Bangkok beginnings

When I wrote this entry I began it in Subway drinking a can of coke. How uncultured you may think, but it was simply because nowhere seemed to have aircon. I was staying next door in Chada hostel but my 300baht room didn't allow me the luxury of a central cooling unit.


That aside, Bangkok was a good introduction to my 5 month journey. At midday temperatures soared to over 40 degrees and humidity was almost unbearable. The streets bustled with market vendors selling westernised clothing and traditional street food.  There was a continual hum from taxis, tuk tuks and mopeds whilst the smell of sewage, smoke fumes and fish sauce filled your lungs. Yet the people were fascinating, the temples opulent and the positive vibes contagious. 


Arriving at 7pm at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, I took an hours taxi ride to Kohsan Road, central Bangkok. This is the destination for most tourists visiting the area as it is lined with endless bars, hostels and restaurants.


Following a recommend from my friend Ellie, I checked into Chada youth hostel, showered, changed and headed out to meet some friends who were also in Bangkok. Craig, James and Alex were staying in an air conditioned hotel just down the road from me. We had a few beers then went for a meal. After a few more beers we ventured into a club on Kohsan. James and Alex were on the pull (or looking to 'trap' as my Mum calls it) so me and Craig looked on in amusement as Alex chatted up a lady boy. Leaving the boys to their hopeless pursuit, me and Craig headed to bed at 2.30am.


At 7.30am on the Monday, I met the boys at their hotel to catch a taxi then a 2hour bus journey to the floating market. Returning at 3.30pm, we had lunch and spent the afternoon by the pool on the roof of their 7 storey hotel. It was a well needed respite as the water was ice cold. In the evening we headed for cocktails and listened to a small Thai man attempt, fairly successfully, to sing western music. After my first sangsom bucket, I was pretty gone so I decided to call it a night at 1am, leaving the guys to get ready for their flight home.
Due to the lack of sleep I lie in was necessary to get me functioning normally. I awoke at 9am, checked out, booked my train ticket and then headed out in search of the Grand Palace. On my way I stumbled upon Wat Rachabophit. I climbed the steps, removed my shoes and slowly walked into the temple. Local Thais were sat praying in front of the sitting Buddha so I sat amongst them to show my respect. As feet are considered the lowest part of the body, both physically and spiritually, so you must sit on your legs so that your feet point away from the Buddha.


Just a few minutes from Wat Rachabophit is the Grand Palace. Avoiding all the hustlers and tuk tuks trying to tell you the temple was closed, I entered the main entrance, paid the minimal fee and then began looking round the palace and its adjoining buildings. Glistening gold and lustrous jewels shimmer in the sunshine and there is a seemingly unlimited number of Buddhas.


Unfortunately I was still without a memory card by that point so no photos to show. Leaving the Palace, I walked back to my hostel until I caught a Yuk Tuk to Hulamphong train station for my overnight train.


(more to tell but my credit has run out. Another update soon xxx)