Bangkok's real name

It took many weeks of Thai lessons and head-scratching before I figured out that Bangkok isn't "Bangkok" to Thais.

The fact that I was surprised really shouldn't have been.

So, when you book your plane tickets to visit me, ask the agent for this destination:

Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Yuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit (กรุงเทพ มหานคร อมรรัตนโกสินทร์ มหินทรายุธยามหาดิลกภพ นพรัตน์ราชธานี บุรีรมย์อุดมราชนิเวศน์มหาสถาน อมรพิมานอวตารสถิต สักกะทัตติยะวิษณุกรรมประสิทธิ์)

Oh yea. I wouldn't be surprised if even some Thais have problems with it. After all, they abbreviate it to plain "Krung Thep"

Translation: The city of angels, the great city, the eternal jewel city, the impregnable city of God Indra, the grand capital of the world endowed with nine precious gems, the happy city, abounding in an enormous Royal Palace that resembles the heavenly abode where reigns the reincarnated god, a city given by Indra and built by Vishnukam."

LA, eat your heart out. We have seniority as the "City of Angels"