1. starbucks does not have the venti size in bangkok
2. pouring grape juice over your cereal actually isn't too bad
3. being able to be out and about walking, etc. for more than five hours makes you a badass
4. thai people are very good at sharing
5. drinking 3 litres of water a day is hard.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Sunday, February 20, 2011
long weekend fun
Friday, our long weekend, had been quite the relaxing day: in the morning I did laundry and cleaned my apartment, and in the afternoon I went to lunch with Santiago to a very unexpected but great new organic restaurant, Sustaina (I think). As it turns out, most areas along Sukhumvit Road (where I live) are more expensive areas (this I knew already); Soi 39 (where I live) is particularly Japanese area, and therefore has many Japanese shops, residents, and restaurants, such as Sustaina. Although we entered into a little organic food shop, when you emerge upstairs into the restaurant area you find yourself in a light, airy space with comfortable wicker furniture, elegant table settings and attractive walls. Additionally, the toast set, when ordered with the pumpkin soup, is a wonderful 4 course meal for a maybe less than quarter of what it would be in New York. Adding to the comfort of the meal, since Santiago and I lingered for sometime chatting (partly of what our respective trainers would say about the piece of cheesecake we split), our waitress brought us some complementary sweet tea. The rest of the day was spent wandering through the local shopping mall (a different sort of animal from what we have in the States) before heading to a nicer local grocery store and wine shop (Sutter's White Zinfandel was more than $20 a bottle!)
During the rest of the evening, I sat by the pool for a bit and then did a light workout after lighting Shabbat candles and eating a nicer, Shabbat dinner. I had an almost uncontrollable urge to break into a round of "wherever you go, there's always someone Jewish, you're never alone, 'cause Gd made you a Jew." After one line, though, I managed to stop myself.
Saturday progressed similarly to Friday. I went out to the pool, swam a bit, read some, and napped. There is something especially satisfying about sleeping outside, the fresh air, the occasional breeze; maybe its the naturalness of it, maybe its the warmth of the sun instead of a fabricated blanket,I'm not entirely sure, but perhaps one of my favorite things to do is nap outdoors. Saturday evening found me back at California Wow!, my local gym. Just after I got home, I got a call from Kun Giant, my trainer, calling to check up on me, seeing that I am working out properly. Exactly what I need to stay motivated-- someone to answer to, who will judge me, that I won't resent for judging me (unlike family members or friends.
Today, Sunday, had much more substance to it. I met up with Kun Beam (a coworker) and her younger brother around noon, and they had a full day planned for me to start getting me to see Bangkok. Our first stop was the Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall, a new museum about the history of Bangkok/Siam. Although the majority of the tour was sans English, due to the museums extremely media based exhibition and interactive aspects, I was able to get a lot out of it and appreciate its detail. From the 4th floor coffee shop, we had a near-panoramic view of the city, overlooking the Temple of the Sleeping Buddha next-store. Which was our next stop. After lunch, that is; as we were near Beam's old high school, we went to a favorite noodle shop of hers where I got my first authentic pad seeyoo. Tasted like what I get in New York. Which is delicious. Before finishing lunch, I was introduced to toast, a yummy Thai dessert with a sweet bread dressed in custard.
The temple grounds were massive, each building and element within the compound constructed with the utmost care and detail. The Sleeping Buddha himself was nearly unbelievable; we all know going into it that the statue is incredibly long, but actually seeing it is beyond what can be expected. On a side note, anywhere in a Buddhist country, if a doorway has a raised entry, do not step on it. It is the residence of a diety. step over it.
After this temple, the three of us boarded a boat for a short ride across the river to a second temple compound. This temple had been built by King Rama 2, and was the royal family temple at the time. Also incredible to see, the details,the workmanship, at every corner. A perfectionist's dream, really.
Following this temple, we journeyed on to a market where inevitably Beam and I ended up shopping. Her brother soon deserted us.
The day ended with a boat ride along the canal to the BTS station (after all, Bangkok is the Venice of Asia)where we headed towards home.
