the amazing land of thai

Bangkok. One word, Overwhelming. A cultural melting pot and a beautiful blend of old and new/modern and traditional. Was almost brought to tears whilst watching two Thai cowboys sing renditions of Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan at a small bar, located on the street parallel to Khaosan Rd. where we're staying. Might have had something to do with the beers and famous "bucket" (half-jack of rice rum, Thai redbull and Coke), but the sentiment was genuine - I really fucking love Thailand so far!

Khaosan Rd. is mental. A crazy hive of activity. Good times city that never sleeps. Have been offered 3 ping-pong shows already, in one evening! Don't worry Bevan, we'll wait for you. Whole street packed with bars and restaurants and street vendors and tattoo parlours and silver jewellery shops and hotels eyc. etc. etc... It is at a hotel named Dang Derm that me and Vincent have been residing. For 1100bht (equivalent of R275) for the both of us, including breakfast, we are staying in a luxurious room with a rare and coveted en suite. Amazing.

Things are insanely cheap here, but the extravagance needs to be curbed! Have decided to toss quite a lot of my things, especially toiletries and shoes. Although I thought I had brought so little with me, it still turns out I have too much. As Vin says, I need to learn how to "rough it"... goodbye make-up! On that note, I am saying a small prayer of thanks for every toilet I have used to far. Goodbye Bangkok, goodbye tourist mecca, goodbye porcelain throne... you will be missed!

Have seen my first ladyboy as well. I repeat - I fucking LOVE Thailand so far!

Some words I've learnt:
Egypt:
* ahlan - hello
* shokraan - thank you
* mashy - okay

Thailand:
* sa wah di ka - hello (feminine)
* sa badi mai - how are you?
* sa badi - fine
* mai pen rai - no problem/worries
* ka koon ka - thank you (fem.)