Bangkok Needs A Facelift (2.46)

This week we take a break from talking about how much we love Bangkok to discuss the city's ugly, dusty, dirty side. Prior to that we'll tell you about our bike-tastic weekend. Because sometimes you just gotta get out of the city and enjoy the rest of Thailand, right?

Evo gets burned on the beach in Hua Hin, and Greg MacGyver’s his way through a bike ride in remote Bangkok. Clearly we love living in the Kingdom, but as with most relationships, there are things that drive you a bit crazy. One of those things about Bangkok is that while it's certainly a fascinating city, it is not a very attractive city. At least not at first sight. What’s not to love? Well… abandoned buildings still dot the landscape, giving many aspects of Bangkok a bit of a post-apocalyptic feel. And even for occupied buildings, the elements aren’t nice to our hi-so condos, and many could use with a fresh (or perhaps first ever) coat of paint. When you do see color on buildings, it’s often from re-purposed polyvinyl signs used in some rather ingenious (and likely not permitted) construction project. Of course, we’ll talk about the twisted knot of telecommunication lines that is inescapable in Bangkok if you happen to look just slightly up. Which you probably don’t do very often for fear of stepping into an open hole in the sidewalk, falling down a bottomless pit. But maybe that’s just our perception as farangs who’ve lived too long in the city? For it certainly stands in contrast with the army of street cleaners who sweep the streets around Bangkok with brooms and dustpans. Give this episode a listen and let us know your thoughts on the less-beautiful side of Bangkok. Maybe we’re being to critical?

Love, Loathe, or Leave

How do we feel about fish sauce, that salty, MSG-laden black liquid that Bangkokians put on just about everything? Not surprisingly, it’s a split decision this week. (Spoiler: One of your hosts might have sent a whole bunch of postcards around the world doused in the savory goodness! And the other likes ketchup. Gross.)

We Love Our Supporters!

You really need to meet Christine Foti, the lovely person this week who deserves our thanks and your awe. Why? A few years back she called her cable company to cancel her service, and they were so scared of losing such a stellar customer, they offered to pay her if she didn't leave. Now she makes a nice chunk of change from companies that simply want to be associated with her. When she’s not doing that, Christine and a few other fantastic people help us keep the show free of annoying ads and get access to bonus content, cool swag and more by supporting us on Patreon. You should join them! Also, thanks to J Robert MM for the lovely review of the Bangkok Podcast on iTunes. You rock, JRMM, and enjoy life in Kanchanburi!

Want More Bangkok Podcast In Your Life?

If it’s your first time experiencing The Bangkok Podcast, you really should get our show downloading to your phone automatically every week. If you use iOS, it’s a breeze to listen via Apple Podcasts. Android users are be able get the show any number of ways. And for bonus points, leave us a review on those platforms or however you listen to the show. We’d love to hear from you! You can add our official LINE account, comment on a post or send us a message via our Facebook page, tweet to us @bangkokpodcast, or simply via the contact form on our website. You may also be interested in Greg’s tweets of snarky Bangkok goodness, and you can see way too much of Evo’s face on Instagram. If you’re really new, the Bangkok Podcast is co-hosted by Greg Jorgensen and Evo Terra. Together the have over 20 years expat experience in Bangkok, and are self-certified experts in living in the City of Angels. (Not Los Angeles. Thailand, silly!) (Direct download .mp3)