Saturday, July 2nd to Monday, July 4th - Vibrant and Colorful Bangkok

It takes but a few steps to figure out that Bangkok is an incredibly energetic hub. While this could be said for many cities, commercial life seems to happen on the streets, rather than behind the closed doors of establishments and institutions.

Najiya Japanese Restaurant: Photo by Sarah Lamp

Even though Bangkok is in Thailand, it offers an enormous fusion of Asian and European cultures. So far we have eaten at Japanese, Northern Thai, and Taiwanese restaurants. Last night was the first night we had a standard Thai meal ...... and tonight we will eat Mediterranean style.

But this blog is not about food, it is about the energy and colors on the streets.

"San Phra Phum" (Shrine of the Guardian Spirit) on Soi Masuek

Colorful shrines like the one above are ubiquitous, seen in front of businesses large and small. The offerings are generally refreshed daily and as you see here often consist of sodas, fruit and flowers. Sometimes it all gets very sticky and one will see bees and insects enjoying the offerings. Although the dominant religion here is Theravada Buddhism, it is thought these shrines derive from ancient animism and Brahmanism. The hope is that the spirits who inhabit the land will be pleased and thus bring prosperity, happiness and a peaceful life to the inhabitants.  

Soi Sukhumvit 33/1

I find that some of the streets we encounter, just shout energetically at me. No doubt, a big part of that is the novelty - it's a completely different energy from home. No doubt people who come to my present home town of Fernandina Beach get excited by the lights and the loveliness of Centre Street, it's historic building and bustling tourists, but this feels different, fun and much more lively. It derives more from people just bustling about their business, not from people who have come to look. Happily, tourists do not appear to be numerous at the moment.

Custard Nakamura on Soi Sukhumvit 33/1

I was particularly entranced by this lovely Japanese bakery near our restaurant one night, which was celebrating Tanabata ("Evening of the seventh"), a Japanese star festival. It has a sweet story abour 'star crossed lovers' which you might want to Google, but basically people celebrate by writing their wishes on small pieces of paper (called tanzaku) and hanging them on bamboo branches with hopes they will come true. 

Tanzaku being added to the cacophany outside Custard Nakamura.

Sarah had written a tanzaku earlier, but I didn't manage to get one up there. If I were to write one I think it would be something global like world peace plus a desire to have my bones stay strong through this journey! LOL!

Sri Mahamariamman Temple

Obviously, it is not just Thai culture that is resplendent with color, as demonstrated by this Hindu temple that we visited in Silom, the Sri Mahamariamman Temple. (No, it is not a spelling error, there really are that many M's in the name!) It did not lend itself to good photography that allowed me to show the whole structure - electric wires, traffic, congestion and an awkward shape rendered it impossible for me to capture in a way that pleased me. I could show you my best effort, but I'd rather show you just a few details to demonstrate the incredible abundance of color and detail.

Sri Mahamariamman Temple

Sri Mahamariamman Temple

A busload of visitors had just been dropped off, there was a long line to enter and they appeared to be showing something on their phones to the person at the entrance, so Sarah and I decided to turn our attention to the proliferation of flowers that were being sold opposite - offerings for people to take to the temple.

Moto-Taxi drops off a customer to buy her Phuang Malai for the temple

The flowers are a Thai form of floral garland, Phuang Malai. They are given as offerings.

Flower offerings - phuang malai

Sarah bought a lovely lotus one, much like the one on the far left, for a mere $3. She brought it home with her and was relieved to learn that they can be kept for good luck - no bad consequences for keeping its loveliness and aroma for herself instead of giving it to the gods!   

They are very intricate, beautiful and vibrant.

Sky walk at Phrom Phong BTS Station.

New spaces have been created that are colorful and lively like this sky walk above the street near the BTS (Bangkok Transit System) station at Phrom Phong. This one glimmered in the rain.

EmQuartier Mall Entrance

While the open space was lovely, it did not offer a covering from the rain, which had started heavily as I walked by. People were gathered in the doorways of the stores, wanting to cross to the covered skywalk.

What is this parked here for?

Earlier, I had noticed these funny looking things parked in the corners of the pavement. I though they evoked elephants and could not figure out what they were for.

Rain Tunnel at EmQuartier

Within minutes of the rain starting, mall workers emerged and rapidly spun the odd looking structures around and pulled them out to full length. They stretched them between the doors of the store and the covered sky walk, creating tunnels.

Happy and dry customers!

People were very happy to benefit from their actions! I loved knowing that there were people watching the situation and immediately stepped into action to implement a solution. This is the type of energy I appreciate!

Pak Khlong Talat (Flower Market)

The last splash of color I leave you with comes from the Pak Khlong Talat (Mouth of the Canal) Flower Market. The venue was a few stops away on the underground train, the MRT (Metropolitan Rapid Transit) and was a hive of activity. Hand carts, bicycles, motorcycles all shared the space in the narrow aisles between the stalls. 

Mass of flowers

Orchids galore!

As you might imagine, there are many more photos I could share, but I suspect you get the idea now of just how splendid the whole place feels - alive and beautiful! I am definitely enjoying my visit here and glad you can join me through this medium.

Even the silk flowers were lovely! LOL!

Until next time.