Sawat Dee Kah, or good morning in Thai. The Aurum Hotel has a coffe maker in the room, for which I am so grateful. From my balcony I have my first impression of Bangkok. The river is alive with activity. Tug boats pull long barges, long tail boats zip around like mosquitos and the boats that ferry commuters all vie for space on the river.
Our guide arrives and we board a long tail boat to motor through the klongs (canals) of the city. Leaving the boat, the walk from the wharf brings an assault to the sense of smell. Fish both fresh and dried, smoking cook fires, exhaust fumes, moth balls and sewage are all melded into one noxious nosegay. I notice many of the Thai people use nasal inhalers and I understand why. I want one also. The dinner cruise boats add a new entity to the activity on the river at night. They are lit up like Christmas trees, filled with diners at outdoor tables with music blasting into the night. All very festive.
No comments:
Post a Comment