Because Pai was fuhreaking cold! Holy crap!
Currently in transit for the next couple days so sit tight and you will have some reading material beginning of February.
Fun Fact: Odontophobia is the fear of teeth...Grrr!
Monday, 30 January 2012
Thursday, 26 January 2012
I was just thinking...
Wouldn't it be freaking hilarious if I sold all my stuff, gave up my life, saved a bunch of money, and said I was going to SE Asia but I was really just renting a basement suite in Red Deer, Alberta?!
Hahaha hahahaha (Karen Walker laugh)
Hahaha hahahaha (Karen Walker laugh)
I think the baby just crapped
It's official, I still have zero interest in children except for my beautiful JJ, I miss you baby. And your mom. Hi jess! Xoxo
With plenty of sleep I made a general plan of what direction I'm going once I'm off the train, West! Yippee Kai yay. What did people do before the Internet? And where did they come from? These questions have plagued mankind for, well since before the Internet, now we know everything. Speaking of, is Wikipedia back up? That's my go to when I need to learn about anything important like Celine dion getting hit by a car as a child and almost dying, that's for you Coco.
On that note I've used a lot of maps on this trip including google maps. Oddly enough I'm doing quite well with them considering the last time I used one was to colour it in grade seven social studies. Think about the fact that I was in grade seven COLOURING a map, clearly we didn't get to the chapter on using them. When I first began this trip it directed me straight into the water, now I can navigate myself around, sort of. But put me in a mall and god damn! Gosh darn! ... Sorry.
There is a well established vegetarian community in Chiang Mai including a organic vegetarian restaurant in a monastery just out of the city, precious! It's so nice to see the monks out and about also. They need to make one of those calendars like nuns having fun. I've seen them ride in sāwngthāews (note those should be upside-down rice paddy hats on the a's and it translates to two benches) use ATM's (that one cracked me up. What do you need money for? you chant all day, silly monk) and even grocery shop... I am visioning a project for myself. However, there are certain places that a woman can't enter so boo to that. I mean, I get it. Boys need their own thing, at least we still got our periods!
Crash history course with BB
Chiang Mai - population 174,000
A beautiful cultural diamond found in the mountains of Northern Thailand. If your interests are learning Thai cooking, language, meditation or massage, consider this your new home. It's lined with shops and restaurants and once again street markets litter the streets. There is an abundance of guest houses so even when it seems hopeless you didn't make a reservation, never fear. If trekking is on your agenda, go no further. Jungle treks, bungee jumping, zoo's, elephants, you name it, you can do it all! The old city, is a neat little square surrounded by a moat and remnants of a medieval style wall but 700 years ago to defend against Burmese invaders. You will find a lot of travelers here and plenty of temples and museums to see. As well as serene parks and lush gardens, best part is you can't get lost!
You can also venture out to the streets, replicating the ones inside but with a higher volume of traffic and a lot of western restaurants and bars. Not western like cowboys western like burgers, pizza, fries, you know. You can also make your way to Airport Plaza, the big shopping mall, just be sure you don't take the tuk tuk with the sticker that says Monster Army and definitely don't play that guy in Mario Kart.
Yes, most of that is from a book, but I'm not in school anymore and look what you learned! Unfortunately I'm only spending two short days here, definitely not enough to take it all in but I could also run my bank account dry. I'm happy to make my next move to the hippy town of Pai, apparently it's quite the bus trip, so if I make it I'll inform you of how the festival went. Happy weekend kids!
Fun fact: the average walking speed for a human is 5 kilometers an hour
With plenty of sleep I made a general plan of what direction I'm going once I'm off the train, West! Yippee Kai yay. What did people do before the Internet? And where did they come from? These questions have plagued mankind for, well since before the Internet, now we know everything. Speaking of, is Wikipedia back up? That's my go to when I need to learn about anything important like Celine dion getting hit by a car as a child and almost dying, that's for you Coco.
On that note I've used a lot of maps on this trip including google maps. Oddly enough I'm doing quite well with them considering the last time I used one was to colour it in grade seven social studies. Think about the fact that I was in grade seven COLOURING a map, clearly we didn't get to the chapter on using them. When I first began this trip it directed me straight into the water, now I can navigate myself around, sort of. But put me in a mall and god damn! Gosh darn! ... Sorry.
There is a well established vegetarian community in Chiang Mai including a organic vegetarian restaurant in a monastery just out of the city, precious! It's so nice to see the monks out and about also. They need to make one of those calendars like nuns having fun. I've seen them ride in sāwngthāews (note those should be upside-down rice paddy hats on the a's and it translates to two benches) use ATM's (that one cracked me up. What do you need money for? you chant all day, silly monk) and even grocery shop... I am visioning a project for myself. However, there are certain places that a woman can't enter so boo to that. I mean, I get it. Boys need their own thing, at least we still got our periods!
Crash history course with BB
Chiang Mai - population 174,000
A beautiful cultural diamond found in the mountains of Northern Thailand. If your interests are learning Thai cooking, language, meditation or massage, consider this your new home. It's lined with shops and restaurants and once again street markets litter the streets. There is an abundance of guest houses so even when it seems hopeless you didn't make a reservation, never fear. If trekking is on your agenda, go no further. Jungle treks, bungee jumping, zoo's, elephants, you name it, you can do it all! The old city, is a neat little square surrounded by a moat and remnants of a medieval style wall but 700 years ago to defend against Burmese invaders. You will find a lot of travelers here and plenty of temples and museums to see. As well as serene parks and lush gardens, best part is you can't get lost!
You can also venture out to the streets, replicating the ones inside but with a higher volume of traffic and a lot of western restaurants and bars. Not western like cowboys western like burgers, pizza, fries, you know. You can also make your way to Airport Plaza, the big shopping mall, just be sure you don't take the tuk tuk with the sticker that says Monster Army and definitely don't play that guy in Mario Kart.
Yes, most of that is from a book, but I'm not in school anymore and look what you learned! Unfortunately I'm only spending two short days here, definitely not enough to take it all in but I could also run my bank account dry. I'm happy to make my next move to the hippy town of Pai, apparently it's quite the bus trip, so if I make it I'll inform you of how the festival went. Happy weekend kids!
Fun fact: the average walking speed for a human is 5 kilometers an hour
Wednesday, 25 January 2012
Ei yei yei yei yei!
Officially on the night train! Or the train from hell as I'd like to say. Kidding! Not that bad but I'm only an hour in, I know already the three hours is numerous stops for no flipping reason. Not a fire show. Sorry, getting hangry and I'm pretty sure Mosquitos have laid eggs in my fingers, so bumpy and gross. I'm also sure I'm the smelly person on the train, I told you I havnt had time for laundry.
