Back in the big city

And the big city, it certainly is. It was kind of a shock venturing back into civilization that is Bangkok, but it worked out pretty well.

We got up early on tuesday to pack up after 5 days in a beach bungalow. We took a pick up truck to the other side of the island to catch a ferry to ko samui to catch a plane.

Along the way we booked a sweet, but cheap hotel (a serviced apartment actually, long story) and took a cab from the airport, which is 25km from the city.

But, since we have an unusual hotelling situation, we aren't able to access the usual hotel benefits like concierge, hotel staff, access to anybody who speaks english, etc.

After a somewhat difficult negotiation for check-in we head out to a nice dinner in the big city. The security guard has no idea where we want to go, but valiantly tries to help by reading our guide book (even though he doesn't know english). There aren't really street addresses in bangkok, more like intersections.

After some frustrating dialogue, he hails down a cab that takes one look at my guide book and freaks out and takes off.

We thanked our friend and figured we were better off on our own.

We walk about 20 meters down the street (in the pouring rain) when i notice a GIANT COCKROACH on my hand that was holding the umbrella!

With the flick of my wrist and a few cries like an 11yo girl, another crisis averted. I shout TUKTUK (the local 3wheeled converted taxi) as one passes by, he stops and actually knows where we want to go. We are on our way for our first night in bangkok.

[rk]
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