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Part 79: Thailand, the return....
It was always my preference to take really early morning flights, and by doing so, you'd think I would avoid the crowds and traffic right?..wrong!
The airport was absolutely packed with 3 separate security checks just to get into the airport, and the line was already stretching back the length of the terminal - which is why I've learned my lesson a dozen times over, and leave at least 4 hours before my flight. Especially since Niño Aquino international airport can be a little unpredictable at the best of times.
I was really looking forward to going back to Thailand to see my sister and Lindsay. They would be arriving later that evening, whilst I arrived in Bangkok earlier in the day.
Now there were some problems in Bangkok that were well documented on the news with riots and demonstrations a slight cause for concern, but nowadays I worry a lot less about what the press reports say; it certainly wasn't going to put me off.
This time I knew exactly where I was going to my hostel, taking the sky train directly to Siam Square, unlike before where I was seriously over charged by a cab driver; no more naivety here!
The hostel remembered me from last time, as did the nearby canteen where I ate so frequently last year, and it was a nice feeling to be welcomed so warmly by everyone, they even remembered my favourite dish! For me Thailand still remains as one of the friendliest countries in South East Asia - fortunately tourism hasn't ruined that aspect yet.
I killed some time by talking to travellers and wandering around Siam square, re-familiarising with the area, then got the sky train back to the airport to meet my sister and Lindsay. I was so thrilled to see them both and we all embraced in a big warm group hug.
Unsurprisingly they both were a little tired after their long haul flight, but we wasted no time at all, before getting the sky train right back to Siam square to where, after a bizarre stroke of luck, they had pre booked their hotel right next to my hostel - talk about coincidence.
I was surprised when they both wanted to go straight out that same evening such was their level of excitement - they were determined to see as much of Bangkok as possible in the 4 days they were here, and after quickly getting ready, we are all soon laughing our heads off in the back of a tuk tuk speeding towards Koh San road!
We were all absolutely buzzing in the back; the driver sensed this and accelerated even faster - it was great to see them both so happy, although I was little conscious about how my sister would react to the Koh San Road ghetto, thats frequented by so many budget travellers and backpackers as it can be a little intimidating - it was exactly how I left it the last time I was here, but even more hectic!
Sticky floor, tacky souvenirs, in your face reps, grilled scorpion, loud cheesy music, bare chested and barefoot Aussies, Bob Marley and Chiang beer vests everywhere, dodgy street food, with hoards and hoards of young back packers, love it or hate it, this place is where it's at for budget travellers.
I was watching my sisters reaction closely as we walked through the congested streets, but she seemed to take it all in her stride. The atmosphere was loud and brash, if this is your thing, but we opted to grab some food at one of the busy restaurants - the food was as bad as it was cheap, then we wandered around the chaotic streets for a while before the tiredness inevitably caught up with everyone. It had been more than 24 hours since they slept and thought it best to head back to Siam Square via the only mode of transport I will never tire of - the tuk tuk!
The beauty of taking these exhilarating forms of transportation late at night is you are unlikely to be forced into an unwanted detour, which is normally common practice via an ivory, jewellery, carpet shop or tailors since they are all closed at this hour.
It was back to the shared dorm for me, whilst Anna and Lindsay had the luxury of their flash hotel less than 20 yards away from my hostel. Knowing they were a stones throw away with everything they needed, from a roof swimming pool, to private terrace bar, and more, filled me with envy, so I retreated back to my room for a synchronised snore fest filled sleep and stinky feet!
I had seen most of the sites Bangkok had to offer already, but happily went along with the girls to the giant laying down Buddha, the grand palace, various temples, and the MBK center. All by tuk tuk, however since it was by daytime, this time we were taken via the usual shop detours, although none of us seemed to mind, instead sitting back and enjoying the extended city tour. Anna was feeling particularly generous and gave the tuk tuk driver a large tip, especially since he didn't get his commission when none of us purchased anything from the shops - it made his day!
Luckily for me the girls allowed me to crash in their hotel room for the rest of the stay in Bangkok and sleep on the sofa which was a blessing - no more hostel for me thank goodness.
I was reunited with Jack, my backpacking partner in crime after he had spent the last 2 weeks in Cambodia, now making his way into Thailand, and our travel paths crossing once more here in Bangkok. It was great to see him and I introduced him to Anna and Lindsay straight away.
There are fewer Asian cities that boast a better night life than Bangkok, with its great selection of clubs and bars, that are not just confined to Koh San Road. Tonight we were well in the mood to party, and chose to hit another of its controversial night spots, that just oozes sleaze - Pat Pong, one of the world's most famous red-light districts, and the place that started Thailand's Go Go culture. Here you'll clearly notice sightseers more interested in ogling at, rather than indulging in the many services on offer. The nightlife in Thailand is the stuff of legend, and a thousand pub tales. When I first visited the Pat pong area last year I will readily admit that I was more than a little naive. Yes you hear the usual stories from friends, and acquaintances about the shannanigans that go on, but until you actually see it nothing really prepares you for the experience.
So I felt a sense of trepidation when we approached the 'naughty bars' to see how my sister, would again react to an area, that is quite rightly not everyone's 'cup of tea' but I figured everyone needs to go at least once.
We arrived at the infamous 'bada-bing' Go-Go bar where Lindsay immediately ordered four large cocktails, which we quickly downed to get us in the mood and relax. The flirting lady boys were amusing to watch as they tried to get our attention on the raised main stage in the center of the bar, suggestively dancing, frolicking and sliding up and down shiny poles, vying for attention, particularly Anna's as they began blowing kisses towards her.
'Why have you taken me here' she whispered to me in a firm tone!
Knowing now that my sister was not comfortable, we drank up and moved to one of the many other surrounding bars, briefly stopping at a live venue with the worlds worse covers band.
The bright night lights and loud blaring camp music on the narrow streets, with its friendly reps doing their best to lure you like bait into the clubs are really hard to refuse once the cheap cocktails kick in.
We were persuaded into another club full of yet even more dancing lady boys, mixed with a few girls just to mess with your senses, and here Jack started to flirt with a few of them not caring which was which - I loved his attitude.
Then after a long night I think we were all ready to go back to the hotel for a few quiet drinks on the roof top terrace, discussing love, life and travel.
When in Bangkok it's practically impossible to not enjoy its many charms, both day for all its sights, and night for its lively exotic atmosphere and it still firmly remains as one of my favourite Asian capitals.
The following day it was more sightseeing in the sweltering heat followed by a trip to the skybar at night to see the 360 panoramic views. Unfortunately they took one look at me and would not let me in, with my 'unsuitable attire' so I waited outside whilst the girls lapped up the magnificent view.
This was a bit of a whirl wind visit to Thailand's capital and a non stop, thoroughly fun filled 4 days. Now we were all ready to head South for some beach island life.
Koh Phi Phi island, here we come!!...
- comments
Lindsay Brings back such great memories!! Bangkok is definitely one of my favourite cities...great food, great sights, great nightlife, great shops and crazy tuk tuk drivers!! Can't edit to go back one day :-)