Around the World II

Day 5 - Tue 6 Apr 2004

Bangkok

Shiny Golden Buddha

Didn't get any sleep last night, but up early for breakfast, then out via taxi to Hualamphong station for a photo, and then wandered down to Wat Tramit, with the most shiny golden Buddha I’ve ever seen. From there another taxi to Wat Pho, and got on a ferry across the river to Wat Arun. Had a good look around, and took lots of photo’s and then back across the river, and other taxi to Vimaumet Teak Mansion - However it was shut.

Started to walk back into the centre, and saw the ‘Throne Hall’ and then stumbled across an open air ‘Expo’ policed by the Scouts - paid the admission fee and spent an hour looking at the various stands.

Back to the hotel by midday - Phew.

Although it’s sad to report, I did spend a lot of my time in Bangkok in my room with the Air Con cranked all the way up. However I did get to see all the things that I had planned to see. A person with a stronger constitution may have done it in less time - but I’m happy with my view of Bangkok.

Just back from my trip up the river - 18bht, bargain. Instead of taking a tourist boat, I just jumped on a local boat.

There are a lot of Western faces here - a lot of places I’ve been I stand out (Jordan, Dubai) but here, I’m just another tourist. None of the locals even bat an eyelid, and there’s no camaraderie when you meet another tourist.

I a restaurant I saw a young English guy with a local girl, not a lot of talk, or even eye contact - the sex must be good..

My body just isn’t set up for this climate - two hours outside is the best I can do! I hope Singapore is a bit cooler.