Artesian Corner Bangkok June 13th 2012

The Art Corner

I don't go looking for art galleries, but when I stumble upon one in a city like Bangkok then it would be rude not to take a look around, especially since it's free. Actually, its the city art school with students work proudly displayed. Some of it is quite good, some of it isn't, but its an interesting insight into the thoughts and concepts of budding artists. And if your not particularly arty, the place is worth a poke around just for the interesting architecture - old school Chinese I would think.The place is located between Thammersat and the Palace, on the left. So, here are just a few examples of their works on display. Oh, I should just mention the quaint little coffee bar, secretly tucked away between studios, I doubt I will ever find it again!

Bus Trip Woe's in Bangkok June 14th 2012

What should have been but wasn't..

Just because I made an assumption, Again....

Getting use to the Bangkok bus system can be a frustrating business as was documented back in a March blog. First timers will find a distinct lack of good reliable information with various sources giving varying versions of which bus to catch for the same destination. The only consolation to a screwed up day is that it wont have cost much, especially if the bus was one of those red rattletraps.

Today's destination, the Chatachuk park, with a plan to take Bus 3 since its one I've used several times already - quite handy as it picks up just along from Thammersat. Its often along within 30 minutes or so, but today it hasn't turned up, yet. 40, 50 minutes and no number 3 bus. I've seen the number 33 bus in the Chatuchuk park area, and there are plenty passing here, so its quite reasonable to expect this bus to get me there - right! But assumptions like this haven't exactly worked in the past, so lets see.

Bus 33, another rattletrap, blue this time but does have a roof fan at least. Different bus, new route as it pulls away and heads north on Samsen Road. Its been an hour, we'r somewhere in the Northern suburbs, Northanburi the road sign indicates. Heading into rural districts now and its quite clear all is not going to plan. Ok, perhaps its the long way round then. Its actually turning into a nice ride - rural settings with traditional Thai houses on stilts next to canals. Bus 3 would have been at the park 30 minutes ago, oh well! 1 hour 30 minutes and I'm the only passenger left as 33 pulls into its final stop before heading back again. I somehow had an inkling this would happen some 20 minutes ago and had aborted any hope of getting to the park today. So, one bus number shares two completely different routes!

Another 33 bus is about to head back, and its air-con this time hence the 18 baht ticket price. 20 minutes into the journey and they motion me to get off. I dont know why, they cant speak any English but insist I need another bus. Ok, I'll just get on the next 33 bus then. But that plan failed since the next 33 sailed on by - this is getting just a bit annoying now. Not only am I kicked off for no reason that I can fathom, but I have to pay again, thats if I can get a bus to stop, at where ever this is - somewhere in the Northern suburbs.

My luck has to change soon. I can see buses stopping up the road so perhaps I should wait there. Buses come and go, no 33 though and everything in writing is in Thai so no idea where any of these buses are going anyway - all very frustrating. Taxi is a very last resort, but starts to look likely. Luck at last, a bus with its route in English and places I recognise too. Bus 32, somewhere in the northern suburbs will get me back, 6.50 baht and its a red rattletrap, but I'm glad of it!

A 30 minutes journey to the park ended in a 4 hour afternoon outing - And the morale of this story, making assumptions on anything to do with bus's in Bangkok will probably lead to something rather unexpected.

TU Sculpture Bangkok 10th June 2012

A Potted History...

A sculpture garden is the last place I expected to be since, generally speaking, the boredom factor rates to 100% - sculpture is not my thing. But, having stumbled upon this place again and taking a closer look at the works along with explanations, then it becomes a whole new experience. Viewers are enlightened and given a potted history of Bangkok's recent past, which certainly grabbed my attention - worth taking a look if passing the place. Its actually part of Thammasatt University ( TU), and best accessed from the Royal Field. Just ask, or look for the TU auditorium and the garden is opposite. You'll probably need to expand the photos, or get a magnifying glass!

Thammersatt Bangkok June 9th 2012

7000 Students..

Just under a week left before the trip home. Checked my reservation via the on-line facility only to find the schedules have changed - for the better. Originally I wasn't going to make the same-day connection to London therefore enforcing a stopover over in Mumbai. Now, with 90 minutes between planes, I should be able to get that London flight, arriving Sunday evening around 1800. This is all assuming they have a seat and will let me change the ticket of course!

The weather is still holding out with just the odd brief shower, usually around 5-6pm. Humidity too is still relatively low compared to March - I don't know if this is the norm, or that I'm just lucky to catch a cool spell, but either way, its a very pleasant climate indeed.

7000 students rolled into town on Saturday for a day of orientation at Thammersatt University. Organised chaos best describes the scene here, with typical student antics against the beating of drums. It was however a good opportunity to get a sneak peek inside the main building, a grand hall with an equally grand staircase. The food booths were all closed sadly, so an alternative quarry had to be sought for the day - not a problem in Bangkok!