Six Shots Two Guns

Grays, Essex

Up n Down

Sydney, Australia

I'm never ungrateful for a trip to Sydney, and as far as most English people go, I've now flown from London to Sydney on about 5 occasions, about as many times as I've been to Ireland, Germany and the Netherlands all together.

This trip was quite different to any other, in that I was recovering from a cultural adventure, and was quite happy to cab to Matty's place, be welcomed, have a coffee and breakfast on the beach, before doing nothing but couch surf, and watch movies for the rest of Sunday afternoon. I also had the pleasure of doing some work from home over my days here, so this was never about seeing the sights.
That said, I swam in 22degree waters, sun bathed a little, and still managed to get into the city for a shop and some drinks with an old friend or two.

On the Wednesday evening, it was business time. A Stag-party, or 'bucks-do' awaited. Of course details of this must remain sketchy, but staying in the Meriton Penthouse was a pretty awesome thing to do, and the morning after provided military jet fly-bys, right over our heads, as we watched down at the Anzac day parade.

Breezeblocks

Thailand - 24hours in Bangkok.

I touched down in Bangkok once more, this time looking forward to a short stay. I'd reserved a slightly better hotel than I might normally, anticipating my cravings for a good shower. With that being the first thing crossed off of my list, I headed for the rooftop for some food and drink. Awesome 360 views around Bangkok and a sweet 30degrees at nightfall felt pretty good, and the Pad Thai and beer just perfected the scenario. I took an evening stroll to burn off dinner and have a think about what I'd do with my next day, while someone massaged my feet, ankles and calves for about a quarter the cost of what it might be in London.

I awoke after my first full 8hours sleep at around 7, had a swim and then a gym session before breakfast. I decided I should try and check a new tourist spot off of my list and so headed for a long walk to Lumphini Park. What I found was a calm and peaceful side of Bangkok I'd not seen before. A lake, runners, cyclists and families picnicking was the name of the game. With the heat getting a little bit too much, I dropped into the cities metro system for the first time and decided to go visit an old favorite sites; Chatuchak weekend market. If you've not been, I'd rate it as one of the better things in BKK, there's everything you'd normally find on the city streets, and so much more. Restaurants, souvenirs, livestock pets, emerging local artists, there's just something cool to see around every corner, and of course, bargains to be had! Trying not to pick up too much stuff this time around, I limited myself to a pair of rip-off Ray-Bans and a hand carved wooden vase. A delicious chicken satay lunch and a Leo beer sealed off this part of the day. I hopped in the first cab I could find and headed towards young tourist town... Koh San road.

Traffic was a bit of a pig, so I didn't get to walk the famous strip, so headed for one of the many offerings in the Rambutri village area to get fully refreshed, Thai massage and a dirt cheap manicure/pedicure to smarten me up for the upcoming wedding I was to attend. Having spent about £40 on everything all day, I happily slid back to my hotel to grab my things and head toward Sydney Kingsford once more.