One flat rat

Bangkok is a very large, population dense city in Asia.  That means that its population grew more quickly than its infrastructure.  Despite that, Sam and I have been very impressed with the stride that Bangkok has made with regards to air quality (*worlds* different than when we were here 12 years ago - Bangkok is now rated as having one of the best air qualities of any big city in Asia).

It was thus with surprise that we saw two rats in one day - one, in this picture (admittedly, this rat lost one of its dimensions, so it may be a bit hard to identify) and one scurrying into a gutter (it was too quick for our camera).  But I'll go on record as saying - overall, Bangkok is much cleaner than I remember it being a decade ago.

Cosmetic surgery ad

Saw this ad for cosmetic surgery in the Bangkok Post.

Wow, is cosmetic surgery cheap around here.  Who knew eyelid surgery could be so affordable? Makes me want to run out and get a browlift.

It's very mysterious, though - why is orchiectomy crossed out?

Chinatown New Year's part 6

Megan and Ben took this picture of us in front of Wat Traimit - it was right at the start of our walk through Chinatown on Monday night, and we were fresh and shiny.  A great mood to start the new year in Asia - Happy Year of the Ox to everyone reading!

Chinatown New Year's part 5

The temples were busy in Chinatown on Sunday as people paid their respects.  Here are some shots of less crowded times at some of the temples.

Chinatown New Year's part 4

We ventured down to Chinatown Monday night with our new Australian friends Ben and Megan to check out the festivities.  A couple other people had the same idea.  It was worth braving the crowds, however - we saw dragon dancers (Ben tried to feed one a fish ball), and lots of decorations.  We ate pepper crab and coconut ice cream.  And Ben got a light-up toy (he says it's for his work).  

What an excellent evening!

Chinatown New Year's part 3

Throughout Chinatown on Sunday folks were making offerings and paying respects.  Some people laid out various offerings of food and drink to the gods (note that some gods seem to like Beer Chang elephant beer).  Some people burned 'ghost money' for their ancestors.

Chinatown New Year's part 2

More pics of Chinatown from Sunday.  It is the year of the Ox - Happy Chinese New Year!