Thailand Our Holiday Paradise

By Sandra E. Jeavons

This book has been written from my holiday journals and it is my thoughts and opinions that have been expressed throughout the book.

I have enjoyed all my holiday adventures inThailandand throughout our several trips have always enjoyed the company and friendship of the people that we travelled with. Our friends and family mean the world to me and to be able to share a holiday with someone that you care for is a privilege and each and every holiday holds a special place in my heart as does each person that we have shared a holiday or more with.

Along the way we have learned some history and some interesting facts aboutThailandand its people and culture, we have made friends that we treasure and we have lost a special friend in Soonee who passed away this year. Soonee will be sadly missed no longer a familiar sight onPatongBeachbut we will never forget her she may be gone but not forgotten.

There are so many more adventures that Raymond and I have had but I have not included them in this book as well as adventures to other Asian places, this is not because they were not as important or special but simply lack of space and time.

My friends and family thank you for allowing me the pleasure of your company in our adventures to our holiday paradise and I look forward to enjoying many more holidays with each and everyone of you.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris AU
• Release date: Jan 22, 2013
• ISBN: 9781479768226

Sandra E. Jeavons

Sandra Elizabeth Jeavons was born in the southern suburbs of Sydney in August 1952 the eldest daughter of Ron & Nancy Stafford with her younger sister Julie they lived with their Nan Isabella Broadley and their Uncle Alan. Sandra gained a lot of strength from her Nan and Uncle they were the people that influenced and encouraged Sandra to follow her dreams the three spent many hours together their relationship was very close and special they instilled a character in her that she will always be grateful for and total belief in her and her passion for writing. Sandra married Raymond in June 1973 and they made their home in Penrith NSW they had their first son Andrew in 1975 followed by Mathew in 1978 and finally their daughter Kylie completed the family in 1980. Raymond moved the family to Sussex Inlet on the South coast of NSW in 1981 to run a small country milk run being very successful and moving back to Penrith in 1985 for the children to complete their education in Sydney. Sandra then commenced work in the health industry working in clerical and management roles until her retirement in 2009. Writing and travel have always been a combined passion and over the last 20 years Raymond and Sandra have travelled Asia extensively. Sandra keeping journals and documenting all their adventures and now in her retirement years she has decided to put together all of her travel journals into a book. Sandra and Raymond still reside in Penrith where their three children live Andrew with his wife Salli and their two children Connor and Kaitlyn, Matthew who is single and Kylie and her husband Wesley and their daughter Georgia and a new baby expected in the new year. Sandra enjoys spending time with her grandchildren. Sandra and Raymond look forward to continuing their travelling and having a lot more adventures.

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Copyright © 2013 by SANDRA E. JEAVONS.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

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CONTENTS

Dedication

Characters Of My Book

Prologue

Chapter 1

Stuff It Lets Do Thailand

Chapter 2

Bigger And Better The Second Time 2000

Chapter 3

After The Tsunami 2005

Chapter 4

Return To Phuket 2008

Chapter 5

Redundancy And A New Life 2009

Chapter 6

Thailand With A Toddler 2009

Chapter 7

Songkram 2010

Conclusion

DEDICATION

To my family & friends whom I have travelled with over the years I thank you for the good times and all the laughs we have shared without you this book would not have been possible. I thank you for making my holidays so enjoyable and look forward to sharing more travel adventures with you all

CHARACTERS OF MY BOOK

Raymond

My Mr Ray is my husband of some 40 years he is my grey headed gentleman and at 61 still has an infectious personality with striking brown eyes which glisten when he is up to mischief. While these days he is a little overweight his body is still tanned and reflects his outdoor working life and his Maltese ancestry. He is a very sociable person who endears himself to everyone who meets him. He has a friendly nature and is always helping others.

Sandra

I am a small statue 60 year old lady who has short auburn brown straight hair. I have a reserved personality until I feel comfortable with my surroundings and take a back seat to my very sociable husband always feeling like I have to be the sensible one. I enjoy having fun and I love travelling. I am a little overweight these days for my 1.53cms height and walk with a slight limp on my left side compliments of the broken ankle suffered in Thailand a few years ago.

Kylie

Kylie is my daughter who is a strikingly beautiful young 32 year old who has short dark brown hair and eyes and a carefree personality. Kylie is married to Wes. Kylie is forever busy doing something she is quite petite and very slender for her 1.54cms height and endears herself to her many friends she has more than a few freckles on her face and a lovely tan inherited from her father’s Maltese ancestry.

