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Bangkok
Entry 20 of 22 | show all | print this entry |
Hello Everyone,
Yesterday, I went on a days excursion to the marine park which are some uninhabited islands near Ko Samui where I went snorkeling and kayaking around the islands (a bit like in the Isle of Wight but better). Absolutely beautiful. I saw some amazing sea creatures such as sea cucumbers, coral reefs, giant sea urchins and all colours of the rainbow tropical fish (think Finding Nemo). Actually, after I'd swam/snorkelled only inches above a whole bunch of giant sea urchins I decided it was time to get back on the boat. Ugh! I like wildlife but I don't want to get skewered by those buggers. We went on a hike to the middle of one of the islands where we saw a lovely lagoon. One of the spots was used in the film 'The Beach' but it wasn't the actual beach. When we got back to Ko Samui we had another elephant ride.
This morning I flew to Bangkok, yes I know it costs more but I couldn't be bothered with the ferry and overnight coach again. Bangkok is a crazy town. First of all the cab driver didn't know his way around too well. Luckily he stuck to our agreed price but I had to show him the map and give him directions!!!!!!!! Then I checked in (I am not staying at the Khao Sarn Road - but at the YHA - HI place about a five minute drive away - much quieter and cheaper - more real travellers and less tourist backpacker 18-30 types: hmm.... don't say it).
Anyway, as most dumb tourists would do I took a Tuk-Tuk ride around town. Now, this guy took me to every Budda Temple in the city (Big Budda, Golden Budda, Black Budda, Lucky Budda etc..) in his four-wheeled lawnmower for a very cheap price but he also took me to almost every tailor and jewellery store: you see he gets coupons/commission for each tourist he takes into these stores. I was polite and declined but 10,000 baht for one suit was very expensive. 1. I don't have 10,000 baht. 2. Marks & Spencers is cheaper and you can try it on. However, there did seem to be a lot of tourists buying things in these shops.
After that I went to the Chatuchak Weekend Market which was a little bit further out of town but worth the trip. It's not very touristy and is a proper market like at home but on a much, much larger scale. Think Kempton Park market but about 20 times bigger with about 5 stalls crammed in the same space for each stall at Kempton. I actually got lost several times in the Labarynth. There were some brilliant things there. Most of you know that I love ethnic things especially Chinese/Thai silk and embroidery, hair things, jewellery (a bit like accessorize but loads cheaper and tons more choice), bags, clothes, sandals, stuff for the house. I did buy a few knickknacks while I was there. The best thing about the market was that they also sell pets - every exotic animal that could fit in a cage was there. The fish selection was absolutely amazing. There were snakes, lizards, tarantulas, parrots, mice, something that looked like a porcupine, giant fish, cockerels, dogs, cats, rabbits and everything else including pet food (i.e. maggots and other insects). Quite horribly, side-by-side with the pet stalls were food stalls selling slightly iffy looking meats. I quite lost my appetite at that point.
After that I headed to the Khoa Sarn Road - I had to! I found a T-Shirt that summed it up and am bringing it back as a gift for you Stuart. Here goes:
Khao Sarn Road Syndrome
1. I shall wear as big a backpack as possible to bear proud witness of my creed.
2. I shall not leave Khao Sarn Road without a Lonely Planet guide.
3. I shall wear the traditional international backpacker's uniform and don at least one piece of local clothing (e.g. Conical hat in Vietnam, a krama in Cambodia etc.) to show my oneness with Asian people).
4. I shall eat banana pancakes and phat thai on regular basis, for it is quintessential Asian food.
5. I shall stay in the cheapest guest house. More money for beer.
6. I shall drink the local beer, for I shall always endeavor to be in tune with local culture and because it is cheapest.
7. I shall make pilgrimage to a Full Moon party on Hat Rin at least once in my life.
8. I shall bargain without mercy and hone my skill to a sharp edge, so that I can proudly proclaim our sacred motto "I get it for less than the local".
9. I shall not leave Khao Sarn Road without having my hair colored, dreadlocked, corn-rolled or shaved off.
Well, the place is a tourist destination in itself just to view the local culture and community - backpackers! Most Thais are completely outnumbered. Where have all the backpackers been? Most have just arrived off the plane and average age is about 21 I'd say. Khao Sarn Road is probably like a typical high street in Benidorm. It's just bars, tourist shops, food stalls, clothes shops and stuff like that. Really tacky but amazing to see. They have one food cart set up with all scorpions, crickets and bugs all deep fried in batter (Tempura locust anyone?) blatantly set up for the tourists - I bet local Thai people don't eat that! I did also some see some ladyboys wandering the streets. Interestingly, in Malaysia you can be imprisoned for being a transvestite.
Anyway, when in Rome. I did get hair braids/extensions done. Wait till you see the pictures it's all very Katie Price in I'm a celebrity (well, the hair anyway). I'll probably be picking them out before the start of term because I'm dead sure I won't be allowed them at SJB but it's worth a laugh for the time being.
Anyway,
Take Care
love
Claire
xx
P.S. Happy Birthday Sabrina! Sorry I can't be there to help you celebrate but have a drink for me and we'll get together for further celebrations when I get back. I'll get you a nice present from Asia.
P.P.S. Pete & Clare did you go into school for results day? Any news?
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