Shared Experiences (The Speakeasy Rooftop Bar)
For the last three months, I have experienced Thailand from the perspective of my external senses and internal ideology. This reality changed dramatically with the arrival of my son and daughter.
Prior to their arrival, I made a detailed list as though I was Chevy Chase in European Vacation. The “To Do list” grew to astronomical proportions in my feeble attempt to somehow give them an in-depth look into what makes Thailand tick. I wanted to take them everywhere, show them everything, and share with them my burgeoning ideological dogma. In short, I was naive enough to think I could fit my three month journey into several days. Through this process, I learned I would have to release my preconceived ideas of what they should experience and instead focus on the importance of each moment they had. Time became a positive construct instead of a negative connotation and I found new clarity in my transitioning relationship with my adult children. During those early morning hours planning our itinerary, I learned that I was not so much their father anymore, rather a person who is solidly present by their side who needs to be ready to provide unconditional love, words of support, and a listening ear. I am confident they know right or wrong and so I need to let go of my path and allow them to follow their own unique path. Armed with this renewed sense of purpose and desire to grow my relationship with both son and daughter; I created an abstract map by which to guide us to wherever we might roam through the “City of Angels”.
They arrived on the late flight, their smiles and enthusiasm lit up the airport arrival area. We hugged enthusiastically as positive energy flowed uninhibited between us. I knew right then and there that we were going to embark on an unforgettable trip. Traffic was light heading to the hotel. They stared out the windows, mesmerized by the lack of road rules yet everything seemed to work in harmony. We passed vibrant bars, bustling streets filled with party goers, street vendors, and the unceasing interpersonal activity that defines living in Thailand. The taxi driver dropped us off at our hotel (63 Bangkok Bed and Breakfast) and I asked the kids if they wanted to explore the area. They were tired but expressed an interest in looking around the area. We shed their bags in the hotel room and began walking around the local neighborhood. We dodged traffic laughing at the fact as pedestrians we had to risk life and limb when entering any type of traffic area, talked incessantly about the different cultural aspects we might encounter in our new environment, and I watched their minds try to quickly transition from Western beliefs to the 180 degree life they were now experiencing first hand. Finally, exhausted we headed back to the hotel.
The next day we woke up early, had a large breakfast at “Breakfast Story” then headed to Bangkok Ink for a tattoo consultation with the Ajarn. We spent an hour at Bangkok Ink discussing the significance of Sak Yant tattoos with Ajarn Sak, looking through hundreds of potential tattoo designs and finally both my son and daughter decided on their tattoo they would receive by Ajarn Aut. The tattoo appointment was set for the evening of August 7th and we would all be receiving different tattoos: my son decided on a large traditional Sak Yant back tattoo with two tigers facing each other, my daughter was to receive a delicate smaller Sak Yant tattoo that incorporated a lotus flower design, and I chose to receive a machine tattoo of the word “Ajarn” in Thai on my upper chest.
After leaving the tattoo parlor, we attacked Bangkok with a reckless abandon. Both children quickly picked up riding on the BTS and fundamentally grasped the unbelievable freedom and access public transportation afforded us. Many times the core question arose: Why can’t America provide these options? In our Western pursuit of freedom, we have closed ourselves off within our personal vehicles whereas public transportation forces you to interact with the stranger standing next to you.
From the BTS, we successfully bartered with a Tuk Tuk driver who took us on a wild ride through back alleyways, streets clogged with every type of vehicle and ended up at Chatuchak Market. After eating at Viva 8 restaurant in Chatuchak Market and walking through the endless maze of vendors; we traveled to the Caturday Cafe and ate rainbow crepe cake with our new furry friends.
Full from sampling a wide array of Thai foods, we managed to make our way to the Saxophone Jazz pub off the Victory Monument BTS station where we listened to a live band weave mellow tunes and continued taste testing the cuisine. While discussing our options, we decided to make our way to a rooftop bar called “The Speakeasy” located on the 24th floor of the Hotel Muse. I had heard this was one of two rooftop bars that I needed to visit in Bangkok (the other was Octave) so we eagerly anticipated sharing this experience for the first time.
We rode the from Victory Monument BTS station to Chit Lom BTS station and walked less than approximately half a mile to Hotel Muse. We were dressed casually in shorts, flip flops, short sleeved shirts and backpacks containing our personal effects. I mention our attire because upon our arrival at Hotel Muse we were taken aback by the level of sophistication that the attendants exhibited. They wore three piece suits, the hotel was black with gold trim, the front door leading in was extravagantly etched with intricate designs, and the valets were busy parking high end vehicles. With as much confidence as we could muster, we approached the front lobby and were met with a smiling front door attendant who directed us to an elevator. I must say I was a little overwhelmed by the ambiance of the hotel. It was a mix of 1920’s flair, originally designed Thai sculptures, beautiful artwork adorned the walls, staff were impeccably dressed, and the subtle lighting gave the sense we were escaping into an alternate world.
We exited the elevator and were met by a hostess who was exquisitely dressed in 1920’s flapper attire. She escorted us past the live DJ onto the main deck where we were met with a 180 degree view of Bangkok. The sun was setting on the horizon lighting the world on fire in hues of orange and purple. Clouds painted the sky moving deliberately along their own course around the massive skyscrapers jutting like fingers tips into the endless expanse. We started out at the bar but quickly moved our drinks and food to a comfortable couch and chair ensemble that afforded us breathtaking views.
Our clothing attire did not matter. We were welcomed with open arms and enjoyed the evening sampling the extensive variety of early century mixed drinks and snacking on well designed appetizers. I still can’t believe we were privy to such an amazing experience. We talked late into the evening grateful for the life we live together.