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Published: December 1st 2005
I arrived in Thailand yesterday full of excitement for the new adventure that was about to begin! I'd had 2 good flights back-to back...it's true what they say...Singapore Airlines is the best! Although, i did nearly miss out on getting fed (again!) - don't know why the Stewards keep doing that, but at least it was the whole row this time and not just me, otherwise i'd start to take it personally!!!!
I departed Bangkok airport, and was immediately confronted with the overwhelming humidity! Man, India's heat was NOTHING compared to this!!! I instantly became a HOT and STICKY mess, and think i will remain one the entire time i'm here...oh well! I proceeded to depart the airport with the correct luggage, managed to locate my bus, successfully buy a ticket and nab a seat - was VERY pleased with myself! 1st Step alone - done!!! As i sat on the bus, staring out at the wonderful sights - the massive buildings, beautiful parks, PROPER streets - i began to feel more relaxed and peaceful again! Think it also helped that the constant beeping, a common feature of Indian life, was long behind me!
So i made my bus
journey through the city streets and soon came to see what i had expected of Thailand - the touristy backstreets filled with little market shops and tourists trying to bargain their way through the day! Not totally unlike India, however, as i later found out, the Thai's aren't so pushy (a refreshing change), but the bargain is harder here!! I got to my Hostel - not as bad as i'd expected, but surely no palace (oh well, this is my life for now!) and spent the rest of the evening checking out the local area Khaosan is definitely tourist heaven - always lively and full of people, everyone seemed really friendly! I sat in a bar and had a coke, watching the people go by - the only problem is that everyone seems to be a couple of witha group of friends, it's hard to talk to people when you're on your own..guess i'll just have to persevere!!!
I awoke today with the spirit of sightseeing surging through me - i wanna make the most of my time here! The day started off really well...a lovely passer-by pointed out the good places to go and even arranged a good
Tuk-Tuk for me to take! I saw the 37ft tall Buddha, the lucky Buddha, and the place where the black Buddha is meat to be (but couldn't get in - too early!) I had to go to a few shops, so the Tuk-Tuk man could get his petrol voucher, but didn't have to buy anything - thought it would be ok, as i hadn't paid him anything! After the shops we went to the Golden Mount and i a got a great panaramic view of Bangkok, but when i went to find my Tuk-Tuk guy he was GONE!!! Apparently he got a call from his boss to go back?! So, i reluctantly got in another Tuk-Tuk to continue with my journey, went to ANOTHER 3 shops, got taken to a monument i didn't ask for and by the time i realised had been stranded by ANOTHER driver!!! NOT MY DAY!!! Slightly worried, lost and confused i angrily got in ANOTHER TUK-TUK, told him to take me STRAIGHT to Khaosan Rd and had to pay more money as a result!!! What a day! Unfortunately, these antics have made my extremely warm feelings towards the Thai people rapidly dissipate - Trust NO-ONE
is my new motto....especially Tuk-Tuk drivers! Will spend the evening reflecting on today - all in all did see some good sights...hopefully tomorrow will be a better day!!!
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Ryan from Canada
non-member comment
Hey
Haha sounds like quite the day! Hang in there, they're not all bad! (Tuk-tuk drivers that is) It can be frusterating being in an unknown place and having your driver, ditch you. Definately stick with your new motto though. Trust no-one. Always be on the look out for scams, etc. Mostly its just common sense though. Good luck! Look forward to the next blog!