Friday, February 18, 2011
Paradise Over So Soon
I can not believe that we are heading home in just a few days! It's weird because it seems like just yesterday we stepped off a plane into a foreign country, not knowing what was to come. And now feeling like locals, we can speak several Thai phrases, know how to haggle with the best of them, and haven't gotten Malaria or Dengue Fever. I am so excited to show everyone our pictures, and we promise to try to keep it no longer than an hour, but we have over 30gigs of memory sticks full....hmmm. Tonight is the ever famous "Full Moon Party" but we are tucked away up north on the secluded beach known as Bottle Beach. We will not be up until 6am painted with glow in the dark black light body paint and drowning on endless Vodka Red Bull Buckets, watching firedancers and drunk blokes trying to jump-rope a firey rope...Swarms of people come here today and leave tomorrow. We were lucky to get a room. Unfortunately we have to share a bathroom which is far behind our beach bungalo. But the view is like a postcard! We hiked up to the furthest point yesterday and had spectacular views of the whole bay. But the hike was killer, an hour of strait uphill, no traversing, and tons of mosquitos....I love DEET.... I guess a little excersise was good after 3 days of lounging on the beach, soaking up the sun! Ah, but to think about coming home is sad. We don't want this to end, and yet, we are excited to see everyone. Real life starts next week. Work mode slowly slips in. And the taste of sunscreen, salt water and Pad Thai will soon fade away. I'll have to make sure to request my 3 months off for our next trip, in 5 years....
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
So much to say...
I am sure that you have all been anxiously awaiting the next update on our travels, and we have much to tell about. When we last left you (our faithful audience), we were about to embark on a dive to see Manta Rays in Hin Duang and Hin Muang and I was trying to avoid reading children's literature. Long story short, we did not and I did not. We did however see giant schools of fish eating other slightly smaller giant schools of fish and the visibility underwater was 200+ feet. Also, the ocean was glassy and calm. The dive leaders commented that they never saw anything like it. It was the best dive we have ever taken. Awesome. Also, I read Matilda by Roald Dahl. It was time to leave Koh Muk and head back to the mainland. We took a boat, a mini van, and a taxi to arrive in Krabi town. We spent the night searching for books and food for the remainder of our Journey. The next day we headed to the beaches of Railay and watched the Rock Climbers thrive in natures playground. We also booked a sunset/night snorkel trip around the limestone cliffs and monolithic islands. The highlight was watching the sunset from a remote island that was an acre at most while eating spicy Thai food and then snorkeling with the fluorescentt phytoplankton, or "Sparkles" as Christina refers to it. This was easily one of Christina's favorite things we have done on this trip. In short, your movement in the water makes the pankton light up. The result is you are surrounded by a million glowing specks in the water. Neat. We also meet a wonderful Norwegian couple and failed to get their contact info. Poor choice on our part, they were delightful.
The next day we were picked up at 6am and headed out to the Jungle for a fishing adventure. The destination was Cheow Lan Reservoir. The lake was HUGE. We took a 1.5 hour longboat ride to get to the floating cabins where we were going to sleep. There we no roads within 30 miles of our location and the only way to arrive was by boat. We ate lunch and immediately started fishing. First we traveled to a river (I never got the name) that feed the lake and started hiking and fishing. Although the fishing was very hard we still managed to catch fish. The jungle prevented clean casts much of the time, and the defensive nature of the fish coupled with the crystal clear water made the fish spook long before you
were close enough to make a decent cast. Each cast was upstream and the guide demanded only a 3-4' drift. Once you made a cast, all the fish spooked. This meant many long casts to fish and only one chance to get them. Together we caught 23 fish over two days the biggest was 16". Christina caught the first fish and the most fish (13). We also fished the lake for Snakehead but were unsuccessfull. The guide was a complete ass and by far the worst I have ever had. He was a great fisherman, but a poor communicator, often walking far ahead and leaving us in the jungle, he also kept all the flys and equipment to himself. In short, we left him no tip.
