Bang Bang

With the chance for a getaway back to Thailand before I started work, I was brimming with excitment. I hadn't realised how far away from home I was until my flight back to Thailand via Brunei. But after around 9 hours of flying I touched down in Bangkok International. Kathi was at the airport a few minutes late after getting stuck in a typical Bangkok city jam. It was great to finally meet up again and a little overwhelming to be back in Thailand after a few months back in the Western comforts of Australia!

The first day back was spent in typical backpacker style. A long sleep in, a walk around the Kao San Road (allowing me to pick up 12 new cds to bolster my iPod collection!) and then an afternoon dip in the pool, before sealing the evening off with drinks and food.

Sunday afternoon, we went to Chatuchat weekend market. I visited it before with Nick, so this time I was a little weary of the extra effort I might have to put in being with females - not so! They were quite content with looking at the dozens of miniature dogs and pups up for sale.

The following day it was time for me to finally make a return trip to the Thai Grand Palace. I missed it out last time in Thailand and it was surprisingly good to take the tour around the grounds. The weather was stupid hot and we spent most of the time ducking for shaded cover. I remembered the palace being pristinely kept, and things hadn't changed at all. The Buddha images all sparkling in the late morning heat. My camera really was working overtime.

After the Palace, we stopped by Wat Pho (again! my 3rd visit now) and saw the reclining Buddha before spending time on a street corner restaurant - lunch for 4 including drinks 250baht - around 3.50 Stirling - for everything else there's Mastercard.

We then took a Krong (a long motorboat) to Bang Yai - the last stop on a trip out of Bangkok via it's waterway. We got a great view of the different classes of Bangkok - some houses looking like derelict sheds and others looking more like a futuristic version of the White House; all within metres of each other.

Another evening at the Cabbages & Condoms restaurant and the Bangkok experience was complete.

Our final day in Bangkok was spent much like the first, and after getting laundry and some final bits and pieces, we boarded the 19.15 train to Surrat Thani - next destination - Khao Lak.