In Southeast Asia one of my favorite cities, if not the most, is Bangkok. Every time I go I know something new or I discover something different in the places and things that I already knew.
Well, in my research on the net, I have found an interesting post about life in Thailand, specifically in Bangkok, written by a Mexican couple who live there.
I have allowed myself to compose a summary of the most significant of Bangkok found in Adventures in Asia, as in my opinion, it describes life in Bangkok well:
Bangkok city
- Between smells, pollution, noise and a lot of people, this city like all the great cities of the world is at times hated and at times loved.
- On the sidewalks of Bangkok it is somewhat difficult to walk, since everyone seems to have the right to put a small business on them. They dominate the food and fried food stalls, but on Mondays there is a truce at the request of the king and most respect it.
The Thais (Thais)
- With all the disorder that this city has, Thais are interested in living harmoniously with others and their environment.
- They call foreigners "farang" comes from farangset, which means French.
- Most Thais practice Buddhism as a religion and are very devout and superstitious. Everywhere they sell small crowns with jasmine (with a very strong but natural smell), which are lucky.
- The Thais love noise and since it is a city 80% populated by people under 35 years of age, nobody seems to care on the street and in public places. Everything is noisy, motorcycles, tuck tucks, trucks, etc., so talking while walking depending on where, is almost impossible.
- In addition to the fact that the weather is very inviting to be on the street, the Thais do not like to be at home, they are very outgoing and eat out a lot. It is cheap to eat out (even in good restaurants), clean and tasty.
- Thais always want to have fun and any excuse is good for the party, the outdoor show, the music in all the restaurants, bars and other recreational places.
- The Thais think that the car comes first than the pedestrian, so you have to be careful even on the sidewalks, because when the traffic is too much, motorcycles and bicycles use them without any regard.
Thai food
- The food is rich, but with combinations that in some cases we find too strange.
- The Thais like to eat at any time and in any place, so wherever you move (even in law offices and serious businesses), eating is allowed.
- They hardly use napkins and around here you don't eat everything with chopsticks, nor do you use a knife at the table. The Thai say that the place for the knife is in the kitchen. In all restaurants, even the elegant ones (if they are Thai), you only get a spoon and fork.
- They also have waffles and crepes, with combinations of sweet and savory foods.
- The Durian is a fruit that in Thailand and in many Asian countries is very precious, despite smelling like rotten garbage, for Westerners. They attribute aphrodisiac properties to it.
- In carts on the street, people buy and drink a lot of coconut water, which is excellent. I've never had coconuts as sweet as the ones around here. They are of many sizes and different thicknesses, flavors, etc. The mandarin is the best and anywhere they are squeezing them at the moment.
- Also in carts, they sell some hot dog breads, and they put ice cream in the middle. Something quite surprising.
Other curiosities of Bangkok
- They have a very friendly and respectful coexistence with monitor lizards (which are a species of lizard crocodiles that can measure up to three meters).
- This society is a lover of uniforms. In addition to the normal police, military, etc., they use school uniforms, university uniforms, uniforms for office workers, employees and other activities.
- Every Monday in honor of their king they wear yellow t-shirts or shirts, most of which have the monarchical shield printed on the left side.
- Every day in public parks and of course in the most important one which is Lumpini Park, both in the morning and in the afternoon, tai chi or areobics are practiced.
- In the cinema, before the movie begins, we all have to stand up (as the advertisement on the screen asks you to do so) out of respect for His Majesty the King (with those words) and a kind of hymn begins.
Well, these are some of the things you can experience in Bangkok, but I really think it is worth traveling to Bangkok and discovering them personally. If you have already been to Bangkok, it will be great if you tell us about your adventures there and help us get to know this mysterious and fast-paced city better.
Don't forget the camera and have fun!