TheLoneRider
a seeker in search of Easter Eggs
Peoplescape

Revolving Peoplescape of Bangkok Oct 8 - Nov 8, 2018

Revolving Peoplescape of Bangkok

Location: Bangkok, Thailand

PEOPLESCAPE
Bangkok's peoplecape is a revolving door - a kaleidoscope of personalities, experience, insight and narratives. Individually, they are animated with layered dimensions. Collectively, they can move mountains!

Revolving Peoplescape of Bangkok

Andi OO Andi OO USA
Andi OO is passing through Bangkok! What gift to have her presence here. She is one of the few exceptional guru-types who impressed me in Ubud. I attended her vitality talks, participated in her Hatha Yoga class and squeezed whatever conversation I could muster given her tight time frames.

I relate to her on so many levels - yoga, meditation, Burningman (she makes an annual pilgrimage), fitness, empowerment, enabling, etc.

Reconnecting after 2 years, I was hanging by every word she uttered. I'd like to think we are on parallel evolutionary paths but she's far ahead, more prolific and deeper into her practice. I tried to wrap my head around what she was saying, to wit...

That's Andi for you. Can't wait until our paths cross again. Love you Andi



Hanka StratmannHanka Germany
I'm not really sure if I met Hanka at Burningman or met her in Canada with the Toronto Burners, but I've always associated her with Burningman. "The Man", as I affectionately call the spirit of the burn, has never left me. It still burns inside and continues to guide me through the path. Here's the uncanny thing. I haven't seen Hanka in 14 years and hardly kept in touch - but I remain bonded to her. From out of nowhere, I received a powerful message from her that changed my paradigm about receiving and accepting. And that's it. I've not communicated with her since. In the unique way I see my reality, The Man sent an oracle (Hanka) to deliver a transformative message I needed to understand, accept and embrace. That changed things radically. Thank you, Hanka. Love you

    Hanka blogs:
  1. Peoplescape of Chiang Mai Jan 24-Mar24, 2019
  2. 2018: A Year In Review Dec 31, 2018
  3. Revolving Peoplescape of Bangkok Oct 8 - Nov 8, 2018


Chai MateoChai Philippines
Chai and I, we go back to our UP Diliman days - one of a few I have a laid-back comfort level with. She's one of my constants here in Bangkok - a must-connect when in Bangkok. We went out for the Blues at Adhere 13th, had good eats at Dalad Vietnamese and watched a free Ethan Hawke movie at Alliance Francaise. She bailed me out when she agreed to have me do her online purchases to convert my bank money into cash. I was already down to my last cash of B100! These cloaked Good Samaritans come out of the woodwork when the need arises. Thank you for always being there, Chai!



LinaLina Colombia
A beautiful Colombian yogini, author, life coach, muay thai warrior and fitness enthusiast, Lina is strong, driven and focused. She came to Thailand to develop her Muay Thai. The first 5 minutes into our conversation, we instantly connected. Our bond just deepened with every conversation on the 3 days she stayed at Adventure Hostel. It has been a long while since I came across someone who parallels my journey. We are both seekers, staying on the narrow path in pursuit of our evolution. We share the same vision of someday having our own camps as a community gathering place for like-minded seekers. As she left for Chiang Mai, I began my preparation for Danang. We may not meet again but moments with her was priceless.



Kornkanok SripraiMay Thailand
We met at Rinna Pow's Walking Tour of Little India. She's a self-proclaimed fashionista with style to show for. I was amused. I asked her if she can dress me up from my disheveled look. She said she'll make me wear short pants. I said, "Like what I'm wearing now?". Without missing a beat, she said, "Much better than that!" LOL !!! We soon became FB friends and on this visit, we hung-out for Vietnamese eats at Dalad Vietnamese, night market walk on Chatuchak and roof deck chills at Adventure Hostel. It's all good, but the thing is, she's 20 and I'm older than her Dad...and we get along well. No, we're not going out...just hanging out. It's seamless...and yes, it's cool.

Comments:

Rosemarie GendiveRosemarie Canada
(Nov 4, 2018) You're only as old as you feel

Trebs Homoroc LlarenaTrebs Philippines
(Nov 4, 2018) It is after all and at the end of the day just a number, Chief?

