I got my haircut today, and it turned out to be an all-day adventure. I looked up the best barbers in town, and it happens to be a place called Black Amber Barbers, and it was wayyy on the east side of Bangkok. To take a Grab over there it would have cost about 15 dollars, and that was more than I wanted to spend just for a haircut, not including the trip back. Instead, I learned how to use the BTS system today which is their central railway system. It’s pretty simple to use, and I was already familiar because it’s similar to Japan’s railway.
The barber’s place was cool. It was a whiskey lounge downstairs, and the barbers were upstairs. It seems like there is a trend in Thailand for barbers to have whiskey/cigars next to the barbershop. I like it and thought it was a great experience. When I got there, they had a concierge desk that greets you and then brings you back for a complimentary drink (Jameson or coffee). If it were later in the night, I definitely would have opted for the whiskey, but since it was only 2 pm, I figured the coffee was a wise choice.
This place was definitely on the pricier end, but if you factor in a free whiskey drink, it’s not as bad. I paid $1,100 Bhat for the entire thing. That’s about 33 dollars. I’m particular about haircuts, especially when I’m in another country so I’m willing to pay the higher amount. The haircut turned out pretty good. The first time with a new barber is always challenging, but it ended up going well.
After the barbers, I headed back to the BTS station where I exited (1.0 mile from the barbers). I prefer walking as much as I can. It’s an excellent way to get familiar with a new city and see the culture up close in person. Also, it gets the cardio in. I opt for stairs any chance I get too. It amazes me that 99% of people always take the escalator or elevator instead of the stairs. I consider it a great way to exercise without really thinking about it.
I got some lunch at a mall next to the station. There are millions of malls around Bangkok. The consumerism level here is nothing like I’ve seen. I thought Hong Kong was terrible, but this place takes the cake.
After lunch, I wanted to pick up two more t-shirts from H&M. The ones I bought the other day had such a great fit and made from the stretchy material that I had to pick up a couple more. I wanted to check out this other mall I saw. It’s called Central World. I thought it would be like the other malls I checked out…boy was I wrong. This place was even BIGGER than the other malls. These malls put the United States to shame.
After the mall, I headed back to the place and hit the gym. I wasn’t feeling well today. My allergies have been acting up, but I wanted to get a session in real quick. I worked out shoulders, biceps, and ran two miles. I probably walked about 3-5 miles today too. I’m glad that working out and choosing to eat healthier options is a habit. Formulating productive habits early on have incredible long-term benefits.
After the gym, I sat on the balcony with the view of the entire city and just sat in awe. It makes you feel so small in a good way. You realize the world is so big and moves and builds itself regardless if you partake in the action or not. Your acts are tiny in comparison to the collective whole. There is a sense of freedom in that. It made me feel less afraid to do amazing things without having the pressure. It’s hard to explain the feeling, but it was inspiring and freeing in a way.
Then I talked to Jeff Doria on Facetime for a good hour. Always great catching up with him and hearing about what’s happening in his life and what’s happening in San Diego. Jeff is my best friend/brother and even though we’re across the world, talking to him makes me feel like I’m still in San Diego. It’s like I never left. That’s the great thing about him. It doesn’t matter about time or space; we’re always brothers.
Now is time for bed. I’ll be checking out the floating market tomorrow with a friend I met in Chiang Mai. I still have a stuffy nose, but hopefully, it’s better after I get some rest tonight. Good night!