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Published: March 3rd 2011
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As most of you know we have arrived in Bangkok safe and sound!
The flight was quite comfortable, we were sat in a 3 but luckily no one sat with us so we could stretch out. I was really impressed with the airline (Jet Airlines), the leg space was great, the films were brilliant. The food was delicious - curry as we expected - chicken, rice, with a spicy bean curry on the side. They provided a mint yoghurt to pour on the top (I used all of mine as it was quite spicy). The second flight from Mumbai was ok, not as comfortable seats and I had a man snoring next to me but we did manage to get some sleep.
We landed in Bangkok about 7:30 in the morning and caught a bus to the hotel - Rambuttri Village Inn, the room is very basic (no pics yet, I'm afraid) but it had a bed and that's all I was bothered about!
After a sleep we went to explore the hotel, found an internet cafe where I managed to Skype mum (was really good to hear her voice).
We went out for our first meal and found a nice
restaurant near the hotel where we watched people for ages setting up the night market stalls. We had a walk around the market stalls, but were feeling quite tired to think about too much and look at too much. We did however try the fish feet that's taking off in England now, it was really weird and ticklish! That'll be tonight and tomorrow!
This morning we woke up quite early - 5am! That's jet lag for you! We got up at 8 and went for a lovely swim on the rooftop pool, it was amazing! The sun was warm, but comfortable to swim in, the water cool and we could see all the people on the streets down below us bustling about. Think that's going to be our morning ritual while we are here! Definetely a great start to the day!
We had breakfast at a cafe in the hotel cpmplex called O MY COD! We couldn't stope laughing at the name. I had an english breakfast (I know I'm in Thailand but it was just what I fancied.) Andy had boiled eggs on toast. Hehe. Although they said it was an english breakfast and it was nice it wasn't
like at home.
We decided to head out and walk to the Grand Palace and the temples, easier said than done! Every second it's "TAXI?" "TUK-TUK?" And this happened three times today:
"Hi, Where are you from?"
"England"
"London?"
"No."
"Is this your first trip to thailand? Are you staying long? Where are you going after Bangkok?"
Then they grab the map out of your hand and start telling you where to go.
"OOO this place is free today - this day only!" - To which we think yeh right!
"Where are you going?"
"The Grand Palace" "Wat Pho"
"Oooo no that's closed today - cleaning."
Then they proceed by trying to get you into their tuk-tuk (a motorbike type thing with an open double seat attached at the back (no seatblets Mum!) to take you to all their 'gem' shops where they get commission and some petrol money for dropping off tourists! I'm already wise to this scam - read about it in the lonely planet!
Using our own feet and walking for miles we managed to find the palace! It is sooo hot here and we are not yet used to the heat - lets hope we get
used to it soon so we can trek in it because after today my feet are killing!!
So, we weren't surprised to realise that there the Grand Palace was open and the all the temples!
We had a great time walking around the grounds of the palace where the king of Thailand lives - it had some of the most beautiful architecture we have ever seen! The photos doesn't do the temples and the artwork justice at all. Absolutely breathtaking!
If you notice from our clothes we didn't choose to be in long trousers and shirts today but it is temple rules that we dress appropiately - I was wearing a dress but I bought with me a shirt and trousers and thank God I did! The clothes they made the people wear that weren't dressed right was quite shocking - in a funny way!
The first temple we went in houses the Emerald Buddha! The Emerald Buddha is in fact carved with green jade and was first discovered in 1434 in Chiang Rai. At that point the buddha was covered in plaster and they thought it was just an ordinary buddha image. Later the abbot noticed that the plaster
on the nose was flaking off, revealing green stone underneath. He first thought the stone was emerald, hence why it is called the Emerald Buddha. There is only one piv in the gallery of the buddha from the temple doors as we couldn't technically take any. Inside we knelt down in front, careful not to point our feet at him. He is quite high up sat on a throne with amazing arhcitecture underneath him - absolutely beautiful - it was glistening in the light! I thought he'd be a bit bigger though. Apparently in a ceremony, three times a year the king (with help) change the buddhas garments - in the summer, winter and dry season!
We walked around for a while before enjoying a nice coconut refreshment!
The Grand Palace itself was lovely - established in 1782 - covers an area of 218,000 sqaure metres and the whole area is surrounded by really high white walls. We next thought as we were near to just pop into Wat Po and see the great reclining buddha which I have to say took our breaths away. I've seen pictures of it before but nothing can prepare you for how big it
Fishy feet!
It really tickled! is!
After leaving the temple, we decided to brave the local bus back to the hotel - you have to hold on to dear life, but it was great and really cheap!
Off for some food now.... wondering what the next few days will bring! We may stay in Bangkok a little longer than expected as there is loads to do. We have all the time in the world at the moment to decide and its great!
Hope you enjoyed the read - will hopefully post again in a few days.
Missing you all lots and lots, thinking about you all,
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Claire
non-member comment
WOW!
It really sounds amazing so far! I can't quite believe you let the fish nibble your jet lagged toes but I suppose, while in Thailand.....It's great to hear from you and see so many photos. Very jealsous whilst we are stuck in cold England (5 degrees). Just to top it off Villa lost due to Houllier putting out a second team last night! I don't know if you will read these before you disappera around rural Thailand but have an amazing time and enjoy all your adevntures!