Whatever Good I Can Do...

One of the good deeds that I do on regular basis is feeding street animals in Bangkok. This is a cat from the Lumpini Park, the largest park in Bangkok. The poor thing was absolutely starved and went nuts when I bought her a chicken drumstick ($0.50, by the way). Got drumsticks for the other cats too. Made them happy, and made me VERY happy. :)

Learning Thai

Thai is a tough language! Five tones... and a word can mean five different things based on a tone. Take a lesson yourself. :)

PHOTO: My girlfriend teaching my dad.

Grand Palace and Wat Pho

Grand Palace and Wat Pho are some of the main attractions in Bangkok. Magnificent architecture.... lots to see and explore inside and out.

What $1 Gets You in Thailand

Either meal, $1. Damn delicious too.

Mistaken for a Killer in Bangkok

I couldn't make this stuff up if I tried!

I was pulled over by police today on the street, searched and questioned intensely... and it seems it may have been related to the fact I look like a wanted killer of a Bangkok hooker. (You can read the full article here.) I look a lot like him, with my shaved head and muscular upper body physique. I even wear the same damn pants with the same pattern as he does... and similar running shoes. A dangerous combination.

Fortunately for me, the hooker was killed before I got to Bangkok. Phew... close one. I hope they nail him. For the time being, I am wearing a hat outside, and changing my pants.

While Walking to Bangkok Chess Club...

Because I'm a nerd, I figured it was time to check out the Bangkok Chess Club. In order to get there, I had to walk from the Skytrain station through Soi Cowboy, one of the red light districts of Bangkok. It is a bit odd that the chess club is located virtually in the red light district, but if there is one thing that I learned about Thailand it is that the bizarre is the ordinary.
On the way to the club, it was early, 6 pm. The street was quiet. On the way back after 9 pm, Soi Cowboy was PACKED. I walked slowly observing everything around me. Many young beautiful girls, some old, and some ugly. There were two attempts to pull me inside a brothel by the girls, to buy them a drink.. and to buy them. What made the experience even more surreal was that I put on Damian Marley's Road to Zion as I was walking through.
Another unique experience. Sheer entertainment just observing this fascinating country and everyone in it.

Bangkok

Meanwhile back in Toronto...

Fried Roaches, anyone?? :)

I was up in North Thailand for the last few days... Some people are not used to seeing white foreigners there... bizarre having a bunch of cute girls fawning over your skin color and tone.

In the night market, I saw these appetizing BIG ROACHES. :) Bon appetit! For the record,  no, I didn't have the balls to try them... YET.

Street Food in Thailand

One of the best things about Thailand is food... street food in particular. Freshly cooked with ingredients bought that morning and authentic Thai taste, a typical meal will run you about 30 baht ($1) on the street.

But what I really like is the fruits... if you never ate pineapple or mango in Asia, you don't know what I mean. The stuff bought in Canada is really dull in comparison, because it is unripe.... in Thailand, the fruit is fully ripened under the tropical sun.... the taste is AMAZING.

Bangkok, the AMAZING

First time in Bangkok, I liked it.

Second time, I liked it more.

Now, I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT... everything about it.

In just a few days, I already had more adventures than I can mention. One time I ended up taking a motor bike taxi. You basically ride on the back of a motorbike. My guy decided that going the RIGHT way was too slow, so he decided to speed AGAINST the TRAFFIC in the WRONG direction (not THAT uncommon for motorbikes in Bangkok). Unbelievable experience dodging the oncoming traffic. You don't get that in the West. But I will think again before getting on one of those. Good for one time, but I like my life. :)

The hotel is in a quiet location. Great rooftop pool. I like to go early morning and watch the city awake. I love the smells and sounds of early morning Bangkok. :) It's nothing like I experienced in the West. The hotel also has a great gym and is within walking distance of Bangkok's Skytrain (you can get anywhere cheap and easy with Skytrain).

November is the 'winter' time in Thailand. The temperature has been great. At night maybe 23 C, during the day about 35. For whatever reason, I don't sweat during the day's heat. I don't know what happened, I still drink enough water, but my shirt is staying dry. Unlike on previous trips, no stomach troubles on account of spicy food either. :)

Yesterday, we went to Wat Arun, a real landmark on Chao Phraya river. Terrific view and lots of things to see around.

I gotta say that Bangkok is different (..and better) when you have a native Thai guide.

 Dad is LOVING IT maybe even more than I do.

Where to Stay in Bangkok

In the past years, I stayed at the LA Tower in Bangkok. Monthly rent ran me about $350 with the utilities (Bangkok is 'expensive' compared to most of Thailand). The place was Ok, the biggest selling point for me was the large swimming pool (swimmer my whole life).

I want to try something new this time. I'll be heading to Novel Place. It's a bit of a step up. Other than a nicer rooftop swimming pool, it also has sauna, gym (WITH weights, very important to me), garden, and is in an excellent location. About $470 a month, but I figured what the hell. :)

Flying to Bangkok on Thursday

It's done. Flying to Bangkok Thursday night.... through London and Bombay. :)

Chillin'? Not Yet!

I thought after the car and the house are sold, I would be just chillin' at the hotel.
Yah, right.
To my HORROR, I noticed that my debit card EXPIRES next year. In the times past, debit cards never expired, you could use one indefinitely as long as it worked. I was planning to use mine for many years in Asia.....
So I rushed to the bank... they gave me one that expires in 2018, which was a marked improvement as it gives me 3 years. On my other account, I got a card that expires in 2024... so I am theoretically set.
It's amazing how many loose ends there are to tie up before leaving...
Btw, I am probably flying to Bangkok Friday. :)