One night in Bangkok

So I'm in Bangkok, it's 5:15am, and I've spent a night out on the town. I wrote a bit in my journal on the (extended and delayed) train journey over, so I'll include that here later.

After suffering a little from 'ATM syndrome' (starting to think that everyone wants a withdrawl) on the way from Ayutthaya to Bangkok, after getting ripped off yet another 100 baht from a taxi driver between the train station and Khao San Road (Bangkok Nightlife District) I ended up in Khao San Road with the card of a Guest House recommended to me by two Chinese backpackers I met at Ayuttaya railway station (one who played flute).

On ending up in Khao San Road, this random seedy looking Thai guy who looked and was built like a Muay Thai Fighter asked me where I was going. I showed him the card to the guest house that had been recommended to me by the Chinese Backpackers and the associate who was with him and knew some english said he would take me there for free. Against my better judgement, I followed him down a dark alley, where he ushered me onto the back of his motorcycle, before speeding off at about 50 kms down a series of more dark and deserted windy alleyways about the width of my parents hedge, as I held my extemities as close to the centre of the motorcycle as possible. Suddenly, we came to a stop in the middle of nowhere and the man began to make a phone call. Thinking the end was nigh, I listened to him say a few words in Thai, before he sped off again, through some even more dark, deserted and windy alleyways, before coming to an abrupt halt.

As I contemplated what it would really feel like to be properly mugged and have all my stuff stolen, he indicated a doorway to the right, and there it was, the sign welcoming guests to the Pailin Guest House, the very same Guest House fitting the description given to me by the Chinese backpackers. The propriator of the guest house was up and waiting for me, as the mysterious motorcycle rider had phoned in advance to warn her of my late arrival (the train was delayed so it was 1:30am in the morning by this time).

I got off the motorcycle and he clapped me on the back. "Welcome to Thailand my friend" he said, before speeding off into the inky blackness.

With a huge sigh of relief and immense gratitude for the mysterious stranger I followed the Guest House owner up the stairs to my room. For 170 baht a night (just under $7 NZ) it is beautiful and just what I needed. Certainly one of the best places I have stayed in so far. I'll include photos later.

Juggling Balls

One of the other things I did tonight was buy some juggling balls. After initially enquiring I was told the price for one set of juggling balls was 550 baht, but for me I could have the special price of 450 baht. I counter offered with 200 baht for 2 sets of juggling balls. The offer was declined and so I walked away. Still wanting the juggling balls however, I walked back after a couple of minutes and made a counter offer of 250 baht for two sets of juggling balls. The guy said no, explained they were very good hand made juggling balls, and pulled out three to give me a demonstration. I gave him another offer of 350 baht for two sets of juggling balls which he accepted. I'm still wondering if I could have gone to 300 baht but they are very nice juggling balls and they'll be good at work when I get back.

After the conclusion of the sale of the juggling balls, and some demonstration that I was too a fellow juggler, the ball seller and his friends asked me if I wanted to drink. I sat down and we all drunk together. After 4 shots of Thai whiskey and an hour later with them I'm feeling somewhat less stable on my feet. I'm still in one piece however with all my stuff and am now about to head back to my hotel room.