Bye Bangkok – Sunday 3rd July

Things I have forgotten: Playing cards. 

Up at a nice and reasonable time today – 7.30am, leaving at 9.30am. Random multicultural breakfast again.

First thing today we all bundled off into a long boat for a tour of the Bangkok canals for around an hour. This was very enjoyable, with only a few near death experiences and face splashes with polluted water. No remarkable sights, just a nice little boat tour, which was a lovely way to start the day.

Then off to Wat Po, where we lost things. We completely lost a member of our group. The Belgiums had their 200 Euro shoes stolen. And then they lost their camera. The temple itself was very similar to the Grand Palace temple – big, shiny, decorative. Lots of Buddha. In particular, a ridiculously huge giant Reclining Buddha. Certainly a LOT bigger than expected, and shiny, like everything else.

After our boat + temple morning, most people headed off to the Grand Palace. Having already seen this, Andy, Paul, Kelly and I headed back to Khao San Road for lunch – Roasted Duck in orange sauce, nom nom nom, Shawls were then purchased, to preserve our dignity in Laos.

The general group consensus after lunch was that chilling was in order. I would have perhaps likes to have seen a little more of the city but didn’t want to go out on my own, this is a city I don’t trust in the least. We found a bar in Khao Sahn Road that was serving alcohol secretly inside, disguised in coke cups (election day meant it was banned still until 6om).. After a cocktail each, we headed back to the hotel.

The lost tour member and the Belgium’s camera had been located. Still no 200 Euro shoes though, these were long gone. Then off to the train station to leave Bangkok.

Despite having spent two relatively relaxing afternoons here, I feel like I’ve seen a good amount of this city. It is odd, not having seen Khao Sahn road at night, but we certainly saw plenty of it during the day. I certainly feel as if I have gotten my big Asian city fix for a bit and am looking forward to seeing a bit more of the country tomorrow!

So at 6pm, we boarded the 13 hour overnight train to Chang Mai. I had heard horror stories about this train but had a thoroughly enjoyable evening playing Gin Rummy, chatting and trying a random mix of Thai snacks, including dehydrated strawberries (yum) and dried squid (not so yum).

And then the Irish and the American found beer and iTunes the train karaoke started.This group, I have decided, is a very decent bunch of people who will be thoroughly entertaining for the rest of the trip.

The group pushed the 10pm curfew as much as we could. It should be noted that the rest of the 38 seater car had retired about an hour before – we did very well to make it to after 10! As I write this, I am sitting in my top bunk, about to attempt sleep. I think I shall be ok but hope I haven’t spoken to soon! Busy day tomorrow!