The reclining Buddha - Wat pho

Everyone told me, 'when you go to Bangkok, make sure you see the reclining Buddha'. My tolerance for temples and pagodas where's somewhat thin, after you see the 20th temple. Now they are all incredibly beautiful and spiritual places of worship, and for these reasons, I feel uncomfortable sometimes about visiting them.

I really think that some of these temple should be preserve for what their original purpose was, in saying that, a lot of temple are also a place to bring people to tether and share experiences, so I don't feel all that bad...I guess.

So, I hired a tuk tuk driver to run me about town. I know, most people stay away from them, but if you can find a nice one and agree on a price it can be a cheap and easy way to see Bangkok.

So for 500baht (about $15AUD) I had my guy scoot me around to all of the sites. He warned me at each attraction...'Sarah, stay away from Thai pele trying to sell stuff...just keep walking'. So, with his words of advice still hanging in the air I entered into the Reclining Buddha.

To get in it will cost you 100baht (about $3AUD).

Now there is a lady that sits at the entrance with blue bags... I swear I thought she was trying to sell it to me... Mix that with my deafness and I just 'kept on walking' only to have someone grab me and yell...' hey you white girl take a bag and put your shoes in it'

I was actually awe-struck when I entered the room where the reclining Buddha relaxed in its horizontal poise.

Cute kids in Bangkok

I couldn't resist! Some of the cutest little faces! I love seeing their face as show show them the picture you have taken on your camera.

Bangkok and traveling alone

I'm just going to get straight to the point, sometimes travelling by yourself can be extremely lonely. I mean, don't get me wrong. I love the freedom to do what you want, when you want, with out having to think of what the other person wants. But, when I think about it, that is what makes travelling fun.

As I pulled away from the airport in Bangkok, I sat in the taxi gazing out of the window, waiting for it to hit me... But it didn't. It made me a bit sad, so I told myself to snap out of it. And then it dawned on me, I was excited, I just had no one to share it with so I couldn't outwardly express my emotion.

I wanted to hit the city the next day, and this is where I kick myself. You see, the hotel staff were amazing. They assisted me in showing me maps of the area and where to walk to, they even helped me arrange a tuk-tuk to pedal me through the streets so I could catch all the photo opportunities. But, still, having no one there to share this experience with was a little weird, and this is why I normally stay in hostels. They are full of solo travellers looking for new people to hang out with and share some memories... I mean, don't get me wrong, it's nice to stay in a hotel for a change with a king bed and your own bathroom... It just lacks the drive.

This city has so much to offer - and I would prefer to be able to recant the memories later with an old or new friend. So my advice, if you're a solo traveller and you like hotels but want the vibe of a hostel either...

1. Find an up market hostel with a private room
2. Mix it up stay a few nights in a hotel and a few nights in a hostel! You'll meet great people and have a ball!

I found Bangkok to be completely safe to travel as a solo female vagabond.The Thai people are extremely friendly and don't hassle you, like many other SEA countries. Its actually nice to walk through a market or down the street and not have someone try to shove some cheap tourist souvenirs in your face.

Those who say 2-3 days in Bangkok is enough - I say... No way! I could easily spend 2 weeks in the city and the outer skirts exploring and really getting to know the old and new 'capital cities' of Thailand, yes - Bangkok is the 4th capital of Thailand! The older areas are full of beautiful architecture and culture that you wont find if you hover too long and too close to Khao San Road.

People say, stay away from the tuk-tuk's, but I say - go for it. Negotiate a payment first. I paid a guy 400B (that's about $12 AUD) to take me to all the sites and drive me around for about 6 hours! Now I would normally walk - but it takes a few days to get use to the heat in Thailand - So $12 to acclimatise and see the sights sounds pretty good to me!

Bangkok is full of this to entertain you - the 'weird', the 'weirder' and the 'really out of this world weird',  awaits for your exploration.

One thing I have to mention - Anyone who has been anywhere in SEA will probably agree with me. I love the idea of their 'kip'. It seems, whenever anyone feels like they need a nap, they just lay down and take it - no matter where they are. I mean I have seen people sleeping on bamboo scaffolding, Car hoods, portable hammocks, a chair placed randomly in the street... Kudos to SEA napping!

The Rocks Markets

Markets... most of them are free to visit, they are always in cool places/venues/ Always have good food and you're out and about walking getting exercise. Markets = Winning.

Set in Sydney's historic 'The Rocks' location, the equally named 'The Rocks Markets' takes place every weekend.

With a wide variety of homewares, trinkets, Australian souvenirs and food, you'll be sure to find something that you like... or just walk around and have a stickybeak.

Its a great FREE way to see a small bit of Sydney's history and shop at the same time.

If you're driving - Leave the car at home and catch the train. Get off at the Circular Quay stop and walk towards the bridge - you'll soon find the markets. Parking will cost you... A LOT! best go with the public transport for this one!

www.therocks.com

The Victoria Room

Mix high tea with the British Raj era, add a dash of opulence and a touch of class and you will find yourself at the Victoria Rooms in Darlinghurst, Sydney. Take yourself back in time and allow yourself to be waited on in style as you dine on mini morsels of cake goodness, tea that takes you to a place of yester-year.

Their high tea is served from 12-5 and there are three different levels.

Classic - $45 per head
Emerald - $55 per head
Sapphire - $60 per head
Diamond  - $65 per head

Each different High tea has a different alcohol served with it, pick which one you fancy!

All the waiters/ress' are very professional, attentive and dressed to impress.

Its such a lovely atmosphere, you will never want to leave!

Art Gallery of NSW

After a bit of culture? A bit of inspiration through art? WE either love art galleries or hate them. I am a lover of art galleries, I've been to some of the most famous ones in Europe, the UK, Singapore and China. Dont be too quick to dismiss how awesome our art galleries are in Australia. I think going to art galleries in AUstralia in an experience in its entirety. That is, the grounds of our art galleries are always stunning, and most them are situation with a far bit of land around them, allowing for a lovely stroll to take in the surrounds.

The Art Gallery of NSW is just beautiful. Set amongst the outskirts of the city centre, it gently falls onto the botanical gardens.

Most Sydney siders don't visit as frequently as they should, or, haven't visited at all.

You don't need a full day to visit, but I would save a good half day - Walk to the gallery from Hyde Park in Sydney - Its a lovely walk.

What's even better - if you're on a budget - It's free to enter!However, if there is a specific exhibition on, there is normally a charge to view.

My favourite thing is the Auslan guided tours. Check the galleries website for dates and times.

www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au

Love Miss Tilly Devine

Amongst the back back alleys and sides streets of Eastern Sydney awaits a wino's dream bar. Hidden from the hustle and bustle of the city life is Love Tilly Devine. Bringing a bit of Melbourne to Sydney (in my opinion) and gracing our lips with some of the most decadent wines, Love TIlly Devine is a hot spot for a night out in Sydney.

The wine selection will blow your mind. Boasting an impressive selection from all around the globe, there will be a wine to match you!

Not a wine fan or don't know a lot about wine? Never fear - the hosts and hostess' will listen to what you may or may not like in a wine and perfectly match one for you. I mean it! They will. Each time I have been they have hit the nail on the head.

They have a small bar menu, but it is of the highest quality, just enough to line your tummy and accompany the wine list.

It is not cheap, but I mean come on - your paying for good good good wine here. Make it a cheaper night though by going with a group of friends and opting for a bottle rather than per  glass.

www.lovetillydevine.com