08.30 The morning light comes in through the window. We´ve just experienced one night in Bangkok. Today we will find out what the city has to offer during daylight. There will be a lot of walking but we intend to take plenty of breaks. First thing out will be to go downstairs for some breakfast.

10.06 We are back from the breakfast which was served one floor under us, a breakfast which took some time to order. Christer´s rice and chicken became a soup with rice and something else. There is also something wrong with his camera. There are stripes on the photos and that is not good. Bangkok isn't filled with stripes.

The Odeon Gate, the start of Chinatown in Bangkok.

Chao Phraya Express, a good way of getting through Bangkok.

11.43 Below us is a stone bench, a stone bench we are sitting on and wondering how the boats are running and working on the Chao Phraya River. We walked here through Chinatown. "The station" or pier is called Rachavongse.

12.29 We asked a female police about the boats but she answered us about the ferries crossing the river to the other side. We intend to go with a passenger boat along it. Christer finally found a lady selling tickets. We just missed the first boat. We missed it because I didnít move fast enough in thought and legs. No harm done, we just caught the next one. The boat had places reserved for monks. Now we are sitting on the more modern and cool train Skytrain. Our journey goes on from Saphan Taksin where we got ashore. We are going to find out if we can get some new pants and a camera for Christer. The camera just produces striped pictures and the pants have blue dots/stains, a memory from yesterdayís flight.

Christer looking carefully on the Bangkok citymap. We¥re on the Skytrain in Bangkok.

13.10 We needed a timeout and an energy booster. We are at the Starbucks cafÈ in Siam Paragon Shopping Centre. A young lady took our orders in the queue. She wrote it down on small pieces of paper. She gave us the papers but kept Christer¥s muffin paper. We paid to a guy who asked if we wanted our snacks warmed up. I had my thoughts elsewhere and thought he said that they were out of cinnamon buns. We carried on to the serving counter and a third person. This one managed to give us the coffee but not the bun or muffins. These were served by a fourth one and now they had given Christer a hot muffin after all.

Lots of shoppers around in Central World Plaza Mall.

Geographic photo exhibition outside of Central World Plaza, Bangkok.

14.24 The hunt for pants and/or camera goes on. We are in a mall called Central World Plaza. There are plenty of people in here and high prices on most clothes. The clothes might be a bargain considering the brands but way too high since we are looking for some reserve clothing on a backpacker trip.

15.09 We are outside the camerashop Eastbourne at Siam Paragon Mall. We saw the Scandinavian couple from the airport yesterday in the escalator up here. One might think this is a small city but it isn't.

15.24 Christer has done it. He has bought a new digital camera. It was necessary and not too expensive. It came with extra memory card and a small bag. Now we are off to find out how it works. We are leaving Siam Paragon.

Lumphini Park

Citizens of Bangkok taking a walk past the clocktower on their way out from Lumphini Park.

16.20 Above us there is a parasol. Below us are some stone benches. Around us is Lumphini Park. Some youngsters are cheering not far from here and behind me some ladies are sitting down talking. Christer is trying to find out how his camera works. The park is a city lung, an oasis.

17.23 It is time again for some nutrition. We are at Im Thai Noodle bar in the Life Center mall. The theme for the companies in here are health. Here are beside restaurants; health food stores, gym, spa and several clinics. Weíve ordered pork and duck and will drink bale fruit juice. I donít know what bale fruit is. I hope it will be tasty.

18.07 The juice was delicious and the price for the food great, around US$3 each. Now we are going with the metro towards the railway station Hua Lamphong. It is cool on the metro train and most of the things we planned to do today are done.

The metro in Bangkok, very modern but not covering the whole city.

Hua Lamphong, The central railway station in Bangkok.

18.54 At the railway station we tried to find out where the airport buses leave from. It would be nice to know that before our flight on Tuesday. We are far from being any wiser. We are back in our room again though. What hasn't been done today will be done tomorrow.

21.32 We came back emptyhanded after our search for an internet cafÈ. Weíve bought some extra breakfast though. Extra breakfast is great to find if the breakfast being offered is too poor. Now we are at the hotelís only guest computer which is in the breakfast restaurant. Here we will check some useful websites and send e-mails.

