Since we're heading to the English-speaking, developed world of Oceania in just a short while, we're using this stint in Thailand to take full advantage of low cost goods and services. We arrived in Bangkok on December 20th, checked in with our old friends at the Atlanta, and went to work on Phase I of our stock-up strategy.
Day 1: We hit the cheap mall (MBK) for bargain threads to replace the duds in need of retirement. The clothes there are plentiful, cheap, and uniquely Thai. Which means we're both rocking a groovier style than usual, although I have yet to give in to the harem pant that's the uniform of travelers in SE Asia. Its hard to resist a crotch that hits at the ankle, but I've employed an iron will. We saw “The Social Network” and ate another amazing dinner at the Siam Paragon food court.
Day 2: We had met brother-sister team Trevor and Ashley on our flight from Phnom Penh and they came along to the Atlanta with us. Trevor was having a suit made and spoke highly of the Bangkok tailor he'd been using. So, we hit Raja's Shop on Sukhumvit in the morning and chose material for 7 shirts (the 7th one's free, of course) for Eduardo. In the afternoon we visited the much-beloved V. Siam Optical to get some new specs for Ed. Then we wandered the trendy Thonglor neighborhood, visited the Thai Center for Design and ate mind-blowing street noodles. By evening the glasses were ready for pick up and we and headed back to Raja's for a fitting. They're gorgeous, the work is flawless, and each costs less than a shirt from the Gap.
Day 3: Kicked off the day with the Herald Trib and pots of our favorite coffee in Thailand at the Atlanta dining room. Then to the Bangkok post office to mail home souvenirs and excess crap. A 5.5 kg box to the US for about $35. Can't beat it. Also not beaten? The train to the BK airport which runs every 15 minutes, takes 25 in travel time, and costs $.50/person. How does New York not have this? And I mean from the island of Manhattan, none of this Queens Airtrain b.s.
On our return to Bangkok in 10 days or so, Phase II will commence with the purchase of contact lenses, prescription medication, teeth cleaning at the fancy dental spa, and anything else we can justify buying. Its going to be Thai-style “Supermarket Sweep” but with gauzy tops and hand tooled leather. Woot.
(Kids that day on Sukumvit singing carols. Brought to you by Citibank. Which, obviously, is why Santa is wearing blue.)
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