So being the sort of person I am, I gladly trade with one guy who's friend ended up in the other bunk, what did I end up with? A baby! Not the laughing baby from YouTube, not that dancing pepsi baby, a shitty baby. So she's cute, everyone is when they can barely speak and stumble everywhere, I do it a lot. But when I'm stuck in this little bunker with this treasure of a troll and I KNOW there is a sangsom party in the next car (for real, I think I saw Germaine, grandma has she been to work lately?) I'm pissed. They are all giggles and lively and friendly over there, oh look at us adults, speaking an actually language, having an actual drink. (p.s. Fools, the milk isn't pasteurized here) Maybe you aren't catching on to my hostility because I'm leaving out the most important part as to why this is crap. They're French.
Moving along now, at least I have air con and a bed and I'm tired as always so this is looking up. I've already ordered breakfast for the morn, I'm so happy everything comes with a pound of meat that I bet the train hit along the way. fml. But true to nature I'm going to the toilet and a guy comments on my tattoo and asks if I'm alone. Yeah, yeah, I should say no but I told him the truth. Of course he immediately tells me to go to the bar. Now, 2011 BB would be all over that party, and of course a huge part of me wants to but I finally have some down time and I don't feel like paying double for Kathy to come to friggin Chiang Mai tomorrow when I wake up all bitchy.
Forgot to mention I've finally recovered from my Chinese New Year hangover. Long story short, woke up hung over, went to get breakfast at my favorite spot but it was closed for the holiday, however Jackey the drummer was there (very popular drummer in Thailand, google it, I don't know if you'll find anything but that's my response to anything unknown) there was a bottle of tequila, a bunch of beer, and what do you know Happy New Year China! I spent the next day and a half hiding.
Fun fact: If this baby doesn't shut up that party is looking tempting...God save the Queen!
So being the sort of person I am, I gladly trade with one guy who's friend ended up in the other bunk, what did I end up with? A baby! Not the laughing baby from YouTube, not that dancing pepsi baby, a shitty baby. So she's cute, everyone is when they can barely speak and stumble everywhere, I do it a lot. But when I'm stuck in this little bunker with this treasure of a troll and I KNOW there is a sangsom party in the next car (for real, I think I saw Germaine, grandma has she been to work lately?) I'm pissed. They are all giggles and lively and friendly over there, oh look at us adults, speaking an actually language, having an actual drink. (p.s. Fools, the milk isn't pasteurized here) Maybe you aren't catching on to my hostility because I'm leaving out the most important part as to why this is crap. They're French.
Moving along now, at least I have air con and a bed and I'm tired as always so this is looking up. I've already ordered breakfast for the morn, I'm so happy everything comes with a pound of meat that I bet the train hit along the way. fml. But true to nature I'm going to the toilet and a guy comments on my tattoo and asks if I'm alone. Yeah, yeah, I should say no but I told him the truth. Of course he immediately tells me to go to the bar. Now, 2011 BB would be all over that party, and of course a huge part of me wants to but I finally have some down time and I don't feel like paying double for Kathy to come to friggin Chiang Mai tomorrow when I wake up all bitchy.
Forgot to mention I've finally recovered from my Chinese New Year hangover. Long story short, woke up hung over, went to get breakfast at my favorite spot but it was closed for the holiday, however Jackey the drummer was there (very popular drummer in Thailand, google it, I don't know if you'll find anything but that's my response to anything unknown) there was a bottle of tequila, a bunch of beer, and what do you know Happy New Year China! I spent the next day and a half hiding.
Fun fact: If this baby doesn't shut up that party is looking tempting...God save the Queen!
Chang around in Bangkok
After arriving yet again in Bangkok yesterday I'm feeling a lot more secure this time, don't get me wrong, the next jersey shore should still be taped here. Even better bring on the Kardashian sisters, those brats don't stand a chance. But I'm a lot more aware of where I am and all the craziness around me and a lot more comfortable being out for longer periods of time. Except for the heat, I look like Dinah Loha after her third tan of the day.
I've parted with my boy after one last day of gladly following him around. It was so nice to have a human shield, in Bangkok you follow closely beside the bigger or slower person to make it across the frogger like streets. Also great to have a haggler, seriously, I can't do it. It's never been in my nature to attempt to draw people down in price even if they are persuading you to do it. I did however haggle myself a sweet sweet lil Wayne tank top, I'm very proud even if she wasn't. But she was swinging from my arm like a damn dirty ape so too bad for her. Ok, maybe I can haggle.
I've learned along the way if you need to fit more in your back pack take it to the laundry. It's just like mom's place, she will shrink it down real nice. Unfortunately you aren't welcome come to eat all their food and watch cable tv. Also I've learned you should definitely have all bank info, especially secure codes in order before you embark on in international journey. To say the least I can't book anything else on line currently, and because of that I was slightly ripped off on a train ticket because I booked with an agency and not at the station because I saw the seats were filling so fast. Because because because, I'm over it. But now I don't even see my train on the board and if I spend one more night here I'm going to belong to Bangkok for sure. Sometimes I'm such a stress case, I'm really trying to let go this trip.
With that, I'm learning. We took a cab to MBK today, the craziest discount mall ever! I got a new camera so I'm very happy, now I just have to learn how to get pictures on my blog so it's more appealing for you. Only 2000 Baht, around $65.00 but i needed one so no worry. To get to MBK Moose suggested a tuk tuk but from what I've heard all they do is dick you around, and I'm sure he already has 16 suits in the making because of it. Anyway we take a cab, make sure you get a meter. It was 85 baht. On the way back a tuk tuk says "150 baht I take you" I was like " oh he'll no senior, it's 85 baht" "100 baht, one stop" " you can stop but I'm not getting out" ooooh! Chalk one up for the BB! Obviously he left annoyed but I have zero need to be dragged into some shitty shop to be harassed for some crap I don't want, yeah I said it. Taxi Metr, knuckle tattoos!
Currently I need to use the washroom, there are a lot of friendly faces around me but I think I will leave my bag with that gently sleeping boy in the corner. Wait, that's a pilar and that's a pool of blood. Yeah, he looks like a responsible individual...ahhhhhh! Yup, bags still there, so is the boy. Come on now did you really think a half conscious Thai guy could get up and take off with a backpack the size of him? Nope. You just gotta know who to trust. You also need to know what food to trust, what is half this crap? I'm living off of peanuts, thankfully pad thai has peanuts. If you are adventurous in your eating, please come visit, I'll feed you, I need to see this.
Let's give you a visual of the train station, hmmm? Since I'm sure most of you are illiterate (don't worry this will be out in audio early 2014). It's a lot like what I'd anticipate grand central station to look like, without benches. There are stained glass windows and a giant clock with tons and tons of people around. We all stand every hour for respect of the King But we are all sitting on the floor together, how nice, and there's that damn smell of tiger balm again! It's following me, oh! My train is on the board! Sorry, minor ADD interruption, that's why I write with no distractions, my head is an egg mess otherwise. Fortunately I have a 12 -15 hour train ride ahead of me, what happens in those miscellaneous 3 hours?! I hope there's a fire show!
