Over breakfast at a local cafe called Nico Nico, we solidified our transportation to and lodging in Chiang Mai, Thailand, where we are to venture to in a couple of weeks. Back at the resort, following a little work we did a group yoga glow lead by Morgan to get our blood flowing before all the walking to come. Today, we had temple visits and tickets to Muay Thai fighting at the Rajadamnern.
We took a long cab ride from our complex to Wat Arun, a Buddhist temple on the other side of the city. In the cab we did a group meditation to kill time, and at one point the cab driver pulled up to an intersection and got out of the car, went to the trunk, and grabbed a Thailand calendar with information on wildlife to give to Morgan. Another example of the kindness and friendliness Thai people have extended to us throughout our time here.
Thailand is known for their many beautiful Buddhist temples, and I have wanted to visit Thailand for that (amongst a few other reasons). After taking a Buddhism class in college and having many of the teachings resonate, I’ve felt my heart calling to explore Buddhism further by paying homage to temples and monasteries in Thailand. Wat Arun was absolutely stunning. From the detail of the fine carvings and golden temple walls to the massive buddhas and statues, I was blow away. This was a very popular tourist attraction, and walking anywhere around the main temple required avoiding all the photoshoots. I received a blessing from a Buddhist monk, who chanted Buddhist prayers and splashed what I consider to be their version of holy water on me, and tied a bracelet to bring good fortune on my wrist.
I took a few photos here, but was intrinsically inclined to take less photos and videos here in order to be fully present and appreciative of it. After spending time at the main building and making our rounds about the grounds, we hopped on a water ferry to take us a short distance across the river. We walked through two parks (Saran Ram and Rommanint) and through narrow alleys along rivers until we arrived at a restaurant that came highly recommended by multiple friends (Thailands visitors and locals). The place was crowded, the wait list was closed, and we were hungry and short on time, so we ended up popping into a small mom and pop type of restaurant where the owners cooked out of their home. Here, we enjoyed some soup and shrimp friend rice that had a nice homemade taste of deliciousness.
We then made our way to Rajadamnern, the oldest Muay Thai venue in Bangkok still in operation. We had 3 seats in the highest tier of seats, where we were next to individual radio broadcasters, bookies, and many locals yelling bets while the fights happened. There was a group of 3 or 4 musicians creating fight music consisting of a drum, bagpipe or similar wind instrument, and bell. The music provided rhythm for the fighters to engage in and built intensity for spectators. Joseph and I bet on a few fights (just with each other) and rooted for our chosen red or blue fighter. The fights were exhilarating! Not a single one of the 8 fights we watched went to a decision. A winning knockout was granted in every individual fight. It was a unique experience I would recommend to visitors.
Following the fight we walked to a local cocktail bar, where we enjoyed a couple tasty cocktails. There was a DJ here playing some chill slow (96bpm) deep house tracks, and after engaging with him, he let me mix a song in with him. Third time DJing in Bangkok!
I grabbed a cab from this cocktail bar, leaving Morgan and Joseph, and headed towards Sing Sing Theatre. This is a popular local venue with good dance and club music. My local friend told me about a show, and I decided to meet her there to enjoy DJ Tennis and Skream perform. I showed up earlier than her, but had zero problem befriending around a dozen people, including travelers from Europe, Australia, America, and locals. I actually met a guy from Florida who knows an acquaintance of mine in San Diego. Small world!
Over the next 4 hours, I enjoyed dancing and chatting with several cool people I had met there. After the venue closed down around 3:30AM, I heard my bed calling my name and the night drew to an end.