Monday, March 17, 2008
Sunrise over Bangkok
Largest Crocodile Farm in the world
The pic above shows just a section of the farm. This place not only is full of crocodiles, but it has one of every type, shape, oddity you can think of.
Yes - he is laying with his head in the Croc's mouth. I aimed the camera and looked away, then snapped the pic. I know there is a 'natural trick' to this, but seeing it in real life was more of a thrill than I was willing to watch in real-time. I figured with my luck the Monday edition of the Bangkok Post would headline: "Man decapitated by Crocodile".
A Crocodile has no tongue. Its esophagus is protected by a flap. Here the man has opened the flap and is actually sticking his arm down the Crock's throat. Again, I aimed the camera and looked away - then snapped. I figured I could safely see the picture later - or sell it to the Bangkok Post if something went wrong.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Lunch on the Gulf of Thailand
Sea Gulls swarmed the docks. Later I will post movies of us feeding the birds and how well behaved and almost 'trained' they were.
A few team members waiting for the meal to begin. And by now, you know Thai dinners have many courses and can last for a few hours.
Erawan Musuem
The centerpiece of the museum is the monument to Erawan. The picture does not do justice to the size of this figure. It is extremely large and houses a museum. Once inside the Elephant, one is exposed to exquisite art and an atmosphere of contemplation.
Worshipers at the base (entrance) to the Erawan monument.
The Tuk-Tuk
Saturday, March 15, 2008
The beloved King HM Bhumibol Adulyadej
The joy of owning a motorcycle in Bangkok
Ganesh
As I mentioned in the previous post, Hinduism spread into Thailand and it remains a vibrant part of Thai culture.
This was the 1st Black Ganesha I had seen. I don't know the significance, but when I saw it I thought of other religions icons that appear in the color black - such as the Black Madonna of Częstochowska. Devotees to Ganesaha seek his help when there are difficulties or impossible obstacles.
The yellow and white flowers are real. They can be purchased all over the city from vendors selling flowers, incense etc. for religious offerings at thousands of shrines and spirit houses located throughout the city.
Click on the picture to see a larger image. Price of items are listed in Thai and English. Pricing is in Thai Baht. Current exchange rate is roughly: 1 THB = $.035
Check out the Subway advertisement on the cart.
Erawan Shrine
This area of Bangkok named after Erawan, the 3 headed elephant of Indra, is a location of extremes. It is a top-end fashion center, also the location of the main interchange of Bangkok’s Sky-Train transportation system and home one of the most uniquely treasured shrines in all of Bangkok. The smokey appearance of the pictures is due to the vast quantities of incense being burnt.
Here sits the 4-faced Buddha. Actually the statue represents Brahma who is one three members of the Hindu Trinity, Brahma – creator, Vishnu – sustainer, Shiva- transformer. They are the three primary manifestations of one divinity.
In Thailand, Brahma is known as Phra Phrom. The image has four faces – each facing in the four directions of the compass. It has eight arms and sits upon the lotus. Each face represents the 4 Vedas (Scriptures) the Hindu religion. In the eight arms are held the following objects and symbolism
Sutra: Knowledge
Beads: Controlling karma
Spear: Will power
Flower vase: Wishes coming true
Conch shell: Wealth
Hand on chest: compassion
Flying wheel: Protection from evil
Cintamani (fan): Blessings
Practices at the Erawan shrine:
I enjoy visiting the Erawan shrine because it is always abuzz with people in need, praying and giving thanks for answered prayers. The religious expression may be different than my own, but comonality of humanity makes it all feel very familiar. At the Erawan shrine one may purchase flowers, incense, small statues of ephants and people, and if desired, give a donation for a few minutes traditional Thai Dance performed by the Erawan Thai Dance Troupe. The gentleman kneeling in the foreground has paid for such a performace which is accompanied by a traditional Thai musical ensamble.
It is said that Phra Phrom is keely partial to traditional Thai music and dance. Watching the dance troupe is always a pleasure for me. It is my understanding that such an offering is made in thanksgiving for answered prayers.
Devotional practices are expressed openly and enthusiastically.
Purchasing flowers, miniture images to represent yourself, or other people, or small statues of elephants, or incense to accompany your prayers, or as thanksgiving for answered prayers.
Or purhcase a sparrow to set free. At some shrines and Temples, items purchased for offerings are oftentimes resold, if possible. As I took this picture I wondered if any of the small birds in this cage had been caught before?
A bit of history to close this post about the Erawan Shrine
In 1956 a government sponsored hotel was built at this site. But construction began on a date that was not approved by the local Thai Buddhist astrologers. Nothing but chaos resulted. Numerous accidents and deaths at the building site, cost over-runs etc. Finally the religious authorities were consulted and it was recommended that this shrine be built to appease the mistake. From then on the situation changed. In 2006 a deranged man literally destroyed the idol. He was mobbed and killed on the spot. A new idol was created from pieces of the old. A caste was made an is in the National Museum, for safe keeping should anything befall this statue.
Friday, March 14, 2008
A day at the office
This day, a couple of associates from another department requested a photo with our team. It has been a while since we took a team photo, so I thought this would be a good temporary solution for our associates reading this back in the States. I'll be sure to get an "official" team photo before I leave.
Someone brought some food - time to eat! One of the best things about working in Thailand is the food, and someone is always bringing in something delicious and healthy for everyone to enjoy. In this photo some of the team members are devouring fresh Lychee floating in natural syrup and ice cubes. Just before this treat, we enjoyed fresh green mango delivered from the backyard of one of the associates. Some of my favorite snacks brought into the office are dried fish strips - like long spaghetti, chewy, with a mild fish flavor.
And since the camera was rolling, a few of the ladies requested another Photo Op !
Thursday, March 13, 2008
The Morning Rush Hour
A driver with a passenger just leaving "Bikers Station"
And if you have time, stop at one of the thousands street-side resturants for a quick bite of delicious home-cooked Thai food!
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Kushiyaki - Hibachi
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In addition to have a rather large Chinese population, Bangkok is also home to sizable Japanese community. And when Chinese food seems too filling, and one wants something different than Thai food, there is always the delicious and Zen-ly prepared choices afforded at the many Japanese restaurants. This style of Japanese dining was explained as Takeniku. In the middle of each table was a gas fed Hibachi with charcol. My American associate and I ordered Kushiyaki (marinated marbled beef) as the main course. This was accompanied by kimchi, miso Soup, salad and rice.
The others in our group ordered a variety of seafood, beef and vegetables.
The drink you see is chilled Green Tea.
This place was incredible - another "new taste treat" to bring home.
Round 2
My American associate pondering how much longer to cook the beef.
Meanwhile, I pondered how I was going to convince myself that I should cut a hole in my dining room table.