February 1, 10:22 AM TT
Oh man, I'm still hurting a bit from last night. Went to Sirroco / Skybar around 5:00 PM. There are two sections to the bar- the lame one and the amazing one. They start you out at the lame one. You get a drink, lounge on a couch (it has an alright view and is outside), finish your drink, pay ($10 beers) then you say "I want to go to other bar" (yes that is how I'm starting to talk now haha). Then you go to the other bar on the opposite side of the restaurant.
Make sure when your jaw drops to the floor you don't let it fall off the edge. It's a 64-story drop. It's so ridiculous in fact that it really is impossible not to gawk for a few seconds before you walk down the steps to the bar area.
The view is incredible. You can see the river snaking its way through all the glimmering lights. Skyscrapers lit up in brilliant yellow, blues, purples and oranges dot the landscape. I don't mean to get all gushy but it was soooooo awesome. The only other view that comes close to rivalling it is the view from the backdoor at Fatman's Pub in Danville. :-P
I spent $30 on beer to experience it, but it was definitely worth it! Afterwards I took the skytrain to the Asok Station and got off there to look for the Soi Cowboy red light district. I knew it was somewhere in the area but it took me 40 minutes of walking to find it. I was exhausted at that point so I snapped a few pictures and left. One of them turned out pretty good. Took a cab back to my hotel, took a shower, and went to sleep.
Got up at 5 AM and had to pack a few things still. Got in a cab at 6:20 after a light breakfast and headed to the airport. Got checked in, went to gate and napped a bit because I was tired (update: I am still tired, thinking about planning just a half day tomorrow) When they called on various rows to board, they had us walk down the gate and get on a bus instead of a plane. Took a 3 minutes bus ride to the plane and took off 20 minutes later Breakfast on the plane was yogurt and some pastry with hardened dark chocolate in the middle. Yummy.
Landed at 9:20 AM, got my bag, bought a bottle of water and got a taxi. That's where I'm writing this from. It's about an hour drive to my hotel from the airport.
The taxi driver stopped at some touristy boat tour place and they gave me a bunch of brochures. Not going to do any of that stuff.. I don't like having tourists and sight see-ers in my photos. Kills it for me.
About 10 minutes ago the driver's phone rings and he answers it... tells me "It's for you" and offers me the phone. I know I DEFINITELY had a "wtf?" look on my face when I took the phone and said hello. It was the lady from the tourplace letting me know I could save 15% if I booked now.
I was hoping it was something more exciting like a Thai secret agent calling me to say "You're being followed." Then I'd look out the window just as the agent passes my taxi on a motorcycle and he throws me a gun and we have a high speed shootout with my assailants while my taxi driver provides all the necessary comic relief with heavily accented phrases such as "You crazy, mistah!" and "He go boom!"
Sounds like a Michael Bay movie. I should call him.
Favorite massage parlour name: "Happy Time Thai Massage." Made me laugh.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Journal Update 6
January 31, 11:02 AM TT
Just got done with my Thai massage... Wow! They are really awesome. They consist of lots of pressing with the hands and elbows on various pressure points. They also mix in some extreme stretches. I got the shit cracked out of my back. I'm hoping it helped my shoulders because they are starting to get tired from hauling my camera around. Oh the prices we pay...
Forgot to check out my flight information for tomorrow when I was on the computer earlier. Need to double check things though I'm 99% sure I know everything. I do need to check addresses + phone numbers for my hotels down South though. I don't even remember their names haha.
The place I'm staying in Patong, Phuket is going to be really nice. Heard the service & facilities are top notch. I think I paid $65 a night so that is splurging by Thai standards but it's only 2 nights so who cares. (also it's a villa)
My villa on Ko Phi Phi (pronounced "koh pee pee") is probably a shithole- literally. I read it stinks like sewage there, haha... but $25 a night with AC and my own bathroom... can't complain too much.
After that I'll be in Ao Nang, Krabi. There's nothing to do in that town but it's a good hub for everything else in the area. I think my place there is around $70 a night for the villa. Staying in villas the whole time down South because I wanted to do something different.
I don't really have any plans for the next ~4 hours (update: I drank beer). I need to get my hotel / flight information and grab some lunch but that's about it.
Tonight, well, this afternoon at 3:30 I'm going to head to Wat Pho, which has a large reclining Buddha statue. After that I'm going to kill some time before I head over to the Sirroco Sky Bar. It's a bar on the 60th floor roof of some building. I'd prefer to get there around sunset... not sure what I'm gonna do for an hour between the temple and the bar.
If you've seen the Bombay Sapphire ads (in magazines) of a blue rooftop bar, then you've seen the skybar. Hopefully they let me bring my camera in.. otherwise I'm not going to bother. Drinks are $15-20 and if I can't take pictures there than I'm not going to waste my money.
After the skybar I'm hopping on the skytrain (everything in this city is in the sky apparently) and taking it to Soi Cowboy where I'm hoping to get some interesting pics of the infamous red light district.
So those are the plans for today.. lets hope it goes well!
P.S. Thai food is starting to do a number on me. Uh ohhhh! :-0
January 31, 12:43 PM TT
Sitting at an outdoor (shaded) bar on a corner on a street just off Sukhumvit Road, sorta near my internet cafe. Beers are $2 but to be honest I'd be afraid to drink beer here that costs much less.
If I was an intelligent insightful person, now is when I'd ramble on about some crazy philosophical thought of mine about the meaning of life or what I should be doing.. but that's not really the type of person that I am. Just the fact that I've reached a state where if I WERE such a person I'd do just that makes me happy enough.
Sitting on a rickety old stool at a wood plank bar. Talking to a couple of blokes from England. If they weren't from England then I wouldn't call them blokes lol. They are some pretty cookie cutter exmaples of sex tourists but it's hard not to laugh at the stories they are telling. Maybe it's the accent? English men are charming right? Or just Hugh Grant? Going to cut myself off after the 3rd beer, don't want to be too sloppy later... yeah I'm a lightweight. That's common knowledge (update: I successfully cut myself off, Bravo.)
Also, weekend market note that I forgot about- there were stalls selling fish + flattened and dried squid that were some of the worst smelling things I've ever smelled. After passing by a few I had to avoid them for fear that I might retch. They were rotting!
Oh poo, my notebook is starting to fall apart. My mom said my language is horrendous in this blog. She didn't say horrendous but she meant it.
One of the blokes is wearing a penis necklace and we just laughed at him about it. He says it's not a penis, it's a penis creature, because it has legs.
Lunch today was a fried chicken leg- Thai style- and an ice cream cone with 3 Heinekens for dessert. Finishing the third right now then hopping on the net (Hi Carly and Liz and Nick) then back to the hotel to get cleaned up and head out. I have to look nice for the skybar so that means shirt + tie + jeans + shoes. Luckily I won't be walking around too much in that outfit. It's not optimal for these conditions.
LoL (yes it's necessary) the English guys' names were Marten and Marten.
Just got done with my Thai massage... Wow! They are really awesome. They consist of lots of pressing with the hands and elbows on various pressure points. They also mix in some extreme stretches. I got the shit cracked out of my back. I'm hoping it helped my shoulders because they are starting to get tired from hauling my camera around. Oh the prices we pay...
