Bangkok. Musings

**Captain Sensible** · 27-01-2006, 02:14 AM

I had the opportunity to venture into Bangkok this week and I wasnt looking forward to it I have to say. It had to be done though as I had the opportunity to meet up with folks I have been shooting the breeze with for some two and a bit years.

Ever since I came to Thailand 14 years ago I have avoided Bangkok like the plague. Everytime that I have left or entered into the Kingdom I cleverly used taxi's to cross country to Kanchanaburi. Back in those days there was no Skytrain or Subway and I have to admit that Bangkok has now opened up a lot. It is certainly cleaner than I remember from my very first visit when I determined that Bangok was not for me.

I may have been wrong all these years though.

I dont think that Bangkok is for everyone but the lot I teamed up with, who live there, absolutey love it.

I stayed my first night at Sweet Home Hotel on Soi Poolcleaner. 600 baht for a clean, decent room in the fun zone of Bangkok. Cant be bad, can it?
I mean it aint The Landmark Hotel or The Airport Amari but it was all I needed.

(Insert pic here Pooly)

The best way to see Bangkok is from the top of the Bayoke Tower.

This wasnt gonna ever be easy for me but Pooly was there if I fainted, so I just thought, 'Do it!'

We did.

**Captain Sensible** · 27-01-2006, 02:22 AM

Now if I had thought that the Tower at Pattaya Park was big I was in for some news. This fokker is 88 stories tall. I dont care how tall that is. I do care that it is a long way down. I fokking hate heights but look what I put myself through to bring you these snaps.

Snaps.

They make me giddy still so have a lookee on your own.

**Captain Sensible** · 27-01-2006, 02:36 AM

We took our time taking in the sights of Bangkok. I was ok as long as there was a handrail nearby. Then it was off to the bar to discuss world issues like, gals and stuff, over a Mai Tai.

This was the bird that was our waitress and she was ok too.

Her name was Swaralom-Hilda so we just called her Hilda.

Hilda explained to us that we were entitled to one drink with our ticket but somehow there was a chance that it might cost more. I remember thinking that this is Bangkok after all.

Pooly's Mai Tai and my Nam Som.

**Captain Sensible** · 27-01-2006, 02:44 AM

Did you ever wonder where Pooly lives?

No, nor had I as it goes. Not until I met the guy and realized what a gent he is.

Here is the man himself pointing at his mother in-law to be, standing on the Poolcleaner balcony, waving. Please use zoomorology for more detail.

**Captain Sensible** · 27-01-2006, 02:48 AM

I still dont know what to think about Bangkok. Would I/could I live n Bangers?
I dont know really. I am gonna give it a shot I think.
Hey I got plenty more pics but I wanna discuss Bangkok. What captivated you about this place of madness? Are you still here? After how many years? How the fok did you cope?

**Harry** · 27-01-2006, 02:59 AM

Originally Posted by Captain ensible

Ever since I came to Thailand 14 years ago I have avoided Bangkok like the plague.

This is the most welcomed piece of information (if true) that I've had all week.

It'll save me having to don a 'Darkman' disguise.

**Captain Sensible** · 27-01-2006, 03:20 AM

Ah! young harry. You are an expert on Bangers, are you not? Beguile me with your dirth. I will be forever grateful.

**Harry** · 27-01-2006, 03:50 AM

Originally Posted by Captain Sensible

Ah! young harry. You are an expert on Bangers, are you not? Beguile me with your dirth.

Don't drink the water. Don't give any money to street beggers or farangs who give you a hard luck story. Don't stroke any of the local dog population. Don't spit or litter on the sidewalk. Be respectful to katoeys. Never buy anthing at the first price asked, even in dept. stores. Clothes that appear cheap are cheap & will fall to pieces at the first go in a machine. Women will only smile at those farangs they think most gullible, it's not in any way a compliment. Always buy quality condoms, having one spit mid-root will ruin your holiday. Buy all your groceries from M&S down Silom.

**Dougal** · 27-01-2006, 03:54 AM

^

That all seems fairly sensible - no pun intended.

Will they haggle in stores like Robinsons? I thought the price was the price there.

**Harry** · 27-01-2006, 04:23 AM

Originally Posted by Dougal

Will they haggle in stores like Robinsons? I thought the price was the price there.

Fair enough, I always try it on in Robinsons but they look at me kinda ashamed & then say 'solly sir'. However, the stores round Pratunam are a good bet, I bought some luggage there at a discount after MH told me that it just wasn't possible in such a place. Yeah, I got a measly reduction of about 100B, peanuts... but it wasn't the amount... it was the pleasure I derived from playing the game.

