First Impressions of Bangkok

YAY!!!! I have arrived in Bangkok!!

I arrived on Friday morning Bangkok time, which would have been Thursday night Toronto time (there’s an 11 hour time difference). My first impression of Bangkok, driving from the airport to my hotel in a taxi, was that on the surface it reminds me a bit of Mexico. There is a lot of beautiful lush, green vegetation including palm trees. But there is also a lot of poverty, at least while driving along the highway. I saw a lot of shacks and buildings falling apart, in addition to huts on the road selling things. Very similar to sights that I’m used to seeing in small towns in Mexico.

Once I arrived at my hotel (around 1pm Bangkok time) I was exhausted! I had just spent 24 hours traveling and all I wanted to do was sleep! I forced myself not to sleep just yet because it would have screwed up my sleeping pattern and worsened my jet lag!

It was raining pretty hard when I arrived, but once it stopped went for a walk through the streets surrounding my hotel.

They have 7-11 stores everywhere here!!

I stumbled upon the temple of Wat Chana Sogkram, built in the 18th century.

Also in the temple complex was an enormous 200 year old tree!

While exploring I found my way to a very nice Thai massage place. I had an incredibly relaxing foot massage for only $3 Canadian!! It was amazing! Full body Thai massages are around $10 CAN!

After my little exploring adventure I was completely exhausted (even more so than I was earlier). So I made my way back to my hotel, ordered room service and crashed in my room for the rest of the night.

The following morning (Saturday May 28) I met up with Kate (a girl from my contiki tour that is starting tomorrow who I’ve been emailing the past week). We spent the morning relaxing by the hotel pool and working on our tans! So amazing!! I am so excited to be spending the next 2+ months relaxing and exploring Asia!!

It’s about noon on Saturday here, and I’m about to meet up with Kate and Sydne (another girl from the contiki tour) and we’re going to go exploring Bangkok for the rest of the day!! I also think manicures/pedicures and massages are also on the agenda… (over breakfast Kate and I were discussing how much we are in need of some pampering… and since it would cost us next to nothing… why not?)

I’ll update more later!!