Back to work
I've been back at work for 3 days now, which is probably about the time that it takes to get back into the swing of it. Day pne was crap- really depressing. Day two less so, and today was ok.
Thailand, on the contrary, was amazing (although it takes 7 hours from Tokyo. 7 hours- I had no idea!). On day one and two we hit Bangkok, taking in the Grand Palace and Wat Po (two of the most over-the-top gharish temples you could ever hope to have your breath taken away by), hopping on a private gondola (all be it engine powered) around the canals of the city - one of the real highlights of the trip- before eating in traditional Thai style from a street vendor, riding in a 'tuk tuk', which is a little battery powered buggy taxi with no doors, and having a Thai massage. I can't say I am too taken by the massage- it's quite painful having someone twist you body out of all recognition, you know. But apparantly it did some good. We were staying in an unglamorous but effective hotel, which offered a complimentary drink called 'ocean treat' or 'sunset delight' or something similarly shite. It was complimentary for a reason. No sane person would ever pay for such a foul-tasting glass off green. Rachel quite liked it though.
We then took the 3 hour trip south to Ko Samet (Samet Island), which was a tropical paradise. It's a corny description, but it really does it justice- we had a wooden hut just a stone's throw from the sea (and yes. I did throw a stone to prove this fact), as well as a restaurant comprising tables on the beach to which you could have beer delivered (at about 50p a bottle) and anything from one of the most extensive menus I have ever seen. Thai curry, noodles, seafood. All delicious and great value. If you like coconut milk, then they hack one open right in front of you!
(... a man next to me just ordered noodles and is eating them in the traditional Japanese style- that is, he is making the most revolting slurping noise that it is in his power to make. I hate this cafe!...)
We lounged around on the island for 4 days, doing little else but swim, eat and drink. We both got a little sick aswel, probably from the shock our system got from the new foods. I blame the afformentioned street vendor!
After that, we went back to Bangkok. It seemed a shame not to have another night in the city that seemed to offer so much. We arrived, went to a hotel, got turned away because it was over-booked, and accepted an offer from a friendly hotellier who gave us a great deal on a room just around the corner. Lucky!
And so...we shopped. I bought some shorts and a T-shirt as well as a set of DVDs and a computer game. Rachel bought clothes and some DVDs, and we both grabbed a souvenir to offer to our co-workers and students (some kind of bizarre dried fruit). My co-workers werre less than taken by it, but sod them. It's the thought that counts!
Next up...Hong Kong in 3 weeks. I can't wait!
Thailand, on the contrary, was amazing (although it takes 7 hours from Tokyo. 7 hours- I had no idea!). On day one and two we hit Bangkok, taking in the Grand Palace and Wat Po (two of the most over-the-top gharish temples you could ever hope to have your breath taken away by), hopping on a private gondola (all be it engine powered) around the canals of the city - one of the real highlights of the trip- before eating in traditional Thai style from a street vendor, riding in a 'tuk tuk', which is a little battery powered buggy taxi with no doors, and having a Thai massage. I can't say I am too taken by the massage- it's quite painful having someone twist you body out of all recognition, you know. But apparantly it did some good. We were staying in an unglamorous but effective hotel, which offered a complimentary drink called 'ocean treat' or 'sunset delight' or something similarly shite. It was complimentary for a reason. No sane person would ever pay for such a foul-tasting glass off green. Rachel quite liked it though.
We then took the 3 hour trip south to Ko Samet (Samet Island), which was a tropical paradise. It's a corny description, but it really does it justice- we had a wooden hut just a stone's throw from the sea (and yes. I did throw a stone to prove this fact), as well as a restaurant comprising tables on the beach to which you could have beer delivered (at about 50p a bottle) and anything from one of the most extensive menus I have ever seen. Thai curry, noodles, seafood. All delicious and great value. If you like coconut milk, then they hack one open right in front of you!
(... a man next to me just ordered noodles and is eating them in the traditional Japanese style- that is, he is making the most revolting slurping noise that it is in his power to make. I hate this cafe!...)
We lounged around on the island for 4 days, doing little else but swim, eat and drink. We both got a little sick aswel, probably from the shock our system got from the new foods. I blame the afformentioned street vendor!
After that, we went back to Bangkok. It seemed a shame not to have another night in the city that seemed to offer so much. We arrived, went to a hotel, got turned away because it was over-booked, and accepted an offer from a friendly hotellier who gave us a great deal on a room just around the corner. Lucky!
And so...we shopped. I bought some shorts and a T-shirt as well as a set of DVDs and a computer game. Rachel bought clothes and some DVDs, and we both grabbed a souvenir to offer to our co-workers and students (some kind of bizarre dried fruit). My co-workers werre less than taken by it, but sod them. It's the thought that counts!
Next up...Hong Kong in 3 weeks. I can't wait!
posted by Christopher at 3:56 AM
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