time. The next leg was SFO to Tokyo (NKK); that was a long one at 12/hrs but I watched all 3 Godfather films and enjoyed the comfort of having all 3 seats to myself. When I arrived in Japan I had a mild 3.5/hr layover. This got my Apple products recharged and a chance to stretch. The last part I planned on sleeping but I was in the middle seat and restless. Needless to say I was very thankful 'customs' was a breeze when I reached Bangkok.
I split a cab with a Canadian couple. The cabby got lost finding their hostel. A good while later I checked into our family friends hotel, Samran Palace, and passed out for a quick 4/hrs rest. Yeah jet lag.
Breakfast was amazing as I remembered Thai food to be. Stir fry rice w/ chk & egg, fresh tropical fruit, croisant w/ jam, dark coffee w/ fresh milk, and passion fruit juice. Having fueled up and visited with family friends, I headed out to get tailored for another suit. Being a man I adventured out with no directions attempting to find the tailor my roommate Dennis and I used last visit. After walking for about a good 2 miles, I didn't want to admit to myself I might have taken a wrong turn. Being a guy I decided to get lost even more and continued to follow along the road I was on.
I found a beautiful park surrounded by temples. I paid respect to a Buddha statue. A nice local came up and complimented me on my beard. He mentioned being asain makes it difficult for him to grow a full European beard. I told him it's cool because I can't grow a European beard either as mine was 100% American. We laughed and exchanged pleasantries.
His name was Shumbi and he shared a great travel tip for me. Today was a Budhist holiday, can't remember the name, let alone pronouce it. The government honors the day by offering cheap tuk-tuk rides (20 BAHT = .61$) to visit all the main temples and duty free discounts at a number of various shops. If you don't know what a tuk-tuk is they are a three wheeled death cab that motor around Thailand as if traffic laws only purpose was to be broken, repeatly. I obliged his recommendation and met a nice tuk-tuk driver to give me a private tour.
My first stop was Happy Buddha temple. It's actually three solid gold Buddha's all in a row vertically. The man that ran the temple was very nice and we talked for quite some time. He gave me a lesson on meditation- nose, ears, heart- he said. Like my water bottle I carried, an empty vessel can be filled but a bottle that is full will just overflow. Our minds are the same way.
You start by breathing in through your nose. Listen to your breathing. The worlds noises will drown out eventually. When you hear and feel your heart beat then your mind will begin to let go of everything it is restless with; calm sets in and you enter a state of peace. It was a good lesson I look forward to discovering more with practice. I said my thanks, gave a donation to the temple and met my driver for the next stop.
Fortune smiled on me when he took me to a tailor. I was reluctant at first, being a loyal man to places I frequent, especially tailors, but I felt good vibes from the sales guy. He worked for my last custom tailor shop and had nothing but good things to say about them. It turns out I couldn't find them because the owner retired and moved back home. My 'man points' were renewed when I found out I had gone the right way that morning but wasn't able to find it because of it closing.
I got fitted for a tuxedo with bow tie, vest, optional cummerbund, matching pants. The tie, vest, cummerbund, and lining all made of matching shinny blk material. The second suit was tan 100% cashmere wool from Italy for my sisters wedding this summer- I got a striped custom shirt, custom lining that matches the cuffs on the shirt, handkerchief, 2 pants. I won't tell you the price but it's a deal considering how boss it is to have custom made clothes that you design.
My tuk-tuk was waiting again to take me to another temple. This time it was the Marble Palace. I forgot how ornate the buildings are. If you think the rococo designs at Palace Versailles are amazing then you'll know the detail involved in these places. I got to chant with some monks, rub happy budha belly and beat a giant drum. Another tuk-tuk ride took me to a water taxi stop. I said goodbye and gave my driver 100 Baht for the tour (he was expecting 20 Baht). He smiled very big and thanked me repeatedly. Funny because I thought I under paid by US standards but he was happy and so was I.
It was a beautiful yet slummy ride down the canal to MBK mall to shop for clothes. I only brought one change of clothes with me to Bangkok and needed travel threads. The boat ride was interesting. It passed through incredible palaces then slums repeatedly. These dirt broke shanties all had home made decorations and lots of plant life. Everyone I saw smiled and looked happy. It reminded me that wealth isn't a means to happiness only our perception is.
I spent every cent I had brought out at the mall. I'm not a shopper but when they charge 200 baht ($6) a shirt for Element, Billabong, Ride, etc it's hard not to go crazy. I got a foot massage and mani- my hands were pretty roughed up after the last few months of work. Take care of yourself, it's good therapy.
After dropping everything off back at the hotel I headed out for some food. Luck would have it a street restaurant down a block from my hotel had a spot open. Usually this place has a 30 min wait. Most might get squimish to eat at a place with no walls and prepared under the night sky but my salted sea bass with garlic, fried rice, and Singha beer was spectacular. I splurged by Thailand standards spending $11.82 total for my dinner with tip.
By the way I keep sharing pricing because friends always ask me why I can vacation here so long. It's a much lower cost of living compared to the United States. I actually save money on these trips here. Weird to admit but it's true.
Jet lag just reared its ugly head and I'm visiting the floating market tomorrow. Night.
- ry
Also I wrote this on my iPad, I'm a numbers guy, and tired; the grammar is what it is :)
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