Bangkok - Pearl@blogg - Pearl Consulting

BangkokDriven by fearless drivers who know every nook and cranny of Bangkok, the tuk-tuks are sometimes the only way toget where you want to go. While they can be a noisy, smelly and hot way to travel, they are also fun!While the Grand Palace’s stunninggolden towers, statues and sculpturesare a deliberately extravagantcelebration of Buddhism, don’tmiss all the small temples thatalso can surprise the visitorwith memorable examplesof religious art.first massage school in the kingdom (still agood place for an authentic Thai rub-down).The Grand Palace, situated in the heart of theRattakosin district, is almost a city within thecity, its golden arches, decorated walls andmagnificent sculptures inhabiting palacesdedicated to Buddhism, the national religion.Serene sanctuariesBut in Bangkok you can also find havens ofserenity. In the smaller klongs picturesquescenes suddenly appear: the old, silk-beardedbarber shaving his customers on the porchoutside his wooden house; the mandarin ladyplying her delicacies on a fragile bambootable at the entrance to a narrow bridge; thekid helping his blind grandma sell songbirdsto passing pedestrians near the discreetentrance to the Oriental Hotel. They may bepoor, but the irrepressible optimism that isBangkok’s trademark comes through evenwhen times are hard.The Oriental is also one of Bangkok’soases of peace: well-tended gardensand palm trees surrounding a swimmingpool, the quiet hum of waitersand piccolos, a bartender who canmix a hundred exotic drinks and tella thousand anecdotes.Another refuge from the city’s nonstopgo-go speed is Lumpini Park,particularly at the soft glow of dawn,as people crowd lawns and paths topractice t’ai chi, take their daily jog orsail their kites in the fresh morningair. In a narrow side street, you mayspot a small parade of saffron-robedmonks emerge through the half-lightof a temple portal, collecting theirmorning alms.Across town, on weekends, theaction picks up at the enormous, bustlingChatuchak Market, mere walkingdistance from the Mo Chit stationserved by the efficient Skytrain. Herefruits, vegetables, exotic herbs, spices,live animals, authentic and antique(and fake) watches change hands.As the day breaks, the unmistakableoriental perfumed blend of friedspring rolls and smoke from joss sticksbattles the acrid fumes from tuk-tuksand fish drying beside the road.When in Bangkok, you learn to savourthis time of day, before the city’sglorious palette of pastel and goldencolours lose their freshness as exhaustfumes pull a blanket of haze over thecityscape.As it grew into one of the world’sleading metropolises, the city neverlost its power to fascinate, to invitevisitors to indulge in its excesses andstark beauty, to excite the senses aswell as the mind. If you come withpatience, time and tolerance, Bangkokwill amply reward you.Useful web addresses:www.tourismthailand.orgwww.bangkoktourist.comwww.bangkok.comwww.thailandtoday.org10 Norwegian in-flight magazine 11