On the Road Again...

Hello Again (blogger world out there...anyone?)

After my recent trip to Turkey, I found myself wanting a place to write about what I was seeing but didn't seem to get around to it (ps, Istanbul is amazing). I tend to be a bad blogger but really like the idea of writing about and having a record of traveling and am glad to have the record from India. Now that my travels are increasing (thank you job!), I decided to start it up again (new and improved design you will notice).

SO, here I am in Bangkok, Thailand. Embarking on a month trip around Southeast Asia, looking at disease surveillance systems in different countries (Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia to be exact). I arrived last night after a long trip, long even compared to India. A 14 hour flight from DC to Tokyo, 3 hour lay-over, and another 6 hour flight to Bangkok. On a fluke I got a seat with a lot of extra leg room on the flight to Tokyo so that was great, but despite all this the jet lag is here and will probably take a few days to dissipate. Arriving last night at the JW Marriott was fabulous, thanks to our "embassy status" (which we have because we are here working for the gov't) we get executive level privileges and a very nice room in a very nice hotel (business/western chain hotels in developing countries tend to be great for not so much money...). But with our status comes access to the exec lounge, meaning great breakfast buffet, free wireless, and cocktail hour. Pretty awesome.

After a mere 6 hours of sleep after a 2 day journey, I somehow had the energy to hit the amazing fitness center, which houses a pool and spa...both of which I plan to utilize at some point! I then spent the afternoon with my boss and colleague that are here going to numerous shopping centers -because that is what Thai's do on Sundays (according to my boss who lived here for 2 years). We started at a huge market, with tons of stalls, rivaling Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, you wonder around, get lost, and wonder some more. It was crowded, hot, and had lots of things no one needs (except for these really cool pants I got (which rival the scrunchy pants from India for those of you who know what I am talking about). Enjoyed coconut ice cream in a coconut for 75 cents...it was great tasting given that it is HOT here. We then moved on to the exact opposite experience, the VERY high end mall with stores like Chanel, Hermes, Cartier, and Gucci, and a Lamborghini dealer (and Lotus, and Porsche). It was crowed, cold, and had lots of things no one needs (except for...no I did not buy anything here except a Thai snack of fried banana). We ended this shopping excursion at the mid-range mall which again was a bit over the top (first lesson from Thailand: Thai's like things over the top). Second lesson: TVs are everywhere, from bathrooms, to the sky train (subway above ground), to on the street.

Bangkok is certainly an Asian country but more developed, organized, and wealthy than India. And I have already seen 4 starbucks. There is still poverty in the streets, slums, and other things that remind you that you are in an emerging economy, but it is not nearly as chaotic or shocking as India (OR after living in India, it is not as chaotic or shocking to me...). I do guess that the rural areas are much less developed and poor.

One of the things I have noticed and that bothers me a bit, is the large number of western (usually older) men / thai (usually younger) women that you see as a couple. I knew this was a big thing here but for some reason seeing it is a bit disturbing to me. I know that both parties in these "relationships" are there voluntarily and I can't decide who has more power. Anyway.

Hanging now in the lounge for cocktail hour, my boss and I on our laptops having a glass of wine before heading to dinner. Feeling lucky. Tomorrow is Monday, a work day, not sure what that will mean this week. We have a few meetings set up, but hoping to do some more sightseeing!!