ISLANDS

Walked down to the river and got a long boat to the Hat Rai beach. It is described in the guide book as a hypnotic and a honeymoon destination. The boat trip was really nice. We all just gathered at the pier until enough people were there, then we paid less than one pound fifty for a forty minute boat trip to the lovely Hat Rai Leh beach.





I spent the day exploring and sunbathing. Got chatting to a woman form New Zealand at lunchtime but was glad to wander off on my own again in the afternoon. I also had a Thai massage. I have to say I am still not sure If i like them. There is a lot of pulling and pushing of bones and joints.And they push on points that you never knew hurt so much. But then strangely after all that pain and suffering you walk away feeling good. I will try them again a few more times before making up my mind totally.
We gathered for the last long boat back from the beach at five. The sea in the meantime had got very very choppy. I am not the best person on boats but I have to say Iwas terrified, it was bouncing about so much. I was hanging on tightly.We all got thoroughly soaked.



I have never been so glad to reach dry land. I went back to my room and had a hot shower. I had a lovely spicy curry and chatted to some people who have been travelling for a year .They gave me lots of tips about places to stay in fiji and New Zealand.

'KRABI'

Ok I ended my last blog by saying that I was not being scammed. The Grand Palace was definately closed! Well yes you have guessed it. I fell for the scam! Until someone reliably informed me that the Grand Palace and temples were OPEN. They only shut on the day of the king's birthday. SoI hailed a Tuk Tuk and it made its way at breakneck speed to the tourist attractions for me. I really had to hold on tight as he laughed the more he saw my fearful face in his rear view mirror. He weaved his way through traffic, through gaps that I was convinced were impossible for us to fit through. And it was touch and go at times. It was very exciting now that I am still in once piece. I would not have missed it for the world.
When I got inside they made me hire garments to cover myself up properly.I thought my trousers would be long enough. But seems they are an inch too short. Will have to take a sarong with me at all times in future to make an instant skirt.




The palace was getting its finishing touches for the king's birthday the next day.So I was lucky to see it at it's very best.




Amid all this there were ordinary people worshipping at the buddhist temples. I found it facinating to watch.
I spent the kings birthday lounghing by the pool after seeing the millions of people in a sea of yellow on the streets. There really was not an inch to spare. They love their king and it was a very special day for the whole country. He is the grand old age of 80 and he has not been too well recently.
Today got a cheap flight(27 pounds) to the island of Krabi. Have booked into a little room in a guest house for 8 pounds.





It is amazing how cheap the life is here. This is a step down form the Holiday Inn in Bangkok, but more the sort of experience I am looking for. I went for a walk down by the river earlier and I am going for a massage soon. I am ready for it after lugging the rucksac on and off buses. I had to pay excess luggage at the airport so that tells me it really does need trimming down. But I just cannot decide what to leave. I thought I had been pretty good with my packing. We will see.
Tomorrow I plan to get a local bus to one of the islands beautiful beaches and then the day after that I have booked a long boat trip to the smaller islands. I will keep you posted. Thanks for all the messages and emails. It is great to log into them.
I am not putting photo's on this entry again as the connection here keeps cutting out and it will take ages to upload the pictures. That is my excuse and I am sticking to it!! (EDIT..THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE VERY ASTUTE WILL SEE I HAVE FINALLY WORKED OUT HOW TO PUT PHOTOS ON SITE.)

BANGKOK

Arrived in Bangkok after a long but enjoyable flight. It was well worth upgrading to premium economy for the extra leg room. I managed to sleep ok on the flight and watch a couple of films. The chap sat next to me was originally from Sheffield but now living in Australia he was friendly and chatty so we passed the time of day which made the flight go quickly.
The hotel in Bangkok is nice,they have upgraded me to a De-Lux room, which was a nice surprise.




There is an open air swimming pool on the 6th floor.



I took a dip last night and it was an amazing feeling swimming along looking up at the night sky, surrounded by a lot of sky scrapers, with the noise of the Bangkok traffic in the background. I thought what a great way to start my adventure!



Slept well last night because I was so tired after the long journey and the time difference.
Today I have wandered along the busy streets just taking in my surroundings. It is chaotic but very captivating at the same time.
I have spent the last hour in a travel agent booking flights to go to the south islands. Krabi, Phi Phi, Phuket and Ko samui. I am now going to book rooms via the internet.
Trust me to land in Bangkok when it is the kings birhtday tomorrow. Lots of the tourist attractions are closed for a couple of days. I know it is ususally a scam when they tell you they are closed, because they want to take you to their relatives shop! but this time it is genuine.
So I will have to see the temples and grand palace when I come back from the islands around 20th dec.

the journey begins....

Well, said my sad farewells to Fiona this morning. Thanked her for letting me use her flat and office space for the past week. Managed to check in onto the flight last night so it was easy at the airport today.

Phil and Denise dropped me at Tonbridge station to get the train to London. We all kept giggling at the fact i was actually setting off.
Managed to make my way to Heathrow airport. But have to say the rucksac is very heavy and a pain at times on the underground! I will have to have a rethink in Bangkok and see if there is anything I can leave behind.

Nicola came to see me off. It was only when she asked me when I would be back and I responded "15th of October next year" that the true enormity of what I am embarking on hit me. I am so excited and cannot wait to get on the plane.
Going for a well earned glass of champagne before I head for the boarding gates.
Thank you to everyone who has sent good wishes and all the pressies.
HERE GOES!!!! XXX