I managed to get in around 10:45 pm local time last night into the Bangkok international airport. For the second time in as many flights, I was "randomly" selected to go through a secondary screening while boarding the plane. In Seattle, the went through my bag quite thoroughly, scanned me with a wand and put my shoes through the x-ray machine. In Japan, I had to take off my shoes, and the woman just opened each compartment in my bag and glanced in, I probably could have had anything in there and it wouldn't have mattered. Talk about a security difference.

Speaking of differences, Bangkok and Tokyo are miles apart. As soon as I got out of security, people were asking me if I wanted a taxi or if I needed help getting a ride. Thank goodness Erik had done the flight the night before. IF you want to get downtown, take the airport #2 bus, and get off at the last stop Khao San. It costs 100 bhat (about $3) which I am sure is much less than any of those taxis were. Now it was dark for my bus ride to downtown, so I didn't get to see much, but from the route we took, it is a much, much dirtier place than Tokyo (I know that's kind of obvious, but it really is). In Tokyo, there really isn't a spec of garbage anywhere downtown, here there were trash bags on the side of the road, stray dogs wandering the street and you could taste the smog when you inhaled.

Once I got downtown, I managed to find the hostel we were staying in quite easily, and once I got there Erik and I went down for a drink. Now, this street is packed with tourists. The bars were full of people and the streets were alive with vendors everywhere. We just ended up having a beer, (cause they stop serving at 1), and then went back up for some sleep. People here approach you and try to sell you stuff all the time though. I was asked if I wanted a taxi ride any where, some sort of food, or a "some company for tonight" all withing about an hour.

I'm only gonna be in Bangkok for another day and a half and then we're taking the bus up to Chang Mai to visit somewhere a little less crowded. I will however spend the day exploring the city, Erik has suggested a Tuk-Tuk ride where a guy taxis you around for two and a half hours taking you to various shops and sights. He gets a commission if you buy anything, (which I probably won't), but it'll be a good way to see the city.

Talk to you all soon!!

Drew