January 20th... The Start of my Tour

PHOTOS TO COME WHEN I CAN GET A COMPUTER TO READ MY SD CARD!

I left you last night at about 6pm saying that I was very tired. My plan was go to sleep to try and remove the jet lag I had. The problem was I was on a road which become very lively with nightlife in the evening. After staying in my room until 10.30pm I decided I would venture out and take in some of the nightlife. A few beers later (which is 80p a pint out here) I was watching the Chelsea v Man U on the big screens. I was tempted to try some of the insects and scorpions on a stick as well but I thought I would save that for another time. They even charge you to take pictures of that food stall! I guess I will have eat it for you to see it!

After getting back in at about 1.00am I went to bed and didn't end up waking up will 10.30am! Just shows how tired I was. I then experienced a very funny shower whereby I was making it cold just to keep cool, then stepped out to a rush of warm air, very different to back home! I decided I was going to go to Siam City today which is the main shopping area of Bangkok. When leaving Khao San Road I bumped into a fortune teller who "predicted my name and age". I'll leave it at that!

I then walked to Siam City, and visited the National Stadium en route which was very impressive! I was then greeted with these market stalls selling anti government stuff, and then loads of tents before seeing loads of people sitting there on blankets as part of the ongoing government protests. There was a big stage with someone shouting out all sorts of stuff I didn't understand. I can't really explain the size of this event, but don't worry I'm still in one piece!

By now it was lunch time so I decided I would "play safe" and have McDonalds. This wasn't the case however as the likes of triple cheeseburger, samurai pork burger and spinach pie were on the menu. In the end I went for spicy chicken, rice and egg which was very spicy! After lunch I then explored the MBK Centre in Siam City. This shopping area was primarily small shops crammed into a very large building over at least 6 floors. The size was massive. I continued my travels by looking at the Siam Paragon and Siam Centre which again were both massive, this time containing more worldwide recognized brands, and also things like an aquarium, cinema and Madame tussauds.

After spending a good few hours in these places taking in the sheer size and diversity compared to home, I started making my way back to the hotel. This involved me walking straight through the protest, although like all the other Thai people I have met they were friendly and talkative. Once checking into my hotel which involves my own room again, including free whisky, cashews and all the added extras I went out to look round Chinatown. I climbed up the temple here where I had to take my shoes off and engage in prayer. It was very interesting.

It then came to the time where I had to meet my group to start my tour with G Adventures. My group consists of people from the Germany, Netherlands, USA, Australia, and UK, including a Newcastle fan and a couple of girls who live in Brighton! Such a small world! Half of the group are only doing the Northern section as you gain and lose people from different trips along the way. My trip, "Thailand on a Shoestring" is effectively two trips, one north and one south. We then all went out for meal, where I decided to be adventurous and have Chicken stuffed in Squid!

When arriving back at the hotel some of us stayed downstairs for a few drinks, although no one was adventurous enough to go out to the Night Market and decided instead on bed, shame! The thing that makes me laugh still is the Thai tuk tuks. On my way back he offered a ride for 160baht, so I jokedly replied with 20baht and he said ok then!

That brings you completely up to date with everything now. I'm not sure when I will next post as I leave for Chiang Mai on the night train tomorrow at 5pm. Apparently at 9pm the food cart changes into a party carriage which could be interesting! I then have a day in Chiang Mai followed by the Hill Tribe trek where they have no electricity! Anyways, night and I'll post something up soon.