John: Hi, Sandra, I haven't seen you for ages! You have such a nice tan. Where have you been?

Sandra: Oh, hi, John! Thanks for the compliment. I thought you knew I was in Thailand. I came back only yesterday.

John: What a contrast it must be in terms of the weather.

Sandra: Yes, it's rainy here in London. When is it going to stop, I wonder.

John: The weather forecast is not very promising, I'm afraid. It says it's going to rain for a week or so.

Sandra: Oh, God.

John: At least you've soaked some sun in Thailand. So, tell me everything about your trip. Did you go with your parents?

Sandra: Of course! My mum loves the seaside holidays, you know, so she chose Thailand this time. The sandy beaches there are perfect and the sea is so warm and calm.

John: Oh, Sandra, I'll never believe you were lying on the beach the whole time. Did you see any places of interest in Thailand?

Sandra: Well, I couldn't travel around much, because my parents wouldn't let me do that. The only trip they agreed to was a trip to Bangkok.

John: So, what did you think of Bangkok?

Sandra: It's the capital of Thailand. In my opinion, it's a city of contrast. I was impressed with it's tall glass buildings, but behind them you will see the life of the locals much like it would have been a hundred years ago or something. I mean the canals, of course.

John: The canals? Does Bangkok have any canals?

Sandra: They were built in the middle of the 19th century and they are home to many Thai people, who live and work there. As for me, I especially liked the floating markets there.

John: That sounds very interesting! What are these floating markets like?

Sandra: Oh, they are fascinating places, very colourful indeed! There are four such markets in Bangkok, as far as I remember. They are very noisy places. You must come early, like 6 am, because when the buses with tourists come, it becomes overcrounded, so it's best to shop early.

John: Did you buy anything there?

Sandra: I've bought some tropical fruit and local food, just to feel the atmosphere of this place, but they sell not only food but also hats, silk dresses, shirts and whatnot. My mum bough a pink silk dress.

John: Thank you for your story, Sandra. The floating markets in Bangkok seem to be a perfect place to feel the spirit of Thailand.