Summary Of My Bangkok Trip

[FuninPlural]

Prologue

I didn't have so much money and the red shirts were going to be bombing places in Bangkok (or so I gathered through web-based paranoia)

Summary

I landed in Thailand on Wednesday Feb. 25th. I had 35,000 yen in my pocket. In the airport I exchanged 1000yen and received 350 Bht. I spent 150 Bht and took the Airport bus to Sukhumvit as I was already familiar with that area. I didn't have a pre-determined sleeping spot for the night, but I had been contacting some people through the CouchSurfing website. I had my bookbag and a 15 pound duffel bag accompanying me. I arrived to Suk around 9pm and made my way to an internet cafe to seek out if anyone could house me for the night. I contacted someone and he happened to live 2 blocks from Asok BTS (I didn't have this knowledge prior, but its great how things work out). I went to his apartment, and I felt safe for the night. When I woke up the next day I took a quick shower and saw that I had been bitten by a mosquito right in the middle of my forehead (horrible location).

Anyway, I grabbed both of my bags, and exited the guy's apartment. He was pretty cool, but he did ask me to buy him a beer and a small snacky-cake type thing within 5 minutes of meeting me. It wasn't expensive, but for someone on a budget who was unfamiliar with the pricing system, it wasn't cool.

Uh, I went to SuperRich and exchanged all my yen with the exception of 5000 yen (needed it just in case I blew all my cash and was unable to afford the ride to the airport for my return flight). I went to Ice Monster and tried the mango teaser flavor. It is delicious. There was a small roach crawling on the counter, but what can you do? I grew up with roaches in New York anyway.

That night I actually was able to visit a different couch surfer who I had been in contact with for about aweek before my trip. She lives on Petchaburi. I noticed that unlike the Asok guy's place, there were no other foreigners living around her home. It was a little unnerving to feel their stares (not because I was scared of them, but because I was scared of doing something that would cause them to want me kicked out of the neighborhood).

This girl is a few years older than me and in her late 20s. She happens to work alot so I had alot if free time to myself in her apartment if I needed it. Her toilet didn't have a flushing function and anytime I excreted I had to put alot of water in a bucket and pour it into the bowl till the flushing was done. Luckily, she had no mosquitoes in her home (Yes!!!). Originally, I was going to try a combination of Couch Surfing and other cheaper guesthouses for the first 3-4 days, before going to stay at a more permanent guesthouse for the next 10 days (The Overstay-about a 10-min. cab from KSR). I got along really well with the girl who let me into her home on my 2nd day and I actually just stayed there until I left. Basically, I stayed at her apartment for 12 days. The OverStay was kinda far away and I was willing to put 36 Bht on it that they have mosquitos. Yes, I can DEET myself, but if I got another set-up going that is working out, why should I unecessarily apply poison? There was nothing sexual with this girl. She was a bit too wide for me, and my girl in Japan is 100 times better so I just couldn't do it (even though there were enough clues being tossed that she was down for me to pound.)

On the 3rd day there I began having stomach pains (it may have been from some warm milk that this girl bought for me on the street. Normally, I wouldn't drink milk like this, but she was being so hospitable that I didn't want to be rude. Throughout the whole trip I pretty much was varying from constipation, to diahreea, and then back to constipation. The ONLY positive thing about having a fukked up stomach was that it allowed me to spend less money than I thought I would. I would've preffered to not have any stomach woes so that I would've been more flexible/mobile and had more fun during my time in Bangkok, but life is unpredictable.

I ended up not going to Suphanburi because I found out that my friend had to work that day, and she was offering me the chance to go, but with some of her her friends. Why would I want to travel far from BKK with strangers? Especially to a place that I didn't even know (and seems pretty boring based off of its wiki entry).

Once I found out that I could walk from Petchaburi to Platinum Mall in 15 minutes, and from there to Sukhimvit in about an hour, I would say that I took the train maybe 15% of the time, and walked about 85% of the time. All of the cool things seem to be within walking distance, and while the fares for trains are cheap, they would start to add up as the days went on.

