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Published: August 21st 2011
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Flying from India to Bangkok was only 4 hours but seemed like leaping forward to return to the 21st century. From the outset, Bangkok airport flowed efficiently with the modern, safe train into the city centre taking only 17 minutes to cover 30km. It could have taken several weeks to cover that in India! We arrived in the late evening with no accommodation booked but full of enthusiasm. After taking a wrong turning from the city centre train station we erroneously headed away from the hotel area. After walking for 30 minutes in the dark, monsoon rains with heavy backpacks through busy traffic and thousands of commuters we stopped to gather our thoughts and eat in a local cafe. The people couldn't have been friendlier and actually led us up the road and into the sky train station with advice on how to find a hotel. Despite being in an unknown, huge, modern city we seemed to feel liberated and safe to wander. This first impression of Thailand has only been reinforced by our experiences since. It truly appears to be "the smiling nation". As you can imagine, some of our party wasn't entirely enamoured with getting lost (since I had
taken the decision which direction to walk from the station), however was much happier when we stumbled across a 5-star, Vegas-style, 17 storey hotel complete with its own cabaret, pools, gym, shopping mall and matching shower robes. A smile soon returned to her face as the pampering began however was tempered by me finding Hibs being thrashedby Kilmarnock on our room TV! These Asian football fans really will watch anything!!! I can think of many Hibs fans who can't bear to watch the drivel that they churn out these days.
A second night of luxury was booked to give us a bit of time to explore the city and find more economical accommodation- after all, we couldn't afford to stay too long at the exorbitant £45 per night!!!
A short taxi ride brought us to the backpacker area of town where the streets are lined with a myriad of extraordinary, exotic food vendors and marketstalls aplenty- great fun to explore- especially after a few Chang beers. No need to settle for a dodgy doner when you can have pad thai noodles, satay sticks, or all manner of grilled seafoods, and all for a few pence. Half pineapples, cocunuts, and
fresh fruit slushies are also available for the sober/healthy and again, are only about 40p. One or two of the streets have suffered from being a little overcommercialised (think Magaluf!!) but largely retain original charm, however a little 'Euro-style beach resort' tat was very welcomed after India.
A comfortable room was secured in a quiet backstreet guesthouse with all mod cons (but sadly no nightly Elvis performances- yes, apparently his is still alive and performing in Bangkok although he looks a little more oriental than I remember on his posters), located just a few minutes walk from Benidorm. We felt settled and relaxed and keen to explore further. One of us (guess who?) apparently didn't feel quite relaxed enough so has had to have massages and foot rubs to help deal with the stress of travelling. Although, Karen is displaying visible signs that her inner traveller is being unleashed by building a fine wardrobe of travelling trousers. Perhaps this is just as reflection if her buying anything that is around her rather than a change in her karma. I don't care. She is happy and I was always a fan of MC Hammer.
We have explored a lot
of Bangkok and found each area to have its own unique charm. Everything is busy but efficient and clean. Chinatown has mental markets and bustling street restaurants- I ate a fantastic seafood meal sat on an upturned bucket, on a folding table, 8 feet onto a busy road with pedestrians and taxis brushing past me. We ventured into the neon lit redlight area one night. Quite amusing to observe elderly Europeans with their little Thai dollybirds. I got my bum pinched by a few friendly ladies as we walked along the road but Karen wouldn't let me stop to chat. She said that they were only after my money but I felt we had a real connection. Well, I am pasty white and have a few grey hairs- it seems to be what these girls go for!!
We had a fascinating bike tour around the backlanes of old Bangkok yesterday and had a Thai cookery lesson this morning. Looks like its gonna be green curry ad nauseum at home from here on!!!
Plans are to go on some short trips outside Bangkok over the next week and then head up to Vietnam next week. Will blog again then.
Sorry if its a bit longwinded but we are using this as a log of all our experiences for us to remember when we return to reality. We would welcome any responses or comments if you can work out the website!!!
Davey C- Hope you had a good 40th old man! See you soon, Kxx
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mum/dad
non-member comment
you lucky people
bangkok looks great you might have to keep your eye on david kaz, or better still buy a pair of handcuffs to be on the safe side.