Monthly Archives: February 2013

We went to visit Jim Thompson’s Silk House with Alex and Melissa while in Bangkok. I loved his art collection. He liked things that were broken- a chip here, a head gone there. I read an article a few years ago called Wabi Sabi. It is basically a Japanese philosophy that means ‘to find beauty in the imperfections.’ I think that’s what he saw in things, other people theorize that the broken things symbolized a broken man (whoa- pretty deep.) He was a really progressive guy. He frequently consulted an astrologer before making any major decisions. One advisor told him that he should not travel in his 64th year of life because it would bring grave danger. He didn’t take the advice and sadly, disappeared in the jungles of Malaysia and was never heard from again.
He built a magnificent home in Bangkok with teak wood and installed 6 inches to about a foot high wooden slats between rooms to ward off evil spirits. Apparently, the bad mojo can only move in smooth straight lines. He also had mirrors strategically placed to increase the flow of good energy (feng shui.) For entertainment, a box was built with intricate wood carvings inside to create mazes. Little mice were put in the box behind a plate of glass- kind of like tv! Toilets weren’t in houses yet so he had chamber pots for boys that looked like cats. You would lift the top of the head off and pee inside. Ladies would use bigger pots shaped like frogs.
Silk is produced by processing the cocoons. They steam the pods and the little strings that look like webs make the silk and the dead bug from inside is discarded.
The girls in the photo were dancing a traditional Thai dance. It was mesmerizing to watch their fingers curve backwards.

We took a boat through a canal to get to the floating market. Our driver must have known we were all thrill seekers because he would let the boat in front of us get far ahead, then he’d give ‘er the gas! Righteous!!!!

Alex and Melissa are friends that we’ve known forever from Wisconsin (Jesse and Alex started playing soccer together when they were about 7.) Alex was invited to a fancy shmancy chef gathering in Bangkok because he’s kind of a big deal 🙂 so Jesse quickly made our travel plans coincide with their itinerary. We had an absolute blast with them. We did so much in such a short period of time. This picture was taken at the Grand Palace. Incidentally, I do not own a Hawaiian shirt (not that there’s anything wrong with that) but I had to rent one because I had a tank top on and you are not allowed to show shoulder skin. The shirts are available to rent for about 1 dollar. You can not go into a temple with your legs showing or shoulders. For not planning ahead, not only was I punished by having to wear that ridiculous shirt, but it also had the added bonus of smelling like a massively stinky armpit. I still didn’t look as goofy as Jesse, though. Emerson wore my sarong to cover up her legs (apparently it didn’t matter with the boys.) I am surprised that Alex and Melissa still walked around with Jesse and me. They must really like us!