Walking the streets of Bangkok

I want to try to give you a sense of Bangkok - the Holiday Inn Silom is located in the heart of the jeweler center of Bangkok.  The shops vary from block to block, but go something like this: gems, food, gems, 7-11, massage, food, gems, food, Starbucks, gems - well you get the idea.  But the shops share the sidewalks with a variety of vendors who set up their carts or stools in the morning, and wheel them away in the evening.  Here besides meats, fruits and even crepes, you can get things repaired.  Need your shoes fixed?  There's a place for that?  Need your battery changed?  The man is there with his cart...there was even a lady with her sewing machine on the corner doing alterations and repairs.  I took a tote bag we always carry that had a hole in it and asked her how much - "20 baht ok?"  Sure, that's not even a dollar!  I ended up giving her 50 baht because she not only repaired the bag, but had lime green thread and snipped all the frayed edges...amazing!  You can get your glasses repaired, corded jewelry made, and even buy underwear (I have bought 4 pair so far, & will probably get more, they are so soft & comfy! lol!) - all while walking the streets of Bangkok, within minutes of the hotel.  

the policeman constantly tweets whistle while directing traffic

getting a haircut in Bangkok

beggar sells keychains

bananas and fried plantains

peanuts get your peanuts!  B wanted to buy the basket for the elephants! lol

oh you can even dream about riches while buying a lottery ticket

feathers anyone? dusters and peacocks

tuk-tuk taxis on every block too

fresh fish, anyone?

satay -smells good

loose gems to fashioned jewelry - oh, shiny shit!

washing windows - for Stanton & WG

Let's talk massage parlors for a minute too... They are abundant here and the gals sit out front calling "mass - aggge" in their nasal, twangy voices but they are all so cute.  The price is 300 baht for 1 hour foot massage or full body - some of them offer facials, body scrubs and mani/pedis - I even got my legs waxed!  They are clean, and comfy and a GREAT way to spend an hour or more.  B & I have often suggested after a 1 hour massage of just going around again...lol  The place here in Bangkok we have frequented (5 out of 6 days here...lol) has recliner like, leather chairs that ooze and squeak when you sit back in them.  Your gal begins by washing your feet and then pressing your legs.  Once she starts kneading your feet and legs, you tend to exhale your breath and the relaxing begins.  There is no conscious thought and sound is just white noise in the background.  It is soothing and peaceful and you are totally in the moment.  I wish there were places like this in the states where you could go with friends and enjoy...  We have another 2 weeks in Thailand and I hope that means 14 more massages...

our favorite spot - usually the girls are eating but today was slow

my last massage on Silom street - "ahhh..." Nancey, wish we could find one for you...lol