Just like I remember

It isn't hot hot! I love it already.

We come out of the airport and are accosted for taxi rides. We have read the book and have been here before and know these folks to be gypsies. We need a minute of "fresh" air and a quick cigarette before we head into the chaos. Again and again we are asked again and again to take taxi. We continue to decline, again and again.

We find the right taxi line and get into Bangkok without hassle. Victor suggests staying at the hotel above where we like the foot massage. I think we should stay at Suk11, the hostel a block away. Great price, good reviews and looks nice, all teak and plants...We go and get an airconditioned room with private bath and king sized bed in the heart of Sukhumvit for all of $24, tax and breakfast included. It is a large, but plain room and fits the bill just right. We like this neighborhood. I muse that it is too bad they don't have email or online reservations or we would have been staying here for our whole Bangkok trip.

We look for our regular tuk-tuk driver from last year but don't find him. Considering the outrageous price we paid to get home every night last year, I am sure if he was in the area he too would have recognized us.

The neighborhood is otherwise the same. Cheap Charlies is bursting outside its imaginary boundaries with many people enjoying the cheapest beer in town. We stop in our British Pub, the Pickled Liver. The owner Nick recognizes us and gives a cheery Hello. We have a beer and promise to return Thursday for a round of trivia. (Certain to lose!)

Dinner is around the corner, Italian and sitting at the window for more people watching. In front of is are two English men with two Thai girls who are having a blast. We enjoy their antics. They are buying baubles and trinkets from all who pass in the street. Such fun!