'150 Bhat' says the concierge.
'150' says the cab driver.
Until we're pulling out of the hotel pick up area in a cab that smells like a frying pan. Then things change.
'Happy, happy, too much happy' the driver says bouncing up and down in his seat out of sync with the kareoke-like Thai music that is everywhere all the time.
William thinks he is confirming: 'how much will this cost us?'
The cab-driver-on-speed thinks we're opening a new negotiation.
'200 Bhat - no meter!'
'Ok'
Meter off
Pedal flat
And we're off at a heightened frenzy through rush hour Thai traffic
'Too much happy no massage' yodles the driver
William looks for the seat belt
'No no' the driver's delighted 'no belt I slower'
But he doesn't slower at all
The cab driver is stoned
I have can't stay awake even through screaming horns and leaping pedestrians
We're on our way to meet Poonna and her husband Kurt in a little food vendor alley
We make it alive - happy happy too much happy no massage.
Never mind 'can we drink the water'
How about 'Should we eat here?'
We do!
Bbq pork, wantons, crab and chinese noodles all stirred up with fish sauce, sugar, chillie powder and vinegar.
Yum
'Can we drink the water?,
Doesn't matter now.
Desert is next - in the store next door - pink, green, beige jelly balls float in shaved ice (can we drink the water here?) coconut shavings and milk and Chinese Tea in aluminium cups.
Another cab to the hotel - with meter - only 85 Baht. I'm so tired.
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If you are still in Bangkok and have a bit of free time, I highly recomming the Jim Thompson House and Museum. It is located on Soi Kasemsan (2) Song, which is opposite the National Stadium on Rama I Rd. Someone at the desk of your hotel can write the name of your destination and directions. Hand the paper to a tuk tuk driver and enjoy a very special treat.
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