The Erawan Shrine

The Erawan Shrine is a shrine that has always been there. As far back as memories can recall, the Erawan Shrine has been at the same corner but the environment has changed. But the energy and activities are still time-honored traditions of people worshiping and asking for favors

revered idol.

This view is from the skywalk that passes the intersection, giving the view from above. You can see the people teeming around the shrine, smoke fumes of incense sticks hangs around, sea of yellow and white from the garlands of flowers of the vendors and cacophony of Thai Classical music and dancers. All of these scenes has been going on since I can remember.


The Erawan Shrine has become a "must-see" and "must-do" for tourists visiting Bangkok. So I tok some time to go down and see the Shrine up close.

Reminder that this is a new statue since the old statue was destroyed by a mad-man who took a hammer and smash the statue to pieces. This happened a few years back and it ended tragically for the young man. Bystanders, enraged by his action chased him down the street and beat him to death.

Alas, I didn't realized the statue is being gilded so the shrine was partly covered. This didn't deter both locals and tourists from praying, burning incense,and placing garland. Everything was business as usual at Erawan Shrine.

Musicians and dancers kept going for the crowd. Its a belief that when one prayers are answered, you must offer a dance in order to thank the spirits. So the dancing troupe dance for both the gods and visitors.













I will have to go back again to get the fullpicture of the shrine once the statue is fully gilded. To watch the flower vendors hawk their ware to the people who wants to worship, either to ask for a favor or offer thanks by offering garlands, candles, incense or a dance. It's actually a wonder place to visit whether you a visitor to this city or a local like me.

Flowers,orchids everywhere

I went to the Orchid Paradise at Paragon today. Good thing too, because it's the last day. Had a field day taking photos of beautiful flowers, mostly orchids. Enjoy the photos.

I should go to JJ market and take photos, especially at the garden and the park. I am getting ahead of myself.

I'd been working on a series or themes. Once I get them together I'll post them.

Party Time

Can't believe it that it's been two weeks that David arrived. Now he's gone back to England and will go back to the grind starting Monday. I guess time flies when you're having fun.

So on his last evening here in Bangkok, we got together for one last Thai meal. the easiest place and accessible places in Bangkok is Siam Square or locally called 'Siam'. You can get there by bus, cab or my favorite mode of transport, the BTS. But Siam can be confusing because there so many shops and lanes, you have to know with land you are going because you can spend time mesmerized by all the stuff and people there are there 24/7.

Tonight we are going to 'Somtam Nuar', a very popular place judging by the line waiting for a table. We were lucky that we got a table right away. I hate to think how long we had to wait
if we didn't get a table.

This is a typical Thai get-together - no one is one time. So when people arrived, they come in waves and each one will order dish that they like. Another typical favorite amongst the Thais and foreigner alike- fried chicken. Always good and finger licking food but better than KFC, hahaha! Doesn't it look delicious?

When all arrived and eaten a huge amount of food the bill came out incredibly cheap. This is one reason why I like Bangkok; you can always find good food for a very reasonable price. Yes, of course, one can find every exquisite food for high prices, too, but you must be insane if you go there.

After the dinner, we wanted desert. We couldn't decide between ice cream or brownies so we just walked towards the Hard Rock Cafe. Yes, when in doubt, go where the boost flows. Can you see all the crazies in front of the Hard Rock?

I have to get on my knees to get this pix. Not an easy task for me but at least I can get up afterwards. I wishes my flash was stronger because this would have been sure a good photo to send home if you were one holidays.

And look, after a heavy dinner, we have to indulge on brownies and ice cream. And, of course, the famous strawberry margaritas.

Alas, I ran out of batteries after this. Woe is me, because the party just got started after. No more blackmail photos.

That all for the night.

MBK

Mah Boon Krong or MBK has become another of my favorite shopping mall. One because it very accessible via BTS from the terminal station of National Stadium. Secondly, the mall is always teeming with people, both local and tourist, shopping for cheap fashion, cheap toys, cheap knock-off fashion bags, etc. For me, MBK is excellent for DVD of TV shows that may or may not be shown on cable TV.

I really didn't like MBK for many years because of all the people that go there. I was never sure where to go when I get there. Then, a couple years back, I had to do some business in MBK, like getting business cards done. Since then, I found a good store to get the latest DVD in quality, clothing shop that carries pants in my size and food.


From the picture above, this is the view of MBK from the walkway going towards Siam Discovery. It's my channel to go to BTS Siam station - the Grand Central for th BTS Skytrain. The above picture was taken after the sun went down. The following photos were taken when I got off the train at the terminal station towards the National Station.

Looking at the National Stadium brings back memories dating back to the man landing on the moon. But that would be another tropic all together. While the
picture is the view of MBK from the side, actually, the back. This was taken before I went into the mall with a specific mission. Alas, I did not accomplish the mission. I guess I'll have to try again another day.

Bangkok is really more than a series of shopping mall. There are many more interesting places to visit. However, when you are an ordinary Bangkok residence schwepping around town via the BTS, then the area you visit are rather limited to shoppings malls.

For now, I am signing off.