Year of the Tiger, Mreow!

We're back in Bangkok celebrating the Chinese New Year and Valentines Day together. Streets are filled with people in red and stalls selling everything from ice cream served in a coconut to plastic dragons. We couldn't resist the temptation of the dragon so we got one of our own to dance.


Aparently the prince of Thailand was around as people lined the streets waiting for him; however, we didn't get a glimpse. Rather we purused a few more stalls trying different foods until we had to depart for our bus to Khao Lak. Unfotunately we didn't get to see a dragon dance or too many tiger decorations, but it was still neat to experience. Next stop Khao Lak for diving in the Similian Islands!

You like snakes? Check out these pythons!

So we’re back to Bangkok for just a day before we catch our flight to Macau. For our amusement, we went to the Red Cross Snake Farm (Good Combo) and watched the snake show in the morning! Everything from King Cobras to Kraits slithered across the floor as young girls squealed and squirmed in their seats.

However, the main event was later that night at the Calypso Cabaret where the performers are “Kathoey” or as we know them, the famous Lady Boys of Thailand. We found our seats in the front row and just knew we were in for trouble. The show was intriguing and hilarious and most of the “girls” were stunningly beautiful, while others were definitely dudes. Thailand performs the most sexual reassignment surgeries in the world so it should be no surprise too how close they can get to the real thing. Jason was the favorite of the night to be picked on, as he was the only Western male in the front row. He was a good sport and went above and beyond the original dare of just dancing with a lady boy and was smothered and kissed on the cheek.

"What's the capital of Thailand?"

Thailand, for whatever reason, was our inspiration to plan an around the world trip and so far it has not disappointed. Stepping off the plane at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok, we were greeted with one of the nicest airports we have come to, even better than the one in Dubai. After border formalities, we were off to our hostel in the Si Lom district of Bangkok, or as we like to call it the “Ping Pong” district. Although the streets are full of people advertising their “Sexy Shows,” the night bazaar in Pat Pong was quite interesting. You could buy everything from the high quality knock-off watches to the latest DVDs. After perusing the streets we settled in to the Happy Beer Garden for a liter of Thai beer and some people watching. Most of our viewing delights included categories like “dirty old man”, “disgruntled bargirl”, and my favorite “the happy seat-dancing business man.”

Bangkok has a lot to offer from numerous Wats, bazaars, and street food that could take weeks to fully explore. The Grand Palace complex was amazing with numerous shrines and temples; however, the major highlight is the “Emerald” Buddha. It is enshrined on a golden traditional Thai-style throne in the ordination hall of the royal monastery. Photos aren’t allowed inside because it is a place or worship and meditation; however, it’s fair game outside the doors. Next to the Grand Palace complex is the largest reclining Buddha lounging at a length of 70 meters in perfect nirvana at the Wat Pho. This area is prone to several different types of “tuk-tuk” scams so be skeptical of anyone that says the monuments are closed or freely offers their services (Here’s some good info on Bangkok scams). The Erawan Shrine is well worth a visit with traditional Thai dancing and people watching. Buddhism is a fascinating religion or way of life to watch because of the dedication shown in the people.

There are numerous bazaars scattered throughout Bangkok, so we decided to spend a day shopping. Chatuchak Weekend Market has over 20,000 stalls selling everything from counterfeit goods to chipmunks in ridiculous outfits, that’s correct, chipmunks and squirrels on sale with the look of desperation in their little eyes. Although cruel, you couldn’t help stare at them dressed in their lovely matching ensembles and hats. We couldn’t get any shots of the squirrels, so the bunnies had to do. With no remaining sense of direction after drifting around the maze of stalls we stumble upon a bug cart! However, we chicken out after examining the crispy critters and keep walking. Next time! If Chatuchak wasn’t enough for one day, we ventured to the tech capital of Bangkok in Pantip plaza. This place makes Fry’s Electronics look puny, with five stories of any electronic imaginable. We bought a few DVDs and software to keep us entertained for a few more months before heading back to the hostel.

Lumpini Park is situated next to the Si Lom district and offers a peaceful place to escape the city. We spent a few hours strolling through the park people watching. We spotted a potential lady boy; however, I had to stop Jenny as she tried to chase him/her down to verify. In Bangkok it’s easy to forget you’re in Thailand because it looks like any other major city around the world; however, I don’t remember seeing monitor lizards running around Central Park in NYC.

Bangkok is a captivating city; however, it is time to head north towards Chiang Mai.