Forgot to check out my flight information for tomorrow when I was on the computer earlier. Need to double check things though I'm 99% sure I know everything. I do need to check addresses + phone numbers for my hotels down South though. I don't even remember their names haha.
The place I'm staying in Patong, Phuket is going to be really nice. Heard the service & facilities are top notch. I think I paid $65 a night so that is splurging by Thai standards but it's only 2 nights so who cares. (also it's a villa)
My villa on Ko Phi Phi (pronounced "koh pee pee") is probably a shithole- literally. I read it stinks like sewage there, haha... but $25 a night with AC and my own bathroom... can't complain too much.
After that I'll be in Ao Nang, Krabi. There's nothing to do in that town but it's a good hub for everything else in the area. I think my place there is around $70 a night for the villa. Staying in villas the whole time down South because I wanted to do something different.
I don't really have any plans for the next ~4 hours (update: I drank beer). I need to get my hotel / flight information and grab some lunch but that's about it.
Tonight, well, this afternoon at 3:30 I'm going to head to Wat Pho, which has a large reclining Buddha statue. After that I'm going to kill some time before I head over to the Sirroco Sky Bar. It's a bar on the 60th floor roof of some building. I'd prefer to get there around sunset... not sure what I'm gonna do for an hour between the temple and the bar.
If you've seen the Bombay Sapphire ads (in magazines) of a blue rooftop bar, then you've seen the skybar. Hopefully they let me bring my camera in.. otherwise I'm not going to bother. Drinks are $15-20 and if I can't take pictures there than I'm not going to waste my money.
After the skybar I'm hopping on the skytrain (everything in this city is in the sky apparently) and taking it to Soi Cowboy where I'm hoping to get some interesting pics of the infamous red light district.
So those are the plans for today.. lets hope it goes well!
P.S. Thai food is starting to do a number on me. Uh ohhhh! :-0
January 31, 12:43 PM TT
Sitting at an outdoor (shaded) bar on a corner on a street just off Sukhumvit Road, sorta near my internet cafe. Beers are $2 but to be honest I'd be afraid to drink beer here that costs much less.
If I was an intelligent insightful person, now is when I'd ramble on about some crazy philosophical thought of mine about the meaning of life or what I should be doing.. but that's not really the type of person that I am. Just the fact that I've reached a state where if I WERE such a person I'd do just that makes me happy enough.
Sitting on a rickety old stool at a wood plank bar. Talking to a couple of blokes from England. If they weren't from England then I wouldn't call them blokes lol. They are some pretty cookie cutter exmaples of sex tourists but it's hard not to laugh at the stories they are telling. Maybe it's the accent? English men are charming right? Or just Hugh Grant? Going to cut myself off after the 3rd beer, don't want to be too sloppy later... yeah I'm a lightweight. That's common knowledge (update: I successfully cut myself off, Bravo.)
Also, weekend market note that I forgot about- there were stalls selling fish + flattened and dried squid that were some of the worst smelling things I've ever smelled. After passing by a few I had to avoid them for fear that I might retch. They were rotting!
Oh poo, my notebook is starting to fall apart. My mom said my language is horrendous in this blog. She didn't say horrendous but she meant it.
One of the blokes is wearing a penis necklace and we just laughed at him about it. He says it's not a penis, it's a penis creature, because it has legs.
Lunch today was a fried chicken leg- Thai style- and an ice cream cone with 3 Heinekens for dessert. Finishing the third right now then hopping on the net (Hi Carly and Liz and Nick) then back to the hotel to get cleaned up and head out. I have to look nice for the skybar so that means shirt + tie + jeans + shoes. Luckily I won't be walking around too much in that outfit. It's not optimal for these conditions.
LoL (yes it's necessary) the English guys' names were Marten and Marten.
Journal Update 5
January 30, 11:30 PM TT
Woohoo! Today was my first full day. Got up at 6:30 AM and will be going to be around midnight. No naps!
After I got cleaned up I took the Skytrain and riverboat to the Tha Thien (N8) dock and camped there waiting for Wat Arun to light up. While waiting I took a group photo for a guy at least 60 who was touting no less than three Thai women on his arm. I half expected a film crew to be following them for Thailand's version of "The Girls Next Door" before I reminded myself there was no way the guy is 80+ years old like Hef is.
Anyway, my patience paid off as I got a got a great shot. Afterwards I walked past Wat Pho (going inside there tomorrow) and the walls of the Grand Palace and as I kept seeing cool things to photograph in the distance I kept walking and walking.
Met a Thai guy named Mr. Chai (?) who says he teaches history at a university in Thailand. He told me there would be fireworks at the monument at 11:00 PM but I didn't stick around for them. He wants me to meet him tomorrow but I'm not going to... he is probably trying to rip me off somehow. I asked him if I could just give him my email and he said no, that he doesn't use it... but wouldn't a university professor need to use it? I dunno, things could just be different over here.
Dinner was hilarious- will talk about it tomorrow, I'm starting to fall asleep. Night.
January 31, 5:22 AM TT
Can't sleep, woke up at 5 am and even though I'm tired I don't think I can fall back asleep.. too much on my mind.
Ok, so dinner last night was at this Thai Fusion place down the street from my hotel. From the street it looked like a tiny little place that could seat maybe 20 people. I go inside and seating is for 200 people- huge place. Opened up to a nice moody courtyard. I ask to sit outside since it is a pretty nice night. Turns out that wasn't the best choice.
They sit me down next to this pretty tree and shrine (Buddhist shrines crack me up- they usually have toys and food and drink as offerings. I respect their beliefs, I just haven't ever seen this before so it is still a novelty for me. In Ayutthaya, I saw a plate with a sandwich and fries on it, and an open bottle of coke with the straw sticking out of the top. It's just very new to me! haha) and the shrine has these plastic swords and other knick nack toys that you'd buy at a drugstore. So I'm sitting in this nice fancy place next to a table of really cheap toys.
Ok I thought that was funny, maybe you had to have been there, haha. Anyway, the reason it was a bad idea to sit outside was the mosquitos. I haven't been bitten by any yet (and no sunburn either!) and I didn't even notice any bugs until a waitress brings out a little bottle of lemongrass oil to spray on. She says something to me something that sounded like "unknown unknown moh keet oh." I was trying to piece together the unknown parts of her sentence when a mosquito landed on my arm and I figured it out.
So I try using the bottle she brought out and it doesn't work... a little tiny spray comes out every 20 times I press the squirter. So I ask her if I can have another one and try telling her the one she gave me doesn't work. Imagine how mortified I was when she picks it up and gets like 5 perfect sprays out of it in a row and says with an "I pity your stupidity" tone in her voice "you...you have to press down on it." So she hands it back toand it's broken again. So I try showing her that, hand it back to her, and know it won't work for her either.
Then she brings out this thing that looks like a badmitten (spelling?) racquet and waves it under the table and I hear like 20 electrical pops- turns out it's an electrified bug killer thing. I had seen lots of people carrying these things around Bangkok and just assumed Thai people always want to be prepared in case they're involved in an impromptu game of street-badmitten.
Well the spray and the wand weren't good enough apparently because they they bring out this pretty big circular fan and aim it at me to keep the bugs away. There's no way I'd ever be unhappy about a fan being pointed at me here though, feels great no matter what time of day it is (had dinner at 10PM).
