(^8) Bangkok
Modern Bangkok was a pleasant surprise. It was free of the constant
hooting and drivers disobeying traffic rules. Cars even stopped
allowing pedestrians to cross the street, a welcome change following
six months in India.
We spent a few days discovering Bangkok, where the alleys amidst
ancient temples never failed to amaze me. These pedestrian lanes
sold anything from amulets to second-hand false teeth and bridges. I
kid you not. The next stop was Chinatown, whose warren of stalls
offered the whole shebang, from food to fluffy teddy bears and
jewellery. It could take years to explore the entire area. Returning on
the Chao Phraya River ferry, the river was a hive of activity, carting
people and goods to and from their destinations. Getting around by
ferry wasn't merely easy but also a pleasure, as there was always a
cool breeze from the water.
Bangkok – Samut Songkhram – 78 km
Itching to get underway, I was appalled to learn Ernest planned on
heading straight to Cambodia. I had no plans to leave Thailand
without investigating the rest of the country and its world-famous
beaches. Nevertheless, I was adamant about heading south, with or
without him. Getting out of Bangkok was far less stressful than even
the smallest Indian town. No sooner were we on the bikes than we
found ourselves along a highway heading South-East. I could see that
the April heat and humidity could be a significant factor. Although the
weather was already boiling early in the morning, the roomy shoulder
and motorists obeying traffic rules made cycling effortless.
Samut Songkhram and its famous railway market provided
convenient overnight accommodation in a hotel with air conditioning,
a bar fridge, and clean linen. Phew, what a relief.
leana
(Leana)
#1