VISIONS OF BANGKOK

I've been in Bangkok a number of times on my travels, and I find it difficult to come up with new photos around the place. I keep taking pictures of the same attractions, and surely I must have posted similar pics at different times.

The "over-the-top" Khao San Rd, and the more relaxed Rambuttri Lane in the Banglamphu district are where lots of short-term tourists and backpackers hang out. In case you wake up hungry in the middle of the night, no problem, pull on some clothes and there will be something to eat not too far away.

I like wandering around the city, with the various means of public transport. River ferry, Sky Train, Metro (those are my preferences, and they all interconnect with each other). Then there is also a huge bus network, taxis, tuk-tuks, and even motorbike taxis. Of course, I could also ride my bike around the place, and I walked a lot. It was not just a case of wandering around though, as I had visa business to do, and also had to find the bike shop area (they all tend to be in the same place) for some spares I still needed. My 4th saddle (bought in Honduras) was about to give up the ghost, so I bought some elaborate contraption on springs (it seems to be working OK so far).

At least there is something new every time I get to the city, and that is the buildings. These towers spring up at an alarming rate. There is one 53 storey abandoned building (referred to as the Ghost Tower), where the guards can be bribed for a handsome amount and then allow foreigners to climb the stairs to the top for a panoramic view. The "bribe" was a bit too steep so I gave it a miss.

One of the new buildings which was not even on the horizon a year ago is the interestingly designed MahaNakhon (still under construction). A 77 storey monster (and an impression of what it will look like once completed).

Myanmar and Indian visas have been secured, so now again I am off in a hurry (on the same old road) in the direction of Laos.

BACK IN THE FAR EAST

OK, I am just trying to stay up to date. I arrived in Bangkok last night 35 hours and 3 flights after leaving Miami on Wednesday. In the same cheap room in Peachy GH as before. Luckily it is weekend and I have to wait till Monday to check about visas and permits which I may need from certain Embassies. Now I can relax for a while and get my sleep/wake cycle in sinc with this area (12 hrs ahead of where I have come from). Will update again as soon as there is something worth saying. Perhaps a photo or 2 as well.