Two Days in Bangkok

So after leaving the Zen tranquility of Japan, Betsy and I arrived in Bangkok, Thailand on monday night/tuesday morning. I think Bangkok gives a special welcome to its backpacking travellers that no other place can do. The flight arrived at 1am and the airport was bustling with activity. The weather was hot, humid and overwhelmingly sticky. The cab driver we used had no idea where our guest house was and had to stop at least three times to ask for directions, oh yes and he totally ripped us off. But no worries we got to our guest house safe and sound. To welcome us was a transgendered Thai man (now woman) who was explaining all of the rules and such. She showed us to our room (which was surprisingly clean) and left us to our own devices. At this point the room which only has an oscillating fan is a billion degrees and I think I feel asleep only because the heat made me so drowsy. I have to admit I loved every minute of this first encounter with Bangkok.

Our guest house is located near Khao San Road which is known by locals and travellers as the backpacking destination. This "road" is a motley crew of hostels, shops, restaurants, pubs, tattoo parlors and many other things. When we went to check it out the temperature was sweltering and the streets were crowded to the max. Backpackers of all ages and from all over the world seemed to convene for food and drink and it is a sight to see. Everyone seems to know someone and are content to stay for what would seem like forever toiling away on Khao San. Everything and everyone seems to be a bit brighter than life.

The rest of Bangkok is only slightly less overwhelming and after walking a few blocks away from Khao San all you will in encounter are Thais going about their daily life (the backpackers tend to stick near their watering hole). The street food is amazing and dirt cheap. After trying to find a restaurant that the guide book suggested (but alas we could not locate) we decided to pick one of the many options we had passed along our route. And we choose wisely! As an older Thai woman worked her magic in her wok, Betsy and I people watched and soaked in just a few quite moments that the open air restaurant provided us.

Bangkok has really been a sight to see and experience, but after just two days it is most certainly time to leave. We'll be heading up north to do some trekking and pagoda visiting and hopefully catch a breath of fresh air!

Off to see what else Thailand has to offer!