When I am travelling with my parents, I always have to plan in advance and take into consideration the logistics behind every activity each day. My mom is mobility challenged and we all have to adjust our pace with her, including the agenda and everything else in between. So proper planning is very important. Luckily, I am an obsessive planner.
PATPONG NIGHT MARKET (NIGHT BAZAAR)
My mom has expressed earlier on her desire to visit a night market in Bangkok, so on our first night we went to nearby Patpong Night Market in Silom. It is very near to where we were staying in Sathon (Urbana Sathorn Hotel) and is just a few minutes taxi ride. Logistics wise, it fits right in the plan. Patpong Night Market is also not that big so it is relatively easy for her to walk around the area.
So while my mom was busy perusing the market, vendor to vendor, I zipped through the makeshift stalls with my camera and back, just like Speedy Gonzales being chased by Roadrunner (OK, I admit I got bored), while my dad stood in the side lines waiting patiently for my mom. Isn’t this scene just so typical? The mom goes shopping. The child plays. The father waits. Hmm.
If you ask my opinion, the market sells rubbish. It’s just that it’s the only night market near our hotel.
GO GO (GIRLIE) BARS
‘Check out the Go Go Bars on the side streets.’ I whispered to my mom, who instantly gave me a strange look. Well I think startled would have been the right word! Haha.
My mom is quite like most people in the Philippines, a bit conservative somewhat religious type so I do not think she appreciated what I just told her. But I do felt that it was my duty to inform her. Perhaps warn her? I’m not really sure now…
‘Where is daddy?’ she snapped. Back in my head I thought—Uh oh, I think I already know where this is going.
We looked around and saw my dad a few metres away from us, grinning from ear to ear standing on the side lines. Behind him were sexy young girls in bikinis posing just outside the door of the Go Go Bar, their bodies writhing to the sound of the music inside. Clearly the girls are trying to attract patrons.
I tell you. If you could only see the look on the face of my mom!
Although my mom controlled herself, I can’t help but let out a laugh when she gave my father the EYE. Yes the EYE, followed by, ‘What are you doing there mister?!’ (trust me it sounded much better in our language)
Poor daddy, he was just waiting for my mom. It is not his fault when there are Go Go Bars with girls clad in tiny bikinis beside the market right? *grins*
Then we got interrupted by a young man. ‘Upstairs. Ping Pong. Many more.’ Whilst thrusting to our hands a set of menu-sized cards. I waved my hand off and shook my head sideways, dismissing the man.
‘What was that?’ my mom queried, a bit confused.
‘It’s a menu of sexual activities that they are offering.’ Trying not to sound like it’s the most normal thing to say to your mother.
I think I just heard my mother utter under her breath (and in disbelief)—‘IN JESUS NAME.’
LOL, sorry I can’t help it. I am not such a bad daughter, am I?
PAD THAI + TOD MAN PLA + COCONUT JUICE
To finish the evening we had a very light dinner at a restaurant with an open terrace across the night market. We managed to get a good table with a good view of the street and the rest of the diners.
We were all not very hungry so instead of eating a full dinner we decided to snack. We ordered a serving of Pad Thai noodles, fish cakes (Tod Man Pla) and garlic bread. I settled for a coconut juice while the parents had some watermelon juice and coffee.
I don’t think I have enjoyed the Pad Thai dishes I have tried in this Thailand holiday. I remember eating this 14 years ago and they tasted so good. Have my taste buds changed for the worse? Or is it just the restaurants?
The fish cakes tasted quite fine though. And I loved my coconut juice. I managed to even scrape off the meat which was soft and succulent at the bottom.
For sure, my parents are never coming back to this place.
Travel Period: November 2015
Destination: Patpong, Lumphini (Bangkok), Thailand
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Happy Travels! Enjoy Life =)