My stomach issues are also the reason that I didn't go to the beach and get a tan (I kinda left this till the last 2 days or so and then I became lazy to do it, and felt that my time would be better spent elsewhere. This is also the reason that I didn't meet up with anyone on this forum who offered to show me around or invite me to lunch. The stomach thing was a burden, and while I can present myself online in whichever way I please, I don't want to come off as weak or un-cool in real life. First impressions are important. I didn't get a haircut at "Never Say Cutz", because I got scared at the last minute about a potential lang. barrier. After I get this haircut in Tokyo I'm going to take about 6 pictures of my head and carry them with me on a USB drive for when I travel and need a cut.

I was really hungry one night and went to Sizzler. I only orderd the Salad Bar. The potato salad was very good. The pineapple was very good. The canteloupes and melons were horrible (worse than NY and Japan's Sizzlers). The New York and Japan salad bars also let you make your own tacos. Thailand does not.

I went to the Amaltery and had the 1 hour Ice Cream buffet. This is very good stuff. I went with the girl who I was staying with and even payed for her too (yes, I was really ballin' that day).

I ate at Ice Monster and Buddhi Belly like 6 times combined (I only ordered the "I'm Green" shake from BB). It was great.

When I came to Bangkok 5 years ago, I only saw the area between Nana and Asok and that was it. I am happy that this time I basically saw everything from Mo Chit to On Nut. I also went to KSR for 2 days. I won't really comment on them as they are my fellow tourists and I can have a field day down there in the future with some of the foreign tail, but I will say that alot of them are wholly predictable, and I personally, don't like to do things like everyone else. Also, I must say that the majority of them are probably living on the cheap for about a week (i.e. living poor by choice), and then they will return to their suburbs in their home country. I have been poor since before birth, so I tend to take less fro granted and appreciate more.

I went to Route 66 and that time I had my can opener in my backpocket. Luckily the guy who frisked me only searched my side pockets and let me in. Once I got in I migrated it to my lower east side sock. The venue seemed pretty cool, but I'm the kind of guy that likes to be able to ralk to people for a little bit before I start humping on them, and that music was to loud to allow me to do that. Also, I wasn't really on the prowl as I would have no where to bring booty back to. One of the most expensive things I did in BKK was buying drinks at the bar (I wasn't chasing kitty, so I had to liquor myself up to pass the time).

I noticed a whole lot more Africans, Indians and Middle Eastern folk this time than last. Take that for what you will. I noticed alot more lady boys this time than last. Take that for what you will. (And I was shocked that some of them start so young). I hate that men and women openly pick their noses. Some of my Indian neighbors in New York do this too. Is this a SE Asia thing?

I did alot of "window shopping" in the malls and outside markets. I did end up buying about 3 shirts for me, 1 for my brother and a whole bunch of mini souvenirs for my girlfriend. I also purchased 8 boxes of gelatin (from Big C and Foodland). It is vey easy to make and its not easily found in Japan at all. I bought the cheaper Lobo and Imperial brands. I didn't eat the can of beef because the girl I stayed with doesn't have a stove. While the beef is already salted and cooked, I will not eat it cold unless there is nothing else to eat. I actually bought that can in New York City's Costco, so it has now been in 3 countries.

I know that my girlfriend, mother, younger sister, and other ladies would love BKK as there is so much shopping to be done, but it would be hard for some of the weaker ones as seeing the little 3-4 year olds on the overpass steps all alone is pretty sad. Also, the legless huys that drag themselves around the city and probably got tar on their bellies are not that appealing as well. Let's not forget about all the ladies of the night as well.

I went to the JJ Market. It was pretty cool. I would say that you should go around 11:30 am rather than around 2-3pm. It is extremely crowded and even worse if you happen to have a stomach ache.

I had some street food one night that was official Thai food. I think it was Tom Yum Gup (not really sure on spelling or pronunciation) Anyway, I'm allergic to shrimp, so it had chicken instead. It was an Issan-style food stall and by the time my host remebered to tell the cooks to not make it too spicy, it was too late to change the meal. I had diahreea for 2.5 days. I've eaten Indian food, Mexican jalapenos (with the seeds still in them) and even some wasabi. But this was the hottest thing I ever tasted. I thought you guys were just being metaphorical when you said that your <deleted> were on fire. Now I understand.