The jungle is very loud at night, birds, bugs, and monkeys kept the nighttime loud and made it difficult to sleep. Also, we hiked one day 8-10 miles while fishing for 10+ hours and my body ached enough to keep me up half the night. The nature was awesome. We saw 5' monitor lizard, warthogs, deer, toucans, and many other foreign animals. Also, I had my first experience with leeches. I hate them. Christina kept asking me not to remove them until she took a picture. Her pictures are proof of our true love. Those things are gross.
We then made our way to Koh Phangan. It is best known for its crazy "Full Moon Parties" at the Hat Rin Beach. Although our itinerary called for us to make our way to Bottle Beach (a secluded paradise in the Northern side of the island), we wanted to see the Hat Rin area for one night. It was insane. We booked one night in a bungalow for $40 and went out at night on the beach to watch the debauchery. It reminded me of Vang Viene. It was a high octane party fueled by loud music, red bull / vodka poured into plastic sand pails called buckets, and college aged tourists looking for a party. They have a large jump rope that is lit on fire and people take turns trying to jump it (some successfully). We also attended a "Pool Party" at one resort that consisted of all the items mentioned above (minus the jump rope), just in and around a pool. It was one of the better parties I had seen, but as we are far too old for this sort of thing, we watched from the sidelines and went to bed at a respectable 1:30am just when things were getting good.
The next morning we made our way to Bottle Beach (our current residence). It is another perfect place. It reminds me of a better Koh Muk, but there is nothing to do here but sit on the beach and enjoy yourself. We plan to stay here until the 21st, when we will travel back to Bangkok and fly home on the 23rd (we actual arrive on the 22nd, weird). See you all soon enough.
James
The next day we were picked up at 6am and headed out to the Jungle for a fishing adventure. The destination was Cheow Lan Reservoir. The lake was HUGE. We took a 1.5 hour longboat ride to get to the floating cabins where we were going to sleep. There we no roads within 30 miles of our location and the only way to arrive was by boat. We ate lunch and immediately started fishing. First we traveled to a river (I never got the name) that feed the lake and started hiking and fishing. Although the fishing was very hard we still managed to catch fish. The jungle prevented clean casts much of the time, and the defensive nature of the fish coupled with the crystal clear water made the fish spook long before you
were close enough to make a decent cast. Each cast was upstream and the guide demanded only a 3-4' drift. Once you made a cast, all the fish spooked. This meant many long casts to fish and only one chance to get them. Together we caught 23 fish over two days the biggest was 16". Christina caught the first fish and the most fish (13). We also fished the lake for Snakehead but were unsuccessfull. The guide was a complete ass and by far the worst I have ever had. He was a great fisherman, but a poor communicator, often walking far ahead and leaving us in the jungle, he also kept all the flys and equipment to himself. In short, we left him no tip.
The jungle is very loud at night, birds, bugs, and monkeys kept the nighttime loud and made it difficult to sleep. Also, we hiked one day 8-10 miles while fishing for 10+ hours and my body ached enough to keep me up half the night. The nature was awesome. We saw 5' monitor lizard, warthogs, deer, toucans, and many other foreign animals. Also, I had my first experience with leeches. I hate them. Christina kept asking me not to remove them until she took a picture. Her pictures are proof of our true love. Those things are gross.
We then made our way to Koh Phangan. It is best known for its crazy "Full Moon Parties" at the Hat Rin Beach. Although our itinerary called for us to make our way to Bottle Beach (a secluded paradise in the Northern side of the island), we wanted to see the Hat Rin area for one night. It was insane. We booked one night in a bungalow for $40 and went out at night on the beach to watch the debauchery. It reminded me of Vang Viene. It was a high octane party fueled by loud music, red bull / vodka poured into plastic sand pails called buckets, and college aged tourists looking for a party. They have a large jump rope that is lit on fire and people take turns trying to jump it (some successfully). We also attended a "Pool Party" at one resort that consisted of all the items mentioned above (minus the jump rope), just in and around a pool. It was one of the better parties I had seen, but as we are far too old for this sort of thing, we watched from the sidelines and went to bed at a respectable 1:30am just when things were getting good.