Wow I've written two pages without even saying anything about the food. I'm sorry!
Anyway, so like I said it's a Thai fusion restaurant. I like fusion restaurants because when you say "Yeah I ate at X, it's a Y fusion restaurant" you can't help but feel cool. Same thing with bistros.
I got a rack of lamb in spicy mango sauce with fried noodles mixed with spicy vegetables. I was originally planning to go cheap for dinner and spend 120 baht on "green beans + shrimp" but the lamb sounded really good so I got that instead. It was a little over 4 times as much haha. Whoops. Had some beer called "Sing-ha" which is pretty good- a lot better than Chang.
After I ordered they brought a little plate and said "Chef's compliments." Boy did I feel special! I don't know what they were, but they were delicious. Two little things of vegetables and sauce wrapped and friend in some lightly crispy shell + tied off w/crispy noodles. Ok now my stomach is grumbling. (update: I just ate breakfast and after typing that, my stomach started growling again -_-) I gotta get out of bed soon lol.
Forgot to mention last night about the canal picture I took. So there are the canals that run through the city and some are used as transportation and others I'm not so sure what they're for. I know a long time ago canals were builty around the city as a defense mechanism so perhaps they are remnants of that?
Well the Thai people treat some of these canals as trash cans. You see a lot of garbage floating in some of them. A lot of people have their back porches right on the edge of these canals. When I was walking last night I saw this really cool scene and snapped probably the "moodiest" picture I've ever taken. The lighting on the scene is just crazy. It looks great straight out of camera and with no editing.
While walking to dinner last night a bunch of ladies asked me if I wanted a Thai massage. I actually had been planning on getting one this morning so when I told them "tmoorrow" I meant it. One of the ladies made me pinky swear haha.
I don't think I've stopped smiling since I got here. Thai people like it when you smile haha. I probably looked ridiculous lat night walking through some random Thai neighborhood with a huge shit-eating grin on my face taking pictures.
I definitely don't fit in a Thai 'small' t-shirt. Well I was able to put it on, but it seriously took me 2 minutes to take it off. I was about to go all Hulk Hogan on it and "RAARRRHGHGH" rip it in two but it's brand new. :-( Going to give it to David and if he doesn't fit in it, going to give it to an 8 year old.
Had the hotel do some laundry for me. Thought it would be around $5, was over $20! Going to take a few things I need washed to a place across the street today. (update: no I'm not, too lazy) Ok, breakfast time, bye!
Woohoo! Today was my first full day. Got up at 6:30 AM and will be going to be around midnight. No naps!
After I got cleaned up I took the Skytrain and riverboat to the Tha Thien (N8) dock and camped there waiting for Wat Arun to light up. While waiting I took a group photo for a guy at least 60 who was touting no less than three Thai women on his arm. I half expected a film crew to be following them for Thailand's version of "The Girls Next Door" before I reminded myself there was no way the guy is 80+ years old like Hef is.
Anyway, my patience paid off as I got a got a great shot. Afterwards I walked past Wat Pho (going inside there tomorrow) and the walls of the Grand Palace and as I kept seeing cool things to photograph in the distance I kept walking and walking.
Met a Thai guy named Mr. Chai (?) who says he teaches history at a university in Thailand. He told me there would be fireworks at the monument at 11:00 PM but I didn't stick around for them. He wants me to meet him tomorrow but I'm not going to... he is probably trying to rip me off somehow. I asked him if I could just give him my email and he said no, that he doesn't use it... but wouldn't a university professor need to use it? I dunno, things could just be different over here.
Dinner was hilarious- will talk about it tomorrow, I'm starting to fall asleep. Night.
January 31, 5:22 AM TT
Can't sleep, woke up at 5 am and even though I'm tired I don't think I can fall back asleep.. too much on my mind.
Ok, so dinner last night was at this Thai Fusion place down the street from my hotel. From the street it looked like a tiny little place that could seat maybe 20 people. I go inside and seating is for 200 people- huge place. Opened up to a nice moody courtyard. I ask to sit outside since it is a pretty nice night. Turns out that wasn't the best choice.
They sit me down next to this pretty tree and shrine (Buddhist shrines crack me up- they usually have toys and food and drink as offerings. I respect their beliefs, I just haven't ever seen this before so it is still a novelty for me. In Ayutthaya, I saw a plate with a sandwich and fries on it, and an open bottle of coke with the straw sticking out of the top. It's just very new to me! haha) and the shrine has these plastic swords and other knick nack toys that you'd buy at a drugstore. So I'm sitting in this nice fancy place next to a table of really cheap toys.
Ok I thought that was funny, maybe you had to have been there, haha. Anyway, the reason it was a bad idea to sit outside was the mosquitos. I haven't been bitten by any yet (and no sunburn either!) and I didn't even notice any bugs until a waitress brings out a little bottle of lemongrass oil to spray on. She says something to me something that sounded like "unknown unknown moh keet oh." I was trying to piece together the unknown parts of her sentence when a mosquito landed on my arm and I figured it out.
So I try using the bottle she brought out and it doesn't work... a little tiny spray comes out every 20 times I press the squirter. So I ask her if I can have another one and try telling her the one she gave me doesn't work. Imagine how mortified I was when she picks it up and gets like 5 perfect sprays out of it in a row and says with an "I pity your stupidity" tone in her voice "you...you have to press down on it." So she hands it back toand it's broken again. So I try showing her that, hand it back to her, and know it won't work for her either.
Then she brings out this thing that looks like a badmitten (spelling?) racquet and waves it under the table and I hear like 20 electrical pops- turns out it's an electrified bug killer thing. I had seen lots of people carrying these things around Bangkok and just assumed Thai people always want to be prepared in case they're involved in an impromptu game of street-badmitten.
Well the spray and the wand weren't good enough apparently because they they bring out this pretty big circular fan and aim it at me to keep the bugs away. There's no way I'd ever be unhappy about a fan being pointed at me here though, feels great no matter what time of day it is (had dinner at 10PM).
Wow I've written two pages without even saying anything about the food. I'm sorry!
Anyway, so like I said it's a Thai fusion restaurant. I like fusion restaurants because when you say "Yeah I ate at X, it's a Y fusion restaurant" you can't help but feel cool. Same thing with bistros.
I got a rack of lamb in spicy mango sauce with fried noodles mixed with spicy vegetables. I was originally planning to go cheap for dinner and spend 120 baht on "green beans + shrimp" but the lamb sounded really good so I got that instead. It was a little over 4 times as much haha. Whoops. Had some beer called "Sing-ha" which is pretty good- a lot better than Chang.
After I ordered they brought a little plate and said "Chef's compliments." Boy did I feel special! I don't know what they were, but they were delicious. Two little things of vegetables and sauce wrapped and friend in some lightly crispy shell + tied off w/crispy noodles. Ok now my stomach is grumbling. (update: I just ate breakfast and after typing that, my stomach started growling again -_-) I gotta get out of bed soon lol.
Forgot to mention last night about the canal picture I took. So there are the canals that run through the city and some are used as transportation and others I'm not so sure what they're for. I know a long time ago canals were builty around the city as a defense mechanism so perhaps they are remnants of that?
