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Hello everybody!!!!
Sorry it's taken so long to put our first blog entry on the site but we have been so busy!!!! Arrived slightly behind schedule but hit the ground sprinting. Checked into the Royal Benja Hotel in downtown Bangkok and met up with a friend of Marion's called Zoe. She is a Doctor who moved to Bangkok 3 months ago and after dinner, we went to the night bazaar at Suan Lum. This was a great place!!!! I'm not normally a shopper as most of you know but have to say that this night market was buzzing with atmosphere. Full of stalls selling all sorts of goods. we'd been warned that here you have to haggle and haggle hard. I found this a very easy thing to do and actually got to enjoy the bartering.
Had our first tuk tuk ride which was a thrill in itself. Walked around the area of the hotel and watched people cooking in the street, people of all walks of life and nationalities mingling together. Great atmosphere and not at all threatening. It's a great start to our adventure and already we feel at home.
On day 2 We woke up at 6am after not a lot of sleep but saw the sunrise emerging through the tall skyscraper buildings. We are on the 25 th floor and the views are amazing from our room. We ventured out and took the skytrain to the golden Palace where I am about to run out of superlatives to describe this place. One thing you learn here about Thai people is that they have two main passions. They are passionate about Buddha and also the Royal family. This comes across in the Golden Palace which was built centuries ago and reflects Kings throught history. It's absolutely magnificent. Also visited the temple of the Emerald Buddha. Also visited the Marble Temple and the Golden mountain.
Watched Arsenal beat Fulham before we collapsed into bed as the jet lag and lack of sleep got the better of us.
Day 3 started early with a wake up call at 05.30. We were picked up by mini bus and driven to the floating market. An hour's drive away, we boarded a long tail boat which took us to the heart of the market. It was an explosion of colour, smells, noise and people. Someone tried to put a python around my neck, stupid man!. The locals all gather here to sell their goods and cook from their long tail boats. It was fantastic and we were so glad we went. Marion did have 2 pythons around her neck for me to take photos from a very safe distance!
Then we went offf to see an elephant show which was hilarious and great fun. The elephants were like naughty boys playing football. Also saw 2 beautiful tigers and a man with his head in a crocodile's mouth!!! The things people will do for a few living. took loads of photos and video. On way back to Bangkok we visited the Rose Garden where we saw some typical Thai dancing in a beatiful setting. Wanted to stay longer but didn't have the time.
Decided to have my first Thai massage. 300 baht (just under a fiver) for an hour. Brilliant. back to Suat Lum night market for more souvenir hunting to send back home.
Day 4 (Monday) up at 5.45 again for our trip to Ayutaya the ancient capital of Thailand. Visited more temples, saw more elephants (which are everywhere, even saw one in the street near the hotel) and visited the Bang Pa - in temple, the former residence of the King. Boarded the cruise for lunch and the 3 hour cruise back to Bangkok.
Weather is hot and sunny (about 93 degrees) and tonight we are going to a jazz club to hear Zoe's brother play saxophone. In the morning, we check out and leave for the airport for our 1 hour flight to Chiang Mai.
Hope all is well with you all.
Lots of love,
Paul & Marion
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