SLEEPLESS IN BANGKOK

Bangkok is like nothing before. Entering in the evening it felt like a dream, we were walking zombies in this loud, crazy city where every two seconds you have to look over your shoulder for a moped or Tuk Tuk about to run you over and if you're in their way.. don't think they'll be stopping!

Day two we ventured out again but feeling a little intimidated stuck to the place we'd visited the night before- Khao San Road, probably the most commercialised part of town but a good place to start. You sort of have to warm up here before you take on the big boy temples. Imagine a pavement, the normal size of ours and split it into two- with stalls either side and the narrowest walkway through the middle- its you against the jungle!

So we were finally glad to meet our other group members in the evening ready for our 8 day trip - a few characters amongst them for sure, probably not who you would normally place us with..but we went for dinner and seemed to bond quite well!!

Sadly after watching kindergarten cop in bed we could not drift off into a peaceful sleep, with the hustle and bustle of outside plus random animal noises it was a minimal 2 hours sleep for us with an early 8am rise!! And this was the second night running for Katie- who is also suffering from plane cold- antibiotics and a few sudafeds later- shall hopefully do the trick.

So wide eyed and bushy tailed we headed for the local market with Sanit our Thai guide, the aromas were definately something- fish mixed with meat and a subtle hint of fruit and herbs... anyone for a turtle? Or how about a nice big frog stew?.. no didnt think so. Come to think of it my Thai Beef Red curry was very tasty last night... but why did the cat moping around only have half a tail?!!

Following the smelly market we headed for The Grand Palace!! Just wait until you see what we had to wear - a classic!! The temple was amazing, very spiritual and calming and so beautiful to look at with all the gold and dazzling colours!

So now here we are, raring to move on and waiting to meet the group to head for our overnight train to Chang Mai in the north... let's just hope that maybe tonight in our little cramped train beds we can finally get some shut eye...