What's the Capital of Thailand....Bangkok

One person short, Paolo and I continued on to Thailand. We arrived Wednesday, mid-afternoon on May 6th, 2009, about 14 days into our trip, halfway through. We get off the Bangkok airport and were automatically scanned by infrared cameras, checking our body temperature, making sure we don't bring in any unwanted flu's into the country. Then once out of the airport we were greeted by a 95 degree heat, humidity and several taxi drivers aggressively soliciting their services, fortunately Paolo pre-arranged with our hotel for a driver to pick us up. Mr. Phan, also known as "Mr Happy" , was a very accommodating driver. He was so accommodating, he not only offered to take us to our hotel but also bring us all the best "lady-girl shows; lady-boy shows, boy-boy shows, soapy massage parlors, happy endings, live sex shows" and even presented us with a nifty little pamphlet....what a great guy. We politely declined and informed him that taking us to the right hotel will do just fine.

The hotel we're staying is in the neighborhood of Banlamphu, a couple blocks from the infamous Khao San Road. As the lonely planet likes to put it, Banglamphu is "an enclave of bohemian artists, students and back packers". Imagine the AVE but a hundred times more crowded with people, restaurants, alcohol, music and shops, all spilling into the streets. Our first night out we familiarize ourselves with the neighborhood by walking around all the different streets. You can turn a corner to an alley or random street and find amazing restaurants and shops every single time. I would definitely advise anyone that travels to Bangkok to allocate extra time to just wander the streets, there always something new waiting around the corner. Here's a link to our hotel, the Thai Diamond House, check it out. http://www.thaidiamondhouse.com/

The streets at night are bustling with people, beggars, cars, tuk tuks, food stalls, street performers,and musicians. And the air is filled with the aroma of food.. and...... diesel fumes and a hint of urine.


After walking now for hours, buying a couple shirts, and inhaling probably a pound of smog, we stopped by a local Thai restaurant that we just happened to stumble upon in a small little alley way. We ordered Jasmine fried rice, Thai chili beef, and an appetizer, some sort of beef on a biscuit, all very delicious. With all the walking there's nothing more refreshing than a cold Thai ice tea, Paolo and I downed 3 each of that stuff. During dinner we met a Canadian guy from Vancouver who wanted us to visit his tattoo shop right off Khao San (this trip is still early, but my life long dream of a tattoo of a dolphin jumping over my nipples might come true).















Arriving in the Airport. Luckily my sun burn wasn't mistaken as a fever while going through the infared camera's.














All over the streets of Bangkok are food vendors that can fill you up for less than 30 Baht, that's about a $1.00. At this food stand I was grabbing some BBQ pork and chicken skewers














Though there's more to blog about I don't really have much time before dinner. So stay tuned for our upcoming posts about an awesome five course Thai cooking class, going to a Muay Thai fight's, night bazaars, and visiting Buddhist temples......... and ping pong .

Thanks to everyone leaving comments on the blog. Were constantly checking it.