Man who walk through airport turnstile backward going to Bangkok.

So here it is. Part 1. Numero Uno.  The first of (possibly) many entries to come.

I'm writing from my macbook in my room at Lub D; a hostel bang in the middle of downtown Bangkok where the old Royal city meets the new modern Metropolis of sky-trains, shopping centres and tokyo-style fluorescent signs.

The hostel is a great metaphor itself for the clash of old and new. The exterior architecture looks like an old warehouse or factory set-up while the fresh and funky interior, designed by Bangkok's finest, fits perfectly inside. Sliding glass doors, faux concrete walls and corrugated plastic roofing keep the industrial feel without sacrificing the safe, sterile feel that so many travellers look for. Aircon and free Wifi in every room is the icing on the cake.

It has been a few days now and honestly, i dont have too much to talk about. After our 11-hour flight from Heathrow and 6 timezones, our body clocks were thrown so far out of sync that we ended up sleeping for most of our first full day here - venturing out only for drinks and a quick and easy pizza! Not like we could have done much else with the rain. 

The weather has been a challenge, to say the least. We were greeted at the airport by thunder and lightning as our plane landed and the humidity has been a constant 75%, so there have been plenty more storms and monsoon-like downpours. I've been keeping an eye on the forecasts as we wont be heading down to the islands if the storms continue. Instead i'll rearrange our flights and head north to Chiang Mai sooner.

In the meantime, Cass and i are living like locals rather than tourists. So far we've avoided many of the common tourist traps and attractions - partly because of the weather, but mainly because we've been here before. A giant golden Buddha or a Royal temple, glorious they may be, will never be as memorable the second time round. Though i'll confess we did return to Gullivers, an overpriced but comforting bar in a soi off of Thanon Sukhumvit aimed specifically at backpackers missing the comforts of home. I had my first taste (this trip) of authentic pork & chicken Pad Thai, while Cass opted for the more reserved french toast. She's trying to avoid any ham or bacon until the swine flu fuss has diminished. I'm just trying to avoid starving.

Well i hope that wasn't too painful a read for you, and if it was then i hope you're all healed in time for part 2.

Sawat-dee!