Tom Olson Photography
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Sunday, February 14, 2010
Getting Work Done
So I decided I need to put more work into my photography. Now it's starting.
Tom Olson Photography
Please be a fan!
Tom Olson Photography
Please be a fan!
Friday, February 5, 2010
16 Random Thoughts
Here is some random things that I noticed or thoughts that popped into my head:
1. Almost bought a bottle of delicious looking red drink. Then I read the sign and found out that it's gasoline. - Patong Beach
2. Walking around the holiest temple in Thailand. The song "Lay Low" by Snoop Dogg is stuck in my head. - Bangkok
3. Saw a street stand selling "Thai Tacos." You don't say? - Patong Beach
4. "It's so HOT! Milk... was a bad choice.." - Patong Beach as I drink milk
5. I haven't "seen" a single trannie since I've been here. That scares me since they are supposed to be everywhere. How many cute girls I've seen have/had a penis? - Bangkok
6. The street with all the Trannie bars here is called "Soi Crocodile." Should be called "Soi Snake" imo. - Patong Beach
7. How come topless women at beaches are Never someone you'd actually like to see topless? - Patong beach
8. I have yet to see a Thai woman smoking. Good for them. - Patong Beach (only saw 1 Thai woman smoking the whole trip)
9. I estimate I have to shake my head no / say "no thank you" at least 150-200 times a day - and I am not exaggerating here. It doesn't bother me though. It led me to a movie idea though- "The Yes Man 2: Yes man goes to Thailand." It would be a 2 hour montage of Jim Carrey riding in taxis, tuk tuks, and motorcycles all around Thailand while sobbing in the backseat. At the end of the movie he dies of AIDS that he gets from a prostitute. - Bangkok/Phuket
10. The one time in my life when I might have a chance of being more tan than another person is of course the time of year where we are the most covered up. - Ko Phi Phi Don
11. Some of the trannies were hotter than most other Thai women. - Patong Beach
12. Tried to strike up a conversation with an older French woman. She shook her head "no" and said "What do you want from me??" - Patong Beach
13. There are almost no public trash cans in Thailand. You just throw all your rubbish on the ground or leave it on the steps of a building / subway station. - Everywhere
14. Even all the Europeans/Australians/Canadians dislike the French. In a perfect world, the French despise themselves. - Patong / Ko Phi Phi Don
15. Thai people stand in perfect straight lines when there is a big crowd while waiting in line for the Skytrain. Once the skytrain pulls up though, they all crowd into a big mass to get into the traincar. - Bangkok
16. They use bendy straws over here isntead of straight ones. Makes me feel 5 again. - Thailand / South Korea
1. Almost bought a bottle of delicious looking red drink. Then I read the sign and found out that it's gasoline. - Patong Beach
2. Walking around the holiest temple in Thailand. The song "Lay Low" by Snoop Dogg is stuck in my head. - Bangkok
3. Saw a street stand selling "Thai Tacos." You don't say? - Patong Beach
4. "It's so HOT! Milk... was a bad choice.." - Patong Beach as I drink milk
5. I haven't "seen" a single trannie since I've been here. That scares me since they are supposed to be everywhere. How many cute girls I've seen have/had a penis? - Bangkok
6. The street with all the Trannie bars here is called "Soi Crocodile." Should be called "Soi Snake" imo. - Patong Beach
7. How come topless women at beaches are Never someone you'd actually like to see topless? - Patong beach
8. I have yet to see a Thai woman smoking. Good for them. - Patong Beach (only saw 1 Thai woman smoking the whole trip)
9. I estimate I have to shake my head no / say "no thank you" at least 150-200 times a day - and I am not exaggerating here. It doesn't bother me though. It led me to a movie idea though- "The Yes Man 2: Yes man goes to Thailand." It would be a 2 hour montage of Jim Carrey riding in taxis, tuk tuks, and motorcycles all around Thailand while sobbing in the backseat. At the end of the movie he dies of AIDS that he gets from a prostitute. - Bangkok/Phuket
10. The one time in my life when I might have a chance of being more tan than another person is of course the time of year where we are the most covered up. - Ko Phi Phi Don
11. Some of the trannies were hotter than most other Thai women. - Patong Beach
12. Tried to strike up a conversation with an older French woman. She shook her head "no" and said "What do you want from me??" - Patong Beach
13. There are almost no public trash cans in Thailand. You just throw all your rubbish on the ground or leave it on the steps of a building / subway station. - Everywhere
14. Even all the Europeans/Australians/Canadians dislike the French. In a perfect world, the French despise themselves. - Patong / Ko Phi Phi Don
15. Thai people stand in perfect straight lines when there is a big crowd while waiting in line for the Skytrain. Once the skytrain pulls up though, they all crowd into a big mass to get into the traincar. - Bangkok
16. They use bendy straws over here isntead of straight ones. Makes me feel 5 again. - Thailand / South Korea
Journal Update 12
February 4, ~11:00 AM TT
I had to come back to the place I ate yesterday and get another coconut shake (update: got 2). Getting a few probably haha. Definitely going to start making more smoothies once I get back.
I'm actually kind of excited to get back to real life. I had been having a problem focusing on anything and I think this break from life did the trick. It will be nice to see my friends + family + dog. Not looking forward to seeing any of my coworkers though. I really hate each and every one of them with a passion. :-p
Some opera song is playing in an instrumental version and it's beautiful. I know I've heard it before but I don't know the name or what opera it's from... I know I've seen a guy sing it, it goes high to low, something like "ooh-mee-ah ooh-mee-ah oh-maaaaaa." Something like that haha. Good luck remembering what that is supposed to sound like. (Update: I figured out where I heard it- Will Ferrell sings it at the end of Stepbrothers rofl)
I didn't really have a soundtrack for this trip. I should have made one. Music always makes the memories harder, better, faster, stronger. More meaningful.
Had to change seats, the rising sun killed my shade.
Next time I'm going some place tropical that is on the coast, I'm going to make sure I am a certified diver first. That opens up a lot of options for things to do.
Forgot to mention something I saw last night: while out walking around I saw someone sitting on a curb holding a monkey by the hand. The monkey was wearing a t-shirts and some pants. It seemed pretty young based on the way it was behaving, maybe it's just a really tame monkey. Anyway, a little black Chihauha (however you spell that) runs up to the monkey and first pushes it over a few times, then it started chasing it around. Then it started humping the monkey! The owners were laughing, I think both animals were theirs. I was hoping the monkey would slap or kick the dog but it never did. :-(
Talked to a German couple that reccomended that I go to a place called Bamboo Island next time I'm in Phi Phi. Also said the best time to visit the Bavarian Alps is sometime in June-July. The scenes from Band of Brothers that are supposed to take place there were actually shot in Switzerland though. Go figure.
