Bangkok

Before I arrived in Bangkok I had heard from a few people that it was a busy, dirty smelly place and that some people hated being there. Now don’t get me wrong, Bangkok is a busy, dirty, smelly place but I didn’t get mugged, abused, have to bribe anyone, get lost and I made it to the airport on time and through customs in about 10mins so all in all I think I did pretty well. I’m a believer that there is good and bad in this world and something is what you choose to make of it.  If you go to Bangkok and only look at the negatives then you’re probably not going to have a good time. I really enjoyed myself in Bangkok and this is why…

My first full day in Bangkok I went and got measured up for a new suit and 2 blouses all in the fabrics of my choosing. I managed to barter him down a bit from 8600THB to 8000THB, that’s around $320NZD, not bad for a tailor made suit and 2 blouses! I then took the train down to the road a couple of stops and walked back to get a feel for the area I was in. There was a digital clock in the area showing the time and temperature. At 12:57pm it was 37 degrees and humid! During the walk back I think I went through 2 bottles of water. There are markets and food stalls everywhere although I didn’t try a food stall for fear of getting sick. After arriving back at the hotel I booked a tour for the next day and then went down the road for dinner. 

At dinner I had a chat to the Thai waitress and found out that I was staying in what was essentially the red light district. Good thing for me that I wasn’t anyone’s type so I didn’t get bothered by anyone except the taxi drivers looking to pick up a fare. She did tell me that I could find a nice boyfriend down Khao San Road as that was where all the backpackers went. After dinner it was back to the tailors for my first fitting and then I went out to the local bars to people watch. I saw 2 other white females in the area but everyone else left me alone so I watched sport, played “Where’s that guy from?” and “Lady Boy or Lady” in my head. Travelling solo I’ve found numerous ways to entertain myself.

The next day I did a full day tour so it was up at 5:45am for a 6:45am pickup. Our first destination was the floating markets. I paid 150THB for about a 40min ride around the markets. Most stalls sell the same thing and I got a magnet and a coconut to drink. We floated past markets and then past people’s homes as quite a few people live on the banks of the canals. 

Next stop was the Bridge over the River Kwai. This is part of the Burma Railway which was constructed during World War 2 by both Allied POW’s and Asian labourers. The construction of the railway was commissioned by the Japanese and is considered a war crime. Around 16,000 Allied POW’s died during the 16 month construction due to things such as cholera, dysentery, starvation, and exhaustion. During the construction of Hellfire Pass, a cutting in the Tenasserim Hills, the Japanese Guards beat 69 POW’s to death during the 6 weeks it took to complete. I don’t think there’s much to say about this part but it was nice to pay my respects to the fallen soldiers as they were part of the same war as my Grandparents and they fought so that I might lead a free life today. 

One of my most favourite animals is the Tiger and luckily for me our last stop was Tiger Temple. We arrived here in the afternoon when all the Tigers are sleepy from the heat of the day so tourists can go up and pat them without the Tigers being too active. The Tiger’s at the temple have also been raised there by humans so they have a recognition of us. Say that, they were still tied up on short chains! Thank goodness because nature is unpredictable. I got photo’s with the Tigers and got to touch them, they feel more like short haired dog’s than cats as the fur is a bit more coarse than your domesticated cat. 

It was a long drive back (about 4 hours) to my accommodation so I stayed in, ordered room service and thought about what to do the next day. It was about this time I realized that I would be leaving Bangkok on Monday, not Tuesday as I had been thinking the past few days! So the next day would be my last day.

I had a bit of a sleep in and then headed down to the tailors to tell them my mistake and see if I could pick up my suit that night instead of the next day as I had arranged. I got there to find they would open at 11am not 10am as usual as it was a Sunday. With an hour to spare I went for a walk and found a coffee shop. While there an old guy from Dubai asked to sit next to me and he chatted to me for a while. I think he was trying to make me his 5^th wife or something so luckily for me I had places to go people to see. I really hope it’s not like this when I get to Dubai!!! Back at the Tailors everything got rearranged without a hassle which was nice.

As it was the weekend I jumped on the train and headed to Chatuchak Markets, possibly one of the biggest weekend markets in the world with an estimated 200,000 people there at any one time. This place was a rabbit warren of stalls and it was very easy to get lost. I spent a few hours there and came away with 3 t shirts and 2 pairs of pants for the UAE where I must keep my shoulders and knees covered to show respect. 

Back in Sukhumvit I went and got a Thai Massage. Ok, it was not what I was expecting. I was pushed and pulled to my body’s limit and I can’t say that it wasn’t painful but afterwards I did feel a lot limber. I then went out for dinner at Cabbages and Condoms which is a Not for Profit restaurant aimed at helping the women in the sex industry. The food was fantastic and there was live music. If you ever go to Bangkok, I suggest a visit. You’ll even get a couple of condoms when you pay the bill!

I’m now at the airport getting ready to board my next flight. I still have 441THB in my wallet so I’m on a mission to spend it all! Wish me luck!