Bangkok Pt.9

Not that I don't like Christmas and New Years Eve and all things that go on that time of year but getting back to Bangkok I breathed a small sigh of relief as that time of year was now all over and everything could get back to normal. Mainly because this meant I could start sorting out my travel plans and just generally got on with my extra month in Asia again.

However there was one last thing I had to do before I went off anywhere and that was attend the lovely Aun Srikong's birthday. After she was so nice to me for my 22nd back in May last year there was no way I would miss the opportunity to celebrate her birthday in January. Therefore I hung around in Bangkok for a couple of extra days after New Year before I head over to Laos to meet my good friend Alice and her friend Jade for a few weeks travelling around there again.

I had quite a few little tasks while I was in the Bangkok so the extra time I had before Aun's birthday was much needed. Mainly for checking out what I needed for Laos again and buying myself a nice new Lonely Planet guide for Laos. I also re-stocked on a few bits of bobs I wasn't sure if I would find in Laos as well as also buy some more sunglasses which I had left on the bus on the way back from Phitsanulok. I also caught up on a lot of sleep by sleeping most of the day. I have by no means "done" Bangkok but I wasn't in a rush to do much this time round so enjoyed the massive amount of sleep I was getting this time around and as usual I also did a lot of work on this place in the massive amount of down time I had. Not that it shows as I am STILL 4 months behind. I also nipped out to get Aun a present. I thought if I went to Central world plaza which actually has millions of items I'm sure I could find something for her. Aun and I also found one of the best Japanese restaurants I have eaten at. I think the owner had spent some time in Japan so knew what he was doing. Went there about 4 times in the short space I time I was there.

One notable event was the fact I finally got around to seeing Avatar at the cinema. I thought it was absolutely awesome. I went to see it in iMax 3D and it blew me away (although I still think 3D Cinema has a long way to go). I liked it so much as it was one of those movies I really felt like I had been on an adventure with, much like Darren Aronofsky's "The Fountain" . However wouldn't recommend anyone watching it now. It was made for the iMax in 3D so unless you can see it again in that format, you've missed out. Whilst I was watching I got to sample a local Asian delicacy in the form of "Cheese and Ham flavoured Popcorn" absolutely horrible... but horrendously addictive... Probably due to the amount of artificial gubbins that went into it.

Aun's birthday was on the 7th and while I didn't really get up to much during the day I meet up with Aun to go take her out for some food. We went to another Korean style BBQ and once again I had far more than I should have. The meal was so nice again and Aun was very excited which was lovely. When it came to paying though there was a clash of cultures. Turns out in Thailand the person whose birthday it is pays for everything while back home as you know everyone normally chips in for the birthday boy/girl. Normally obviously I would take advantage of the possibility of a free meal but obviously I couldn't be doing that to someone on their birthday. So after a slightly constructive argument I eventually managed to persuade Aun to let me pay. So once again western culture came out the victor.

That night we met up with a Aun's Bangkok friends and got drunk in a number of different bars dotted around in the west side. Being the international playboy I am I spent the majority of the night drinking mojitos. Obviously a large majority of the night was in Thai, however one bar I was in they were playing on the TV the top 100 adverts of all time based on their artistic merit. Being a man that loves adverts (Only the ones on at prime time, not those compo ads from back home) I enjoyed it immensely and kept me entertained when I was unable to join in the conversation. The night finished down khoasan Road in a the many bars and clubs down there. I also saw the best bit of graffiti I had even seen scrawled on a toilet wall (Check it out at the bottom)

The next day I did originally plan to catch my bus up to Laos. However due to being lazy and getting caught in Bangkok traffic on the way to the bus depot I missed it. Meaning I got an extra bonus day in Bangkok to kick back and do very little till I could get the same bus the next day. Ended up going out down Khoasan road for a casual night of quiz machines and pool.

As usual another great few days in Bangkok involving a trip to the cinema, general pottering about, shopping, lots of sleeping and a birthday party. Once again bye bye Bangkok. Next destination Vang Vein, Laos for my second tubing experience with Alice and company. But firstly I have around a 20 hour bus journey to deal with!! Wish me luck.






09/01/10