10 Lessons I’ve learned in Bangkok (after 2 days)

Well we made it! And yes, the 23 hours were as horrible as I’d imagined. 2 days in and our legs are still swollen from the flight, but that hasn’t stopped us from exploring the first city on our itinerary: Bangkok, Thailand.

We are currently back in our hotel room preparing to meet with the rest of our group after a long exciting day of markets, food, culture and an exciting bus adventure! (Yes, we attempted and mastered the Thai public transportation system!).

Though I have only been here for two days, I have already learned some life lessons that will serve me well on the rest of my trip. Maybe it was the wisdom of the Buddha that enlightened me or quite possibly it was simply the smog from the tuk tuk we took yesterday. Regardless, here are my top 10 lessons I’ve learned so far:

1. Thai Massages Hurt

Yes, they are cheap. Yes, they give you amazing tea. Yes, I almost fell asleep…until this 90 lb women gripped my arms, jerked me back and twisted me into some advanced yoga pose. Also, never before have I had anyone massage my legs with their feet. Surprisingly it was very effective.

2. Tuk Tuks are fun…but be careful

A tuk tuk is a moped cab. It’s an experience, and a fun one at that, but the drivers drive like they have a death wish. Also, they are sneaky with their prices. We had a driver take us to the wrong hotel and then charge us the same amount to get to the right one. He swears he heard the wrong name, and maybe that’s true. Next time I will be sure to show them our hotel name written down.

3. Bangkok without tourists is a Bangkok I love

We visited a floating market today and got there by 7:00 am. The shops were just opening up, the canals were quiet and we had the whole market to ourselves. So peaceful. <3

4. Monks are just like us

I saw 3 in a cab and one on a cell phone in a temple. I had to do a double take. It was awesome.

5. I wish I inherited the Jim Thompson House

Jim Thompson reinvigorated the Thai silk industry here in Thailand– which is cool. But even cooler is this guy’s house. Now a museum, Jenn and I wandered the halls imagining that we were his long lost relatives who were written into his will. This house is unreal. (The photos below that look like a garden? Yeah, that was his crash pad. Yes please!)

6. Thai people don’t care about the time

I cannot find a clock. Not in my room, not in the streets, not in a restaurant. I don’t think they exist here.

7. Try the food!!

Street food, desserts, market finds. Try it all. Chances are it’s incredible. Or at least you’ll make your friends laugh when you scrunch up your face in disgust realizing you might have been too adventurous. Oh, and don’t put durian fruit in your fridge. It will make your room smell like feet.

8. Mango Sticky Rice is heaven on Earth

This stuff is going to make me fat.

9. Train Tracks aren’t just for trains

Also today we visited the Maeklong train market. It’s a fresh food market that sets up its stalls directly on the tracks of an operating train line. When the train comes, the vendors step back while it passes by missing the goods by only inches.

10. It’s hot

Like really really hot.

Stay tuned for more  fun. We are just getting started!