Bangkok, what a city, I absolutely love it. I have now been here 5 days. I am staying in an area called Banglamphu which has a great atmosphere, although I have moved hostel twice as it was either dirty or far too noisy. Finally I got a very nice, clean and cosy room and when I say cosy I mean tiny but I like it.
I done the usual stuff you do in a big city, some sightseeing, a lot of walking, eating amazing food and just soaking up the atmosphere.
Last Sunday I went to the weekend market in Bangkok, it was like putting all London markets together in one place and there was so many nice things and so cheap, I really had to hold on to my money tight as the temptation to spend too much was enormous. It was fun shopping though as it was so easy bargaining. I then travelled back on the skytrain which was great to experience as you could see alot of modern Bangkok and the skyscrapers above street level.
Another day I went to an absolutely amzing house that was designed and built in traditional Thai style by an American called Jim Thompson who promoted Thai silk to Western markets. It was so stylish both the exterior and interior of the house and there were so many beautiful objects all around the house, I felt very inspired.
I also visited the Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) and the Grand Palace it was just such an amazing, grand and colourful place. I then continues to another Buddhist temple called Wat Pho which is the oldest and largest temple in Bangkok, where you can see Thailands largest reclining buddha.
The food has also been great so many street stalls everywhere and one tend to eat little and often, sampling various noodles, stir fries, curries, fresh tropical fruit it is all so fresh. I have also eaten my breakfast from these street side stalls, wonderful homemade yoghurt, muesli and tropical fresh fruit.
A few days ago Helen who I met in India came to Bangkok so we met up and had dinner together, it was great to see her. We then decided to go to the floating market the day after. That was so different, while floating down the river we were pulled in by hooks to various boats selling anything from food to suveneirs. It was a great morning and we sampled a lot of different foods that most of the time we had no idea what it was but it was fun. We then met for dinner in the evening again, it has been great meeting her again.
I also got the taste of being pampered here in Bangkok and had various massages, one evening I had a foot massage, another evening I decided to try a Thai massage which was a bit like a yoga session, being stretched and pulled, then I had a normal oil massage and last night Helen and I went for a facial which was amazing too. It is so cheap I am paying between 2-4 pounds per massage.
Tonight I am taking the night train to Chan Mai where I have booked myself up on a 3 day trek in the hills which I am really looking forward to.
