Hey
Just checked into our new hotel which is very nice, and found an internet cafe. So I am just updating the photos that I promised

Yesterday we went hardcore again, and did the two biggest attractions in Bangkok. We saw first the reclining buddha in Wat Po. The largest reclining buddha in the world. The home of the buddha was amazing- very beautiful and decorative. It was also very peaceful, considering what it was like outside. It's a real contrast from china where everything seemed to be manic.

After Wat Po, we just about managed to make it to the grand palace despite being told on several occasions that the palace was closed and told other places we should visit. After reading the lonely planet we now underestand this to be an old bangkok scam so from now on we are being very cautious.

When we did arrive we found the attraction was split into several sites. We decided to be a little more cultural and hired an automated guide. Again in our ignorance, we later found out that we could have hired a local real guide for half the amount. I guess this is the sort of stuff that you learn when you are away.!

The first section that we saw was the home of the emerald buddha. Which i guess is like the crown jewels of Thailand. It was a deeply spiritual place and the rules of entry were very strict. Such as no pointing your feet towards the buddha. It was quite moving to see how the locals reacted to the buddah and also the monks. (The monks even have special seats on the tube)

The second part of the attraction was the grand palace which was very impressive but due to somebody's body lying in state-we were unable to enter.

By this point Kirst was flagging...so we thought we would head on back via the river. The main way to get around bangkok is the big river which runs in the middle. Its very cheap and a quick, crazy way of getting around. (we even saw somebody's boat sinking-but trying to save it!)

The long tailboats are CRAZY! They have an engine on the back which would be fit for a HGV. They zip through the water dodging in and out of the way of others...and getting their passengers soaking wet.

After we got off of the boat, we boarded the skytrain back to our place. The Sky train is amazing, if only for the fact that it is totally Air Conditioned.

We did loads of walking yesterday...lonely planet suggests that no places are walking distance from one and other....but we are hardcore so we walked a couple (BAD IDEA!) Big blister on kirst's toe.

TODAY

We found Khoa san Road...which is like backpacker heaven. (lees nightmare)

SHOPS....SHOPS...SHOPS...and more SHOPS! great value stuff and excellent rip-offs.

We are heading back now to meet our new group. Should be fun.Tomorrow night we head off for Khao Surat...overnight train. (not sure how i feel about going to train station again!)

Just to let you know also...no arguements yet! Sorry for those who had bets which ended by now!

Love Kirst and Lee xxx