First Impressions

While soldiers and red shirt protesters regularly clash in the streets, I haven't actually experienced any of the chaos personally. I had foolishly thought that I could go to some of the demonstrations and get some pictures, but with people dying - including a journalist in the last bout of fighting, I've decided that it would probably be wiser to just keep inside the gated compound of the school where I am staying, leaving the heroics to people who are getting paid for them. As long as I am aware of which parts of the city are safe and give minimal attention to my wardrobe (no red shirts), I feel that there is little danger here in Bangkok. The protesters are upset with the current government, so farang (foreigners) are not targets.

I haven't done much sightseeing yet, and probably will leave touring Bangkok until the end of my time in Southeast Asia, but it is exactly what I expected. Busy streets, with lines more of a suggestion of where vehicles would drive in a perfect world; families riding on one scooter dipping in and out of traffic, and a potpourri of smells created by the myriad street vendors, mangy stray dogs and garbage. I am looking forward to getting into the country and seeing the rural side of Thailand as well, but I don't mind the busy city streets either, though the 100% humidity and near-forty degree heat do take a toll on me.

Last night, I went out with Ro and Chris to a nearby shopping centre to see a movie, but when we got there a little before nine in the evening, it seemed there were people coming out but no one going in. We asked one of the doormen what was happening, but we weren't able to communicate with him - he simply smiled and nodded at all of our queries - until a passerby acted as an interpreter. The red shirt threat had apparently caused the shopping centre to shorten their hours, so we came home, feeling a bit annoyed at the inconvenience. In the morning, after hearing about the more than fifty deaths and nearly one thousand injured (and I hear that these numbers are usually gross underestimates, and that the rule of thumb is to double the official numbers) I felt a bit guilty for being even slightly bothered the night before. Hopefully missing a movie is the worst thing I will suffer because of the rioting in the streets here in Bangkok.