With several flights and a layover in Dubai behind me, I finally arrived at my hostel in the heart of Bangkok. I slipped my shoes off at the door, checked-in and collapsed with exhaustion on the massive cushion that covered the main lounge. I met amazing new friends at the hostel within only hours of arriving.
The pace in Bangkok is incessantly chaotic, but also very relaxed and lazy. Khao San Road, only blocks from my hostel is an assault of all senses. The smell of pad thai and various uncooked meats and seafood items overwhelm the nose. Music booms from restaurants and bars, as you find yourself humming or rapping along to a new song ever 6 steps. Clothes, sandals and jewelry line each street from beginning to end. Shop owners hold out calculators displaying the price of their clothes, inviting you to input your best offer. Restaurant workers shove menus in front of your face. Local craftspeople block you path and invite you to view useless trinkets. Professionally dressed men hold out catalogs and describe the beautiful suits and dresses available to you. Massage parlors offer foot massages in reclining wooden chairs along the sidewalk or fish massages for those brave enough to dip their toes into the tank.
I arrived in Bangkok just in time to celebrate the birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world’s longest reigning monarch and a man who is beloved and deeply respected by all Thais! With several new friends, we took to the streets to explore the festivities of the day. We stumbled upon Muy Thai boxing and joined the locals in cheering on the hometown favorite. We covered our shoulders and legs with Hawaiian print and enjoyed the brilliant colors and designs in the he Grand Palace, with construction dating back to 1782. We then visited Wat Pho, home to the Temple of the Reclining Buddha!
That evening, the day's festivities continued. We ate delicious Indian food in excellent company while fireworks cracked sharply in the sky above us. We noticed the yellow glow of lanterns in the sky, first hundreds and then thousands, tracing the origin to a park only blocks away. The scene was absolutely magical - Thousands of families all lighting white, paper lanterns and working together to catch the wind and launch them into the sky. An amazing evening with wonderful people!
