kirktastic

Day One – Bangkok. I arrived on the flight from Tokyo last night around midnight. The JAL 747 had decent entertainment but my coach seat was a little too snug. I hope by this time tomorrow the indentations from the seat in front of me are gone. It is was a little warm. There weren’t little AC vents and it had to be 85 in there. I tried to sleep but the warmth kept me awake. But great service on the flight. You really don’t appreciate how bad the flight attendants on American Airlines are until you fly on some other airline.

We arrived at the brand new airport in Bangkok and I was surprised we had to get bussed into the terminal De Gaul style. Immigration and customs went well. When you exit the area after customs you’re swamped with people wanting to get you a taxi. Scores of people. Instead I did as recommended and went to the official airport taxi stand which is on the 1st floor and is poorly signed [or perhaps the throng of independent touts are blocking the signs]. Anyhoo. I get in the taxi and we to the hotel in about 30 minutes. Traffic on the expressway was fast and we didn’t really hit traffic until we exited near my hotel on Sukhumvit Rd. Lots of cars, motorbikes and tuk tuks. Tons of people on the streets.

I check into the hotel and within 10 minutes of getting to room I’m asleep and didn’t wake up until noon. I did manage to break a glass as it fell from my bedside table onto the marble-ish tile. That’s nice for blindly having to get up in the night, but I managed to avoid any cuts.

It is hot here. Like Houston hot. That magical combination of heat and humidity that makes my sweat ducts open to full blast and not turn off. It is pretty special.

I just got back from a trip to the MBK Center. I took the the Skytrain overhead train. It is very new, everything is signed in Thai and English and easy to navigate. And has cold AC. MBK is immense. Lots of people and every possible item you’d want. Including an iPod nano with a Sony logo. Lots and lots of knockoff products. On one floor there are tons of mobile phone shops. Some of the phones are as small as a pack of matches. I’m sure they’ll sell them in the US someday. I got a pair of overpriced sunglasses to replace my old overpriced sunglasses.

World Tour Minibar Price Check: 325ml can of Diet Pepsi is 45baht ~US$1.25. WOW. Cheapest mini bar soda I have found anywhere. Only a quarter more than it would cost in a vending machine at home. I wish it was Diet Coke as I don’t drink Pepsi products. But Bangkok appears to be a Pepsi town.

Did I mention it is hot? I’m waiting out the heat of the day before going outside and exploring some. Even though it is 4am at home, I don’t think I’m jet lagged. Coming off the cold — the cough is still around I should be one of those people wearing a mask — and the long flights and no sleep for 28 hours, I’m exhausted.