Trying to Leave Bangkok

18/4/2011

Task 1 – post some un-necessaries back to NZ.  Understand how Thailand Post works.  Walk in watch people look stupid proceed to point at things, get box, address it, point a few more times, look dumb, get electronic plastic wrap thing around box, hand over 1600 baht *(~$75).  Hoping it will arrive home.  Think I might be doing another lot later on.  Man I will definitely be harsher packing next trip!

Task 2 – new handlebar bag.  Unfortunately I broke my handlebar bag mount and it just wasn’t quite cutting the mustard constantly slipping forward so it was out with the old and in the with the new and out with the cash.  Stink. I don’t wish to share the cost but it’s Ortleib (all the had to offer) and definitely blown my budget.

Task 3 – say hi at the NZ embassy and check to see if border crossing to Cambodia open.  Reasonably assured it is.  I don’t want to be back-tracking.

Task 4 – leave.  It was now 1pm and a bit behind time.

Well surprising enough it was considerably easier to get out of Bangkok compared to arriving.  I did now have some very vague local knowledge after my 3 days there though.  First road I went down took me to a dead end and I ended up cycling through the Thailand Tobbaco Company… not sure if I was allowed to do that.  Very tobbacoy smell.  I’ll take the road around the harbour (Bight of Bangkok) should be easy to follow and not too busy.  Well it was bloody narrow and took me through or right next to the Port of Bangkok and there was a constant stream of vehicles mostly massive truck and trailers.  Awesome.  Was keen to get video footage while riding but I had already changed my undies and didn’t want to again.  There was a stage I was riding between supports of a trailer… not ideal.  Screw this turned off early and main highway the rest.  There is sooooo much traffic in Bangkok even over their new year!

Crocodile Farm:

This was pretty cool.  Some super friendly staff at the gate that put my bike in its own wee park and kept an eye it for me.  Lots of Crocs and a random array of other animals to see – hippos, elephants, snakes, lizards, tigers, leopards, monkeys…  was sad to see there were three tigers in a circular cage not looking so happy – I wouldn’t be.

Elephants – they were putting on a show.  Dancing to music, ten pin bowling and walking a tightrope, incredible!

A Ten Pin Bowling elephant

Tightrope walking

Crocodiles – again a choice as show.  Instructors hitting them with sticks and what seemed to be agitating them, then they would put their hand in the crocs mouth, then the arm, then yes why wouldn’t you….

F me.  They looked at me and I think they said for me to come and try.  I was happy sitting and watching with two arms and a head.

Mosquito net used for the first time that night, it makes you feel invincible when inside.  Stayed in Bang Poo. Hmm wonder what the English translation is.

My sanctuary - yes I do have pants on!