22.37 The telephone in the room just rang and I answered it. It was a young lady offering me some massage. I had no need for massage and said no thanks. This is the next in line of strange phone calls on our trips. (5/7 2003, 7/7 2005) ñ How did she know that we were in the room? ñ Is it possible to call straight to a hotel room? ñ Who needs a massage at 22.32? ñ What had happened if I had said yes?

A lonely tuk tuk-driver waiting for customers.

Monday 7th of July

08.18 I am sitting down looking out over Bangkok. I can see houses, trees and other things. Soon we will be out there once again.

09.07 We have walked down to get some breakfast. We ordered the same kind of dishes as yesterday. It is cool here and by the table next to us there is a large French family, mom, dad and 5-6 children. The youngest one is just a couple of months. I am impressed over what they have done, to come to Asia with so many children. There are some people back home who cannot travel anywhere when they have one child.

10.00 Weíve just made a new "to do-list". Time to go out and do what we¥ve written down

10.32 Two jetons have been bought from two different machines. Now the two of us will go two stations by the metro. We will get off at Si Lom station.

An ordinary day in the Bangkok traffic.

11.37 Weíve asked about tomorrowís airport bus and we got a satisfying answer from a tourist informer in a small booth. What we thought was the entrance to it was actually the informerís private entrance. We carried on after we had received this information and now we are sitting down again. Between Christer and myself there are two cups of coffee, two glasses of water and two pastries. We are at Ka-Tak cafÈ. Here we will find out where we shall head next. Well, we will also drink coffee and eat pastries. They are really beautiful ones, different layers of sponge cake and some kind of fruit. The short end of my pastry is also marbled.

Christer taking a break at Ka-Tak CafÈ.

Collecting plastic.

King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), king of Siam 1868-1910. He also visited Sweden during his reign.

12.43 We walked past Chitralada Palace where the king Rama IX or as his true name is Bhumibol Adulyadej lives. He can be seen on pictures all over the city. Weíve now reached Dusit Park Zoo. Here we will look at animals in cages. In front of us a curious turtle is looking at us from a pond. A dorsal fin just sliced through the surface of the pond. It might have been a dolphin? To visit a zoo has become a tradition. Last year we went to the zoo in Port of Spain, Trinidad (18/7 2007)

13.14 To look at animals have made us hungry. Weíve reached Dusit Zoo Restaurant (Wangwana Kitchen) for some lunch. Ice cold soda is perfect for the throat on an all but ice cold day. Before we sat down we saw a free ranged lizard of the larger kind, probably a water monitor lizard. Had he escaped or did he just visit? He or maybe she most likely lives in the big pond of the area.

Not every animal is in a cage.

14.22 During our lunch we saw another lizard, most likely of the species water monitor lizard. Now we also seen deer in different colours, hippopotamus and bears. We also looked at an air raid shelter from World War II when Japan controlled Thailand. Now we are having some soft drinks to cool down before we carry on.

15.00 After looking at reptiles in several sizes and colours inside a reptile house, we¥ve walked out again. As we got out we had to seek shelter from the rain. It is hot and humid today.

15.11 Weíve just relocated. Weíve sat down next to a monkey cage. The rain keeps falling and it feels like our day is pouring away. Will we be able to see all the things we planned to see in Bangkok?

There are no smoking animals at this zoo.

Very popular hippos at Dusit Park Zoo.

The crocodile gang asleep.

15.57 The time has come to leave all the animals behind. We took a quick glance at some giraffes, elephants, flamingos and some other creatures before we left. Now we are back on the streets to see more.

16.46 Weíve walked down to the river. It was a long and humid walk here. Now we are at the Thewet pier awaiting the boat that will take us down the Chao Phraya River. There are countless of sheatfishes in the water. They are eating the bread that¥s been tossed down.

Lots of strange fishes in the Chao Phraya River.

17.06 We are onboard the boat, Chao Phraya Express (http://www.chaophrayaboat.co.th). It is plenty of people here. We are going in a tremendous speed down the river. The occasional stops are for just a few seconds. They are controlled by a young man with a whistle. Whistle, moor, let people off and on the boat, whistle and off we are. I guess he whistles to the driver.

