Bangkok

Well we've entered the madness of Bangkok. We ended up skipping the stop in Chumphon as the ferries and train all matched up nicely and we managed to get an overnight train to here the same day. They had a nifty little scam going in Chumphon - they dropped us off at a bar called "Farang Bar" (Foreigner bar) which made us a little sus, but they fed us and we were able to surf the web for a little while etc and even booked the train for us very "helpfully". The scam was quite clever in that in the lower bunks in the train cost more, so we paid appropriately, but they wouldn't give us the tickets until we actually got to the station. On checking the tickets there (with only a few minutes to spare), we discover they've booked upper bunks and kept the change. We questioned the girl that dropped us off who seemed to understand very little english all of a sudden, but after trying to blow us off, just gave us the change. Pretty nice for them - all they lose is the scam profits - the scam with all upsides and no downsides!

Anyway we then suffered on a train cooled to near NZ temperatures (winter) and little 6 foot compartments (if you're concerned - kerstin was fine), and finally got to Bangkok. We booked into a hotel that we had heard about, styled (as in had no work donë) in the 50's. We were duly notified that they didn't take sex tourists and that if they mistook your wife as a prostitute, they would not applogise and that no complaints were acceptable (kinda fortunate for them given the room we got). Because we were sick of walking we booked in for one night and found somewhere nicer the next day (sorry V&V).

We've now checked out the grand palace (had to hire long pants to get in and very nearly died in the heat). They have what is commonly known as the emerald budda there, for which they would kill you if you so much as point your feet at it. The king himself changes the Budda's clothes each season (I'm not joking). The buildings were quite stunning - the amount of detail was way too much for me in the heat, the whole place spares no expense or effort so there is alot to see. After spending the whole day wandering around on a beautiful (read scorching hot) day, we went to the movies to relax.

Today we went to see the Reclining Budda - a massive 45 metre long, 3 metre high statue - oh and the golden Budda - 5.5 tonnes of solid gold. Both were very touristy and while impressive they were a little disappointing, given that we were constantly being asked to move aside so Indian tourists could have their picture taken beside them.