Who are the People in Your Neighborhood?

Imagine this, you hit the down button on the elevator and walk out on the ground floor of your apartment building, in a couple of seconds you walk out onto the street. You start walking along the sidewalk and realize, that you understand none of the conversations that are going on around you. After listening for a while, you realize that there are different languages being spoken, yet you understand none of them. Welcome to my life living in one of the the most ethnically varied areas in Bangkok, Thailand, a thriving city of over 10 million people. The two main languages spoken in this part of town are Thai and Arabic, however French, Spanish, and many Indian languages are spoken here as well. Some people can speak English, but if they can, it definitely takes concentration to understand them.

Middle-Eastern is one of the most dominant cultures other than Thai in this part of Bangkok, which results in many interesting types of dress. Most of the non-Thai women wear some sort of shawl, and some were a full veil that often covers their entire face. Palistinian men wear a very plain white robe that has a single pocket on the right, much like a dress shirt. The men also wear turbans on their heads.

Such a variety of cultures also means a much larger variation in food, which adds a pleasant smell as you walk down the street. From Indian curries to delicious shwarmas, a shaving of meat wrapped in a tortilla, the food is stellar. The restaraunts in the Soi 5/Sukumvit area, range from Egyptian to Mexican to German. Most all of the food that we as a family have had here, has been exceptionally good. Unfortunately, since Bangkok is such a big city, overflowing trash dumpsters which give an unpleasant odor and sight to the otherwise beautiful scenery and scents.

The next interesting aspect of Bangkok, is no matter where you go, there is always be some sort of street vendor. Street vendors range from noodle stands to home-made coconut ice cream stands, to stands that sell pistols, knives, and brass knuckles. The stands sell their items for much less money, than some larger stores such as Big C, a Thai version of Walmart Super Center. Some of the carts even have mobile wood burning grills that they cook fresh fish on. There are also stands that sell iPods, stereos, and small televisions. Overall, the street vendors carry a wonderful variety of wares, that, if you know how to bargain, can also be gotten at outstanding prices.

In conclusion, the area that we live in Bangkok is varied, making it a very interesting place to live. Even though at times the buddhist and muslim influence can get discouraging, it provides a glance into how the religions are practiced.

The area we live in Bangkok has its advantages and disadvantages, however, it is mostly positive.