Thai Kickboxing
Trip Start
Dec 28, 2008
1
17
18
Trip End
Jan 12, 2009
Bangkok, Thailand
Monday, January 12, 2009
Better early than late.
There is a Dunkin' Donuts (very significant to us east coasters) (pictures to ensue), in the Phuket airport. I couldn't help it and got a small coffee and two munchkins.
Oh god - I knew the coffee was akin to rat poison before even taking a sip. I took a sip anyways. Rat poison. WORSE than the Dunkin' Donuts I got in Berlin. *SIGH*
The munchkins were edible and I liked their smiley donuts.
So while waiting forever in the airport, I saw a bookstore and rummaged heartily around (annoying the clerk) for the 6th Harry Potter book. They were asking 750 Baht , YEEKERS. I know it's an import but dang, $25 for a soft copy, I'll pass.
After slurping down another Milo (true addiction) and reading my copy of Roots (truly depressing), we were back onto Asia Air with our XPRESS status.
Now, again on Air Asia - we really liked the airline but a lot of people must be first time travelers on it. Everyone crowded the gates and didn't understand us XPRESS ballahs were to be first in line. Mike is nice; he gently made his way to the front. If it was me, I woulda gotten my best east coast accent on and rudely say 'outta the way buddy'. hah.
Phuket is beautiful from the air - ocean and islands everywhere.
Landed in Bangkok, TAXI! TAXI! CHEAP TAXI!
Meter, ka??
Every time we asked one of the evil rogue taxis if they had a meter, they would angrily wave us to the public taxi sign. Rogue taxis wanted 600 Baht for our destination and public taxi was only 400 Baht.
FOr those new to Suvawanbhumi airport, just go straight to the Public Taxi desk. They'll fill out your destination for you, and get you on your way with a cab that probably won't screw you over or leave you for dead.
Arrived at the Royal Orchid Sheraton, which will get it's own review. Let 's just say the following:
Make sure you have a Sheraton Member card (free) and you get crazy upgrades. This place is awesome. So awesome. Great view, top floor (28th) overlooking the River and Bangkok.
After happily settling into our room, we ventured out for Thai Kickboxing at the Rajadamnern stadium (the ULTIMATE muah thai area, according to the hand out).
Sunday is the lightweight night; apparently you want to go see kickboxing here on Thursdays.
We watched a bunch of 99 - 104 pounders (no joke) that all looked about 12 try to ravage eachother with their fists and feet and knees. It was pretty intriguing. They did some ceremonial dance/stretch at the opening, then a few rounds of smashing.
We had ring side seats and could watch as in between rounds, the coaches would screech at their boxers and mimic arm jabbing moves they wanted their boxers to do.
There was live music being played but some musicians that would get faster with each round.
By now, I was getting exhausted so we left early. It took about 7 tries to find a tax with a meter that would actually USE THE METER.
Meter, ka?
100 baht.
METER?
100 baht.
FUCK YOU!
With meter, it was 57 baht back to the hotel. I think we gave him 100 baht anyways (100 Baht = under $4 USD). But it's the principle that counts - if you hav ea meter on your taxi, you should use it. I hate being targeted so heavily because i'm falang.
Back at the hotel, passssssssssssssssed OUUUUUUUUUUUUUUT.
Now next day, off ot get breakfast and go to MBK!
