Cabbages & Condoms with a hint of Black Amber
I went back to work on Thursday… Actually, I didn’t go “back to work” because teaching is not work to me. From now on, I’m going to reclassify the term “work” when referring to teaching in a new context. I am going to phrase teaching as a “passionate pursuit of the noble good”. Let’s try the new phrase out by beginning again. “On Thursday, I went back to the passionate pursuit of the noble good”-I like that much better.
For me, being a law enforcement officer was work. Every time I showed up, it took a mental, physical, and spiritual toll as though it was slowly extracting a piece of me until I had nothing left to give. Teaching is the complete opposite experience. Even on the bad days, when the students are rowdy or not listening to directions; I am safe, they are safe, I can still reach one student (probably more) in a positive manner, I don’t have to inflict pain or fight with criminals over petty shit, and I don’t have to make any decisions whether to point my gun at anyone much less pull the trigger. That is a great day!
During school hours I sat at my desk working on various projects while midterm tests were being administered to the students. We (all the foreign language teachers) were not allowed to be in the classroom because the Thai teachers were the test proctors. Once the testing was completed, we then received the midterm tests in bulk for grading.
After school, I took a van to Bangkok and visited Black Amber Barbershop located in the Thong Lo District (Thong Lo BTS station). I was looking for an American style edgy barbershop vibe for a much needed beard trim. I found the barbershop in an alleyway off Soi Sukhumvit 55 (approximately 15 minute walk from the Thong Lo BTS station) and was pleasantly surprised by the interior hipster decor. I was met by a female barber who escorted me to a plush chair and for the next 45 minutes she provided impeccable service which included: hot towel facial treatment, facial massage with beard oils, beard trim, straight edge razor work, and scissor trim. I left the shop feeling like a new man.
Throughout my time in Bangkok, I have used suggestions found on the internet to seek new and interesting restaurants. One restaurant in particular has been repeatedly pinging as a must eat at place when in Bangkok. The restaurant is called “Cabbages & Condoms” and promotes a social justice cause related to stopping the AIDS epidemic in Thailand by making condoms readily accessible and removing any type of stigmas associated to the use of condoms. Thong Lo BTS station was only a couple of stops away from the restaurant so I decided to see it for myself.
I rode the BTS train to Asok BTS station and walked to Soi Sukhumvit 12 alley. The alleyway is narrow and lined with street vendors. I noted that Soi Cowboy was also located nearby which is a go to destination for those seeking a vibrant nightlife experience. As I approached the restaurant, I noticed signs directing me to the location that reminded me of cheesy 1970’s cartoons.
When you first walk in, there is a kiosk to the left; that is not the main restaurant. It’s actually a small coffee shop aptly named “Coffee & Condoms”. I walked past the coffee shop and was met by a hostess who asked me if I wanted to sit outside in the open-air patio or inside where there was air conditioning. I noticed there were multi-colored overhead lamps covered in large transparent condoms in the open-air patio area and condom related signs proclaiming the advantages of using condoms adorned the walls.
I requested to sit in the AC room at which point I was escorted to an airy richly decorated indoor area with glass covered tables that had condoms underneath the glass.
I was given a menu that had food selections in both Thai and English with associated pictures. I selected the fried sea bass, shrimp fried rice, pineapple shrimp curry soup, and a large Chang beer.
Words escape me at the quality of the Thai inspired food. Each dish had a depth of flavor that I had not experienced and contained spices, herbs, and fresh vegetables that seemed to jump off the plate. I ravenously attacked the food trying to take in the new flavors. When I finally slowed down, I was left contemplating how Thailand constantly surprised me with unexpected subtle nuances in their cooking techniques and love for their food. I received my bill and of course, I received a free condom instead of a mint. Only at Cabbages & Condoms would they complete my experience with a socially conscious message. Finally, I must conclude this post by encouraging everyone that visits Bangkok to eat at this restaurant. The food was phenomenal, the service was top-notch, and you are supporting a worthy cause.