Protesting in Bangkok

We are now in Phnom Penh, the fabulous capital of Cambodia and these last couple of days have been really awesome. 

 

A few days back in Bangkok, we saw harsh reality of some side products of mass tourism. Also we found some qualities of this Asian traveling hub very appealing. The feeling of no control was overwhelming and sometimes even a little disturbing. An old phrase, nothing works but a decent amount of money will make everything happen, would describe the city more than great. Luckily the weather was mild and we hardly even had to wear any sunscreen to protect our delicate bodies. After all, the capital with nine million inhabitants felt a little too big and bustling to me and everything circling around the money was just enought to take for these four days.

The city is divided right now because of the ongoing protest between the royal family- and the Thaksin supporters. The protesters separate themselves by wearing either yellow- or red t-shirts and take part on these crowded gatherings on the central parts of the city. We were not meant to take part but by an accident we we stranded by a huge mass of people while going shopping. The idea escalated a little bit and then we already were among the locals to witness this ear-braking experience. People had whistles and many were waving a Thailand flag. Everybody were in a happy mood and the thing reminded more like a festival of some sort. Not much other Westerners were there but we stll were not being paid too much attention. One thing is sure, the Thai people have a very strong self esteem and respect for their country despite the political mess going on. After, we heard that there was a total of two million people protesting on that Sunday in various locations of Bangkok.

 When finally going home after a long day of wandering we came across this some sort of street festival. There was bands performing and some stalls offering handicrafts and food. A really different atmosphere comparing to the protest only a few blocks away.

The image that Thailand left in my mind was still a question mark. Spending only four days in the capital city didn't give too much what it comes to the genuine Thai culture. Also, can there be a genuine Thai culture? Maybe that is a mix of modern western influence and an ancient Asian tradition. That we will continue finding out in four weeks when returning to Thailand and heading home.

 

The beginning of an endless trip

Here are we, with my friend Olli, in Bangkok! Everything is fine, the weather is mild and humidity is ok for my delicate nose.

We experienced some random stuff in the way down here while the airlines made us to wait six hours in the Paris airport. The plane was delayed because of there was some problem with the turbine which we found out from one guy who we got to know while waiting. This guy was totally amazing, his dad had worked in Malaysian airlines and he knew some of the sfaff in the airport.

After the delay we got the info that the plane was about to take off and we'd about to get to Kuala Lumpur. Then, on the plane, we got the chance to sit next to each other and managed to sleep some one to three hours. Olli is suffering from a coeliac disease and there was pretty unique set of airline cuisine organized for him. Because of that, I got to eat some of his food and
all he got was some frozen water and beef. When the flight came to an end we went to the KL terminal only to find out that we were scheduled to a new flight to Bangkok at 9pm which was eight hours ahead. We were offered a free hotel room by Malaysian airlines in a five star Marriott hotel and we took the most out of the half an hour we had in there. Also a free buffet was included but the rush was so overwhelming that we had to take smuggle ice cream and couple of pitahaya-fruits with us. Then, when we finally made it to the next flight we were so exhausted that we both fell asleep straight away. There was some delay in that flight also and we waited on the airstrip maybe for an hour but it didn't worry us anymore.

When finally landing to Bangkok we didn't have anywhere to stay but luckily we came across with these wonderful Finnish girls who knew
where to go. We would've went to the same place also but it was nicer to browse options with these Oulu-flickorna. Walking a while back and forth the Khao San Road we found this place we're staying right now for about 6e per night in a double room.

Everything's okay in here now and we're just  enjoying our stress-free life in here now. Wish all of you the best there in Finland and everywhere you're reading this right now! Special thanks also for my best roommates ever, Danny and Meg, who organized and cooked us a never forgetting Vietnamise hotpot-farewell party!