Throughout the entire day, I was repeatedly overwhelmed by the attention and generosity of my friend and one-day guide. She planned the day ahead of time, taking into account what she thought would be most interesting for me, what was near each other, what were the sort of things it would be better for me to have a local around for. Both she and her brother put me first, and I began to see that despite the surface appearance of the city, inaccessible and forbearing, the spirit of welcome in the people can more than compensate.
During the rest of the evening, I sat by the pool for a bit and then did a light workout after lighting Shabbat candles and eating a nicer, Shabbat dinner. I had an almost uncontrollable urge to break into a round of "wherever you go, there's always someone Jewish, you're never alone, 'cause Gd made you a Jew." After one line, though, I managed to stop myself.
Saturday progressed similarly to Friday. I went out to the pool, swam a bit, read some, and napped. There is something especially satisfying about sleeping outside, the fresh air, the occasional breeze; maybe its the naturalness of it, maybe its the warmth of the sun instead of a fabricated blanket,I'm not entirely sure, but perhaps one of my favorite things to do is nap outdoors. Saturday evening found me back at California Wow!, my local gym. Just after I got home, I got a call from Kun Giant, my trainer, calling to check up on me, seeing that I am working out properly. Exactly what I need to stay motivated-- someone to answer to, who will judge me, that I won't resent for judging me (unlike family members or friends.
Today, Sunday, had much more substance to it. I met up with Kun Beam (a coworker) and her younger brother around noon, and they had a full day planned for me to start getting me to see Bangkok. Our first stop was the Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall, a new museum about the history of Bangkok/Siam. Although the majority of the tour was sans English, due to the museums extremely media based exhibition and interactive aspects, I was able to get a lot out of it and appreciate its detail. From the 4th floor coffee shop, we had a near-panoramic view of the city, overlooking the Temple of the Sleeping Buddha next-store. Which was our next stop. After lunch, that is; as we were near Beam's old high school, we went to a favorite noodle shop of hers where I got my first authentic pad seeyoo. Tasted like what I get in New York. Which is delicious. Before finishing lunch, I was introduced to toast, a yummy Thai dessert with a sweet bread dressed in custard.
The temple grounds were massive, each building and element within the compound constructed with the utmost care and detail. The Sleeping Buddha himself was nearly unbelievable; we all know going into it that the statue is incredibly long, but actually seeing it is beyond what can be expected. On a side note, anywhere in a Buddhist country, if a doorway has a raised entry, do not step on it. It is the residence of a diety. step over it.
After this temple, the three of us boarded a boat for a short ride across the river to a second temple compound. This temple had been built by King Rama 2, and was the royal family temple at the time. Also incredible to see, the details,the workmanship, at every corner. A perfectionist's dream, really.
Following this temple, we journeyed on to a market where inevitably Beam and I ended up shopping. Her brother soon deserted us.
The day ended with a boat ride along the canal to the BTS station (after all, Bangkok is the Venice of Asia)where we headed towards home.
Throughout the entire day, I was repeatedly overwhelmed by the attention and generosity of my friend and one-day guide. She planned the day ahead of time, taking into account what she thought would be most interesting for me, what was near each other, what were the sort of things it would be better for me to have a local around for. Both she and her brother put me first, and I began to see that despite the surface appearance of the city, inaccessible and forbearing, the spirit of welcome in the people can more than compensate.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Magha Puja
Today is the Buddhist holiday of Magha Puja, celebrated by Buddhists in Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. The origins of the holiday are as follows: 9 months after the Buddha achieved enlightenment,on a night of a full moon (which in itself was a special thing being in a lunar calendar) on a seemingly random night, 1,250 followers all came to the Buddha at once, unplanned. All 1,250 of them were Arhanta (spiritual followers who achieve a high level of enlightenment) who had been ordained by the Buddha personally, and then at this meeting, the Buddha gave them the principles Buddhism, called "The ovadhapatimokha": - To cease from all evil,- To do what is good,- To cleanse one's mind.
in observation of this day, observant Buddhists will go to temples to pray and venerate the Buddha (Puja means venerate).IN addition, they will do extra good deeds, and be mindful of the precepts of the Buddha*.
for most of us here in Bangkok, it means a three day weekend. The idea of the holiday sounds lovely, and the timing of it is perfect, making up for my missing presidents' day in new york.
