KO SAMUII'm not sure how it happens exactly, but the pace is quick. You glance fleetingly in their general direction, maybe show vague interest in something on display... then POW! you've bargained your way to almost half the price for a Diesel side-pack you sort only half wanted. Such is how it goes down with every store, why? Because I'm a white 'westerner' and I am obviously only in Thailand to buy, buy, buy. Interesting sidenote, the Thai's value lighter skin...

Of course, it's best to begin by referring to Bangkok (or Khao San Rd - the city's Backpacker haven) as a rape of the senses. During, what is currently described as the rainy season, each morning and night (usually the minute after I put down my fork and spoon from my delic' pad see ew) bucketloads of water descends from the heavens and transforms the bustling tourist mecca into a scurrying flurry of ants. Stalls selling tshirts, henna tattoos, or whatever the f*...