My daughter that I am truly proud of she is my world

Wes

My son in law that has been in the family now for many years a tall slender figure who has several tattoos on his arms and leg he is a giving and caring person one that will go out of his way to help anyone. A wonderful father to Georgia and devoted husband to Kylie. I know Wes will always be there and I can rely on his support and help. I am proud of his achievements and look forward to what life brings to him. Wes holds a special place in my heart.

Georgia

My cheeky little grand daughter who is the apple of my eye she is mischievous and smart and can easily pull the wool over your eyes within a flash. She is tall at 1.30 and has mousey coloured long brown hair with sparkling brown eyes she can be difficult and stubborn at times but has an endearing personality and extremely inquisitive and keeps everyone on their toes. Georgia enjoys dancing and swimming but also enjoys staying at home chilling out. Georgia is full of questions always wanting to know why and how of every situation. Georgia is my little girl who I love with all my heart spending time with Georgia is like a breath of life itself she brings so much joy to my life.

Karin

Karin is my best friend in the whole world. She has an American accent she has brown hair with highlights of red. She is 1.56cms in height and has beautiful green eyes her skin is clear and well kept, her personality is one that is sociable and caring amassing a wide circle of friends always engaged in having a good time. Karin is a marvellous cook and entertainer hosting lots of parties and functions. Her dress is modern and colourful and is always well groomed from head to foot. Karin is very family orientated and adores when she has her children and grandchildren around her.

My true friend through thick and thin through good and bad times we stay true and loyal to each other.

Graeme

Graeme is in his middle 50’s male who is roughly about 1.57cms tall of slender build and has greying short hair. Graeme is known for dressing up and has some ultra ego personalities. Do not let the angel like façade fool you he like Raymond is very mischievous and the two of them together is double the trouble. Graeme is also a very sociable person and is married to Karin. Graeme is fun loving and carefree and has a multitude of friends he enjoys entertaining and with Karin they make the perfect party couple

My friend Graeme is always there for me a close and trusted friend I treasure.

Prof Evil Mark

Mark is middle aged male standing about 1.59cms tall he has brown hair around the base of his head and a moustache. Mark has a wicked sense of humour and a personality to match he can get other people into trouble and it is not until afterwards that you are aware of his involvement. He wears 2 hats one of business when his demur becomes serious and business like focused on the job at hand while the other hat is one of party mode with close friends enjoying one another’s company and feeling relaxed and happy. We call him Professor Evil as he is always in the planning mode waiting his opportunity to strike.

Mark is a very true and close friend one I treasure and hold dear to my heart.

Soonee

A wise Thai lady one who had her finger on the pulse could tell you what was happening in Patong and knew who was who in the zoo. Soonee affectionately known as No.7 she always wore a distinctive Western Australian police cap and her yellow apron she once told me the story of how she got the police cap which was very intriguing Soonee had a hard life and spent it alone after her husband died at an early age. She cared for the many stray dogs on the beach and sheltered them in her home in old Phuket Town. Soonee lived for her work and friends on the beach and had hundreds of friends from all over the world of which I am honoured to say that I was one. Soonee passed away on the beach this July and will be sadly missed and remembered always. Soonee lived for work and worked to live.

Ruthy

My dear friend a lady with a mind for business always looking for a new business or adventure she can do. Lovely Ruthy a lady caring for all. Ruthy is involved in charity work as well as helping to care for her family. My trips to Thailand are always boosted by seeing my friend Ruthy and finding what things she has been up to since my last visit. Ruthy holds a special place in my life and in my heart.

Ann

Ann is a lovely lady everyone knows and loves. Ann is kind and generous and has a heart of gold. Ann is Graeme’s sister and like Graeme is a party loving girl. Her escapades are many and she always finds a friend wherever she goes. I am so lucky to consider her one of my friends I treasure her friendship as it is a special one indeed

Mick

Party loving Mick always out for a good time he is generous and kind and would give you the shirt of his back, He is a regular kind of guy with a lot of living to do. Mick is married to Ann and they a outgoing party couple. Mick is the life of any situation a true gem of an Australian and a great friend

Rita

Rita is a 59 year old who is tall and slender has honeycomb colour hair with striking brown eyes. Rita has an intense character with a probing and interesting personality she enjoys all good things in life. Rita is married to Fred

Rita a friend to hold dear and indeed we have shared a lot good and bad and I still hold her as a friend I can count on.