Immediately after lunch I got sick in their bathroom. While I was in the hot, stinky hellhole of the bathroom for 10 minutes, I had to fight off a swarm of mosquitos while I took care of business.
Ok, I gotta move again, some kid has been playing with a toy that plays "London Bridge is falling down" for the last 30 minutes and I'm about to go crazy.
My hands and feet swelled up really bad last night. They are fine today but I have no idea why they did that.
I don't think I'm going to fill the journal (notebook).. still have 30 pages to go. I don't think there is any possible way I'll do enough interesting things in the next ~60 hours to fill 60 sides of a page.
This town stinks like brackish water depending on the breeze. Last night was especially bad. Stinky smell everywhere you walk. Have yet to smell anything stinky enough to gag me. The fish/squid at the weekend market came close.
There are lots of people with tattoos here. Over 50% of the tourists have them I'd wager. Still haven't seen any Americans. Talked to a few more Brits and that German couple.
Benn hanging out in the hotel lobby for an hour. It's an outdoor lobby that has a roof and a fan, as well as a supply of water. Not much more to ask for while I wait. Just doing some people watching. I already put my time in down at the beach. Actually, I should be heading to the dock any minute. Luckily they are taking my luggage for me in a cart.
February 5, 8:42 AM TT
Well, I'm on my last day here. Got up around 7 feeling a little hungober. Was at a bar in Ao Nang until about 9:45 last night. Probably had about 5 beers, but it killed my memory. I hate that. My phone wasn't working in the area I'm staying so I wasn't able to call my hotel for a pickup and had to take a scooter tuk tuk. Taxis here are little scooters attached to a big metal enclosure the passengers get to sit in. So you have this little scooter pulling up to 300 lbs of people + luggage sometimes. I'm sure it gets to be more than that depending on the people riding in it lol.
I have two things that I want to do today. Tiger Cave Temple and Railay Beach. Got to see the beach yesterday on my boat ride and it was stunning. (the rock formations there are kinda phallic). Wanted to watch the sunset there last night but longboat rides stop at 6 so I wouldn't have been able to get back to my hotel. This bungalow is gorgeous. Nice finished wood floor and walls, bautiful tile bathroom, front balcony and back porch.
There are some beautiful cliffs next to the hotel. Probably 5-600 feet tall. Maybe taller. Let's say they are 1,000 feet tall. That sounds cooler. Hotel is going to let me check out at 4 PM. That works out great. Means I can get all hot and sweaty today and still be clean for my traveling.
Ok I gotta head out. Will write in this later.
February 5, 10:31 Am TT
Writing this from Railay beach. Took a mini bus to town then got some tickets for a longtail boat ride over here. Was about a 10 minute ride, costs about $2.50 for a 1-way ticket. Gorgeous views from the boat.
After I got to the beach I took a panoramic then walked to the East end of the beach (Railay West Beach) and found a quiet cove. Climbed the big 10 foot rock in it and am enjoying my own little personal beach. The only people in sight are kayakers and a longtail boat here and there.
Considering where I've been in the last 8 days, when I say this place impresse me, it's starting to have some meaning haha. I can't believe I was considering not coming here earlier this morning when I wasn't feeling great. I think this trip has really reinforced for me that you shouldn't sit around and wait for things to happen- you need to make them happen. If you have dreams and goals, work on them. Never say "Well I'll do it later after I... etc." That's the road to regret.
Going to walk around some more then find some food.
February 5, 1:40 PM TT
Wow, Railay really was amazing. The island is split into two sides, Railay East and Railay West. Each side has beaches, but Railay East's beach is very muddy. Almost lost my sandals twice. First time was while in the water when I sunk in 4 or 5 inches. Second time was a few minutes later while walking away from the water and I sunk in a whole foot. Yikes. Was not fun balancing while holding my camera in one hand and picking my sandals out of a pit of mide with the other hand.
Got to use my first truly "rural Thai toilet" today. You flush it by ladelling water from a nearby bucket into the toilet bowl. I'd have rather just taken a piss outside. Was right before lunch, so I wanted to wash my hands, but they don't use soap out here, heck no! "Let's just rinse our hands off with water that's undrinkable!" lol
Didn't really get hot today. Go figure I finally start to acclimate on my last day, just in time to go back home along with a 70-80 degree temperature drop. I hear IL is getting snow... at least it will be pretty.
Going to take a shower then pack and relax a bit. Adios.
February 5, 7:10 PM TT
Nothing very exciting happened on the way to the airport or while in it. Paid a few bucks for wireless and watched some Seinfeld clips and listened to that one song a few times. (Time to say goodbye) I need to figure out some way to use that song.. I think I am in love with it haha.
I have a 5 hour layover in Bangkok, then a 6 hour flight to Seoul, then a 10 hour layover, then a 15 hour flight to Chicago, then what will probably be at least a 3 hour drive back to Danville. Total travel time: 39+ hours.
I'm going somewhere a little closer next time. Or not. Who knows.
February 5, 9:20 PM TT
Been at the airport for about an hour and a half now. Check in for my flight is not for another 55 minutes.
I accidently walked into some security center and got on one of their elevators and took it to some secure floor. There weren't any signs telling me not to go there! While some guy was escorting me out he accidently hit the wrong button on the elevator and took me to yet another secure floor. He was Thai, but he still said "shit."
Luckily I got a cart to push my luggage around in. The ticketing room is huge. Listening to some Kanye. "All Falls Down." Now "Slow Jamzzzz." Getting kinda sleep, ugh. I think a bunch of teenage asian girls are standing right behind me in a row to get their picture taken with me in it. I want a copy. :-(
35 more minutes. Can you tell I'm writing very slow?
Note to self: never forget "Sprinkle," the overweight Thai vendor on Sukhumvit Rd that you passed on your way to the skytrain station every day.
20 minutes to go. I'm going to miss being around all the Thai people. When you're always surrounded by people that you have no hope of interacting with, your behavior changes somewhat. All conversation you hear is just background noise that is eventually tuned out.
February 6, 12:30 AM TT
Been at Bangkok's airport for 4.5 hours. Ready to sleep. Had sushi for dinner. Yumm. Only sushi I had on trip, but I didn't go to Japan so it's acceptable! I'm ready to crash. Can't wait to sleep. (update: wow I talked about how I wanted to sleep 3 times in like 4 sentences in a row) Need to take my shoes off, also. Brought a change of sucks this time. That will be a delight whenever I decide to switch them.
Work on Monday morning might be interesting. Kinda depends how the next day and a half go.
February 5, 9:19 PM CST
Switching back to central time now. Just went back in time! No plans for Sat / Sun which is good. I need to relax and take it easy so that I'm not dragging on Sunday, er Monday, for work.
Haven't checked my work email once since I left my office at the end of the day on Jan 25. That will be a nightmare to go through.
