SEA06: Last days in Bangkok

Unfortunately, all good things have an end, and even this journey in this wonderful country has to end and we have to go back to the dull life of living in de-developing western countries, the routine of work, and the longing for next holidays.

But not for that we have allowed ourselves to settle in despair, and we have tried to make the most of the last days in Thailand. First thing after arriving to our usual guesthouse in Bangkok, we headed to what will surely become our usual tailor, to have our measures taken in order to have some suits and shirts tailor-made, in the best English or Italian wool, linen and Thai silk. Going to the tailor here is not the superficial and impersonal experience that is in western countries. People here go a long way to pamper you and to get to know your tastes and needs to be able to advise you better. In fact, they become more like your friends, and the experience of buying a new suit (or several), a pleasant social event instead of a cold commercial transaction. We are specially grateful with Kenny and his colleagues for their professional and friendly advice.




After spending the afternoon at the tailor, we headed for the night-market around Sukhumvit Soi 34 or 38 to have a nice Thai dinner. Pad thai noodle and duck soup were great, as were Dim sum, chicken and satai. On the way back we still met Kenny on his way home after work. They really work hard and long hours in his country...

Next day, we continued our exploration of the most amazing temples in South East Asia, but this time, it was not Buddhism, or any other spiritual enlightening what we were looking for. Instead, we headed for some of the most amazing temples of world consumerism. Bangkok sports some of the largest and most luxurious department stores and shopping malls in South East Asia (and probably in the world). One World Center, which is just opening now, and will be fully staffed in a few months, is the largest shopping mall in South East Asia (including Hong Kong!!). Not far from there we can find Siam and Siam Paragorn, which represent some of the ritziest shopping opportunities in the world (you would never expect to be able to buy a Masserati or a Jaguar right out from the shop in the third flood of Harrod's, for instance, right?).




But it's not only shopping. The largest Aquarium in South East Asia is also in Bangkok, offering some exciting extra activities like a glass boat trip in one of the tanks or diving with the sharks.




(to be continued, with Jim Thompson house and museum, and the largest weekend market in Bangkok)