(Joking around with friends while we wait for our food and drinks at Sofa Cafe/Bar)
The holiday season is upon us and its getting crazy in the streets (and in the malls). Bangkok, seemingly the consumer capital of the world, is in full swing with sales here, deals there, and shopping everywhere. It's still a little strange to see Christmas decorations all over the city, especially when it's 25C outside. And just to emphasize, 25C is cold in Bangkok. I even had to put on a sweater to go to sleep last night and had to wear a scarf to work this morning. I don't know how long the cold snap will last… its a refreshing change not to be sweating all the time (and to put on an outfit that doesn't consist of a pair of shorts, a t-shirt, and flip-flops). For the holiday season, I recommend spending time with friends and family and NOT going out shopping – its a time for celebration – don't you think we, as consumers, have enough "stuff" already?
(The underside of some escalators at the Siam Paragon)
(Shopping at the Jim Thompson Festival… it's ironic how all this "high quality" silk goods are stuffed into large plastic bags)
(An alternate shot of the above photo from my camera)
(The redesign and renovations of the Central Raminthra Mal, near my place, includes two huge teddy bears – Christmas decoration in Bangkok is pretty tacky… not much green or red… there's actually a VISA sponsored purple Christmas tree outside Central Chitlom shopping mall!)