Hi everybody!
So we survived our second and final overnight train. We didn't have cabins this time, but instead had bunks that folded down, and all of them closed off with a small blue curtain. Laura and I were up top. I didn't sleep very well. For one it was freezing in there, which is saying something because I'm almost always too hot when I sleep. As well as this there were cockroaches and bed bugs, so I woke up today covered in a very attractive collection of insect bites, why must my blood taste so good? I have about 8 on my leg, some on my face and my arms. Hope they stop itching soon, I only have so much will power!! I also kept waking up thinking people were stealing my things, but I solved this by tying my backpack to my leg and hugging my small bag while I slept. Probably a bit extreme, but I've watched far too many episodes of 'The Amazing Race' on open sleeper trains like that to risk having things stolen. Also the toilet was awful, literally a hole onto the tracks, but I won't go into details haha!! It got us from Chiang Mai to Bangkok, I guess that's all that matters!!
We were meant to arrive at 6.30am but Quinny had warned us we would most likely be a couple of hours late. Sure enough, we pulled in at Hua Lamphong station in Bangkok at 8.30am. We had a shower and then had breakfast down the street at 9.30am.
Laura, James and I then set off to the nearest ferry terminal, and got a long tail boat for a canal tour. We started off zooming up the river, flying over small waves which was heaps of fun! The wind in our faces was nice and cool and counteracted the humidity, I had forgotten how stinking hot it is here. We saw lots of little houses and temples, was interesting just to watch daily life pass us by.
We stopped at an orchid farm and had a look around, I love orchids and the flowers were beautiful. I took lots of photos because I know how much you love them Nan, see below!!
Then we dropped James at the grand palace, but we did that a month ago when we arrived so Laura and I went back to the other port. I can't believe it's already a month since we left here. It is all exactly the same. Still protesters in the street, still stinking hot. We even remembered our way to the ferry terminal without a map, it's so fresh in our minds! I've no idea how we mustered up so much energy on that first day when we did the palace and all the temples. So glad we did though, now we have three days to unwind.
We had lunch at a cafe on the way back and took advantage of their wifi and air conditioning for two hours. I enjoyed an iced chocolate, pad Thai with chicken and an ice cream. Now Laura has taken Natalie to show her the massage place we have checked out for Sunday, and I am relaxing in the room. Think I'll read my book!!
Tonight is our last night as a tour group. I'm going to miss everyone so much! Can't believe it's been four weeks tonight since we all met for the first time. Over that time I've made such great friends, learned a lot about England and had many laughs!!!! At least I get to see a few of my new friends when they come to Australia. Nathan and Abi are going to be in Melbourne in March, and we agreed we would catch up with them and Leah then as Leah lives in Richmond near my work. Might possibly meet Becky in Sydney if I have time on the weekend I'm up there at the end of March. In May Rhi and Jo are coming and I've promised to take them to an AFL match! In July I'm going to be in Copenhagen and Nina said we will have dinner together (she said you're invited too mum, you'll love her!), and in November Emily and Louise are coming to Melbourne and Emily wants me to take them to the trampolining place called Bounce Inc.! And as for the others, I'm hoping to go to the UK in the near future, and had already been considering taking next year off to do so. So we shall see! I will be there at some point in the next couple of years though I hope.
Tonight we are all going out, it should be a fantastic night. And then most of the group depart tomorrow either for a different hotel or for the islands. I think it's just James and us left, until he leaves for his new tour and we fly home on Sunday. So will keep you posted on our last two days :)
Love to all
Claire and Laura
Xoxox
No comments:
Post a Comment