The Hike (12-13/11/08)

WEDNESDAY 12TH NOVEMBER

Don't know how but managed to get up at 7am for the rest of the programme we had been set for the two days. Got up to a fried breakfast; or so we were told. It turned out to be, wait for it, two slices of cold toast and a smattering of butter, topped with what looked like one scrambled egg and one slice of cold tomato. The tight bastards. I didn't even get real milk in my tea, I had to make do with shitty coffeemate. Anyway I digress.
The next part of our trip was to a national park to see seven waterfalls, supposedly the most beautiful in Thailand. Sound I thought, a nice stroll and a bit of fresh air to get rid of my hangover. Turns out it was a 3km (1.5miles for those of you who like me are still on imperial.) trip up hill. I'm never gonna moan about walking up Gonerby Hill again. It was worth it in the end though, there were some little monkeys up there who stole Marsha's (the Canadian girl-keep up.) coconut oil and promptly ate it. Thieving Gypo. Also last night she told us that when she went to a ping-pong show, one of the balls hit her.
Went back to Bangkok for the third time in six days, this time again for one night. I'm getting sick of the place, 4 days is enough for anybody. It's dirty and smelly and it suffers from capital city syndrome. One more day though and we're heading north.

THURSDAY 13TH NOVEMBER

Another bright and breezy start, 7:30am this time. A quick breakfast, which is again cold other than the fresh cooked eggs and toast, I'm starting to think that Thais don't like hot cooked food. We're then off to travel on Bangkok's highly inefficient but cheap railway service. The train was on time and we're off to Ayuthaya the former (but still cultural) Capital. Our ticket inspector was about 13 at a guess. I know they start 'em young here but still, 13?
Arrived at Ayuthaya station and got a tuk-tuk to the hotel. 50B, it's already cheaper than Bangkok and my wallet likes it. The hotels got a swimming pool so I'm as happy as the proverbial pig. Had a wander around the town, it's nowhere near as fast-paced or congested as Bangkok and the taxis and tuk-tuks don't try and rape your pockets as soon as they see you're foreign.
Went for a swim in the pool, it's not heated. Now my nipples could cut glass for at least a month. Went to bed after another nice meal (i've only had one bad one.). We've got to be up and out for nine.