Only about 7 hours left of the layover here. Can't do the 4 hour tour of the city. They don't start it til noon and I wouldn't get back in time for my flight if customs/security was backed up. Stepped outside the airport pretty much just so I could say I've been in South Korea. Got a few more stamps on my passport too, woohoo.
Need to get a new one (passport). My current one got warped from being soaked in sweat and I look like a starving child in my pohoto. Ahhh, good ol' high school metabolism.
Writing in this made me realize that I like keeping a journal. I don't think my everyday life is interesting enough to blog about though. One idea i have is to start a new blog called "Tom's Poop" where I chronical my daily bowel movements. It's sure to be a hit with the hidden scat fetishists inside us all.
Just ate a hotdog that was in a half loaf of bread like I got in Europe when I was 10. Didn't have ketchup to dip it in though and the bread wasn't quite as good lol.
I had to come back to the place I ate yesterday and get another coconut shake (update: got 2). Getting a few probably haha. Definitely going to start making more smoothies once I get back.
I'm actually kind of excited to get back to real life. I had been having a problem focusing on anything and I think this break from life did the trick. It will be nice to see my friends + family + dog. Not looking forward to seeing any of my coworkers though. I really hate each and every one of them with a passion. :-p
Some opera song is playing in an instrumental version and it's beautiful. I know I've heard it before but I don't know the name or what opera it's from... I know I've seen a guy sing it, it goes high to low, something like "ooh-mee-ah ooh-mee-ah oh-maaaaaa." Something like that haha. Good luck remembering what that is supposed to sound like. (Update: I figured out where I heard it- Will Ferrell sings it at the end of Stepbrothers rofl)
I didn't really have a soundtrack for this trip. I should have made one. Music always makes the memories harder, better, faster, stronger. More meaningful.
Had to change seats, the rising sun killed my shade.
Next time I'm going some place tropical that is on the coast, I'm going to make sure I am a certified diver first. That opens up a lot of options for things to do.
Forgot to mention something I saw last night: while out walking around I saw someone sitting on a curb holding a monkey by the hand. The monkey was wearing a t-shirts and some pants. It seemed pretty young based on the way it was behaving, maybe it's just a really tame monkey. Anyway, a little black Chihauha (however you spell that) runs up to the monkey and first pushes it over a few times, then it started chasing it around. Then it started humping the monkey! The owners were laughing, I think both animals were theirs. I was hoping the monkey would slap or kick the dog but it never did. :-(
Talked to a German couple that reccomended that I go to a place called Bamboo Island next time I'm in Phi Phi. Also said the best time to visit the Bavarian Alps is sometime in June-July. The scenes from Band of Brothers that are supposed to take place there were actually shot in Switzerland though. Go figure.
Immediately after lunch I got sick in their bathroom. While I was in the hot, stinky hellhole of the bathroom for 10 minutes, I had to fight off a swarm of mosquitos while I took care of business.
Ok, I gotta move again, some kid has been playing with a toy that plays "London Bridge is falling down" for the last 30 minutes and I'm about to go crazy.
My hands and feet swelled up really bad last night. They are fine today but I have no idea why they did that.
I don't think I'm going to fill the journal (notebook).. still have 30 pages to go. I don't think there is any possible way I'll do enough interesting things in the next ~60 hours to fill 60 sides of a page.
This town stinks like brackish water depending on the breeze. Last night was especially bad. Stinky smell everywhere you walk. Have yet to smell anything stinky enough to gag me. The fish/squid at the weekend market came close.
There are lots of people with tattoos here. Over 50% of the tourists have them I'd wager. Still haven't seen any Americans. Talked to a few more Brits and that German couple.
Benn hanging out in the hotel lobby for an hour. It's an outdoor lobby that has a roof and a fan, as well as a supply of water. Not much more to ask for while I wait. Just doing some people watching. I already put my time in down at the beach. Actually, I should be heading to the dock any minute. Luckily they are taking my luggage for me in a cart.
February 5, 8:42 AM TT
Well, I'm on my last day here. Got up around 7 feeling a little hungober. Was at a bar in Ao Nang until about 9:45 last night. Probably had about 5 beers, but it killed my memory. I hate that. My phone wasn't working in the area I'm staying so I wasn't able to call my hotel for a pickup and had to take a scooter tuk tuk. Taxis here are little scooters attached to a big metal enclosure the passengers get to sit in. So you have this little scooter pulling up to 300 lbs of people + luggage sometimes. I'm sure it gets to be more than that depending on the people riding in it lol.
I have two things that I want to do today. Tiger Cave Temple and Railay Beach. Got to see the beach yesterday on my boat ride and it was stunning. (the rock formations there are kinda phallic). Wanted to watch the sunset there last night but longboat rides stop at 6 so I wouldn't have been able to get back to my hotel. This bungalow is gorgeous. Nice finished wood floor and walls, bautiful tile bathroom, front balcony and back porch.
There are some beautiful cliffs next to the hotel. Probably 5-600 feet tall. Maybe taller. Let's say they are 1,000 feet tall. That sounds cooler. Hotel is going to let me check out at 4 PM. That works out great. Means I can get all hot and sweaty today and still be clean for my traveling.
Ok I gotta head out. Will write in this later.
February 5, 10:31 Am TT
Writing this from Railay beach. Took a mini bus to town then got some tickets for a longtail boat ride over here. Was about a 10 minute ride, costs about $2.50 for a 1-way ticket. Gorgeous views from the boat.
After I got to the beach I took a panoramic then walked to the East end of the beach (Railay West Beach) and found a quiet cove. Climbed the big 10 foot rock in it and am enjoying my own little personal beach. The only people in sight are kayakers and a longtail boat here and there.
Considering where I've been in the last 8 days, when I say this place impresse me, it's starting to have some meaning haha. I can't believe I was considering not coming here earlier this morning when I wasn't feeling great. I think this trip has really reinforced for me that you shouldn't sit around and wait for things to happen- you need to make them happen. If you have dreams and goals, work on them. Never say "Well I'll do it later after I... etc." That's the road to regret.
Going to walk around some more then find some food.
February 5, 1:40 PM TT
Wow, Railay really was amazing. The island is split into two sides, Railay East and Railay West. Each side has beaches, but Railay East's beach is very muddy. Almost lost my sandals twice. First time was while in the water when I sunk in 4 or 5 inches. Second time was a few minutes later while walking away from the water and I sunk in a whole foot. Yikes. Was not fun balancing while holding my camera in one hand and picking my sandals out of a pit of mide with the other hand.
Got to use my first truly "rural Thai toilet" today. You flush it by ladelling water from a nearby bucket into the toilet bowl. I'd have rather just taken a piss outside. Was right before lunch, so I wanted to wash my hands, but they don't use soap out here, heck no! "Let's just rinse our hands off with water that's undrinkable!" lol
Didn't really get hot today. Go figure I finally start to acclimate on my last day, just in time to go back home along with a 70-80 degree temperature drop. I hear IL is getting snow... at least it will be pretty.
