Entries from August 2008 ↓

The streets and sidewalks of vendors are crowded with stands, where a wide range of vendors sell their wares. Most stands have obvious purposes: some sell tasty grilled chicken, others offer bootleg DVDs, and some sell cheap tourist t-shirts. But what does the stand topped with the giant cowboy hat sell?

It’s unclear whether it takes it’s name from the image of the King above its entrance, or it’s close proximity to the Royal Palace. Whichever it is, with it’s faded beige walls and graying exterior, The Royal Hotel is looking anything but regal these days.

It’s not quite a hallowed shrine, but even in a dark and dusty alley, these statues of the Buddha retain their serene expression and beatific glow.

The strange, flaking texture of this Buddha’s gold is not a sign of its neglect or abandonment- rather, its a sign of devotion. Visitors to this temple can purchase tiny squares of gold leaf. By affixing the gold to the Buddha, they are helping in the upkeep of the temple, and thereby earning merit for the next life.

Most visitors to Thailand visit the Grand Palace, shop at Chatuchak Weekend Market, and maybe take in a competition of Muay Thai, the local martial arts. But for a real Thai experience, why not play the lotto? Little books of tickets are sold along nearly every boulevard in Bangkok- there are even small markets and special sidewalks devoted to the sale of the tickets. But if you want a little extra luck, try to buy your ticket from a disabled person- though it might not make much sense, they’re said to be the luckiest.