Fred

Fred is a 62 year old grey haired gent who works very hard he has an interesting character with a personality to match does not have a lot to say but usually has an opinion when asked. A person who holds you at a distance until he gets to know you a mysterious man that over many many years I still do not think I know the true person.

Bev

My very true and loyal friend she is so only short in statue but has a heart of gold she is caring and helpful person with a personality to match but her red hair can fire up a temper when you are not expecting it. Bev is a modern well dressed lady and is always up for some adventure and sometimes she just finds herself in the middle of things. Bev is married to Barney. A devoted wife and mother Bev is mother to two lovely daughters who she is very proud of Ashley and Courtney. Bev and I always have a good time together whether it is at home or on holiday. I would be lost without her as she keeps me grounded and if I am having a bad day it is Bev I talk to for advice and comfort.

My true friend for life our friendship grows stronger everyday a friendship I treasure and hold dear to my heart

Barney

Barney is a tall and sometimes intimidating person for those that do not know him he has a complex personality and can really turn a story he loves a beer good music and a good time. My Barney the guy who loves to relax and get away from the stress of his demanding job. Married to Bev and equally proud of his two daughters Barney is always there when you need a friend we have shared good times and bad but I know I can always rely on him to be there.

A person I treasure as a good friend and trust with my life.

Courtney

A vivacious young 21 year old who I have known since she was a teenager one that I have seen transform from a teenager into a lovely caring and mature young lady. She has blonde hair that is always well kept, Courtney dresses ultra modern she is only petite and poses the loveliest smile which matches her outgoing and vivacious personality

A young lady making her way in the world Courtney is engaged to Chris

Chris

A shy young man who doesn’t say a lot Courtney is loud enough for both of them. Chris a tradesman and keen sportsman has an endearing personality and a caring heart. Chris is competitive and also enjoys a good time. I have seen Chris grow up over the years and watch in anticipation as he starts out on making his way in this world. Chris and Courtney are a lovely couple and ones that I feel very close to I can not wait to see what a stamp they make on the world.

Matthew

My second son who is a complex character and his personality reflects this he can be happy and relaxed or competitive or serious and hard in his views his sport is very important to him as is doing his job to the best of his ability. Matthew is a strong minded person. Matthew tends to hold things to himself and only shares when he is ready to share.

I am proud of Matthew’s achievements and look forward to seeing what is next in store for my son. I hold my love for him in my heart and know that if I need him he would be there.

Andrew

My eldest son one who is sensitive and caring and is always there when I need him. He is hardworking and adores his two children Connor and Kaitlyn and is a devoted husband to Salli. Andrew has a giving and caring personality but do not push too hard or you may see the strong side of him. Andrew enjoys his family life and is my son who I can rely on. Andrew also has a wicked sense of humor.

I am so very proud of Andrew he has achieved a lot in his life so far and I watch to see what is next for him. I am truly proud and love him endlessly.

Salli

My daughter in law who is more like another daughter I have known since her birth I have watched her grow and blossom into the well composed young wife and mother she is to-day. Salli has a very caring and helpful personality which is shown to everyone. Salli is a devoted mother and wife who considers her family first and foremost in her life.

I always know that Salli is there to help and I am very proud of her and adore her immensely. Salli is always in my heart I am truly lucky to have a wonderful daughter-in-law like her.

Connor

My Tsunami grandson born on the morning of the Tsunami I watch and see my little boy grow he is now 7 years old and I see the changes as he now plays sport and loves going fishing with his dad. Connor is mischievous and is a talented story teller he has written many stories all of which are very interesting I can see the talent growing. I love him with all my heart and can’t wait to see what he does in his life.

Kaitlyn

Katie our grand daughter who is always ready to party especially if there is cake and ice cream. A mischievous 4 year old with mousey brown hair and an endearing smile quite and reserved until she knows you. Katie is outgoing and enjoys her swimming immensely. Katie is full of questions and is not happy until the question is answered she has a love of all animals. Katie my baby girl who will always be my baby girl I love her with all my heart.

PROLOGUE

Our friendship with Karin and Graeme began in May 1980 when we moved to Barlow Street. The friendship right from the first day was a comfortable mix that just felt right. We shared many of the same interests and it was not too long before Raymond and Graeme were sailing together on a Saturday that turned into serious competition for the State Titles Karin and I tagged along with the children and enjoyed many a weekend away or down at the Lake watching the boys sail. As our families grew the children were as close to each other as we were and it was like an extension of our own family. Graeme and Karin had introduced as to Mark at that stage and our friendship while casual at first he became an important member in our family the children all loved Mark and looked forward to him visiting. By 1988 our children were old enough to leave and we decided to spend a week in Singapore together the five of us and that was when our Synergy group originated. Travelling to Thailand with Karin and Graeme in 1999 then Thailand again in 2000 with Karin Graeme Mark Ann Mick Andrew and Salli. We continued to travel to Thailand with other friends with Mark joining us on several trips and then in 2007 our friends Bev and Barney joined our travelling party we met them through our daughters’ netball and became instant friends since then Bev and Barney have travelled with us in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011.