Going to take a shower then pack and relax a bit. Adios.
February 5, 7:10 PM TT
Nothing very exciting happened on the way to the airport or while in it. Paid a few bucks for wireless and watched some Seinfeld clips and listened to that one song a few times. (Time to say goodbye) I need to figure out some way to use that song.. I think I am in love with it haha.
I have a 5 hour layover in Bangkok, then a 6 hour flight to Seoul, then a 10 hour layover, then a 15 hour flight to Chicago, then what will probably be at least a 3 hour drive back to Danville. Total travel time: 39+ hours.
I'm going somewhere a little closer next time. Or not. Who knows.
February 5, 9:20 PM TT
Been at the airport for about an hour and a half now. Check in for my flight is not for another 55 minutes.
I accidently walked into some security center and got on one of their elevators and took it to some secure floor. There weren't any signs telling me not to go there! While some guy was escorting me out he accidently hit the wrong button on the elevator and took me to yet another secure floor. He was Thai, but he still said "shit."
Luckily I got a cart to push my luggage around in. The ticketing room is huge. Listening to some Kanye. "All Falls Down." Now "Slow Jamzzzz." Getting kinda sleep, ugh. I think a bunch of teenage asian girls are standing right behind me in a row to get their picture taken with me in it. I want a copy. :-(
35 more minutes. Can you tell I'm writing very slow?
Note to self: never forget "Sprinkle," the overweight Thai vendor on Sukhumvit Rd that you passed on your way to the skytrain station every day.
20 minutes to go. I'm going to miss being around all the Thai people. When you're always surrounded by people that you have no hope of interacting with, your behavior changes somewhat. All conversation you hear is just background noise that is eventually tuned out.
February 6, 12:30 AM TT
Been at Bangkok's airport for 4.5 hours. Ready to sleep. Had sushi for dinner. Yumm. Only sushi I had on trip, but I didn't go to Japan so it's acceptable! I'm ready to crash. Can't wait to sleep. (update: wow I talked about how I wanted to sleep 3 times in like 4 sentences in a row) Need to take my shoes off, also. Brought a change of sucks this time. That will be a delight whenever I decide to switch them.
Work on Monday morning might be interesting. Kinda depends how the next day and a half go.
February 5, 9:19 PM CST
Switching back to central time now. Just went back in time! No plans for Sat / Sun which is good. I need to relax and take it easy so that I'm not dragging on Sunday, er Monday, for work.
Haven't checked my work email once since I left my office at the end of the day on Jan 25. That will be a nightmare to go through.
Only about 7 hours left of the layover here. Can't do the 4 hour tour of the city. They don't start it til noon and I wouldn't get back in time for my flight if customs/security was backed up. Stepped outside the airport pretty much just so I could say I've been in South Korea. Got a few more stamps on my passport too, woohoo.
Need to get a new one (passport). My current one got warped from being soaked in sweat and I look like a starving child in my pohoto. Ahhh, good ol' high school metabolism.
Writing in this made me realize that I like keeping a journal. I don't think my everyday life is interesting enough to blog about though. One idea i have is to start a new blog called "Tom's Poop" where I chronical my daily bowel movements. It's sure to be a hit with the hidden scat fetishists inside us all.
Just ate a hotdog that was in a half loaf of bread like I got in Europe when I was 10. Didn't have ketchup to dip it in though and the bread wasn't quite as good lol.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Journal Update 11
Continuing from Feb 3, 5:40 PM TT:
I'm sitting outside my air-conditioned room writing this while completley soaked to the bone... but it doesn't bother me now. Once you've been drenched in sweat for over 2 hours you stop caring and it stops feeling gross. It's like walking in the rain- at first it sucks but after you've been in it a while, you stop noticing all the raindrops hitting you and you're mind is just thinking "yeah, whatever."
I also experienced this back when I was hiking during the sunset my first night in Phuket. Though that day I ran out of water halfway through, so that didn't help much.
About to go for a dip in the pool then heading to the beach to catch the sunset.
I just got done hiking to the various viewpoints around this side of the island. One was a great view and the other two were "okay." I went to the best one first. It was a tiring walk that ended at about 600 feet above sealevel, so it was the hardest part of the trek (max elevation was about 750 I'd guess).
One my way up, I experienced something like you'd see in a movie: There was a Thai man with a "bowl" haircut, wearing just a shirt and underwear while he was chopping coconuts. As I passed him, he stopped chopping and while staring at me and never taking his eyes from mine, he chopped another coconut in half. It was a little creepy.
After I got to the first viewpoint and looked around and took some pictures, I layed down in the shade and dozed on the rocks for a little bit.
Nothing notable at the next viewpoint I went to. However at the third one, there was a very special surprise. As I was approaching it, I heard some rustling in the brush to my left and aw something grey dart by. It looked like a dog though I was curious what a dog was doing way up in the hills. I go to check it out and stop dead in my tracks when I see it. It's not a dog- it's a wild monkey!!! I had never seen a wild monkey beofre and was not expecting to see any on this part of the island. I pursue the monkey further and discover a pack of 15 of them. I took pictures until they all started staring at me while making menacing hissing and... barking sounds. Not wanting my obituary to read Tom was torn apart by a pack of small wild monkeys" I backed off. Though one brave monkey later visited and I got 2 or 3 sweet shots of him/her (I forget).
Going to go swim now then probably head to an internet cafe after the sun sets (but before I get dinner + something to drink).
February 3, 7:02 PM TT
Sunset was pretty as expected though I don't think the colors were quite as brilliant as last night's.
While I was walking back to my bungalow to take a shower (will probably be taking 3 today), all the porch lights lit up in my complex. Will be able to get a pretty cool shot about 20 feet from my front porch. All the bungalows are up on stilts about 3 feet off the ground and there are wood plank walkways that run between them all... pretty.
It's crazy how much the water recedes at low-tide here. In Patong I'd guess it recedes about 50-60 feet. Here it is more like 300 feet - and the water is only just past your ankles at 400 feet out.
I think I figured out what I'll do tomorrow. Once I get to Ao Nang, I'm going to quick get a cab to my hotel, check in, then take a 20 minute longboat ride over to Railay for the sunset. Sunsets there were described as being "Ethereal."
Not so sure what to do the next day. Will get up early and take a cab to tiger cave temple and check it out then back to the hotel to shower and check out. The problem I then face is that I won't have another place to clean up before my 7PM flight back to Bangkok. There are plenty of places to see but I can't travel for 30+ hours smelling like a dirty monkey's butt.
I think there are places to shower in Seoul's airport, but that means I'll have to pack a change of clothes in my laptop bag. Ah well, I'm sure I'll figure something out. I've worked my way through all the other crazy logistics of this trip so far.
Gotta make sure I don't forget to check out the free tour of Seoul during my 10 hour layover there. Will do that after my shower I guess. That will be a nice way to eat up 4 hours of the layover.
