Bangkok

We had a good trip out and a first evening exploring the night market. On Tuesday the Golden Buddha, the Reclining Buddha, the Marble Temple and as many other Buddha’s and representations of Buddhas as you could wish to see – maybe even a few more than that. But, for all that, it was extraordinary. Travel between each temple took us through bustling Bangkok – nowhere near as frenetic as people who have been before had led us to believe: just a busy working city but clearly of a very different culture. China town seemed to go on for miles and the shopping malls were numerous and were explored in the afternoon, starting with a ride Alton Towers wouldn’t allow. A delightful lady who helped us on a street corner hailed a tuk tuk. ‘Mr and Mrs Well-you-can’t be-too-careful’ in the back of said tuk tuk, hanging on for grim death. K: “Is your mouth shut to keep out the fumes?” H: “No. if I open it I’ll scream!” Very scary but fun for all that.

It’s some city. And I must say I like Bangkok. It isn’t what I expected because, from descriptions, I expected to feel more alien and unnerved. But the people we have come across have been incredibly welcoming and friendly, from the greeting we got at the airport, to the Skytain ticket man, to the couple in the restaurant who helped us by explaining what it was we were about to order, ask on our behalf for a spoon and fork and compliment me on my feeble attempt to manage chopsticks. Not a lady-boy or an elephant in sight, despite all the pre-trip warnings.