Day 1 - Bangkok, Saturday 28th March

This morning we all awoke early and enjoyed the hotel breakfast before setting off on a morning tour around Bangkok's river and temples. We had a local tour guide called Betty, who was very bubbly. He gave us a lot of interesting information about Bangkok. We fed fish on the boat ride along the river and admired the little river dwellings. Our first stop was the Wat Pho, Reclining Buddha temple. I'd seen this temple before on my volunteering Bangkok tour but really loved it and so was happy to see it again! The grandeur and beauty doesn't diminish on second viewing and it was also good to learn different information from another tour guide.

In the afternoon, a few of us went to check out the shopping centres in the heart of Bangkok. There were many impressive looking shopping complexes and we were ready with our walking shoes on! As we got to the shopping district, we saw many people and traffic was stopped. It was calm, though there were some policeman too. It was Election Day tomorrow so there were to be some more protests today. We stayed on bridges and watched the peaceful march.

The shops were fabulous! We had to restrain ourselves from buying anything really as we had a long journey yet and many more shopping opportunities. It wouldn't help to fill up the backpack any further just yet! However, one thing I would need is some new footwear. The reliable purple Birkenstocks I had bought on my first day in Khao San Road two months ago, had seen better days frankly and were almost ready to fall apart! Shirley and I bought some sandals made from recycled tyres, they were colourful and seemed good for walking. As you know, I am rubbish at throwing things away and my friends had to give me some encouragement to throw away the old Birkenstocks and start wearing my new sandals!

After the shopping trip, we had to check out of our hotel and make our way to the train station. We would be taking the night train to Chiang Mai. The night train was impressive with fold out bunk beds and curtains for privacy! There was also hot dinner and breakfast served on board that was delicious. The menu provided much amusement with the funny spellings and phrases. We had a great time, playing UNO and exchanging funny stories. We were asked to be quiet by a neighboring passenger at 9pm!