OK, so here we are in Lumphini Park after my now regular Aerobics class that starts at 5ish pm and ends near 6pmish followed by a second class that starts at 6:15ish and lasts an hour. I wander down the park road (it's a big park so the paths are streets) and there is an announcement...in Thai...and then the world of walkers, joggers, small children playing...not the cars on the freeway but all inhabitants of the Country of Thailand just stop....dead in their tracks, we did it once on the rail system and people just stop not like with one foot on the train and one on the platform but they just stop and listen to the playing of the Thai National Anthem.
I am informed that this occurs at 8:00am and 6:00pm daily. Thank goodness I don't get up early or i may have to stand while sitting for my morning potty break. I need to check on that...Hmmm not sure what the politically correct thing to do there is? Love my time in Bangkok....check out my new Aerobic buddy...she is a cutie pie!
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| That's right...The Whole Thai Nation stops in it's tracks twice a day (8am & 6pm) to honor the playing of the National Anthem. Eerie at first....as you are the only one still walking thinking that everyone was just paralyzed but you...however you realize that the music is the National Anthem and that this country and it's King, Queen and Princess, who by the way turned 53 today per the page after page of well wishes in the paper today as highly respected. Try that at home...anywhere and see how it is received. |
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| Another amazing site of the Thai world coming to a stand still to pay respect during the playing of the National Anthem. So much to be learned from my Brothers and Sisters around the world! |
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| Don't try this at home...so far in both Thailand and previously in Singapore the break dance craze is very hot. They plan out routines and film themselves on their phones and put them out on U-Tube. These guys were spinning on their heads (crash helmets) for over a minute without touching their hands to the ground. Talk about a chiropractic bill later in life...we have all done some crazy shit in our youth. It's their turn. You go boys! |
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| Gathering for Aerobics starts off as a few die hards (on time) know my instructors will appreciate them. |
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| This pic barely gives a glimpse of the 100's of people that are participating. The road goes all the way past the white building in the background and there are at least 30 more people to my right and another 50 on the other side of this u-shape on the other side of the palm trees on the left. Me and the girls doing our thing! |
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| I challenge any of you Gym rats, to take you workout outside on a 85 degree day on a level red smog warning day and work your groove thing for 2 hours. The smog/pollution is so thick the days are grey yet the health conscious are out to stay in shape. Note with a rice/noodle/soup diet there are not alot of heavy participants, except me but I'm keeping it under control. So far I have had to wear a belt daily to keep the pants/shorts I brought with me above my low ride show your but level and have purchased new at the lower cut for Asian size. I feel Good... |
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| A little grainy but a trooper, I called her Ariel, like the little mermaid as she was jamming with her Mama the whole class. Well mostly just running around in circles till she was dizzy and sat/fell down giggling, but entertained me the whole grueling 2nd hour of class. |
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| Step 2, 3, 4...The class is a big draw for expats that find this Thai phenomenon very entertaining and they all sit on the edge and watch, take pictures, and videos. Ahhh..yeah i am the only white boy kicking it with my peeps. When in Rome....join the FUN!! |
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New Instructor for the 2nd hour of class and she did Tai Chi Chuan. It was marvelous; the fluid movement, the stretch and energy of constant flow as the sun begins to set over another awe inspiring day in Bangkok, Thailand.
Once you learn the routine which takes a few classes it is amazing the strength and power you feel. It is one of those classes that you don't want to end. |
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