Baking in Bangkok

Hello all,

It's not that hot really, but people keep on checking into the fan dorm and then checking out hours later cause they think it's too hot!

After expressly arriving early on Monday morning so I could get my visa into the vietnam embassy, I didn't make it until Tuesday. It took me so long to get my passport photos they'd shut. I kid you not. I forgot that everything in central bangkok doesn't open until 10am and assumed (that like most embassies), vietnam would only take applications in the morning. THat was actually an incorrect assumption (yes, I know I know it makes an ass of you and me!)

I spent the rest of the day shopping for shoes. My flip flops were falling apart and I'd already had to cut new holes for the "toe" bits. I hate shopping, but after about 6 hours, I actually managed to find a pair of sandals and hiking boots that fit properly and weren't too expensive. Pretty chuffed.

The next couple of days I went to Autthuya, once the capital of Thailand and seat of an empire. The new city is built around the (mostly fallen down) old city, but it's still quite enchanting. I hired a bike and cycled round the old wats, chedis and other religions buildings. Not as dramatic as Ankor Wat but a lot closer together. Not much traffic so was lovely and relaxing too. I like cycling.

On the second day I watched a chinese parade as people burnt incense sticks and performed various rituals to encourage wealth and success. There were 2 30people long lions (lion-dancing lions). Shop owners would put something in their mouth and then bring them into their shop. Funny to watch a massive lion dissapearing into the shop. Even funnier when the head was too big for the door!

As usual, I had to try to cycle to those places a little off the beaten track. In this instance, it meant ending up going over a massive bridge onto a 3 lane highway where I needed to turn right! Scary stuff. I also visited an elephant kral. The first part is built like the arenas where they used to display elepants with a royal pavilion to watch over. The seond part shows stautes of elephants used in war. The third part had real elephants, which I hadn't realised!

That was wicked. Not sure what they keep them all for (They do elephant rides in town at one of the old sites) but brilliant to see it working. So many places have closed down and the elephants just die. Approached several cautiously, then found some feed to give them. They all charge at you! But can't get out of the pens. Wanted to feed the baby elephant, which meant throwing corn at the far corner for the adult to run after and then dashing in to feed the baby by hand. Elephants move really quickly when they want to.

They also kept on spraying me with.... well, snot! It was cool to have them eat with their trunks from my hand though. After I finished all that, I found a sign saying "danger, do not approach elephants without staf". Oh well!

Stayed the evening in a guesthouse in a room they don't normally use but got for cheap as they were full. Only problem was when I went to sleep in it, I found a half-naked Japanese man! Turns out they had rented the room out to someone else not realising I was staying there! There was 2 of them, so unfortunately for them, they were kicked out. I was quite relieved to finally have my bed to myself!

You may have noticed that there is a photo attached. This is me after a particularly good night dive in Padangbai, Bali. Even though the water had been freezing cold, I didn't want to stop!

Last night Dad was in Bangkok, but only for one night, so I got to see him which was ace and also stay in a posh hotel (yippee!). Checked in early to take advantage of the pool etc. only to find that they didn't have enough rooms so we were upgraded to an executive suite - 2 bedrooms, living area and kitchen!! Pretty sweet. The best part was the bathroom. I had 2 very long bubble baths (one last nigt and one this morning). Bathrooms are often overlooked in homes. I think they're very important.

It was great to see Dad & Akiko again although Dad wasn't feeling too well (it had been coming on over the day - typical when you go on holiday). But I shall be seeing them soon as will be in HK in 5/6 weeks. Handy to have the suite though cause we could just hang out in the sitting room which was more comfortable for Dad then trying to force himself to go to a bar or cafe.

Last day in Bangkok today. Going to Cambodia tomorrow but will cross the country in a couple of days to get to Vietnam. Much cheaper that way, plus I'm definitly in "overland" mode. FLying is for wimps!

On my way to Khoa San road this evening to make a call to the bank, I bumped into 2 friends from the liveaboard (ones from spa in NZ) so we went for dinner which was cool. I like them a lot. They've been travelling for 2 years and are on the last couple of weeks before going back to England. They were looking forward to going back, but aren't so sure anymore!

I'm looking forward to coming back. People ask me what I'm doing and I say I'm on my way back to England. That's what it feel like to me, even if it is taking a few months! I'm going home : ) It'd better be a good summer this year!!

Hope you're all well and happy,
lots of love
kx