Fun Fact: I'm on my way to a Reggae festival! And a week exploring wats (temples) in the mountains. I'm also actually alone for the first time, it's about to get real... Oh, I see a boy! "Jk lol" (Andy Fisher)
I've parted with my boy after one last day of gladly following him around. It was so nice to have a human shield, in Bangkok you follow closely beside the bigger or slower person to make it across the frogger like streets. Also great to have a haggler, seriously, I can't do it. It's never been in my nature to attempt to draw people down in price even if they are persuading you to do it. I did however haggle myself a sweet sweet lil Wayne tank top, I'm very proud even if she wasn't. But she was swinging from my arm like a damn dirty ape so too bad for her. Ok, maybe I can haggle.
I've learned along the way if you need to fit more in your back pack take it to the laundry. It's just like mom's place, she will shrink it down real nice. Unfortunately you aren't welcome come to eat all their food and watch cable tv. Also I've learned you should definitely have all bank info, especially secure codes in order before you embark on in international journey. To say the least I can't book anything else on line currently, and because of that I was slightly ripped off on a train ticket because I booked with an agency and not at the station because I saw the seats were filling so fast. Because because because, I'm over it. But now I don't even see my train on the board and if I spend one more night here I'm going to belong to Bangkok for sure. Sometimes I'm such a stress case, I'm really trying to let go this trip.
With that, I'm learning. We took a cab to MBK today, the craziest discount mall ever! I got a new camera so I'm very happy, now I just have to learn how to get pictures on my blog so it's more appealing for you. Only 2000 Baht, around $65.00 but i needed one so no worry. To get to MBK Moose suggested a tuk tuk but from what I've heard all they do is dick you around, and I'm sure he already has 16 suits in the making because of it. Anyway we take a cab, make sure you get a meter. It was 85 baht. On the way back a tuk tuk says "150 baht I take you" I was like " oh he'll no senior, it's 85 baht" "100 baht, one stop" " you can stop but I'm not getting out" ooooh! Chalk one up for the BB! Obviously he left annoyed but I have zero need to be dragged into some shitty shop to be harassed for some crap I don't want, yeah I said it. Taxi Metr, knuckle tattoos!
Currently I need to use the washroom, there are a lot of friendly faces around me but I think I will leave my bag with that gently sleeping boy in the corner. Wait, that's a pilar and that's a pool of blood. Yeah, he looks like a responsible individual...ahhhhhh! Yup, bags still there, so is the boy. Come on now did you really think a half conscious Thai guy could get up and take off with a backpack the size of him? Nope. You just gotta know who to trust. You also need to know what food to trust, what is half this crap? I'm living off of peanuts, thankfully pad thai has peanuts. If you are adventurous in your eating, please come visit, I'll feed you, I need to see this.
Let's give you a visual of the train station, hmmm? Since I'm sure most of you are illiterate (don't worry this will be out in audio early 2014). It's a lot like what I'd anticipate grand central station to look like, without benches. There are stained glass windows and a giant clock with tons and tons of people around. We all stand every hour for respect of the King But we are all sitting on the floor together, how nice, and there's that damn smell of tiger balm again! It's following me, oh! My train is on the board! Sorry, minor ADD interruption, that's why I write with no distractions, my head is an egg mess otherwise. Fortunately I have a 12 -15 hour train ride ahead of me, what happens in those miscellaneous 3 hours?! I hope there's a fire show!
Fun Fact: I'm on my way to a Reggae festival! And a week exploring wats (temples) in the mountains. I'm also actually alone for the first time, it's about to get real... Oh, I see a boy! "Jk lol" (Andy Fisher)
Shit the Swedesh guy says
"you should go for a swim, you're sweating like a pig cow"
"thanks"
"but they are beautiful when they sweat"
"heaps" - maybe not so funny to you but it's his number one describing word, gets me every time.
Yuice or yungle snake hahaha Swedes can't say J's worth shyt.
"I need a feed" what are you a moose? Wait, don't answer that.
"egg mess" aka scrambled eggs
Fun fact: I'm loosing my English hanging out with him. PASS!
"thanks"
"but they are beautiful when they sweat"
"heaps" - maybe not so funny to you but it's his number one describing word, gets me every time.
Yuice or yungle snake hahaha Swedes can't say J's worth shyt.
"I need a feed" what are you a moose? Wait, don't answer that.
"egg mess" aka scrambled eggs
Fun fact: I'm loosing my English hanging out with him. PASS!
Saturday, 21 January 2012
That didn't work, still can't speak Thai
After breakfast I took to the beach for my first Thai massage. It's a full hour of a ying yang like feeling. It begins slow with the spider monkey of a woman using direct pressure up your legs to your head. About fifteen minutes in I was finally starting to loosing up and relax. I'm not one for massages but it had to be tested and for 250 baht, not the cheapest I've seen but still a good price, it was time. Ok so back to it being relaxing. Certainly it is, until you have the feet and elbows of a complete stranger in places you forgot existed, and all of a sudden your ankle is up over your head and your being slapped in the back. Luckily they use tiger bomb to warm up your muscles a bit better and the tingling sensation turns into a burn and here we go again! Im suddenly in a leg lock with this miniature woman and she gives me a move I can only describe as around the world, throw your hands up and let it go! I'll show you when I see you next. Now back to the relaxing part. Ahhh my temples, ooooh my giant forehead, oh my god, is that tiger balm I smell? Oh god it burns my face, oh, now your fanning me with your fingers, oh this is nice. As serious as I am about stating it's the perfect mixture of pleasure and pain, or the fact I could have worded it differently and it would have sounded like quite the love story I feel like I could do anything after that massage, and I shall. Bang lassi milkshake anyone?
Fun fact: I have no clue what day it is.
Fun fact: I have no clue what day it is.
Friday, 20 January 2012
Moose and Bird
It's been a week since I've bothered to write. It also been a week since I've bothered to do anything.
After spending the first few nights at Stone Free, my new haunt, Mattias and I decided to move a beach down the beach to Siam Huts. It's quieter and we have our own bungalow right on the beach with a restaurant, store, and shotty wifi. All we need since we sleep, eat, beach, eat, swim, eat, hang out, repeat. Although at some point I really need to work laundry into the equation, but I just can find the time.
While doing nothing I've actually managed quite a bit. We rented a scooter one day and did the whole island. It's a beautiful ride of palm trees, Jurassic park like foliage, temples, and beaches. I had hoped to feel a waterfall, however they are all dried up, so yes to everyone back home, Thailand is flooded. Stoopid. The roads however, are a death trap. I see at least three people a day all bandaged because the roads are either extreme corners and steep slopes or barely there. We were on our way to long beach and were stopped by a sign that read "be careful road have a small problem" well that problem was there was no road. But a very "safe" looking bridge of palm trees next to it. Needless to say we made it to long beach and back no problem. If it wasn't for Mattias' driving expertise I wouldn't have seen anything but the beach I'm on, there's no way I would drive here.
Which brings me to reasons I'm grateful I've encountered a boy on this trip. He is my bell boy, cabana boy, server, errand boy, driver, answerer of questions, booker of tickets, doer of everything for me, yup I've got the life. Oh, and he is gorgeous...and European...and tall.
