Sukhothai

This is the ancient capital of Siam, Old Sukhothai is about 12k down the road from here, staying on a small street with 2 other hostels and one bar. There is not many tourists here, and alot of the talk has been about the global economic situation. Had dinner with people from Germany, Italy, Malaysia & Australia. The temple complex is huge some no more than a base, others have been refurbished.

The 2 guys in the pic are Daniele from Italy & Kee from Malaysia who i cycled round the historical park with yesterday. You can also see rice drying on a sheet in the sun.

The bus from Ayutthaya to Sukhothai, was 6hrs and very comfy, had some heavy rain and power blackout for a lot of last night, so got out the candles, but only 4 of them. I'm moving on tomorrow to Mae Sot again by public bus take about 3 hours ish.

Take it easy.

Brendan.

Ayutthaya

One of these pictures has something you will all recognise, and I dont need to tell you what it is. The buss ride from Kanchanaburi to Ayutthaya was, interesting two public bus and 3.5 hrs later we were here, there were 5 westerners on this route. Quite a small town, easy to get around on bike and chuffing hot, kind of a theme going on here. Check out the reclining Buddah.

Kanchanaburi Day 2

Well right now the heavens have opened, and dropped most of the Pacific ocean on us here at the moment, which is really really loud on a tin roof. amoungst these pics you can see me on the famouse 'Bridge Over The River Kwai' I was going to go to the Tiger temple but missed the bus there.... arse. I'm sure I'll have the opportunity to go again somewhere else. I also saw my first elephant in Thailand today, great you might think? but chained up and behaving in a distressed manner. Only for tourists to say they have been on or had a photo taken with these magnificent animals(sad really), on this occasion I declined. Although I do plan on taking an elephant trek at some point, hopfully with ones that are better treated.

Kanchanaburi

Hello

Well I can confirm it's still hot, having said that I did have the chance to cool off in a waterfall pool or two, very refreshing and amaizingly blue, check out the pics. The walk to the top tier pool took a bit of negotiating, and not much would pass HSE directives which all adds to the enjoyment. We walked through ERAWAN National Park, with some fantastic views of the surrounding countryside, where we could see through the dense veggitation. I'm also still surviving the street food, so far, and have seen my first squat toilet since I have been here...... NICE.

We took a local bus there & back which had more bodges on it than something from scrapheap challenge. We recon it was about 30-40 year sold with the driver topping up the radiator on route, now theres efficency for you. Hope all is well back home

More to come I'm sure..........

Bangkok May 2009

I have been in Bangkok now for a little while, it's dam hot today was about 35 C and humid, driving round here is mental, crossing the road is even better. I didn't get up to much on the first day except sleepping I also ate quite a bit. Cold water only showers didn't seam that appealing at first but spending all day outside, you soon come to like them. Take a look at some of the pic's I have taken so far let me know what you think. I have met some great people so far and we are headding off to a night market this evening on the skytrain. for Those that are interested this is where i am staying http://www.hostelworld.com/hosteldetails.php/New-Road-Guest-House/Bangkok/18757?source=googleadwordshostelsbyname&gclid=CMLjx8qAy5oCFQjyegodLjT4EQ

Take it easy folks, I'll post more when I have a litttle more time & an internet connection which dosen't rely on carrier pigeons.

Cheers

Brendan.

The Count Down Continues

Hello peeps, well 10 days before I leave. Sorry no pictures yet but I'm sure you don't want to see photos of my rucksack or sandals as nice as they are though. If any of you have been out to that part of the world and have suggestions of places to visit then feel free to.

Or if you fancy joining me at any point along the way just let me know.

see ya.