Smiley Cabbies and a relaxing day in Thewet

Thursday 7th Jan: We left Changi airport at 3 pm and landed ahead of schedule in Bangkok, which was a promising start. However, having had a fish ball noodle soup at the airport before departure, my tummy was telling me that something was not quite right. Nonetheless, we got into a cab and headed off to Thewet, which was described as a chilled, family friendly place for the over 30s which was really more down our alley than the Ibiza-esque area of Khao San. NEVER in my life have I met such a smiley cab driver. As we zoomed down the highway and passed the tolls, Thinkanon ( I think his name was) suddenly stopped at the road side, turned to us saying 'sorry sorry mam. sorry sir' and ran off to the rest room as he was pretty desperate to go! After relieving himself, we went on our way to Thewet, passing the crazy tuk tuk and general drivers on the road as we reached our destination.

Thewet is in the Northwest part of Bangkok city and is located next to the National Library and wet market. Apart from the 7 Eleven, this place really was sleepyville, lined with a couple of chilled guesthouses that welcomed anyone and everyone to stay for a night or three (as long as you take your shoes of, of course).

Our chosen guesthouse is clean, our room is an ensuite and really looked like something our of a chalet in the swiss alps! Allowing ourself the luxury of aircon, we have now extended our stay there until tomorrow (Sunday) as we feel pretty much at home down this particular Soi.

On the first day we took time to adapt to our surroundings, had some phad thai, fish and rice for dinner and just relaxed. Leon and I were feeling a little groggy and I was waiting for my stomach to settle, so it was an early night for us. For the first time in my life, I tried out earplugs to get some shut eye, but unfortunately getting a room facing the road meant that we had to endure the honks of the passing traffic below and the procession of children in the morning (we didn't realise there was a school very close by!) However, at least we got some sleep and were ready to do the touristy things in Bangkok on the Friday morning.