"Took Took, Sir?" Professional Drivers only please!
Their airport is crazy! the whole thing is built on a concept of a shopping mall! It looks like Metrotown in the waiting terminals after you go through customs.
People here love their King. Everywhere we went there were pictures and statues that represents the king. Thai people are wonderful, open, friendly, and courteous. Then there are the few that makes a bad name for everyone else.
"Took Took" drivers work together with other vendors to scam tourists. Taxi drivers trying to rip us off by charging a set price. Pimps on every corner of Silom asking us about massage, and street vendors are just as aggressive as the drivers & riders on the road. Vehicles on the street "JUST GO".
Segregation between the haves and the have-nots are huge, as people constantly ask for tips in foreign currency. You see some people driving an expensive luxury car, then there are the street vendors. I've had the chance to eat some of the street food, but due to the pollution we decided to eat in. It was definitely a wise decision to stay in an upscale hotel, as Priceline got us a room @ the Holiday Inn on Silom.
History, Palaces, & Temples in Bangkok are amazing. Words do not do justice to the rich history that these monuments hold. Cameras, video, etc cannot capture the essence in these palace. "WOW" kept coming out of people as they walk through the Grand Palace & Marble Palace. I kept wondering "What was it like to live here?" We didn't get a chance to see the Emerald Buddha as the Princess had arrived and everyone had to evacuate the area for her to enter the Grand Palace.
This is definitely a city for shopping if you're into brands that manufactures their products in Thailand, because you can get the real deal on the street for a really good price. Police are huge on enforcing imitations.
After spending 4 days in Bangkok, we learned a lot on dealing with scammers... Keep your passport hidden, large bills in a separate pocket, and dress appropriately, then you will be left alone. Nonetheless, I finally know how to use my camera!
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