"Bangkok -- Hectic and Wonderful" Bangkok by pinkduck

We arrived in Bangkok at about 2245 on Haloween and although we do not really celebrate this in Australia we were surprised about the amount of traffic and the noise around at this time. Had arranged a driver to collect us and he advised us that this was this busy because of Haloween - - I have no reason to doubt this. Dave had never been to an Asina country before and he was a little taken back by the heat and the smells -- but he soon got used to it.

We had no problems with Immigration or customs so went straight through the airport and met our driver without any hassles. - - getting to the hotel from the airport was another question but we have already covered that.

Booked into the Indra Regent Hotel and this was a good -- the reception staff left a lot to be desired (at first I thought that this was going to be a miserable stay because they would not smile and were not at all friendly) When we saw these people the next day and they were great - - we possibly woke them up to register us.

We were upgraded to a junior suite and this was on the corner of the 10th floor with great views over the rooftops of bangkok (ofcourse with lots of hig rise buildings around us as well) the rooms were clean with good linen and great towels (soft and cuddly just like I want them)

Breakfast was included in the deal and this was on the first floor and a smorgasboard - - not a lot of variety from day to day but lots of choices each day so this was good.

We were right in the middle of a shopping district and we lost time in getting out there and shopping - - Found a money changer and tehn away we went.

Bought lots of shirts and shorts and shoes - - Dave even bought more shirts than me (whole trip) and this was surprising.

worked out the skytrain and used this lots during our stay - - more than we did taxis - - We also walked lots -- which was good as we ate lots as well - - the walking wore off some of the eating (I hope)

found our way to the Weekend market which was unbelievable - - row upon row upon row of bargains. - - Saw some things here I do not want to think about -- small dogs in individual cages and brightly coloured birds ready to take home - - cats who had been dyed a bright colour and that was just in one row of shops.

the heat was oppressive but we knew that we were geting out of it eventually and back into the airconditioning and this made it bearable.

Went into the Asia Hotel and booked for the Calypso Show on Wednesday night -- this show had been referred to us by friends back in Adelaide.

First night the Hotel shouted us to a dinner dance (they provided the dinner and the traditional Thai dancers) - - best bit is that we got to meet some of out fellow travellers and the discussion in regard to where to go and what to do was great. the dancers were good and it was great to see them and it was also good that this was included in the price of the hotel accommodation.

Dave and I riding Theodore

On the MOnday morning we left Bangkok by bus (had luggage only and the rest in storage at the hotel) to go to The River Kwai and the Elephant Camp - - We were also to stay at a country hotel for two nights and return early on Wednesday.

Stopped at the POW camp and then to to The Bridge on the River Kwai and this was interesting- - I guess the fact that we have all seen the movie makes it more interesting - - We also went on a ride on the train over the river and tis was worth the trip as well - - Our guide asked us about buying upgraded seats which cost not much and was worth it as we had guaranteed seats and drinks and nibbles provided - - like first class on the train (still really rough and ready but worth the trip)

that afternoon we went to the hotel and then to the bat cave by long boat, which was included and then back to the hotel for dinner and the evening - - Dinner included which was extremely good and worthwhile.

The next morning we were off to Hell Fire pass tehn back to the hotel and then by l;ong boat to the Elephant camp where we saw the elephants and then went for a ride around the farm on them - - Our Elephant was called Theodore and he was the only male elephant that they had. I wanted to do this many years ago at the Rose garden but I was very overweight at that stage so would not - - this time I was in there - - one of the main reasons for goig was this ride and it was worth it.

We stopped at the Farm for a picnic lunch and then went on a slow raft down river to a pick up point where we were returned to the hotel by bus. a very worthwhile day.

We had talked about it this morning and had decided that as the elephant riding was over we were not happy to stay in the country any longer and we wanted to go back to Bangkok. As were still in time fo r the 1500 pick up be booked out of the hotel (they were not happy with this but we had already paid for the room) and booked onto the bus and retuened to Bangkok a day early. - - We had rung the Indra Regent in the morning to book a rokom for the extra night.

Bus trip home was long and uneventful - - except the guide kept on telling us that it was an hour to the next toilet stop - - as soon as she said this I wanted to go to the toilet - - until she mnentioned it I had no idea and had not worried about it - - whish she had not said anything.

Back at the hotel and in the same room ffo the next 8 days - - just as well we came back a day early as the trip was long and we did not get back into the city until about 1900 - - we would have missed the Calypso show on Wednesday if we had stayed.

Quiet nioght back in the big smoke - - had dinner in the plaza next the the hotel ( I think at Black Canyon) and I think that this is when we found Svenseon's ice cream - - this was a killer for the rest of the trip - - wonderful icecream.

Grand Palace

Wednesday morning and my nose is running again - - happens every time I go on holidays - - what a ***!!!

Still not going to stop me - - we set off to find an optician and we did -- found two one with a frame I relly liked an another with a fram that was OK - - cost fabulous!!! - - Got both pair made for what I would have paid for one back home - - this isw with multi focal lenses and transition lenses - - I was really amazed and they are ready in 3 days.

to the Calypso club that night an the drag show as OK but not terrific - - I thought it was really good when they were doing asian numbers but they tried to go onto number for the American 40's and this los tit (for me anyway)

the rest of the trip we did :- The Grang Palace, The klongs tour: The Rose Garden tour. Ony issue was that they tried to take us to the jewlery outlet on the way home each time and I was not happy with this - - happened on the first trip but not on subsequent trips -- I had a complain and they listened which is what I wanted and this satisfied me.

we also went to China Town by Tuk Tuk which was an experience - - really great.

I also had a shirt made at the tailor in the lobby of the hotel (thought that he would do a better job than the tailors on the street) - - boy was I had - - I ordered the shirt in Maroon thai silk -- made to measure - - he measured me and then said that the first fitting would be the following afternoon the cost $au70. Aat first I thought - - bit much but then - - I am on holidays so why not? -- Went in for fitting and I could have fitted 2 other people n the shirt with me - - sent back and he remeasured me - - tailor chalk all over the place - - ready the next day - - back into pick it up and it was awful - - by this time I was dejected and just paid the money (had already paid most of it as a deposit) and took the shirt and left.

Dave talked me into going to the tailor over the road from the hotel and asking them - - they could do 6 shirst made to measure in my chose of material overnight for $au99. I thought why not - - picked the material and had them made - - to collect the next morning.

Back to collect the shirts the next day and was so impressed I rdered another 6 to be made that night for deliver the next afternoon- - by this time was are near going home itm so time is of especial importance.

Back the next day and these 6 were as good as the others -- at last - - but even with these 12 shirts Dave has bought more than me

All things come ot an end and it is time for us to check out and go to the airport for the trip to Singapore where we are staying for 3 nights before heading off home.