The next morning we made our way to Bottle Beach (our current residence). It is another perfect place. It reminds me of a better Koh Muk, but there is nothing to do here but sit on the beach and enjoy yourself. We plan to stay here until the 21st, when we will travel back to Bangkok and fly home on the 23rd (we actual arrive on the 22nd, weird). See you all soon enough.
James
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Beach Bumming in the Koh Somethings.
During our tenure in Koh Lipe, we snorkeled with Jellyfish, went to a small monkey island, got sunburned a little, ate at least a dozen banana pancakes with peanut butter (more like a crepe than a pancake), drank fifty or so fresh pineapple shakes, marveled at the moon, and went in and out of the ocean ten times a day.
Koh Lipe was Paradise, but you have to leave sometime. So after five (or was it six) days we decided to move on. We made good friends with the staff where we stayed. We learned their names (which is more than anyone else passing through had done). They made it easy on us: The waitress was great and she was the only one who could speak a little English. Her Name Pom (pronounced Bomb, i.e. she was da bomb). The bus boy's name was, boy. I felt a little guilty always calling to him as I lounged in a chair half buried in the sand. "Boy!, another pineapple shake." The owner's name was "Own". I swear I am not making this stuff up. Last but not least, the bartender was Sok.
They liked us enough to make us a special dinner on our last night. They boiled a live lobster and surprised us with it. It was good and we were sad to leave. But we are on a serious vacation and we have other things to see, so we traveled to Koh Muk.
Koh Muk is a little bigger then Koh Lipe, but where we are staying there is not a lot of people. Yet another island with no cars and we couldn't be happier. The sand here is more of a salt and pepper blend, not as soft as the flour on Koh Lipe, but still good to stick your toes in. The rent here is a bit steep because we are is a resort ($40 per night), but it is cleaner than the last place and it is still less then 100 steps to the ocean. We went SCUBA diving yesterday off one of the nearby islands (Koh Kraden). The dive was relatively shallow (no more than 35 feet) and we were able to stay under water for a full hour. We saw very many deadly Scorpion Fish
and Lion Fish
. The best was all the Honeycomb Eels
. We also noted some need sea slugs, tons of coral and nemo clown fish, angel fish that were huge, and many other colorful things. Tomorrow we are going to go on another dive in hopes of spotting some big ocean fish, Manta Rays, Whale sharks, groupers and Tuna.
Our blogging motivation and content has slowed down considerable now that we have found the beaches. We don't necessarily do a lot but sit in the sand and sip on coconuts. Also we are going through a lot of books. One of the next blogs will be comprised of our reading lists. The most frustrating thing about Koh Mok is the book section. They have roughly 100 used books on a shelf, and only one of them is in English. It is a children's book and after I finish the last book we have (which I am currently reading), I will read it and tell you how it is.
We have a little over two weeks and have mixed feelings about coming home. This adventure is sure something special.
We miss everyone and wish you could all be here to sit on the beach and sip on blended fruit and ice. It is the greatest.
Koh Lipe was Paradise, but you have to leave sometime. So after five (or was it six) days we decided to move on. We made good friends with the staff where we stayed. We learned their names (which is more than anyone else passing through had done). They made it easy on us: The waitress was great and she was the only one who could speak a little English. Her Name Pom (pronounced Bomb, i.e. she was da bomb). The bus boy's name was, boy. I felt a little guilty always calling to him as I lounged in a chair half buried in the sand. "Boy!, another pineapple shake." The owner's name was "Own". I swear I am not making this stuff up. Last but not least, the bartender was Sok.
They liked us enough to make us a special dinner on our last night. They boiled a live lobster and surprised us with it. It was good and we were sad to leave. But we are on a serious vacation and we have other things to see, so we traveled to Koh Muk.
