Chatuchak / Jatujak Market (ตลาดจตุจักร)

Firstly, I now understand what all the buzz is around these markets. They are big, they are messy, they are busy, they are hot but they are also amazing.

My day started by catching the BTS (sky train) all the way to the end of the line. From here, Chatuchak is about a 5 minute walk and as soon as you descend from the station, the craziness begins. P E O P L E - E V E R Y W H E R E. A decent mix of foreigners and Thai.....interesting!

I took the shortcut through H.M Queen Sirikit Pk - which strangely reminded me of Cairns/tropics. Buffalo grass, humid and palm trees? Anyway, as i emerged from the park I walked straight into the markets. Now, there are a million ways to get into the actual markets, and I later found out that I didn't exactly go through the "main" entrance - oh well!

First impressions though:

- Okkkk, this is kind of like MBK. But bigger.  (MBK is the discount shopping mall in central Bangkok)
- I need a beverage. Sweat is pouring off me.
- Wholesale price?  Ahh, it clicked! This is where a would-be market Staller would buy their goods in bulk then pretend they are theirs? I get it i get it..
- What do i actually need? How much luggage do I have?

As i keep walking through the sections I slowly became disorientated, but reminded myself to use physical reminders - like the clock tour in the 'middle' to focus on. Don't bother using market stalls to remind you - they all start looking the same.

I'll be honest, I've put off going to these markets for month now because they are seen as a bit touristy. After now experiencing them, I stand by that, however I also understand why it is a must do for any tourist (and surprisingly - it wasn't all foreigners - a lot of Thai too).

You really can buy anything you want though, such as but not limited too:

- Puppies (YES. See the pictures. A bit cruel though..)
- Slingshots/guns
- Denim bags (HA!)
- World cup memorabilia
- Any FOOD you can think of (honestly - the food looked AMAZING)
- and then all the usual stuff...flowers, shirts, shorts, candles, oils, burners, decorations, jewellery, Buddha's, furniture, etc.

Overall I would definitely recommend it. Put a whole day down to it, go as a group, get a map and just enjoy yourself. Eat as much as you can but only buy what you need (don't be THAT tourist that walks out with too many bags to carry).


Oh, and don't wear thongs. Amazingly I had black feet when i walked out....... oops....

Could talk more but pictures explain things MUCH better. Now Enjoy xx

P.S - After this I went and saw Dawn of the Planet of the Apes @ Siam Paragon. Amazing !!!!!  (and only 220 THB - $8~).

MAP:

Rain god ?

Yesterday at lunch I asked my team mates "when is this flood time coming??". They all laughed, shrugged and said "It's dryer than normal this year - be thankful! This time 3 years ago we were underwater..".   I humbly accepted that fact.

5 hours later, when we were just about to finish for the day - BOOM. thunder. Someone runs in to say "Ahh, apparently it's raining really heavy outside". My team mates all turn and look at me - "Happy?". i smiled!

Funny thing is that since then, it has been overcast and showering on/off. Call me the rain god, but I love it! Everything and everyone just seems better/happier when it's about to rain - excitement central!   Though, I am not looking forward to being drenched and trawling through puddles of sewage.....that's another problem.

More good news is that tomorrow is our friday as this friday is a public holiday (say it with me = W-I-N-N-I-N-G). I have dinner with friends tomorrow night to celebrate a long weekend :).

I think this weekend I will try and get to Chatuchak Market (Jatujak) - http://www.chatuchak.org . Very famous and massive market, however surprisingly i have not been there yet (a bit touristy and not a big fan of the touristy items) - but it's another item to tick off the bucket list. Watch this space!

You will also be pleased to know my food journey has not stopped - spicy delights and also the favourites - fried banana, sweet potato, sweet banana..

Enjoy :) x

Weeeeeeeeeeekend

As I sit here typing it's raining outside (sprinkles!) and I have just returned home from a mini exploration. Life seems good :)

The past few days have been busy with work, work and, ah...work!  However, on Thursday night I went to go get a haircut. Now, having been in Bangkok a few months now, I've had my fair share of haircuts and have aimed to try a new one each time. However, this time I returned back to one I trusted (and in fact, the last time I went there the hairdresser was amazing - so funny! - but maybe a ladyboy - unsure). Anyway, this hairdresser is in Centralworld (a big shopping centre), so it's a bit more expensive - average about 800 THB (that's about $30 or so AUD). It's very expensive for Thailand! (the guys I've asked around the traps would usually pay 300THB or so outside of the 'touristy' areas).  With that in mind, English (or an attempt at English) is preferred for me, so I am willing to pay a wee bit more. This time however, after the polite hello, the hairdresser ominously said "wows so much haiiiirrrrrrrrrrr". Ummm.... HI!   a) you said that out aloud, b) what do you mean by that?  wanna fight? c) wouldn't that be the reason why i'm in a hair salon? d) there's not much!! 

Long story short though - I survived, my hair survived and I like the result. SHORT !   

I could go on and on about my hairdresser experiences here, but they are quite self explanatory. Unfortunately directions for haircuts are very easy to get lost in translation and I have experienced the result of that. but, it's all apart of the experience right :)

Other than that, not too much exciting too report. It's hot, it's wet at times but it's still fun.

let the pictures speak for themselves :)

p.s - the best iced tea picture is included

p.p.s - my pool

p.p.p.s - i've never been in the pool

p.p.p.p.s - yes I ate ALL that food

ciao x