Well the Thai people treat some of these canals as trash cans. You see a lot of garbage floating in some of them. A lot of people have their back porches right on the edge of these canals. When I was walking last night I saw this really cool scene and snapped probably the "moodiest" picture I've ever taken. The lighting on the scene is just crazy. It looks great straight out of camera and with no editing.
While walking to dinner last night a bunch of ladies asked me if I wanted a Thai massage. I actually had been planning on getting one this morning so when I told them "tmoorrow" I meant it. One of the ladies made me pinky swear haha.
I don't think I've stopped smiling since I got here. Thai people like it when you smile haha. I probably looked ridiculous lat night walking through some random Thai neighborhood with a huge shit-eating grin on my face taking pictures.
I definitely don't fit in a Thai 'small' t-shirt. Well I was able to put it on, but it seriously took me 2 minutes to take it off. I was about to go all Hulk Hogan on it and "RAARRRHGHGH" rip it in two but it's brand new. :-( Going to give it to David and if he doesn't fit in it, going to give it to an 8 year old.
Had the hotel do some laundry for me. Thought it would be around $5, was over $20! Going to take a few things I need washed to a place across the street today. (update: no I'm not, too lazy) Ok, breakfast time, bye!
Update 3
Just got back in my hotel's area after an amazing night out. Took the Skytrain and riverboat to the dock that has a good view of Wat Arun. Got an amazing picture just after sunset. Will edit and throw it up later. After that, I walked around for a few hours near the Grand Palace and then to some very Thai neighborhoods. No tourists around at all. Some Thai guy asked me to meet him at one of the monuments tomorrow because he is visiting America soon and wants advice. I told him ok, then about 2 minutes later decided I didn't think it was such a good idea. Whoops, sorry guy who will be waiting for me tomorrow. I hope you were planning on kidnapping/robbing me so I don't have a guilty consciounsce (ok how do you spell that word?).
When walking around taking pictures at night, I pretty much keep pushing myself to keep going and taking pictures until I feel way too uncomfortable with where I am and then I hail a cab and get the hell out of there. (oh hey, some white dude just walked by holding a hooker's hand outside the internet cafe, how cute haha) Anyway, I got a shot of the backs of some houses next to a canal that is one of my favorites from the trip. Really awesome "dark" shot.
I am pretty hungry so I might go to a restaurant and grab some food and a beer before I head back to the hotel to sleep. I edited a few pictures to throw up on here. Full sizes will be available when I get back to the states and can edit them on a nicer monitor!
When walking around taking pictures at night, I pretty much keep pushing myself to keep going and taking pictures until I feel way too uncomfortable with where I am and then I hail a cab and get the hell out of there. (oh hey, some white dude just walked by holding a hooker's hand outside the internet cafe, how cute haha) Anyway, I got a shot of the backs of some houses next to a canal that is one of my favorites from the trip. Really awesome "dark" shot.
I am pretty hungry so I might go to a restaurant and grab some food and a beer before I head back to the hotel to sleep. I edited a few pictures to throw up on here. Full sizes will be available when I get back to the states and can edit them on a nicer monitor!
Journal Update 4
January 30, 2:47 PM TT
Well last night I slept until 1:30 AM. Whoops! Went and hopped on facebook. Couldn't get a beer because all the bars around here stop serving around 1 AM. Then I went back to my room to try to sleep. Got up @ 6:30 AM today.
After I had breakfast I strapped on my backpack, got some cash from an ATM and headed to the Mo Chit station which is near the weekend market. Got a beer and laughed at the fact that I was out drinking in public at 8:30 AM. I'm on vacation damnit! :-p
After I was done with that I met up with Stephanie and Josh and we walked around for a while.
Bargaining with the vendors was fun, though I'm sure I was an easy bargain. Usually I was able to bargain 10-25% off which isn't too bad I guess.
Checked out the part of the market selling pets. I guess that area had been part of some news documentary about animala buse or something. The dogs and cats and squirrels (yes, you could buy a pet squirrel!) were packed in cages pretty tight, but it really wasn't much/any worse than the US's puppy mills/puppy stores in shopping malls.
There was definitely an overabundance of cuteness though! Sooooo many puppies and kitties. There were purebreeds of many different kinds. Even saw some German Shepherd pups that reminded me of Chuck... oh how I miss him... lol :-(
I do feel bad for the dogs/cats with shaggy coats/long hair because it was quite hot. I am starting to notice I state that it's hot everytime I write, but Good Golly, Miss Molly i'm burning up! (all comments to man up and to stop bitching can be sent to tom.olson85@gmail.com lol)
I'm writing in this now because I'm waiting on housekeeping to drop off my laundry. They'd probably scream if they saw me in a towel (because I really need a shower). They are very conservative over here.
Gave directions to some clueless white people today on the skytrain. Boy, didn't that make me feel like a hardened Thailand veteran...
Lunch today was a couple "chicken on a stick in some sauce" and a really sweet fruit drink. At least I think it was a fruit drink.. and.. at least I think it was chicken. I never have any clue what it is that I'm putting in my mouth. As long as it tastes good and doesn't make me sick then it's a success as far as I'm concerned.
Stopped at Siam Square on the way home today. It's definitely more for Thai people than for foreigners. No english anywhere and I was the only white person. Walked around for 30 minutes and headed back. Also, it should be called "Siam couple of square blocks," the name is very misleading!
Not going to take a nap today, oh no no. I've wisened up to that ploy of my body's. Going to take a shower, throw on some of the new clothes I bought, and head to the river. I am getting that shot of Wat Arun tonight! (update: totally nailed it) If I fail then I give up.
I was going to go to Kanchanaburi tomorrow.. still undecided about that. Guess I should figure it out soon eh? (update: not going, 3 hour bus ride? no) There are some pretty neat sights there... I really want to check out Erawan falls. I guess I feel bad for leaving poor Bangkok already. You could easily spend a few weeks in this city and not run out of things to do.
I'll be flying down to Phuket in less than two days. That should be amazing. I need to figure out hwhat all I'm going to do there though. I definitely won't be renting a motorbike though. As fan and liberating as that sounds, there are far too many fatal accidents involving scooters there. (At least 1 per day)
Thinking about doing night photography in one of Bangkok's red light districts tomorrow night. Or tonight I guess if I have time (update: I didn't, I'm sleepy after doing night photography somewhere else) If I get yelled at to stop though, I'm packing up and leaving the area immediately.. don't want any trouble. Bangkok is such a legend for that side of it though...(I mean seriously, what is the name of the city?) It'd almost be a sham to not at least see the area.
Don't worry though, this trip is rated R, not XXX hahaha.
Best deal I got today was 3 long sleeve collared shirts that would probably be $30+ a piece at AE, A&F, or Express. Got them for about $18 total. Also got four graphic Ts, a fe plain Ts, a pair of shorts, a belt, a few gifts... all in all I probably only spent around $100 max. Also got some lamps for my bedroom. Shipped most of the loot via Thai surface mail. It's the cheapest way and will travel by boat, haha. Cost $35 and will take 8 weeks. Sucks. I figure by then I will have forgotten what all I bought and it will be a nice surprise. Couldn't find any whiskey though... that is one request that as of now remains unfulfilled. Maybe I will find some down South?
