Our first night in Bangkok was a little different to what we had expected. We landed at Suvarnabhumi Airport at around 8PM and by about 9PM we were headed out the door of our hotel ready to experience Sukhumvit Road. I still can’t believe how quickly we de-planed, cleared customs, and drove into BKK. I think the taxi driver going 120kms+ may have helped that a bit. We tried to put our seatbelts on but it was no use since the buckles were removed
So we took the sky train from Chidlom to Nana station and we were there. It was so familiar to see the rows of little night market stalls selling anything from souvenirs to Viagra (yes seriously!) We were looking for Soi 11 which is known for food and bars but ended up missing it and wandering into a neighborhood I have called “Little Arabia”
We stumbled upon Little Arabia when we had the idea of wandering down a lane off Sukumvit in search for a beer and some satay sticks. The moment we turned into the lane we entered the Middle East. Gone were the Thai squiggles on the signs. They were replaced by Arabic script and English names evoking those desert lands. The people also changed. Deeper skin tones replaced the lighter Thai and the women went from scantily clad to modestly draped in wonderful hi jabs and the odd burka. I felt very underdressed in my shorts and tank top. Apparently, I had gotten a few looks of disapproval from the men according to my husband John.
It was a strange but cool experience walking around Little Arabia. Seeing men in flowing white robes sitting around drinking tea instead of beer. Walking past kebab stalls and shops selling nothing but leather sandals. I had secretly hoped that we would see old men smoking in a hooka bar but I think I’ll need to save that cliche for when I see the Middle East proper!
It was a different world and one I have never experienced before. It was confronting, fascinating and totally unexpected. One night in Bangkok and the world is definitely your oyster!
So we took the sky train from Chidlom to Nana station and we were there. It was so familiar to see the rows of little night market stalls selling anything from souvenirs to Viagra (yes seriously!) We were looking for Soi 11 which is known for food and bars but ended up missing it and wandering into a neighborhood I have called “Little Arabia”
We stumbled upon Little Arabia when we had the idea of wandering down a lane off Sukumvit in search for a beer and some satay sticks. The moment we turned into the lane we entered the Middle East. Gone were the Thai squiggles on the signs. They were replaced by Arabic script and English names evoking those desert lands. The people also changed. Deeper skin tones replaced the lighter Thai and the women went from scantily clad to modestly draped in wonderful hi jabs and the odd burka. I felt very underdressed in my shorts and tank top. Apparently, I had gotten a few looks of disapproval from the men according to my husband John.
It was a strange but cool experience walking around Little Arabia. Seeing men in flowing white robes sitting around drinking tea instead of beer. Walking past kebab stalls and shops selling nothing but leather sandals. I had secretly hoped that we would see old men smoking in a hooka bar but I think I’ll need to save that cliche for when I see the Middle East proper!
It was a different world and one I have never experienced before. It was confronting, fascinating and totally unexpected. One night in Bangkok and the world is definitely your oyster!
Comments
November 18, 2012
Loving the stories. Keep them coming.
November 19, 2012
you wait till you hear about Pattaya!!!