Bangkok was intense, reports Lyn. During our whirlwind tour we visited some of the major sites, but didn't get into any temples. We found things not as bad as people had described, although there were some run down areas and half finished roads and buildings.
As for the smells, the good far outweighed the bad. There was food for sale on the streets everywhere, with only the occasional bad 'pong'! There seems to be a policy of over employment with lots of people working in shops etc. everywhere?
Transport consisted of Taxi or 'Tuk-tuk', the latter being a beefed up 3 wheel, 3 seat moped. Quoted tuk-tuk fares usually started more expensive than taxis, but by 'haggling', could be reduced by half!
The hotel was a striking contrast with 2 swimming pools, lots of marble and lift carpets with the day of the week shown on them to avoid any doubt.
Shopping was fun, but the cost of most goods was similar to those in England. The midnight market at Palpong, the 'red light' district, was the only exception!
In conclusion, Bangkok was safe, hot and humid (40 deg centigrade & 75% humidity), and most people were friendly and helpful.
Both flights so far were fine, but the movies awful! Champagne however was served on the flight to Cairns where we arrived Wednesday evening. Tired and agitated a local Youth Hostel was located and a meal eaten at 'The Woolshed', a lively pub with good grub and jugs of beer for $5.
Next morning another, nicer "Castaways' hostel, away from the centre of town, was found to be our base for a couple of weeks while a 5 day diving course is completed and the nearby rain forest explored.
The diving course has commenced with intensive practise and theory and will culminate in 2 days of early morning dives on the Reef. Will report on what we find when we get back and dry out!
Look out for the next update from the Reef soon.
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