Going to edit a few "preview pictures" to throw up on my blog w hile I wait for laundry. Adios!
Well last night I slept until 1:30 AM. Whoops! Went and hopped on facebook. Couldn't get a beer because all the bars around here stop serving around 1 AM. Then I went back to my room to try to sleep. Got up @ 6:30 AM today.
After I had breakfast I strapped on my backpack, got some cash from an ATM and headed to the Mo Chit station which is near the weekend market. Got a beer and laughed at the fact that I was out drinking in public at 8:30 AM. I'm on vacation damnit! :-p
After I was done with that I met up with Stephanie and Josh and we walked around for a while.
Bargaining with the vendors was fun, though I'm sure I was an easy bargain. Usually I was able to bargain 10-25% off which isn't too bad I guess.
Checked out the part of the market selling pets. I guess that area had been part of some news documentary about animala buse or something. The dogs and cats and squirrels (yes, you could buy a pet squirrel!) were packed in cages pretty tight, but it really wasn't much/any worse than the US's puppy mills/puppy stores in shopping malls.
There was definitely an overabundance of cuteness though! Sooooo many puppies and kitties. There were purebreeds of many different kinds. Even saw some German Shepherd pups that reminded me of Chuck... oh how I miss him... lol :-(
I do feel bad for the dogs/cats with shaggy coats/long hair because it was quite hot. I am starting to notice I state that it's hot everytime I write, but Good Golly, Miss Molly i'm burning up! (all comments to man up and to stop bitching can be sent to tom.olson85@gmail.com lol)
I'm writing in this now because I'm waiting on housekeeping to drop off my laundry. They'd probably scream if they saw me in a towel (because I really need a shower). They are very conservative over here.
Gave directions to some clueless white people today on the skytrain. Boy, didn't that make me feel like a hardened Thailand veteran...
Lunch today was a couple "chicken on a stick in some sauce" and a really sweet fruit drink. At least I think it was a fruit drink.. and.. at least I think it was chicken. I never have any clue what it is that I'm putting in my mouth. As long as it tastes good and doesn't make me sick then it's a success as far as I'm concerned.
Stopped at Siam Square on the way home today. It's definitely more for Thai people than for foreigners. No english anywhere and I was the only white person. Walked around for 30 minutes and headed back. Also, it should be called "Siam couple of square blocks," the name is very misleading!
Not going to take a nap today, oh no no. I've wisened up to that ploy of my body's. Going to take a shower, throw on some of the new clothes I bought, and head to the river. I am getting that shot of Wat Arun tonight! (update: totally nailed it) If I fail then I give up.
I was going to go to Kanchanaburi tomorrow.. still undecided about that. Guess I should figure it out soon eh? (update: not going, 3 hour bus ride? no) There are some pretty neat sights there... I really want to check out Erawan falls. I guess I feel bad for leaving poor Bangkok already. You could easily spend a few weeks in this city and not run out of things to do.
I'll be flying down to Phuket in less than two days. That should be amazing. I need to figure out hwhat all I'm going to do there though. I definitely won't be renting a motorbike though. As fan and liberating as that sounds, there are far too many fatal accidents involving scooters there. (At least 1 per day)
Thinking about doing night photography in one of Bangkok's red light districts tomorrow night. Or tonight I guess if I have time (update: I didn't, I'm sleepy after doing night photography somewhere else) If I get yelled at to stop though, I'm packing up and leaving the area immediately.. don't want any trouble. Bangkok is such a legend for that side of it though...(I mean seriously, what is the name of the city?) It'd almost be a sham to not at least see the area.
Don't worry though, this trip is rated R, not XXX hahaha.
Best deal I got today was 3 long sleeve collared shirts that would probably be $30+ a piece at AE, A&F, or Express. Got them for about $18 total. Also got four graphic Ts, a fe plain Ts, a pair of shorts, a belt, a few gifts... all in all I probably only spent around $100 max. Also got some lamps for my bedroom. Shipped most of the loot via Thai surface mail. It's the cheapest way and will travel by boat, haha. Cost $35 and will take 8 weeks. Sucks. I figure by then I will have forgotten what all I bought and it will be a nice surprise. Couldn't find any whiskey though... that is one request that as of now remains unfulfilled. Maybe I will find some down South?
Going to edit a few "preview pictures" to throw up on my blog w hile I wait for laundry. Adios!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Journal Update 3
Jan 28, 3:30 PM TT
Just updated the blog and had the people at the front desk help me figure out my phone. Feeling kinda tired... might make a few phone calls then take a short nap.
Still can't decide whether to take my D700 with me to Khao San tonight, probably will.. I want to get some night shots of the city (update: did take it and did get some good night shots). Need to read up a bit on the details on getting to Ayutthaya tomorrow. I know the basics at least (update: until the guy at the front desk told me a better way which led to me almost getting lost, but I found the way eventually!)
It was soooo hote today ~OMG~ Could be because my body is mostly used to cold weather, but gut still. I was sweating buckets like it was my job (update: and Thai people seemingly never sweat, I envy them)
Used some public transportation today.took the BTS (skytrain) which is nice and simple. It has A/C too, which makes it better haha.
Got approached by 3 guys today (at different times each, not all at once) who were trying to get me to ride one of the Tuk Tuks to the "Big Buddha" because today is "Lucky Buddha Day!" But that is just a common scam that I had read about plenty of times.
Ate some street vendor food. BOught some fried fish on a stick and some other friend shit (not literally) on a stick and they were good. Couldn't eat all of the second shit though, I was getting full and it was a bit too greasy. Lunch total cost: 20 Baht (like 60 cents). Also got some sweet snack on little fried wafers. Cost 6 baht for 4 of them. Christ this country is cheap. My 10 minute cab ride today cost $2.
Nap Time.
Jan 29, 12:59 AM TT
Well that nap was 3 hours longer than I wanted. Woke up 20 minutes AFTER I was supposed to meet the people from CA. Sorry Josh & Steph! (update: meeting them tomorrow at a market hopefully).
I was pretty bummed that I couldn't get ahold of them or Jenn, sorta felt like just going back to sleep and calling it an early night. But hell no to that!
Took the BTS to the boat station which I knew would be closed, planning to walk to a spot where I could get some night pictures of Wat Arun, which has spectacular lighting at night. Well after walking 1-2km, I was hot as hell (even though it was only 80) and starting to get creeped out since I wasn't in a very touristy area and it was not well lit. So I hailed a cab and took it to Khao San road which I walked down to check out. Kept walking around to the right when I got to the end of the road, eventually turning down a road parallel to Khao San.
Sat down at an outdoor restaurant and got some Shrimp Pad Thai and a beer. Ssonyo reccomended the pad thai and it was quite good. Dinner was 150 baht, but I am pretty sure it should have been 220 with the beer. Oh well.
After dinner I got my camera out and started taking some pictures. I got a few that I really like. Night photography is a lot more fun than mid-day photography. The light, or rather the lack of it makes taking pictures a lot easier, as backwards as that sounds.
Saw a handful of creepy old guys with young Thai girls. I need to quick start balding and grow a big gut to pick up the locals I guess. Bed now, Ayutthaya tomorrow. Good night!
