Tallest Building: bangkok

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Tuesday, April 5, 2011

bangkok at night

2006 marks the 10th year that I have known my friend Rose. We both worked at the same company a decade ago, which was my first job after university. She has witnessed my entry into the business world and has always been a trusted friend throughout the years. The company where we worked had its share of characters, but thankfully I took away a few good learning experiences, but most importantly I made two life-long friends there in Rose and her husband Kevin. Kevin is a great guy and is also someone I can always count on. Kevin, Rose, and I were all single when we worked at the company together and we shared in numerous inside jokes and the mocking of our hopeless co-workers. Kevin was no match for Rose's charm and the two of them are now married with two young boys who keep their parents on their toes.

When Rose found out I was moving to Singapore, she immediately put the gears in motion to come out and visit. I have never seen anyone invest in so much advance planning for a trip, yet she eventually made it out to visit after a year and a half of saving, planning, and driving everyone else mad with her story of how she was going to go to Singapore. Kevin was selfless enough to encourage Rose to visit after seeing how much a trip like this would mean to her.

Saturday, April 2, 2011

bangkok nightlife

The nightclub area was several streets away from our motel. As I was walking on the street, several taxis stopped and offered me a ride to one of their favorite clubs where all the sex was available. I told the taxi drivers that I was not interested and that I would find my own way. As I got to the neighborhood where all the nightclubs were, women totally naked stood inside the front doors of the nightclubs and invited you to come in. Most of the nightclubs had American names. I went into one of them and very good looking naked Thai women were dancing on the customers' tables. Most of the customers inside the club were Westerners. As I looked at those girls dancing I felt kind of sorry for them, as I know the things they were doing was only for the money. In any Asian country you visit it isn't the custom of a woman to show her naked body in front of people, it's a disgrace in her culture. This was something influenced by the Western society.

As I was walking through the neighborhood, it seems everybody is trying to get your money. I was told which massage parlor to go to with prices and names. When it comes to sex and everything that goes with it, there is plenty of it in this city.

Lu Lu was very happy when I came home that night. She said that she worried about me being on the street that late all by myself. I have heard so much about it that Bangkok had such a fascinating night life, but what I saw was disappointing.

Monday, March 28, 2011

bangkok city

What activities, clubs and organizations would you recommend to newcomers to help them meet others?

American Women's Club, Community Services of Bangkok, American Chamber of Commerce, International Women's Ministry, and American Association of University Women. Any local group formed in your particular neighborhood. If you have children, become involved in their school.

In general, what are peoples' priorities in this city? For example, do lives revolve around work, family, socializing, sports, etc.?

The employed partner's life revolves around work and socializing. The accompanying partner's life revolves around social groups and volunteering. Bangkok is a hotel society..... most functions occur in hotels.

Sunday, March 27, 2011

bangkok thailand

So, you've arrived to Bangkok. You know that photography goods and computers should be relatively cheap here, especially bearing in mind the VAT refund scheme.

Asking around in a hotel reception and during the dinner, reveals that the best place to buy a laptop you've been dreaming about, is Pantip Plaza. The hovering image of a laptop in your mind obscures the wry smiles of your newly met friends at the dinner table.

During the next morning, you understand the reason.

It. Is. Huge. And has nearly everything. As wikipedia says, "There are hundreds of small shops specializing in computer hardware, software and accessories, including parts, repair, modifications, networking, second hand, laptops, Macintosh and peripherals".

Could easily spend a day or two here, trying to compare prices and offerings. At least it's good that there's not so much of photography goods, otherwise there would be no escape.

What concerns hardware, there are a lot of shops dealing with used parts, which isn't what you are looking for. The first shock wears out, and now you feel much more energetic and proficient in navigating the narrow passages between stands.

bangkok

Bangkok – the city of angels – bubbles with culture and life. Like most big cities the Thai capital is densely populated and highly congested. This congestion increases the intensity of the hot, humid weather in the city. Temperatures vary according to the time of year and that is why the busiest period for tourists is during the cool months (December to February) and is undoubtedly the best time to visit. There are calm breezes that tend to bring people out of their air-conditioned homes and hotels to enjoy a meal at an outdoor café or bar, no winter gear required. A light jacket is only needed occasionally