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Wow, you came back!! My previous post was, lets face it, pretty damn awful: somewhat lacklustre and uninspired :( (apologies*). I hope this one's much better, and that I can do travels in Bangkok a bit more justice :)
So I'm currently sat in Bandar Seri Begawan (the airport), en route back to London. I'm here for 10 hours... I'm not joking either when I tell you it's the world's smallest international airport, very few facilities: one basic coffee shop, numerous (what I would call pop-up) gift shops (tat markets more like*), and very sparse duty free. Then there's the elevated, rather pretentious (I'm just bitter*) business lounge in the centre, which is definitely bigger than the general waiting hall (plus more food, facilities etc.) for all commoner/peasants/economy travellers. What happened to sharing? Luckily for you (hehe*), this opens up the perfect window to write a quick update (please bear in mind, this has been written on my phone with very intermittent wifi*). I did have the opportunity to go out and explore the city of Bandar SB, but at the cost of US$80 and poor reviews on trusty ol' trip advisor, I thought not. I'll be waiting out the following hours reading Shantaram (which, thankfully, I'm engrossed in) and probably drinking copious cups of tea; definitely living the high life.
Bangkok bound! We flew out on a plane that resembled a tin can with wheels, the size of a glider. Ok, slight exaggeration but there were merely 15 seats, 6 people and a propeller engine. Scarily, we were weighted around the aircraft for "balance" (haha*). Adrian and Karin were there to greet us at the airport and took us back to their GORGEOUS house...an entirely different culture/lifestyle: spotless, beautiful, MAIDS!! Need I go on?! Absolute luxury and very very jealous indeed.
We've eaten some amazing authentic Thai food (and the occasional bit of western stuff too). It's helped so much being shown everything and recommended places by expats, wouldn't have a clue otherwise! We've done a heck of a lot of shopping (oops*), seen some of the beautiful sights and had an absolutely lovely holiday as an end to my travels :) / :( (double edged sword*). Sadly I did miss out on a couple of things because of my awful illness, like wandering around the ancient capital city amongst the ruins of temples, river boats, etc. Having said that, I'm not disappointed because I've already done SO much exploring and there's always next time ;).
One of my favourite parts of our trip was when we got a panoramic view of the city from the most incredible rooftop bar (it's where the hangover part II was filmed!). Living the high life (literally this time) we sipped some delicious cocktails and took countless pictures (embarrassingly like a mini photoshoot - most of them awful!*). If you're ever in Bangkok, I suggest going just to have a look!
Going to different cities, they can all seem a bit similar.. You feel as though they've lost their "culture". In light of this, Karin took mum and I to the dirtier, downtown, reality of the city (away from the bright lights of the rich suburbs). It's the heaven of fake designer EVERYTHING, lady-boys parading streets and sex shows branded everywhere you look, in every bar/pub/club, open doors, no modesty in this part of town. Interesting to see, but it's awful how derogatory it is to women and just how open and (perhaps) accepted prostitution is here. Disturbingly, the working girls look SO young and the kids (infants) are very exposed to everything. Safe to say, it wasn't my favourite part of the city, ironically didn't feel very safe but, again, an insightful experience nonetheless.
Bangkok is confusing. I had zero bearings of the city, other than when I was in a shopping mall (hehe*) and that's coming from someone who's normally quite good with directions! The roads are just a series of random lines drawn amongst the ever expanding buildings that all look the same! The back lanes are like footpaths. The only thing I recognised as being close to A&K's was the McCafé on the side of a petrol station (how tragic*). The traffics manic... left hand lane at junctions ignores the red light (?!) and it's just general mayhem. Waiting in traffic took a ridiculous amount of time out of the day too, which is unfortunate (grr*) - much much worse than London at rush hour. We used the sky train once, which we should've used every day really, because its cheap, quick, easy, air conned, etc. Tried out a túk túk too.. But it's too polluted and congested for you to (a) feel safe (b) be able to breathe without thinking your going to get carbon monoxide poisoning... So much pollution!
Of course we met up with Anna and her mum, Meredith, which was lovely (Helloooo*)... Having sat through numerous Skype conversations, it was like we'd already met many a time, so was really nice to chat in the flesh! Anna's also been unwell :( but she too has enjoyed this (ahem*) crazy city! Has been a great holiday... Mum and I have now got a bit of the "travelling bug" (not to be confused with a tropical medical condition*). We're already planning our next excursions (I can hear dad crying from here*). Hopefully there's lots more holidays to come :D.
Have to say a mahoooosive thank you again to A&K (hopefully they're reading this!). We felt thoroughly spoilt; had an amazing time with our personal tour guide, Karin, and really enjoyed everything about Bangkok.
Well, that was a short one, eh?! (Pats self on back*). My next post will probably be my last, maybe I'll be back in England?! It'll probably be a summary of everything - eeeek. Thanks for reading, and following me on this incredible journey (I'm so grateful) :). Keep posted.
Love,
Jordanna xx
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Jo Houston Have loved reading your blogs Jordi - well done, you have real talent!! See you soon in Lane End x x x x