Bangkok's Sticky Situation: Noodles, Sweat, and Seriously Weird Vibes

okay, so i’m pretty sure i’m running on fumes and questionable street food. 1571058 and 1704221456 - those are the numbers i’ve been obsessing over since i landed. they don’t mean anything, really, just…numbers. the humidity here is like, 41%? i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. the pressure’s at 1011, which feels kinda…heavy. like a permanent hug. it’s 32.35 degrees Celsius, feels like 32.98, and the min/max temp is stuck on 32.35. it’s a constant simmer.

Bangkok. seriously? i went in expecting temples and tuk-tuks, and i got…well, a lot. a lot of everything. it’s a sensory overload in the best and worst ways. i’m a touring session drummer, so the noise is kinda my jam, but even i was struggling with the constant honking and the sheer volume of people. i’m currently camped out in a tiny guesthouse near Sukhumvit, which is basically a concrete jungle overflowing with flashing lights and the smell of pad thai.

I’m trying to document it all, but my camera roll is already bursting. i’m thinking of just sending everyone a slideshow of sweaty faces and noodle bowls. it feels appropriate. i stumbled across this amazing little stall selling mango sticky rice - seriously, the best i’ve ever had. someone told me that the vendor uses coconut milk from a specific grove outside the city, which is apparently a closely guarded secret. i’m not sure i believe it, but it tasted like a secret.

Let’s talk gear. I’m a mess. my backpack is basically a black hole. here’s the breakdown:
Camera: Sony A7III (duh)
*Lenses: 24-70mm f/2.8, 70-200mm f/2.8 (because i’m a sucker for portraits)
*Audio Recorder: Zoom H6 (for capturing street sounds - essential)
*Portable Charger: Anker PowerCore 26800 (because i forget to charge everything)
*Notebook & Pens: Because i’m a hopeless romantic and need to scribble down observations.
*Sarong: For temples and general modesty.
*Bug Spray:* Seriously, don’t underestimate the mosquitos.

I heard that the night markets are insane, but also a total tourist trap. i’m leaning towards the insane. i’m going to check out Chatuchak Weekend Market tomorrow - apparently, it’s the biggest market in Thailand. i’m hoping to find some vintage clothes, which is my main mission. i’m a vintage clothes picker, you know. it’s a compulsion.

Speaking of markets, i overheard some drunk advice from a guy at my guesthouse last night. he said to avoid the area around Victory Monument - “it’s a snake pit,” he slurred. i’m not entirely convinced, but i’ll keep an eye out.

I’m trying to find a decent coffee spot, but it’s proving difficult. everything seems to be instant or served with condensed milk. i’m a coffee snob, so this is a serious issue. i found one place that claims to use locally roasted beans, but it tasted suspiciously like burnt rubber. i’m still searching.

If you get bored, Chiang Mai are just a short drive away. i’m thinking of heading up there next week.

I’m also trying to avoid getting ripped off. i’m a budget student, remember? i checked out some reviews on Yelp - someone said to always negotiate the price with tuk-tuk drivers. i’m taking that to heart. i heard that the Grand Palace is stunning, but it’s ridiculously crowded. maybe I’ll go early in the morning.

Someone told me that the best way to experience Bangkok is to just get lost. Seriously, ditch the map and wander around until you stumble upon something amazing. Don’t be afraid to try new things - especially the street food.

Honestly, I’m exhausted. i’m going to go find some noodles and try to recharge. maybe i’ll even attempt to learn a few Thai phrases. wish me luck.