Bangkok/Singapore - Direct from the Source.

"One night in Bangkok..." Well it turned into more than one. I ended up staying for about four nights. Two of the days were spent in a daze of exhaustion and heat. I took it easy...went to Siam Center, a huge mall that makes Short Hills look like a Kmart. They have a floor with cars. And not just any cars (think Lamborghini, Maserati, Lotus) And a whole level devoted to such an array of foods. Cauldrons of soups and curries and platters of spring rolls and clusters of bakeries.

I also spent some time enjoying the pool at my guesthouse (the only guesthouse to offer a pool!). But I also did some sightseeing in Bangkok and was particularly taken by Wat Pho and Wat Arun. Honestly, just when you think you've seen enough temples for a liftetime. Just when you think you are done. Bam! Wat Pho with it's intricate details and Wat Arun with it's granite like look, blows you away.

I also enjoyed some time at Luipini Park where the photo of the giant lizard was taken. Masses of locals gather in the evenings to take part in synchronized dancing to house music. It's mainly older people and quite a spectacle.

I also visited the Grand Palace, also stunning. And after a night of night marketing, my time in Thailand came to an end. Today, I arrived in Singapore, where my trip began. It's wonderful to see friends Mesh and Abby again. And surreal to be easing back into civilization (where I don't have to worry about the contents of a drink and eating raw veggies are safe).

And so the trip draws to an end. At the beginning of this journey I felt the time I had allotted was far too much. I wasn't sure how I would get through being away from Porl and my family (especially my nephew with his daily changings). And yet now, at the end of my trip, I feel it was just the right amount of time away. Just long enough for me to rediscover myself, to find Maria again (not just Maria of Maria and Porl). And time enough to know that I can still enjoy an adventure or two in life.

Mesh asked me tonight what the highlights of my trip were and it was simple: the people. The locals I encountered were so kind, so helpful, so easygoing. They always offered a smile even if they didn't understand what was being communicated. They would stop to give directions even if they couldn't speak a stitch of English. They would offer you a chair to sit inside their shop while torrential rain came down.

I was impressed and touched by the warmth I received. It truly was an experience. Of course, there was the scenery, the piercing green rice fields, the soaring mountains, the winding Mekong River.

Things I will not miss, however, include (in no particular order): leeches (okay, maybe in some kind of order), ants, mysterious bugs in showers, hard mattresses and even harder pillows, scratchy towels and punishing heat.

I could not have done this trip without several things: Music (a huge shout out to the shuffle feature, Kings of Leon, James and Home Video -- if you don't know Home Video, go to Pandora and check them out). A sense of humor (to laugh it off when the locals hack up loogies every 15 minutes during an 8-hour bus trip or stop every 5 minutes). And, of course, most importantly, this trip would not have happened if not for the gentle nudge and unwaivering support of Porl. For that I am grateful. Thank you.

And thank you for those who have kept up with the blog (my apologies if my entries were not as poetic as I would have liked). And thanks to those who emailed regularly and checked in.

I am sad to leave this easygoing vibe. This simple pace. But I am looking forward to seeing family and friends.

See you soon,

Nuttter.

AT HOME:
Too tired to move anything but the lambswool poly urathane applicator for the second coat on the bedroom floor. Back to my day job this week so not much is going on except making this mess of a house just slightly more livable for Nuttter's return. Hmmmm, should get some food in and move the beer out of the upstairs fridge SHARPISH!

Groovespook

written by

Groovespook on August 25, 2009 from Singapore, Singapore

from the travel blog: Nuttter's S.E. Asian Escapade

Send a Compliment

Hi Maria,
It was a great journey for me too. I enjoyed living vicariously through you. Thanks! Safe travels home.

See you soon.

written by melissa on August 26, 2009

Maria,

It was so fun to read this and "follow" you in spirit. Thank you and welcome home, neighbor!

written by Annalise on August 28, 2009

This was about your travels maria? I thought it was Porl's construction blog and you went out for some Thai food.

written by Stuart Weissman on August 31, 2009

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