Yessss we are finally upto date with our blog!!

We are in Bangkok and I love it! We've been here about 3 days. In that time we rode in a tuktuk (motorbike/car taxi thing) and had a row with the con artist driver, we got diddled out of money in a taxi, had our first trip to hospital and met some Swedish guys who have been in prison for a few days after a false drugs arrest, oh and we saw the King!

We are staying in a lovely hostel outside the centre (http://www.cozybangkok.com/). Yesterday we went to Wat Pho to see the giant reclining Buddha and did a spot of shopping around the Khao San Road. Last night we were at the hospital because I have a swollen infected ear and neck (I'm on a cocktail of pills). The hospital was like a Hilton Hotel - first class! Then we went to the cinema that was really fancy and at the beginning we had to stand up for the Thai national anthem. I should add here the Thai people are very pround of their monarchy and there are pics everywhere of them. Not quite the same feel as England!

Today we went to The Grand Palace and saw The Emerald Buddha which was so exquisite. You can't take pictures of it so maybe try a google search?!

This evening we are off for an emotional goodbye meal with Helen and Mimi, for tomorrow Ruth and I are heading to Siem Reep, Cambodia (unless we have to go back to hospital).

Bangkok is such a busy, polluted city that smells and is hot hot hot but it has so much to offer. Very kind friendly people (on the outskirts that aren't trying to take your money), strange foods, strong sense of culture and temples and floating markets - wow! We got stuck in the red light district the other night where its all dirty old western men with their young Thai prostitutes. It makes me feel sick. And Ping Pong shows and all seedy stuff. EUGH.

Just thought I'd throw in a summary there!

Right, I have to go get ready for this eve. There has been a girl waiting for the computer for ages and I'm getting dirty looks!

Remember...we are back in 1 month. Time has flown I know but we're looking forward to seeing everyone and starting work (part of that is a lie)! Hehe.

Much love,

Carolyn and Ruth xx