Every night a gigantic outdoor area of Bangkok is overtaken by thousands of vendors selling everything from expensive clothes and bags to cheap souvenirs and foot massages. We had no idea what to expect when Angus and Oh picked us up last night; we'd been meaning to go to this market since we arrived in Bangkok but had just never gotten around to it.
The first stop in the market was the beer garden. Obviously. ;) The boys needed some fuel before the long night of shopping started! We had amazing food and cold beer at an outdoor table - true Thai dining (although I was trying not to think about the fact that the vendors were really just selling "street food" in a slightly nicer setting). Angus and Oh continued their quest to improve our Thai. We learned how to politely say "no" to a waiter's offer of more beer: Mai Bpen Lai Cruhp Khun Kaa. It literally means "nevermind thank you very much" and is a generic term you can use for pretty much anything you don't want or don't care about (like someone bumping into you on the street). We'll be fluent before long!
Next it was off to tackle the rows and rows of vendors! Sean and I quickly agreed that this was the nicest place we've shopped. The vendors weren't loud and pushy like they are in some places and the shops actually had a lot of really nice stuff! Oh and I kept veering into the clothes and jewelry shops while Angus and Sean were amazed by the fake ninja weaponry ;)
Finally Oh convinced Angus and Sean to get a foot massage and leave us girls to browse (although that really didn't take much convincing). We then went on a search for clothes to fit me, the Westerner. Not likely! Asian people may be small in general but Thais are TINY! Everything is one size - you just hope the elastic will stretch enough. Oh was optimistic and kept pointing out great things (she noted that we have the same taste and so she always knew when I was going to point to something and like it!). Unfortunately the elastic just wouldn't stretch quite enough ;) I did end up with a great new necklace though!!! Gotta love jewelry and shoes.
The night ended with more beer on yet another outdoor patio. We all had a great night and can't wait to do it again. Our next adventure with Angus and Oh will take place this weekend - we're going to the floating market!
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1 comment:
Hello from your uncle in Halifax. All this talk about beer is getting me quite thirsty! Looks like quite an adventure you are having there. Just wanted to let you know I go into your Blog a couple times a week to see what you are up to. Have fun. I will use the nickname Unci. That's what Melanie calls me (Hard to say how that spells)
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