Ok so the adventure begins. I finally mastered the TUK TUK drivers after learning that they take you on an endless shopping spree. Hey I am not the only one that fell for it.
They take you to jewellery shops and TAT's where you buy all your trips.
Finally managed to make one take me to some proper sights so I did the grand palace, what po which I think is the sleeping Buddha. He's everywhere, lying, sleeping standing, and even a black one.
The best bit of Bangkok as its a bit of a rip of place although still really cheap is the canals. Did a fantastic trip through all the winding canals and used up one camera film on it. That was great.
For today I have been on an eye opening trip with other travellers. Met a lovely english couple in Bangkok and on this trip a really great dutch girl who I hope to meet again in Laos.
We went to kanchanaburi yesterday to see the death railway and bridge of river kwai. Was very morbid to see how many died building it and the state they were in. Also road the train which is an experience and a half if you don’t have a seat.
Next a waterfall and cave, went swimming and it was bloody cold didn't expect that. After we stayed in a floating raft. Very very very basic but could fun as there were 8 of us and some thai men and we played cards. I have learnt shit head which according to Brenda (dutch girl with a mine of useful info) is the travellers’ game. Got very drunk and didn't sleep as the nature on the river is the best alarm call going...every ten minutes from 1.30am after the japenese boys in the group did karaoke. I love the japanese they are hilarious especially when playing cards. You teach them and say you need a higher card and they hold their cards up higher...great fun.
Today we went elephant riding which was great but not sure how well they are treated that was about an hour. Followed by another cave with torches and giant bats...that scared the canadian in the group. after we were shattered and back to Bangkok...tomorrow if I can get to the TAT office I leave for two nights in sukolthai which is the old capital.
After that I go by bus to chiang mai, then a 3 day trek including more elephants and up to the hill tribe people the long necks (does what it says on the tin folks).
Followed by a speed boat to Laos. Hopefully on the way the TAT will give my passport back after booking all my visas. Apparently it's ok as lots of travellers are either waiting for passport or have done it already.
Hope your all well it’s bloody hot and humid here!
glad to hear you're settling into the crazy travelling life so easily....enjoy shit head, it's the one constant in travelling!!
Tam x