Thailand 22nd - 24th May

We arrived in 'The Land of a Thousand Smiles' and we had to go straight to work the next day. The 1^st meal we had in Thai was excellent and was very satisfying. It was a very good welcome for us to Thailand. Of all the countries which I didn't understand their languages I'd say I understand the most. Well, I could at least say, “Mai Kao Jai” which means 'Don't Understand'. Which I happily use on everyone that speak to me in Thai. It works wonders, everyone should try it some day. Thailand I'd say is a cross between Indonesia and Malaysia in terms of the buildings around and the environment. Evidence of modernization and street side stalls all around. And they thrive on this because Bangkok is quite a tourist destination. Once in a while people will suddenly come to you and show this piece of white card saying, 'sex DVD & VCD'. Well i guess tt's the only way that they're able to make a living in those parts.

Thai Traditional dance, something that I've always wanted to see up close my whole life I finally get a chance to see it, and done by young students. I really am envious of the fact that the culture in Thailand is so strong even up until now, and that it is being passed on from generation to generation. So rich in culture and tradition.

One of the nights in Bangkok, me and Pete decide to walk around and go shop at a very long row of roadside stalls. We were looking for toilets when we walked into this alley which was lined with a few pubs. Seemed quite happening until we realised that it was filled with guys. Gay pubs. We were in the wrong alley, funny experience that was, some more the 2 of us went in together.

Even the place that we went to the next day, River City, it was called. We were brought along this long boat to this very steep temple. It was scary to go up the steps and even scarier to go down the steps. We then came to a place where there boat shops, people selling stuff to visitors on small sampans. I felt that it was very interesting that the tour guide that was on the boat with us was speaking mandarin, the many ways that the people in Thailand improve themselves to be able to create a career for themselves. And then we realized that the whole boat was filled with Singaporeans.

Then we went to 'Wat Pho', Sleeping Buddha. That place is a major tourist attraction as you can observe by the many different nations that congregated in this magical place full of refined and intricately-built buildings. Structures of gold, with tiny, little colored mirrors attached to the pillars that they give you a glittery feel when the sun shines on it. It's fascinating how all the individual structures were made in their own special way. And there was a grand temple inside where all it's walls and ceilings were with paintings and art, nothing could describe the details and all the effort that was being put into making these structures. It almost felt like the price that was paid to go in there to look at these structures does not do the place justice.

Of all the countries we went to i think i'm the most biased to Thailand. I really like that place and the people there are really hospitable. No wonder they call it, the land of a thousand smiles'. I'm definitely gonna go back there within the next few years if ive the money. More sight seeing and shopping for me! Khop Khun Khrap!