Let's go for a beer!
My impatient partner, Nanny (No! She's not my Grand Mother) leading the way.
The entrance to the Jungle - next to MetroPark - is very deceptive. Walking down the narrow lane way - you invariably ask, "where the HELL does this lead to?".
We're in!
At the end of the laneway - the Jungle spreads out before you - amazing sights!
Some of the vegetation
It's difficult to believe that this Jungle is in the middle of Bangkok City - between Sathorn and Rama II.
Why is it here?
Apparently the land is owned by His Majesty, the King, and therefore, cannot be built on.
Why is it here?
Apparently the land is owned by His Majesty, the King, and therefore, cannot be built on.
Keep to the footpath - you really don't want a coconut bouncing off your head!
Jack Fruit
Jack Fruit - not to be confused with Durian, which is banned from every hotel in Bangkok, due to the smell!
This particular fruit - very popular all over South East Asia - is abundant in the Jungle.
This fruit is the largest tree-borne fruit in the world, reaching 80 pounds (36 kg) in weight and up to 36 inches (90 cm) long and 20 inches (50 cm) in diameter.
It is HUGE!!
Thankfully it grows low-down on the tree - not on the branches - and is therefore not a danger!
This is a very versatile fruit and if you're feeling adventurous, you can find a few recopies here.
Papaya
This is another fruit which is abundant in the Jungle.
It is used in Som Tum Thai - or Papaya Salad - a wonderfully spicy Thai salad. OK - go on - you can find the recipe here.
It is used in Som Tum Thai - or Papaya Salad - a wonderfully spicy Thai salad. OK - go on - you can find the recipe here.
Bananas
Ever wonder where bananas come from?
From inside the banana flower of course!
This flower is not meant for a vase, but is delicious in Salads. Click here for the recipe.
Almost there.......
On our way to the Jungle Bar, we come across a number of spirit houses such as the one pictured here.
The Spirit House is very important in Thai culture, as Thai people believe that a Spirit House provides an appealing shelter for the spirits - celestial beings - who would otherwise reside in the heavens, large trees, caves, cliffs, waterfalls or other natural surroundings.
According to folklore, the spirits themselves are either good or evil, but most are just finicky and mischievous, demanding respect from humans and are believed to be capable of disastrous interferences if they don't get their way. The spirit of the land, for example, expects to be informed when a human intends to start a business or engage in improvements to an existing business. If the spirit is not informed - and if the human does not respectfully request permission - the spirit - it is believed - can indeed cause the venture to fail.
The land that this Spirit House stands on, has obviously been blessed by Monks lately. This is evidenced by the white string. The owner may be going to build a house on the land or maybe he believes that there is something "supernatural" going on.
The Spirit House is very important in Thai culture, as Thai people believe that a Spirit House provides an appealing shelter for the spirits - celestial beings - who would otherwise reside in the heavens, large trees, caves, cliffs, waterfalls or other natural surroundings.
According to folklore, the spirits themselves are either good or evil, but most are just finicky and mischievous, demanding respect from humans and are believed to be capable of disastrous interferences if they don't get their way. The spirit of the land, for example, expects to be informed when a human intends to start a business or engage in improvements to an existing business. If the spirit is not informed - and if the human does not respectfully request permission - the spirit - it is believed - can indeed cause the venture to fail.
The land that this Spirit House stands on, has obviously been blessed by Monks lately. This is evidenced by the white string. The owner may be going to build a house on the land or maybe he believes that there is something "supernatural" going on.
The Home Stretch!
Note the speed ramp!
Also - the bananas, directly above said ramp!
The silhouette in the distance is Dave, enjoying a beer - as is his wont of an afternoon!
Also - the bananas, directly above said ramp!
The silhouette in the distance is Dave, enjoying a beer - as is his wont of an afternoon!
Whew! We've arrived!
This is Mr. O (do not ask me to spell his name correctly - I have absolutely no idea) - our genial host - a true gentleman!
Some wild men of the Jungle.
AKA - The United Nations of MetroPark.
From left to right - Mick (Scotland), Mike (U.S.A), Stuart (England), Dave (the silhouette) (England).
Yours Truly.
The bottle of Leo cost me just THB50! As I said - O (please refer to previous brackets) is a true gentleman.
Please remember..........
The Jungle Bar (as we have affectionately named it) is a family home. We are there as guests of the family and are on their property. This bar should not be seen as a Main Street Bar - where anything goes. We - the "United Nations of MetroPark" (Ireland, Scotland, England, Norway, Canada, U.S.A., France, India, Bhuton, Germany, Italy, Egypt, Japan, Taiwan, etc.) treat this bar and the people who run it with the utmost respect. If we want to get drunk - we go elsewhere!
Some interesting decor at Mr. O's place!