CHAPTER 1

Stuff It Lets Do Thailand

Karin, Graeme, Mark, Raymond and Sandra had been planning their first trip to Thailand for months they had poured over brochures talked to people and finally on a lazy Sunday afternoon in February on the verandah at Karin and Graeme’s, Mark made the statement You girls have been stuffing around with this holiday forever, stuff everything lets just do it otherwise we are never going to get there. So at last they all committed to go to Thailand in September. How exciting the 5 of us together again for an Asian Adventure Sandra exclaimed trying hard to hide her excitement, so plans were made to all meet in Parramatta the very next day to book the trip, Strike while the iron is hot Karin said. Sandra had found this little travel agent Asia Travel in the back streets of Parramatta, months ago when she was researching their trip was quite funny seeing everyone all crammed into the small office which was no bigger than a storage room packed with brochures and one tiny desk Anita the Manager introduced herself to us and then Mark put on his business hat and Karin and Sandra pulled out the planned list Anita gasped when she saw what the girls had created over the last 3 months, planning a holiday is hard work Sandra exclaimed. After spending an intense 45 minute consult with Anita our plans were put into place. Mark commented that we had had such a productive morning that we all should go out to lunch and asked Anita to join us for a Thai lunch at a lovely little place he often went to just down Parramatta Mall to celebrate our upcoming holiday. We enjoyed a beautiful Thai buffet toasting our holiday. Anita I think was a bit overwhelmed by the group of friends and thanked us for including her in our celebrations and ensured us that she would do her best to make sure that our holiday would be all we expected it to be plus lots more and true to her word over the next couple of weeks we received confirmation that our flights and hotels were booked and by the end of May everything was booked and Karin and Sandra made the trip into Parramatta to make their final payment to Anita and again she thanked them for lunch and ensured Karin and Sandra that they would have a great holiday and to make sure that we came back to see her when we returned to report back how we had enjoyed it and to make sure that if there was anything wrong to ring her from Thailand and she would fix it, Karin and Sandra thanked her. The two girls were more excited than they could believe and secretly had to put on a front that it was just another holiday. They met regularly on a Friday night to discuss the approaching holiday. There was a lot to discuss money, insurance, transfers and we wanted to ensure that we got it right. This holiday was going to be bigger and better than our previous holiday in Singapore nearly 10 years previously. We were novices at international travel; therefore we needed to ensure that we had everything we needed. The weeks flew by we had had a few large events that took our minds off our holiday Sandra and Raymond’s eldest son’s wedding and then Raymond and Sandra moved house.

Tragedy struck the group of friends three weeks before they were due to fly out. Mark’s father passed away. Mark was not going to make the trip he felt that he needed to stay at home with his mother, the rest of our group were devastated for Mark’s loss and at the fact that he would not be joining them. Graeme and Raymond came up with an idea that would keep Mark in the holiday with them and they both went about planning to get a photo of Mark that they could incorporate into their holiday, Karin and Sandra thought it was a great idea but how were they going to do it. It will be right Graeme demonstrated trust us would we lead you up the garden path he protested, The girls looked at each other and nodded their heads in agreement, right Graeme continued so leave it to Raymond and me this will be great.

