Around The World: The Emerald Buddha

Posted at 10:43 pm by Patrick under Around the World

This isn’t the Buddha himself (you can’t photograph it), but this is a scene from the opulent grounds of the Grand Palace around the Buddha.

This complex was established in 1782, and houses the Royal residence, the Emerald Buddha, and a number of other important antiquities.

Since I was wearing shorts today, I am borrowing these *sweet* drawstring pants to maintain my proper attire for my visit inside the temple. They are lavender-colored, somewhat breathable, and fit me all too well. I could almost leave the 100 baht deposit, and keep them as a stylish souvenir of my visit. Well, almost.

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Around the World: Pad Thai Yumminess

Posted at 7:06 am by Patrick under Around the World

My dinner just arrived — an interesting take on what we know as a brothy meal back home. Here, my pad thai came wrapped in an omelette, with lime, bean sprout and chili powder (!!!) garnishes.

Damn tasty. And, as there was no broth to deal with, I had plenty of room for my beer (next post). I will probably lose cool points for not having my first meal from a street vendor (as evidenced by the plate), but that will happen soon enough.

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Around The World: Christmas, in Bangkok?

Posted at 6:53 am by Patrick under Around the World

After a few days of stomping around the desert, I needed to go shopping for some new sleds here in Bangkok. As my hotel (more about that one later!) is right by a SkyTrain stop, it’s a quick 20 baht ($.65) ride to some mally goodness.

Not knowing much about each mall’s personality, I decided to go to Siam Paragon to see if they could help me barking dogs.

Not so much.

This mall was super-upscale: designer clothing (Cavalli, for example), and storefronts with Lamborghinis and Ferarris in them. Cheap kicks were not high on the list here.

What they did have, somewhat oddly, is a massive Christmas display in the atrium of this 7 floor, 4.5 million square foot retail behemoth. I didn’t realize this holiday was celebrated here, but if it isn’t, you wouldn’t know it. Makes me wonder: is this really a religious or capitalist holiday?

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