well hello!

sorry to keep you waiting a few days!

 So Bangkok - pretty fascinating. we arrived Wednesday around 5pm after our overnight flight completely shattered but eager to explore. we headed out to Khao San Road which for those of you who don't  know is famous for being busy with tourists and and plenty of stuff to see, sample, experience. we treated ourselves to some local cuisine (as we have done most days!) and cocktails! the ol' jetlag kicked in a bit (we are 6 hours ahead of you) so didn't get to sleep until about 3am and despite having high hopes of a 9am start we overslept till midday!

Thursday we decided to venture a bit further and go to the Grand Palace, so we started walking but ended up getting in a tuk tuk cuz it was so far away. This is when we realised we'd been scammed and the driver wasnt taking us to see the big buddha and the palace, but to a fake gem shop and a dodgy tailors! but we had been warned about this so didnt buy anything, and he did eventually drop us at the Grand Palace, but it was closed, so we went back on Friday instead. Despite the scam it was actually quite nice to be driven round to see thie sights - and it did only cost about 6p!

That night we had our first meeting with our intrepid tour leader, and met the rest of our group. We went out after for food and drinks - including a drink in a petrol station that moonlights as a restaurant! (felt very safe with all the candles, alcohol and smoking on the forecourt), everyone in the group is really nice so we're pleased!

On Friday after the Palace we went and had a lush Thai massage, very relaxing but Rachel got the giggles!

Friday night we left Bangkok and headed south to Surat Thani on an overnight train. We were a bit wary as we first got on board, as we couldnt figure out how the beds would work, but it was all good and actually loads of fun, especially when our group took over the restaurant carriage and had a party! (spot the picture of the campest man in the world who was our waiter - we love him!)

All in all Bangkok was really good, but we were glad to leave the smell of weird food and fish behind and come to a more relaxing joint.....Surat Thani