Image%201%20Group%20Photo.jpg

GROUP PHOTO

DEPARTURE DAY

The day finally arrived and Sandra and Raymond were packed and ready to go their son Andrew drove them to Karin and Graeme’s house it had been decided that Mark would drive the group to the airport. It was a leisurely morning and they arrived at the airport in plenty of time while Mark was parking the car they strolled down to the booking in counter to find it was open and there was no one there so booking in was great no queue, no hassles with our baggage all through in special quick time with a small hitch Graeme and Raymond unveiled their poster of Mark’s head on a stick and this is how they had planned to incorporate Mark on the holiday with them where ever they went which included checking him in at the counter the British airline attendant was not happy about it but when Karin explained the situation she mellowed and agreed to have her photo with Mark’s head. Just at that moment all our families turned up to wish us well on our trip. Andrew, Salli, Kylie, Jayne, Mick, Amanda, Ben, Sarah, Danny and Neil. The four of us were very excited and it was hard to contain how we were feeling. Toasts were made snacks eaten and then it was time to go. We said our goodbyes and entered the door through to immigration. Turning back to wave one more time Sandra could see both Sarah and Kylie are a little upset which in turn upsets both Karin and Sandra. Raymond and Graeme got into trouble for trying to video Marks head going through immigration and customs but the customs officers were good just told them to put the camera away. We made our way through duty free that was exciting as we didn’t know what to expect and were a little over whelmed by the stock that was on sale changed a little over the 10 years since our last trip. All stocked up with supplies we finally boarded our British aircraft. Again Mark’s head had to be photographed sitting in the seat which would have been his next to Sandra’s and vacant. Taking off from Mascot we could see a baby whale playing in the water off Brighton-le-Sands. Sandra looked at Karin and both girls smiled at each other they were finally on their way, their dream was actually happening.

Our flight was pretty non eventful and the four of us watched videos, read and slept. We were not impressed by the service on board and by the end of the flight we had had enough and were ready to land in Bangkok which was our first stop. On departing the aircraft it can be quite confusing signs everywhere as to which way to go but there was a friendly face there to guide you. Yes we had landed in the land of smiles and we wound our way through the airport easily passing through immigration collected our baggage and entered the arrivals area to find our Tour East representative and there in front of us he was a young Thai man very smartly dressed in a tropical shirt holding a sign with our names, Graeme waved at him and he made his way forward to greet us take our trolley and usher us to our mini bus, as we made our way out of the terminal, the thick humid air hit us like a ton of bricks it was like a curtain had been pulled up and as we made our way to the mini bus the group all commented how thick and heavy the air was with its pungent smells we boarded the mini bus and then we sped away from the airport joining the freeway for our 30 minute journey into Bangkok city, passing small market places, high rise buildings it was like the old and the new worlds on one side brightly lit buildings with neo signs blinking at you while the other side was dark & gloomy with shabby houses Karin and Sandra spotted an elephant wandering through one of the streets and no it wasn’t pink and we hadn’t been drinking.

We are delivered to our conveniently located Hotel Indra Regent on Rajaprarop Road in the heart of bustling downtown Bangkok it is only 500 metres from Central World Department Store, Indra Regent Hotel enjoys a central location in Bangkok’s Pratunam area. It is at the doorstep of the Pratunam Market with its local delights and lots and lots of bargains a true shoppers paradise. It is within 5 km from MBK Shopping Centre now that is one place everyone should visit.

We are ushered into the lobby by the bellboys we were transfixed by the beautifully handcrafted décor featuring a huge marble vase and a huge marble staircase like something out of a movie, wow we are really stunned by just the lobby. Booking in was very smooth the booking clerk welcomed us to the Indra Regent with its traditional Thai grace, hospitality, comfort and convenience. The staff took a liking to the boys pens so in turn for them checking Mark’s head in, the boys gave each one of them a pen and we received complimentary cocktails, we are shown to our rooms thankfully on the same floor the rooms are tastefully decorated and we decide after freshening up we would meet in the bar to sample our cocktails. Venturing down to the Chandelier Bar we are wowed by the Irish coffee cocktail show. We are shown into this dimly lit bar with a character all of its own with its rounded tables with straight back chairs and around the outside there were lounge type chairs with stylish coffee tables. We handed our vouchers to the young waiter who beckons a very young stylish Thai girl dressed in a beautiful gold silk dress with green brocade and hair pulled up in a fashionable pony tail clipped with a brocade clip the same as her dress, she approaches us wheeling a small teak trolley which contained all the ingredients for the Irish coffee. The show of making the coffee took about 15 minutes, the girls are very skilled and we were very impressed as they mixed the ingredients at a height mixed and stirred similar to a scene from the movie cocktail and the final ingredient was the flame and served in a huge tumbler wrapped in a linen serviette. We applaud our waitress she smiles and bows then moves away quickly, to do her show at the next table. The bar was jumping the music loud and the room was filled with tourists and locals alike, the bar manager was up with the band playing the bongos it was a truly different experience but we were very tired and decided after our cocktail we needed to go to bed as tomorrow our day would start at 6am our tour to River Kwai.