Sharon DalionesSharon Philippines
(Nov 4, 2018) The spirit has no age

Lembot Soliven-ManaoisLembot Philippines
(Nov 4, 2018) You never run of funny things to say


Ifah Baijuri Benjamin
Ifah Malaysia
I feel that Ifah is on the cusp of transformational change with her career as a make-up artist. She's passed the tests and venturing on to social media to put the word out. We shared insights and struggles on our many long talks on the roof deck of Adventure Hostel. On her departure, she even gifted me a wonderful bracelet. She's back to Malaysia but we continue to touch base.



Rinna PowRinna Thailand
In Bangkok, Rinna is also becoming one of my constants. We met during her organized Walking Tour of Little India. We have since connected and spent time - dinner at Dalad Vietnamese, the Halloween Party at Steve's, working-out on the roof deck of Adventure Hostel. She's easy to get along with and easy to have a comfort level with. She has many events in Bangkok and I try to be there when schedule allows.



Natalia Bhandari
Natalia Russia
From Ubud with Love! That is how Natalia is for me. We met in Ubud 2 years ago, did Pranawayu Yoga and Laughter Yoga, had lunch conversation and hung-out. She was engaged to be married then. Since then, she has lived in Abu Dhabi and became the yoga teacher to the Royal family and gone to Rishikesh to interview yoga's rock stars during the International Yoga Day. Now in Bangkok, she visits with her husband, Pradip, who I finally met. 2 years into her marriage and she's still in marital bliss!



Naomi Rae Estreicher
Naomi Canada
I seem to stumble-upon denizens from Burningman lately. From Canada, Naomi, whom I met at the Burn, happened to be visiting Bangkok. I haven't seen Naomi since France in 2004! She hasn't changed much, looking just as young and vibrant as when I last saw her. She's still on the path, like so many Burners who were tranformed by the event. I met her partner finally, Paul. They complement each other.



Joolia, Lintang and SabraJoolia, Lintang and Sabra Philippines Indonesia Sri Lanka
It was a short quick talk while having breakfast at Adventure Hostel. They were there only for an overnight. Normally, the meetup would have been a passing blur. But it lingered. They were not your usual travelers you meet on a hostel. They were more corporate types who perhaps are on the fringes of the corporate world making this planet a better place to live. They were all beautiful, highly educated, articulate with impeccable English, upwardly-mobile and have a vision for the greater good. They didn't exactly articulate this, but that's the sense I got. I wish they stayed longer.

It was a particular delight to meet Joolia who comes from my alma matter, University of the Philippines. We exchanged student numbers (a form of handshake amongst alumni) and commiserated somehow on the Philippines' spiraling citizen-empowerment plight.



Tram TranTram Vietnam
What are the odds that while I'm updating my blog on Danang, I met this beautiful Vietnamese lady who hailed from Danang? Serendipity? We had quite an engaging talk about Danang, Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam in general. I love that country and it excites me to be in Danang for my next trip. What I find surprising is that we both went to Plum Village - a monastery in obscure Pak Chong founded by renegade Zen Vietnamese monk, Thich Nhat Hanh. We kept missing each other's events (Halloween, Chatuchak), until she had to leave. Oh well, that's a traveler's very familiar peoplescape - friendships get a shelf life of 48 hours if you get lucky.



Kansuda KunlachatKansuda Thailand
Kansuda is always busy, always on the move. But she makes the effort to meet-up with me despite that. As a photo-finish, she managed to make the trip to the hostel and even brought food for good eats at the roof deck. She works in support of abused women and tries to make a difference by enabling them to regain confidence and be productive members of society again. Asked how it affects her personal life, she said it does not. It's remarkable how she remains positive while dealing with all that on a day to day basis. Kansuda is sweet. I really appreciate the little reconnection we have when I'm in Bangkok.



Hostel GuestHostel Guest
No need to mention names, but I met this hostel guest when she asked me to prepare an instant ramen pack for her. I laughed how someone would not know how to do it. She said she's not used to being in the kitchen. True! In the 5 minutes I was in the kitchen, she exploded the microwave by heating an egg, clogged the drain by dumping all the egg debris there and used up a carton of napkins by drying up her mess, instead of using the wash cloth. It was amazing to see how destructive she was in that short 5 minutes. Leave her in the kitchen for a full hour and maybe she can implode Adventure Hostel! You meet all kinds!



Ending Thoughts
I met more people than I could write about. The convergence is just uncanny - Burningman (Hanka, Naomi and Andi), Ubud yoga (Eunice, Natalia and Andi), University of the Philippines (Chai and Joolia)...whoa!

Adventure Hostel BangkokI didn't even have to go out that much. With my 30-day stay at Adventure Hostel, I see the guest-turnover as a revolving door. They come and go and I'm still there. This hostel has good friendly energy and great space that lends itself to guest interaction.

