Ladyboys...everywhere!

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Really don't want to offend anyone with this entry and we're definitley not prudish but by god I've had a sheltered life up til now (and I can only speak for myself!) Bangkok was a real eye-opener - I basically walked around with eyes like saucers the whole time we were there. First night wasn't great-stayed in a grubby guesthouse in Sukhumvit. Good in that it was so central but central to the sex trade of Bangkok - didn't really expect that!!We went for dinner and poor James was just terrified of all the women! They were all smiling and he was biting his lip in that way that he does and I just know he's scared. It's a weird area cos there are loads of big expensive hotels (these seem to cater for business people or big burly americans and germans surrounded by crowds of thai girls)! I guess I just didn't expect it all to be so open and blatant. Maybe had we spent longer there we would have gotten used to it??!

Moved to Ko San Rd which was a bit of a relief. Full of other backpackers and felt a bit safer and more normal.Nice guesthouse right next to the hotel Katy Dunn (for those who don't know we worked at dunnhumby together and she is over in Thailand on hols) was staying in for her holiday. She was over with her friend Jo who is lovely-great fun.It was great to meet up - we went to the big market (can't spell the name) and haggled over all kinds of bags and skirts. Loved it there. Had a great night out at a karaoke bar!Next day we took on Laura Mack's recommendation and headed straight to Healthland - this gorgeous spa in Bangkok - a real treat. Myself and Katy had body polish and James and Jo went for ayurvedic - I think theirs was a bit painful but our polish and massage was bliss. Went to Chinatown that night for din - yum food and then to the night market in Pat Pong. Pat Pong is infamous not so much for the night market but the other night time culture that goes on. I'm sure some of you will know what I'm talking about. Mum - read no further if you don't want to know. Thank God we were in a group - James made sure we had him surrounded. Ended up in a bar with a ping pong show where this big ugly landlady bullied us for money for the "show"...what show?? We wanted to leave at that stage but saw some of this hilarious show where girls (and some looked more like men) produced ping pong balls from dark places!! Need I say more. On a more civilised note we got some lovely faux Hermes and Tods wallets at the market!!

By the end of our time in Bangkok I think we decided we quite liked the place - we just started off in the wrong area and got a really rough impression! It was great to see Katy and Jo and we had some brilliant nights out. They headed up to Chiang Mai on Monday and we escaped the city finally to the islands!

Katie xx

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Comments

[Gary]

Sawadee Krab
Hope you had a chance to visit Damnoen Saduak (floating market just outside Bangkok). Anyway, visit Koh Tao if you have time - there's a small island there that is gorgeous to spend a night. Enjoy! -A jealous G.