Bangkok Chinatown

Are we running out of things to do yet, no. Today we follow our breakfast routine, and split up for school-internet and I meet Victor at the waterfront. If you are ever there, the best deal in town is the little tiny cafe stand between the two piers. For just 25Baht (75cents) you can enjoy a beer and a great people watching spot. This is also a good meeting spot as you will surely find your meeting person!

We head off to Chinatown which is in Old Bangkok, along the river and halfway from the last stop. We are old hands at this tourist boat and jump off at the right place. We are following the guide book for a walking tour of Chinatown. We quickly realize one does not need a book to find the highlights here. The market street is the biggest mass of people in the smallest space all moving in opposite directions. The Chaos is screaming. I can't believe that this place exists! Hair clips, Valentine's Day trinkets, Budah icons, "little kitty" stuffed animals, food vendors, shoes, shoes, shoes and masses of people successfully maneuvering around each other, all spending money. Then comes the delivery people who block the whole aisle and the motorcycles who seemingly are allowed to go everywhere. This is such a trip! I work hard not to lose sight of the Safety Minister who always seems to be 5 feet ahead of me. I can't shop because I can't stop! This is pure manic!

The oddest sensation of Chinatown and the market is that while it is outdoors, the air conditioning spills out of the open air booths of the market cooling this mass of humanity. I found this fascinating and very wise!