Bangkok Paraphernalia 2019

A rain broke a few hours before. Humidity conspired with darkness to hang around heavy in the air. It could almost be touched in the wee hours of warm tropical city.

Hotel's 5-star lobby was not dark, but empty. Check-in was taking long. Friends came out for a smoke. I followed.

A curvy woman in late thirties sat at smoking area dragging pensively on a cigarette. The dress was skimpy, suitable for this climate. A true embodiment of the city we landed few hours before. Free-spirited. Fun-loving. With a history. Bangkok.

Dawn was yet to break-in.

***

Morning was scorching. Our shelter at air-conditioned mini tourist bus was short-lived between a series of tourist attractions in the city. Golden Buddha, Grand Palace, Emerald Buddha, Reclining Buddha. Debate could not settle what was more overwhelming? History or architecture?

Thus we clicked selfies.

***

The endless lanes and alleys of Chatuchak market was full with men and women with every shape and form. Humid afternoon could not bring down their shopping spirit.

A large queue formed in front of coconut-ice-cream vendor. The contents of the cup was fresh, yummy, and a coveted photography object.

The vendors offered everything under the sun. Cowboy hats, clothes and dresses, handicrafts. We lost and found each other around a performer playing khene, a bamboo harmonica of sorts.

To break from shopping monotony, a cafe offered peaceful solace. The proprietress was tired, a waitress rendered head massage to her. Our beer and food was served with alacrity.

We walked further, reaching pet market. Colourful rainbow of aquarium fish, snails, snakes, and parrots from every nook and corner of the world, offered a make belief world.

With approaching day end, market closed. Tired shopkeepers leaned over the walls flipping and swiping mobile screen. Rest was well earned.

***

Evening street food. As good as it could be. The man deep fried sticks after sticks of chicken, scallop, pork and served over a bed of cucumber. We devoured them in anger. Vendor boasted his Thai origin and alarmed us of his Vietnamese competitors. We nodded and dumped more fried stuff through our throat. Delicious was understatement.

Our overworking sensory organs needed a break from this endless procession of sights, sounds, smells, and tastes. Hotel swimming pool calmed us with an welcome embrace.

***

Night was cool with the promise of a thunderstorm. Taxis played hide and seek with party goers, leaving a dizzying afterglow. A small square with restaurants around was discovered. We settled with more food and drink.

A drizzle covered us with tiny droplets on our walk back to the hotel.

***

Bangkok. We just touched your face.