Shopping and Fighting

January 28th, 2006

We accomplished so much yesterday that we didn’t think we had much to do today. We considered journeying to the floating markets outside of Bangkok but since we weren’t positive when they were closing, we opted out. I figure I’ve seen a boat, a river, and a market so I can probably imagine something close. Instead, we headed to the Chatuchak market, which is ten thousand times better than the night market in Hong Kong.

Things I have too many of – Purchases to make (especially with my one for you, one for me habit)
Things I have not enough of – Airline luggage allowance
Things I pretend to have but don’t – Money, but I ignore this because a beach bags costs 4 USD. I bought the cutest Hello Kitty beach towel too. I think it’s funny.

Everyone says you must do a real Thai massage when in Thailand. Everyone is right, but even as I write this (a few days later), I can’t honestly tell you if I enjoyed it. If you enjoy having someone crack your back, this is your thing. I hate it. I felt great afterwards though! I wasn’t as out of it as the day before. I’ll give it an 8, but I can see how some people could give it a 10. Not a bad way to spend 10 USD.

New experience – being positioned in a back bend with a small Thai woman underneath me pushing her feet into my back. Hmmmm…..

I’m not a violent person and don’t tend to enjoy watching violent sports. Until today. Kevin’s travel book recommended that we see a Thai boxing match. We grabbed dinner at a night market next to the event stadium and then settled in to watch some Thai kids beat the crap out of each other for 5 rounds of 3 minutes each. Folks, this is not WWF. I’ve seen both and can affirm that Thai fighting is definitely real. I didn’t see any serious kung-fu kicks and the main event ended after only two rounds, but I was fascinated. I preferred the second fight after the beer started to loosen me up a bit, though. Thai boxing is a popular gambling spot for the locals, so they actually sat together and gambled. I’m always amazed at how the world naturally segregates itself. The Thai men all sat in the stands and gambled, while all of the whiteys sat in the chairs on the floor. The event location seems to set it up that way since they show you a crazy gambling scene and then offer you an upgraded ticket.

Today’s food – Banana wrapped in glutenous rice and a banana leaf (3)