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My crossing back into Thailand was evidential that geographical proximity bears no neccesary reference to cultual similarities, as the shock I received, was apparent:

-- Border crossing: Huay Xai Laos to Chiang Khong Thailand --

In the morning, we stamped out of Huay Xai and went across the river to Chiang Khong; the border on the Thai side. The friendly immigration official on the other side stamped our re-entry visas and arranged for two motorbikes to carry us free of charge to the bus station. The buses were all full and so we purchased tickets on the local bus to Chiang Mai. Seven hour journeys have become a thing of normality and we were happy to board the bus. What we did find bizarre however, was the reverse culture shock we were experiencing. After a whole month in Laos, Thailand (a developing country) suddenly seemed.... developed, orderly and industrialised. Jeez. Shops, roads, houses, banks..

Thailand; round two

Asha Patel
2006-08-23 10:40:55

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or any protective barriers was.. well, something which my own limited literary expression cannot describe.

We enjoyed the bumpy, fast two hour drive back to Bangkok that evening, Kat and I spread out along the backseat of the minivan, engaging in light hearted gossip and giggles.

Tuesday 06 June 2006. I went to that place which is now my second home in Bangkok - the tailors. I went there intending to collect my finished garments. I left two hours later, with two new orders. Sigh. Well.. every woman ought to have a sexy black number after all. As my mind objected, my mouth spoke. I asked to take a look at satin silk fabrics and get some dress ideas. Once he had drawn up a dress design for me, I racked my brains for possible justification at this extra expenditure. I really wanted the dress. Really. Knowing my own weaknesses, I could've saved myself the trouble and just agreed in the first place. But, it worked to my favour. Seeing the anguished looks on my face, Santosh went and negotiated an amazingly good price with his boss in order that I could have the dress, that he knew I so badly wanted. I love my tailor. Thirst quenched, both by a growing new wardrobe, and cups of tea, we stayed with the tailors awhile, chatting. The conversation is always colourful and fun, and often fruitful as it proved on this occasion. Upon their advice, we sped off to 'little india' in search of good food and great bargains. We found the recommended Royal India restaurant, tucked in a dark, back alley. We polished an entire thali, two cups of chai, dessert and munchies. Time to walk it off. In the space of that short walk, we also picked up jewellery, sarees and silk pashminas. At 6pm, we began to head home - we hadn't run out of energy to shop, only hands to carry things in! It was raining and the walk took us almost two hours. Still, the views were worthwhile, and, as the photos show, the temples at dusk were worth the effort alone. Dumping ...