The last thing I mentioned was our next hotel with the African mudhuts... WELL, we've learnt our first lesson - do not rely on internet bookings! When we called to confirm it was as if we've never existed. So the LOVELY lady at the Urban House helped us phone around and reserve a new place at last minute. We settled on the Pong Pen Guesthouse.
We then went to Hua Lamphong train station to pre-book our tickets up north (can't be too careful!) which is located next to Chinatown, so we thought we'd have a stroll. Then I was struck by an even better idea - why don't we take a tuktuk? Just to say we've been on one. The tuktuk driver was waiting, Gary was getting impatient so I settled on the night bazaar as our destination. The tuktuk ride was something else - I'll never forget the little vehicle trying to cross a four lane main road, squeezing through. When we got to the night bazaar they were just setting up - it was SOOOOoooo different from the other markets/bazaars. The stallholders were in a uniform of blue jeans and bare tatooed chest. We strolled around but didn't feel safe, there was no metro or skytrain so we made our escape - took another tuktuk back to the station! In the end it was an expensive outing with all the tuktuk journeys and we only stayed 10 minutes. But we learnt our second lesson - if you don't feel safe just get out of there and don't worry about the money.
The next day we woke up early and took a taxi to get the train to Kanchanaburi from Thonburi station (a little outpost the other side of the river) we got there three and a half hours early. The ticketman refused to sell us tickets in advance so we settled down to wait. It was actually quite fun! I love the actual 'travelling' part of travelling. There was lots going on at the station, monks and dogs etc. We took it in turns to wander around the wholesale food market opposite and had our first whiff of Durian (I'd say it smelt a bit horsepooey). Finally the train came and the station master rang the bell and we were away.
The train journey was fantastic, the windows were drawn right down and we sat back and enjoyed the views. With train travel you get to see the towns almost through their backgardens! There were cows, pigs, tin ghettos, temples, shrines, mountains, industrial areas and far reaching rice paddies. Meanwhile the ticket-inspector patrolled the aisle clicking his tongs as people got on and off. One platform had a sign displayed similar to the no-smoking sign but it was no-guns!
Finally, we arrived in Kanchanaburi and got picked up by the hotel in a mini-truck converted to take passengers. The hotel is set around a lush garden next to the river, it's beautiful and we're finally getting a chance to relax. Gary slept for most of yesterday afternoon (I think the heat caught up with him, plus the sleepless nights... we're finding it really hard to adjust to the time difference). I've been getting a suntan and reading. I tried out the binoculars uncle bob gave me - quite cool as you could see all the multicoloured dragonflies and flowers accross the river. I did see a man swimming in the river but I'm a bit put off by the rumours of sewage and it looks a bit murky. We spent some time arranging the budget because there's loads to do here - we're buying breakfast and lunch from supermarkets to save some baht!
Yesterday evening we went for a VERY long walk and basically covered most of the town on foot. Gary had the bright idea to find a shopping area 'just a short stroll' down the highway. One hour later we got there and the thing was closed! On the way back Gary stopped and grabbed my arm. I looked down and about a metre ahead was a snake slithering past. I was shocked, screamed and jumped back! Needless to say the adrenaline was still pumping round me for a while after.
Our last stop was the Bridge over the River Kwai (queue whistling). We were there at night but it was all lit up and looked really impressive (unfortunately the pics didn't come out too well) you can walk along it the whole way, there's metal sheets put down between the tracks. I was deadly scared (for the second time that night!) but I AM a wimp when it comes to heights. The view over the river was lovely.
We're here for another five days or so and have lots planned but I won't spoil the suprise, you'll have to wait for the next installment!
