We’re still stuck in Bangkok!!
We planned to leave a few days ago but there is a delay with the processing of customs paperwork for our motorcycle. The official line being that a ‘dangerous goods certificate’ is still to be issued by the Thai authorities. We’ve been told it should all be completed by tomorrow, but it’s hard to know what the truth is…

We crated the motorbike a few days back. It took a few hours, but we managed to fit the Africa into a crate measuring 1.5cbm (61cm x 206cm x 113cm).

It wasn’t easy and meant taking off the crash bars, both wheels, front forks, windshield, rear rack and handle bars.

The crate was so small in fact, that we were charged for the gross weight of the bike (instead of the volumetric weight). Something that (the agent said), had only ever been done for a Goldwing! It’ll be interesting when we put everything back together…

Also while in Bangkok, we had Iza’s boot repaired…

… and a haircut for Kamil from a lovely young lady.

Overall, Bangkok has been a depressing experience for us.
Over the week or so that we’ve been here, its been made clear just how much of a tourist trap Bangkok really is! Thai hospitality has been replaced by a burning desire to milk tourists out of every last dollar they have. From overcharging cabbies and crooked tuk-tuk drivers, to scheming tour agents, gem scammers and pestering shop owners. Everyone’s out to get the ‘white guy’!!

They do have a sense of humour though…

So, having covered 7,300km around South East Asia…

…we fly out tomorrow to Fukuoka and begin our long awaited Japan adventure!!!