Happy Thai New Year.

Hello everybody.


Arrived in Thailand on the 5th April, it was sad to say goodbye to our Indian shack and the lush beach. We stayed one night in the capital of Goa, Panjim. We set out to do some cultural stuff there so we saw one Portuguese Church, got a little bored so got a domino's then went back to the room and watch LOTR (Lord of the Rings if your not a fan). We flew from Goa to Mumbai and had about 5 hours to kill. We found this taxi and asked him to give us a tour around the city. Mumbai was an assault on the senses. It was mental, the waves and waves of people, shacks, buildings. Quite surprised we survived the taxi journey as people would be flying in at all angles on bikes, cars, tuk tuks etc. We did make it down to the Gateway of India which was quite cool. Got back to Mumbai International, waited in the most uncomfortable chair of all time. Then went through to the other side, great airport 9/10. Enjoyed the KFC and games arcade (basketball shooting and need for speed). Started to get stomach cramps again, which wasn't enjoyable. Flight over 3/10. Felt terrible and turbulence.


ANYWAY, finally got to Bangkok then got a two hour taxi to Elzzzy's grandma's. (Pattaya City) Arrived to the palace that is Elzzzy's grandmas (Judy) and her husband (Paul). They were very hospitable and the shock of seeing a bed with sheets, pillows and a duvet was almost too good. Oh and the en suite, air con and pool. I still wasnt feeling right after a few days in Pattaya so went to the hospital there which is similar to a 5 star hotel. Saw Dr. Sompote and told me to leave him a present in a jar. Then he delivered the news that I have parasites AND bacteria in my intestine which is quite rare. So he then sorted me a prescription. He gave me an assortment of pills, handing them out like sweets. Had to take 20 a day! So the next few days were quite chilled for us. Went to a pretty cool aquarium where we all held a iguana! Then went to this elephant sanctuary where we got lifted up by an elephant trunk, exquisitely trained. Also went to this huge Golden Buddah and released these birds as its good luck. Then I got blessed by a monk and the three words he said to me were "Lucky, Money, Chelsea"..... Thought that I had buddah on my side for the United game. Unfortunately a certain Wayne Rooney shattered my dreams. Had some lovely grub in Pattaya, including the feast of a barbeque that Elzzzy's grandma laid out for us. I was on a strict diet (no dairy, seafood, spicy things or booze). We went out to this famous street in Pattaya called "walking street". You may have heard of it from tv programs such as Banged up abroad or Trouble in Thailand. It was certainly a great experience. If I were to have a penny for the amount of seedy fat bald men I saw with good looking Thai girls I would be a very rich man. Because we are all young innocent men (and harri!), we did get a lot of attention from Thai girls on the side the street. I would certainly stick a question mark on a few of them and check their orignal birth certificate. Anyway after a week in luxury it was time to get stuck in too Bangkok.


Arrived in Bangkok, staying in Lucky house. Met up with some lads we met in India so a large session was in order. Although was still on anti-biotics which was a bit annoying, but still had a jokes night. Its Thai New Year at the moment (Sonkran), its a 5 day festival where everyone swarms to the streets and has a huge water fight. You can't not step out of your room and get drenched. We invested in some water guns which was so key. We have had 4 days now of being completely drenched, it was fun the first few days but the novelty is slowly starting to fade. The first day was mad, ice cold water, chalk, loud music, beers. Lasts all day and night. Today we had a sweet day, went to the Grand Palace. The architecture was fantastic, then elz , harri and I decided to go on a little boat trip. We went trough all the back cannals of Bangkok which was awesome, people live on a bit of metal held up by wooden posts. Then the driver took us to this snake farm. The animals their hated life, which was quite sad. Terrible conditions but great snake show. Harri and Elz held snakes. Touched a King Cobra, that was good enough for me! Harri had it round her neck (Mental?) Off to Chaing Mai tomorrow for some rural thailand life. Enough city life for now. Will enjoy a bit of silence. Going to do some elepahnt trekking and hopefully see those women with long necks. ( yes you can call me Bruce Parry from now on).


Love to all x