Tuesday
3rd November
Bangkok
We
awoke with a tinge of sadness to have to say goodbye to this tropical
paradise. Our final cattle-class flight for the trip was painless
and we arrived in Bangkok with a minimal amount of fuss.
Decided
that seeing as we were staying at the Banyan Tree Hotel, it was be
appropriate to get a Limo service to and from the city ... so we did.
Again
the travel gods were looking after us because on arrival we were
informed that we had been upgraded to a suite on the club level.
Headed to the club for a little lunch and a drink then we were
escorted to the suite. OK, we've been lucky enough to stay in some
beautiful hotels but this takes the cake – absolutely gorgeous!
After
lunch we did some checking for shopping (yes, we are about to break
our 96 day no shopping marathon), boy town venues, and tourist
locations. Jim did some futzing about with some printing and we
walked the streets - a jumble of local markets with gleaming
high-rise buildings.
After
the “call to cocktails” which was taken with spicy canapes in the
club lounge we headed for a trip into a local boytown - 12 minutes
walk from the hotel. We had a fun night mixing with a very
international crowd – guys who now work in Bangkok or are
travelling like us. We also discovered the remarkable “Babylon
B&B”. This is a gay hotel that has to be seen to be believed.
We were taken on a tour by the manager, Sak, and his pride in the
hotel was palpable. He giggled at our aware as we went on his
private tour from one type of guest room to the next, always telling
us “the best is yet to come”.
And
it was true. Each room is individual, filled with antiques and
beautifully maintained. The last visited was the Botticelli House; a
free standing house with three guest suites and a common
lounge/dining/garden area. The Banyon Tree is exceptional, but we'll
stay at Babylon next time we're in Bangkok.
After
our somewhat extended tour of Babylon we headed to the night markets
to soak up the excitement of the place. A great hustling, bustling,
seething mass of street cafes, market stalls, colourful lights and
welcoming vendors. Late in the night we gathered our purchases and
hired a tuk-tuk to take us home to our hotel.... to our gloriously
comfortable big bed.
Wednesday
4th November
Bangkok
Nic
got his hair cut; Jim futzed with some printing and then we met up
for lunch on the club lounge (love all the freebies).
Off
to China town for a bit more of the local colour. Wandered the tiny
alleyways with produce we had never seen before let alone tasted. A
feast for all the senses.
Then
another taxi back to the hotel. The ride (as always) was slow and
halting. Bangkok seems to be in perennial gridlock from 6am to
12pm. Even though taxis are cheap we ended up walking most places as
it was faster.
Had
to have a little siesta after all the mad travelling around the city
then we divided again to finish off shopping and futzing. Met up for
the 'call to cocktails' in the Club Lounge then off for a final
visit to Bangkok Boy-town. We were going to go to a variety of clubs
that had been recommended to us but by 10:30pm we were stuffed.
Travel can be very tiring.
