Back in Bangkok....

Alvo was up very early (about 5am) due to a number of bowel launches so needless to say we were awake when the alarm when off at 6.30am to head to the train station. We were hoping that reception was open as our washing was not picked up by our guesthouse yesterday when we went out. Of course the only staff there were ones who could not understand us so the young lad went and got the English speaking lady out of bed. She phoned the laundry and as we suspected our washing had not yet been picked up....argh. So a young boy headed off on a motorbike to get it as we started walking toward the train station. We met him on the roadway with our washing and made it to the station with 10 minutes to spare but we were not expecting the train to be on time and we were right.....it was almost an hour late but that gave us time to watch an episode of Wonderland while we waited. We boarded the train and off we went, headed back to Bangkok. Alvo fell asleep almost straight away, I guess her early morning squitty bum has seen her have a lack of sleep. About an hour of so into the trip I needed to use the bathroom and using a squat toilet is a challenge at the best of times so using one on a moving train was a bit of a challenge but I conquered. While I was away the ladies selling food wandered up the aisles and Alvo bought me some spicy pork and rice which was fantastic and she opted for the corn filled waffles. It was nice to sit back down to breakfast. I could not resist when the lady with crispy fried chicken came past and don't mind eating it as I know that I can not get the same thing back home so a good grease and oil change won't hurt and of course Alvo got some chicken sticks. I wrote yesterdays blog as we were back late last night and then started on todays. Alvo received good news yesterday of Chloe getting a job to see her through until the new contract with her current mob starts up again so she is now a little more relaxed about that side of things. Danielle keeps posting count down comments on our facebook too....I think she is missing our old house and am sure when she picks up the keys from the real estate next week won't be able to resist a sneaky visit on her way home. The train seemed to be faster than the other day and didn't stop anywhere near as many times so we got to Bangkok in good time and walked back to catch the ferry. The river was very choppy today and it looks as though there has been quite a bit of rain. On the way across the river I saw a lady on our ferry praying, I know it's rough but I didn't think it was that bad. Ok, now to get a taxi to the klong pier. One bloke wanted 200 Baht ($7) and wouldn't put the meter on claiming there is traffic jam so out we got and bartered with a tuk tuk driver instead and struck a deal at 80 Baht (just over $2.50) and off we went. It wasn't long and we were at the pier and on the klong where we got off at the end of Tamara's street and walked the final part of our journey back to Bangkok. We stopped in to the 7-11 of course for a cheeky bevvie and some soda water for Tamara as she is home today with a migraine. We rested until Tamara woke up and we met her across the road friend to go for coffee. Cherrie is a parent of one of Tamara's students and she is lovely with a polite daughter who speaks English, Thai and French.....and she is only 7 years old. We went to a dessert cafe that is famous for their ice cream, they even have soy ice cream. Alvo ordered a macadamia chocolate cheesecake and a hot mocha, I had a latte on soy, Tamara opted for the honey toast with ice cream and Cherrie enjoyed chocolate crepes and ice cream with her daughter.....yep, it was full on. The waitress got one thing from our order correct and they even buggered up the bill twice....but it was an indulgent treat. We parted from Cherrie and headed to see Bella the dog before going to Soi 38 for what they say is some of the best street food in Bangkok. Although the street is quite short there is no shortage of food. It is the start of the 10 day vegetarian period in the Buddhist belief so I had to try some of the many dishes on offer. What can I say, if Alvo wouldn't leave me I would turn vego excluding the crispy fried chicken of course, it was delicious and spicy. Alvo and Tamara had some pork sticks and then we moved on to another restaurant to share a crispy pork dish and green mango salad again it was great. We wandered up the street for a while before heading for home, Tamara is going to get a massage and I am going to see my coconut water and ice cream lady on the way home for morning supplies and a treat. She did not disappoint, I love coconut ice cream. At home we showered and then enjoyed a bevvie or two before turning in for the night. We are heading to the big markets tomorrow so need some rest. Tanya xxx.