My week in Bangkok: Friday

The rain continues

Friday is the closest thing I have to a weekend at the moment with only one class at 5.30pm. I teach all day Saturday and Sunday. Last Friday Celine and I decided to explore around the Saphan Taksin skytrain area. This is right on the river and is where we go if we want to grab a ferry up to the old town and is also the place where many of the river tours start from. We hadn't spent any time walking around the area, just jumping off the train and heading straight for the ferry. There is a big street called Charoen Krung Street that seemed quite busy, so exploring the street was our intention for the day.

Fruit on Charoen Krung Road

As we arrived it started to bucket down and without an umbrella we were soon getting wet. We decided to press on. On the left are some big shopping centers as well as street food stands. Not long after we were temporarily covered from the rain as we weaved along thin bits of pavement, protected in sections by the shops awnings or in others a tied up piece of tarp. Regardless, it was a welcome reprieve from the continuing downpour. On our left were rows of small shops, selling fruit, curries and what-not using half the pavement in the process. We continued on for a while but soon realised the rain was not slowing so looked for the nearest cafe. The rain didn't stop so after a coffee we decided to go back to the shopping centers and call off the days walk. After a bit of browsing we found some good sales and both bought a new pair of running shoes. The day wasn't a complete failure.

Later, Celine had to go to work and took a ferry from Saphan Taskin. This is one of the places she really enjoys going to in Bangkok because she feels like she is on holiday. For her, sitting and waiting for the ferry to arrive, watching other boats pass by and catching the ferry gives her a relaxed, "holiday" type feel. Her other two places like this in Bangkok is our pool and Khao San Road. The pool is great. Even on our busiest days we can drop home for a quick 20 minute swim. The pool, on the top floor of our apartment block, and only seconds from our room is usually empty and offers great views. It relaxes you instantly so I would have to agree with Celine. Khao San Road has a different feel to anywhere else in the city and with all the travelers from all around the world it is hard not to feel on holiday.

The rain stopped in the afternoon and with blue skies approaching I spent some time
by the pool. After, I got ready and took my motorbike, train and bus trip to work. Even with a downpour there are plenty of things to keep you occupied in Bangkok.