Koh Muk is a little bigger then Koh Lipe, but where we are staying there is not a lot of people. Yet another island with no cars and we couldn't be happier. The sand here is more of a salt and pepper blend, not as soft as the flour on Koh Lipe, but still good to stick your toes in. The rent here is a bit steep because we are is a resort ($40 per night), but it is cleaner than the last place and it is still less then 100 steps to the ocean. We went SCUBA diving yesterday off one of the nearby islands (Koh Kraden). The dive was relatively shallow (no more than 35 feet) and we were able to stay under water for a full hour. We saw very many deadly Scorpion Fish
and Lion Fish. The best was all the Honeycomb Eels. We also noted some need sea slugs, tons of coral and nemo clown fish, angel fish that were huge, and many other colorful things. Tomorrow we are going to go on another dive in hopes of spotting some big ocean fish, Manta Rays, Whale sharks, groupers and Tuna. Our blogging motivation and content has slowed down considerable now that we have found the beaches. We don't necessarily do a lot but sit in the sand and sip on coconuts. Also we are going through a lot of books. One of the next blogs will be comprised of our reading lists. The most frustrating thing about Koh Mok is the book section. They have roughly 100 used books on a shelf, and only one of them is in English. It is a children's book and after I finish the last book we have (which I am currently reading), I will read it and tell you how it is.
We have a little over two weeks and have mixed feelings about coming home. This adventure is sure something special.
We miss everyone and wish you could all be here to sit on the beach and sip on blended fruit and ice. It is the greatest.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Paradise Found... Kinda.
As of Christina's last post, we have traveled from Cambodia to Bangkok. The Cambodian government got us for $50 at the airport. They called it a "departure tax". I have mixed feelings about Cambodia. I cannot judge an entire country on visiting one city (Siem Reap) but I felt like everyone was trying to rip me off even though everything was relatively cheap and the people poor. It also didn't help that I was very sick with a strong head cold, an ear infection and bronchitis. I was in no mood for the constant barrage of children selling postcards and and ladies selling blankets and t-shirts. We did manage to get a great tour guide and the temples of Angkor are simply amazing. It is hard to explain in words how massive and awe inspiring these religious structures are, some more than 1,000 years old.
Once we left Cambodia, it was time to start celebrating Christina's Birthday. We stated at the Lebua at State Tower in Bangkok (Definitely Kelly Fischer Approved). We were trying to think of a nicer hotel we have stayed in but were unable to come up with one. It was luxurious. We were on the 52 floor with two balconies that overlooked downtown Bangkok. The view at night was unreal. Our suite had a living room and a kitchen. They delivered roses and chocolate cake for Christina's Birthday and we shared cocktails on the 64th floor open air bar that overlooked the city. When we returned to our room for the evening, they had turned down the bed and placed slippers on each side for use in the morning. It was five star. All that being said, the most impressive thing at the hotel may have been the breakfast buffet. It was massive, with great food from all cultures. Omelet bar, fresh pastries, Indian food, pancakes, a meat cooking station, fresh fruit, cheese platter, oatmeal station, six types of fresh juices, and several things I would not eat (like sushi). We both agreed it was the best we have ever had. That being said, I was still sick. Christina bought me some antibiotics in Cambodia, but I was concerned they were not working because I had not yet begun to feel better. So... we went to a doctor. It was a relativity painless experience. It cost roughly $100 and he confirmed that I was on the proper antibiotics (go Christina!) and would be feeling better in a couple of days. He prescribed some cough medicine, antihistamine, and some rest. Rest is hard when you are on a serious vacation. There are things to do and places to go. So with little delay we hopped into a plan and flew to Hadyai in the southern most region of Thailand. We had it on good authority (new German friends, Matt, Ushi, Mario, and Tobi) that Paradise was to be found on a small island called Koh Lipe. After arriving in Hadyai we noticed a different side of Thailand. Although Thailand is 90%+ Buddhist, this area is 80% Muslim. More mosques, woman with their head covered, but still laid back Thailand. After a throw away night in a crappy Hadyai hotel, we took a minibus to Pakbara and hopped on a speed boat to Koh Lipe.
The speed boat made two stops on the way, one of which to a small island with no town or permanent residents. Appeartly some travelers like to rent a tent and camp there for a night or two. It was picturesque. White sand, turquoise water, and a swing hanging in a grove of trees. Perfect.
We finally arived at Koh Lipe and found our own version of Paradise.