17.48 The boat took us to pier 9, Tha Chang. From there we walked to Grand Palace and the temple of Phra Kaew. They both were surrounded by walls and people like us were not welcome, people in shorts and shirts with short sleeves. Now we are resting on a stone wall. It is time to get something to drink again. A monk were withdrawing money from an ATM outside the 7 Eleven were we bought our beverages. Inside we saw another monk who bought some ice creams. Weíve actually seen ice cream eating monks before, (1/7 2002).

Wat Pho, Bangkok.

Thanon Phahurat, a street in the Indian part of Bangkok.

18.53 We've just made a new stop before getting back home. It is time for dinner at K.P. Suki at Yaowaraj Road 233. Before we got here Christer bought two pairs of shorts for 398 baht (about $ 11).

21.38 Weíve added fluids both on the inside and outside. Out in the streets we once again felt the stench of durian. Not even the fumes or the scent from the food stands were able to keep it away. Now the phone just rang again. This time it wasn't about massage. It is Shu Ming checking up on us.

22.35 Weíre sitting down in the restaurant/coffee shop. We had coffee and Christer has gone back to the room to get his postcards and this journal. On our floor there was a lady around 40-50 years old. She wore a green dress and murmured something about massage.

Tuesday 8th of July

06.35 Christer just said, and we actually pay for this? I have to agree with him. The room is paid for, the beds are nice and we still get out of bed this early! But on the other hand we will miss the bus if we sleep in. Now it is time for breakfast.

08.07 The check-out was smooth and we had no problems getting to the metro station. It was there we ran out of luck. The security lady wanted to check our backpacks. Just a quick look and she was pleased, all that she had seen was our toilet bags. The train left the platform just as we got there. We didnít mind that because the next train rolled in the next minute. We are onboard, the train hoots, the doors are closed, and just one station left. We are far from the only tired ones here.

08.19 Vehicle after vehicle passes by. We are standing and waiting for the bus to the airport. We know there is a bus each half hour. The one we are waiting from left the starting point at 08.00. Has it already passed? Should we have taken the tuk tuk that stopped here? Is it possible to go by tuk tuk to the airport? Will we be forced to take a taxi?

08.49 Half an hour has passed and we remain at the same spot. Still no airport bus in sight. This isn't nice. Is this really the right place?

08.52 I had barely written the last thing before the bus showed up. I hope it is the bus to the airport.

09.17 We are the only passengers on the bus. A man got onboard at Central World Mall. He sold us tickets. Now we stopped to fill up with petrol. The driver with assistant just got off. One of the pumps has E20 Plus Gasohol written on it. I wonder what that might be. Can it have something to do with ethanol and the amount of it? The staff at the petrol station is filling up and taking care of the bus and cars.

09.25 The driver returned and drove to a parking lot. Here he got out and ran to a small booth. I think he might need to take a leak. Now he and his assistant are back and we are rolling again. We jus drove by a drive-through ATM. Have we become so dependent of the car that we canít even walk to with draw money?

10.28 Christer just gave med an advice. Never have leek for breakfast. The taste of it remains all day. We are in the departure hall at Suvarnabhuni Airport and filling up with fluids.

11.24 There is no row 13 on this aeroplane. We are getting used to this. Weíve taken off for a northern destination. The staff has greeted the passengers in a Thai way. The palms together in front of the chest and a slight bowing. We are flying with Air Asia towards Chiang Rai.

We have landed at Chiang Rai Airport.

12.41 Today's air meal was a ham- and cheese sandwich with coffee. It cost us barely 100 baht, around US$3. I am looking forward to change home area. Nothing is booked where we are going. But we¥ve got one place in mind.

13.27 We touched down along mountains halfcovered in rain clouds. You canít get much further north in Thailand than this. Weíve arranged with a place to stay and transport there at a counter. All is paid for and we are on our way in a mini bus towards the city centre.

13.33 I canít believe this! Weíve stopped for petrol filling again! Here in the country it is both 2008 and 2551. The latter one has some connection with Buddha. Is it birth, enlightment or death?

Taking a look at the neighbouring houses and their roofs while waiting for the rain to stop.