But every exchange, every encounter is a story with a lesson to be gleaned from, if you look mindfully enough. Some faces will soon become a passing blur, some will remain and some will etch their presence into my psyche. There is nothing more animated, more colorful and more engaging than the wonderful people you meet as you take on the journey.

--- TheLoneRider
YOGA by Gigit Yoga by Gigit | Learn English Learn English | Travel like a Nomad Nomad Travel Buddy | Donation Bank Donation Bank for TheLoneRider



Reader Comments:

Joolia DemigilloJoolia Philippines
(Nov 7, 2018) Gigit! Your blog is reaaally nice. I like the concept a lot! Three of us work in NGOs. We kind of not touched that part of our stories ha-ha

Leave a comment?

Next stop: 30 Days - Goodbye Bangkok


Bangkok Map
Google Map

Bangkok, Thailand

hotels in Bangkok HOTEL

Adventure Hostel Bangkok - N7 BTS train stop, dorm rooms, great for solo travelers, laundry, roof deck, entertainment center, kitchen, all-day tea-coffee, fridge, clean
1541 Phahonyothin Rd. Payathai

restaurant in Bangkok RESTAURANT

Dalad Vietnamese Restaurant Dalad Vietnamese Restaurant - N7 BTS train stop, authentic Vietnamese cuisine, clean & hygienic, fresh green leafy vegetables
195 Soi Pradipat 19, Pradipat Road, Phayathai

spa and wellness in Bangkok SPA / WELLNESS

Bangkok Float Center Bangkok Float Center - experience a surreal sensory immersion as you effortlessly float on 10 inches of water, 5-stars from 524 Tripadvisor reviews
99/6-9 SHOW DC Retail and Entertainment Mega Complex (4th Floor)

gyms on On Nut, Bangkok GYM| gyms on On Nut, Bangkok YOGA

Now's Fitness Bangkok - gym equipment, yoga, Muay Thai, boxing, fitness trainer, cafe, healthy food
726 Soi On Nut 14 Rd, Khwaeng Suan Luang, Khet Suan Luang, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10250


Useful Information

Bangkok Blogs by TheLoneRider
  1. Bangkok in Pictures Mar 17-21, 2021
  2. Bangkok for Passport Renewal Mar 17-21, 2021
  3. Bangkok with $19 Dec 8-11, 2018
  4. 30 Days - Goodbye Bangkok Nov 8, 2018
  5. Revolving Peoplescape of Bangkok Oct 8 - Nov 8, 2018
  6. Food and Friendship at Dalad Vietnamese Oct 8 - Nov 8, 2018
  7. Movie Review: First Reformed (2017) Nov 6, 2018
  8. Doing Online Work at The Work Loft Nov 5, 2018
  9. Window Seat [His Precious] Nov 1, 2018
  10. Surreal Odyssey at Bangkok Float Center Oct 29/31, 2018
  11. Bangkok Halloween with Rinna and Steve Oct 27, 2018
  12. Push-Ups Oct 22/24, 2018
  13. Pad Thai at Thip Samai, Bangkok Oct 16, 2018
  14. Birthday Walkabout Oct 16, 2018
  15. Coming to Terms with Donations Oct 14, 2018
  16. Feelin' Da Blues at Adhere the 13th Blues Bar Oct 12, 2018
  17. Visiting the Grand Palace of Thailand Oct 12, 2018
  18. A Web Mandate in Bangkok Oct 8, 2018
  19. 29 Days in Bangkok: Thank You and Goodbye Aug 27 - Sep 24, 2018
  20. Calling the Bangkok Police Sep 23, 2018
  21. Movie Review: Mindfulness and Murder (2011) Sep 22, 2018
  22. Yoga Inversions at Now's Fitness Gym Sep 19, 2018
  23. Flow Yoga with Teacher Kea at Now's Fitness Sep 18, 2018
  24. Movie Review: Under Construction (2015) Sep 15, 2018
  25. Walking Tour of Little India Sep 15, 2018
  26. Vinyasa Yoga with Teacher That at Now's Fitness Sep 14, 2018
  27. Abs Workout with Teacher San at Now's Fitness Sep 13, 2018
  28. Vinyasa Yoga with Teacher That at Now's Fitness Sep 14, 2018
  29. Abs Workout with Teacher San at Now's Fitness Sep 13, 2018
  30. Exercise Ball Workout with Teacher Bie at Now's Fitness Sep 11, 2018
  31. Exploring the Amphawa Floating Market Sep 9, 2018
  32. Exploring the Tree-Engulfed Wat Bang Kung Temple Sep 9, 2018
  33. Parting of the Maeklong Railway Market with a Passing Train Sep 9, 2018
  34. Exploring Damnoen Saduak Floating Market Sep 9, 2018
  35. Horse Racing at the The Royal Bangkok Sports Club Sep 8, 2018
  36. Fight Class with Teacher San at Now's Fitness Sep 7, 2018
  37. Exploring the Bangkok Art Book Fair 2018 Sep 6, 2018
  38. Circuit Training with Mild at Now's Fitness Sep 5, 2018
  39. Gentle Flow Yoga with Nuch at Now's Fitness, Bangkok Sep 4, 2018
  40. A Yogi Lost in a Modern Gym - Now's Fitness Sep 3, 2018
  41. Abundance at On Nut, Bangkok Aug 30-Sep 1, 2018
  42. Outside Looking In Aug 29, 2018
  43. Back in Bangkok After 5 Weeks Aug 27, 2018
  44. 15 Days in Bangkok July 10-24, 2018
  45. Peoplescape: Bangkok July 10-24, 2018
  46. Hatha and Yantra Yoga Fusion July 10-24, 2018
  47. Revisiting Terminal 21 Mall, Bangkok July 23, 2018
  48. Rope Skipping, 4mins Full-on July 22, 2018
  49. Sunday Visit to Chatuchak Weekend Market July 17, 2018
  50. Fork on the Road: Abundance or Poverty by Choice? July 16, 2018
  51. Loving Bangkok All Over Again Feb 22-26, 2016
  52. Hotel Review: Adventure Hostel Bangkok July 11, 2018
  53. Hotel Review: Riva Surya Bangkok Oct 20, 2014
  54. Exploring the Shopping Malls of Bangkok Oct 6-20, 2014
  55. Bangkok's Street Food Delight Oct 6-20, 2014
  56. Bangkok Revisited 3 Oct 6-20, 2014
  57. A First Timer in Bangkok December 31, 2005 - January 3, 2006
Bangkok Cost Index

