Bangkok

Wedensday 27th January

Having arrived 4.30pm local time yesterday and taking a cab to Wild Orchid Villa, near Khao San Road, we were feeling pretty jet lagged and spaced out. We ate some food at the Wild Orchid which was very cheap and nice then had an early night after a few games of cards. Jonny and I opted for a double room that included lots of extras we didn't want (like a TV)...(needless to say we have moved on to a cheaper room now). But as we were tired it proved to be a good option for the first two nights.

As our body clocks were well and truly out all of us are finding it hard to sleep, Bangkok is a city that certainly never sleeps! After waking up constantly through the night we slept in until 11am. Elliott and Jonny have been having nightmares, probably because of the heat...it is so difficult to sleep in!

Anyway after a light breakfast of fruit and yogurt we decided to explore Khao San Road, where we purchased 100 Malaria tablets for 8 pounds (rather than 100s in the UK)

Being back in Bangkok 10 years later is wierd. It's made me realise what a blur my memories of Khao San Road were! It's much wider than I remember and less scary. Mind you I was only 18 when I first explored this strange city. The Lonely Planet's definition "Fasten your seat belts you've arrived in Bangkok!"

The city is divided into two 'the old' and 'the new', Khao San Road being the older part, full of international tourists and where we are staying! I truly feel like a gringo...that is until today, when Jonny went to great lengths to buy a Thai sim card for 50 Baht (1 pound) and a scratch card for a further 50 baht, so that he could phone a friend he'd met at uni in London called Fherm (who is Thai and now living back in Bangkok with his incredibly rich family that own various businesses includimg a huge shopping mall in the newer part of town)

Fherm met us on Khao San Road and complained about being in the touristy old part of the town, where buildings are merely thrown together and Tuk Tuk drivers are constantly trying to tout for your business...oh and the constant call of ...'you want Thai massage' or even wierder ..'you want fish massage'!

Fherm moved us swiftly on to a restaurant called Venice near the River in Bangkok, which was very posh and owned by one of his friends. We were waited on hand and foot! Fherm order for all of us, so that we shared several Thai dishes between us....the food was amazing, not to mention the view over the river it was truly magical...we even saw fireworks!

Fherm is a true gentleman and very good host!

Safe Arrival

26th January, 2010 Local Time 9.42pm

Just a quick update.

Arrived in Bangkok safe and sound. Flight took 11 hours, taxi cost 500 baht to the Centre of Bangkok.

We are staying at a place called Wild Orchid Villa, very nice! Elliott is paying 250 baht and Jonny and I are paying 800 baht for a posh air con room :o)!

I'll update again soon.

Love Ruth x

The Three Amigos

Well today is the day...it's finally here we are about to leave the grey skies of London and begin our journey around the world...first stop Bangkok, Thailand. Flight leaves in a few hours!

The Three Amigos are:

Me (Ruth Grant) age 28, looking for adventure, freedom and exploration. Particularly interested in sustainable tourism, where it benefits the local people, is healthy for the local economy and does not trash the environment!

Jonny Parker, age 27, Looking to unwind and only think about each day as it comes. Can't wait to soak up some history, culture and cocktails. Full of wonder as to what we will see, do, and who we will meet along the way.

Elliott 'the gentlmen' Emslie, ageless (26), worried about ladyboys. i don't speak Asian... seaquest out.

Going in height order, Elliott is on the far left, Jonny in the middle and I'm the tiny little one on the right!

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