So, my plans for today include: cleaning my apartment, doing laundry, having lunch with a friend, laying by the pool and going to the gym. Tomorrow, the continuation of tourism in Bangkok commences.
*all information regarding Magha Puja was obtained through wikipedia.
in observation of this day, observant Buddhists will go to temples to pray and venerate the Buddha (Puja means venerate).IN addition, they will do extra good deeds, and be mindful of the precepts of the Buddha*.
for most of us here in Bangkok, it means a three day weekend. The idea of the holiday sounds lovely, and the timing of it is perfect, making up for my missing presidents' day in new york.
So, my plans for today include: cleaning my apartment, doing laundry, having lunch with a friend, laying by the pool and going to the gym. Tomorrow, the continuation of tourism in Bangkok commences.
*all information regarding Magha Puja was obtained through wikipedia.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
week one in bangkok
Sawadee Ka!
I have now been here a bit longer than a week, I had meant to post Sunday night after exactly 1 week, but what can you do.
The flights here were not so bad...things could be worse than flying in business with a seat that reclines to 180 degrees. it is still 22 hours of travel, but things could have been worse. (On that note, it could have gotten worse--flying through Shanghai, I had to go through customs and get my passport stamped just for transferring. Not so bad in theory, except I had only 3 boxes left for stamps, planning to get new pages on arrival to bangkok. If i had been 1 box shorter, I'd have had a massive issue.)
Once I arrived to Bangkok, I collected my luggage, arranged a car, and, thanks to Noam's map, found myself at DS Tower 2 shortly before 11. After introductions, a bit of chit chat and some business with keys and cell phones, I retired to my new home, room 93/129, where I did some minor unpacking and went to bed for the night.
Merely 6 hours later I was meeting Noam in the lobby-- for my first day, he kindly agreed to let me go into work with him. This needs some explanation. The mode of transportation in Bangkok can not be your feet. For us, the daily commute in involves a motorbike to the BTS station, and then the BTS airtrain (and the reverse coming home). So, this my first morning, found me as the third passenger on Noam's bike, along with his 7 year old daughter we were dropping off at school.
Of course, everyone, the forong and the locals, have been very nice and as helpful as i need. the biggest thing is still just getting used to the ways that i can--and cannot-- get around the city. Since my fourth day, however, I am able to get my own motorbike taxi to and from, and I haven't missed a BTS stop yet. Oh, and not to worry--Last friday was my appointment at the embassy, at which I successfully obtained a set of additional pages, worth a total of 88 new stamps.
Monday through friday I saw nothing but my desk and my bed really; between the hours, the unexpectedly early sunset, and the jetlag (I was waking up at 3 am for a while), what else could I do? But in this time, I got to meet many people and slowly begin to gain my bearing, just in time for Saturday, when Kun O kindly offered to go to chatuchal market in bangkok with me (the largest outdoor market in asia). It was amazing on so many levels-- obviously the shopping was great and fruitful (two hats, a couple of bags, 1 actually needed, and some souveniry things for me and others), we had some good food, and I was actually on my feet walking around outdoors for 7 hours!! Even I was a bit tired afterwards, though, and came home to relax for an hour or so by the roof-deck pool. tough life for a saturday with 90 degree weather in february. sorry, new york.
When Sunday suddenly came already, the end to my first week, i looked around and still saw-- my giant suitcase, with clothing spilling out of it. I, who can not resist unpacking for an overnight, had been living in a suitcase for a week. that ended quickly. In addition, I finally managed to find the local (and shockingly walkable!) grocery store. A successful end to a needed weekend.
Monday was Valentines' Day, which is definitely done here--roses and hearts abounded-- including for me! I came home to find a delivery from my own Valentine, all the way from New York-- roses, chocolates and a teddy bear. What more could a girl ask for :)
Which brings us more or less up to date. Today, I finally had the lenses of my glasses replaced (they had been so scratched up, it was like a permanent cloud!) and this evening I even joined a gym, going to bang into shape while in bangkok!...okay, that was bad. Oh, well.
