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Published: April 17th 2011
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Reaching Bangkok from Kathmandu proved a little more difficult than anticipated when our first flight to Delhi was delayed. Consdiering we only had just over an hour to make the connection we were sure the hour long delay would make us miss the 2nd flight. When we finally got on the plane and asked whether there was any chance we would make it we were told: "oh not a problem"....arriving in Delhi 20mins after our plane was due to have left the cabin crew were no longer so convinced! Not giving up hope we legged it off the plane shouting "Bangkok?" at any nearby airport staff. Thankfully the plane was still there, at gate 12b apparently - a mere hand gesture away. Turns out 12b was possibly the furthest gate away! After a long walk and queue to go through security again the screens were now announcing our flight as gate closed - cue lightening speed running along moving walkways and down long corridors! We even found one of the airport buggy drivers who offered us a lift but he was driving so slowly tht we got out - running may be more tiring but it was double the speed!! So
we ran as fast as our little legs would carry us and collapsed into our seats on the plane somewhat red and sweaty! So much so that we were even offered cold towels! When we finally got into the air we felt a stiff drink was well deserved!!
Arriving late in the evening we walked down Kaho San Road to find a bite to eat. For the first time on our trip, I think it is fair to say that we were "culture shocked". The road was lined with restaurants and bars packed full of tourists. For a moment we felt as if the plane had brought us to Benidorm rather than Bangkok....
In search of the "real Bangkok" we headed out the next day to explore the river and nearby markets. Whilst a lot more western than we have been used to, it was far more authentic than Khao San Road. Here we got our first taste of real Thai food in the form of pork and noodle soup and crispy noddles and seafood - absolutely delicious! We also managed to do a spot of shopping (something we seem to be rather good at!) and picked up
some pretty clothes. There's only so long you can go without getting bored of the same old trekking gear after all!
With our new clothes in hand we decided to brave Khao San Road for a couple of "buckets" in the evening. Bangkok is currently suffocatingly hot so when the rain poured down we headed out into the street to cool off.....and have a little dance too! Definitely the best way to comabt the heat!!
After all our dancing and running across airports we decided a Thai massage was definitely in order! To desrcibe it as vigorous would be an understatement! Yanking some body parts and twisting others into positions that really aren't meant to be in left us feeling invigorated if not a little bruised! For 200 baht (circa 4 pounds) you can't go too wrong though!
Feeling refreshed we walked to the Royal Palace for a wander around and to see all the beautiful temples. We purposefully wore floor length skirts and had shawls to cover our arms. Apparently this was not sufficient though and we were sent to a changing room to be given some oh-so-attractive blue shirts! I guess our trekking gear is
hardly the height of fashion anyway! Nevertheless we had a lovely time seeing the famous emerald Buddha and all the spectacular buildings. Melting in the heat we were craving somewhere cool and this was in the form of the huge shopping centre MBK! For once we didn't actually buy anything but we did go to the cinema and eat some amazing food! A particular favourite was the duck which you got to cook yourself on a mini bbq type contraption!
For our final day we caught the bus (AC and slow - not at all what we're used to!) to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Whizzing around in a propelled boat (just like Bond's in Man with the Golden Gun!) we pulled up at various "stalls" and both bought some pretty jewellery. Yes we are true magpies! A lovely morning although I must admit to being a tad disappointed that a Thai child didn't try to sell us an elephant and then fix our boat....turns out life really isn't like a James Bond movie after all!
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