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We've made it to Bangkok, and all that you've heard about the comfortable trains here is TRUE. We were in 2nd class sleeping and had proper bunk beds, even facing the direction of travel to aid sleeping. With pillows, blankets and air conditioning we had a good nights sleep on the way to Bangkok. What extra do you get for first class, I wonder?
Bangkok is one big crazy city. The first day was full of touts asking 'where you from' and trying to con us in some way. We managed to avoid parting with money, and they really could understand our response 'why?' They wondered where that was for a time, but then could not understand that we didn't just tell strangers where we are from. Did they want to get us into conversation, or did the country of our origin dictate the price that we'd be charged for the goods that we didn't want to buy?
The tout thing was a shame as it detracted from the place and our liking of the Thais. Luckily though on subsequent days we were not bothered so much as we got our bearings and became more wise to them.
We visited Wat Phro steeped in gold, the Grand Palace and the famous Patpong 1 and 2. We made a trip to the floating market outside the city, to the Bridge over the River Kwai and the PoW cemetry, to the largest Pogoda in the world, and also to the Royal Barge Museum. In addition to the historical sites, Siam Square was one of my highlights, an afternoon in the cinema and the new Harry Potter movie. Travelling is great, but sometimes it is nice just to stop, and do something normal. - Not too sure about the movie though, I think I need to read the books to fully appreciate it.
While in Bangkok we've been able to find out more about the political issues here, as they have really good English language newspapers - The Nation and the Bangkok Post. We knew from the locals that there were some issues in the South of Thailand, just south of Hat Yai, but the daily reports suggest the violence is esculating, and our Foreign Office is currently increasing the levels of warning given to travellers, thinking about visiting that area. On one day 18 suspect devices were reported - none was active. However, one team of bomb disposal experts was killed due to a booby trap / or remote controlled device while they were investigating one of the hoaxes. The other big story are the riots in Bangkok, in protest about the military rulers. They diposed the PM, accusing him ofcorruption about a year ago. He now owns Man City! The protesters call for 'democracy' and they are put down and arrested by the police. Next month there is a referendum on a new constitution....
We seem a little short of time now. We have visas for Cambodia, so are heading there next, but we don't seem to have much time left for the north of Thailand, Laos and Vietnam.
More later...
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