03.03.2008 Bangkok

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First day in Thailand

The flight from Zurich to Bangkok lasted about ten hours and I've had the most annoying Swiss Lady sit next to me. She kept talking, giving me hundreds of tips about Thailand. I'm sure she meant it well but I just wasn't ready for this. I had been in the office until late on Friday, packed my backpack on Saturday, had a last drink with my friend in the evening (it really didn't feel like a goodbye drink) and before I knew it, I was in the plain on Sunday. It didn't feel like going on a long trip but rather like a weekend trip. I couldn't believe that I wouldn't return to my office , not speaking to my teachers, not taking care of my students and not talking to my colleagues... After listening to her long enough, I've decided to watch a movie. She told me, that she didn't want to see one, because she doesn't like these movies. I decided to ignore her and watch one anyway but she kept pushing me whenever a new thought crossed her mind. I kept missing scenes of the film and lost track of the story so eventually gave up on that. I told her, that I'd get some sleep. She didn't want to sleep of course, because she can't sleep on planes. Gee, I really wish I wouldn't be so nice sometimes and could just have told her to shut up!

Arrival in Bangkok was on Monday at six in the morning. When I got through passport control (which was a bit of a hassle because I didn't know my friend's address) all I could see was a huge crowd. But there was no need to worry for only just seconds later I heard someone shout "Fabinie" and when I turned around I could see my friend K jump up and down in the middle of the crowd. He then jumped across the barrier and came to give me a big hug. Ok - that's K! Always outstanding 😉

I have chosen Thailand to be the first country on my trip because K is a close friend from the time I've studied in Newcastle, England and I promised him, that I'd come and visit him in Thailand sometime.

My first day in Thailand flew by in no time. We went to Bangkok, which can be quite a challenge with this traffic and then checked in. A few minutes later we took off again and went to have a look at the Grand Place, which is just around the corner from where I stay. Because I was so well prepared, I noticed after just five pictures that I forgot to put my memory card back into the camera after having given it to my brother to delete everything off it.

After the palace we went back to the hotel to get my memory card. K presented my schedule for the next to weeks to me. I was astonished that he has prepared a proper schedule. He told me, that we'll go to Chiang Mai next week and that we need to book our flights. Although I was really tired we went to find a place where we could access the Internet and make an online booking.

After that we did a bit of exploring by foot. Again I don't really have many pics to show because despite me having the memory card now, of course my battery was down... I've got loads to learn 😉

I made my first experiences with Thai foods. I had noodles in an omelet and tried a fresh coconut. Later on we went to a really nice coffee by the river where K gave me more precise details of our schedule.

Later on we went to a local market where I bought a pair of fisherman pants. Actually I meant to buy a pair of flip flops because I didn't have any. But hey, try to find flip flops in Thailand with my shoe size.

In the evening we went to a nice restaurant by the river. Again I had an excellent Thai meal with prawns. There was a live band and I really enjoyed the atmosphere. Yet I wanted to get back to the hotel after dinner becaise I was desperate for sleep.

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Photos

Goodbye
My parents, my grandma and baby dog Leah saying goodbye at the airport in Zurich.

Admiration for the King
You can see pictures of the King like this all over Thailand

The schedule
K making changes on the schedule trying to fill in last gaps

The schedule
Me being amazed about my packed program. Feels more like a business trip ;)

Local Market
A market somewhere in Bangkok

Comments

[Puthapom Prapunwong]

Sawaddee krub
Sawaddee krub !! welcome to Thailand !!! lots of interesting stories from here, cant' stop keep following... hey..by the way, is this the thing you keep writing down in your diary during the trip? [-_-]/ K

[Fabinie]

diary
Sawadee kaa! No, this is the official nice version. In my diary I rather write things like "gosh, K's so annoying!!!" and "don't know how much longer I can stand him" ;) No but seriously, we had a good time. Thank you once again for showing me so so much of your beautiful country and for introducing me to your culture and language. Speaking of language, the fact that I didn't reach my goal of becoming fluent in Thai after traveling with you for just two weeks must certainly be blamed on your lack of teaching skills. Can most certainly not be because of me not being able to learn and remember that fast ;) May pen Lai kaa ;) Kob kun Kaa!!!