We are in well charted territory, and we are in uncharted territory:

Thailand.

It’s our third time in the Siamese bustle, so at one level, this is nothing new.

A woman strings jasmine flowers late into the night, next to a street-side eatery. (Click the image to enlarge.)

And yet, for the first time in almost twenty years, we are taking a two-week vacation abroad. Our historic habit is four to twelve months, not twelve days.

With different time constraints, we are relying on our past travels as a guide. For example, we’ve decided to repeat our favorite Bangkok accommodation instead of exploring a new spot.

With an established acquaintance of Bangkok, we are trying to know some of her more out of the-way corners. Since we’ve visited many of the more common tourist sites, this time we’re exploring the contemporary arts scene.

A commuter hand feeds her pet bird while on a southbound workday ferry on the Chao Phraya. (Click the photo to enlarge.)

A Thai cocktail, named the Multi Vitamin, has layers of mango and red wine. (Click the photo to enlarge.)

With a set of memories to draw from, we are indulging in some romance. “Weren’t those cocktails by the Chao Phraya outstanding? Shall we toast the sunset there again?” Yes, let’s.

With familiarity (which lets us savor the finer flavor of the cloaking air and constant motion, at once ordered and relaxed),

Chris