**Captain Sensible** · 27-01-2006, 05:22 AM

Originally Posted by that young harry

Yeah, I got a measly reduction of about 100B, peanuts... but it wasn't the amount... it was the pleasure I derived from playing the game.

Its like that day at Ascot, remember? That hat was just so not you.

**Dougal** · 27-01-2006, 05:34 AM

Originally Posted by Harry

MH told me that it just wasn't possible in such a place.

'Pass on Your Haggling Experiences' sounds like a good idea for a thread. I don't have enough patience to do it properly, though my second wife was excellent. I think that sometimes the shopkeeper would give her the stuff just to get rid of her.

**Captain Sensible** · 27-01-2006, 05:55 AM

Bangkok. What do you think of it?

**happynz** · 27-01-2006, 06:57 AM

Bangkok is okay in small doses, but I prefer upcountry.

**poolcleaner** · 27-01-2006, 08:03 AM

I'm the total opposite of happynz.

Give me the city!

**mrsquirrel** · 27-01-2006, 09:09 AM

I never go. Even thought the missus has an apartment and a house there I avoid it like the plague.

The closes I go is The Mall Bangkapi.

I have to spend a fucking month living in and around Silom which is a nightmare. I am seriously thinking about commuting everyday from here - dump my bike at Tesco On-nut and hop on the Sky-Train, but the sensible side of me says that I should just brave it in the city for a month.

Its not like I am going to talk to anybody so it should be just the same as living at home

**aging one** · 27-01-2006, 10:39 AM

I live out in Don Muang I can take it out there. But to go into BKK proper is a big deal. Too many people, cars, buildings, tuk tuks, just too much of everything. I have never been a city person.

To go in and have a night out once in a great while is fine by me.

**DrAndy** · 27-01-2006, 11:23 AM

I like Bangkok, even the first time I went there as a sweet backpacker (sort of). When I worked there for a few months I liked it even more. It is a great city, although like any big place can be overwhelming at first.

Lots to see and do and a good nightlife...what more could you want?

as a resident, there was always a good time to be had, or something nice to do. After Kuala Lumpur, it was like a breath of fresh air. Hmm, do I mean that? yes, it was a metaphor.

**ChiangMai noon** · 27-01-2006, 01:13 PM

I enjoyed it for about the first 6 months, no more. i really started to hate the place after that. it was another 18 months before i got a proper opportunity to move up to ChiangMai.
I have been back teice in the last 2 years and have no intention of going back there in a hurry.
As you have said though, some people love the place, I have friends who have been there way over 10 years and can't even be dragged away for the weekend. It wasn't for me though.
I love CM for it's ease of living, it's convenience of getting around and the multitude of leisure activities on your doorstep.

**poolcleaner** · 27-01-2006, 01:20 PM

Originally Posted by ChiangMai noon

I enjoyed it for about the first 6 months, no more. i really started to hate the place after that. it was another 18 months before i got a proper opportunity to move up to ChiangMai.
I have been back teice in the last 2 years and have no intention of going back there in a hurry.
As you have said though, some people love the place, I have friends who have been there way over 10 years and can't even be dragged away for the weekend. It wasn't for me though.
I love CM for it's ease of living, it's convenience of getting around and the multitude of leisure activities on your doorstep.

Err, we got girls in Bangkok, last time I looked!! Multitudes in fact!

**ChiangMai noon** · 27-01-2006, 01:28 PM

Originally Posted by Poolie

Err, we got girls in Bangkok, last time I looked!! Multitudes in fact!

I am sure you are aware I was referring to the more noble pursuits, golf, cricket, polo.

**poolcleaner** · 27-01-2006, 01:44 PM

Originally Posted by ChiangMai noon

Originally Posted by Poolie

Err, we got girls in Bangkok, last time I looked!! Multitudes in fact!

I am sure you are aware I was referring to the more noble pursuits, golf, cricket, polo.

Farking computer games!!!!!

You want to get out in the sunshine more often CMN!

**marklatham** · 27-01-2006, 02:47 PM

Was in bangers a few months ago after living there nearly thirty years ago.
Was a pretty good place then apart from the traffic.
The BTS and underground are fantastic,getting around is a breeze.
May well settle there again in the future.

**mrsquirrel** · 27-01-2006, 02:56 PM

I am a bit BKKphobic

**DrAndy** · 27-01-2006, 03:22 PM

Originally Posted by ChiangMai noon

I love CM for it's ease of living, it's convenience of getting around and the multitude of leisure activities on your doorstep.

that's true CMN, when I came home late the other night there was a couple at it on my doorstep...well the stairs to it

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