I knew from the moment I arrived that I would fall in love with Bangkok. It was suspiciously easy to navigate around the city, and I think I was meant to experience the chaotic, cluster known as China to really appreciate Thailand. Its a city filled with wonderfully obvious contradictions. You're expected to dress modestly to show respect at the temples, all the while prostitutes walk the streets a block away. The locals attempt to lure in tourists to sex shows, yet continuously observe the Buddhist etiquette of removing their shoes before entering a residence. Monks can be seen anywhere in the city with their bright orange robes, sitting in their own section closed off at the train station. They add a feeling of peace and calm to a city that overflows with energy. The Thai people are so welcoming and gracious, saying Kob Kun Kaa (Thank you) and bowing their head to you. The real life of Bangkok can be seen on the sidewalks, with thousands of stalls selling anything from fruit to insects to fake college diplomas. I don't think I ate in a single restaurant here, instead taking a chance on the cheap street food that so easily lures me in. I went a whole day only eating Pad Thai for every meal, and then for desert I topped it off with a Cricket and a Cockroach, some great local cuisine (but the legs tend to get stuck between you're teeth so bring floss!)
Thailand really is a backpackers paradise, with dozens of tourist offices offering information on excursions, trips or just tips for traveling. The government has really cracked down on locals taking advantage of the tourists, and there are signs everywhere warning you about different scams. (Yay!). The first day we temple hopped, seeing the Great Palace and the Golden Mount which offers an amazing panoramic view of the city, the skyline as a wonderful mix of metropolitan buildings and majestic Buddhist temples. The streets of Bangkok are really the key thing to see, I walked for hours and was never bored. There is so much to take in, the locals set up folding tables and cook, sew, play cards or just watch pedestricians. The covered markets are spread around the city and a great way to see them is to take a shuttle ferry down the river. Our hostel has a communal area and its filled with backpackers traveling alone and looking to meet people. We got a group together and rented mopeds around Ayuthaya, the former ancient capital of Thailand. I made the bike rental place quite worried as I shakily zoomed away, coming close to colliding with an elephant corral crossing. On the way back we crammed seven people into a small tuk tuk, limbs hanging out as we sped down the expressway. It was quite the adventure! Tomorrow I head to the islands, on another overnight train- no luggage racks this time, i bought a sleeper! :)