no.3: switching timezones and learning lessons...the hard way

 Hello from Bangkok! 

We swapped out our view of tall buildings and gloomy winter weather in the Gangnam neighborhood for a sunny view and greenery outside our Sathon apartment. One of the largest shocks we have had so far was how unfamiliar we were with Thai culture and the people here. Korea felt like a cheat code since Alysa is Korean and we both grew up around Korean culture which made us feel more comfortable in Seoul; in Bangkok however, we are as tourist confused as it gets. Regardless, we have still had an amazing time and cannot wait to do more. I will dive into the week's breakdown before going over some of our "memorable" moments here in Bangkok. 

Friday: This is where we left off after our 5 am train ride from Busan and pure exhaustion. We finally tried Korean pizza which was so delicious! I got a half mushroom truffle and half cheesy potatoes pizza and it truly healed me after a long travel day. We decided to unwind from our trip by going to Itaewon where we enjoyed some drinks and I also had some great conversation with the Turkish street vendors who make a profit selling delicious kebabs to drunk people in Itaewon. The kebabs were absolutely delicious and the Turkish employees were so kind to us and willing to chat even during a rush. 

Saturday: We woke up to some pretty snow outside of our window. White Christmas and new years in Seoul was beautiful with its big and perfectly shaped snowflakes. We explored the underground shopping mall today which is expanding for miles and miles and filled with thousands of vendors. If my project wasn't only about food, I would have had some great interviews from these vendors, but I still had the chance to chat with some of them in the crazy Saturday market rush. That night we had a diner reservation with out friend Jae to thank him for his help this whole trip and also say our goodbyes to him. We ate Bomui Jeongwon in Seongsu-dong which is a very popular fusion restaurant with great ambiance and delicious pasta dishes. We got a rose pasta, fusion tteokbokki and chicken dish which we devoured! The dinner was bittersweet as we reminisced on all of our fun adventures with Jae but also saying goodbye. We called it an early night and headed home to get some rest. 

Sunday: New Year's Eve! We were so excited to wrap up the year in Seoul. We had to spend our last day in Seoul getting more street food in Myeong-dong, specifically stopping by to say bye to our favorite vendor Ahmend. He wished us both luck on the rest of our trip and if I ever come back to Seoul (which I totally will), his kebab stand will be my first stop. Afterwards we went to the Lotte World Amusement park which was so cool since most amusement parks in the U.S close in the winter. We had a blast on the rides and I hadn't been to an amusement park in years so I was so excited. We watched the countdown and fireworks of the New Year from the Lotte tower, which was a magical moment. Happy 2024! I could not have asked for a better way to finish a beautiful year.

Monday: We woke up early and got to packing and cleaning our apartment. I was so sad to leave, I absolutely loved my time in Seoul and even though I was very excited for Bangkok, I didn't want to leave Korea. We checked out of our place and lugged our heavy bags into a taxi to the Incheon airport. We said our temporarily goodbyes to South Korea and got on our plane to Thailand. We got to Bangkok pretty late at night and after seriously struggling to figure our how to order a taxi, we got home and just collapsed to sleep from exhaustion.

Tuesday: First day in Bangkok! It was so refreshing to wake up to sunlight and humidity! For breakfast we found a street vendor selling fresh fruit outside our apartment, and needless to say, we got as much fruit as we had missed back in Seoul. We went to Central World Mall in Pathum Wan where we got some street food and also walked into the mall to explore a bit. We rode the bus there which was such a different experience from the public transportation in Seoul, but the bus conductor was super nice and kindly explained the payment and route process to us. We did a lot of walking and exploring the area and ended the night with some overpriced (because we accidentally chose a fancy hotel lobby as a restaurant because we got lost and we were hungry) but delicious meal and once again, struggled to find our way back home. 

Wednesday: Since our time in Bangkok is shorter than Seoul, I had to put a bit more work into a daily itinerary. I had done some research the night prior and found the best places we could eat at and visit. Breakfast was fruit from our favorite vendor obviously, and we enjoyed it by the pool (I know very majestic). After getting ready, for lunch I had picked out a classic Thai restaurant near Lumphini park called Northeast. Now let me tell you, I found this place on Google Maps, to my knowledge it had no viral features on the Korean media, but the restaurant was PACKED with Korean tourists. Alysa and I felt like we time traveled back to Seoul. This just means we all have good taste in food because the meal was absolutely delicious and filled with such diverse flavors. Afterwards we explored some temples as they are a unique aspect of Bangkok. We went to Wat Phra Chetuphon which is the temple of the reclining Buddha, which was surreal to see in person. For the sunset we went to Wat Saket temple which had 344 steps leading you to the top, displaying a gorgeous view of Bangkok. We ended the nigh on the famous Khao San road where we enjoyed some street food and Thai nightlife. One thing I noticed, the Thai street food vendors especially in touristy areas like Khao San were less likely to talk to me or give my any sentimental answer, it was all rather advertising. I did have a nice chat with one vendor who has been working her stands in the street for 10 years and her story was interesting to hear. To get back home that night, I rode on the back of a motorcycle for the first time...terrifying at first, fun at the end. 

Thursday: Our mission in the morning was getting currency exchanged since we learned the VERY HARD WAY... Bangkok is cash only really unless you want a 200 baht minimum spending at like 711. We went to the best currency exchange area near Korea town where we also stopped for a snack since we were having some serious withdrawals from Seoul. We explored the Terminal 21 mall which is themed after a different city on each floor and also the surrounding street markets around it. I also found an area which was like a little Middle East (like chinatown or koreatown but for middle easterns). It was interesting to see that representation but unfortunately most of the stands weren't open yet so I couldn't do any interviews. We also explore two different night markets, Jodd Fairs DanNeramit and the Lian Duab night market. All I can say is good food, good clothes and bright lights. What a way to end our second day in Bangkok.

Friday: That is today! I'm writing this blog while laying in bed enjoying the sun from our window. I already have today planned but I don't want to spoil anything...so until next week. 

One very busy, but fun week but now let me share with you some of our "memorable" moments being humbled in Bangkok:

1. Language barrier as always, but it's even harder since we speak 0 Thai and cannot even pick up on context clues or hand gestures, it's a battle everywhere we go unless we point to something or use a translator.

2. We might as well have kept all our cash for Bangkok because card is not accepted in 99% of places and currency exchange areas that are not the airport can be scams sometimes. 

3. Don't eat at fancy restaurants, the food at street vendors and small stalls is 1000000% better and cheaper...but you make mistakes when you get lost at first it's okay.

4.  Drinking culture is vastly different here and the main drinks on Khao San road are beers or alcohol buckets. 

We still have a lot to learn but mistakes also make these memories. Let's see what Alysa has to say in her thought box:

"I wanted to talk about the fruit man...but you touched on it a couple of times... it is very refreshing to get fresh fruit WHENEVER you want for so cheap...I am a fruit monster. Goal for today: try mango steen (wtf is that -mida). I'm gonna go photosynthesize"

That's all for now, next week's blog will be from the airport going back to the U.S  :(

As always on top of the pictures added, if you want to see more adventures follow my instagram @parmidamahdavi and tiktok (same username)

That's all for now, more exploring to do!

Love, 

Parmida 

Picture dump:

in order: 1. Lunch at Northeast 2. Dinner at Bomui Jeongwon 3.Korean Pizza 4. Myeong-Dong street food 5. Lotte World amusement park 6. Our apartment in Seoul 7. The most amazing fruit vendor 8. Central World street food market 9. Wat Phra Chetuphon temple 10. Wat Saket temple 11. Khao San road street vendor