Pattipongpong

Ok.. Trip to patpong on first eve for some shopping and a drink was very insightful. If you ever want to teach your kids about the birds and bees, send them on over to patpong markets. Never seen so many sex devices, porn movies, photos and sex shows thrust my way ... No escaping it and not aimed at any particular age category either. Everyone, no matter your age gets something pushed under their nose...bad marketing strategy really lol..

Day 2 got up and had a good morning feed, with the aim of visiting some of the temples and the grand palace. Took the metro into town and was going to walk to the riverside and grab a ferry to the grand palace. Even though we'd been there before the temples and palace remain mesmerising. The metro ride went off without a hitch, but then, as usual, my internal GPS malfunctioned and the 1 block walk turned into a few and on my last turn found myself in Chinatown instead. Go with the flow as they say, and ended up strolling through the markets and back lanes taking in all the beautiful preparations taking place for Chinese New Year.

From Chinatown into a Tuk Tuk and on my way to Wat Po I was. Arrived just in time to meet all the tourist laden buses unloading as well .. Jippie what a treat .. Not!

Decided to skip the reclining buddha and take in the grounds and many temples instead, however not before dropping by the massage place on the grounds to make sure I got in before the rest of the tourists. Number in hand and many pics later it was my turn for my long awaited massage. Bliss..

My masseur took me to the building next door where they have about 40 to 50 people being massaged at any given time. As I was getting ready to flop on the mattress a gentleman comes out of the changing room without a shirt on, beer belly out, and wearing the obligatory fishermen pants ... Sans undies.. Yes they can be revealing.. His poor old masseuse trying to remain tactful tells him it might be better to put his shirt back on, to which he replies 'he's more comfortable this way'.. The room went quiet at the double faux pas this gentleman was committing and massages got underway. About 30 mins into the massage we suddenly hear the masseuse in question ask 'can you move one thing so I can apply pressure'.. Well as you can imagine the room broke out into laughter as we all had an idea of what thing needed to be moved for the masseuse to be able to apply pressure near the groin area! Gold!

After the relaxing massage I made my way down to the port and caught a ferry to Bang Lumpu and had lunch at Roti Mataba, and Indian Thai fusion place; recommended on various sites and in my pocket guide. The place certainly didn't disappoint! From here on to Khao San road for a quick glance, a drink and back to the hotel. It's a shame really what the Khao San area is turning into.. You surely can't miss finding it.. Just look out for venues offering pizza,pasta and schnitzels as only options on the menu and you're there..ohh and of course the loud, rude and abnoxious people that go with it. You know.. the ones expecting 5star service on a $2 budget.

The evening was a short stroll over sukhumvit markets, a quick dinner and early turn in as the Earthwatch expedition was set to begin. More about that later..