We've managed to see several monkeys, many of which want to reach out and grab you just as much as you do them. The other day we met two two year old elephants. The sweetest things I've encountered so far. Not only were they very excited to give you a love tap, they could also hoola hoop, or ring rocking, ha, and sit like a person. So my thoughts are, I can buy him a seat on the plane on my way to Indonesia where I'll pick up my smoking baby and have my family started!
Story time with BB - my new room mate tells me that when he was on his way here, he and some friends chartered a mini bus. They were all jet lagged and fell asleep right away,however when one of them woke up the driver was also asleep. That's a fun fact in itself.
After spending the first few nights at Stone Free, my new haunt, Mattias and I decided to move a beach down the beach to Siam Huts. It's quieter and we have our own bungalow right on the beach with a restaurant, store, and shotty wifi. All we need since we sleep, eat, beach, eat, swim, eat, hang out, repeat. Although at some point I really need to work laundry into the equation, but I just can find the time.
While doing nothing I've actually managed quite a bit. We rented a scooter one day and did the whole island. It's a beautiful ride of palm trees, Jurassic park like foliage, temples, and beaches. I had hoped to feel a waterfall, however they are all dried up, so yes to everyone back home, Thailand is flooded. Stoopid. The roads however, are a death trap. I see at least three people a day all bandaged because the roads are either extreme corners and steep slopes or barely there. We were on our way to long beach and were stopped by a sign that read "be careful road have a small problem" well that problem was there was no road. But a very "safe" looking bridge of palm trees next to it. Needless to say we made it to long beach and back no problem. If it wasn't for Mattias' driving expertise I wouldn't have seen anything but the beach I'm on, there's no way I would drive here.
Which brings me to reasons I'm grateful I've encountered a boy on this trip. He is my bell boy, cabana boy, server, errand boy, driver, answerer of questions, booker of tickets, doer of everything for me, yup I've got the life. Oh, and he is gorgeous...and European...and tall.
We've managed to see several monkeys, many of which want to reach out and grab you just as much as you do them. The other day we met two two year old elephants. The sweetest things I've encountered so far. Not only were they very excited to give you a love tap, they could also hoola hoop, or ring rocking, ha, and sit like a person. So my thoughts are, I can buy him a seat on the plane on my way to Indonesia where I'll pick up my smoking baby and have my family started!
Story time with BB - my new room mate tells me that when he was on his way here, he and some friends chartered a mini bus. They were all jet lagged and fell asleep right away,however when one of them woke up the driver was also asleep. That's a fun fact in itself.
Tuesday, 17 January 2012
Sorry kids, forgot the fun facts!
Fun Fact: Chang beer can be anywhere from 6 to 12 %. Everyone speaks Thai after that.
Fun Fact: Everyone who rents a scooter here crashes it. Not us though! Tapa tapa tapa, on wood.
Fun Fact: Everyone who rents a scooter here crashes it. Not us though! Tapa tapa tapa, on wood.
Monday, 16 January 2012
" you have to have a crazy heart to give birth to a dancing star" - thanks mom, for being off your rocker.
Took a short trip to Bang Bao. A quiet fishing village just south of Lonely Beach. Wandered around lots of shops until we were thirsty and had a singha. Thank god. It eased us into "lunch" with the family. Every day the sang som (Thai Whiskey, aka rum) runs freely as the food. I have found a home here with a fantastic mix of the world. Every day, all day is " good morning " and " how are you, tomorrow?" there is always a BBQ of fresh caught seafood and the sang som fills the bellies of everyone. At night the band sings, as do the dogs, boy can they wail. We talk til all hours, a lot of it is bull shit but isn't it brilliant? And learn from one another in between half smokes, yeah I did!
Ko Chang
Travel. The best school of life.
45 minute ferry, to a two hour wait that doesn't come. Getting in the owners car, is this where I'm supposed to be? No worries. Find the bus, 2 hours, another 45 minute boat ride. Taxi! Taxi! 45 minutes to lonely beach. Now what? Walking around I find stone free, what a family! To me its the equivalent of rocking J's in Costa Rica. Designed like a ship blew up with very positive messages all around, "made from 100% recycled hearts" think about it. Within 30seconds I met Mattias, sold! We went for supper, planning on a low key night turned into buckets and buckets of fun and now I lay in a hammock, burned from the sun but I'm in paradise. Oh boy, so so so burnt.
45 minute ferry, to a two hour wait that doesn't come. Getting in the owners car, is this where I'm supposed to be? No worries. Find the bus, 2 hours, another 45 minute boat ride. Taxi! Taxi! 45 minutes to lonely beach. Now what? Walking around I find stone free, what a family! To me its the equivalent of rocking J's in Costa Rica. Designed like a ship blew up with very positive messages all around, "made from 100% recycled hearts" think about it. Within 30seconds I met Mattias, sold! We went for supper, planning on a low key night turned into buckets and buckets of fun and now I lay in a hammock, burned from the sun but I'm in paradise. Oh boy, so so so burnt.
Wednesday, 11 January 2012
Hot destinations, is it worth the tan?
I've managed to get a few of those dreaded traveling things out of the way sooner then I expected, happy face! One would be the squatting toilet. I'd like to thank my many years of pit parties for the ability to do that anywhere, go griffins! The next is spider on face. Funny thing is it was while I was using the squat toilet. The lower body massacre. Covered in bites and cuts either itchy or burning from salt water it's actually a "it just got real" feeling. I'm officially not in the tundra anymore. My first "protein packed" street vendor. This would be full of fried maggots (mom, please inform Bev i'm not hungry enough yet) grasshoppers, crickets and other things i barely saw because i ran by squealing. Finally, there's what will be known as Thai Eye. This is when a chili flake has lodged itself in your throat and when you cough, instead of going down it goes up into your eye creating the sensation close to what I'd expect been pepper sprayed is like. Thank god that's over.
My freckles are showing up more prominently everyday and as my girl Kay says, a girl without freckles is like a night without stars. Amen sister. However, everything below my collarbone remains freakishly white and I look ridiculous. A secluded beach needs to be found so I can even it out, or if I'm the guy we saw the other day I might as well just sit naked wherever I want, but then maybe Chels would have some pictures to blackmail me with.
Fun fact: Corn Mcpie? McDonalds. Corn Sunday? KFC. Welcome to Thailand.
My freckles are showing up more prominently everyday and as my girl Kay says, a girl without freckles is like a night without stars. Amen sister. However, everything below my collarbone remains freakishly white and I look ridiculous. A secluded beach needs to be found so I can even it out, or if I'm the guy we saw the other day I might as well just sit naked wherever I want, but then maybe Chels would have some pictures to blackmail me with.
Fun fact: Corn Mcpie? McDonalds. Corn Sunday? KFC. Welcome to Thailand.
"All the other fat kids dads are in Thailand" JB 2012
As the sun slowly settles into the water I sit quietly on the porch of our modest hut reflecting on today's boat trip. Not quite what I expected out of a snorkeling trip there were still many beautiful fish to see who don't mind swimming with you one bit. I was hoping for beautiful florescent choral and dozens of different fish but saw neutral choral and about three different types of florescent fish, beautiful in their own way. The best was when the tour guides would throw a piece of fruit in by you and they would swarm around you, oddly enough never touching you.
