Day 2 in "The City of Angels"

There is something about Thailand that I knew was special when I first visited Phuket in December 2005, on my Christmas vacation. I knew then, that I had to come back to this Land of Smiles. It was exactly one year after the Tsunami (December 26, 2005) when I last visited Phuket, on my Korean winter vacation.



Turn the clock ahead to August 27, 2006, and here I am, back in Thailand; but now I'm in the capital city of Bangkok (Krung Thep).

I just left Seoul, Korea, after teaching English there for one year. It was sad to go after making so many friends. I hated saying goodbye. I never took the time to write a blog about Korea, and I regret that. So, here is my go of a new Thai adventure.

Back to Bangkok.. Day 2 in the big city. It feels strange wondering this city on my own. Today, I figured out the subway system, and I had no problem, since the system reminds me of the clean, and efficient (english signage) underground in Seoul.

Although, it felt strange not feeling the mad pushing and shoving of the enormous Korean crowds. I actually felt like I had some space to breathe..Ahh, that lovely pollutionl, that I encountered when I walked into Silom area, hit me like a ton of rotten eggs.

Today was a typical lazy Thai day. Being that I am on vacation for a week, I yearned to go shopping, and shopping I indeed went. I stopped at every counter, because I was awed at all the stuff they had compared to Korea, I was in paradise; Gucci, Lancome, and every other brand name under the sun. The prices were really low compared to Korea also.

I had to stop myself from spending every last baht I had in my little fat wallet. I knew that it was only day 2, and that I wanted to save a bit for Day 3 and beyond. What's a girl to do in a big city like Bangkok? Shop till I drop, that's what!

Did I tell you about Thai massages. When I was in Phuket in December, I couldn't believe how cheap and wonderful Thai massages were. Well, yesterday being Day 1 in Thailand; I couldn't let the opportunity to indulge in a cheap (400 baht) Thai massage. It was heavenly.

Today I figured I'd not get a massage considering I just got one yesterday, but... I couldn't resist. This guy gave me a pamphlet as I was walking by. The place was literally calling my name...come back, come back, it was yelling, as I passed it hurriedly trying not to notice the incense and big sign saying in bold letters, "Thai massage paradise." Who could really resist that? Not me, surely!

Well, that was it. I went back.. and not only did I get a massage today, I got a scrub down, and then I took a bath in this aromatherapy oil. Well, wasn't that a treat!! I hadn't taken a bath in one whole year. Can you believe it? I was so happy to take a bath. It was paradise. After the ten minute bath soak in hot, hot water, I had a one hour thai oil massage.

Let's just say that I'm still feeling the effects. The whole package deal only cost me about 25$ CA. That is unheard of! The price is so low. If I were to get a massage and pampering like that back in Canada, it would cost me like more than 100$CA. Insane! So now, I feel like I just stepped off the beach and I'm ready to sleep the night away.

Well, that was my interesting day in the Land of Smiles..or as I would like to call it; The land of Sloth. This place is all hustle and bustle, but underneath the traffic and pollution, is this land of just laid back, relaxing place. The food here is to die for. I hit this noodle shop for lunch. It was only 2$CA for a noodle dish with shrimp and other seafood.

I've been thinking more and more of trying to get a good job teaching here in Thailand. This place has a draw to it. I'll keep you posted. Till then, this has been Jo's Thai Adventures. Stay posted for pictures to soon follow.