January 29, 9:00 AM TT
Was going to take a bus to Ayutthaya (pronounced Ah-you-thee-uh) but the hotel guy said to take a van from Victory monument. Since I knew how to get to the Northern Bus Terminal I was against changing my plans. However while riding the BTS I noticed there was a stop for Victory Monument so I said what the hell I'll give it a shot.
About 30 minutes later I'm drenched and about to give up. I had almost done a full circle of the square (does that even make sense) and decided to check one last spot. Success! I see what sorta looks like ticket counters and I ask. They can't understand my wrong pronounciation of the word but I write it for them and they laughed and pronounced it for me. Van #1! 50 baht for a 90 minute ride. Good Christ.
January 29, 1:41 PM TT
Holy shit! Just had an amazing whirlwind tour of Ayutthaya! Got in around 9:30-10:00 AM, got a Tuk Tuk (they are less sketchy here) about 15 seconds after I got out of the van and for an agreed price of 900 baht I went to 6-7 different places.
First we went to the elephant village where I got to ride an elephant for half an hour and get pictures taken with two other elephants.
Then we went to the different temples in the area and I got a few "National Geographic"-grade shots. Throughout the "tour" they bought me a lot of water and a bag of pineapple. They were very very friendly. The only awkward moment was when he asked "In baht, how much did your camera cost?" I said 'a lot' and he said '$200?' which I agreed to.
After we were done, they had me write in their book about my day with them. THey really wanted to make sure I put that I am from America in the write-up, haha.
That leads me to now. Right now I am riding back to Bangkok in a van with broken AC and the windows are rolled up. I am guessing it is between 110 and 115 in here. THey opened the door to let someone else in and the regular 90 degree outside air felt like AC. Good God I am gonna die!
January 29, 6:06 PM TT
Well I didn't die but I'm pretty sure this headache I'm having that feels similar to a hangover is from dehydration. Lets give an awesome example: I took a piss when I got up this morning. From 7:45 am - 3:30 pm I estimate that I drank about 6 liters of water. When I finally took that 3:30 pm piss, it was about 5 seconds.
5 seconds?!?! I piss more than that after 1 beer! I think I'm about to take another "nap" (it was a 7 hour nap hahaha). Just had dinner (fried rice + chicken with a lot of chillis on top) and a beer (Chang). Can't say I like Chang. Tastes like malt liquor to me. Though its alcohol % is between 8-12% (yes it varies by batch, that's how ghetto it is). So maybe that is why...
It poured down rain when I got dropped off from the van. I got soaked. Was funny seeing Thai people's reaction to it. Most acted scared of getting wet, haha. Sleepy time...
Just updated the blog and had the people at the front desk help me figure out my phone. Feeling kinda tired... might make a few phone calls then take a short nap.
Still can't decide whether to take my D700 with me to Khao San tonight, probably will.. I want to get some night shots of the city (update: did take it and did get some good night shots). Need to read up a bit on the details on getting to Ayutthaya tomorrow. I know the basics at least (update: until the guy at the front desk told me a better way which led to me almost getting lost, but I found the way eventually!)
It was soooo hote today ~OMG~ Could be because my body is mostly used to cold weather, but gut still. I was sweating buckets like it was my job (update: and Thai people seemingly never sweat, I envy them)
Used some public transportation today.took the BTS (skytrain) which is nice and simple. It has A/C too, which makes it better haha.
Got approached by 3 guys today (at different times each, not all at once) who were trying to get me to ride one of the Tuk Tuks to the "Big Buddha" because today is "Lucky Buddha Day!" But that is just a common scam that I had read about plenty of times.
Ate some street vendor food. BOught some fried fish on a stick and some other friend shit (not literally) on a stick and they were good. Couldn't eat all of the second shit though, I was getting full and it was a bit too greasy. Lunch total cost: 20 Baht (like 60 cents). Also got some sweet snack on little fried wafers. Cost 6 baht for 4 of them. Christ this country is cheap. My 10 minute cab ride today cost $2.
Nap Time.
Jan 29, 12:59 AM TT
Well that nap was 3 hours longer than I wanted. Woke up 20 minutes AFTER I was supposed to meet the people from CA. Sorry Josh & Steph! (update: meeting them tomorrow at a market hopefully).
I was pretty bummed that I couldn't get ahold of them or Jenn, sorta felt like just going back to sleep and calling it an early night. But hell no to that!
Took the BTS to the boat station which I knew would be closed, planning to walk to a spot where I could get some night pictures of Wat Arun, which has spectacular lighting at night. Well after walking 1-2km, I was hot as hell (even though it was only 80) and starting to get creeped out since I wasn't in a very touristy area and it was not well lit. So I hailed a cab and took it to Khao San road which I walked down to check out. Kept walking around to the right when I got to the end of the road, eventually turning down a road parallel to Khao San.
Sat down at an outdoor restaurant and got some Shrimp Pad Thai and a beer. Ssonyo reccomended the pad thai and it was quite good. Dinner was 150 baht, but I am pretty sure it should have been 220 with the beer. Oh well.
After dinner I got my camera out and started taking some pictures. I got a few that I really like. Night photography is a lot more fun than mid-day photography. The light, or rather the lack of it makes taking pictures a lot easier, as backwards as that sounds.
Saw a handful of creepy old guys with young Thai girls. I need to quick start balding and grow a big gut to pick up the locals I guess. Bed now, Ayutthaya tomorrow. Good night!
January 29, 9:00 AM TT
Was going to take a bus to Ayutthaya (pronounced Ah-you-thee-uh) but the hotel guy said to take a van from Victory monument. Since I knew how to get to the Northern Bus Terminal I was against changing my plans. However while riding the BTS I noticed there was a stop for Victory Monument so I said what the hell I'll give it a shot.
About 30 minutes later I'm drenched and about to give up. I had almost done a full circle of the square (does that even make sense) and decided to check one last spot. Success! I see what sorta looks like ticket counters and I ask. They can't understand my wrong pronounciation of the word but I write it for them and they laughed and pronounced it for me. Van #1! 50 baht for a 90 minute ride. Good Christ.
January 29, 1:41 PM TT
Holy shit! Just had an amazing whirlwind tour of Ayutthaya! Got in around 9:30-10:00 AM, got a Tuk Tuk (they are less sketchy here) about 15 seconds after I got out of the van and for an agreed price of 900 baht I went to 6-7 different places.
First we went to the elephant village where I got to ride an elephant for half an hour and get pictures taken with two other elephants.
Then we went to the different temples in the area and I got a few "National Geographic"-grade shots. Throughout the "tour" they bought me a lot of water and a bag of pineapple. They were very very friendly. The only awkward moment was when he asked "In baht, how much did your camera cost?" I said 'a lot' and he said '$200?' which I agreed to.
After we were done, they had me write in their book about my day with them. THey really wanted to make sure I put that I am from America in the write-up, haha.
That leads me to now. Right now I am riding back to Bangkok in a van with broken AC and the windows are rolled up. I am guessing it is between 110 and 115 in here. THey opened the door to let someone else in and the regular 90 degree outside air felt like AC. Good God I am gonna die!
January 29, 6:06 PM TT
Well I didn't die but I'm pretty sure this headache I'm having that feels similar to a hangover is from dehydration. Lets give an awesome example: I took a piss when I got up this morning. From 7:45 am - 3:30 pm I estimate that I drank about 6 liters of water. When I finally took that 3:30 pm piss, it was about 5 seconds.
