Touch Down in Thailand

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After all the troubles we've had travelling to not so pleasant places, it was a wrench to tear ourselves away from Siem Reap. We enjoyed our stay there so much that we're already talking about going back as soon as possible and there was even talk last night of what it would take to set up a home and business over here - that's how smitten we are with the place!

Last night we couldn't face packing so instead we went to the Khmer Kitchen for another delicious feast and drowned our sorrows in several beers at our favourite haunt, Angkor What? bar. The music was a bit on the melancholy side there which kind of fit our mood and we got to leave our mark on the bar's walls along with thousands of other odd messages adorning every available surface. If you ever go to the bar, check out the first door panel to your left as you enter the bar ;-)

We got up early to pack and were at the airport for 8am. The flight to Bangkok was only 35 minutes but it cost us a fair whack (about 75 pounds each plus $25 US departure tax). Athough it's really cheap to cross the border by land instead, the roads are terrible and we've heard from other travellers that it takes hours and the border guards charge you extra on your visa - corruption is rife around these parts. It didn't seem worth the hassle but after the turbulent flight and incredibly unsteady landing today, overland travel is about to become my new best friend!

So far Bangkok seems pretty pleasant. We got a taxi from the airport and got the price agreed in advance - 250 Baht - but the guy tried to sting us for 350 Baht instead. We argued the toss briefly and he backed down with no bad feelings. We're definitely getting better at avoiding the little cons! We're staying at the Asha Guest House. It's basic but clean and functional. Not sure how long we'll be staying here - probably only a few days before we head north towards Chiang Mai. For now, it's time to check out the bar downstairs and maybe have a dip in the hostel's wee swimming pool, something I've been itching to do since we got here!

Before I sign off, a couple of birthday greetings to catch up on. 1) Ashlea - sorry it's late but hope you had a brilliant day, you know you're an old lady now!!! 2) Little Damien is 1 year old today - way to go dude! Three cheers all round...hip, hip, hooray!

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Comments

[salma]

dudes
Hey guys, long time no skype. Hope thailand is working out well for you - looking forward to next installment. xxxxxx

[ashlea]

hello
i am not an old lady not to be mean or anything about your age thatyou are an old old old man and women hope you have had a lovely time love from ashlea and casey xxxxxxxx