The last 4 days in Bangkok have been a whirlwind as I assume you can tell from Brett's post. We have been moving about seeing all we can see from the Wat Po and Wat Arun temples to boat rides in the pouring rain on the Chao Phraya River, and hot and sticky tuk tuk rides to the various city markets where the shopping is endless. Clothing, pets, home goods, plants, jewelry, food, and basically anything else you can imagine it is there and CHEAP. One of the more famously known markets we visited yesterday was Khao San Road which is a road or rather more a long alley crowded with store after store, bar after bar, massage parlor after massage parlor (I got my first 1/2 hour foot massage for 100 baht which was about $3). One piece of advice we were given is that we should bargain with the street vendors. Unfortunately, I have yet to reach any considerable "bargain" with any Thai vendor. Whether it is because it is the "off season" so they bump up prices to accommodate for lack of tourists or they know we have the money or maybe I don't have what it takes just yet to be a good "bargainer." Needless to say I am bargaining for a couple dollars but it has been very frustrating and I've been weighing the costs of how much do I really need this item. For instance, I am not one for knick knacks but I did want to buy a Chang beer koozy, the 50 year old Thai woman was asking for 80 baht (about $2.75)! Now for something that probably cost 5 Baht to manufacture I definitely thought I could get somewhere, I countered with 20 she went to 75, I said 50, she went to 70, my last offer was 55 Baht (at which this time I was showing her the money) and she stood at her final offer of 70 Baht pointing out that she politely went down 10 baht (about 25 cents). I said no and walked away with no one shouting after me that we could have a deal. Now for someone who has about 100 koozy's sitting there she couldn't, wouldn't dare give it to me for 55 Baht. Even for such a short time here, I felt that was my moment of defeat. Hopefully it will get better in other countries/places.
As for the food, I have been slowly getting food from street vendors. Strangely enough the most sick I felt was from an American meal we had at this restaurant that specialized in burgers and an apple bought from the market (that I washed off with bottled water). Other than that I have been doing pretty well and have always tried whatever Brett eats. Last night I did get my sandwich fix, and no it was not at Subway, it was a street vendor who offered sandwiches in pita bread, it was fried chicken, guess you can't really go wrong with that!
This city is incredible. Like Brett said, it reminds me a lot of New York with different districts that have such unique characteristics, very efficient public transportation and cabs everywhere! Although I am sad to leave the comfort of Olivia's home I am excited to head to the islands and experience this beach vibe that everyone raves about.
We hope everyone is well and look forward to speaking with you next week when we are in Koh Samui!
Bargaining tip: if you really want an item, just pay close to what they want. Practice on items you don't care about and your vib will help! Also, ask Sky for tips, he is the real bargainer :)
ReplyDeleteLove, Laura
Sounds like you guys are having a great time. I have bad news in terms of bargaining; It only gets more frustrating as you are there longer. My experiences have been better when you try to make small talk before asking for a price. Its time consuming but it works.
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