Bangkok

After our two test results were negative, we checked out immediately and moved to our regular hotel in Bangkok for the last two nights, where we stayed two years ago. Due to Covid, only one out of the 4 complex buildings is in operation. There is also no breakfast anymore, which we could still have in the beautiful courtyard with the Koi pond two years ago. Two years ago, the street was bustling with people and there were plenty of small cafes, pubs, etc. This year, the street is completely quiet and only a few establishments are still open - one closed shop next to another, no more life in the neighborhood.

Even on Khao San Road, which is usually full of tourists and almost impassable in the evening, it doesn't look any better. Finally, we found a reasonably nice restaurant for a late breakfast on a parallel street.

There are actually enough restaurants, but personally, I am bothered when there is music playing, especially if it is loud.

During the day, the noise level is still bearable, but in the evening, it becomes a real problem. Because everywhere, there is music playing. And when there isn't, the neighbor's music is booming over.

We didn't find a cozy restaurant with a quiet atmosphere in the evening.

Due to the still noticeable travel fatigue and jet lag, we were not able to do any big activities, which is why we spent the afternoon at the hotel pool with a view of the neighboring temple grounds and the city.

We spent the evening with the aforementioned long search for a quiet restaurant, which unfortunately was not very successful.

Out of curiosity, we took a detour to Khao San Road afterwards. Through an adventurous small alleyway, we reached the evening tourist hotspot, where the beats and drums from the speakers were blasting our sensitive ears. In every shack, the speakers were booming so loud that you couldn't hear your own words. Anyone who reduces the volume by just one decibel has already lost against their neighbor.

Everyone has actually lost because there is nothing to earn. Every shop sends its people out into the street to recruit the hardly existing clientele. They wave their food and drink menus in front of the few more or less interested people, hoping to lure some paying guests into their establishments. I found all of this to be extremely absurd, not to mention disturbing, and a declaration of war to all senses - that's why I wanted to get away from there as quickly as possible.

We treated ourselves to a drink in a quieter corner and returned to our rooms amazed by this assault on our senses.