Bangkok

Friday, April 25, 08
I've seen far more Westerners than Thais. And not backpackers. Not the caliber of tourist I'm accustomed to. I don't know how to describe the difference. Except, there seem to be a lot of visitors who are not here to learn but to take. My lodging has more the feeling of a frat house. But, I am judging all of Bangkok by Khao San Rd area. I must admit, this is the first place which I instinctively didn't like upon arrival. There have been other places which are confusing for a while, but this is my first such experience. Yet, it isn't the Thai people. It's the Westerners.
Today, I have first concentrated on getting my India visa. This is going to change my plans. India requires 7 working days to obtain a visa. That will take me to May 5. I had planned on being in Ankor Wat before the 5th. Yet, "We don't get what we want, but what we need." Originally, planning on an early disappearance from Thailand, I will spend time here which I had planned on spending in Laos and Cambodia. Rethinking my stay, I have decided to leave tomorrow for Kanchanaburi, to the West. If I have some time, I may even take a night train, sleeper, to Chiang Mai. Laos will need to wait for another time.
This morning, walking around, I duck under a bus canopy against the rain, and am approached by a young man. He works for the Ministry of Tourism and offers to get me a Tuk Tuk (motorized tri-wheel, bench seat behind a driver). The driver agrees to take me around till 1:00, 4 hours, for 40 baht ($1.40). Here is part of the system; the drivers get coupons if they take tourists to designated spots. I'm taken to two jewelry stores, two clothing shops, two travel agents, to the Standing Buddha and Sitting Buddha, and last to the Grand Palace. I've lied so many times to get out of those shops, I certainly will need forgiveness from some Deity. The afternoon is spent at the Grand Palace and the Reclining Buddha. I've never seen so much gold. These two last spots have made the day and its the Thai people who have redeemed Bangkok for me. Back on Khao San Rd, I have some lunch from a woman cooking in a small stall and two orange juices.
This evening, I will need to purchase a new umbrella. During this morning's rain, I opened mine, purchased in Sentani, Papua, and found it was broken in many places. This will be my third umbrella.
A conversation on wall plugs: Thailand has the same hookups as the States. In Malaysia, with their large three pronged power points, I found a system of holding down the top point with something wooden, rather, anything not metal, which releases the bottom two points to receive my two point circular plug I used in Indonesia and other places. If that is confusing, try to figure it out in the first place without getting electrocuted.
Health: This morning was my 3rd day on malaria prophylaxis - getting ready for Cambodia and India.
Comment: I haven't found Thailand to be as hot as Malaysia. Not yet!
Oh, got my clothes machine washed. That's the first good washing in 3 weeks.
Langkawi and Bangkok pictures: http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/musungi/Bangkok