We arrived in Bangkok yesterday. A bedraggled lot of weary South African travellers who hadn't slept or eaten much and were therefore prone to shouting at each other (Bryan) or getting silly and doing races on the travellators in the airport (Kerry and I). But by the time we swept over the motorway bridges into downtown Bangkok, it was apparent that we were in a whole new world. Literally. Thailand brokers the challenges between west and east with style, grace and smiles. The strange and frustrating political dynamic of the country was explained but shrugged off as our hosts craftily put the first activity on the table — shopping in the famous JJ Market (aka Chatuchak Weekend market). Clever people. A bunch of fashion people + a market = happy campers.

We had a quick shower and change and headed out. And it was HOT. Sweaty-without-shame hot. The humidity is the thing that gets you. And then when you are wandering the tiny narrow avenues of the market, the oppressiveness gets you too. But, look, shiny things! Ah, the happiness of our groups as we split off into twosomes to go and feast on the richness of what the market had to offer.

What do you get there, you ask? Well everything. Not always what you want. And more. Fake bags. Tourist t-shirts. Tchotchkes aplenty. Beautiful little dresses, blouses and shorts in dainty prints and polka dots — that are only big enough to fit the tiny local girls and some children (that you can mostly get at The Lott and Wardrobe). Animals (awful). Silk (incredible). And a wonderful display of people watching, the likes of which I have never seen before.

What don't you get there? Well, shoes. Aside from some fake Crocs and Converse, that's your lot shoe-wise. Tarryn and I spotted loads of girls we would loved to have shot for street style. Only you would have had to have chopped them off at the knees, such was the horror of their footwear. You simply do not get nice shoes here. So, so sad.

You also don't get hassled. I have been to the souks and stalls of Cairo and Marrakech. This was so much more peaceful. Everyone is smiling at you. Hoping you will buy from them. And so you do. None of the frantic hustle. All of the charm. All of the heat. Amazing.

The other thing that I loved about my first day in Thailand, was the spectacular splashes of colour. Pink is everywhere. Bright, bold, hot pink. Also lilac and orange and cobalt. But so much pink. It was a fiesta. And I was totally energised by it.
What a day. Overstimulated and overheated, we trundled back to the hotel and camped out by the pool enjoying the incredible sweetness of the fruit juices (me) and delicious local drinks (everyone else). Before retiring very early to bed. Tomorrow more fashion adventures in Thailand await. I will tell you all about it here.