Up Up And Away

About time i updated things before i leave bangkok and i have a few hours to kill before i check out and head to the train station.

Since i last wrote things have been eventful in bangkok. i finshed the tourist hot spots by going to the grand palace and the vimanek mansion - the worlds largest all teak building and the old home of all the previous kings / rulers of the country. it was pretty impressive considering that there isnt a single screw in the whole place. there was also a thai dance display which was ok but lasted 40 minutes or so and the time dragged towards the end.

after the mansion i wandered round to the zoo, which was not far away. it was clear that the zoo is lacking resources in every department and the animals, which they were sadly lacking, didnt look to healthy and very bored. i suppose this has got to be expected when you consider the conditions which some of the people live in on the streets and alleyways.

for me the city is one of extreme contrasts - next to tourist spots and even the royal residence there are shacks were people live, backing onto old, drity still water which smells like and probably is a toilet. it is a bit of a culture shock and makes you feel how lucky you are to live where you live back home - where ever that may be.

was going to attend a tradition thai boxing night but i meant two scottish lads and ended up having a 'few' drinks on khao san road - which ended in what some would say was dancing and others would say was stumbling about in the rain and mayhem in the wee small hours with a group of dutch travellers. i guess the thai boxing will have to wait till i come back to bangkok if i cant find it anywhere else in the meantime.

i have been hearing great things about the south and the islands so i cant wait to get going and get down there in a couple of months, also i have been told of the islands on halong bay, vietnam which sound very tempting to me - in the meantime i am going north to chaing mai. i have got to catch the overnight, 12 hour, train up there tonight. i have already booked on a mountain trek that includes rafting, elephant treking and staying in tradtion, village accomodation for 3 nights. also the same travel company arranged a trip to see the longneck women (where the strech the womends necks with steel rings so they are oversized - not sure of teh cultural meanings of this yet-but will let you know) my 30 day visa for laos and the 2 day 1 night boat ride actually into the country.

i am really looking forward to leaving bangkok as for me that is not what travelling is all about - sure i am glad that i came but i prefer the smaller out of the way places that isnt wall to wall backpackers and everything on a plate for you. hanoi is supposed to be less like this although southern thailand is - but least there is the sea! i think my body needs the sea - it seems unnatural to be constantly this hot and not be able to go for a swim to cool down. but i guess that will have to wait another 3-4 weeks before i get to the islands on halong bay for that.

tips on dealing with the tuk tuk drivers - just say that you have already been to the shops and get a price for the trip without any shop stops - otherwise you will find yourself in numerous tailors wandering around so the driver can get a free petrol token, although the trip will cost you less but take longer - catch 22 i suppose.