Jetlag coming back is going to be a beast. Maybe doing a photoshoot with a girl from the UoI on Sunday lol.
Helped out a Dutch couple tonight who were having auto-focus problems when taking pictures after dark.
Thinking about getting another massage tomorrow. Dunno if that would be such a great idea with the sunburn though. They are pretty rough on your shoulders and neck. Better pass on that.
Hmmm, not really sure what to do tomorrow. DOn't need to take a boat to Monkey beach anymore because I already saw all thse monkeys today. Gotta check out at 11:00 AM though they will hold my bags for me until my boat leaves at 3:30 PM.
Things I wish I wouldn't have brought: 1,000 page hardback novel, usb hard drive connector kit, tripod, one of my pairs of pants. That's not too bad for overpacking. I definitely didn't overpack with my clothes. Going to have just enough to get by.
I've spent about $25 on ATM fees which kinda sucks, though I don't think I'll need to use another one for the rest of my trip so that's alright (update: probably will have to use an ATM one more time).
February 4, 8:35 AM TT
Checkout time is in 2.5 hours. Might just keep my swim trunks on all day (update: did not). Went for a dip in the pool, that felt lovely. Forgot I had free breakfast here and went and got something in town. Oh well. Took some pictures of the East side of the island, just after sunrise. Wasn't as pretty as I'd hoped but I suppose that's relative.
While out walking the beach last night I saw some amazing fire dancers. Only watched them for two songs... which were both by Limp Bizkit. Faith and the Mission Impossible theme. That was kind of puzzling. The fire dancers would either have a stick with two flaming ends or hold two seperate flaming ball and chain things. They would get those things spinning at something like 250 RPM which was amazing to see. Once in a while they would throw them 40 feet into the air and then catch them, but sometimes they messed that part up. One time it landed on a tourist and that person caught on fire and ran into the ocean as a blazing fireball. Just kidding. Though one of the guys with the ball and chain threw his in the air and caught it. Still trying to figure that one out.
Hotels here skip the number 13 just like in the US.
Only have room for 500 more pictures on my memory cards. Should be ok though, I think I've taken around 1,000-1,100 (update: only 900) so far. Going to do some editing on the trip back. Well, not really edit, just choose which pictures to edit once I get back. That should cut a few hours off the processing time.
Got woken up last night by some drunken yelling. Put in some ear plugs and fell back asleep soon thereafter. I will definitely always travel with ear plugs from from now on, they are great and take up no room.
I'm sitting outside my air-conditioned room writing this while completley soaked to the bone... but it doesn't bother me now. Once you've been drenched in sweat for over 2 hours you stop caring and it stops feeling gross. It's like walking in the rain- at first it sucks but after you've been in it a while, you stop noticing all the raindrops hitting you and you're mind is just thinking "yeah, whatever."
I also experienced this back when I was hiking during the sunset my first night in Phuket. Though that day I ran out of water halfway through, so that didn't help much.
About to go for a dip in the pool then heading to the beach to catch the sunset.
I just got done hiking to the various viewpoints around this side of the island. One was a great view and the other two were "okay." I went to the best one first. It was a tiring walk that ended at about 600 feet above sealevel, so it was the hardest part of the trek (max elevation was about 750 I'd guess).
One my way up, I experienced something like you'd see in a movie: There was a Thai man with a "bowl" haircut, wearing just a shirt and underwear while he was chopping coconuts. As I passed him, he stopped chopping and while staring at me and never taking his eyes from mine, he chopped another coconut in half. It was a little creepy.
After I got to the first viewpoint and looked around and took some pictures, I layed down in the shade and dozed on the rocks for a little bit.
Nothing notable at the next viewpoint I went to. However at the third one, there was a very special surprise. As I was approaching it, I heard some rustling in the brush to my left and aw something grey dart by. It looked like a dog though I was curious what a dog was doing way up in the hills. I go to check it out and stop dead in my tracks when I see it. It's not a dog- it's a wild monkey!!! I had never seen a wild monkey beofre and was not expecting to see any on this part of the island. I pursue the monkey further and discover a pack of 15 of them. I took pictures until they all started staring at me while making menacing hissing and... barking sounds. Not wanting my obituary to read Tom was torn apart by a pack of small wild monkeys" I backed off. Though one brave monkey later visited and I got 2 or 3 sweet shots of him/her (I forget).
Going to go swim now then probably head to an internet cafe after the sun sets (but before I get dinner + something to drink).
February 3, 7:02 PM TT
Sunset was pretty as expected though I don't think the colors were quite as brilliant as last night's.
While I was walking back to my bungalow to take a shower (will probably be taking 3 today), all the porch lights lit up in my complex. Will be able to get a pretty cool shot about 20 feet from my front porch. All the bungalows are up on stilts about 3 feet off the ground and there are wood plank walkways that run between them all... pretty.
It's crazy how much the water recedes at low-tide here. In Patong I'd guess it recedes about 50-60 feet. Here it is more like 300 feet - and the water is only just past your ankles at 400 feet out.
I think I figured out what I'll do tomorrow. Once I get to Ao Nang, I'm going to quick get a cab to my hotel, check in, then take a 20 minute longboat ride over to Railay for the sunset. Sunsets there were described as being "Ethereal."
Not so sure what to do the next day. Will get up early and take a cab to tiger cave temple and check it out then back to the hotel to shower and check out. The problem I then face is that I won't have another place to clean up before my 7PM flight back to Bangkok. There are plenty of places to see but I can't travel for 30+ hours smelling like a dirty monkey's butt.
I think there are places to shower in Seoul's airport, but that means I'll have to pack a change of clothes in my laptop bag. Ah well, I'm sure I'll figure something out. I've worked my way through all the other crazy logistics of this trip so far.
Gotta make sure I don't forget to check out the free tour of Seoul during my 10 hour layover there. Will do that after my shower I guess. That will be a nice way to eat up 4 hours of the layover.
Jetlag coming back is going to be a beast. Maybe doing a photoshoot with a girl from the UoI on Sunday lol.
Helped out a Dutch couple tonight who were having auto-focus problems when taking pictures after dark.
Thinking about getting another massage tomorrow. Dunno if that would be such a great idea with the sunburn though. They are pretty rough on your shoulders and neck. Better pass on that.
Hmmm, not really sure what to do tomorrow. DOn't need to take a boat to Monkey beach anymore because I already saw all thse monkeys today. Gotta check out at 11:00 AM though they will hold my bags for me until my boat leaves at 3:30 PM.
Things I wish I wouldn't have brought: 1,000 page hardback novel, usb hard drive connector kit, tripod, one of my pairs of pants. That's not too bad for overpacking. I definitely didn't overpack with my clothes. Going to have just enough to get by.
