Around the World II

Day 3 - Sun 4 Apr 2004

Bangkok

Didn't get too much sleep last night - went to bed too early and woke up at midnight and couldn't get back to sleep. I think this is the first time I've ever suffered from Jet Lag.

Made it downstairs, and collected my voucher for breakfast, quite a spread but I went for a croissant and juice. Out on the street by 8am and started the walking tour of Banglaupha, saw the Khaosan Road (backpacker hell), democracy monument (big pictures of the Royal family, shops selling royal stuff inc. cardboard cut outs of the family). Went to look around Bowonnievet, and got invited for breakfast by one of the monks. Finally made it down to the Tourist Office, and got stacks of info.

Started to hot up by then - had a quick look in the National Gallery - some interesting modern art, but the piece that caught my eye was a pencil sketch of three people having dinner.

Now it's really hot - even worse than the UAE - sweating buckets while getting to the National Museum - I met my first tout, a 'teacher' and her friend who nicely told me about the "lucky Buddha" only open once a year, and guess what? It's today, and we should go for free gifts!! No thanks!

Museum doorway

The Museum was free entry today (I have no idea why, but hey!), lots of stuff, but the heat was really getting to me by now, so headed back to the hotel by about 2pm. Bit of a headache, so I cranked the air con up, and had a siesta! Headed back out when it had cooled down, and wandered down the Khao San Road - all rather loud and buzzing! Made it to the Fort and grabbed a pizza - then checked my e-mails. Back to the hotel by 11pm!