The first 48 Hours

I hope everyone is wondering how our first 48 hours have been and are missing us terribly!!! The airport was quite intense so it was a relief to get through customs (even though I left my leatherman in my hand luggage . . Mum (of the Barry variety), this is coming to you through the mail!) and have a drink and celebrate our last moments in Australia for some time. . .all going well.

Bangkok is ace! Uneventful taxi trip from the airport although the driver was trying to break the land speed record in big city traffic, nice one. Uneventful guesthouse - no five star luxury but comfortable and conveniently located. Not that we knew where it was actually located as it turned out. The first few hours of exploring were annoyingly interrupted by people wanting our money and people wanting us to ride in tuk tuks. We eventually got to a tourist bureau where we booked a trip up to Chiang Mai - leaving on the 23rd and returning on the 29th. Can't wait . . .literally. . .so we are going to Kanchanaburi tomorrow for a couple of days. Kanchanaburi is of Bridge over the River Kwai fame and we are also hoping to get up to Hell Fire Pass. We leave tomorrow. Had dinner in Khao San Rd last night. Khao San rd is close to our guesthouse if you take a direct route. . . . which we do now. . .but earlier. . .

Today in Bangkok was truly amazing. We are both constantly surprised at how clean it is and compared to Manilla or Cairo it isn't that busy. Heaps of backpackers everywhere which is a bit strange but it is all good. We went to the Grand Palace, National Museum, the Reclining Buddha and had a little boat ride. Meals on the street are cheap and good - we are both still healthy so it must be ok. There was some huge shindig on all for the King of Thailand. Still not sure what it was all about but it was very busy today.

Jen and Stephen - we have thought about the two of you quite a bit over the last two days. We hope that your flight was good and that London is blowing your mind. Can you send us your mobile phone number in England. We will try and give you a call over the next week.

Anyway, we are safe and well and loving it. We are looking forward to heading off tomorrow - Kanchanaburi should be grouse (Adam's word suggestion - nice one. . .). Missing everybody lots.