Bangkok: A Quick Glimpse

When I spoke openly of traveling solo, I received looks of displease and concern. When I spoke of traveling solo through Europe, I was treated as if I had a death wish. When I spoke of Bangkok, I was told stories of slaughter, horrifying rabies deaths, theft, and despair. 

So of course, I came into Bangkok guns blazing, ready to face any sign of danger. Except there wasn't any. Bangkok is full of the friendliest people I've ever met. Sure, they'll try to rip you off and charge you more for a taxi ride or a pound of clementines...and by "more" I mean $0.30 more. Can you blame them? Just like the stories that brought my parents to the U.S., the Thai hear stories of gold paved road and the "American Dream". And yes, they will try to take advantage of that. But hurt you? No way.

I can confidently say that Bangkok is the safest city I've ever visited.

I have a habit of pre-booking a room with airport transportation whenever I visit a place, especially an unfamiliar country. There is nothing more relieving than seeing a sign with your name on it after multiple days of travel. And I was so grateful to see that in Bangkok and even more grateful to find myself in an incredible room with the comfiest bed I've ever slept in (that opinion may be influence by 40 hours of non-stop movement and plane hopping).

After a night of great sleep, I was ready to take on Bangkok. I was dropped off at the metro station and had my first public transportation experience in Thailand. Having experienced metros of many US cities, the Thai experience proved to be a piece of cake. My first stop was the Indian Embassy. In a spurt of spontaneity I added India to my itinerary without thinking through the Visa part (typical Yelena) so there I was, a white girl with a backpack refusing to take a taxi and instead navigating foreign streets with a map in hand. Without any trouble, amazed at the ease of navigating streets and my map reading abilities (all those wilderness skills!), I made it to the embassy. Three hours later I walked out with a receipt in hand and instructions to pick up my visa in 6 business days. So there it is- I am officially going to India!

I walked to my hostel and was blown away by the views from my balcony.

I quickly learned that walking is my preferred method of transportation and in the process determined that it's also the best way to explore a city. By walking you are able to see the good, the bad, and the ugly. You find yourself falling in line with the pace of the people and get an appreciation for their day to day life. So I walked everywhere. The only time I didn't walk was alone at night. In fact, I was so tired from my full days of walking that I was in bed by 8pm every night. 

Here are some highlights from my two days in Bangkok:

1. Lumpini Park

Lumpini Park is Bangkok's version of NYC's Central Park. Much smaller in size, it had waves of runners, Tai Chi practitioners, and all sorts of other health conscious individuals. Walking through Lumpini Park, I realized that daily exercise is part of the Thai lifestyle. There were individuals of all shapes and ages moving their bodies in whatever way felt good. 

2. The Grand Palace and Reclining Buddha

A typical tourist attraction that cannot be missed. It is so beautiful.

And the reclining buddha was a sight to behold. It was HUGE.

The next few are a result of walking and really getting a feel for the city away from the beaten path.

3. The altars all over the city.

As a nation of Buddhists, there are altars and places of worship on every street block. They are all very unique with their own sense of charm. It is typical to see people praying and stopping multiple times a day for a moment of worship is a way of life for the Thai people. Their strong sense of spirituality radiates in every inch of their city.

4. The slowly emerging eco-consciousness of Bangkok.

Bangkok is dirty. There is trash all around and the sanitation of places isn't a high priority. However, there is a slowly emerging "green" culture. They have an official bikes only day, and there are places you can rent bikes and return them at a different location. Slowly but surely, Thailand is stepping towards a more environmentally friendly way of life.  

5. The charm of Thai streets, shops, sidewalks, and alleyways.

By walking everywhere, I feel that I truly got a taste of authentic Bangkok. From the fear inducing alleyways of people staring at you to side roads off a busy highway, Thailand is filled with opportunities to truly experience it's culture. I am grateful to have gotten a tiny taste.

Home Sweet Thailand

I will never forget the heaviness of the air as I stepped off the plane. The humidity is unlike any I've felt before; an entity it's own, attacking your body for it's moisture and sucking it all out. The flight from Beijing to Bangkok felt like a delusional roller coaster ride as 36 hours of no sleep took over my mind and the monsoon took over the plane. I dozed in and out of consciousness, awakened by the dramatic drops and rocked back to sleep by the gentle bumps of the invisible air road. Somehow instead of feeling fear or worry, a euphoria took over. I smiled as the plane fought it's way through the thickness of the monsoon clouds and felt a sense of blissful weightlessness as the wheels made contact with the runway.

I was surprised at how quickly I got past immigration and stepped out into a mass of people yelling things in my face, asking what my name is, and trying to convince me that I "won't regret staying in this all-inclusive resort on the beach!" Sorry new Thai friends, been there done that and it ain't my thing! I was prepared for the airport lobby and knew exactly what to do; don't look them in the eyes and don't respond.

I did just that...until I didn't. You see, I had pre-arranged a ride and at the meeting point there were dozens of drivers holding up signs with names. Amongst them were individuals advertising for taxis and all sorts of non-necessities. As I glanced through all the signs looking for my name, I made eye contact with a Thai advertising a taxi service. Mistake number one. Don't make eye contact.

When asked if I needed a taxi I said no. Mistake number two. Don't respond.

It took countless polite declines and finally a very firm NO to escape. After that interaction, I chose to hang out by the flight monitors and discreetly glance over to look for a sign with my name on it. Finally, I see it! A man holding a sign with my name on it! I approach him with a smile and put out my hand for a handshake. He looks confused. I had a moment of panic where I couldn't remember if it's the left hand or the right hand that's considered dirty in Thailand....FAIL. Hoping that I didn't offend my driver, I bowed my head in apology and looked up to see him smiling that beautiful, warm smile that Thais are famous for. He grabbed my bag and started walking...I followed.

We walked through hallways, took a few turns, and were in a parking garage. We approached his car and I immediately went for the passenger side door. I looked up to see my driver confused again. I glanced into the window and realized that I was standing at the driver's side...second fail.

Laughing, I made my way to the other side, got in, and we took off. While driving, I though about my adventure so far and how it led up to a moment of being in a car with a stranger, driving through a country I've never been in, and trusting that I was going to end up in a safe place with a clean and comfy bed. I know what some of you may be thinking- you're stupid, crazy, and asking for trouble.

I appreciate your concern and respect your opinion. We are all entitled to our individual truths and beliefs. That's what makes us so interesting and special. I believe in trust, intuition, and adventure. I believe in overcoming fears, putting myself in risky and fearful situations, and doing things solo for the purpose of growth and self-discovery. I believe that there is danger everywhere, and there is also goodness everywhere. I've heard horror stories of terrible things happening to people overseas, and I've heard just as many horror stories of terrible things happening to people in my own neighborhood and in my own country. And yes, I am afraid of terrible things happening to me- overseas and in the states. But I am not going to let that fear stop me from living my life the way I am inspired to live it. I believe in the power of my intuition and I have become fluent in it's language. As soon as I started listening, understanding, and most importantly following that voice, my life has been exponentially evolving into a journey of meaning, purpose, and limitless possibilities.

It has led me through mountains and canyons; to the oceans and the rivers; to remote places of wilderness and into the hearts of teenagers; to brother Thailand and mother India; to soulmates, growth zones, and wild adventures; to a life of overcoming fears, finding joy in every moment, a belief in the goodness of people, and a trust in the unexplainable; to a safe place and a comfy bed.

I don't know how often I will blog through this chapter of my journey. Maybe daily, weekly, or not at all. Either way, I'll have stories the next time our paths cross.

Love and Blessings to you all.