Well we arrived in Bangkok yesterday. We were able to get our boat from Phi Phi and a bus to the airport with very little hassle. We arrived in bangkok airport. Eventually got a taxi (we got told to get a metered taxi) we got in but the meter wasn't on. When we raised it with the driver he put the meter on but said 40thb.At the time we said fine as we had met some Aussie's and they said that was what to expect to pay. Half way through the trip he then requested money for the tolls we refused and said no. In the end we should of kept to the meter as it was cheaper than 400thb. Oh well - lesson learned! We then arrived on the Kohsan Road where we headed for the D&D Inn. We arrived without a reservation and apparently they were all full. We had no idea where to go! We then headed up the road and about 3 other places were also full. What a nightmare. At this point I was feeling very gutted as this was the only part of the trip we did no book in advance as we got told we didn't need to. (What a mistake that was). So we eventually found a random guesthouse set back a bit from the main road. It was 470thb for both of us which was about 3 pounds each. The beds were like a solid plank (literally) and was on the 4th floor with no lift. We decided it would be fine for the night. We then headed out for a bit of exploration. We walked up and down the Kohsan road. It wasn't as big as I was expecting but was mayhem to say the least. The amount of stalls and shops all fighting for your trade! Great fun. We grabbed some dinner and then had an amazing swedish massage before bed. (Very relaxing!) This morning we decided that we would see if we could move accomodation. All the hotels said that they would not know availability until 12pm so we woke up early and headed to Wat Poe which is a MASSIVE reclining Budda. Facinating to see and set in very ornate grounds. Got some good photos. We then headed to the Grand Palace - Now this was mayhem in the middle of the city. They have very strict rule about the dress code. Your trousers have to be a certain lenghth. (There is a line on a post to stand up against) and your shoulders must be covered. Luckily my clothes were fine but Jo's trousers were too short so she had to go and borrow a skirt from the palace dressing room. It was so busy and was very hard to move in parts of the palace. The detail in the buildings wee great to see. You wouldn't see anything like it in London (apart from maybe buckingham palace) they do mosaic tiles like we do stone! We saw the emerald budda at the palace where you can walk past but you cannot point your toes at the budda as it is seen disrespectful. Therefore very way of walking. Althought I didn't read the sign saying how to walk until we got to the exit! Whoops. We then headed to the otherside of the palace where we fuond out that one of the buildings were closed due to the Princess lying in Wake. This then explained the high quantity of Thai's walking around the palace all dressed in black. Apparently her body is kept in the palace for 200 days where Thai citizens are then able to come and mourn. (Seems like a very long time - I dont know what the body would be like after this time!). We then headed back to Kohsan to try and find another hotel. We were lucky to check in to the Ritta Inn just further up the road. It is amazing compared to where we were last night! The hotel has a pool on the roof so after our hectic morning we decided to chill out by the pool an enjoy the sun! We headed down to our room after we watched the sunset. our room has its own balcony which is really nice so that we can sit outside - I enjoyed reading my book while Jo sorter her onward travel arrangements. This evening we have been caught once again by the Thai elections. There is an election day tomorow and therefore no bars are selling alcohol and quite alot of the Kohsan Road is closed (very strange to last night). The stalls have also had to shut early and there are a number of police cars on the street. Therefore we have had a very relaxing (cocktail free) last night. We have done lots of shopping, had a strange meal with a weird waiter and then grabbed some ice cream. Not too sure what tomorrow brings but hopefully enjoying a bit more sun before heading back to cold England.
Love to all and see you very soon. x x x