Crusoe in South East Asia

Today met up with Pong, a mate of mine from my course who lives in Bangkok. We went on boats, cars, mono-rail (the skytrain) and tuk-tuks (the ultimate way to travel! although not if you want to live).  He was an amazing travel guide and I could not have been more fortunate in knowing him. We saw a huge golden statue of buddha  (Wat Pho) (MASSIVE! In fact the largest gold Buddha in the world), visited the Grand Palace, climbed Wat arun ( Temple of the Dawn) and cruised the canals by speedboat. All in all, a very busy day.

Travelling by Tuk Tuk really felt like I was in a formula 1 race, except much more dangerous! We were definitely winning though. This is a high adrenaline way of getting close and personal with the mean streets of Bangkok. Definitely helps if your good at bartering, which I can asure you that Pong is, as you must pay upfront. Of course,they want to charge you as much as possible especially if your not Thai.

Have already been “kissed” by the sun (i.e sunburn).I heard from some other travelers how a ginger girl got 2nd degree burns IN 1 HOUR in Vietnam so will definitely watch out. My skin is perhaps a bit more resistant but don’t particularly want cancer!

Tomorrow am going to Phuket. By bus apparently! Bus journey is apparently 12-14 hours.. Not my favourite activity. Have booked hostel and apparently its opposite the beach. Will put some photos on when I get a chance!

p.s have done my best to avoid the stray dogs. And so far am rabies free. Although I have counted my first mozzie bite so praying to Buddha I don’t get Malaria….or aids etc…

Tuk Tuk-who needs the tube anyway?

For those of you wondering,  I have not seen the famous “Ping Pong show” although every night out in Bangkok down the main street near my hostel I am offered many “DVD sex” and “special plice Ping Pong show”. Gets a bit tiring after a while as to get your attention you kinda get people grabbing you shouting at you in broken English. However, I guess it must float some peoples boat (or pickle their cucumbers) as otherwise their wouldn’t be touts all over the street…(Note I’ve been told this is only particularly in 1 area near my hostel rather than the whole of Bangkok)

This post is dedicated to Pong for taking me round Bangkok and being an awesome travel guide!

Hi everybody,

Arrived today in Bangkok. Flight was very long and immigration was very anal. I got to Mumbai for my connecting flight at 1am and arrived in Bangkok at 7am. Have no idea what time it is back home. Guess its the middle of the night…

Already been out for breakfast with some Germans I just met and ate at a nearby market store. Food was really spicy and think I was eating some kind of entrails…not too sure. Am bit jet lagged at the moment but think I’m gonna go out and explore BKK. Just hope I won’t get lost!

Hostel is awesome though and well worth the five pounds per night.

Not sure how Im going to upload pics yet as realised I dont have the cable. Will sure I’ll be able to haggle one somewhere though.

Right….now off to go explore!