Saturday, January 29, 2011

Questionable

This is my local 7-11.

















Everyone's got their 'local', which isn't surprising considering there are over six thousand 7-11's in Thailand, half of which are in Bangkok.  So I guess you could say mine's not that special.  Except that it is.  For around the corner is my crew.

This crew consists of, what I consider, some of the best motorcycle taxi drivers in Bangkok.  They always look out for me, get me where I'm going safely and cut me sweet deals in the process.

I mean, check out this crew.


You've gotta love 'em.  

The Bangkok motorcycle taxi driver is easily identifiable by the bright orange vest that he dons.  To me, this vest represents a certain degree of professionalism.  I like to think that the moto taxi driver has to earn this vest, pass a series of difficult challenges, perhaps a written exam in there somewhere.  I like to think that if one is wearing this vest, there is a level of trust that he knows what he is doing.  I like to think that this vest guarantees my safety while hurtling through the streets of this big, bad city.  

I like to think a lot of things.

This might be why walking past this store the other day was a bit disconcerting.


Are the orange vests...for sale?  Can any Somchai off the street be a motorcycle taxi driver for the right price?  


Can I be a motorcycle taxi driver?

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Happy New Year!

May you find exactly what it is that you have been looking for...



















May you find time to rest when you are weary...
























May you always have plenty to eat...
























May you continue to dig deep when others have long since given up...

















Happy 2011!