
It’s 6:30 in the morning and the sun has barely risen above Thailand’s capital city. On my way over here I passed people setting up their streetstalls, and tuk-tuks already merrily whizzing around. It’s easy to imagine the city hasn’t slept at all.
Above me, birds are singing their morning songs and behind me, a waitress is doing the very same thing. I have been sitting at this table for more than 10 minutes and nobody has come to ask me for my order yet. That’s okay though, this is Thailand, and having 10 minutes of peace and quiet in the Big Mango without anybody bothering you to sell you anything is actually quite a relief.
A squirrel tentatively makes its way down the bamboo ceiling, sniffing his way through the overhanging leaves in search of his breakfast.
Hungover backpackers are lazing around at the tables, sipping coffee or flirting with last night’s score.
What started off as frustration ended up being nothing more than opportunity. Being chased out of my hostel dorm at 5 in the morning by some very (and I mean very) drunk Australians with a snoring problem made sure I would be awake to witness the city in its early morning state, something I certainly wouldn’t want to have missed.
The friendly smiling waitress hands me my Thai iced tea with a cheery ‘khawp khuhn khaaa!’ and I happily take a sip, sit back, and watch the people go on about their day.
Since my arrival in Bangkok I have been trying to write a post, feebly attempting to put into words all that I’ve seen and experienced so far, but I just couldn’t manage to get past the first few sentences. Although I’ve had an amazing time these past four days, it’s just too much to process just yet.
The sound of motorcycles and tuk-tuks crisscrossing through traffic, the smell of freshly cooked street food that makes your mouth water at almost every corner, the thrill of simply crossing a street or the playful game of bargaining for a good price. The sing-song voices of Thai women inviting you for a massage and the chanting of monks. The heavy contrast between the glitz and glamour of Bangkok’s fancy Lebua State Tower Sky Bar and the makeshift shacks along the banks of the Chao Phraya River. The breathtaking beauty of Bangkok’s many temples almost make you forget the seediness of the Patpong red light district area. The devotion of people praying at shrines in the midst of the bustling city center, the dressed up ladyboys and the incredibly friendly smiles.
There is just so much to take in and my humble words couldn’t possibly do justice to this beautiful, intimidating and sometimes exhausting city. I’m in love with Bangkok, even though I’m more than ready to leave.
As for traveling alone, it has been easier than I had ever imagined. Within an hour of my arrival at the hostel I had made some friends, and the days that followed were spent eating, laughing and relaxing. I haven’t felt lonely for even a moment.
However, nothing seems like a more perfect way to start my Asia stories than this very moment, right here, right now. I walk back to the hostel to sit back with an iced coffee and wait until it’s time to depart for my next destination: Ayutthaya!
mishvo
March 2, 2013
Ah, you made it. What a lovely picture to paint of Bangkok. I’ve been here long enough to develop a jaded eye to the things you can still find so magical. I remember my first few days…
Glad you’re enjoying your time and hey – Ayutthaya is stunning!! Have fun :)
miestravels
March 2, 2013
Khawp khuhn kha, Michelle :) It’s almost hard to imagine ever getting jaded to it, the initial culture shock is just too big haha. But I can see how things become normal after a while… I’m really looking forward to Ayutthaya now. Will you still be around for Songkran in April?
mishvo
March 2, 2013
Yes! I’m not sure where in Thailand I’ll be…Maybe Koh Chang? I don’t know
Merel
March 2, 2013
=’) It is so awesome to be reading this through your eyes, to sort of be besides you for a little peek. I miss you and I miss Thailand! I almost forgot, but it’s all coming back to me now. Thank you.
And I told you you had not a second to worry about! Good to read you in fact found it that easy.
I think to me BKK was a little too big and overwhelming. Then again I never gave it a whole lot of chance…
So have you had the best Pad Thai EVER? =D
miestravels
March 8, 2013
I think you owe Bangkok a second chance, at least visit it once when you’re not jetlagged and just passing through, it’s truly a wonderful city ;)
Noooo you still need to draw me a map! I’ll be back in Bangkok next month so round number 2?
Rubella
March 6, 2013
Yayyy, 1st post of your epic journey. So happy for you, you ease my worries about traveling alone. Live it up:)
miestravels
March 8, 2013
Ah, really, there is no need to worry! It’s a lot easier than I had expected, I’d made some friends on the first day! Last night I was feeling a bit lonely but when that happens you just treat yourself to a nice room and some oreo’s and you’re good ;)
Krizia
March 6, 2013
Thailand = fruit shakes = yummi food = cheap massages.. EVERY DAY
miestravels
March 8, 2013
It’s paradise!