Safe in Bangkok

If all of my travels could be so effortless, I’d never have any anxiety on the road. All three of my flights took off and landed exactly on time, with just the right amount of time to transit in the various airports. The 13 hour flight from Vancouver to Hong Kong was only about half full so I got to stretch out, watch some movies and have the flight attendant (who I nicknamed Paulo the cabana boy) wait on my and and foot. It was almost like being in a resort, except for the occasional baby crying. I flew into Hong Kong just before sunset, and was treated to breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding islands. It is such a beautiful city and was made even more so by the changing light of the setting sun filtered through the smog. I do have to admit that landing at the new airport was somewhat less exciting than the highrise-dodging old days of approaching the runway in the harbour, which still sits there unused.

I haven’t seen much of Bangkok yet as I arrived late last night and was exhausted after my travels. I did notice that my immediate neighbourhood has changed substantially. Some establishments have closed and new ones have opened in their place as can be expected anywhere in the world. But the previously quiet side streets are now lined with small outdoor restaurants giving a much more cluttered and busy feel. I use the term restaurant generously: they are no more than street vendors with a few plastic tables set up around them. I guess that this neighbourhood is going the way of the rest of the city, which is a bit of a disappointment. I loved staying here for its charm and for the relative calm in the storm that is Bangkok.

I’ll leave you there for now...just wanted to let you know that I arrived safely. I’ll grab a meal, get my bearings and then sit down a write a real post. I'll also start answering all the e-mails that everyone has been sending over the last few days.