There is no harbor or dock. All larger boats must stop at a mooring station 200 yards off shore and longtail water taxis ferry in the people and supplies. Also, there are no proper roads or cars in Koh Lipe. Only running land vehicles are motor bikes and there are maybe 100 on the island. You don't need them because the island is 1 mile long (mostly forest) by 1/2 mile wide (at most) and the three perfect beaches are connected with walkways. A 1 mile loop will let you see all the nooks and crannies that the island possess. We are staying in a bamboo hut roughly 35 yards to the ocean from our front door (This shack would not be Kelly Fischer Approved as it has 1/2 a toilet, no proper sink, and the mattress is on the floor, but it is $15 and location, location, location...) The sand on our beach is like nothing I have seen. It is bleached white and had the consistency of processed flour. I am not exaggerating, go to your cupboard and grab the bag of all purpose flower, then stick your foot in it. That is what is feels like.
Once arriving and unpacking, Christina wanted to take a swim so we wading into the ocean where little fish swam at our feet. The tempeture was about perfect degrees, and there is never much swell here. As we both remarked at how perfect this place is and how happy we were to be here, Christina stepped on a Sea Urchin- spikes and all. She cried in pain and we quickly rushed up to the restaurant in front of our bungalow. As I went to grab the Swiss army knife (best thing to come out of Sweden except Eva) for the tweezers, the owner of the establishment recogonized what was going on and starting administering the local treatment.
Recipe for Sea Urchin Puncture:
1 lime (quartered into four pieces)
1 flip flop sandle
1 Chang Beer
Step 1 Begin by liberally rubbing the infected area (in this case the bottom of Stina's foot) with lime juice for 2 minutes.
Step 2 Use the bottom of the flip flop to whack her in the affected area 10-20 times while she grimaces.
Step 3 Get Stina a Chang beer to drink while the local repeats step 1 followed by step 2 for 15 minutes or until the intense burring stops whichever comes first.
Today she is feeling much better and the local pharmacist and dive shop say she should be healed by tomorrow and cleared for more ocean adventure like snorkeling. We are hoping to dive as well here in Koh Lipe, but we are waiting for my ear infection to have completely gone away before we try any underwater activities. It really is great here and I have a feeling that all other beaches we visit on this trip may be a disappointment when compared to this place.
I have to go now. I have spent far too much time writing this blog and it is only because Christina is shopping for a new bathing suit (or something) that I have the time. The only moments of your day in Koh Lipe spent with a roof over your head is when you are sleeping or eating (and I could argue neither of these activities require shelter here). I have been slowly feeling better and am hoping tomorrow is the day both of us are healthy again. Hope all is well back in civilization.
-James
Once we left Cambodia, it was time to start celebrating Christina's Birthday. We stated at the Lebua at State Tower in Bangkok (Definitely Kelly Fischer Approved). We were trying to think of a nicer hotel we have stayed in but were unable to come up with one. It was luxurious. We were on the 52 floor with two balconies that overlooked downtown Bangkok. The view at night was unreal. Our suite had a living room and a kitchen. They delivered roses and chocolate cake for Christina's Birthday and we shared cocktails on the 64th floor open air bar that overlooked the city. When we returned to our room for the evening, they had turned down the bed and placed slippers on each side for use in the morning. It was five star. All that being said, the most impressive thing at the hotel may have been the breakfast buffet. It was massive, with great food from all cultures. Omelet bar, fresh pastries, Indian food, pancakes, a meat cooking station, fresh fruit, cheese platter, oatmeal station, six types of fresh juices, and several things I would not eat (like sushi). We both agreed it was the best we have ever had. That being said, I was still sick. Christina bought me some antibiotics in Cambodia, but I was concerned they were not working because I had not yet begun to feel better. So... we went to a doctor. It was a relativity painless experience. It cost roughly $100 and he confirmed that I was on the proper antibiotics (go Christina!) and would be feeling better in a couple of days. He prescribed some cough medicine, antihistamine, and some rest. Rest is hard when you are on a serious vacation. There are things to do and places to go. So with little delay we hopped into a plan and flew to Hadyai in the southern most region of Thailand. We had it on good authority (new German friends, Matt, Ushi, Mario, and Tobi) that Paradise was to be found on a small island called Koh Lipe. After arriving in Hadyai we noticed a different side of Thailand. Although Thailand is 90%+ Buddhist, this area is 80% Muslim. More mosques, woman with their head covered, but still laid back Thailand. After a throw away night in a crappy Hadyai hotel, we took a minibus to Pakbara and hopped on a speed boat to Koh Lipe.