Since it was mainly a cloudy day, going to the fish farm to see sharks and turtles was definitely the highlight. We feasted on fruit and made friends with everyone on the boat. We are all meeting for drinks to continue getting to know each other. A couple from Hawaii, their son, about our age who works at a winery in California, a gal from Finland who was a dancer, a professional one, not like the Russian stripper dancing on the table at the bar we were at the other night (take note it wasn't a strip club) and a couple from Copenhagen. Hopefully we will even run into Bart, from Amsterdam, and make it a free for all. I had to mention him simply because he introduced himself as Bart, like Bart Simpson. But Chels heard Marge, like Marge Simpson, so Jenna heard Marge like margarine. I will never play telephone with these girls.
BB's Boat Tips
1) since the days of finding rocky waters fun and long gone situate yourself between the two largest people on the boat.
2) steer clear of sitting across from the guy with the loose shorts. It gets windy on the boat and that visual is melted into my mind, oh god.
3) don't be hungover, I managed that one believe it or not.
4) brace yourself, it turns into a race with the other tours.
5) be prepared for the boat to make a sharp turn and you end up getting fresh with the last person you wanted to get fresh with.
6) unless you are Kate Winslet, Leonardo Dicaprio, or Rhianna you don't look good on a boat with the wind in your hair, sorry it's a fact, it's life. So don't bother even trying.
Fun fact: A Thai family of five can comfortably ride on a moped
Since it was mainly a cloudy day, going to the fish farm to see sharks and turtles was definitely the highlight. We feasted on fruit and made friends with everyone on the boat. We are all meeting for drinks to continue getting to know each other. A couple from Hawaii, their son, about our age who works at a winery in California, a gal from Finland who was a dancer, a professional one, not like the Russian stripper dancing on the table at the bar we were at the other night (take note it wasn't a strip club) and a couple from Copenhagen. Hopefully we will even run into Bart, from Amsterdam, and make it a free for all. I had to mention him simply because he introduced himself as Bart, like Bart Simpson. But Chels heard Marge, like Marge Simpson, so Jenna heard Marge like margarine. I will never play telephone with these girls.
BB's Boat Tips
1) since the days of finding rocky waters fun and long gone situate yourself between the two largest people on the boat.
2) steer clear of sitting across from the guy with the loose shorts. It gets windy on the boat and that visual is melted into my mind, oh god.
3) don't be hungover, I managed that one believe it or not.
4) brace yourself, it turns into a race with the other tours.
5) be prepared for the boat to make a sharp turn and you end up getting fresh with the last person you wanted to get fresh with.
6) unless you are Kate Winslet, Leonardo Dicaprio, or Rhianna you don't look good on a boat with the wind in your hair, sorry it's a fact, it's life. So don't bother even trying.
Fun fact: A Thai family of five can comfortably ride on a moped
Tuesday, 10 January 2012
Sunny Samet
Sunny Samet
(Monday January 9th) yesterdays events will be summed up in sound effects and you can see if you can guess what we did. MmMMmmm, waaaaaah! Uohuhohohouh! Ahhhhh, ugh, yeee! Ugh, wahohahahaha, mMMmmM.
You got it! We had a delicious breakfast at our new favorite spot Tok's, where the food is the best priced we could find. I indulge on museli, yogurt, and fruit for just under three dollars and there is no better start to the day. We then rented a couple scooters I rode on the back of Chels' because Kathy wanted to come and no one trusted her to drive. The roads are god awful but the view from the top before the reach the ocean is striking. It's endless like the prairies but it's nothing but ocean and sunshine, same same but different. We swam out to a dock for a quick sun bathe and ended up back in town and ate at the Red Ginger, a Canadian owned restaurant. Jenna managed a broccoli salad with the biggest smile on her face and I found one with goat cheese, sorry Freehouse I guess I don't need you. That's a lie, I do need you, can I have my job back?
I crawled into my bed to a sensation I think only I enjoy, sand. I love the feeling of sand in the bed, dirty from ocean water thrashing about scratchy sheets. Maybe only because I rarely get to experience it and being by the water gives me a complete sense of calm. Lucky for me it's a feeling coming easier and easier every day. I thought the second I landed I would feel completely relieved, unfortunately not. But everyday the solutions come clearer, the sun hits a little harder, and I feel nothing but happiness, all those troublesome things are slowly slipping away and disconnecting myself from my everyday world is giving me peace of mind. But I wouldn't be upset to run into someone I know on my trip.
We only have a couple more days here before I depart to Ko Chang and will situate myself in a hostel, let the fun begin! I'm most excited to be meeting people from around the world, taking time to meditate in a hammock, and do lots of writing. Id like to say take tons of pictures but I managed to get a whole lot of sand in my camera and now it doesn't work. I'll either have to find someone to fix it or splurge on a new one in which case I'll be sleeping with the dogs for a couple weeks. It's ok though they are very friendly and never manage to get hit even though they sleep in the middle of the road.
It's boat trip time! I hear I'm going to see a shark! I'm going to try and give it a big old smooch.
Fun fact: a sunburn can get a sunburn
(Monday January 9th) yesterdays events will be summed up in sound effects and you can see if you can guess what we did. MmMMmmm, waaaaaah! Uohuhohohouh! Ahhhhh, ugh, yeee! Ugh, wahohahahaha, mMMmmM.
You got it! We had a delicious breakfast at our new favorite spot Tok's, where the food is the best priced we could find. I indulge on museli, yogurt, and fruit for just under three dollars and there is no better start to the day. We then rented a couple scooters I rode on the back of Chels' because Kathy wanted to come and no one trusted her to drive. The roads are god awful but the view from the top before the reach the ocean is striking. It's endless like the prairies but it's nothing but ocean and sunshine, same same but different. We swam out to a dock for a quick sun bathe and ended up back in town and ate at the Red Ginger, a Canadian owned restaurant. Jenna managed a broccoli salad with the biggest smile on her face and I found one with goat cheese, sorry Freehouse I guess I don't need you. That's a lie, I do need you, can I have my job back?
I crawled into my bed to a sensation I think only I enjoy, sand. I love the feeling of sand in the bed, dirty from ocean water thrashing about scratchy sheets. Maybe only because I rarely get to experience it and being by the water gives me a complete sense of calm. Lucky for me it's a feeling coming easier and easier every day. I thought the second I landed I would feel completely relieved, unfortunately not. But everyday the solutions come clearer, the sun hits a little harder, and I feel nothing but happiness, all those troublesome things are slowly slipping away and disconnecting myself from my everyday world is giving me peace of mind. But I wouldn't be upset to run into someone I know on my trip.
We only have a couple more days here before I depart to Ko Chang and will situate myself in a hostel, let the fun begin! I'm most excited to be meeting people from around the world, taking time to meditate in a hammock, and do lots of writing. Id like to say take tons of pictures but I managed to get a whole lot of sand in my camera and now it doesn't work. I'll either have to find someone to fix it or splurge on a new one in which case I'll be sleeping with the dogs for a couple weeks. It's ok though they are very friendly and never manage to get hit even though they sleep in the middle of the road.