The Lime Juice in Yayoi is VERY delicious.

On my last day I went to get a massage at Tony's on Suk. A 1 hour oil massage felt incredible and drained me. In retrospect maybe I should've received more than 1 massage during this trip, but then again, this was not meant to be an enjoyable trip. It was a logistical tactic employed to lengthen my time in Japan. Still, I did see so much more of Bangkok this time around, and I can only hope that next time I will get to see even more.

When I arrived in Narita yesterday morning I still had the 5000 yen which I had saved on my 2nd BKK day, and I also had 2000 more yen which I got from exchanging about 700 BHT in the airport. I could've saved even more money if I had stayed in a 100 BHT a night guesthouse (due to the fact that when you are staying with someone else you are expected to make appearances at venues where the social pressure of everyone around you spending cash may cause you to break bread as well), but I didn't see it as a neccesity to live as poorly as possible.

Any questions about anything else I may have missed?

[NADTATIDA1]

Well done,glad to here you had a good time 2 weeks in Thailand for 10.000 bt

And you could of done it cheaper,a good report...shame you never got it on with the landlady that would of been a bonus!

And obviously you could of done without the shits!

[harrry]

Sounds as if you got more out of your budget than those who blow that much in a night. Reminds me of when I came to Bankok 45 years ago...wish I could do the same things now. Gad you enjoyed yourself..... If only I could stay in Japan on the same budget

[FuninPlural]

Sounds as if you got more out of your budget than those who blow that much in a night. Reminds me of when I came to Bankok 45 years ago...wish I could do the same things now. Gad you enjoyed yourself..... If only I could stay in Japan on the same budget

Just being back in Japan for these 2 days I'm already noticing the big price difference. Oh well, I will return to Thailand sometime in the future and hopefully enjoy myself. For me, its not about how many pictures I can take or tourist spots I can check off my list. Its about generally being within the range of satisfied to happy.

[Tinkelbell]

Welcom Home ! F i P

Glad you had a great time in LOS. You have proof that having a wonderful time doesn't have to cost a fortune, all it needs is a great sense of adventure and a sense of gratitude which go a long way.

You mention about going to LOS again. Hoping that it would be a perfect timing if I just happen to be in BKK at that time, so I could do more for you (you sound like a nice person). I go back to my home country annually, next one is a few month away.

[motoyen]

He was pretty cool, but he did ask me to buy him a beer and a small snacky-cake type thing within 5 minutes of meeting me. It wasn't expensive, but for someone on a budget who was unfamiliar with the pricing system, it wasn't cool.

He let you stay at his house for free and you didn't even want to buy him a drink? Apparently your stay in Japan hasn't taught you anything about proper hospitality.

[FuninPlural]

He was pretty cool, but he did ask me to buy him a beer and a small snacky-cake type thing within 5 minutes of meeting me. It wasn't expensive, but for someone on a budget who was unfamiliar with the pricing system, it wasn't cool.

He let you stay at his house for free and you didn't even want to buy him a drink? Apparently your stay in Japan hasn't taught you anything about proper hospitality.

Sorry about this. Let me clarify. I had only a few Bht for that 1st night, I was sweating from carrying my bags, and before I even got up to his apartment to put my bags down, he asked me to buy him a beer at 7-11. I appreciate his hospitality and had I realized at the time how cheap it was I would've bought him more than 1, but its just that the timing to ask that of me was a little "off" or a little too soon. You know what I mean?

[thepanicandthevomit]

He was pretty cool, but he did ask me to buy him a beer and a small snacky-cake type thing within 5 minutes of meeting me. It wasn't expensive, but for someone on a budget who was unfamiliar with the pricing system, it wasn't cool.

He let you stay at his house for free and you didn't even want to buy him a drink? Apparently your stay in Japan hasn't taught you anything about proper hospitality.

