Bangkok: A Photo Essay

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StartFragmentI sat down to write what I hoped would be an enlightened reflection but found that I couldn’t because my thoughts were swirling around as quickly and chaotically as….as the forces of life in Bangkok that bump and nudge and rub up against each other, making it impossible to focus on one thing without also drawing in its surroundings.EndFragment

I didn’t know if I should focus on the work I have done at Mina’s Whole Foods, reflecting on what I’ve learned through her business, or if I should delve into the complications of immigration that I have begun to wade through. I wondered if I should talk about models and structures of service, a lofty aspiration from someone who doesn’t know much, or if I should maybe discuss how frustrated I’ve been in feeling like I never offer enough of myself to others and how to continue giving in spite of such hopeless temptations.

It was hard to get a grasp on what to write, with my thoughts an ambiguous mixture of positive and negative, until I realized that’s a pretty good description for Bangkok. Now, I have only been here for a week, but I’ve found I can’t look too closely at one thing without also drawing in its surroundings.

Everything is interconnected, and nothing is simple.

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StartFragmentThe next series of photos hopefully document some aspect of the complexities and beauties that Bangkok claims as its own.EndFragment

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Open late at night, Asiatique beckons across the water. Just a BTS stop and one free river cruise can bring you to this maze of shops.

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Just because Bangkok moves fast, doesn't mean you have to. Skip the transport. Take a little longer. See a little more. Become a little sweatier.

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StartFragmentOne of those events hosted by the BACC was the UN’s HeforShe campaign! For one week, Bangkok hosted events that highlighted the strength and resilience but also the vulnerability and oppression that women face.EndFragment

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Lumphini Park is good at both sunrise and sunset.

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This night market looks magical, but not just for the lights. It was also the cheapest place I've found pizza. Telad Neon, you get my approval.

I learned a new word that night. Sanuk means fun. Sawoy means beautiful. That night by the river was Sanoy.

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This café stands out on a street where bars welcome people to buy sex as easily as they could buy a beer.

It is the red light district.

But CityLight dares to take up space and offer something different.

It makes me wonder what kind of space I'm taking up, how I'm using it, and if I'm standing out.

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If you're in Bangkok, stop by and pick up some handmade, vegan products from Mina's Whole Foods!

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Bangkok is big, beautiful, and bustling.

Whatever piece of it that you encounter, I hope that you do so keeping your eyes open to the complexities and beauties during your time.

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