I've spent about $25 on ATM fees which kinda sucks, though I don't think I'll need to use another one for the rest of my trip so that's alright (update: probably will have to use an ATM one more time).
February 4, 8:35 AM TT
Checkout time is in 2.5 hours. Might just keep my swim trunks on all day (update: did not). Went for a dip in the pool, that felt lovely. Forgot I had free breakfast here and went and got something in town. Oh well. Took some pictures of the East side of the island, just after sunrise. Wasn't as pretty as I'd hoped but I suppose that's relative.
While out walking the beach last night I saw some amazing fire dancers. Only watched them for two songs... which were both by Limp Bizkit. Faith and the Mission Impossible theme. That was kind of puzzling. The fire dancers would either have a stick with two flaming ends or hold two seperate flaming ball and chain things. They would get those things spinning at something like 250 RPM which was amazing to see. Once in a while they would throw them 40 feet into the air and then catch them, but sometimes they messed that part up. One time it landed on a tourist and that person caught on fire and ran into the ocean as a blazing fireball. Just kidding. Though one of the guys with the ball and chain threw his in the air and caught it. Still trying to figure that one out.
Hotels here skip the number 13 just like in the US.
Only have room for 500 more pictures on my memory cards. Should be ok though, I think I've taken around 1,000-1,100 (update: only 900) so far. Going to do some editing on the trip back. Well, not really edit, just choose which pictures to edit once I get back. That should cut a few hours off the processing time.
Got woken up last night by some drunken yelling. Put in some ear plugs and fell back asleep soon thereafter. I will definitely always travel with ear plugs from from now on, they are great and take up no room.
Journal Update 10
February 2, 4:37 PM TT
Just walked around a bit and got lunch. Going to talk to the lady now and figure stuff out. I'll be laying low until 10'til 6 and then I'm heading out for pictures. Face is starting to get a bit sore, will be using sun block the rest of the trip (except at the top of my forehead - my matted hair prevented it from getting any sun so it's white still. Going to have to gel my hair up until that spot gets burnt too, haha).
Could walk around town and take pictures bit it will look better at night- lots of bars and restaurants don't open til after dark. Saw my taxi driver from last night while walking to get lunch. He waved, said "Hi" and asked if I needed a taxi. Told him no with a smile. Always have to smile when telling people no around here (In Thailand I mean). It's the polite thing to do.
February 2, 8:27 PM TT
Got back a bit ago. Left the room at 6 and headed to the beach. Saw my first two trannies! Was really obvious, even from across the street. It it ok to chuckle or is that rude? I don't think I'll be able to help myself at first (update: trannies here love the attention as long as you aren't being mean). As long as it's not mean-spirited it should be alright.
When I got to the beach, local Thais were hauling in speedboats. They were even driving a tractor down to haul them out.
The throngs of people had disappeared and only a handful stood to watch the sunset. The last time I was n the ocean was under much different circumstances. This time was a bit calmer... didn't lose my glasses! After the sun set I just stood in the water a while, watching the rest of the sun's light disappear from the sky.
I absolutely love it here during the sunset and after the sun goes down. The temperature is perfect, especially when standing in the water. The days though, ugh. Not eough shade, the only place to sit in some AC and cool off are shopping centers & the hotel room. If I was here for a longer stay I'd reverse my sleep schedule and sleep during the day and go out after dark. I can genuinely say that it's not scary to walk down dark streets alone here... it's strange
Going to leave my big camera in the room & just take the small one tonight. Here's hoping for no break-ins!
February 3, 12:11 AM TT
Just got back from Bang La Road and holy wow that place is a zoo. A fun zoo! When I first got there (200 baht for a 5 minute tuk tuk ride, what a scam) I walked up and down the street a few times and went in the various side streets (called Sois).
Soi Seadragon seemed like the most fun place to party- there were girls dancing on the bars and they were playing American hip-hop music.
Walked down Soi Tiger but there weren't any english speakers, just a bunch of hookers. I really can't believe how many there are here... it's craaaaaazy.
Also gawked at the trannies dancing at Soi Crocodile. There was a gigantic crowd out front watching some of them dance, and that street was by far the busiest, it was packed. Really funny to watch though, so I can't blame people.
I settled down and had a few (2) Tiger beers upstairs at a "Aussies." You'll never guess it, but lots of Australians hang out there! After a few beers I chatted up 2 Australians from Sydney for a few minutes before I said goodnight and headed back.
I decided to talk instead of pay to ride and on the way back I decided I was hungry so I stopped at a place and got some shimp+vegetables in a spicy curry with a side of steamed rice. I didn't think it was all that spicy so the waitress brought out some spicy chilli sauce but adding that really wasn't all that bad either. I think she was impressed- she said if I come back they'd make it extra spicy.
After I was done eating I headed back where on the way a Trannie first offered me a massage, and after I declined, based on his/her gesture, I'm pretty sure he/she offered me oral sex which I also declined (with a smile of course).
Get back to the hotel and my Dutch neighbors are complaining to me about all the French at the villas complex we are staying in (I guess it's like 90% French people).
I gotta pack up... need to get up in 5 hours. My van picks me up in 6 hours... pretty sure where I'll be staying tomorrow doesn't have internet so don't expect anything until I get to Krabi on Feb 4 sorry! (update, obviously there are cafes on the island).
February 3, ~7:20 AM TT
Got picked up by the van a little bit ago. He was a minute or two late so of course I started worrying he wouldn't show and I'd waste four hours of my day waiting for the nexy ferry. Was very relieved when he showed up.
Woke up on my own today. First at 4:30 AM then at 5:30. Other than the day where I took a six-hour "nap" I don't think I've slept longer than 3.5 hours in a row. Not too tired today though.
After I check in to my hotel, I need to go buy some mosquito repellant (update: didn't) and go to the atm (update: did). My hotel is paid for already but I might need cash for a boat ride to Maya beach (didn't). Also want to make sure I go to Monkey Beach (doubtful). You'll never guess what's at Monkey beach.
A little bit ago the van driver almost ran over a motorbike with 2 people on it. They pulled out into traffic without looking. My driver was pretty pissed that he had to slame on the brakes & swerve. He yelled at them out the window. First time I've seen a Thai person verbally express anger.
Yesterday, the manager at my villa taught me how to swear in French. I already forgot how to though. I'm going to blame her and say she's a bad teacher.
Will write more on the boat if I can. Hoping it will be a pretty ride (it was).
February 3, 9:01 AM TT
Well, I made it to my boat. Got a ticket to Ao Nang tomorrow but it doesn't leave til 3:30 PM... so I'm looking at getting in around5. Not sure what all I will have time to do. Hmm... really wanna see Railay Beach.
February 3, 12:27 PM TT
Well I made it here. It was no easy task. The "town" here is a maze and my bungalow was on the far side of it.
Of course about 2 minutes into 15 minute walk one of the wheels on my luggage breaks. I got the luggage from woot.com and both pieces of the set have had their rear wheels break on their first vacation. It's like pulling an anchor.