OUR DAY TO THE RIVER KWAI

It is 5-30am Thai time on 6th September 1999. When traveling in Thailand it does take a little getting use to the time difference of 3 hours I am awake I think Sandra complained. The four friends make their way down we are lucky enough to be able to grab a cup of tea in the breakfast room before making our way to the lobby to wait for our pick up it wasn’t very long before our driver appeared in the lobby looking very anxious his expression changed to a big smile when he saw us sitting on a lounge waiting patiently. Are you Mrs. Sandra he asked Karin. No I am answered Sandra. So sorry he said bowing his head you ready to come on our big day out Mrs. Sandra. Yes we are ready Sandra answered, My name is Lou I will be your driver you come with me. and we followed this slender elderly Thai gentleman out to a large coach as we climbed aboard we could see that the bus was only half full.

When touring in Asia mini buses are sent to the different hotels to pick up passengers they then meet at the bus terminal where the passengers are transferred to the different coaches for the tours they are going on.

Lou then announced that we would be changing buses at the terminal where our tour guide would meet us it was all a bit much to take in at 6am in the morning realizing that the 3 hour time difference had caught up with us all. We drove through the empty streets of Bangkok stopping at different hotels along the way to pick up more passengers this was a different Bangkok to the one we saw last night Sandra thought as she gazed out of the window there were few people on the streets except for the men and women sweeping the streets, eventually, pulling into this very large car park which was filled with buses of all shapes and sizes. Lou instructed us to stay put until he returned, watching the flurry of people moving through the car park from one bus to another in the early morning cloud it looked a little chaotic and unorganized just then Lou returned holding a clipboard he said If I call your name out please come to the front of the bus and started calling names as the front of the bus filled with people there did not seem to be very many people still seated OK he commanded the rest of you stay here and you others follow me and he departed the bus again taking the confused people with him, by this time some of the others were becoming a little confused and a American sitting down the front of the bus stood up and asked was anyone doing the River Kwai trip of which everyone on the bus answered yes that’s good means we can all get lost together everyone laughed and the ice was broken as people seemed to relax and talk amongst themselves while waiting for Lou to return. Suddenly a Thai lady smartly dressed in a tropical shirt and black jeans with a floral hat appeared at the front of the bus.

Good morning everyone and welcome to Thailand I will be your guide for today my name is Pearl she sprouted in excellent English, now I am going to call your names and count your seats and then we will be on our way. Pearl was a middle aged lady in her forties with graying hair and a beautiful smile she wore no jewellery and her skin was smooth and tanned. Karin and Graeme Bailey Sandra and Raymond Jeavons she called Yes we all answered from Australia she asked of course we all chimed together.

We will leave the car park and proceed out of the city where we will stop so you can get some refreshments for our long drive Pearl instructed through the microphone our driver today is Lou she continued and he is number one safe driver in Bangkok OK lets go and with that short statement she sat down at the front of the bus and Lou was off winding the large coach through the narrow streets of Bangkok which again allowed us to see another side of this massive city with its many facets. It was about 15 minutes later that our coach pulled up into a service station, where Pearl explained you need to get your supplies here, toilet break, hot coffee and tea you have 15 minutes and then we will be off we do not wait for late comers so make sure you are back on time Thank you. Karin and Sandra made their way to toilets wondering if they would be western or Asian oh good Sandra laughed western Karin laughed as the two girls returned to the small shop at the service station Graeme and Raymond had gotten coffee water and snacks to eat on their way. Both girls were impressed and wandered around the small shop exploring the goods on sale, they all exited the shop and made their way back to the bus to enjoy their coffee and wait for the adventure to begin. Pearl took the microphone from its holder and gave a run down of what the program consisted of for the day it was quite obvious that Pearl had done this tour many times before as she flooded us with information about Bangkok Pearl explained "Bangkok is the capital city of and largest urban area in Thailand. It is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, meaning city of angels. Bangkok is by far the most densely populated city in Thailand with about 12 million people. Bangkok was a small trading post near the mouth of the Chai Phraya River during the 15th century. It eventually grew in size and became the site of two capital cities: Thonburi in 1768 and Rattanakosin in 1782.

Because of its strategic location in Southeast Asia, Siam (later Thailand) acted as a buffer-zone between the French and British colonial empires. Bangkok itself has gained a reputation as an independent, dynamic and influential city. Bangkok is the political, social and economic centre of Thailand, and one of the leading cities in Southeast Asia. In the 1980s and 1990s many multinational corporations have now made their headquarters in Bangkok City and the city is a regional force in finance and business. The city’s many cultural landmarks and attractions in addition to its nightlife venues. Its rapid modernization, reflected in the cityscape and the urban society, has left untouched the