Another Bangkok Day

I'm sitting on the terrace of the hostel, looking out into the alleyway, which is actually a bit squalid by European standards, watching the neighbourhood children playing with their hula hoops and their parents preparing food - both the families opposite run food stalls at night in front of their homes.

I had a constructive morning, booking travel and accommodation, finding a post office, getting laundry done, etc, and then went to Lumphini Park again - much quieter than on Sunday and a lovely place for a walk and a breath of fresh air. I saw a nine foot long lizard - there are quite a few there of varying sizes and a local told me they were Komodo Dragons but they're not - I don't know what they are but the big ones are scary.


Sticking with reptiles, this afternoon I went to the Snake Farm, which is attached to a research Institute which looks into Rabies and other tropical diseases, as well as researching snakes and extracting thier venom for treatment. They also have an educational exhibition and they lay on a very entertaining show where snake handlers bring out their cobras and vipers. I decided if I didn't have my picture taken with a python round my neck I'd regret it. Just across the road was a lovely temple, which anywhere else would be a main attraction, but here in Bangkok it's run-of-the-mill.

Tomorrow evening I set off for Krabi and the beaches and islands of the Andaman Coast. I had my hair cut here the other night for the first time since September.