Bangkok

I arrived and took a cheap bus into central bangkok from the airport. I met a lovely german girl who has been here many times before and she reccommended me to stay in the same place as her. Its called KC guest house, turns out to be on the lonely planet website as well. very cheap, only 220bht per night. considering how spotless it was and how friendly the staff were it was an absolute bargin. it was just down the road from Khoa San road as well. perfect.

On the first night, i went out with a german guy whos name escapes me. I think saying i had far too much to drink is a bit of an understatement. i spent the next day resgined firmly to bed feeling sorry for myself. chang beer is stronger than it looks.

khoa san road really did confirm for me that thailand has been raped into western culture. i was constantly bombarded with popping noises, made by men advertising ping pong shows and or comments like, you want boomb boom?? the street was awash with neon and cheap drink signs with barly clad girls offering discounts on drinks of all types. there was also jacuizzis full of fish that ate the dead skin off your feet! mad!

I couldnt sleep one night, so i got up at dawn and walked a good twenty minutes barefoot to Wat Pho. They have a 46mtr, 3 story high reclining gold buddah. i sat in awe next to a monk meditating and gawped at the fantastic murals and various buddahs. the temple is the home of thai massage and the original inscriptions are kept in magnificent cabinets.

After this monumental experience i decided i had to head off to pastures new..... bangkok doesnt represnt the real thailand..... it represents a sick thailand, striving for things it doesnt need.....

off to chang mai!