The speed boat made two stops on the way, one of which to a small island with no town or permanent residents. Appeartly some travelers like to rent a tent and camp there for a night or two. It was picturesque. White sand, turquoise water, and a swing hanging in a grove of trees. Perfect.
We finally arived at Koh Lipe and found our own version of Paradise.
There is no harbor or dock. All larger boats must stop at a mooring station 200 yards off shore and longtail water taxis ferry in the people and supplies. Also, there are no proper roads or cars in Koh Lipe. Only running land vehicles are motor bikes and there are maybe 100 on the island. You don't need them because the island is 1 mile long (mostly forest) by 1/2 mile wide (at most) and the three perfect beaches are connected with walkways. A 1 mile loop will let you see all the nooks and crannies that the island possess. We are staying in a bamboo hut roughly 35 yards to the ocean from our front door (This shack would not be Kelly Fischer Approved as it has 1/2 a toilet, no proper sink, and the mattress is on the floor, but it is $15 and location, location, location...) The sand on our beach is like nothing I have seen. It is bleached white and had the consistency of processed flour. I am not exaggerating, go to your cupboard and grab the bag of all purpose flower, then stick your foot in it. That is what is feels like.
Once arriving and unpacking, Christina wanted to take a swim so we wading into the ocean where little fish swam at our feet. The tempeture was about perfect degrees, and there is never much swell here. As we both remarked at how perfect this place is and how happy we were to be here, Christina stepped on a Sea Urchin- spikes and all. She cried in pain and we quickly rushed up to the restaurant in front of our bungalow. As I went to grab the Swiss army knife (best thing to come out of Sweden except Eva) for the tweezers, the owner of the establishment recogonized what was going on and starting administering the local treatment.
Recipe for Sea Urchin Puncture:
1 lime (quartered into four pieces)
1 flip flop sandle
1 Chang Beer
Step 1 Begin by liberally rubbing the infected area (in this case the bottom of Stina's foot) with lime juice for 2 minutes.
Step 2 Use the bottom of the flip flop to whack her in the affected area 10-20 times while she grimaces.
Step 3 Get Stina a Chang beer to drink while the local repeats step 1 followed by step 2 for 15 minutes or until the intense burring stops whichever comes first.
Today she is feeling much better and the local pharmacist and dive shop say she should be healed by tomorrow and cleared for more ocean adventure like snorkeling. We are hoping to dive as well here in Koh Lipe, but we are waiting for my ear infection to have completely gone away before we try any underwater activities. It really is great here and I have a feeling that all other beaches we visit on this trip may be a disappointment when compared to this place.
I have to go now. I have spent far too much time writing this blog and it is only because Christina is shopping for a new bathing suit (or something) that I have the time. The only moments of your day in Koh Lipe spent with a roof over your head is when you are sleeping or eating (and I could argue neither of these activities require shelter here). I have been slowly feeling better and am hoping tomorrow is the day both of us are healthy again. Hope all is well back in civilization.
-James
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Laura Croft and Indiana Jones romance
We have been in Cambodia now for almost 3 days, and have seen nearly 10-15 large historic temples. We've whizzed through 2 days of temple exploration with a private driver and a guide for less then a room in San Francisco for a night! My favorite was the "Laura Croft Temple, Ta Prohm," which was built in the late 12th and early 13th centuries, 
has trees growing out of it and it's surrounded by jungle! Actually, the movie, Tomb Raider, with Angelina Jolie, was filmed in this temple! Tonight, I had a drink "commemorated by A. J. in 2000," at a restaurant called the "Red Piano," made of lime juice, tonic water and cointreau, mnn, good....
