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Published: November 17th 2008
Our trip hasn't got off to the best of starts.. I managed to pick up a cold the day before we left (and have now given it to Helen) and Helen woke up a couple of days ago not feeling well and was promptly sick..
All in all this has ended up being pretty frustrating. There was a huge ceremeny going on the other day (in aid of the Princess's cremation), but Helen had to spend the day in bed trying to sleep off her sickness so we missed the whole thing.
Still, we're both feeling better now and have moved to a new place that's in Chinatown. For a couple more pounds a night we now have a nice bathroom and plenty more space.
Chinatown itself is a incredibly busy place, with stalls on every pavement and people everywhere. Though it sounds stupid to say, it's even more Chinese than you'd expect. Virtually everyone here is Chinese (aside from a few fellow tourists), every single shop is seeling Chinese goods and, in the hotel, some notices are written in Chinese and English, but not Thai. I guess not many Thais venture into this part and vise versa.
Aside from that we've spent our days looking around the rest of Bangkok. We went to a couple of small parks (nice to get away from all the roads and some of the pollution), took a trip down the main river, went to a huge night market and tried to go and see the grand palace and everything around there. Unforunately though it's all closed (due to the ceremony) until after we leave - we'll have to go again when we're back here. However, when we were down there we did see a massive queue and so (as you do) we joined it.. Turned out it was to get giant free posters of some monk (picture attached). As far as we can tell, by getting the poster you were paying your repects to the Princess, however this could be totally wrong.
Finally, last night we went to the cinema to see Quantum of Solace (which was good). However, this was no normal cinema.. Though it did cost us £12 each (rather more than we should be spending), we got free food, drinks and (best of all) our own little area where the two of us could sit that
had big comfy adjustable chairs and a blanket (again, picture attached).
Anyway, I'm off to eat another "Pocky" stick (essentially a breadstick covered in strawberry icing)..
David and Helen
PS thank you everyone for the comments posted on our entries so far. In response...:
Helen's Mum and Dad - We've been released from 'prison'. Will try to avoid further association with us and any form of Thai detention from here on in.
Ben & Emma - Congratulations on passing the fitness test! What's next? Is Ben still enjoying the new job? Glad you like my new hair. You should see it when it dries naturally though. It isn't pretty.
Laura - can't believe they started selling the comfy pillow the day after we left! I managed to get one delivered in the end though so it's all good. They're worth every penny. Buy one!!
Becky, Kate, Jill & Alex - miss you all too. How's life without Hugh? Has Kate stopped crying yet? I hope Michelle enjoyed her first day of Homerton life and is looking forward to the Gale meeting. Poor girl.
Kelly Kemp - Yes, though it looked like
it was a ploy by the hostel to get all our stuff for free, infact the safety deposit box was fairly rooted to the floor. Thanks for your concern though!
Susannah, Becca and Katie - Thanks for the messages, we'll keep you all updated.
and last but not least, James - we'll see you in Vegas : )
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Chris Wakefield
non-member comment
Cinema?
Hi. Great to read what you are up to (nice to meet you Helen!). Are you sure that was a Cinema and you didn't just rent two hours in First Class on a local airline?! I also like the stopwatch telling everyone how long you have been travelling - David, is it ok if I post a second one to keep track of how long it is until you come back to work.........3 months right.....?!