The View from Here, Part I.

Flavor:  sweet

A good view is a turn on.  Perhaps it is my bias, as an architect.  I lean towards the visually stimulating.

I used to take walks in Florence, headphones on, deaf to the world and just find myself close to tears at the unfolding views in front of me.  I think I must have spent hours most Saturdays climbing up the hill to the monastery in Fiesole, high above the red-roofed city, and staring into the vast unfolding panorama.  Those were weak-in-the-knees moments for me.

No matter how you decide to enjoy a view:  alone or with others, accompanied by a good soundtrack or a full glass, you have to admit that a good view is breathtaking, at the least.

I prefer to enjoy my views in either complete silence (adding to the sense of peacefulness) or whilst listening to some good music.  Unfortunately, this perfect scenario is far from the norm.  The occasions that allow for this type of solitude and inner thought are few and far between – they are vacation moments - not every day-working-living moments.  A typical view will be lost in the din of the crowd on the sidewalk, the smell of exhaust and hum of car engines, or the kids screaming in the back seat.  The beauty of pictures, however, is that they can block out the background and freeze that view in complete silence.  It is then your choice to remember the sounds, imagine the smells, add your own soundtrack or simply enjoy the peaceful silence of it all.

I have found that most views I enjoy in this city tend to be from the inside of an air conditioned car.  It’s a nice little bubble to be in when the humidity, heat and scent of the city beyond are overwhelming.  The focus is not on staying cool or worrying about tripping on the rough pavement.  It is pure view.

(now, mind you, I do not condone driving and photographing – I only click when stopped in traffic  or when in the passenger seat). 

So, for the next installment, enjoy the silence, turn up your music or grab a drink and enjoy the view from here.

roofscape, bkk.

bridgescape, bkk.

heart of the city, bkk.

rain and traffic, bkk.

view from home, bkk.

rain on the roof, bkk.

Back in Da Game

Flavor:  sweet

It’s as simple as a bowl of noodles.  A few ingredients mixed together and you get the most fantastic, palate-pleasing treat.   One blissful culinary moment can pop me back into place.  So, with my bowl of noodles at breakfast this morning, I end up back here.

Hiatus ended.  No apologies.  No excuses.

I originally began this blog to keep the other side of the world involved.  I am much more likely to elaborate here than in a late night or early morning phone call with head on the pillow or foot out the door.  What has proven even more invaluable, however, is the ability of writing  to keep me aware of my surroundings and my feelings.  

I recently spent a few days getting to know New York City. Having lived in and around the city for a good part of my life, I was amazed at how little I knew or had experienced.  I played tourist and gave myself a chance to breathe in the city.  By foot, bus, low-line and high-line, I paid attention and tried to appreciate it as a local rarely has the chance to do. 

So, my grand plan is to be able to see Bangkok in the same light.  Despite the daily grind, armed with camera and words, I am on a mission to appreciate what is around me.  I am challenging myself to see this city through fresh eyes.

Thoughts come to me easily.  Getting them out-not so easy.  So, this post, which has been a year-and-a -half in the making is simply meant to get me back in the game.  As previously stated, I am an irregular blogger.  Have patience.  If you promise to read, I’ll promise to write.  Hopefully it will keep you involved or at least mildly entertained. 

Alternative reading:  I hope to share that bowl of noodles with you someday, and ideally this will bring you one step closer to buying a ticket and heading out the door.