Skyscrapers & Very Unexpected Wildlife

I am writing this post from the Bangkok airport. Jazmyne is running a fever, but is in the recovery phase, and we both got maybe 4 hours of sleep last night. I actually feel pretty alright after the usual series of very strange bowel movements, so thats good. Our flight is at 11:20 but we left the hotel at 6:15am because traffic is notoriously unpredictable and the airport is far away. Flying into Bangkok, the taxi ride took 2 hours to travel 20 miles between the airport and our hotel. This morning it took 35min. If we left at 7am it might have been 3 hours. Both of us get nervous about being late, so erred on the side of too much punctuality. Travel days are not the best days, thankfully the flight to Chiang Rai is short, and the city is small. Any city will feel small after spending a week in Bangkok. The word Bangkok actually translates to "holy fucking shit wtf is going on" in English. Little known travel fact for all you readers out there.

Below you will find an interesting mix of photos. Pretty much just skylines and wildlife. An unexpected yet refreshing mix.

In Bangkok it is common to be casually strolling through a city park, than happen upon a 5 foot long Komodo dragon looking lizard. I believe the correct terminology is Aloo, or Monitor. Regardless, they are eeeeeeknormous. Seriously, the size of a large dog. They are also all over the goddamn place. You see them swimming in the water, wandering around the banks, chomping on an unfortunate bird. Maybe a toddler. We were told they are not aggressive towards humans, which was only partly reassuring. It was a like being in a zoo without the barrier separating prehistoric looking creature from vulnerable tourist. I was a fan of this aggressively laissez faire setup, Jazmyne not so much. I can't really blame her, those things are pretty intimidating.

This is the second giant city park we wondered into a few blocks off the Skytrain (only way to get around) stop. This is the second giant city park we wondered into a few blocks off the Skytrain (only way to get around) stop. If any of you end up visiting Bangkok in the future, stay somewhere near a greenspace. It is very mentally helpful to have somewhere quite to escape too once in a while. The constant movement and energy of the city can fry the hell out of your nerves. Being able to walk freely without constantly looking around to make sure you don't get creamed by a bus or rogue motorbike feels really good.

"Would you like 1 skyscraper, or 4 for the price of 3 Mr Real Estate Tycoon."

"Well the choice seems obvious. Throw in a giant heli-pad on top of each penthouse and we have a deal."

I'm assuming thats how this specific part of the skyline came to be. ^^^

Oh HAI there Mr Giant Turtle.

There were tons of these fish. They liked eating bread and sported stylish patterns. Very trendy.

This might be my favorite wildlife shot yet. This guy was huge and inquisitive. And also liked bread. I think he was sizing up my lens for dinner since I was holding it precariously a few inches in front of those powerful chompers.

Jazmyne, in happier pre-fever travel day times.

This was a very nice park.

And back into the madness of evening rush hour. I'm starting to get used to it, but am very happy it's not my day to day reality. SO. MANY. PEOPLE. I felt bad for the people crammed up against me on the subway because remember? I sweat a lot here. My camera bag is beginning to smell like a hockey locker room. Part of me is morbidly curious and impressed that I can generate such foul smells, and makes me ponder what I am capable of on a biological biohazard level. Shall I use this power for good or evil? Such responsibility.