written October 21, 2009...
A city of movement and chaos, Bangkok dishes up the unexpected—nothing is as it seems. Skittle-colored taxis honk through traffic as animated tuk-tuks weave in competition with mopeds for space on the road. The view is both tropical and depressing as are many cities in paradise. Tourists in new beachwear walk alongside locals who offer various opportunities: tuk-tuk ride... good price, cheap massage... you want, exotic dance show... come see. On the street with a map in hand, you might as well be wearing a target on your back. Everyone wants to "help" you find where you're going by suggesting out of the way stops and detours that ultimately make them a buck.
Exhaustion surfaces quickly as you spend time bartering for acceptable prices. Always aiming high, merchants will settle on a lower price as long as they turn a profit. Arguing over money can be frustrating, but when you realize it's only a few dollars, or even cents, perspective sinks in and it's humbling to think the small amount they're getting is sometimes much bigger to them than you realize.
Despite the abundance of friendly smiles, after only a few days I was ready to move on to a location free from exhaust fumes and the hidden agendas behind everyone's not-so-helpful advice.
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