Our day started early. After checking out of the jazzy Majestic Grande (have not been able to figure out the value of an additional ‘e’ ), we headed for Suvarnabhumi airport again. This must rank as one of the engineering art de resistance amongst airports. Now, I’ve had the fortune of seeing many airports but Bangkok’s airport is in a different league altogether. As you approach the airport traveling along wide avenues, you are greeted by gilded Garudas standing on either side of the roads, with folded hands. The airport, particularly at night, is backlighted with a fluorescent shade of blue and grey. The long terminals are covered by interlacing metal clasps on some kind of industrial fabric stretched like tarpaulins. The main concourse is another masterpiece with the whole structure being held up apparently by metal wires. The airport is built like a futuristic tent in short.
As you enter it, you are welcomed by giant characters from the epic Ramayana and as you enter the main area after security check, there is the scene of ‘Samudra-manthan’, or the creation story for Hindus. The story depicted in beautifully sculpted structure is a tug of war between two forces – dark and light – that are churning the ocean floor. Much like potter’s wheel, this churning creates the highest mountain in mythic times, Mount Meru, atop which lies Lord Vishnu, a Primordial god directing the celestial play. The stark contrast created by a backdrop of modern brand names like ‘Gucci’ and Armani make the scene even more attractive.
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