Well, this is not really how I wanted my first posting from Thailand to turn out. We arrived here safe and sound, and have relatively decent accommodation. Corinne and I have wandered the city, and it's interesting. However, neither of us like it here...although we were fore-warned. We'll be taking some other traveler's advice (the Tans, Kalen) and head on out of this city as soon as we can...hopefully tomorrow evening if all goes well. It's just an insane city...really noisy and crowded. Not to mention folks trying to con us anyway they can. I think we got completely ripped off on our taxi ride to the guest house. We also found ourselves at a political demonstration this evening after someone told us that a night market had been opened in honour of a particular monk's birthday. After feeling funny vibes, we got out of there fast. Then, on our way back to our guest house, someone working for a temple (I think) fast-talked us into taking a tuk-tuk ride (which in itself was fun) to see the TAT (a government sponsered tourism company) and ask about a one day special 20% discount for train tickets to Chang Mai (where we're headed next). We ducked out of that one, after feeling more bad vibes, and have made it safely back to our area.
It's not that our safety has been threatened at all. It's just a really crazy city and we want to get out of it to see the things we came here to see. I've been warned not to base my anticipated impression of Thailand on Bangkok, and I'm going to heed that advice. If I hadn't had such rave reviews about this country from trusted friends, I would be feeling pretty uncertain right now. But the next post will be much brighter!
I don't want anyone to feel any aprehension for us. Like I said, we are safe and healthy. Our flights over here were good, as was our stay in Tokyo. We just need to get out of the city and find the Thailand we've heard so much about.
Don't worry...I'm not!
Cheers and love.
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3 comments:
Hi Katherine! Yep, just keep your wits about you and you will be fine in Bangkok. And yes, don't worry things will get much better once you get out of the big cities.
Good luck!
Hey Katherine!
Bangkok BLOWS sooo much..I hated it there too. I think I basically spent most of the time in the hotel and maybe like 2 hours on Khao San Road and that was it..honestly there isn't much to see there besides Khao San (for how ridiculous it is) and the Grand Palace.
Are you guys taking the train down to the islands or flying?
Hi! I'm glad to hear you arrived safely and all, but sorry to hear it's not all rainbows and sunshine right off the bat! I've got my fingers and toes crossed for you guys - But I'm not too worried, you're a couple of smart cookies. :)
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