I checked into my hotel, an upscalish place located in the heart of the Old City between the Chanasongkram Temple and the Chaophraya River in the Banglamphu part of town called the New Siam Riverfront Guesthouse. It had air, pool, WiFI (that sometimes worked) and included breakfast. All that for $40/night. It’s proximity to Khao San Road made it even better, but more on that later,

I happened to notice in a recent Facebook post that a friend of mine, Eva from Spain who currently resides in Berlin had been in Thailand since November staying on an island called Koh Phangan. She was going to be in Bangkok the same time I was so we set up a time to go out to eat as she was staying in the area as well. This tiny little place (as they all are) across from my hotel was perfect and was the moment I had my first real Pad Thai. $2 Pad Thai I might add. The best I have ever had.  From there, we strolled the area chatting about old times as it has been about 12 years since last we met. I met Eva when living in Venice  Los Angeles with Kim, as she was the lighting/art director for an online project that Kim was working on. At the time it involved a web journal, streaming music & art shows and at the time was pretty cutting edge.

After a few beers on Khao San Road we continued to stroll Old Bangkok. I even had my first yuk-tuk ride.  It was everything I expected and more. Apparently normal traffic rules do not apply to these guys. See that one way street, yeah, we are going to head right down that.  The best way I can explain Bangkok traffic is total, complete, organized chaos. Between the cars, buses, taxis, yuk-tuks, pedestrians and people on bikes – everything flows without a single disaster. At least none that I seen.  Impressive.  Operating at full capacity break neck speed bobbing and weaving – all while driving on the wrong side of the road. (They drive on the left there.)

The night was filled with street food.  Street food is plentiful and everywhere. I would go so far and say that the “good” vendors you find, will make you the most amazing food you will ever had.  Keep in mind that everything here is cheap. Not Mexico cheap, but Thailand cheap. $1 beers, cash and carry?  Yes. $1 street meals? Yes.

I could not help myself. Like most things when I travel, I try everything I can.  Always new things.

Ok, where was I?  Well, I could go on, but best I not.  Let’s just say new experiences were witnessed.