Arrival a Success!

If I planned our arrival in Bangkok any better I'd be greedy! Everything has gone off without a hitch. Chris met me at the Airport in Bangkok as planned and we passed through immagration within minutes and by 1pm we checked into the My Place hostel off of Khao San Rd on Soi Rambutri. Interestingly enough it is right across the way from a large monestary, keep immaculate clean by monks. This is definately ground zero for travellers. The streets were spotted with people from all over the world with packs meandering thier way to or from their hotels. We were able to split a room, two beds and private bath for about 6US. Definately sparse but the lobby is open on the street with low cushioned chairs . Tables off to one side for restaurant dining and big screen TV and couch like sitting on the other. Everything is so close and space is limited here so whatever you need is just around the corner, including 7 11, which there seems to be one every 100 yards. Walking Khao San Rd is like walking Bourbon St and the French Market in New Orleans rolled into one. Shops markets and bars dominate the main buildings with street vendors and food stalls scattered throughout. We found our way to a small restaurant with outdoor cafe style seating and began the people watching. Within minutes Chris noticed two girls sitting next to us that were on his flight over from berlin. These two young Germans were experiencing Thailand for the first time as well so it was pleasant conversation about traveling. We decided to part ways and continue the walk. It is hot here and humid so it didnt take long to be drenched so we made our way through the hawkers selling their wares and services and asked every ten feet if we wanted to buy a suit. Chris and I both laughed at the absurdity of someone buying a suit of a guy in the street when its 95 degrees out and humid! The only suit I want to buy I said, was one made of ice, but unfortunately they dont make those here, now that'd be a niche market! So far Bangkok seems to be a teeming metropolis with everything to offer and nothing without its price. Did you know you could get a fish massage? Apparently you place your feet in a bath of water filled with small minnowy fish and they eat the bacteria and grim that has collected on your feet! Im tempted to try this but I m not yet comfortable with the concept of creatures eating things off of me, even if they are only small fish! The night was pretty much the same except more people innundating us with offers for all types of goods and services, from massages, to tattoos, to food. Now I do have to admit I was at first timid to try a food stall but late evening I was hungry enough so I tried Pad Thai noodles with sprouts and egg, cooked on a portable cart with a veggie roll. A little spice here a little shrimp paste there and for 40 baht ( about1.50) it was deliciously spicy and filling. The roll was topped with a little honey sauce and tasted crispy and sweet. Definately something i would devour again, even if my stomach wasnt too happy about it today! We are now waiting for the bus to River Kwai. Im not sure where that is or what to expect when we get there but thats the beauty of this trip, its fluid and spontaneous! Until next time, my friends, Be good Be safe, and thats a true story!