Sorry about this. Let me clarify. I had only a few Bht for that 1st night, I was sweating from carrying my bags, and before I even got up to his apartment to put my bags down, he asked me to buy him a beer at 7-11. I appreciate his hospitality and had I realized at the time how cheap it was I would've bought him more than 1, but its just that the timing to ask that of me was a little "off" or a little too soon. You know what I mean?

No. I would have done exactly the same if I were him. And I do hope you didn't just buy him one small leo?

Still, great news about the well traveled can of beef.

Edited March 14, 2010 by thepanicandthevomit

[Slaps]

He was pretty cool, but he did ask me to buy him a beer and a small snacky-cake type thing within 5 minutes of meeting me. It wasn't expensive, but for someone on a budget who was unfamiliar with the pricing system, it wasn't cool.

He let you stay at his house for free and you didn't even want to buy him a drink? Apparently your stay in Japan hasn't taught you anything about proper hospitality.

Sorry about this. Let me clarify. I had only a few Bht for that 1st night, I was sweating from carrying my bags, and before I even got up to his apartment to put my bags down, he asked me to buy him a beer at 7-11. I appreciate his hospitality and had I realized at the time how cheap it was I would've bought him more than 1, but its just that the timing to ask that of me was a little "off" or a little too soon. You know what I mean?

Oh Dear

And there I was thinking maybe I was a little hard on you in your previous posts but you just blew it mate

Saying "No" should not have been in the equation

Edited March 14, 2010 by Slaps

[mrtoad]

He was pretty cool, but he did ask me to buy him a beer and a small snacky-cake type thing within 5 minutes of meeting me. It wasn't expensive, but for someone on a budget who was unfamiliar with the pricing system, it wasn't cool.

He let you stay at his house for free and you didn't even want to buy him a drink? Apparently your stay in Japan hasn't taught you anything about proper hospitality.

Sorry about this. Let me clarify. I had only a few Bht for that 1st night, I was sweating from carrying my bags, and before I even got up to his apartment to put my bags down, he asked me to buy him a beer at 7-11. I appreciate his hospitality and had I realized at the time how cheap it was I would've bought him more than 1, but its just that the timing to ask that of me was a little "off" or a little too soon. You know what I mean?

No, I don't. You sound like an ungrateful cheapskate.

[britmaveric]

^Well look at his budget mrtoad - are you that surprised?

[RAZZELL]

He was pretty cool, but he did ask me to buy him a beer and a small snacky-cake type thing within 5 minutes of meeting me. It wasn't expensive, but for someone on a budget who was unfamiliar with the pricing system, it wasn't cool.

He let you stay at his house for free and you didn't even want to buy him a drink? Apparently your stay in Japan hasn't taught you anything about proper hospitality.

Sorry about this. Let me clarify. I had only a few Bht for that 1st night, I was sweating from carrying my bags, and before I even got up to his apartment to put my bags down, he asked me to buy him a beer at 7-11. I appreciate his hospitality and had I realized at the time how cheap it was I would've bought him more than 1, but its just that the timing to ask that of me was a little "off" or a little too soon. You know what I mean?

No, I don't. You sound like an ungrateful cheapskate.

Seconded.

I don't know if you're rude, ungrateful or just a bit thick!

What exactly do you do for a living, you know, like a job? You know what people in the real world do to put food on the table? :D

RAZZ

Edited March 14, 2010 by RAZZELL

[connel707]

whats the "thick " girls name and phone number... never look a gift horse....

[geriatrickid]

ewww.

Seriously, it's one of the most depressing detailed reports of someone's mooching off of others.

I appreciate that not everyone has money and there are those that like to rough it, but what's the point of traveling somewhere if you have to do it like this and end up paying for it with constipation & diarhea?

I don't know about others, but this story is a major creepazoid event in slo mo.

[maccaroni man]

i know i slagged you in an other post but i must say you did good and even though your travel area was limited i like the way you put your plan together and worked it.

congrats, if you want to couch surf in samui for a day pm me.

cheers,

well done

[RAZZELL]

ewww.

