Well how do I begin? I’ve already had quite the adventure in Bangkok and I was in the city a mere 5 hours today. I got dropped off at my hotel which was supposedly this extravagant building with gorgeous suites, only to find that my room resembles a run down Motel 6 room, complete with tacky dark wood doors and matching bed frames. I regret not checking into one of the MUCH cheaper hostels, though this will be more convenient, as my tour starts here. However, it has it’s perks…it sits in the heart of China Town and my window overlooks the whole city, which I greatly appreciate.
Instead of being able to enjoy a day poolside, sipping cocktails as intended, the sky was overcast. I decided instead to relax in my room and fell into a deep sleep. I woke up around noon and decided to do something with myself considering I was, after all, in Bangkok. I got ready to a shower with water beating down on me like no water pressure I’ve ever known, brushed my teeth, ate a small snack and headed out into the world.
I discovered that the few places that I was planning on sightseeing were closing too soon, so instead I took Sonali’s recommendation and hit up a shopping center. The receptionist recommended MBK which is essentially a gigantic mall, much like you would see in New York. One side of the mall has more knock-off designer merchandise than I could handle. Unfortunately, this was the side that I spent most of my time in, unknowing of the other ritzier side. After tiring of fake Chanel purses and D&G sunglasses, I decided to get a bus home. (Much cheaper than an overpriced taxi). Little did I know that when I stepped outside, I would discover “THE OTHER SIDE.” I had to go in to look and see what they had to offer, which included a Steve Madden, MAC, Lucky Brand and The North Face store. All incredibly expensive and made me wish that I was rich. I also wandered through the home décor shops. This is where I spent most of my time in Delhi when I would go shopping, ogling over gorgeous textiles and furniture. However, Bangkok décor just isn’t my thing. It is a little too edgy, modern and sleek. Nothing looks or feels comfortable. Still, it was fun to look.
By the time I left, it was dark and I realized that everything (of course) looks different in the dark. Finding a bus was the easy part, but getting to my hotel was a bit of a disaster. After realizing that I totally did not have my bearings of the city after one afternoon, and looking hopeless I’m sure, I decided to ask for help. The woman next to me told me when to get off, but when I stepped off of the bus, nothing looked familiar. So, naturally, I go into subtle panic mode. You know, the feeling like, “oh shit, I’m in Bangkok and don’t know where the hell I am, and I’m probably going to get murdered and no one will be the wiser,” followed by quick paced walking and consistent looking behind the shoulder. After wandering a bit and still feeling lost, I asked woman cooking some smelly thing on the street. She points, I nod and follow her directions. Still no sign of my hotel. So after about five minutes, I ask another gentlemen who looks like a security guard. He points, I nod and follow his directions. Still no sign of my hotel. Instead, I’ve been walking for about 20 minutes (after getting off of the bus) through garbage and past scary dark alleys. Finally, I recognized the large bucket of artificial KFC chicken that I can see out of my hotel window and let out a sigh of relief. Home sweet home at last. The Grand Ville Hotel never looked so good. Now, I have to be honest, everyone that I talked to was very kind, no one was particularly scary and I was probably over-reacting a bit. But it just gives me the heebie jeebs to be wandering in an unknown city at night. I’ve decided that tomorrow I’m going to get an early start on my sightseeing adventure as to avoid nightfall.
Time for a dinner of pad thai….
Peace!
No comments:
Post a Comment