Destination Bangkok

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So here we go... I'm currently sat in a bar on Rambuttri Road, near Khao San Road, Chang beer to hand - which takes a bit of getting used to at 6.4% proof!

The flight from Dubai to BKK provided some very entertaining people watching - a large proportion were in their 50s, single guys, shaved heads, head to toe in denim last seen in the 80s. Supporting their heavy guts were bumbags, no doubt housing an eclectic assortment of Thai bride profile pictures, disposable cameras and peppermints.

It's an odd feeling travelling alone, at first every small task seems like a mountain to climb - finding the right bus to catch at the airport for example. I chickened out and got a cab, consoling myself it was best for the jet lag! No haggling, I just took the fixed price, equivalent to £10. In Britain a bargain, but after getting a tuk tuk for half the day for £1 I realised why the cabbie was beaming for the duration of the journey!

Although 45 baht, the tuk tuk driver did get an equally fulfilling trip as I did! Included in the price it appeared that not only did I get to see a few Buddhist temples, I was lucky enough to be taken to various suit shops, jewellers and travel agents. Feeling slightly uncomfortable in the first shop, where I was sat down and provided with a brochure of Armarni suits, all of course at a special 'promotion price for today only, come back tomorrow no good.' I left the shop with apologetic excuses where the tuk tuk driver looked at me with an exasperated expression and explained, ' no you must stay ten minutes, no buy just look'.

After leaving the second suit shop in sub 30 seconds the driver shook his head in a disappointed and disapproving manner. Turns out if I stayed in the shops for more than 10 minutes the shop would give him a token for petrol. My 45 baht was merely a bonus for him!

We had reached an agreement, I would see a temple, enjoy people watching as we sped through the streets, then I would go to a suit shop where I would show an interest, waste some time and then depart at the 11 minute mark. This worked fine until reaching a jewellers, spending 10 minutes looking at rings, white gold and diamonds was torture. I had wasted enough of peoples time and crushed their dreams for that small commission. It was time for a beer.

Across the world the headlines are showing wide spread flooding in Thailand, the northern area and central plains have been badly affected. In Bangkok the rising river has caused flooding in parts of the city, the photos I've uploaded show some of the inner city areas which have been affected. The government is trying to reduce the risk of more flooding, however over the next few days they expect the river to rise further and they may not be able to hold the water back.

In the area I'm staying in, near Khao San Rd, there are no signs of flooding and the area is far enough away to be at a very low risk.

Its 6pm here, time for a wander around the market and grab some noodles from the street vendors.

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Photos

Market flood
These monks weren't too happy about getting their robes wet

Comments

[Diabetic bell]

Love that picture of you standing in the water toddy! great blog mate have a awesome trip!