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Workin' Our Way Around The World
Well, this is our last day in Bangkok and I can assure you it certainly lives up to its reputation. The noise, smells, traffic and crazy characters are like nothing we've experienced before. Every street, whether it be busy or a little side street is laden with food stalls, it's unbelievably cheap but Sam and I have our doubts as to whether it's safe to eat....we've stuck to the things that look nice!!
Our hotel is a boutique/kitcsh style bolthole the staff are so friendly and room is gorgeous, we've got a huge fish tank separating the bathroom so when we shower we can watch our very own little Jeremy's swimming about - much to Sams delight!!
We have seen much of the city now, including the infamous Khao san rd, the lucky Buddha, the grand palace and weekend market. There doesn't appear to be as many travellers here as I'd expected, but with one tenth of Thailands population based in Bangkok it's hard to spot them through the hoards of orientals!!
The Thais are generally welcoming, smiling people. I think their religion and beliefs have a lot to do with their kind nature. We visited a temple yesterday where a young Thai was praying he patted the floor beside him so we went and knelt next to him, it was such a moment and as he explained all about Buddhist traditions we took a moment to say a little prayer. There is however a strong westernisation occuring in Bangkok, especially within the youth of the country. This was clear to see in Siam square a mecca of young hip spunky Thais!! There you can find many shops some more exclusive than any in England, they had Ferrari's, Astons and Porche's for sale in the Paragon shopping mall alongside the usual Gucci, Amarni and Jimmy Choo!! Funny thing is no-one had any bags or were even looking in the shops, a doubt many locals could dream of buying anything that expensive!
Other Thais are out for a quick buck and see tourists as a target, tuk tuk drivers being a prime example! Sam and I (who had been avoiding getting in a tuk tuk) regretably hoped in one after a very nice Thai on the street recommended a quick tour and hailed one over for us! We were taken to a few sights before being persuading into a "travel agents" where we were offered a package deal for the rest of our stay in Thailand, arranging trains, boats, buses and accomadation for a bargain price - after nearly two hours in the god damb place my head began to ache!! Our new friend was just booking all this when we glanced over at one another and knew something wasn't right! To cut a long story short we got out of there without paying a penny and were dropped off by a very p**sed of tuk tuk man - asking "did you buy, did you buy??!" Bless him he even bought us flowers on the way around, and only made about 20p out of us in the end!!
Tonight we embark on an overnight train to Chiang Mai, I'm looking forward to getting out of this crazy city but it had to be experienced and I'm glad we came! Last night we ventured downtown to the Patong area "the red light district", we explored the market and bought some bargains before having the nicest meal yet, a snip at only 3pounds!! The sex shows and bars were present in abundance, offers to see the ping pong and razor shows were kindly declined, Sam was nearly dragged off into one - she is turning out to be a magnet for Thai women, I think it's because she looks like one!! However, a quick look into the bars was enough for me and made me feel sorry for the girls cause they're so pretty - I guess they make more than most though!
Well that's my essay done!! Sorry if its gone on a bit long!! hahaha Take it easy, and love to all!!
PS - I'm not even brown yet, bring on the beach!!!
Love JJ - and wee little Sammy!!
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