It's boat trip time! I hear I'm going to see a shark! I'm going to try and give it a big old smooch.
Fun fact: a sunburn can get a sunburn
Kathy came to Thailand
Kathy is what I have named my hangover since we've become so close over the years. She showed up one day when I was sixteen and as the years have gone on her visits are more frequent, longer, and I'm quite ready to end our partnership. 2012 is supposed to be a rebirth for me, to focus more on appreciating the good health I've been blessed with as opposed to abusing it to o end. But what would you know, Kathy, punctual and as ruthless as ever came slithering on in to Bangkok, let's piece together how she managed that...
The girls and I managed to accomplish one of our four lazy tasks for the day on friday. We made it to the pool. No time for massage, we tried but missed the movie, and Pad Thai was no where in sight, well, not when we planned. Chels, who had already explored Bangkok headed back to the hotel, which we probably should have done. And so begins a night of lady boys and laser shows.
Friday january 6th. We met up with Jenna's friend, who now resides in Bangkok, at Nana sky train station which is just around the corner from our destination. Soi 11, a heavy trafficked hot spot, well known for it's nightlife was our main hangout for the night. We started out at Anna Bar, simply a wagon on the street side lit by backlights and occupied by regulars, one of which is Jenna's friend. After some delicious margaritas we found ourselves at the red wagon, another streetside spot with little seating but is closer to a vw van than a wagon. Still drivable the back half serves as the bar. With the staff inside music pumps and lazers display on the wall behind us it's really quite the open concept. The bar portion of the vehicle opens horizontally so the windows serve as the bar that you sit at and the other half is in tact. Warm city air, music blasting from all around, people watching and cocktails means it's time for the more interactive part of the evening. We grabbed a cab and headed to RCA, one of the most exciting party destinations/streets in the world.
Route 66 was our next hit. We payed 200 baht each to get in, however we got a free drink inside so in reality we payed 20 baht, more of a foreigner fee then anything. The music was just as intoxicating as the black soda's (johnny walker black and soda) we were drinking and it was a mind blowing lazer party. With so much to attempt to focus on in the thousands of people who were there I was transfixed on the DJ. From what I was informed there is a DJ group in Bangkok which basically runs the party. They are called run BKK and their logo can be found on the shirts of many people throughout the city and now I know why they are such A big deal, YouTube it if you can. With no room on the dance floor we took to outside. Since many bars connect on the strip the street is completely open and packed with tables and bottle service. People everywhere, especially the ladyboys, or the gangsters of the city ( them girls got attitude I tell you what). Needless to say, that was enough for us and we were headed back to our point of origin.
We managed a free cab since we were headed to check out Climax and the drivers get 100 baht a head, way more then the price of the cab ride. It was a seedy underground bar with a house cover band, DJ, and full of white men over 50 and you girls looking to take advantage of the situation. Needless to say we were there long enough to use the washroom and left to have some after hours snacks at the best street food cart in Bangkok. Jenna and I indulged in the best Pad Thai I've ever experienced and the shots and drinks still weren't stopping. But then I got my cue to get out of there, " we still have about twenty minutes before the sun is up" sometimes partying until that point is really exciting and you sleep the day away, however we just spent the night in a crazy city, were the alcohol flowed and I did not want to be watching the sun rise n the state we were in. Also the fact we were leaving bangkok was throbbing in my head.
Cabs weren't too keen of going all the way to our hotel at 5:30 a.m. But we finally managed one and were asleep after many drunk texts a little after 6:00, my apologies to those who were involved, but I'm so cute when I'm drunk right? To put the icing on the cake we got roughly four hours of sleep and had to decide against Chiangmai because we wouldn't have enough days to conquer it before the girls headed to Vietnam.
Here we are in Koh Samet instead. It's a lovely island that was just a few hours and a swift boat ride away. The beaches are pristine and we are sharing a "cozy" little bungalow for only 600 baht or roughly $18.00 dollars a night, just down the road from where people get mugged. I think if someone tried to mug me I'd just turn it around and mug them right back. We managed to catch fire dancing and a full moon party last night as we ate dinner on the beach and today we walked for hours exploring the other beaches and resorts fancy enough to make you daydream about no budget at all.
Now that Kathy has left I hope to enjoy my last few days with the girls indulging in sun, not crashing our mopeds, taking a boost tour to do some snorkeling and having a bucket or two!
Not so fun fact: man buns don't go clubbing at the RCA
The girls and I managed to accomplish one of our four lazy tasks for the day on friday. We made it to the pool. No time for massage, we tried but missed the movie, and Pad Thai was no where in sight, well, not when we planned. Chels, who had already explored Bangkok headed back to the hotel, which we probably should have done. And so begins a night of lady boys and laser shows.
Friday january 6th. We met up with Jenna's friend, who now resides in Bangkok, at Nana sky train station which is just around the corner from our destination. Soi 11, a heavy trafficked hot spot, well known for it's nightlife was our main hangout for the night. We started out at Anna Bar, simply a wagon on the street side lit by backlights and occupied by regulars, one of which is Jenna's friend. After some delicious margaritas we found ourselves at the red wagon, another streetside spot with little seating but is closer to a vw van than a wagon. Still drivable the back half serves as the bar. With the staff inside music pumps and lazers display on the wall behind us it's really quite the open concept. The bar portion of the vehicle opens horizontally so the windows serve as the bar that you sit at and the other half is in tact. Warm city air, music blasting from all around, people watching and cocktails means it's time for the more interactive part of the evening. We grabbed a cab and headed to RCA, one of the most exciting party destinations/streets in the world.
Route 66 was our next hit. We payed 200 baht each to get in, however we got a free drink inside so in reality we payed 20 baht, more of a foreigner fee then anything. The music was just as intoxicating as the black soda's (johnny walker black and soda) we were drinking and it was a mind blowing lazer party. With so much to attempt to focus on in the thousands of people who were there I was transfixed on the DJ. From what I was informed there is a DJ group in Bangkok which basically runs the party. They are called run BKK and their logo can be found on the shirts of many people throughout the city and now I know why they are such A big deal, YouTube it if you can. With no room on the dance floor we took to outside. Since many bars connect on the strip the street is completely open and packed with tables and bottle service. People everywhere, especially the ladyboys, or the gangsters of the city ( them girls got attitude I tell you what). Needless to say, that was enough for us and we were headed back to our point of origin.
We managed a free cab since we were headed to check out Climax and the drivers get 100 baht a head, way more then the price of the cab ride. It was a seedy underground bar with a house cover band, DJ, and full of white men over 50 and you girls looking to take advantage of the situation. Needless to say we were there long enough to use the washroom and left to have some after hours snacks at the best street food cart in Bangkok. Jenna and I indulged in the best Pad Thai I've ever experienced and the shots and drinks still weren't stopping. But then I got my cue to get out of there, " we still have about twenty minutes before the sun is up" sometimes partying until that point is really exciting and you sleep the day away, however we just spent the night in a crazy city, were the alcohol flowed and I did not want to be watching the sun rise n the state we were in. Also the fact we were leaving bangkok was throbbing in my head.
