Since we arrived in Bangkok we’ve had a few Servas hosts. Firstly Topsi a very bubbly enthusiastic person. We met her at the Foundation where she works. Now this was interesting in itself as she belongs to the International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB). It’s mission, to integrate the practice of Buddhism with social action for a healthy, just, and peaceful world. So for instance they run a program for teaching Buddhist Monks about the safeguarding of children fleeing Myanmar who often end up at the temples seeking refuge. The Monks who’s methods are somewhat outdated and can include physical punishment for what they consider naughty behaviour. Also INEB were able to get funds into Myanmar within a day or so of the earthquake through their own networks providing food for about 7,000 people. They also run an English improver course and it’s open to all including those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Through Topsi we met Phramaha To the Buddhist monk who was with us during the earthquake. We also attended the founding father Sulak Sivaraksa’s (of that organisation) 93rd birthday party and met a large number of engaged Buddhists doing all kinds of things to help people. One team assists individuals who have fled the fighting in Myanmar with every aspect from the point of their arrival, including housing, work and the process to give them to rights-to-remain in Malaysia, a true social enterprise.
The day of the earthquake, we had arranged to meet Topsi in China Town. Everyone was on the streets and it was gridlocked so she walked miles to reach us. China town was not as busy as it usually is but, it was still hectic. We were fascinated by the local police who were milling about in a large group with a whole range of uniforms, we wondered what was going on, they were very friendly allowing people to be photographed with them!
We stayed with Topsi at her mum’s house on the edge of Bangkok, I loved the kitchen so I’m inclding a photo!
Our next host was a day host Oiy who was also hosting Carmen from Switzerland and that’s when we visited the Khon Theatre however we also went to the Icon Siam shopping mall. It is over several floors and is a shoppers paradise.
Another host was a complete contrast, Pisit who lives with his wife in a house that appeared to be three houses, all opened up to each other with his wife’s sister occupying one of the properties. To explain what I mean, as I came down the stairs one morning I suddenly thought I had become a vampire, having no reflection in a huge mirror before me. Only the mirror wasn’t a mirror, it was just an opening to an almost mirror image of another staircase in another house. Does that make sense? Probably not!
We couldn’t spend much time with him as he had other commitments. He shared some of his ideas on a healthy lifestyle though. He eats breakfast every morning. Fruit, monringa (a nut that should only be eaten in moderation (a super food) and a sort of muesli, he also always has an egg (usually with a soft yolk), on the morning we went it was a ‘1000 year old’ egg, the egg white is black and the yolk is soft. It’s not that age of course although it may look it. It is fermented and not cooked. It was quite nice although I’m not sure I would want a lot of it!
Pisit lives near one of the many canals in Bangkok and so we used this method of transport to get back into the center of town and it was quicker than by car and very cheap at 20 ringit. You don’t want to be splashed by the water though as it’s pretty grotty. We are getting quite adept at using public transport here!
I think it’s worth mentioning here a couple of the hotels.
The Pharanakorn Nornlen hotel was very quirky. We managed to get it at half price which was brilliant. The feel is 1960’s and every room is decorated differently! None of the many TV’s work!
In another hotel we got free yoga sessions in the mornings. This was not a regular thing as the Yogi was travelling in Thailand herself as a tourist. It was a good start to our day at that place though!
Next The Death Railway….
The Travelling Bee 
I would very much like to have the artistic ability to paint that couch on my wall – what a great way to make a room look bigger!
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