The Land of Smiles

Sawasdee Khaosan Inn
Bangkok, Thailand

The Land of Smiles

I'm still reeling from the difference between Bangkok and India. I arrived in Bangkok Christmas morning.

The past week in Bangkok has been an indulgence for me: nice hotel room, Western food - Burger King and Subway Sandwiches. Singha beer and full pubs. I've paid for it: I've spent more in a week than I would in much longer than that in India. It's been nice.

In my mind I've been constantly comparing it to India. When I had a beer with an American tourist the other day, I had to constantly stop myself from saying things like: "You think the traffic is bad here? It's nothing compared to the traffic in India." Makes for bad conversation.

I've actually been going through a little bit of a shock since I arrived here. But it's a good shock. I spent ten months in India and this place is a lot different. It has more tourists and the Thai people are a lot different from the Indians.

In Bangkok I've gone to the tourist pubs near Khao San Road and Sukumvit Road. I went out for New Year's when the festivities were unfortunately interrupted by bombings. And I went with a friend to Pantip Plaza: the largest and cheapest technology mall I've ever seen.

Next from here I will head to a beach. I'm trying to pick which one. This is a difficult task because Thailand in addition to a Land of Smiles Thailand is also a Land of Beaches.

The Land of Smiles