A few days ago, I was walking around the intersection of Ekkamai and Petchaburi roads, also known as Yaek Ekkamai Neua. There aren't many white faces in this part of town, as there aren't any tourist hotels or "interesting sights". But here are some of the things that I saw:
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| I still think Ronald McDonald is very creepy, even when he is politely wai'ing to the Thai children. Looks like this McDonald's is also selling plastic Snoopy and Pokemon toys for 19 baht (about US$0.50). | The Klong Saen Saep commuter boat leaves the Chan Issara Pier. It is about to pass under Ekkamai Road, on its way to Bangkapi. |
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| Lazy stray dogs lay around the sidewalk of Petchaburi Road while a lady buys some grilled meat on a stick from a street vendor. | Even Thai people are surprised by this unique building, not knowing what it is. But it's just a temple called Wat Pasi. (Chan Issara building is in the background.) |
the strange-looking pagodas at the top of the building at Wat Pasi imitate the stupas at some holy places in Buddhism in India where the Lord Buddha was born or got enlightened or passed away (i'm not sure which one, maybe all three). i myself live in soi Ekkamai, actually have been living around since i was born many decades ago but never travel in Klong Saen Saep commuter boat, never have the guts to do that.
eijit
I don't remember ever being too very fond of Ronald McDonald either .... but maybe I'm wrong.
How interesting, though, that Snoopy is also connected with McDonalds ... hmmm ....
But they are interesting sights, because since there were few to none white faces ... you were seeing what the typical Bangkok resident sees on a daily basis ... a part of everyday life, that tourists are necessarily "privy" to.
:-)
Love you!!
I mean "aren't necessarily 'privy' to."
I don't find Ronald Macdonald 'wai-ing' offensive, I think it can be really very nice!
Thanks for all the comments, y'all.
Eijit, yes I think you are right. Now that you mention it, it reminds me of Wat Jet Yot in Chiang Mai, which was modeled on a temple from India 600+ years ago. You can make out the spires in one picture I have of Wat Jet Yot at http://www.sgtowns.com/photo-archives/2002/09/wat_jet_yot_2.html
Beth, I was a little surprised to see Snoopy at McDonald's as well. I'm not sure Thai children would necessarily know who he is.
Kitjar, I didn't mean to say that the wai-ing Ronald was offensive. I just meant that in general, Ronald makes me a little uncomfortable. I don't know if it's the red afro, or the heavy white makeup, or the ridiculous shoes, or the huge blood-red lips, or... ;)