Hello out there!
The Thai have a funny way of doing things...we took a bus to the ferry, then got on a coach bus to then get off about a block later just to walk onto the ferry. After the ferry we got back on the bus drove for about 2 hours to a "bus stop", which is nothing more than a restaurant really. A little place in the middle of nothing offering you food and a toilet. And from there we waited to get back onto a smaller bus to go to the bus station. Once we reached there we were well on our way to Bangkok. I guess it's a way for some locals to make money so good for them. It's just funny and confusing to us, but we're getting used to it.
The bus ride to Bangkok was out of a movie. There was no such thing as a good night's sleep because I think the bus driver thought he was on a motorbike on a dirt road by himself. I've never been on a bus that drove so fast in my life. And I think we hit every pot hole in Thailand on the way there. We finally pulled over about five hours later to use the comode and get a bite to eat. I must say that was one of the best Thai soups I've ever eaten in my life!
We arrived in Bangkok in the wee hours of the morning. It was still dark outside. And no one knew where we were so when we stopped the bus driver had to wave us off because we all looked dumbfounded. Then we hopped on another bus to get to Khao San Road. Mel and I picked the first hotel and they were nice enough to let us check in early. We passed out until noon. Then we headed to the post office to mail off some unwanted items in our backpacks. (Sorry Mom and Tiff, but you will be getting another package soon) After that we went shopping. Haha
Today, we got to see the Emerald Buddha and the Grand Palace. On our way there, we met some random man who offered to give us some good advice about Bangkok and it's people. And he got us a personal tuk tuk to drive us around for dirt cheap. We then met a woman who gave us better advice and told us some things that contradicted what the other man said. It's funny how we keep running into random people and they help us out. We have good luck in Thailand. Mel found 50 Baht just laying on the street. And everyone thinks she's Thai and she has to keep explaining she's half Chinese. Anyway, there is an import export shop that sells jewelry for a lot cheaper than what you would buy in the states. We kept hearing from various people that we should go check it out because it's only open to the public for a couple of weeks because it's about to be the King's birthday and there is some celebration going on..I don't know what they are saying half the time...If we bought something we could become a member and they send us a catalog every year so we can purchase more. Maybe we'll become top-notch jewelers and make bank!!! I was waaay too stingy with my money and I kept thinking it was a scame, but it's actually backed by the government so everything is legit.
We are about to board a train to Phi-lok, which is our halfway point before we go to Chiang Mai. An hour from there is Thailand's first capital Sukothai and it has a lot of ruins and history to check out. I can't wait to ride elephants in the jungle and go trekking in the mountains to live with the tribes.
If we don't write for a while just think it's because we're busy having way too much fun and not that someone kidnapped us or left us for dead. Love you. :)