To really seal the deal of my extended, not-so Eat, Pray, Love-like stay here, this evening I hung my mezzuzah on the door. I bet I'm easy to find now.
I have now been here a bit longer than a week, I had meant to post Sunday night after exactly 1 week, but what can you do.
The flights here were not so bad...things could be worse than flying in business with a seat that reclines to 180 degrees. it is still 22 hours of travel, but things could have been worse. (On that note, it could have gotten worse--flying through Shanghai, I had to go through customs and get my passport stamped just for transferring. Not so bad in theory, except I had only 3 boxes left for stamps, planning to get new pages on arrival to bangkok. If i had been 1 box shorter, I'd have had a massive issue.)
Once I arrived to Bangkok, I collected my luggage, arranged a car, and, thanks to Noam's map, found myself at DS Tower 2 shortly before 11. After introductions, a bit of chit chat and some business with keys and cell phones, I retired to my new home, room 93/129, where I did some minor unpacking and went to bed for the night.
Merely 6 hours later I was meeting Noam in the lobby-- for my first day, he kindly agreed to let me go into work with him. This needs some explanation. The mode of transportation in Bangkok can not be your feet. For us, the daily commute in involves a motorbike to the BTS station, and then the BTS airtrain (and the reverse coming home). So, this my first morning, found me as the third passenger on Noam's bike, along with his 7 year old daughter we were dropping off at school.
Of course, everyone, the forong and the locals, have been very nice and as helpful as i need. the biggest thing is still just getting used to the ways that i can--and cannot-- get around the city. Since my fourth day, however, I am able to get my own motorbike taxi to and from, and I haven't missed a BTS stop yet. Oh, and not to worry--Last friday was my appointment at the embassy, at which I successfully obtained a set of additional pages, worth a total of 88 new stamps.
Monday through friday I saw nothing but my desk and my bed really; between the hours, the unexpectedly early sunset, and the jetlag (I was waking up at 3 am for a while), what else could I do? But in this time, I got to meet many people and slowly begin to gain my bearing, just in time for Saturday, when Kun O kindly offered to go to chatuchal market in bangkok with me (the largest outdoor market in asia). It was amazing on so many levels-- obviously the shopping was great and fruitful (two hats, a couple of bags, 1 actually needed, and some souveniry things for me and others), we had some good food, and I was actually on my feet walking around outdoors for 7 hours!! Even I was a bit tired afterwards, though, and came home to relax for an hour or so by the roof-deck pool. tough life for a saturday with 90 degree weather in february. sorry, new york.
When Sunday suddenly came already, the end to my first week, i looked around and still saw-- my giant suitcase, with clothing spilling out of it. I, who can not resist unpacking for an overnight, had been living in a suitcase for a week. that ended quickly. In addition, I finally managed to find the local (and shockingly walkable!) grocery store. A successful end to a needed weekend.
Monday was Valentines' Day, which is definitely done here--roses and hearts abounded-- including for me! I came home to find a delivery from my own Valentine, all the way from New York-- roses, chocolates and a teddy bear. What more could a girl ask for :)
Which brings us more or less up to date. Today, I finally had the lenses of my glasses replaced (they had been so scratched up, it was like a permanent cloud!) and this evening I even joined a gym, going to bang into shape while in bangkok!...okay, that was bad. Oh, well.
To really seal the deal of my extended, not-so Eat, Pray, Love-like stay here, this evening I hung my mezzuzah on the door. I bet I'm easy to find now.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Here we go again
It seems that not too long ago I was doing this, too. Right now I'm sitting in th lounge, waiting for 10:20 when I can go and board my flight, shearing for Bangkok via shanghai. For some reason my laptop is not connecting to the network, so I am blogging via my iPad, not as awkward to type on as I would have thought it would be.
On the list of things to do while I am gone, I hope to get to Cambodia, back to china, and to learn Thai, amongst a few other plans that will hopefully pan out well.
time to set up my extended absence greeting, see you all again in the far east,
On the list of things to do while I am gone, I hope to get to Cambodia, back to china, and to learn Thai, amongst a few other plans that will hopefully pan out well.
time to set up my extended absence greeting, see you all again in the far east,
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