Arrival in Thailand

11/12/06
8 hours isn't a terrible long flight, compared to the long 14+ hour flights to such destinations as LA or J-Burg. But it is long enough to get restless, and sick of watching movies, (although the little "Video on Demand" units are pretty cool, unfortunately no games). So it was a relief and exciting when we finally touched down in Bangkok, local time: 7ish.

The new Bangkok airport is an impressive structure, very Thai in style, but also very modern looking; lots of glass and steel. The ceilings are high with an intricate lattice of steel then huge concrete pillars, most external walls are glass. A very cool location/setting for a sci-fi film (or any airport film really). From the plane we walked along a long corridor reminiscent of the film Gataca, with big glass windows and shiny steel floor. We passed into a even bigger corridor with amazing Thai murals on the walls, of beautiful Thai women in traditional clothing, landscapes and native flora and fauna. After no hassles in customs or baggage claim we stepped from air condition comfort into thick humidity and heat. With both of us having nearly lost our voices, coupled with the language barrier, finding transport proved complex. The next bus we needed was an hour away. So we negotiated as best we could (got a reasonable price) and got a ride in a nice air-conditioned car into the city, which is actually quite a distance from the airport.

After weaving through the crazy busy streets of Bangkok, past heavy traffic, lots of motorbikes, past night markets and trucks ladden with who-knows-what we finally came to our little hostel and settled for the night in our little room (thankfully air-conditioned)

12/12/06
Awoke feeling much more awake and with a bit more voice, but still a little croaky. The morning is cooler than the heat of last night. But I think the heat and humidity here is something that you just settle into, slow movement being the path of least resistance.

We wandered past the little stalls that are scattered along streets that border the busy roadways. Overhead a huge train-line, and buildings that reach up into the smog. The noise and smells surround us, a myriad of sights distract our eyes; all manner of things for sale from suspicious looking fish to funny little sweet pastries. We try the latter and move on from the former. I am hard to please, too much choice. Emily decides on broccoli and rice, after we've tried some delicious corn cakes. I eventually decide on some crab, which taste good but prove to be a mess to eat. A valuable lesson in culinary choices is made. Also there is language barrier issues when i ask for a napkins and am offered a hose.

We're now back in the hostel. We've a whole day ahead, to explore and then make our way to the train for our overnight trip to Chiang Mai.