The Land of Smiles

Thailand is affectionately known as the "Land of Smiles". A country trying to reverse its recent economic downfall, and starting to see progress. It relies, as it has in the past, largely on tourism as the backbone of its income. There is no shortage of breathtaking beaches and unsurpassed natural splendor. Bangkok may be considered the central hub. A distraction to some of the tourists arriving in Thailand. A black tooth in the otherwise flawless Smile...

Ah, Bangkok. Where to begin? Khao San Road seems fitting. It is after all, where our airport shuttle dropped us off. With nothing but out trusty Lonely Planet, and a desire to find accommodatioon, we quickly set off for Rambutri Village. It had previously been recommended by fellow backpackers, and with good cause.

With darkness settling in we wanted to experience all that is Khao San Road, it being a stones throw from our hostel. Words cannot describe the chaos we greeted. Comparable to Saltspring Island's Saturday Market on steroids, we waded into the madness. Vendors antsy to diminsh their supplies were selling everything from neon dice to giant scorpions (the mounted and edible varieties), delicious pad thai to drivers licences and university degrees. Fish massages were a popular theme. How could anyone deny those tiny fish, hungering for dead skin cells? We didn't think twice. Surprisingly the clothing was good. Pick through a few - laugh at but not be caught dead in - shirts and you're bound to find a gem. We bartered hard! Pippa found a nice brown dress and I settled on a t-shirt with a plethora of antique cameras on it (we got her down to 380 baht or about $12 from 650 baht).

Our legs carried us through the gauntlet, we had traversed Khao San Road. Time for a few well earned beverages! Coincidentally, this brought on the introduction of Alpesh, a like-minded Indian with a craving for this sprawling metropolis (it was his 7th visit). He was eager to go to the clubs. We preferred people watching, there was no shortage of material!

The following afternoon brought a strong determination to experience culture. She had visions of temples and Buddhas dancing in her head. Me? I was reluctant to get out of bed, onset from the previous night. Who was I to refuse? Some sight seeing would do me good! Not more than 20 feet from our hotel, we met Max. He was good at what he did, a cut above the rest. After establishing we were from Canada, he asks, "You from Calgary?", "Ahh I can tell by your accent!" Max had a contagious smile and a handshake like a vice. Not that he was powerful, he just wouldn't let go!

We were reeled in like trout. Only 40 Baht and we'd get to see all the sights we'd care to. Great! We saw standing Buddha (no fees on Sunday!) Snapped a couple of pics and were gone. Off to Lucky Buddha! This particular Buddha statue was found hovering above the same lake it was thrown into. An upstanding citizen had hidden the prized Buddha in the adjacent lake while his hometown was being raized to the ground. Buddha was later found meditating in quiet contemplation a few feet above the waters surface! A modern day miracle (I don't believe in fairy tales but this one's too good to refuse). With 3 simple wais (a standing bow with fingertips pressed together at nose level) and 3 gratifying gong hits, luck is seemingly yours...

Off to the export! Supposedly a market offering the finest cashmere and silk suits and dresses. Turns out it was just another run of the mill tailor (also graced with a rather firm grip). Our tuk tuk driver would have received a handsome bonus had we obliged. Next stop was the government tourist building (TAT - Tourism Authority of Thailand). Our trip planner (I don't remember his name and I don't care to) became more impatient with each passing minute until finally he declared that we had "wasted enough of his time" when we said we didn't want to book anything just quite yet. We cooly agreed and wished him a fond adieu. This proved to be the straw that broke the camel's back. Suddenly we felt entirely fatigued and frustrated with the events that had taken place, realizing we had been douped for commissions! We asked Max if he would be so kind as to return us to our hotel. After some hesitation, he obliged and in no time we were in the familair lobby of the Rambuttri Inn. We had experienced enough culture for one day.

It would seem that if a situation appears too good to be true, it more than likely is. Lesson learned: greet friends with a smile but be adamant of your position.

A brief glimpse into our Bangkok experience, but don't worry, it will be remembered fondly!

Matt and Pippa