This is Angkor Wat, the 7th or 8th or 11th wonder of the World, depending on who you are asking. It is the world's largest religious building! And it's beautiful!! We walked from around 8:30am til about 4-6 each day and climbed a billion (yes, a billion) stairs that were striat up! Actually, in 2007, they closed Ankor Wat because a tourist slipped and fell from the stairs and died. Now there are wooden steps with a hand rail, still optional are the steep, high stone steps, which James took, of course!! He has yet to sprang his ankle, but he has tripped several times. Unfortunately, he has had a head cold now for 2 days, and finally let me get him some antibiotics today. He had a fever last night and possibly bronchitis, but he would not stay in the guest house to rest, determined to see everything here in Siem Reap, on our short stay. We leave tomorrow back to Bangkok, for my birthday. But we've been watching the news and the Red Shirts and Yellow Shirts have started protests again. (per Wikapedia; "Since 2008, there has been an ongoing political crisis in Thailand in form of a conflict between the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) and the People's Power Party (PPP) governments of Prime Ministers Somchai Wongsawat and Samak Sundaravej, respectively, and later between the Democrat Party government of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and the National United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD). It is a continuation of the 2005–2006 political crisis, wherein the PAD protested against the Thai Rak Thai (TRT) party government of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The PAD's followers usually dress in yellow, called 'the yellow shirts', the royal color of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The UDD's followers dress in red, widely called 'the red shirts', known as the supporters of the deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra....) And our hotel is somewhere in between.... Not to wory as they are protesting different things this week, not against eachother... for now. The protests seem to be peaceful. But, we plan on leaving Bangkok on the 30th, ASAP!
has trees growing out of it and it's surrounded by jungle! Actually, the movie, Tomb Raider, with Angelina Jolie, was filmed in this temple! Tonight, I had a drink "commemorated by A. J. in 2000," at a restaurant called the "Red Piano," made of lime juice, tonic water and cointreau, mnn, good....
This is Angkor Wat, the 7th or 8th or 11th wonder of the World, depending on who you are asking. It is the world's largest religious building! And it's beautiful!! We walked from around 8:30am til about 4-6 each day and climbed a billion (yes, a billion) stairs that were striat up! Actually, in 2007, they closed Ankor Wat because a tourist slipped and fell from the stairs and died. Now there are wooden steps with a hand rail, still optional are the steep, high stone steps, which James took, of course!! He has yet to sprang his ankle, but he has tripped several times. Unfortunately, he has had a head cold now for 2 days, and finally let me get him some antibiotics today. He had a fever last night and possibly bronchitis, but he would not stay in the guest house to rest, determined to see everything here in Siem Reap, on our short stay. We leave tomorrow back to Bangkok, for my birthday. But we've been watching the news and the Red Shirts and Yellow Shirts have started protests again. (per Wikapedia; "Since 2008, there has been an ongoing political crisis in Thailand in form of a conflict between the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) and the People's Power Party (PPP) governments of Prime Ministers Somchai Wongsawat and Samak Sundaravej, respectively, and later between the Democrat Party government of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and the National United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD). It is a continuation of the 2005–2006 political crisis, wherein the PAD protested against the Thai Rak Thai (TRT) party government of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The PAD's followers usually dress in yellow, called 'the yellow shirts', the royal color of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The UDD's followers dress in red, widely called 'the red shirts', known as the supporters of the deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra....) And our hotel is somewhere in between.... Not to wory as they are protesting different things this week, not against eachother... for now. The protests seem to be peaceful. But, we plan on leaving Bangkok on the 30th, ASAP! Cambodia life is harder. We feel the push of the poor to sell, sell sell. They use the dollar here, but it seems like a rip off when you pay in dollars and they give you Ream (Cambodia money) for change. You loose more in the conversion. But the prices seem cheaper here. Unfortunately, the post office is less reliable, and sending things home is not a great option. So, we aren't buying lots of souvenirs. We rode in a scary "tuk tuk"which here is a trailor with seats hitched onto the back of a motorbike. 
