I landed in Bangkok today and took a taxi from the airport. I was just slightly overcharged, but considered the excess a fair tip and was pleased. I was sweaty and tired from 27 hours of travel and arrived in the humid heat of the mid afternoon. Starving, I quickly realized that being vegan was not a clear option for me on this trip. I was almost shaking I needed food, but couldn’t find anything that made sense. Also no one spoke English, so I just had to point blindly at something on a menu… and then there it was, my meat filled soup. I went ahead and ate it. I realized this trip was going to require some unfortunate compromise. Sweet tea was served free though, so that was nice. I’m starting off my trip just jumping into eating meat, local street food, AND drinking local water. Hail Mary.

After eating my awkward meat meal with a shaking hand, I started my trip walking around the balmy sun drenched meandering streets of downtown Bangkok. There were so many kitties and families keeping cool in open shops. 

I was able to make my way to a temple near the city hall. I removed my shoes at the foot of the stairs and the tile beneath my bare feet was nice and cool. I gave a donation of 25 baht and plucked a flower and a few incense as an offering. Kneeling down on cool marble stone, feeling the drips of water off the stem of the freshly cut flower, I held my items and prayed to the Buddha. Afterwards, I gave my offering and entered the temple. I meditated for awhile in front of the 8 km high bronze votive figure, hoping for better karma after I came to realization I will eat meat. I prayed for compassion. I also overheard a tour guide explain why some people were praying by throwing their bodies on the ground… they are from Tibet. That was an interesting and enlightening fact. I’ll see what other things I pick up around here.