getting around bangkok is an adventure in itself. It seems that each mode of transport has it's own problems...the taxi's are reminiscent of the classic french movie, 'Taxi'...with their pink toyotas souped up to the max complete with spoilers and flashing neon lights, the drivers come with an extra dose of attitude. We have learned fast, mostly through experiences in bali, how to avoid being ripped off...often, im afraid, to the point of being unnecessarily suspicious when faced with a friendly thai...however when it comes to taxies, being ripped off seems par for the course. they refuse to go on the meter and bartering is difficult for a traveller with no idea where he's going...and when, as we did yesterday, you do succeed in getting them to switch on the meter, they rip you off anyway - driving miles in the wrong direction, hoping you don't notice.
The tuk tuk drivers are a breed unto themselves - simply crazy and often, it seems, with a death wish, for themselves, their passengers, and the chicken on the side of the road.. It is, I feel, a new form of high in Thailand as they get their kicks from driving down the wrong side of the road into oncoming traffic....
and the ferries don't turn up at the port. We're not game enough to try out the buses!!
but so far we have survived with a few thrills and, once you do get to your destination, it's worth the ride. last night we turned up on khao san road...smack bang in the centre of the old part of the city, surrounded by quiet temples and the king's palaces, this henonistic road was the hippy hangout of the 60s. surrounded by hostels and cheap beer, things haven't changed that much. nowadays it's a tourist destination but you can still watch hoards of travellers arriving, packs on backs, to experience the bangkok vibe for themselves....and with its £1.50 cocktails and £4 buckets lining the street we played on that road for hours, meeting locals and travellers alike, perusing the markets and munching on spring rolls and pad thai for our midnight snack...
today, feeling slightly the worse for wear, we will pack up sticks and move on...this time to chiang mai in the north of thailand where we will learn to cook our own spring rolls, ride an elephant or two and cruise down a river on a plank of bamboo...
stay tuned... xx
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