We drove in a strait line, to be safe... and it only cost $1 to get about 1-2 miles.. We lived. But, I think this country has the most dangerous tuk-tuks around. In Thailand, I will feel safer because they are attached to the front of the motorbike.
Night, night. Hope all is well in the States.
We drove in a strait line, to be safe... and it only cost $1 to get about 1-2 miles.. We lived. But, I think this country has the most dangerous tuk-tuks around. In Thailand, I will feel safer because they are attached to the front of the motorbike.
Night, night. Hope all is well in the States. -C
Monday, January 24, 2011
Au revoir to Laos, Cambodia or Bust.
We have exhausted all items listed in the guide book (and a few that were not listed) in Vientiane. We have walked at least 10 miles in the last three days. We found Sagat from Street Fighter II and I defeated him easily with my R-ugan and my Ike, Ike, R-ugan. We have eaten French food and Pizza for nearly every meal. We upgraded our room to the $15 a night option with A/C and its own bathroom. Today, while trying to fill the time, we even visited the US embassy. To be honest, having never been to a foreign embassy, I expected something regal. An elegantly decorated open room with a man to great us and say "Howdy partner, how is your travels? Can I offer you some McDonalds while we talk about football? No not soccer, but real honest to good football. Steelers vs Packers sort of talk." What I found instead was a DMV on foreign soil. A series of counters with thick plated glass and no one to talk to. We had to go through a quasi Airport security procedure to get into the embassy, and once we got there the only American thing I spotted was an honest to God urinal in the restroom (first one I think I have seen in Asia). I don't know why I expected so much. The fact that we have a US embassy in a communist country is a testament to some sort of progressive relations. When then finished the afternoon with another temple. All these temples are beautiful, but once you have seen the 40th one in 3 weeks, you get a sort of chedi burn out. We are planning to go next to the temples of Angkor in Cambodia, these are noted throughout the world as some of the most fantastic and awe inspiring religious structures on the planet. So I am sure they will renew our spirit and souls for a couple of days. Then we are back to the rat race of Bangkok for Christina's Birthday. As a gift, I broke the "$20 a night or less" hotel rule we have been following and have booked two nights at a fancy five star hotel (still under $150 a night) that overlooks the city and has an open air bar on the top of the building. It will be a change from the last 23 nights. From Bangkok, we are going to catch a plane to Hat Yai in the southern point of Thailand. On the recommendation of a few travelers we met on our way, we will be staying in Koh Lipe for a week or so. Staying in a hut on the beach and playing cards, or drinking beer, or playing cards while we drink beer (or a soda, Mom). We are halfway done with our trip and are very excited to hit the beach. If people are available (and with Steve and Nadene's approval) we would like to have some people over on Saturday, February 26th for a Thai dinner and dessert complete with boring picture slide show and Christina and Myself arguing over who tells the story best.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Suprised in Vientiene, so much time and nothing to do....
We left Veng Viene yesterday headed south for Vientiene, near the border Thailand. We thought we would like it here, quiet, nice, middle Laos.... But it seems like a smaller, slower Bangkok... There is a neat Buddha Park just outside the city.. It only took us an hour to walk though... Now what? Both of us have been having slight intestinal problems, me (Christina) now for at least 3 days. Cramping and generally uncomfortable. There is very little to see around these parts, and no trekking, or tubing or elephants, or tigers... And we are here for 3 days! James is playing a computer game as we speak (or type, so to say). We tried to move our flight up for tomorrow or even the next day, but they are full... Fortunately, French food is popular here, and we've never really eaten it. So tonight we plan a nice French meal (yes, in southeast Asia) that's suppose to be really good. I'll let you know tomorrow. There is also a bowling alley here, but no cinema... So, Steve, we will be getting our practice for league...hehehe. We opted for a budget guest house this time. $11/night, but we have 2 twin beds and have to walk down the hall 3 doors down for the toilet/shower (yes, in the same room, no curtain... the the toilet often gets wet and we have to replace the TP alot). I guess we will catch up on our reading until Cambodia. Miss you all.
-C
-C
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