Cabs weren't too keen of going all the way to our hotel at 5:30 a.m. But we finally managed one and were asleep after many drunk texts a little after 6:00, my apologies to those who were involved, but I'm so cute when I'm drunk right? To put the icing on the cake we got roughly four hours of sleep and had to decide against Chiangmai because we wouldn't have enough days to conquer it before the girls headed to Vietnam.
Here we are in Koh Samet instead. It's a lovely island that was just a few hours and a swift boat ride away. The beaches are pristine and we are sharing a "cozy" little bungalow for only 600 baht or roughly $18.00 dollars a night, just down the road from where people get mugged. I think if someone tried to mug me I'd just turn it around and mug them right back. We managed to catch fire dancing and a full moon party last night as we ate dinner on the beach and today we walked for hours exploring the other beaches and resorts fancy enough to make you daydream about no budget at all.
Now that Kathy has left I hope to enjoy my last few days with the girls indulging in sun, not crashing our mopeds, taking a boost tour to do some snorkeling and having a bucket or two!
Not so fun fact: man buns don't go clubbing at the RCA
Friday, 6 January 2012
The Man Bun Movement
This is going to be big, evolutionary, it will change the way men live!
Please join, and or support the man bun. It's not only a hair style every man should sport but a way of life. Low bun, high bun, head band, comb band, we don't care! Just let your man bun show! Please pass this simple knowledge on so there are more attractive men to look at.
In recent news roughly a dozen different man buns were spotted on Khao San Road, Bangkok. Ladies were in hysterics and praise!
Get involved, it's a great cause.
Dreadlocks need not apply.
Please join, and or support the man bun. It's not only a hair style every man should sport but a way of life. Low bun, high bun, head band, comb band, we don't care! Just let your man bun show! Please pass this simple knowledge on so there are more attractive men to look at.
In recent news roughly a dozen different man buns were spotted on Khao San Road, Bangkok. Ladies were in hysterics and praise!
Get involved, it's a great cause.
Dreadlocks need not apply.
Getting backwards on the other side of the world
I've made it! A bit of a late post but between the jet lag, which I was in denile of it even existing, (work it Beyonce!) and one very long day in Bangkok, I finally have a moment to sit down and reflect on the past few days of go go, and not the good kind.
I've just woken up so I'm not quite sure if that swaying boat feeling or inability to focus on too much at once has past but I'm in a lovely, air conditioned, hotel sipping instant coffee waiting for the girls to wake up so we can have breakfast and have a day of relaxing. Yes, life is so hard when you aren't working and indulging in the happens of a different lifestyle.
Jenna and I, (a girlfriend from back home who was going to South East Asia at some point, and ended up on the same flight!) arrived in Bangkok at roughly 1:30 a.m. Their time. Immigration was a breeze and the weather was perfect. China was a terrible 1 degree and we were stuck there for five hours with nothing but over priced Chinese food, apparently they just call it food there, and other straggling holidayers dying for their final destination. We managed to fall asleep immediately upon boarding our flight to Bangkok, it's very strange to wake up already in the sky when you don't know the city's lights aren't stars. Definitely exhausted by the time we finally got a cab I was so thankful Jenna's lovely sister Chels had a giant comfy bed waiting for us at the Golden Pearl on Sukhumvit road. It just so happens to be the more high end road to stay on in Bangkok which had me a little leary, but luckily we are further down and in the ghetto, thanks Dolly!
We slept five short hours but the buzz of the city had already set in and we were ready for a big day of adventuring. With our tour guide Chels in tow we set out to the sky train and downtown to Siam square to find some street food and check out the shops. Like any big city the shopping is madness, the malls are massive, jam pack with high end stores, and the streets are lined with markets on the cheap. Whatever you want, and actually some really fantastic fashion. On that note any donations to replacing the wardrobe in BB's backpack can be made directly to my bank account. I promise to be a fabulous fixture at any party you host, or hell, I'll be the center piece on your coffee table if you want. I look good!
Soon after we grabbed a Thai pancake with bananas and chocolate, a freshly cut coconut, and headed to the Grand Palace to see the Emerald Buddha. Being our first day out we experienced first hand the way tourists get taken advantage of so the people can make more money. I understand the need for more income but we are just three Canadians girls and that's just rude. Little did they know we had our secret weapon and ball of fury, Chels. That girl will tell you what's up and you better comply. Several cabs wanted to do a fixed rate of 150 - 200 Baht, about $6.50 Canadian, but we managed to get a cabby to agree to putting on the meter and got there for 75 Baht, or $2.50. Bangkok, you are greedy! And dirty, and you smell like garbage. Another tourist trap is people waiting outside the sight you are at telling you it's closed, or the tour isn't for an hour. This way they can send you to other attractions and make a commission off you. Look, I'm not a dollar sign, my daddy works hard for his money. We managed to find the entrance, and after waiting in line forever for proper attire, we were on our way to the Buddha. At the Grand Palace you must have long loose pants, and your shoulders must be covered to enter, respect. But there are still signs of warning for pick pocketers and scam artists everywhere, can you figure that one out?
The temples were astonishing, glittery and gold, words can't describe but they'd make one hell of a gay bar. So much history in one area, murals of the Buddha's life, which we had the opportunity to seem some restoration being done, statues of demons, and knowledge of the temples being decorated piece by piece was enough to know the faith that goes into one place. As we were making our way to the Buddha my heart fluttered a little. A monk, passing by, smiled at me. Not only did it remind me how far a smile can go, but also the sense of relief it can give to someone. So right now I want you to smile at the next person you see, spread a little happiness! We blessed ourselves by dipping a rose into some holy water and batting each other on the head and we entered the Emerald Buddha's temple. Since you can't take pictures in there I won't even describe what I saw, go see for yourself, it will change your spirit.
We realized we hadn't really eaten at this point so off we were again, in search of food, like a honey badger. Exhausted and dehydrated we found ourselves in the absolute madness of both Rambuttri and Khaosan San road. I thought downtown was crazy. These roads are PACKED with vendors, bars, housing, restaurants, side carts, and tons and tons of people. It's very exciting and if you like to people watch this is where it's at but it's definitely overwhelming and we luckily got out of there before dark. Just beyond there are shops and shops of everything imaginable. Complete stores on single items. Belt store, jewelry store, button store, it goes on and on. Now for a little story in this big one. On one of the corners sat a woman fanning a cart. We stopped over to see what she was doing and wouldn't you know! That cart had seven chihuahuas in it, four of which were puppies. Of course our hearts melted as we scratched the bellies of the sleeping ones, held the tiny ones, and gave a good pet to the ones who where cute years before and weren't getting the attention the little ones were. Due to the floods this woman had rescued these little guys and was asking for donations to care for them. Normally I don't just hand out money to people on the street but in the spirit of Joanne, who will be referred to as Woofanne from now on, I made a contribution.
