Bangkok- The first impressions

We arrived at 11:00am yesterday after a grueling 25 hours in transit with surprisingly high spirits and energy. We took an easy bus into the city and had a hell of a time finding our hostel- Suk 11. The place is very nice (yay A/C) although the people who work there are extremely unhelpful so we're on our own for setting things up and getting around.

After a much needed shower and teeth brushing, we headed to a large weekend market via the ultra-modern skytrain (think the tram at Disney). The market was a gigantic scene of food, clothing, household items and kitch. We immediately went for the spring rolls, BBQ beef, coconut water, cream puffs, salted/sweet pickles and later downed a $2.50 gigantic shrip Phad Thai. YUM. Street food is fantastic here. We meandered through the sweltering market, poking into the shops and soaking it in.

From the market we took the subway to Chinatown which was a little dissappointing because the markets were dying down but we were able to get a feel for it. Mom, Dad, it smells a hell of a lot like China there- a mixture of dried fish, rotting meat and open sewers. We were able to poke our heads into the first Wat of the trip, a beautiful temple of golden Buddhas and intricate designs with young monks scampering about.

We did the Lonely Planet walking tour which landed us at the Pier on the big canal. We took a fast long boat to Banglamphu, a touristy section of the city with bars and a Chabad house. Along the way we got a beautiful sunset/night view of the major religious sights that we are going to visit today. When we got off the boat we were greeted by a nice little park that reminded us of union square. It was an old vs. new scene with a mash up of chanting prayer for the elderly and breakdancing beats for the teenagers.

We walked around the busy tourist street of Khao Sarn (the name of my favorite Thai restaurant in NYC) where we sat down for cool Singha and Chang beers. We also meandered off slightly off the beaten path to a fancy rooftop bar that overcharged us for a Singha but provided a lovely view of a temple.

After a few beers, we had to get something to eat. We ordered a 20 Baht (60 cents) Phad Thai that was made fresh for us at the cart with all the vegetable fixings. I foolishly added hot spice, thinking that the vendor had left it our like our previous Phad Thai cook. Uh oh. While Nuri chowed down, sweat beads formed on my forehead and I tried to breath calmly. Delicious.

Today we are going to all the big Wats and temples which should be a fascinating, albeit touristy, scene. Later we plan on seeing Muay Thai boxing.

This is Erika, from Bangkok, Thailand. Over and out.