So we went round the corner for supper the other night, and this is what we saw when we emerged from the restaurant. Good thing Himself had driven us and parked in Baan Kanitha's minute carpark, because rain exerts this weird effect of making taxis evaporate in this city, and mincing one's way home through a soi's toxic cocktail of sewer overflow and floating rubbish ranks on the "fun" scale next to following the 2004 U.S. presidential election returns.
On the other hand, there was that tuk-tuk perched rakishly along the kerb. We could have hopped aboard that and tootled on home, if she was indeed seaworthy. Of course the driver would have charged us a "desperate khon farang caught in the rain" fare, which is his right to do, for the short distance to our pad. But it would have been worth it to avoid stepping barefoot onto a rat or rusted tin can. (Walking once in this watery sludge ruins shoes. One must carry them and hope for the best down below.)
Out potential chariot, were it not for the foresight of Himself.
As it was, we cruised home through the gently rippling waters of Soi 23. The trip felt and looked not unlike a Sunday boat ride in the park -- except for it being night-time, and perfumed by overflowing sewers. Most vendors had packed up early thanks to the downpour. We could hear the water lapping against the side of our car; streets sounds seemed to carry farther thanks to the rain-cleansed air. A serene vibe had temporarily replaced the neighborhood's usual 24/7 tumult.
And we floated on home.
Mmm ... I even miss the smell of drains on hot humid rainstormy nights :)
Posted by: Sarah | November 16, 2005 at 11:57 PM
Seriously, your life right now... so exotic! :)
Posted by: Heather | November 17, 2005 at 04:32 AM
How very typically Bangkok....
Posted by: Elemmaciltur | November 18, 2005 at 04:20 AM