Kylajane37's travel blogs:
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On the Train to Bangkok aboard the Tailand Expres
Entry 3 of 21 | show all | print this entry |
The title of this entry is the lyric from a song that Pierce swears is well-known. I've never heard of it, but since he's been singing it for the last week, it's in my head and now I'm finally HERE!
I arrived in Bangkok at about noon today (Happy 4th of July, everyone!) and successfully negotiated a taxi to the guesthouse I'm staying at, the Shanti Lodge. I'll be staying here in an air conditioned room for about ten dollars a night! I am overjoyed compared to what I have been paying for things in England.
After settling in I wandered the streets and got my first taste of Bangkok. It is huge, crowded, a bit polluted. But the sights, sounds, and smells are indescribable. So often in Europe I made a big effort to not look like a big ugly American, but here, it's just unavoidable. I stick out like a sore thumb! Despite that, everyone has been really friendly. One person even stopped and told me how to say hello in Thai! Once I'm off the big bustling streets, the behind the scenes stuff is neat to see. Kids playing soccer in the street barefoot. People just hanging out chopping vegetables, washing clothes or dishes (and letting the dirty water/excess food just run into the gutter). Some of the streets are lined with markets which an amazing variety of fruits and vegetables that I couldn't begin to name. Wafting from every other stand are the delicious smells of Thai cooking. I haven't sampled anything yet, but can't wait to try everything. I was bit disconcerted to see a whole cart full of insects, some alive, some dead, apparently for sale. I think I'll skip that cart.
I also stumbled onto a wat (temple) just a block or so from the guesthouse. I went in and saw my first orange-clad monk and the most enormous buddha I've ever seen. It is so nice to see something other than cathedrals, although I might get wat-ted out before too long.
Well, that's about all I have to report for now. Amanda arrives on Thursday and her friend Abby the day or so after that. I can't wait to have playmates.
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| 3. | On the Train to Bangkok aboard the Tailand Expres - Bangkok, Thailand Jul 04, 2006 |
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