Arrived In Thailand

Hi guys.

Flew Manchester to BKK via Abu Dahbi with etihad. The service was fair on the first leg. Much better on the second leg. I noticed the flight attendants were Thai on the second leg. The food was better too.

Well, I landed at the new airport Wednesday morning. The first thing that struck me was the heat. The second was the seemingly endless hike to immigration. Several moving walkways and at least 10 minutes later we found ourselves there

Immigration was a formality with no problems.

Taxi? No problem there except for the touts. Plenty of metered taxis about too just outside.

The ride into Bangkok was no real hardship and cost me 500 baht to my guest house.

Spent some time sorting my gear and realising the air con is remote controlled - very handy. Pity the t.v. is all in Thai.

Went out to the pub. Oreilly's Bar. Saw a pathetic England get beaten

Taxis and meters! I got a metered taxi to the pub but am sure I was conned as the cost was double the return trip. In saying that, the taxi back managed to drop me at the wrong BTS station. Just one stop down but far enough away.

Luckily I had a map and was able - even after seveal pints of Guiness - to find my way back here.

The people are very friendly and very helpful also. Smiles everywhere

Touts down town!! Sheesh ! Accosted every few steps. At least most of them took a simple no for an answer.

The sidewalks .... so many stalls!! Navigation can be a nightmare.

No chance of suing the local council like they would back in the U.K. if you trip over the endless raised pavings, potholes etc to catch the unwary LOL

All in all, I'm having fun, got a comfortable bed, helpful staff and am off to the Irish Exchange tonight for a few beers.