Thailand (Day 5 cont. and Day 6)

Day 5 cont.:
While waiting for the train, we decided to expore Bangkok. After a delicious lunch of Pad Thai Shrimp (Pad Thai is a local noodle dish), we headed toward the spire of a Wat (temple) that I spotted in the distance. After exploring the Wat, we headed towards China town. In route to that part of the city we met a Tuk-tuk (Tuk-tuks are three wheeled vehicles powered by a motorcycle engine. They are named after the noise the make. Google them for a picture :)) driver that was quite friendly. He offered us some green mango. I thought it was alright, but Mike seemed to love it. "Max" the tuk-tuk driver told us that he could take us back to the train station and also show us a Wat for "a dollar" (everything was in dollars after he found out we were from the USA). I asked "do you really want a dollar?, or do you just want one dollar in Bhat?" He said, "do you have a dollar?" "Yep." "Great! I will give it to my wife as a souvenir." We jumped in the tuk -tuk and were off. It was quite the ride! The temple that we visited was pristine white and gold. We were there for a few minutes before leaving. Max wanted to take us to a clothing shop where if he brought tourists he got a "free gas card." I had read that Tuk-tuk drivers would try top take tourists to shops for things like this, but we agreed since he was so honest. He actually said, "I get a free gas card if you stop here, just look and don't buy anything. haha!" He gave Mike the tuk-tuk keys while we went inside. After that he drove us around the city a bit and back to the station. I gave him the dollar and a tip in Bhat, but found out later that he had given us a good deal. I think the giant backpacks help set the tone of "budget," but of course everyone appreciates tipping on top of discounted prices. A little before five we boarded the train for our 16 hour journey to Trang in South Thailand. Mike and I bought a cabin with beds, so we could sleep.

Day 6:
After the train ride we arrived in Trang a little after 8 in the morning. We took a Tuk-tuk across the town to the bus station where we bought tickets to Krabi (Krabi has no rail connection). The bus ride to Krabi was about two hours and was filled with children, monks, locals with goods, but no other tourists. In Krabi we were offered a taxi, but decided to go with a songtaew (pickup truck with bench seats in the bed). Our driver was an old Thai man with hair as white as snow. He was quite the wild driver. After picking up two other locals he headed for Ao Nang (where we are staying for a few days). Along the route he picked up several more tourists and locals and at one point had his truck loaded with 14 people! We arrived at Ao Nang and checked in to the hostel. The room is quite nice with two small beds and an out door bathroom attached. Ao nang is situated on a stunning beach with bright blue waters and vivid tree lined cliffs and islands jutting up out of the sea (Google: Krabi Thailand for a picture). Today we explored the beach, got a massage, and had a nice dinner. After catching up on emails, we will probably go to a local bar for a beer or two.