After about 30 hours of traveling, I finally (and by finally, I mean FINALLY) made it to my hotel in Bangkok at about 1:00 a.m.
Quick story on my flight. For the most part, an easy flight until we were over Manila (Phillappines). We hit some tubulence. I (luckily), was able to sleep for a big part of my trip, but I felt the turbulence and woke up to see the flight attendant. She had this LOOK on her face and quickly buckled her seatbeat and started praying. I. Shit. You. Not. Knowing my already-freaked-out-aversion to flying, this was not exactly what I needed to see. Yes, a lump in my throat ensued, but clearly (since you’re reading my blog), all ended up being fine.
Anyway, onto why you clicked on this link…the cock fight…
First, Nate and I started our day in a SUPER awesome area of Bangkok, Banglamphu. We walked for about five minutes and stopped at this place where you dip your feet into a pool of fish. They eat whatever they feel appetizing off your feet for 15 minutes for 150 Thai baht ($5). It TICKLED. But my feet have never been softer. (Yes, I have pictures.) After that, we headed off to get a Thai massage. This woman, who was maybe 100 pounds, gave me the most amazing massage. We opted for the neck, shoulder, and back option for a half hour for another 150 baht. She did this move with her legs and knees that picked me (and Nate) off the floor and stretched out our entire backs. Holy. Friggin. Amazing. We both felt stoned for a good hour afterward. We’ll be doing this every day going forward. At least, I sure will.
After that, per the recommendation of the praying flight attendant and the guy sitting next to me (a Bangkok enthusiast), we headed to Chatuchak market today, also known as the Sunday/Weekend market. EVERYTHING imaginable was there for sale — giant goldfish, squirrels (yes, squirrels), food, food, and FOOD, furniture, fabric, art, etc. It’s one of the largest markets in the world. We probably spent about five hours there. They even had dogs for sale. Pits, Rottweilers, Goldens, Pomeranians, etc. I miss my Dewey now more than ever. But a lot of the animals were all in rough shape. Nate realized he had to get me away from the animals. Stat. Regardless, the market was cool. Gives a lot of insight to the Thai culture — what floats their boat and such, from a consumer perspective. Anyhoo…as we were walking through the market, we saw a group of guys huddling around in where the animals (birds, precisely) were being sold. Nate, looked at me and said,”I bet it’s a cock fight.” Sure enough, it was. They had razors attached to their talons. I felt weird because we were not only the only Westerners there, but I was the only woman watching. Nate knew I was a bit weirded out, so we only lasted a few minutes. But now I can say I’ve seen a legit cock fight.
We then headed back to our ‘hood to the Banglamphu area — a backpackers’ haven. Via tuk tuk. If you don’t know what it is, Google it. Nate is a good 6-3, and you all know I’m no petite thing, so get a good visual. We definitely had to do some ducking to get into it. Our driver was AWESOME. For any of you who’ve driven with me and say I could drive better. One drive with our tuk tuk guy would make my driving look tame. Traffic lights were mere reccomendations to him. Neither of us could stop giggling at what he was taking us through.
The weather…
Um…it’s hot. And humid. I haven’t really stopped sweating, but it’s oddly pleasant. It’s raining now, which feels pretty refreshing. I’m quite a few “Tigers” (a FABULOUS Thai beer) in at this point. But I don’t think it’s more appropriate than to be so.
So, the summary…
Thailiand is busy. I understand The Hangover 2 now, about “being Bangkok’s.” But it’s very cool. A lot more to share about the culture (skin lightening cream with the women, especially), but in general, cool. Nate and I keep bumping knuckes of disbelief that we’re on this trip together. I realize how much I’ve missed our in-person bullshitting.
Love you all. So far, I can say without doubt, make Thailaind a “bucket list” item. Really. Really, really. Cheers for now.
Oh, and I might be getting another tattoo…
Cecilia the TravelGurl 