Day 1: Acclimatizing to Bangkok

All things considered, Bangkok is a pretty easy introduction into this part of the world (I was going to say third world, but I don't think it qualifies anymore). It is clean, modern, and English seems to be the unofficial second language (as far as you can expect, anyways). It is not the full-frontal assault that I experienced while arriving in Dehli last year (an amazing place and I loved it, but you definitely feel the culture shock when you arrive).

We began our day exploring the environs around the backpacker ghetto that is Khao San Road, got rained on (again), then had lunch at a street-vendor stall - it was an amazing lunch, and only cost $1.50 for both of us!

After a 3 hour siesta, we headed out to wander around Siam Square, then went to the Suan Luam Night Bizzare. It was OK but seemed very touristy. They had a big stage and some group singing Thai pop songs and the beer gardens in front were populated by tourists.

In both places, we tried looking for an umbrella, but to no avail; store here are incredibly specialized: one selling shoes, another shirts, another cell phones. One sold windows and another curtains, but no umbrellas.

After that, we headed back to Khao San Road. What a gong show! Last night and this morning, it was quite subdued. In the afternoon, it became a little more busy, but nothing prepared us for the sea of humanity that it became in the evening.