5 seconds?!?! I piss more than that after 1 beer! I think I'm about to take another "nap" (it was a 7 hour nap hahaha). Just had dinner (fried rice + chicken with a lot of chillis on top) and a beer (Chang). Can't say I like Chang. Tastes like malt liquor to me. Though its alcohol % is between 8-12% (yes it varies by batch, that's how ghetto it is). So maybe that is why...
It poured down rain when I got dropped off from the van. I got soaked. Was funny seeing Thai people's reaction to it. Most acted scared of getting wet, haha. Sleepy time...
Update 2
Soooooooo.. yeah my hotel doesn't have internet which is sort of a pain in the ass for updating this. I'd post some more journal stuff but I left my notebook @ my hotel. Using an internet cafe which is only 1 baht a minute, as opposted to 120 baht for 30 minutes. Ok it's only 1/4 the price, but this country is ruining me as far as being a cheap-ass.
Took a bus over to Ayutthaya this morning and was there for around 4 or 5 hours. That place is AMAZING. I kinda of want to hold off posting pictures until I get back to the states and can edit them right. SORRY!
I'll give you a sneak preview, here is from the elephant camp where I rode and got my picture taken with some elephants:
It might look like those poor elephants are under the constant threat of being blown away, but that dude is just there in case Dumbo decides to rage on my ass. (It's a tranquilizer gun) But seriously, I rode an elephant. I was sorta afraid I was going to fall off and break all my camera shit but luckily I didn't. The elephant I rode was 45 years old. The one in the picture is not the one I rode, but it looked pretty similar. Of course I am not an elephant master or anything.
Ssonyo the Korean Queen suggested I try some Shrimp Pad Thai, so last night I did:
She was right, it was good. I'll post some more random journal entries before I go to bed tonight. Probably in 5-6 hours or something. Adios!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Journal Entry 2
Jan 27 9:05 PM Thailand Time (Gonna call it TT from now on)
It's 8 AM in Danville right now. That slays me. I haven't slept since I woke up on the plane this morning. Not really sure what time it was... probably 7 or 8 am CST. I'm dragging major ass.. getting to the point where I am not sure I will be able to stay awake the whole time. (update: I did not, I slept on the final flight for 2 hours)
Dinner was beef + rice and a roll and some chocolate cake. Apparently alcohol is free on international flights with this carrier. Never knew that! Drinking a whiskey + coke but I think I am done with it.. My stomach is hurting. :-(
Jan 28, 6:45 AM TT
Good morning from Bangkok: was too busy/too tired last night to write in this. Got in around 10:45 pm. Me and some Canadian girl named Jenn got in a cab on the top level of the airport, dropped her off on Khao San Road, then I got dropped off. Went to sleep around 1:45 AM.
The room is very nice as you will see in some pictures.. I haven't noticed a bad smell in the city, but I smelled quite bad last night so maybe that is why. (Update: I have showered twice since last night and I still don't think it smells that bad)
On the cab ride, I was terrified we would get in an accident maybe 5 times. Also the trunk wouldn't stay latched so the driver kept having to stop and get out and close it.
I'm sitting next to the pool as I write this. It is very nice looking though the building next door is being worked on and has a tan canvas wrap all around it. The building outside my window appears to be empty.
I'm going to go inside, get some free breakfast then go up to my room to get my stuff then get directions and head out. My internet doesn't work so I just placed an international call to my parents to let them know I am alive. Going to talk to them again once I get a cell phone. Will work on getting my internet working tonight. (update: Guess my room doesn't include it, so paying $3 for 30 minutes of usage. -_-)
Wat Arun (update: was every bit as awesome as I hoped it would be. Got some great pics) > The Grand Palace (update: was expensive and way too crowded. Did not really like the pics I got here except 2 or 3. Cool place to experience though) > Wat Saket (update: very cool, well not temperature wise, there was no shade and I had to walk up 300 steps to get to the top of it, but great views) > MBK (update: it is an awesome giant mall, has something like 5,000 vendors inside. Maybe not that many, but at least 2,000. I looked like shit and was embarssed because it was my last stop and I was a sweaty mess, but I needed a cellphone) > ??? (update: that is now, and I still don't have anything to do for another 3-4 hours until I meet up with some people. Hmmmm)
It's 8 AM in Danville right now. That slays me. I haven't slept since I woke up on the plane this morning. Not really sure what time it was... probably 7 or 8 am CST. I'm dragging major ass.. getting to the point where I am not sure I will be able to stay awake the whole time. (update: I did not, I slept on the final flight for 2 hours)
Dinner was beef + rice and a roll and some chocolate cake. Apparently alcohol is free on international flights with this carrier. Never knew that! Drinking a whiskey + coke but I think I am done with it.. My stomach is hurting. :-(
Jan 28, 6:45 AM TT
Good morning from Bangkok: was too busy/too tired last night to write in this. Got in around 10:45 pm. Me and some Canadian girl named Jenn got in a cab on the top level of the airport, dropped her off on Khao San Road, then I got dropped off. Went to sleep around 1:45 AM.
The room is very nice as you will see in some pictures.. I haven't noticed a bad smell in the city, but I smelled quite bad last night so maybe that is why. (Update: I have showered twice since last night and I still don't think it smells that bad)
On the cab ride, I was terrified we would get in an accident maybe 5 times. Also the trunk wouldn't stay latched so the driver kept having to stop and get out and close it.
I'm sitting next to the pool as I write this. It is very nice looking though the building next door is being worked on and has a tan canvas wrap all around it. The building outside my window appears to be empty.
I'm going to go inside, get some free breakfast then go up to my room to get my stuff then get directions and head out. My internet doesn't work so I just placed an international call to my parents to let them know I am alive. Going to talk to them again once I get a cell phone. Will work on getting my internet working tonight. (update: Guess my room doesn't include it, so paying $3 for 30 minutes of usage. -_-)
Wat Arun (update: was every bit as awesome as I hoped it would be. Got some great pics) > The Grand Palace (update: was expensive and way too crowded. Did not really like the pics I got here except 2 or 3. Cool place to experience though) > Wat Saket (update: very cool, well not temperature wise, there was no shade and I had to walk up 300 steps to get to the top of it, but great views) > MBK (update: it is an awesome giant mall, has something like 5,000 vendors inside. Maybe not that many, but at least 2,000. I looked like shit and was embarssed because it was my last stop and I was a sweaty mess, but I needed a cellphone) > ??? (update: that is now, and I still don't have anything to do for another 3-4 hours until I meet up with some people. Hmmmm)
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Journal Post 1
1/26/10 5:51 PM CST
I need to figure out what the time zone that Thailand is in is called. Once I get there I am going to stop recording the time and date in CST..
From what I've seen so far, I'd say the number of white people in this airport is 1-3%. Ok that is a percentage and not a number, sorry.
Talked to a German guy from Frankfurt. Says he has a wife and a 9-month-old living in the Phillipines. That's got to be a wonderful marriage. He just got done visiting them for 5 weeks.
Got some Starbucks coffee earlier... gonna need another one in five hour probably. Going to beat jet lag by staying awake until it's time to go to bed tonight. It's going to be a very long day (about 28 hours).