as of Sep 4, 2018: US$1 = Baht 32 = Php 53

  • Bht 60 sm, 90 big one mug draft beer
  • Bht 13 1.5 liter drinking water
  • Bht 220 one hour massage
  • Bht 60-80 muesli breakfast
  • Bht 60-80 tom yum soup in modest eatery
  • Bht 25-30 coffee
  • Bht 30-50 pad thai
  • Bht 350 Adventure Hostel lodging
  • Bht 20-30/load laundry, coin operated machine
  • Bht 7 bus ride
Transport Maps of Bangkok
  1. Chao Phraya Express, MRT, BTS, Khlong boats, Airport Link
  2. Bus Routes: 1-14
  3. Bus Routes: 15-30
  4. Bus Routes: 32-49
  5. Bus Routes: 50-70
  6. Bus Routes: 71-88
  7. Bus Routes: 501-516
  8. individual bus routes
Bangkok to Chiang Mai by Train from Bang Sue Train Station

For more train info: Bangkok to Chiang Mai trains - departing from Hua Lamphong - MRT (Bangkok)

(I'm using Bang Sue as a starting point because I was closer to it, but you may be closer to the Hua Lamphong station)

  1. take the MRT train to Bang Sue Station. Take the #1 Exit to the north provincial trains
  2. Proceed to Counter 2. You will see an information booth, a train schedule chart and the ticket counter. Choose the train and pay at the ticket counter.
  3. daily train schedule:
    • 8:48am - #7 Train, arrive Chiang Mai 7:30pm, not sleeper, B638
    • 2:06pm - #109 Train, arrive Chiang Mai 4:05am, sleeper
    • 6:31pm - #9 Premium Train, arrive Chiang Mai 7:15am, sleeper, B938 upper deck, B1038 lower deck
    • 7:56pm - #13 Train, arrive Chiang Mai 8:40am, sleeper, B768 upper deck, B838 lower deck
    • 10:22pm - #51 Train, arrive Chiang Mai 12:10pm, sleeper, 3rd class B270 (non sleeper), 2nd class B438, B728 upper deck, B798 lower deck

Currency Converter
Currency Converter


»» next story: 30 Days - Goodbye Bangkok
»» next Peoplescape story: The Wonderful People I met in Danang, Vietnam
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