Vacation Diaries - Part VI: The Tourist

Be a tourist, and that will be the best way you will see the city. Since coming to Thailand I have run on the beach of Patong and the promenade of Jomtein, did snorkelled in the waters of Phi Phi, island hopped, rode tuk-tuks, shopped at Weekend markets, stayed in a Hostel, but never truly became a tourist and seen the sights the city has to offer. 

All that changed on the last day at Bangkok. Though I still managed to get in a run (actually done one run in each of the cities which we stayed), and on a whim joined my friend in taking in the sights of the city. And to think of it, I am glad I decided to that, cause what we saw took out breath away, left us awed and made use marvel.

We visited the Wat Arun temple, or the Temple of Dawn, rode the ferry on the Chao Phraya river, visited the Grand Palace, saw the sleeping Buddha at Wat Pho, again took a ferry all the way to Asiatique (thanks to the suggestion of my Parag and Ajit), had pizza and beer (my first in almost a decade), and rode the Ferris wheel.

Each location, each place, each sight, was so beautiful that words wouldn’t do justice to what the eyes saw. The architectures, the colours, the paintings, the statues, the sights, were so beautiful, so gorgeous, left you marvelling at the details that went into making them, putting it together, left you wondering how was this possible. Also full credit goes to the people who maintain it, the golds, the reds, the greens, the marble, shone radiantly even after all these years in the sun. Inspite of all this you have the feeling of peace especially in the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, at the Grand Palace, it was so beautiful and serene, surrounded by walls and ceilings of paintings. We even got blessed at Wat Pho from a monk who clearing enjoying blessing people with a wet broom, as much as the people who were getting blessed.

On a fun part, although I wore acceptable jeans, for the heck of it picked up, what I call harem pants, and changed in public and wore it. So although it clashed with my shirt, it was awesome and airy.

Riding the river was an experience in itself.  Seeing the other boats speed by and the architecture on either banks of the river, and then getting to see the beautiful setting sun, was something I am going to take with me for the rest of my life.

They say you come to Bangkok to party, to get laid, but then these are things you can do in Mumbai itself (although I admit that I am not comfortable and never like parties), but taking the sights and experiences that the city has to offer is different thing altogether.

So as I wind up my Thailand trip, and return to my mundane life, I will take with me an experience that I will cherish for a lifetime.

Vacation Diaries - Part IV: An Adventure waiting to happen

The best way to have an adventure is to go out and have an adventure and not just wait to have an adventure. Go out there and explore, explore what the city has to offer, what the city has in store for you, cause there’s so much to see and discover, if you are only willing to open yourself to new things and let the city take you on a journey.

Pattaya, at first sight, may seem unassuming and quite, or maybe it was just because we arrived here at night and shops and streets bore quite a deserted look. But all this change the next morning.

After squeezing a run, or finally managing to drag my lazy butt from my comfy bed. It was pleasant surprise to see quite a bit of runners out, wearing various running tees from different events. Running on Jomtien Beach promenade made you feel one with the Road and the deep blue sea, which beautifully had different shades of blues and greens, right from the horizon to the shore. Seeing Runners yet running after 8, in the sun left me in awe, wondering how he he’ll were they managing to run in the sun. Walking bare feet in the clear sea water was an awesome feeling.

After lunch, me and my roomy, decided to go to the floating market, to break away from the group and do some touristy stuff, and in the bargain got an adventure of a lifetime.

Getting tuk-tuks, changing tuk-tuks, riding one, is an experience that one needs to have. Hanging from it reminded me of riding the Mumbai locals (which I swear I have missed in these pass couple of days). But yes you are one with your fellow travellers. It all enhanced the Thailand experience.

So just using public transportation and Google Maps we covered Pattaya Floating Market, some night street market, Outlet Mall (where I very much was temped to pick up running gear) and Pattaya Walking Street. Each had their own charm, their own crowd and smell and senses. From the clothes, the food, ambience, frying fishes and pineapple juices (and other juices), the water and the boats (of the floating market) everything gave you a unique experience. You were one with the crowd and the city, at times too in your face. 

A special mention to this awesome halal place were we took all are meals for the day (don’t really know the name), breakfast-lunch-dinner. The food was amazing (though I bit into quite a few chillies and had to eat ice chips and ice creams) and the services homely. Do go ahead and try it.

So in the end Pattaya gave us memories to last a lifetime that will remain with remain with us long after leave the Thailand.