Sitting at what I think my gate is.. 41. Not 100% sure on that (update: it was the wrong gate). I have a while to figure it out.
About to start learning some Thai. Really wanting a shower now, but I don't have any fresh socks so there goes half the incentive.
The German guy told me if I go to the immigration department I can get a free tour of the city- 4, 6, or 8 hours long. Going to take the 4 hour tour on my way back.
The airport is very nice, but I'm not really feeling inspired to take many pictures of it. That's ok though, I didn't take this trip to document the airports I visit.
I saw a box of some Animal's (I think Sheep??) placenta for sale. It was over $100. What the hell? Imported from Australia. Can't wait to get a room that I can leave all my shit in. My laptop bag is heavy as hell and my arms/shoulders get tired after a few minutes. After I practice some Thai I am going to try to order some lunch.
-----
Just ordered some food. Noodles in spicy broth w/seafood. When Koreans take your money, they accept it with one hand and place their other hand on their wrist and sorta do a bow thing, haha.
*Minutes later:
Ok, ordering noodles was probably a bad idea... I can't eat this shit with chopstix!! hahaha... about to make a fool of myself. There was a squid tentacle in this.. it was delicious. If I keep this up, there is going to be a huge pile of noodles left and no broth because I am just eating the broth & vegetables and meat with a spoon. I should ask someone near me to show me how to eat. How embarassing can it really be? (Update: I chickened out and there was in fact a huge pile of noodles left in my bowl)
Beer stand reads:
Erdinger WeiBbier
I need to figure out what the time zone that Thailand is in is called. Once I get there I am going to stop recording the time and date in CST..
From what I've seen so far, I'd say the number of white people in this airport is 1-3%. Ok that is a percentage and not a number, sorry.
Talked to a German guy from Frankfurt. Says he has a wife and a 9-month-old living in the Phillipines. That's got to be a wonderful marriage. He just got done visiting them for 5 weeks.
Got some Starbucks coffee earlier... gonna need another one in five hour probably. Going to beat jet lag by staying awake until it's time to go to bed tonight. It's going to be a very long day (about 28 hours).
Sitting at what I think my gate is.. 41. Not 100% sure on that (update: it was the wrong gate). I have a while to figure it out.
About to start learning some Thai. Really wanting a shower now, but I don't have any fresh socks so there goes half the incentive.
The German guy told me if I go to the immigration department I can get a free tour of the city- 4, 6, or 8 hours long. Going to take the 4 hour tour on my way back.
The airport is very nice, but I'm not really feeling inspired to take many pictures of it. That's ok though, I didn't take this trip to document the airports I visit.
I saw a box of some Animal's (I think Sheep??) placenta for sale. It was over $100. What the hell? Imported from Australia. Can't wait to get a room that I can leave all my shit in. My laptop bag is heavy as hell and my arms/shoulders get tired after a few minutes. After I practice some Thai I am going to try to order some lunch.
-----
Just ordered some food. Noodles in spicy broth w/seafood. When Koreans take your money, they accept it with one hand and place their other hand on their wrist and sorta do a bow thing, haha.
*Minutes later:
Ok, ordering noodles was probably a bad idea... I can't eat this shit with chopstix!! hahaha... about to make a fool of myself. There was a squid tentacle in this.. it was delicious. If I keep this up, there is going to be a huge pile of noodles left and no broth because I am just eating the broth & vegetables and meat with a spoon. I should ask someone near me to show me how to eat. How embarassing can it really be? (Update: I chickened out and there was in fact a huge pile of noodles left in my bowl)
Beer stand reads:
Erdinger WeiBbier
Update 1
Ok, so I am sitting around here:
Waiting on my flight from Seoul, South Korea to Bangkok, Thailand.
I should be touching down in Bangkok in a little under 10 hours. Expect some real content then! Until then, I'll just post some random Journal stuff I have been writing.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Schedule
Ok so far I have my first half of the trip planned out pretty well:
Day 1 - Bangkok:
Grand Palace - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Palace
Wat Phra Kaew - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wat_Phra_Kaew
MBK (to buy a cell phone that will work) - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MBK_Center
Wat Saket - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wat_Saket
Wat Arun - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wat_Arun
Khao San Road - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khaosan_Road
Starting at 8:30 going in the above order. Eating breakfast at the hotel, lunch and dinner will be street vendor food. I'll be travelling to the Grand Palace via the skytrain (train that runs on stilted tracks throughout the city) then taking a cab over to MBK, Wat Saket, Wat Arun. Then back to hotel to shower and change clothes since I will probably be a smelly mess at that point. Then heading over to Khao San Road which is a really touristy place to meet up with a few Americans from California where we are going to get some dinner and have a drink. Then back to the hotel to sleep because...
Day 2 - Ayutthaya: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayutthaya_Kingdom
Will post some more info about the ruins there later. Stay tuned!
Day 1 - Bangkok:
Grand Palace - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Palace
Wat Phra Kaew - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wat_Phra_Kaew
MBK (to buy a cell phone that will work) - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MBK_Center
Wat Saket - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wat_Saket
Wat Arun - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wat_Arun
Khao San Road - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khaosan_Road
Starting at 8:30 going in the above order. Eating breakfast at the hotel, lunch and dinner will be street vendor food. I'll be travelling to the Grand Palace via the skytrain (train that runs on stilted tracks throughout the city) then taking a cab over to MBK, Wat Saket, Wat Arun. Then back to hotel to shower and change clothes since I will probably be a smelly mess at that point. Then heading over to Khao San Road which is a really touristy place to meet up with a few Americans from California where we are going to get some dinner and have a drink. Then back to the hotel to sleep because...
Day 2 - Ayutthaya: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayutthaya_Kingdom
Will post some more info about the ruins there later. Stay tuned!
Friday, January 15, 2010
THAILAND
Since I already have a blog that I have a hard time keeping current, I figured I am just going to use this for the mentioned subject as a way to keep interested people "in the know" of what I am up to during my trip.
I am going to Thailand in about 10.25 days.
It will be an 11 day trip, with almost 60 hours of travel time, which leaves me at about 9 days in the country.
I'll be hitting up Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Sangkhlaburi, Krabi, Phuket, Ko Phi Phi, who knows what else.
I'm still working on finishing up my schedule for the trip and will post it in a day or two once I get it figured out. While I am over there I will try to update this once a day with what has gone on and maybe throw up some sneak previews of pictures I have taken.
I'd say "This is gonna be OFF THE HOOK" if that was how I talked, but it's not, so I don't really know what to say except that I am super excited and it will be really awesome. Check back soon!
I am going to Thailand in about 10.25 days.
It will be an 11 day trip, with almost 60 hours of travel time, which leaves me at about 9 days in the country.
I'll be hitting up Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Sangkhlaburi, Krabi, Phuket, Ko Phi Phi, who knows what else.
I'm still working on finishing up my schedule for the trip and will post it in a day or two once I get it figured out. While I am over there I will try to update this once a day with what has gone on and maybe throw up some sneak previews of pictures I have taken.
I'd say "This is gonna be OFF THE HOOK" if that was how I talked, but it's not, so I don't really know what to say except that I am super excited and it will be really awesome. Check back soon!
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