This weekend Neung, Joy, Manisha and I escaped city-lights, honking horns, buzzing tuk-tuks, smog and more smog, hundreds and thousands of stores, shops and markets, massage parlors, international food establishments offering any type of edible morsel from crickets and dry fish to Dunkin Donuts tiramisu donuts (yes, I tried one!) and fresh-cut exotic fruit!! We went to the town of Samut Songkramm, more specifically to "Ro Song Park" - the birthplace of King Rama II.Ahhh ... It was WONDERFUL to see a multitude of dragonflies swarming above a maintained traditional Thai house or intently observe huge ants marching in and out of their "home" high up on a tree branch. I've never seen anything like it! Look closely ... can you see the ants climbing on the branch toward their "leaf-dwelling?" My immediate thought was, "wow!, how did these ants work together to maneuver the leaves in such a way as to create their 'home?'" My second thought was, "why can't human beings - as the superior species - work in a similar 'harmonious' manner?"
Check out the beautiful woman (pictured above) selling grilled squid on her boat at the floating market. And here is another woman selling fruit; every person sells one item (whether it's fruit, fish, vegetables, coffee, etc.). Authentic foods and unique handicraft items are arranged in little stands that are accessible via a boardwalk. It was awesome to see, or simply experience, while enjoying the positive energy of people eating, walking, listening to music, shopping...
At one point, I saw a bunch of older Thai women sitting by the canal eating ice cream! They looked like they were in heaven!! How could they not be? :o) You all know my love for ice cream and it being one of the major food groups (next to fruits & vegetables)! Anyway, as I was walking on the board walk and could not help but look at them (some people would consider it staring); one woman looked at me... smiled... widened her eyes... licked her ice cream... grinned at me... and gestured me to partake! I smiled back (big smile)... wai-ed her... and gave her the thumbs up!! Non-verbals are amazing!!!!! Again ... we all smile in the same language and it's pretty safe to say that ice cream is loved and savored by all!
Here we are ... Neung, me, Joy and Manisha! Four women representing different countries (Thailand, Philippines, Italy, United States and India), different cultures, different religious backgrounds, etc. Together, we had an awesome afternoon!!!!
Sunday, I went to temple at Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha). The ambiance of peace and environment of worship that surrounds you is surreal ....
In the following video, take a look at the feet of the Reclining Buddha as they're decorated with mother of pearl inlay. Although I didn't go to Wat Arun this weekend, I will definitely return as it is my favorite landmark in Bangkok. Enjoy ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhRJ41gMAyo
