" jj "

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JJ weekend market is the most well-known super outdoor extravaganza in bangkok. it's a market of the likes you've never seen or experienced before. you think of thrift shops or flea markets or swap meets; this beast kicks the trade fair in the ass.

i went with the maids to JJ today and we spent 5 hours roaming the stalls; clothing section to wares and goods to animals to food vendors to trinkets galore to shoes as far as the eye can see. they were so free and laughed. it's always so fun to see the girls taking chances and experienceing the world.

two of them, Thunda and a new older woman Suan, had never been before. we parked far away from the market and walked in the new subway station to get there, as it's air-conditioned. Thunda had NEVER been on an escalator before, and she gripped her tiny hands on to my arm when stepping onto the moving and descending walkway apparatus; her little toes curling with tension. she did the same when stepping off the escalator; a bright sparkling smile gleaming on her face. it's the small details in the moment that make you re-evaluate a great many things.

an onward, we went to JJ. it's an overwhelming super sale and you can bargain the crap out of almost anything. you can find almost anything ranging from the smallest most plain black plastic bracelet, up to a hand-carved towering-over-your-head, done in the traditional technique, touting a beautiful buddhist tapestry-like inlay but in wood, glorious totem.

you can buy things that fit in a tiny bag or have your goods shipped worldwide to your front doorstep; awaiting your return to your home it sits and is yours.

JJ is the local short slang-term for Chatuchak Weekend Market. with the new subway system in place and the new organized layout of the sections and stalls, it's one of the bestest weekend-shopping experiences ever. ever!

i mean you think you've shopped till you dropped, but here, people actually pas out! fun! buuuuuut, i guess you have to be in thailand to hook up with me, so get on the wagon people!!

so strap on those comfortable walking shoes, bring an empty sack, stock up on water but pee beforehand, and place your folding monies in your front pocket, then join me in buying anything your heart desires. it is so on....or better yet, go barefoot and buy shoes there! yippeeeeeee!

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