Bangkok 1

We had a good fast train trip down to Euston where we caught the tube to Heathrow, this time changing at Leicester Square instead of Green Park which we did on arrival. The station porter told us that there would be a much shorter walk doing the Leicester Square option although we can't verify if this is so as we've already forgotten how far the walk was at the Green Park station!
We had quite a bit of time to fill in at Heathrow so we were able to take our time wandering around the shops, having some Italian (food!) to eat and then sitting back to read or people watch. Didn't manage to see anyone we knew!
The flight to Bangkok was smooth on the whole and we were lucky to have a spare seat beside us for the first time in years so I was able to lie across 2 and actually get a couple of hours sleep while Len managed to do the same sitting up. The Thai food on this leg, yellow thai curry plus other bits, was also especially nice. Bangkok airport was busy but we were met by a rep, Lin, from Hotelbeds so it was no problem getting to the Belaire Princess where we were upgraded to a superior deluxe which meant that we had 2 kingsize beds, a large office desk and room to swing lots of cats - so different from the B&Bs in England and probably little more than half the price. The hotel was great, as was it's swimming pool, and we found it a treat to have our luggage carried everywhere for us.
On the way to the Hotel Lin had persuaded us to go to the Calypso Cabaret which she said was the best show in town and a "must see". She said she would take us to the sky train and tell us how to get there but somehow she ended up coming with us on the train and then a boat down the river to the venue, at our expense (which was very little). It turned out that she had a friend that she wanted to visit in the same area so maybe that's why she suggested the show but I have to say that we were pleased to have a guide in the steaming throngs of people - such a interesting crowded, traffic-jammed city!

Silicon Valley!?

The Show"girls"!

Prior to the show Len and I had a very cheap Thai dinner at one of the busiest little cafes close by - less than $20 in total for our meals and a beer each and it was nice food. The Cabaret was rather different, to say the least - it's totally an all-male cast with extravagantly dressed beautiful dancers who, after probably several surgical procedures, look more female than most of us authentic ones and are taller than their male counterparts in the show - maybe the high heels - but certainly much taller than the norm in Thailand. The show, whilst interesting, didn't quite do it for me with it's taped music, mimed singing, poor choreography and very weak embarrassing applause from the full-house. Maybe applause isn't big here, I don't know, but to me they did deserve a little more than what they got!

After the show who should unexpectedly be waiting for us? Answer: Lin herself as she wanted to share our taxi back to her place close to our Hotel. I guess she gets to visit her friend for free quite often with suggesting that tourists see the show!