Stepping Out

After five and a half months in Thailand, I finally made it out of the Bangkok Airport. Coming into Bangkok after living in Chiang Mai for the past few months was a very unique experience. I realized as I rode the bus down the highway from the airport that I had not been in a major city in a very long time. It was a little shocking stepping off the bus and having to weave between people as I made my way down the street to my guest-house. Once I got my bearings, I began to understand the tourists in New York much better as I found myself simply staring up at the buildings. Added to that was the allure of the BTS Skytrain, which is Bangkok's version of a subway. The only difference is that rather than being underground, the city built the system over existing roadways. I think I can equate my experience to someone that lives in the rural midwest going to New York, Chicago, or any densely populated city for the first time. The sheer amount of everything is overwhelming. But at the same time, once I got myself settled in my room, and began walking around to get a lay of the land, I felt that same underlying energy I feel whenever I am in New York. It is an unspoken understanding, I think, amongst all the people of the city, that anything is possible. That is an exhilarating feeling that I think few cities can claim. I felt an instant attraction to my surroundings.

Tomorrow I will begin sightseeing in the city, and I'm sure I will take many, many pictures. So keep a look out for those. In the meantime, I need to get some sleep.