First Stop Bangkok

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We have finally made it to Asia!! After 14 hrs from Seattle to Taiwan and another 3 1/2 hrs to Bankok, 2 sketchy meals and 3 mediocre movies, we arrived to the unimaginable city of Bangkok!

The second we got off the plane we could already feel the differences from windy Lethbridge and rainy Seattle, when we were met with amazing amounts of humidity, smog, and the chatter of Thai around us. Our first goal was to get to downtown Bangkok where we could locate our guest house so we caught the local train for about 10 baht (30 cents Canadian!) On the train we immediately felt the Thai hospitality when people were eager to make conversation even if they knew very little English.

When we reached downtown after the 45 min train ride we walked around the narrow streets and alleys absorbing the new culture attacks. It seems as though everything here must be done frantically. As we walked through the narrow streets and alleys, we dodged cars, tuk-tuks, taxis, motorbikes, vendors and the occasional dog. Crossing the street is probably the most terrifying experience we have encountered so far.....people don't stop here and you better make sure you look both ways because the drivers do not seem to have a problem with running you into the street (believe me we had some very close encounters).

Finally we found the river taxi and crammed onto the boat with the all the locals coming home from school or work, other tourists and even a few monks! They are so cute with their little orange outfits but I was reminded not to touch or talk to them because they would be forced to cleanse themselves or something (something about them having no contact with females....) When we arrived we walked around until we found our guest house. Matt and I are sharing a room with a slightly saggy mattress in a tiny little room with one window, one fan and alot of moths. The bathroom also is quite the sight..... we are happy that there is a western toilet and we haven't had to use the "place your feet around the hole" method just yet, but the shower consists of a hose above the toilet that drains right down and out the back of the floor (it's all part of the experience, Mom).

Our night consisted of walking down the famous Khao San Road where I swear you can buy ANYTHING! People were selling clothing, jewelry, noodles, shoes, luggage, drugs, etc. You simply try not to make too much eye contact with the vendors because they try and lure you by guilt into buying things.

At the end of our adventure down Khao San Road we decided to eat our first Thai meal. I got rice and chicken and it was DELICIOUS!!! We got 3 plates of food, 3 drinks and a dessert for about 10 dollars. While I was on my spending streak I decided to splurge on a $4.50 pedicure at a local beauty shop......what a life!!!

Right now Matt has given in to his jetlag and I am about to do the same!!! Until later!

Erika

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Comments

[Brynterested]

Bryncredible
Hey Erika and Matt! Looks like your trip if off to an amazing start. Erika, I REALLY like the photo with the kid looking through glass...im telling ya....Photojournalism. I am jealous of the adventure you are about to embark on! We all miss you! Have a blast!