13.57 Our new home is the hotel Diamond Park Inn (http://www.diamondparkinn.com) in Chiang Rai or as it is spelled in Thai เชียงราย. We were driven to the door and were met by a guy with a huge umbrella. The rain was and still is pouring down. We are sitting covered from all of this in room 314.

16.22 Weíve spoken about different things. It is easy to lose control over where we are. It is time to go out and check the premises. Dripping from the roofs and birds singing can be heard from outside. We are on our way out to confirm that we are still in Thailand.

17.49 I just had enough. Screw the rain, letís get the umbrellas and get out seeing more. We need to get something to eat.

This evening was lost in the rain but the pizza was good.

18.14 It is still raining and we are at Da Vinci Pizzeria. It is time for a pause from the Asian food.

19.33 We finished our dinner and kept looking around our new neighbourhood. The rain and wetness made us go back home via the classic 7 Eleven. Weíve brought with us evening beer and snacks. Weíve also bought washing powder and instant coffee for the future.

22.07 The evening has been just as lazy as the rest of the day. There is still some rain in the air outside.

Wednesday 9th of July

08.52 It is just one month left before we¥ll fly back home again. I guess we have to do the best out of this.

09.25 Weíve just had breakfast in a small building outside of the hotel. Most of the other tourists here seem to prepare for some mountain expeditions with 4W vehicles. We are a bit sceptic to such events after all the rain yesterday. The weather is better now though; the sun is on its way.

Our hotel in Chiang Rai, Diamond Park Inn.

11.00 It is time for the eleven oíclock coffee. Weíve sat down at a small cafÈ and realised that a sun without clouds in front of it tares on us. Before this we just walked around. Weíve seen the Wat Jet Yot temple which is situated behind our hotel.

12.36 We did some surfing on the net after the coffee. We checked about things from home and about future accomodation. It is time to make up plans for the afternoon. It is drier and sunnier today.

The buddhist temple Wat Jet Yot.

Taking a walk along the tourist street Thanon Jet Yot i Chiang Rai.

13.44 Most of the afternoon is planned. First we will have lunch at The Old Dutch. Weíve ordered beef/chicken with curry and pineapple. The place has a dark brown cosy style. Some older gentlemen, Dutch, are sitting outside having beer.

14.19 It was a lot, delicious and spicy. The drinking Dutchmen havenít stopped but the rain that came has so. Time to head on.

14.55 It is time to get some cultural experiences. We are at Hilltribe Museum and Education Centre. We are watching an information movie about the different tribes here in northern Thailand. Weíve also looked at a lot of unique objects from the different tribes. We were unfortunelly not allowed to take pictures. The tribes that were presented were among others; Akha, Hmong, Lisu, Karen, Lahu and Yao.

15.51 Weíve learned more about the different ethnic groups. One of them had a tradition that the man had to pay to, or work for his future parents in law. They gave him his money back if she left him. I guess it was some kind of deposition fee. Now it is time for coffee at Cabbage and Condoms at the ground floor of the house. The coffee was included in the ticket.

Waiting for a presentation about the hilltribes of Thailand.

Hilltribe Museum and Education Centre in Chiang Rai.

17.33 We are back in the room to calm down. On our way from the museum we passed a school, the market area and the bus station that we will be leaving from tomorrow. On the TV BBC World News keeps repeating the same news and announcement over and over again.

19.11 It is time to go out again. We need to get a home for tomorrow and also some food. Just a pity that it is raining.

20.38 Weíve arranged with a new home. It is in Chiang Mai and was arranged via internet through the excellent page hostelworld. Now it is time for dinner at Muang Thong Restaurant. The prices are incredibly low. Our main courses cost 40 baht and the beverage a ten. Total cost 50 baht, around $1.50 for the dinner. We are in a small place in street level. It seems to be run by a family.

21.32 The bill came and the prices had skyrocketed. It was a 50 percent raise on the beverage. It suddenly cost 15 baht. Total amount became 110 baht (US$ 3.14) for the both of us. Now we¥ve bought evening beer, snacks and food for tomorrowís bus trip. I will not pack this evening. That can be done tomorrow.

23.08 It is time for evening beer, at least for me. We donít know what Christer is having. It is called Siam Sato and tastes more like wine. We have to find out what it is.

Very cheap and very good food at Muang Thong Restaurant in Chiang Rai.