Many of you will have traipsed along the long corridors of Bangkok airport coming to, or going from, or in transit through this busy airport. But how many of you have had the time, or indeed the inclination, to explore some of the lesser known parts of this huge place and see something of what goes on behind the scenes. We did. Why? It provided us with a good walk in a cool place and we enjoyed it.  Here are a few photos all taken by David to share the experience.

We had noticed during the night that the roads outside were almost deserted because of the curfew. Mass transportation is allowed only between 06.00 and 23.00 and the general curfew applies from midnight to 04.00.  The flags outside our room tell of a proud country and we hope that the political turmoil can be resolved soon. We have noticed a great decrease in tourists in the hotel and in the airport.

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This concourse was rather empty by Bangkok airport’s usual standards.

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Those travelling on the moving walkways don’t even seem to notice the window cleaner  dangling like a spider man on the huge bank of windows.

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This cleaner was like a living installation in this architectural wonder of steel and concrete.

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We were glad to see him take a couple of minutes to rest from his work. It is people like this man who keep the airport so clean for the rest of us to enjoy. We owe them a big thank you.

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These women are also part of the army of people who keep this airport clean.  They were enjoying a mango feast on their break. I was fascinated by this woman sitting like this… It was many moons ago that I was able to do this!

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Whilst the cleaners took a break, their cleaning machines were being charged up at a group of  power points that were situated at either ends of the long concourses, well out of the way of the public. I guess not many people go to these extremities of the concourses. But perhaps they should. The views were  worth the walk!

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At each end of the concourse, there’s a large garden . I love the architecture of the buildings and the gardens complimented them really well.  It was good to see a well kept garden even if a couple of the pyramids are broken.

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A lot of thought had gone into the sculptures and the landscaping around them.

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At the other end of the concourse was a much more traditionally landscaped garden. The lotus style of the architecture was reflected in the lotus patterns of the garden beds.

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Another sculptural piece of garden landscaping caught our eye… Palm trees in pots!

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Taking no notice of the beauty just outside the window, these two young cleaners had eyes only for their mobile phones. There was no chat between them… Just that modern form of communication especially beloved by the young.

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All too soon it seemed, break time was over and the workers all got back to their chores.  They often work behind the scenes and are not often appreciated, I’m sure. We thank them all, for without them this place, and so many places we take a bit for granted, just wouldn’t work.

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Whether the workers are aware of them or not, I don’t know, but we were certainly aware of the beauty of plants throughout the airport, particularly orchids like these.

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I’ll let the beauty of these flowers have the last word today as we leave the airport to get ready for our flight to Zurich.

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There is beauty in a group of orchids, but for me, the single flower is just magic.

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We dedicate this beauty to our friend Sonia who has just lost her fight with cancer. A truly remarkable woman who has left this world a better place because of her love and concern for others. We are glad that she was part of our lives.  She will be missed by many.

More anon from Switzerland as we continue our journey.

 

Jennie and David