Eventually decided to start my first step on the land of the City of Angels! This trip was made happened in last April..
Accommodation was confirmed in Nat’s apartment@Sitara Place. Conversed with Nat through MSN and she emphasized so much on how not to get cheated by taxi driver. This made me worry instead whether it is safe to travel alone!
Fei also taught me some tips, especially on places I must go, food I must try, and the kind of shopping I must do...
Due to the anti-government protests, PM Abhisit announced state of emergency in Bangkok the day before my trip!! Nat and Fei in Bangkok said it was still safe to go.
Another problem was my limited budget! I could only manage to change 8000THB! But I still survived this trip!! >.<
It took me around 2 hours to fly there. Once off the plane, everybody was rushing. Just shot a few photos. I stopped whenever I saw the demon statues at the arrival hall, and took some quick photos of them.
Nice airport! Doesn't seem to lose if not better than KLIA. All custom staff in the counter was in Hawaiian shirt, a celebration for Songkran (April 13 to 15). Sorry, couldn't see what kind of pant they wear.. =.="
After taking my check-in bag, I first approached a counter and they offered me 1600THB for a ride to Ratchada Soi 3. They straightaway offered me some “good discount” when I complained about the price!! Which after I found out it was a limo counter, I turned my head for public taxi.
When coming out from Exit 1, I saw a taxi stand with the sign “Taxi – With Meter”. After getting the taxi ticket, a row of taxi drivers actually queued up waiting for me!! ;)
Before I actually use the statement I learned from Fei - “chai meter”, the driver assigned to me set the meter on! This relieved me a bit being alone on this strange land. I think Thai people are honest!
On the way to Nat’s place, the streets had scarce pedestrians and ain’t many cars on road. May be the state of emergency had gave such an impact to the capital??
I was lucky that I saw Sitara Place at a glance on my left when the driver missed Soi 11. I paid a 1000THB note and worried that the driver may not pay me back full change. But he actually did! Again, I think Thai people are honest!!
We went to a local stall for dinner. First got into my eyes was the huge pork legs!! There were also BBQ pork, BBQ chicken, some unknown vegetables and something looked like BBQ sausages.
Nat helped me order in Thai.. Wow!!
Three dishes: my favourite pork leg sliced served with boiled egg, papaya som tam and BBQ pork served with vegetables.
Getting what the local eats is the best way to experience their culture and lifestyle. I enjoyed the dinner especially the pork leg, it was YUM!!
It was all about discussion and planning for tomorrow’s itinerary that first night. Due to the protests, most shopping malls closed for business and there shouldn't be many places we can go. The sight-seeing wats are all located near the government buildings where protestors were active. Out of no choice, I agreed Nat’s suggestion to Koh Samet...
