Saturated Eyeballs

Today, I spent many hours wandering the incredibly colourful—as advertised—streets of Bangkok. I also spent a considerable amount of time tackling the gargantuan shopping malls precincts (many!) of Siam with Mary. It was an exceptionally well-spent day, and an amazing time. Yet, I absolutely hit the wall. Just completely drained.

For both better and worse, a lot of curious things passed across my vision. From alleyways you could barely squeeze through, zigzagging under the clotheslines of local, to canals that seemingly jumped out of nowhere, and then the hypermodern malls of Siam, the contrast was incredible. Trains zipped many stories above the streets, and several levels below, too. The delicious aroma of street food was ever-present.

But, at a point, it become too much for me to absorb. I wanted to be a sponge, but ran out of empty pores.

Bangkok also featured largest bill boards I have ever laid eyes upon. Your periphery can’t even see past them, they’re that wide. Within the impossibly large shopping precinct, there were an overwhelming number of people for a random Thursday. You could hear commentary from live beauty events, featuring hordes of people queuing to catch a glimpse of celebrities I’ve never heard of. There was the most extensive food court I have ever seen.

Combined with the sweltering heat, there was no sense that wasn’t being stimulated to maximum capacity, frankly. I enjoyed it, but honestly was left feeling completely drained, I think just due to an information processing overload. I suppose that is what you sign up for, to some extent, in speed-running one of the world’s most vibrant and diverse cities. I think I’ll be back, but—even though I enjoyed it thoroughly—I’d maybe spend a little less time inside shopping malls.