Oh God, I just got a coconut shake and it is amazing.
Anyway I finally found the place I'm staying, went in and cooled down. The beach here is ridiculous. It's a real tropical paradise.
All of the restaurantes here are either Thai or Italian. No clue why there are so many Italian places, but I don't mind. I was craving some pizza ike a pregnant woman so I'm sitting in a shaded outdoor cafe waiting for my food. The beach is less than a minute walk from the frotn desk where I'm staying. Once I eat I'm goig for a short swim. Then I'm goig to figure out how to get to monkey beach, go there, then head to a nice viewpoint on the island that requires a bit of a hike (update: my actual courses of action were nothing like the plan).
Going to make sure I have a full bottle of water for that. The heat is murder. Pizza is here, it's huge, I'm hungry. Time to eat.
That was delicious. Oops, forgot to take a picture of it! Now that I've cooled off while eating I might go take pictures no and get in the water later. The water is very calm, no breaking waves at this time today. Tonight I can either go to one of the bars and "party" or go take pictures. I'm thinking I'll go have a beer after soviet sunset and then if it is how I imagine it will be, I'll go take pics after that. I think I will put the tripod to good use tonight ! :-)
I still don't really understand how you are supposed to pay at restaurants in Thailand. They never bring you the bill. I always just walk up to the counter and pay when I'm ready. I don't know if I'm breaking and social rules... probably. Oh well.
The average age for peopl ehere is about 20 years younger than in Patongl I'd guess it's about 29-30 here.
The pizza I had a very thin crispy pizza, a little bit of tomato sauce, mozz cheese, gorgonzola and very spicy slices of sausage. Was very good.
Don't see many solo travelers here. Most people are in pairs or groups of 3 or 4.
Tons and tons of Thai people. The info I read online that says "they mostly wear cotto pants and think jeans" are stupid becaues they are heavy was dead wrong!
Ok, time to get out of here.
10 minutes later: Feeling refreshed after a shirt and a shower. Put on the sunblock, waiting a few more minutes for it to settle or whatever and then going hiking!
February 3, 5:40 PM TT
While I finally figured out the trick to Thailand, = you don't beat the heat- you join it!" Sure you are going to look like a sweaty hot mess compared to some people but nobody really cares. Yo udon't come here to look cool, you come here to experience it!
**********
Ugh, I'll write more later. Gott aget some food or I'll be falling asleep early again. Night.
Just walked around a bit and got lunch. Going to talk to the lady now and figure stuff out. I'll be laying low until 10'til 6 and then I'm heading out for pictures. Face is starting to get a bit sore, will be using sun block the rest of the trip (except at the top of my forehead - my matted hair prevented it from getting any sun so it's white still. Going to have to gel my hair up until that spot gets burnt too, haha).
Could walk around town and take pictures bit it will look better at night- lots of bars and restaurants don't open til after dark. Saw my taxi driver from last night while walking to get lunch. He waved, said "Hi" and asked if I needed a taxi. Told him no with a smile. Always have to smile when telling people no around here (In Thailand I mean). It's the polite thing to do.
February 2, 8:27 PM TT
Got back a bit ago. Left the room at 6 and headed to the beach. Saw my first two trannies! Was really obvious, even from across the street. It it ok to chuckle or is that rude? I don't think I'll be able to help myself at first (update: trannies here love the attention as long as you aren't being mean). As long as it's not mean-spirited it should be alright.
When I got to the beach, local Thais were hauling in speedboats. They were even driving a tractor down to haul them out.
The throngs of people had disappeared and only a handful stood to watch the sunset. The last time I was n the ocean was under much different circumstances. This time was a bit calmer... didn't lose my glasses! After the sun set I just stood in the water a while, watching the rest of the sun's light disappear from the sky.
I absolutely love it here during the sunset and after the sun goes down. The temperature is perfect, especially when standing in the water. The days though, ugh. Not eough shade, the only place to sit in some AC and cool off are shopping centers & the hotel room. If I was here for a longer stay I'd reverse my sleep schedule and sleep during the day and go out after dark. I can genuinely say that it's not scary to walk down dark streets alone here... it's strange
Going to leave my big camera in the room & just take the small one tonight. Here's hoping for no break-ins!
February 3, 12:11 AM TT
Just got back from Bang La Road and holy wow that place is a zoo. A fun zoo! When I first got there (200 baht for a 5 minute tuk tuk ride, what a scam) I walked up and down the street a few times and went in the various side streets (called Sois).
Soi Seadragon seemed like the most fun place to party- there were girls dancing on the bars and they were playing American hip-hop music.
Walked down Soi Tiger but there weren't any english speakers, just a bunch of hookers. I really can't believe how many there are here... it's craaaaaazy.
Also gawked at the trannies dancing at Soi Crocodile. There was a gigantic crowd out front watching some of them dance, and that street was by far the busiest, it was packed. Really funny to watch though, so I can't blame people.
I settled down and had a few (2) Tiger beers upstairs at a "Aussies." You'll never guess it, but lots of Australians hang out there! After a few beers I chatted up 2 Australians from Sydney for a few minutes before I said goodnight and headed back.
I decided to talk instead of pay to ride and on the way back I decided I was hungry so I stopped at a place and got some shimp+vegetables in a spicy curry with a side of steamed rice. I didn't think it was all that spicy so the waitress brought out some spicy chilli sauce but adding that really wasn't all that bad either. I think she was impressed- she said if I come back they'd make it extra spicy.
After I was done eating I headed back where on the way a Trannie first offered me a massage, and after I declined, based on his/her gesture, I'm pretty sure he/she offered me oral sex which I also declined (with a smile of course).
Get back to the hotel and my Dutch neighbors are complaining to me about all the French at the villas complex we are staying in (I guess it's like 90% French people).
I gotta pack up... need to get up in 5 hours. My van picks me up in 6 hours... pretty sure where I'll be staying tomorrow doesn't have internet so don't expect anything until I get to Krabi on Feb 4 sorry! (update, obviously there are cafes on the island).
February 3, ~7:20 AM TT
Got picked up by the van a little bit ago. He was a minute or two late so of course I started worrying he wouldn't show and I'd waste four hours of my day waiting for the nexy ferry. Was very relieved when he showed up.
Woke up on my own today. First at 4:30 AM then at 5:30. Other than the day where I took a six-hour "nap" I don't think I've slept longer than 3.5 hours in a row. Not too tired today though.
After I check in to my hotel, I need to go buy some mosquito repellant (update: didn't) and go to the atm (update: did). My hotel is paid for already but I might need cash for a boat ride to Maya beach (didn't). Also want to make sure I go to Monkey Beach (doubtful). You'll never guess what's at Monkey beach.
