Bangkok

After a straightforward flight we arrived in Bangkok, 6:00am was a lovely quiet time to arrive, visa's no probs, so it all started pretty stress free. After a few tries we found a nice hotel, bit more than Nick wanted to pay really... $18 a night. I had a massage and then we caught up with Sarah (who I used to teach with in UK) for a bit of sight seeing. First impressions were that it is hectic, there is just people selling stuff and trying to get you in their car or tuc tuc all the time. Lots of smells of food and real contrasts everywhere you look between the rich and the poor living side by side. At the same time we felt more safe and relaxed here than we expected. We took a boat across to see 'Wat Arun Ratcha Wararam' temples. Amazing buildings, so decorative with gold Buddha's and Monk's dressed in orange everywhere. Torists just mingle in with the praying locals at these places.

We then headed for a massive westernised shopping centre (MBK) to get our phones sorted, enormous! I think you could buy anything you wanted here, Sarah Thomas, you would be in heaven. Ended the night with a long walk home to see different parts of Bangkok and managed to catch the Mayor voting results, a motorbike crash (not us!), guys playing an asian version of keepy-up, a place devoted to various toppings on toast that was rammed with locals (odd), and the famous markets/pubs of the Khao San Road. Slept well as it was a long long day.

Next day we managed to fit in loads including the Grand Palace, Emerald Buddha, Wat Pho and the reclining Buddha, relaxing in Lumphini Park (saw hundreds of Thais doing exercise and all stopping mid-flow for the national anthem, plus croc/lizard things coming out of the lake), some shopping at the Night Bazzar and a couple of bites to eat on the way home (delicious banana pancakes).

Final day here started with a trip to Damnoen Saduak and the famous Floating Market. It was all a bit disorganised with a late bus and dodgy looking touts all over the place, but once we were there it was really good fun. It basically consisted of a lot of locals selling gifts and fresh food from long boats on the river. Highlights were the scary longboat ride and the excellent fresh food (spring rolls, mago/sticky rice/bananas/coffee/spikey fruit). Got back in double quick time due to the crazy driver and relaxed in the afternoon. Bit of blog update and then we really got into the Thai lifestyle and went to a Pub Quiz (came 5th from 8) with Sarah and co. Another fun day here.

Next it's off to Siem Reap, Cambodia, via the famed bus trip/border crossing saga... Fingers crossed...