Hey everyone we havn't quite left Bangkok yet after deciding to wait until the new years festival(they are still going strong with their water pistols) ends. Over the last few days we have taken the Chao Phraya river ferry to see several monuments up and down the river. We stayed in a cheapie hotel in Chinatown friday night which wasn't very nice at all i freaked when i found a spider in the bathroom!. Saturday we went to Chatuchak market which is the biggest market in Bangkok and bought a few bargains. After originally planning to move north Sat morning we ended up totally stuck when we realised every thing was closed including all money exchangers for the Thai new year so were 'forced' to go back to the nicest first hotel we stayed in. We thought we would treat ourselves! And it all in Budget! We even splurged for a fancy cocktail in Bangkok Hard Rock Cafe. V nice! So Today (Sunday) has been more like a holiday as we lounged by the pool all day (Craig looks like he a skin disease - face is red as a lobster with white eyes from where he had his sunglasses on - i'll take a picture and add soon - v funny!!) So much for our cultural learings! we will get back to it when we leave Bangkok! There are too many Starbucks and McD's around to say no to! So tomorrow we are definately leaving for central Thailand. All our photo's from rest of Bangkok to be added soon. No mum, the beaches are in the South, we will be doing activities such as hiking(!) and riding the elephants in the rainforests! lol.