When I do my trademark skip-trowl drywall texture, I attempt to create a pattern of consistant inconsistancy. If done properly, the drywall texture simply blends together without capturing attention in any one place at any one time. There is a method to the madness that, in the end, works together brilliantly. Such is traffic in Bangkok.
One of the most amazing things about Thailand is the acceptance of imperfection, a Buddhist philosophy. The roads in Bankok, and every other city or village in Thailand, seem to use the same concept. The lines on the roads, street signs, and traffic lights seem to be more of a suggestion than a rule. And if on a scooter, the direction of travel also seems optional. In a city approaching 9 million people, it is one of the most beautful things I have ever seen, heard, smelled or tasted. The pollution, mixed with endless street vendors cooking pungent Asian cuisine, make the experience something very special. A diamond in the rough.
The patience of Thai motorists is simply remarkable. Nothing seems to phaze them, not even the bus drivers. When traveling back home today from the Palace of the Emerald Buddha, I was in awe of my driver. In possibly the worst white-knuckle traffic I had ever seen, the smile never drifted from the bus drivers face while he held down a conversation with a friend hanging on to the handrail beside him as we weaved and bounced down the city street. NASCAR is a Sunday drive in comparison.
My time in Bankok has been again, amazing! I would struggle if I tried to put it all into words, so I would prefer pictures. Unfortunately I took my PC laptop which does not contain the software for downloading photos. So...for the handful of people who may read this blog, my pictures will be uploaded when my software arrives from the U.S. in about 2 weeks, when Jirapat arrives.
Untill then, I am bound to the internet cafes and tapping away while the kids, averaging about 9 years old, scream aloud in excitement while playing online video games. I am simply a drifter passing through there domain!
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5 comments:
Heh Rich,
Gik said you called and was having a great time in Bangkok. Sound like it based on these comments.
Sorry we will have to wait a couple of weeks for the pictures.
However, we look forward to your next comments.
Mom and Dad
I enjoy your writing.
It is true that the road signs in Bangkok are just warning signs. You know what to do without looking at them. This explains why I failed the drivers' license written test the first time I took it. I took me only 10 mins to study for the written test in Thailand.
Can you go to the internet cafe by yourself now?
Watch out for the cars when you walk in the narrow street.
Cheers,
Gik
Let me make it clear. I failed the written test for driving in the US, not in Thailand (where I scored very high).
Gik
Gik - as long as you keep your international drivers liscense up to date, your in good shape...;)
Hi Rich
Your journalism degree is showing.
Love your web site. Looking forward to the pictures. It is apparent that you have what my ex-wife complained of - the dreaded Marco Polo disease. I guess if you have to catch a life-long, incurable disease it is the best one. Keep the blog current, I love it.
David (of Paris and Gainesville)
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