After filling out bellies with, you guessed it, rice! We headed back downtown to kill some time before dinner. Eventually we found ourselves at a restaurant called Condoms and Cabbages. It's decorated with lampshades made of condoms, mannequins are wearing clothes made of condoms, and there is a wishing well which all the money thrown in goes towards building a secondary school for the one they have already established, up with education! This place is fantastic and I encourage you to check it out online or in person. It was mainly started to raise money to bring awareness to planned parenting, in the 70's the average Thai family had seven children and it was very detrimental on the economy, so PDA was put into affect, like I said, check it out. We ate like kings, from corn patties to Thai salad, spicy vegetarian dishes and even deep fried bananas in honey. For four of us to be filled to the bring and take home leftovers, have some beers and leave a tip, it was roughly $ 90.00 Canadian but this sort of meal would have been at least double back home, and first night in Bangkok had to be celebrated.
We managed to get back to the sky train ten minutes before close and we are asleep in our king sized bed in no time. As for today we are just lazing around the pool, getting Thai massages, going to a 4D movie (we are in the future after all) and filling up on pad Thai. One day to relax before we head up North to Chiangmai. Hopefully that post won't be as long.
Fun fact: Thai people are bigger then you think
I've just woken up so I'm not quite sure if that swaying boat feeling or inability to focus on too much at once has past but I'm in a lovely, air conditioned, hotel sipping instant coffee waiting for the girls to wake up so we can have breakfast and have a day of relaxing. Yes, life is so hard when you aren't working and indulging in the happens of a different lifestyle.
Jenna and I, (a girlfriend from back home who was going to South East Asia at some point, and ended up on the same flight!) arrived in Bangkok at roughly 1:30 a.m. Their time. Immigration was a breeze and the weather was perfect. China was a terrible 1 degree and we were stuck there for five hours with nothing but over priced Chinese food, apparently they just call it food there, and other straggling holidayers dying for their final destination. We managed to fall asleep immediately upon boarding our flight to Bangkok, it's very strange to wake up already in the sky when you don't know the city's lights aren't stars. Definitely exhausted by the time we finally got a cab I was so thankful Jenna's lovely sister Chels had a giant comfy bed waiting for us at the Golden Pearl on Sukhumvit road. It just so happens to be the more high end road to stay on in Bangkok which had me a little leary, but luckily we are further down and in the ghetto, thanks Dolly!
We slept five short hours but the buzz of the city had already set in and we were ready for a big day of adventuring. With our tour guide Chels in tow we set out to the sky train and downtown to Siam square to find some street food and check out the shops. Like any big city the shopping is madness, the malls are massive, jam pack with high end stores, and the streets are lined with markets on the cheap. Whatever you want, and actually some really fantastic fashion. On that note any donations to replacing the wardrobe in BB's backpack can be made directly to my bank account. I promise to be a fabulous fixture at any party you host, or hell, I'll be the center piece on your coffee table if you want. I look good!
Soon after we grabbed a Thai pancake with bananas and chocolate, a freshly cut coconut, and headed to the Grand Palace to see the Emerald Buddha. Being our first day out we experienced first hand the way tourists get taken advantage of so the people can make more money. I understand the need for more income but we are just three Canadians girls and that's just rude. Little did they know we had our secret weapon and ball of fury, Chels. That girl will tell you what's up and you better comply. Several cabs wanted to do a fixed rate of 150 - 200 Baht, about $6.50 Canadian, but we managed to get a cabby to agree to putting on the meter and got there for 75 Baht, or $2.50. Bangkok, you are greedy! And dirty, and you smell like garbage. Another tourist trap is people waiting outside the sight you are at telling you it's closed, or the tour isn't for an hour. This way they can send you to other attractions and make a commission off you. Look, I'm not a dollar sign, my daddy works hard for his money. We managed to find the entrance, and after waiting in line forever for proper attire, we were on our way to the Buddha. At the Grand Palace you must have long loose pants, and your shoulders must be covered to enter, respect. But there are still signs of warning for pick pocketers and scam artists everywhere, can you figure that one out?
The temples were astonishing, glittery and gold, words can't describe but they'd make one hell of a gay bar. So much history in one area, murals of the Buddha's life, which we had the opportunity to seem some restoration being done, statues of demons, and knowledge of the temples being decorated piece by piece was enough to know the faith that goes into one place. As we were making our way to the Buddha my heart fluttered a little. A monk, passing by, smiled at me. Not only did it remind me how far a smile can go, but also the sense of relief it can give to someone. So right now I want you to smile at the next person you see, spread a little happiness! We blessed ourselves by dipping a rose into some holy water and batting each other on the head and we entered the Emerald Buddha's temple. Since you can't take pictures in there I won't even describe what I saw, go see for yourself, it will change your spirit.
We realized we hadn't really eaten at this point so off we were again, in search of food, like a honey badger. Exhausted and dehydrated we found ourselves in the absolute madness of both Rambuttri and Khaosan San road. I thought downtown was crazy. These roads are PACKED with vendors, bars, housing, restaurants, side carts, and tons and tons of people. It's very exciting and if you like to people watch this is where it's at but it's definitely overwhelming and we luckily got out of there before dark. Just beyond there are shops and shops of everything imaginable. Complete stores on single items. Belt store, jewelry store, button store, it goes on and on. Now for a little story in this big one. On one of the corners sat a woman fanning a cart. We stopped over to see what she was doing and wouldn't you know! That cart had seven chihuahuas in it, four of which were puppies. Of course our hearts melted as we scratched the bellies of the sleeping ones, held the tiny ones, and gave a good pet to the ones who where cute years before and weren't getting the attention the little ones were. Due to the floods this woman had rescued these little guys and was asking for donations to care for them. Normally I don't just hand out money to people on the street but in the spirit of Joanne, who will be referred to as Woofanne from now on, I made a contribution.
After filling out bellies with, you guessed it, rice! We headed back downtown to kill some time before dinner. Eventually we found ourselves at a restaurant called Condoms and Cabbages. It's decorated with lampshades made of condoms, mannequins are wearing clothes made of condoms, and there is a wishing well which all the money thrown in goes towards building a secondary school for the one they have already established, up with education! This place is fantastic and I encourage you to check it out online or in person. It was mainly started to raise money to bring awareness to planned parenting, in the 70's the average Thai family had seven children and it was very detrimental on the economy, so PDA was put into affect, like I said, check it out. We ate like kings, from corn patties to Thai salad, spicy vegetarian dishes and even deep fried bananas in honey. For four of us to be filled to the bring and take home leftovers, have some beers and leave a tip, it was roughly $ 90.00 Canadian but this sort of meal would have been at least double back home, and first night in Bangkok had to be celebrated.
We managed to get back to the sky train ten minutes before close and we are asleep in our king sized bed in no time. As for today we are just lazing around the pool, getting Thai massages, going to a 4D movie (we are in the future after all) and filling up on pad Thai. One day to relax before we head up North to Chiangmai. Hopefully that post won't be as long.
Fun fact: Thai people are bigger then you think
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)