Arrived in Bangkok

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So finally on our travels after the first hiccup of the trip...a 13hr delay in Heathrow which kind of killed the excitment! Arrived at the hotel at 5am on tuesday so stayed by the pool for the day recovering and also sampled some thai cuisine, including pickled fruit which tasted suprisingly nice. Decided to go exploring today as it is our only full day in Bangkok, so got the sky train to the centre and then a river boat to the Grand Palace. When we got there, discovered it didnt open until 1, and being the people we are got there early without checking the opening times. Someone suggested going to the Golden Mountain as it has amazing views of the city, so got in our very first tuk tuk... which was an experience! Took about 20 mins to arrive at the temple and the view were amazing after a 50m climb and sweating buckets, however our partially speaking english driver decided to then take us on a 3hr tour of bangkok instead of taking us straight back to the grand palace. After a misunderstood explanation by him, we were ushered into 8 different shops including taliors and jewellery makers in which we had to pretend we are interested in buying the stuff just so he could get some commission! Literally had no idea what we were doing the first time, and after 4 shops where the sales assistants were constantly nagging you to buy something, we got the jist and were pretty fed up. Think we were taken for mugs as he said as he got paid so much in commission we didnt need to pay for the ride! But it was a good way to see the city looking back on it now, but maybe not in 25 degree heat! The palace was beautiful, sparkling gold and vivid colours, and the pics will be up soon so you can all see! Off to Chiang Mai tomorrow for some fun filled adventures including elephant rides and waterfalls. We will update you all soon, hope everyone is well and not too jealous we're basking in the sun! lots of love xxx

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Comments

[Dan]

Hello
Hiya, glad to hear you arrived safely and you're obviously enjoying yourself! Keep up the blogs, always interesting to read what you're up to : )

[Linzi]

Enjoy the North!
Totally forgot to warn you about those pesky Tuk Tuk drivers- taking you round bloomin 'gem' and clothes stores! Hope you are enjoying Chang Mai. I love the trek there although nearly dies due to my level of fitness! Worth it though. Let us know where you are of too next. I bet you have met a lot of fun and interesting people! take care x