Seriously, it's one of the most depressing detailed reports of someone's mooching off of others.

I appreciate that not everyone has money and there are those that like to rough it, but what's the point of traveling somewhere if you have to do it like this and end up paying for it with constipation & diarhea?

I don't know about others, but this story is a major creepazoid event in slo mo.

Exactly. The OP is embarrassing

RAZZ

[FuninPlural]

ewww.

Seriously, it's one of the most depressing detailed reports of someone's mooching off of others.

I appreciate that not everyone has money and there are those that like to rough it, but what's the point of traveling somewhere if you have to do it like this and end up paying for it with constipation & diarhea?

I don't know about others, but this story is a major creepazoid event in slo mo.

Exactly. The OP is embarrassing

RAZZ

The only negative thing about the trip was that I got some stomach issues, but that could've happened even if I was staying in the fanciest hotel, so I don't really blame than on my room and board.

For the last time, about the guy who asked me to buy him a beer, I just didn't appreciate the time I was asked to buy the beer. If it had been 10 minutes later or something, then it would've been better. Its just my take on the situation.

Trust me, that girl was not thick. She's very nice, and I have been in contatct with her since I returned. But I will not have her on my plate.

Um...other than that, I'll probably be away from the board for awhile, but I like LOS and some of you characters here, so I'll try to stick around (or more likely remember to pop in sometime in the future). Any last questions?

Thanks to the guy that mentioned about Samui again.

[RAZZELL]

Any last questions?

What do you do for an encore?

RAZZ

[game4shame]

I went to Route 66 and that time I had my can opener in my backpocket.

this whole thing has got to be a pi55-take.

You sound like an ungrateful cheapskate.

ewww.

Seriously, it's one of the most depressing detailed reports of someone's mooching off of others.

I appreciate that not everyone has money and there are those that like to rough it, but what's the point of traveling somewhere if you have to do it like this and end up paying for it with constipation & diarhea?

I don't know about others, but this story is a major creepazoid event in slo mo.

[highlander76]

I can not believe what a cheap bas!ard you are

[DP25]

If only he'd come to Bangkok this week, he could have supplemented his income by selling his blood to the protesters.

[witold]

I've always been fascinated with the whole Couchsurfing thing so I find this report interesting.

It sounds like you have done more couchsurfing in the past. Any particularly positive or negative experiences?

[Jingthing]

I love the honesty. I was mesmerized. It was like a Bulgarian art film transformed to text.

[Chaimai]

This is a transcript from one of those awful tv docu-soaps. - isn't it ?

[game4shame]

couch surfing? honestly, <deleted>?????!!!

who in their right mind would hook up with some random stranger on t'internet then kip on their couch - speak about weirdo magnets. all sorts of freaks must be signed up for that gig.

besides, this thread smells of troll-age.

[britmaveric]

^yes, this day/age I can only imagine the dregs of society that couch surf.

[mmushr00m]

Op you couldve at least slept with the girl. I mean after all she let you stay at her place for 12days. Using her electric and water!!!

A little bit of luvin, maybe 5mins of your time...done and she's a happy girl...which means that she will probably extend the courtesy (couch surfing) to other poor underfunded travellers.

You blew it for others man, you dropped the ball!!!!.

Edited March 16, 2010 by mmushr00m

[jaiyenyen]

i know i slagged you in an other post but i must say you did good and even though your travel area was limited i like the way you put your plan together and worked it.

congrats, if you want to couch surf in samui for a day pm me.

cheers,

well done

You might live to regret making that offer . If he does turn up, remember, whatever you do, don't ask for a beer.

[game4shame]

i know i slagged you in an other post but i must say you did good and even though your travel area was limited i like the way you put your plan together and worked it.

congrats, if you want to couch surf in samui for a day pm me.

cheers,

well done

You might live to regret making that offer . If he does turn up, remember, whatever you do, don't ask for a beer.

ask for a can of beans instead - FiP can open it for you with his handy can opener.

[Patsycat]

Or maybe offer you his can of beef, and open it for you...