All Kinds of Shopping/Silk/Thai Dancing

     Today I spent time shopping in Bangkok.  Well... I didn't actually purchase anything, but I was a tag-a-long to my relatives.  I really wish that I had come to Thailand last rather than first.  The shopping here is insane!!!  So many cool things at such a cheap price!  I would have went to town here, but oh well... it wasn't meant to be!  I don't really even have a home to go back to, so what is there to buy anyway?  It is a little weird to have no place of residence!  Of course I can always stay at my mom's, but not having a place of my own is a little odd since it has been that way from 18 until now, 23.  Not to worry!  Focusing on my travels and enjoying every little part of life and will worry about a place to live, a job and all that other stuff later!  Anyways, the first place we went to was Jatuchuk Plaza/J&J Mall.

 In front of an elephant made out of driftwood.

 Outdoor Shopping

 Some cool Muay Thai statues.

Indoor Shopping

     J&J Mall had a very interesting display of how silk is made.  It was mind blowing to see the whole process.  Sometimes in life we neglect to realize how much work goes into things.  All the steps it  takes people to make what we wear or even eat.  There are so many talented people in this world!  

 Silkworms

 Where the silkworms are placed in order to cocoon.

This woman was extracting the thread.

The cooked silkworm that apparently some people eat!  (YUCK)

 Spinning the thread.

Weaving the silk.

If you want to learn more about the process of producing silk, here is a great website I looked at.  http://www.designboom.com/history/silk1.html

     Another great thing that was occurring at J&J Mall was some Thai dancing.  People from the Kalasin College of Dramatic Arts, Bunditpatanasilpa Institute, Ministry of Culture were putting on a performance in the middle of the mall.  They had such beautiful outfits!  I especially loved all the instruments that were being played.  Very unique instruments that are not frequently used in the States.  

 Cute little kids coming up to dance with them.

     

A video of one of the dances.

Below are pictures of my aunt and cousin demonstrating how parking occurs in Thailand and how one gets out of a parking spot if another car is parked in front of you.

Before

 After

Our last shopping spot of the day was a food market.  I saw quite a few interesting things here.

 Anyone care for some pig ear, intestine, tongue, other body parts?  (YUCK)

 Flowers that smell so good and are so pretty!

 All the shopping in the Thai heat gets to you, got to sit down for a bit.

I am not trying to be mean, but I saw this couple on the way home and their shirts killed me.  His says "Too Hot" and hers says "So Hot".  Couldn't stop laughing!  

Leaving for Phuket on Tuesday and am excited to get in some beach time!  Hope you guys are enjoying these Blog posts as I am really enjoying writing them and sharing my experiences with you!

xo

"In motivating people, you've got to engage their minds and their hearts.  I motivate people, I hope, by example - and perhaps by excitement, by having productive ideas to make others feel involved."       -Rupert Murdoch