Bangkok
Bangkok by Didier Brouwers, Gallery Owner - Art22 Gallery, Brussels.
www.art22.gallery
My second home:
I feel so connected to this city that when I go back, I say to my friends, "I'm going home." Bangkok has, beyond the postcard or ‘sulphurous’ image that it is usually given, an exceptional soul. It is first of all a city of contrast, in constant change and forever on the alert. This city harmoniously coexists, given its crossroads situation, preserving authentic traditions with high tech and staying hyper trendy.
Aromas and perfumes:
There, the perfumes characteristic of Asia follow you around in all your travels. Gastronomy, traditional and modest or creative and luxurious, remains the spearhead of this megacity. Beyond taste, smell remains one of the 5 most important senses. The kitchens are often open and their aromas mingle with that of various types of incense that spread throughout the streets of the city.
Effervescence:
The city is teeming... everywhere, anytime. Tuk-tuks, yellow or pink taxis, buses, aerial subways (because Bangkok is on the water), pedestrians, speed boats or modest fishing boats offer the eyes of the spectator - who takes the time to stop (sometimes at his peril) - a tireless ballet and unending day and night.
Spirituality:
As soon as the sun rises, the monks walk barefoot through the alleys and arteries of the Thai capital, in search of the daily offering. While the old town is home to the most important temples, true places of pilgrimage, the contemporary Siam district also retains fierce enclaves dedicated to reflection and prayer.
Unbridled Creativity:
Bangkok fascinates me by the artistic power found in a number of different sectors. Expressiveness is above all respected and encouraged whether in fine arts, decorative arts, fashion, decoration, entertainment and even the way of being. So on the skywalks, you can meet men in three-piece suits, wearing high heels without offending the crowds. Having a family member participating in the international beauty pageant Miss Tiffany's Universe, created in Thailand and reserved for transgender people, is first and foremost a pride. Transvestite and transformist drag artists are just that - real artists; stars in the city as well as on the social media scene, hyper-influential personalities like the famous Bandit (@bandilicious) and his Facebook page /toeytonight.
WHERE TO GO
I'm not going to mention the must-sees - Wat Arun, Wat Pho, the Royal Palace : you'll find all the necessary information in the t brochures!
Below, however, I give a few addresses that make me want to never return to Belgium:
The Erawan Shrine.
Fans of authenticity and spirituality will not want to miss a visit to this small open-air temple dedicated to a deity invoked to fulfill your wishes of love and fortune. The place is interesting because it is nestled in the Siam district between the skywalks, the subway's aerial trains, the arteries and the shopping centers. A lot of fervour reigns there through offerings made by the faithful from all walks of life. Don't hesitate to get involved! From 20 baht (0.55 euros) for a garland of flowers or a small wooden elephant to lay in front of the altar, up to 800 baht to have the privilege of kneeling and praying in front of 8 dancers who will accompany your most fervent wishes with their songs and dances. It's beautiful and addictive, whether participating or just watching!
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Wat Saket:
The Golden Mountain is very interesting to visit in more ways than one: you will observe several types of prayers and devotions, typical of Buddhist places of worship, and can contemplate a superb 360 degree panorama of Old Bangkok. After paying a small entrance fee, you make the ascent by an endless staircase lined with kitsch decorations of animals, waterfalls, landings where you may, at leisure, ring many bells and gongs by formulating your wishes! Beneath the oak dome is a multitude of places of offerings and Buddhas where monks will help you prepare these. Another staircase and you can turn around the chédid, which holds relics of, typically Bhuddist nuns and monks, and is used as a place of meditation. Don't miss the cardboard paste diorama commemorating the malaria epidemic in Thailand. Near the access staircase, there is also a “tree of greetings and prayers” to which you can sign and hang a golden sheet of hammered brass.
Chao Phraya Express Boat : not to be missed!
For a few baht to give to the pointer as soon as you get on the boat, we discover all the hectic life of Bangkok via the chao Phraya River. Monks, businessmen, children, market gardeners, all this world is rushing into the boat that sails in a zig zag from pier in pier! It's simple and authentic! If you prefer to experience the tranquillity of the famous klongs, the typical and popular little canals, you will have no choice but the noisy speed boats that tourists await in an unruly queue along the quays. But write me and I'll give you Mister Dang's cell phone number - he runs a transport service that will allow you to visit the klongs in a small, rustic and typical boat that you can even fly under the captain's anxious eye.
Chinatown:
A beautiful Chinatown in the heart of Bangkok. Avoid the main thoroughfare and get lost in the very small streets. You will discover shops that beg to be photographed! Pedestrians wander through streets dotted with food stalls over hundreds of meters; dealers and antique dealers as in adventure films, hidden temples. In short, it's good to get lost in Chinatown! Don't miss the shops selling offerings to be burned – a whole array of riches, artifacts, designer clothes and gold bars – in cardboard boxes!
Jim Thompson House:
A visit to Jim Thompson's house is a must and even though it's hyper-touristy, I love going there. Built to a high standard to reflect the local architecture and tradition of Thai craftsmen builders, the house consists of several dwellings. The entrance fee is affordable and you can enjoy the guided tour in small language groups which includes an obligatory visit of the interior. Even if it is crowded, the various groups are well managed. A beautiful house, as if the master of the place had just left the day before.
The Amulets Market:
Thais are religious, superstitious and, above all, collectors of amulets that they wear- sometimes more than one - around their necks! Head to this ‘amulets market”, a little hidden in old Bangkok, to find this rare gem. The monks also shop here making a colourful addition to the scene. However, if it rains, the small narrow alleys turn into torrents and the rains pour down on your head.
The temple of street art:
This square, surrounded by foundations of dilapidated and disused buildings, can be found between some modest houses and the skyscrapers of Central World. It has no real address. But worth discovering - where all street artists assemble.