Impressions of Bangkok
When arriving at the new airport in Bangkok the first impression is the combination of modern and tradition mixed in an astonishing and beautiful way. Murals reach from the Immigration down to the pick up of the luggage when passing through the halls on moving pathways. Steel, glass, marble and art make you pleasantly aware: "You are in Thailand". The appreciation of the Arts is a common phenomena in Thailand and you will meet it everywhere. The population seems to be gifted and talented for producing refined decor that requires a special touch and an excellent eye for detail. They should not copy, they should design! ...This is just my personal opinion.
Highways in Bangkok
4 lane highways, build up to 3 levels in some places, stacked above one another, secure that traffic is reaching its destination in huge Bangkok.
Architectural beauty
The capital of Thailand which is so different of the rest of Thailand, is like a buzzing and fast pace island in a sea of tranquility. Amazing architecture of skyscrapers crowned with golden cupolas or arches or build in the shape of an elephant attract attention when passing them on the highway. A turquoise building meeting the sky high above, seems to kiss the clouds that reflect in its surface of glass.
Palm trees are seaming the roads, dots of green space in between, where little Thai houses shelter in the shadow of the tall buildings and women hang up their laundry. Food is offered by women or men that are cooking, boiling, deep frying on the the side of the road in their small pushcarts. Clocks, watches, pens, key hangers, children toys are spread out on the street on little blankets or presented in pushcarts that are so typical and belong to the common view of Bangkok. Cafes with their terraces, white umbrellas provide shelter from the hot sun, are populated by a multicultural clientele. People with laptops are mailing while sipping their ice-tea. There is moving all around but all seems to happen in a laid back way. Water fountains and flowers are added to please the eye on every other corner.
If you take a turn into one of the side streets the sound of the traffic dims. 2 floors family houses surrounded by gardens, an abundance of blooming trees and flowers are painting a colorful picture. Birds sing, cats sit in the yard all seems peaceful and the further you go, the more you leave the city behind. Places like this exist many in Bangkok like remote refuges - streets too narrow to have cars passing. It seems like a village, a small community, miles and miles away from the city that never sleeps. You turn the next corner and here we are again in the middle of roaring traffic and the sky train passes like a silver arrow.
Water Taxi is just one way to move around and about in Bangkok
You can choose many ways to view and move round and about in Bangkok. Try the water taxis - they bring you in no time to places that take an hour to reach by a conventional taxi.
Sukhumvit Road
It is recommended to use the pedestrian bridges to cross from one side of the street to the other. The bridges are installed every other mile on the large roads. Honking cars, run for your life! ...if you do cross the street the usual way, it could be your last time. We are on Sukhumvit Road which is located in the Center of Bangkok and is the most famous street. Bumper on bumper are the cars lined up to the next crossing, where a police man regulates the traffic. Whoever designed the police uniform? I am sure it must have been a woman! The uniform fits him as tight as a second skin. Slim, sportive, muscles that show when he moves, he wears his garment with true elegance. I read somewhere police men are hassled by women - who wonders - I don't.
Shopping in Bangkok
Shopping malls, like the Emporium, better name them shopping palaces, are the most seducing temptations in Bangkok. Incredible elegance spread over many floors - so huge that you get lost in it. Any brand is here for sale. ANY! Starbucks nestles on the ground floor with his American coffee mugs and Secret Recipe with their choice of dream-cheesecakes - so if you are tired of noodle soup or Tom Yam, no problem. Take the elevator up to the top floor and enjoy the cuisine of the world: Japanese, Argentine, Italian, Spanish, English, German, Oysters with a glass of Champagne. The pastry of the Oriental Hotel in Bangkok is the top of delights and the cup of Cappuccino is just as good as in Milan!
Customer is King in Thailand
Most amazing is the service no matter where you are. Be it a hotel you choose or when you go shopping. I buy a pair of pants hand over the money and pants to the sales girl and she handles it all for me. No queuing up at the cashier, no waste of time, no unfriendly service - just shop, shop, shop until you drop. No parking fees when you make use of the parking facilities that belong to the malls, even if they are located in the center of the city. This is customer service and customer is king in Thailand! I recall that I paid in Amsterdam 25 Euro for just a couple of hours visiting the Bijenkorf in the Centrum. I save this money in Bangkok and have a great Sushi dinner instead and get a hand painted T-shirt on top of it.
'Glad I am in Thailand.
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