Birthday Walkabout

Location: Bangkok, Thailand

Walkabout
It was my birthday and I didn't want to get stuck on my laptop like I use to. I decided to just walkabout around Bangkok - I'll a tourist again. First order of the day was finding a popular pad thai resto in town as I had been craving for pad thai the last few days.

Thip Samai Pad Thai
On Google search, it seems the runaway pad thai bestseller is Thip Samai. I took the #59 bus using Via Bus app/Google Map/Maps.Me. I little walk and I was there. How was the pad thai? Read the verdict here.

Mahakarn Fort
Continuing my walk around the neighborhood after the pad thai, I came upon a manicured park that used to be a fort - Mahakarn Fort. You could see the white meter-wide wall and the canons. It was impeccably maintained...almost like a museum piece. The park system was calm and serene with winding walkways for joggers and promenaders. I saw this particular tree that seemed to have many branches coming out of the ground and merging with itself - very interesting. I think I've seen this type of tree in Cambodia before...in Siem Reap.

Klong Boat Ride
Just by the fort corner lies a river intersection with public-utility commuter boats - the klong. Nice! I checked-out my map on where I could go from there. Ah...to Ratchathewi. Just timely as it was getting dark. Talking to a local, I got some tips on the klong system. I noticed that locals are always willing and ready to help. You have to love that about the Thais. The boat ride was fast and creating big wakes along its path. Of course, it was a wonderful departure from the traffic and polluted bus rides. Fare was less than B10.

Motorcycle Accident
Upon alighting from the boat at the Hua Chang Ferry Terminal, an unpleasant spectacle befell me. Laying on the ground was a bloodied female motorcyclist who figured in a road mishap. She was being helped by a lot of people. There were a few other motorcycles spewed on the road. Seemed like a 3-motorcycle smash. Not long after, a policeman arrived.

Blessings to everyone's well-being. When you are connected to the universe, you are essentially connected to everyone else. You also feel their pain.

Ratchathewi area
I continued my walk towards Ratchathewi. First time I came to Ratchathewi was with Mar and the Amphawa crew. It looked animated and promising. Now, I got my chance to explore. Except for that busy plaza where you have Skate Bar and Clockwork Cafe, there wasn't much about the place. I found the street posters more interesting. I was actually a little disappointed. It was time to head out to Siam and see what's happening.

Siam
Siam is perhaps the heart of Bangkok. This is where the 2 main train lines intersect (BTS and MRT), this is where you see the most prestigious malls and this is where most of Bangkok's major happenings take place. This place is glitzy, glamorous and yes, expensive. If I want to while away time walking, this is one of the places where I know I'll never run out of mall pavement.

Ending Thoughts

Okay, I'm not exactly a spring chicken anymore, I know that. But am I old now? As a kid, I conjured imagery of what it's like to be old. And how I feel now isn't exactly anywhere near that. Hmmm...let me take stock of how I am (here is where I show-and-tell but with a point...just bear with me). At an age where my peers would lug about with their beer bellies, I do crazy abdominals to sculpt my 6-pack. When they walk with a slight drag on their feet, I can do 20-mins of non-stop rope skipping. When they go for their monthly medical check-up, I go backpacking with 25 kilos on my back (because I don't get sick). When they consume a handful of pills and medication per day, I just do my pranayama for that surge of strength and power. When they talk about Viagra, I...hmmm....errr....okay, I'll join them on that conversation..LOL !!!

But seriously, all I'm saying is that age is something you don't have to take passively. Age is just a number you can manipulate. You can empower yourself to retard the ageing process and keep your youth, your bounce and your verve. I'm not just saying that...I live it! So here's to all of us in keeping fit and healthy for a good quality of life ahead.

Thank you to all who greeted me on this special day. My merit, my love and my affection go to all of you. Hugs and kisses to the beautiful ladies and touch-fist to all the Bros out there...LOL !!!!

--- TheLoneRider
YOGA by Gigit | Learn English | Travel like a Nomad | Donation Bank

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Birthday Blogs

1. Point-Of-Failure Birthday Workout Oct 22, 2019
2. Birthday Walkabout Oct 16, 2018
3. 2008 Birthday Drift Oct 16, 2008
4. Birthday Mountain Bike Climb to Mount Ampacao Oct 16, 2007
5. Birthday Ride: No Dismount Ride Sagada-Dantay and Back Oct 16, 2006
6. Induction Climb at Mount Pulag Oct 16, 2005

Next stop: Pad Thai at Thip Samai, Bangkok

Bangkok Map

Bangkok, Thailand

HOTEL

Adventure Hostel Bangkok - N7 BTS train stop, dorm rooms, great for solo travelers, laundry, roof deck, entertainment center, kitchen, all-day tea-coffee, fridge, clean
1541 Phahonyothin Rd. Payathai

RESTAURANT

Dalad Vietnamese Restaurant - N7 BTS train stop, authentic Vietnamese cuisine, clean & hygienic, fresh green leafy vegetables
195 Soi Pradipat 19, Pradipat Road, Phayathai

SPA / WELLNESS

Bangkok Float Center - experience a surreal sensory immersion as you effortlessly float on 10 inches of water, 5-stars from 524 Tripadvisor reviews
99/6-9 SHOW DC Retail and Entertainment Mega Complex (4th Floor)

 GYM| YOGA

Now's Fitness Bangkok - gym equipment, yoga, Muay Thai, boxing, fitness trainer, cafe, healthy food
726 Soi On Nut 14 Rd, Khwaeng Suan Luang, Khet Suan Luang, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10250

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