When Billboards Get It Right

A simple walk through the streets of Bangkok allows this city to reveal itself in ways you previously thought impossible.  When you think that you have possibly seen all there is to see, Bangkok laughs - a crackling mixture of exhaust fumes and incense - and whispers...

Not yet...

Things seemed to be willed into existence that before could only have existed in a night of fitful sleep.

Bouffants are back. 
They assure me.

Sketches are drawn before you, lines intersecting in angular patterns, rising up like a phoenix from the ashes of a busy highway.

Safety regulations vary from country to country!
They remind me.

Masterpieces paint themselves before you, watercolors swirling on the page until they find just the right spot to settle.

We blew the grocery money on Pocky!  Again.   

They explain to me.  

The vivid tableau of Bangkok life is a gallery all of its own.  But it seems that no one - expats, tourists and locals alike - will ever really understand all that there is to know about Bangkok.

What does anything ever mean anyway?

Get A Grip, Guiro!



Circle Yes or No

It's no secret that traffic in Bangkok is notoriously insane.  Cars swerve, careen, honk and sputter down highways, lanes and roads to the beat of their own drum.  The Bangkok pedestrian must be savvy, street-smart and skilled in the ways of Frogger to attempt even a simple jaunt down to their local.

Luckily, there are people to help.

I imagine that the application process is brief.

For there is but one trait necessary for the job.

Have you got 'em?

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?

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!

Merry Christmas! Love, Thailand

It is nearly 100 degrees today.

But that doesn't mean that Bangkok isn't getting into the Christmas spirit.  Nay!  The malls are decked with boughs of holly, twenty foot firs and all the consumer goods you could dream of.  Jingle bells chime in jingle bell time, dancing and prancing in Siam Square, in the frosty air (conditioning).

But you know, it's nice to see that Thailand hasn't fallen prey to the Western consumer-driven aspect of it all...

With that said, Thailand is still going to find a way to put their stamp on the whole affair.

After all, it just wouldn't be A Very Thai Christmas without somebody dressing as sexy Mrs. Claus.

Merry Christmas!  Love, Thailand.

High Brow

Decorating my apartment is an ongoing process.  Week by week, I add a little bit more - a rug here, a lamp there.  It's really starting to come together and feel like a little home. And while I have hung a few pictures, I am always on the lookout for good, interesting art to adorn the walls. 

I want this art to tell visitors to my home something about me.  I want them to look at this art and think - Wow, she really is very cultured.  She appreciates fine art.  She must be a very interesting person with whom to spend time. 

I want this art to do all the work for me.

That's why I am going to buy this.