Our final two days of the trip have been spent getting organised for the journey back to Europe. The main priority was to get the bikes packed up which turned out to be very straightforward thanks to another great recommendation from Tim and Tina. We took our bikes to Velo Thailand, just around the corner from our hotel, where they were cleaned and boxed up within a matter of hours. The store had lots of great parts and accessories for the bikes that we were tempted by and we were reminded that cycling can be an expensive hobby!
(Collecting the bikes from Velo Thailand)
(Nicky's box ready to go)
In the evening, we returned to a restaurant for dinner where we had had a lovely meal with Annegret and Norbert, Paul’s parents, when we were all together in Bangkok back in October, at the very start of our trip. It was special to be there again and to take in the beautiful riverside views.
(Kites flying near the Grand Palace)
(Temple of the Dawn, the view from the rooftop bar)
Today we did a lot of walking, hunting for a few last minute purchases and some edible goodies for the flight. We wandered through a bustling food and flower market, through Chinatown and a couple of Bangkok’s big shopping malls. We hopped in a taxi to return to the hotel and had a bit of a chat with the driver about the protests that have been happening in the city for the past five months. As we drove through the streets, he pointed out the barricades and army check points. He also told us a bit about himself. He has seven children, all boys, two of whom are twins and three of whom are triplets!! He did a pretty funny reenactment of the delivery of the triplets. He described his wife as superwoman and we didn't doubt him.
(It seems the paddock to plate movement is taking off in Bangkok too)
(Fresh food market)
(Flower market bargains)
(Unusually orderly behaviour at the train station)
(Barricades)
(Army station)
We could not leave Thailand without one last Thai massage. It seems like there is a massage business on every corner in the city which can feel a little overwhelming when it comes to choosing one. We found a place near to the bike store that was run by some friendly people and we both enjoyed the treatment we received. We certainly felt all the sore points that we had picked up on the road.
This evening we had our final dinner at a nearby restaurant called the Joy Luck Club. The lady who was running the restaurant cooked up a delicious dinner, as well as our breakfast for the morning and two meals for the plane so we can bring a little taste of Thailand with us, at least for some of the way. We fly out tomorrow morning, heading for new beginnings in Europe. We will leave Bangkok hoping for joy and luck in what lies ahead.
(Joy Luck Club)
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