Love

If you’ve just begun my summer series, feel free to catch up on the first two installments “Eat” and “Pray,” here.

Bangkok and I were meant to be. Decided as a rather last minute trip, Bangkok transformed from idea to reality despite a few cautionary words against travel to this sprawling city.

Booked on a whim, Bangkok represents all that I love about the Far East: a rich history, beautiful architecture, vibrant colors, and of course, delicious food. Steamy straight off the plane, Bangkok’s weather is not for the faint of heart and tempered only by the summer rains. As I explored my new surroundings, I was, as I often am, intrigued by the people around me.

In a particularly sweet instance, I lifted my phone to take a picture of flowers – offerings for the nearby temple – when the vendor recognized my action and smiled, as if to pose for my picture. It was such an innocent yet endearing moment between photographer and subject.

While the first day was spent exploring the many malls of the city, I was fortunate to spend my second and only full day with a personal tour guide, criss-crossing on train, ferry and even rickshaw through the streets of Bangkok.

Our first stop on the tour was to the temple of Wat Trimit Witthayaram, a temple famous for its five tonne golden statue of Buddha. That’s right, folks, this almost-ten-foot statue is made of pure gold, and was carried into the temple in nine separate parts, a remarkable forsight by the maker who made it almost 700-800 years ago.

In contrast to the Wat Trimit Witthayaram temple, our second temple highlighted Chinese influence, both in representation of the Buddha and in its red and wooden interiors.

Of course, a post on Bangkok would be incomplete without a nod to the shopping: from beautifully decorated multi-story modern malls, to the more traditional open air markets, Bangkok is a shopper’s delight. I reveled in inspecting the offerings of the vendors in the market, from house appliances to hair clips to draperies to fresh fruit, to shoes, to toys for all ages- if your heart desired it, it could be found.

My time through the market was highlighted by two experiences in particular: first, admiring fragrant and vibrant flowers, and second, enjoying the most fresh and delicious mango sticky rice I have ever eaten.

For whatever reason, Bangkok is a city you either love or you hate, and I loved it. I loved the buildings, I loved the people, I loved the food, and I loved the city lies against a river, affording serene views of traditional architecture meeting a modern era. Most of all, I loved the colors of the city, from its turquoise green doors, to its pink rickshaws- the city reminded me of all that Asia affords: an unapologetic, authentic life for those who seek it.

I hope to return to Thailand one day and explore the remainder of its delights. Until then, I’ll see you next week for the final installment of my summer series.

With all my love,

izh