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.