Hi everyone! Here we go with our first post and first part of our journey around the world! (I still feel so lucky saying that!) Our flight was a little late departing and we sat on the plane for almost an hour before take off, by then i'd already fallen asleep and Ash had to prod me several times to wake up so i wouldn't miss take off! We finally landed in Bangkok 11 hours later and then had to wait ages to get through passport control. As soon as we did we were greeted with a hot burst of air and a crowd of Thai people trying to sell us tours, trips and Taxi rides. It's a good job we have done a spot of research as its very easy to get ripped off here. In the end we got a 'meter taxi' and paid a good rate. The journey from the aiprport was only meant to be 25 mins but took almost an hour because off the crazy traffic, the streets were jammed, including the hard shoulders! I dont think the taxi driver appreciated me pointing and gasping "um"! To my suprise that was nothing, i looked to my left and a whole family went past on a motorbike, newborn baby and all! No helmets nothing, just hanging on casually with no care in the world!

We arrived at our hotel to be greeted with ice-cold menthol towels and a cold glass of 'Rosella', a local Thai drink which tastes a bit like strong black currant juice but quite refreshing. Then we were showed our room. Wow - beautiful! Silk Thai shades hanging from every corner and an array of colours on every wall.

We ventured off into town to try and book some train tickets to go to Chaing Mai (to the north), we found a travel agents and ended up booking flights, a train, a ferry and basically the next 2 weeks of our trip! - They seen us coming!

We settled at the hotel for the night and had dinner in the hotel restaurant listening to a live band. We paid 330bht each for 3 courses and a drink!!! (Approximately 6 quid each - bargain).

The next morning breakfast at the hotel was delicious, Ash ordered a 'small' portion of pancakes! Enough to feed a family of 4! But he did his best and tucked in. Decided we'd get a tuk tuk today "it will be an experience" said Ash... experience it was indeed. Ash left iPhone in tuk tuk - tuk tuk man sped off - Aimee and Ashley spend all morning at Police station (we had to wake the police man from his kip!!!) - splendid! The locals are doing their best to find him but Ash isn't holding his breath!

The afternoon however lightened the mood, we got a free lunch at the hotel included so we decided to eat there. Met a funny French guy who had just bought 2 dead snakes - was told they were medicine but he didnt know what for?!?! Then told us they were also selling lovely necklaces made out of snake bones - beautiful

Visited Wat Pho (meaning Temple Tree) and hired an English speaking tour guide to show us round, he was very nice and even offered us a ride on his brothers boat! But for a cost - ah of course! Anyway the temples were beautiful and very interesting. Tonight we went to Kho San Road and found a good pub - Gullivers, had some food and braced ourselfs for the bright lights, scents of dried fish and glares from the "Lady Boys!!!" Overall it was a great experience but were glad it was a short visit!

We have 1 more day left in Bankok before we head up north to Chaing Mai where we will be doing a 3 day Jungle Trek and staying with Hill Tribe families (i'm guessing there won't be internet there... ha ha) so we will update you when we get back into Chaing Mai city sometime next week. Somehow i think were goin to miss this luxurious hotel!