Bangkok the LA of the East

Bangkok's official name is actually Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (I'm thinking of you all trying to pronounce that right now!) which means city of angels. It has some similarities to LA, its got a lot of sprawl (nearly 15 million people), not so much a city skyline, and waterfront (all right, its got a river). It doesn't have Hollywood, but is a bit Venice beach-esque. Lots and Lots and Lots of street vendors some smelling good, some not (gag gag gag). And I will give the one up to the Eastern city for its plethra of massage parlors (not that kind, boys). I do love a footie reflexology massage, especially at $6 an hour. It also has some wonderfully cheap beer (not losing weight yet). But something you won't see as much of in Cali: Buddha.
That's right, Buddha Buddha Buddha rockin everywhere! He's in your tuk tuk, the biggest buildings downtown are dedicated to his holiness, there are streets lining with statues of him. Wait, I see him now, in my Internet cafe. He is an ever present figure here. Watching everything you do. I'm getting used to it and will probably miss his presence when we leave. Jeff is a bit jaded. His reaction to my constant pointing out Buddha is "Great. Another Buddha. Let's go." I made the mistake of wearing a sleeveless dress to a temple the other day. I was promptly given a shawl to borrow and told to cover it up! Evidently my shoulders are scandalous! Never mind the Karma Sutra on the walls or the half naked monks.
I was warned by nearly everyone we met how "AWFUL" Bangkok was. "Why are you staying so long??? Can't you leave sooner???" "It smells, is awful!" In all fairness, it does smell a bit. But I like this place. It's got flavor. Its not awful at all, its a big city but colorful and a little funny at times. Every place we have been has had good and bad points. Its about balance. And maybe its Buddha, but this place has a nice balance.