A little bit ago the van driver almost ran over a motorbike with 2 people on it. They pulled out into traffic without looking. My driver was pretty pissed that he had to slame on the brakes & swerve. He yelled at them out the window. First time I've seen a Thai person verbally express anger.
Yesterday, the manager at my villa taught me how to swear in French. I already forgot how to though. I'm going to blame her and say she's a bad teacher.
Will write more on the boat if I can. Hoping it will be a pretty ride (it was).
February 3, 9:01 AM TT
Well, I made it to my boat. Got a ticket to Ao Nang tomorrow but it doesn't leave til 3:30 PM... so I'm looking at getting in around5. Not sure what all I will have time to do. Hmm... really wanna see Railay Beach.
February 3, 12:27 PM TT
Well I made it here. It was no easy task. The "town" here is a maze and my bungalow was on the far side of it.
Of course about 2 minutes into 15 minute walk one of the wheels on my luggage breaks. I got the luggage from woot.com and both pieces of the set have had their rear wheels break on their first vacation. It's like pulling an anchor.
Oh God, I just got a coconut shake and it is amazing.
Anyway I finally found the place I'm staying, went in and cooled down. The beach here is ridiculous. It's a real tropical paradise.
All of the restaurantes here are either Thai or Italian. No clue why there are so many Italian places, but I don't mind. I was craving some pizza ike a pregnant woman so I'm sitting in a shaded outdoor cafe waiting for my food. The beach is less than a minute walk from the frotn desk where I'm staying. Once I eat I'm goig for a short swim. Then I'm goig to figure out how to get to monkey beach, go there, then head to a nice viewpoint on the island that requires a bit of a hike (update: my actual courses of action were nothing like the plan).
Going to make sure I have a full bottle of water for that. The heat is murder. Pizza is here, it's huge, I'm hungry. Time to eat.
That was delicious. Oops, forgot to take a picture of it! Now that I've cooled off while eating I might go take pictures no and get in the water later. The water is very calm, no breaking waves at this time today. Tonight I can either go to one of the bars and "party" or go take pictures. I'm thinking I'll go have a beer after soviet sunset and then if it is how I imagine it will be, I'll go take pics after that. I think I will put the tripod to good use tonight ! :-)
I still don't really understand how you are supposed to pay at restaurants in Thailand. They never bring you the bill. I always just walk up to the counter and pay when I'm ready. I don't know if I'm breaking and social rules... probably. Oh well.
The average age for peopl ehere is about 20 years younger than in Patongl I'd guess it's about 29-30 here.
The pizza I had a very thin crispy pizza, a little bit of tomato sauce, mozz cheese, gorgonzola and very spicy slices of sausage. Was very good.
Don't see many solo travelers here. Most people are in pairs or groups of 3 or 4.
Tons and tons of Thai people. The info I read online that says "they mostly wear cotto pants and think jeans" are stupid becaues they are heavy was dead wrong!
Ok, time to get out of here.
10 minutes later: Feeling refreshed after a shirt and a shower. Put on the sunblock, waiting a few more minutes for it to settle or whatever and then going hiking!
February 3, 5:40 PM TT
While I finally figured out the trick to Thailand, = you don't beat the heat- you join it!" Sure you are going to look like a sweaty hot mess compared to some people but nobody really cares. Yo udon't come here to look cool, you come here to experience it!
**********
Ugh, I'll write more later. Gott aget some food or I'll be falling asleep early again. Night.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Update 6
Ok, plumbing is back in working order, .
Just finished packing to go to Ko Phi Phi Don where I will be the next 24-26 hours without internet because it is on a small island. At least I think there is no internet. If there is a cafe there I might head there late tonight but I am not really sure.
I need to haul my stuff to the front desk here and get ready for the van. Don't want to miss the boat!
Just finished packing to go to Ko Phi Phi Don where I will be the next 24-26 hours without internet because it is on a small island. At least I think there is no internet. If there is a cafe there I might head there late tonight but I am not really sure.
I need to haul my stuff to the front desk here and get ready for the van. Don't want to miss the boat!
Update 5
Oh god I need some immodium hahahaha. Hungry, going to grab some lunch. Bring on the Thai food! Maybe I just need to get something spicier and that will fix things. I didn't get a Hep-A vaccination so I am hoping I don't catch that from any of the food. I read chance of it are low. I know we got vaccinated for some form of Hep back in grade school though I don't remember which. Hep B? I remember it was done at the North Ridge gym in the 2nd or 3rd grade... it's probably expired by now? Does it expire or is that just flu since that virus changes all the time? I probably should have researched these things more.
My face is getting a little color- nose and forehead are a bit pink. No pain from that.
I have a few mosquito bites on my left elbow, and some red bumps on my knees that don't itch. Dunno what those are from.
After I eat I need to talk to the lady that is arranging my transpot tomorrow. She said to speak with her anytime after 3 so I could do that whenever now.
At 6 I need to pick up my laundry from the place next door. Their rates are much more reasonable than my previous hotels. About $2 for a smallish bag of laundry rather than $20. They sun dry all their clothes on some lines in a lot in back of their shop. I walked through that lot while I was trying to find the front desk of my hotel yesterday and almost got attacked by their guard dog ( I assume he is there so people don't steal all the hanging laundry). It's a big rottweiler that has a mean bark.
One of my friends, Landon, who has been to Thailand before suggested I go to a place called Tiger bar in the party area here. It looked like a fun place to get a drink, but I watched a video of it online and it looked like there were a bunch of trannies dancing on poles there. I guess one drink there won't hurt me lol.
Thought about walking down the trannie street here but I read that the "ladyboys" can get pretty mad if you take their picture and seeing as thai males are known for their love to beat the crap out of people, if I do go down that street for fun, my camera will not be out.
My face is getting a little color- nose and forehead are a bit pink. No pain from that.
I have a few mosquito bites on my left elbow, and some red bumps on my knees that don't itch. Dunno what those are from.
After I eat I need to talk to the lady that is arranging my transpot tomorrow. She said to speak with her anytime after 3 so I could do that whenever now.
At 6 I need to pick up my laundry from the place next door. Their rates are much more reasonable than my previous hotels. About $2 for a smallish bag of laundry rather than $20. They sun dry all their clothes on some lines in a lot in back of their shop. I walked through that lot while I was trying to find the front desk of my hotel yesterday and almost got attacked by their guard dog ( I assume he is there so people don't steal all the hanging laundry). It's a big rottweiler that has a mean bark.
One of my friends, Landon, who has been to Thailand before suggested I go to a place called Tiger bar in the party area here. It looked like a fun place to get a drink, but I watched a video of it online and it looked like there were a bunch of trannies dancing on poles there. I guess one drink there won't hurt me lol.
Thought about walking down the trannie street here but I read that the "ladyboys" can get pretty mad if you take their picture and seeing as thai males are known for their love to beat the crap out of people, if I do go down that street for fun, my camera will not be out.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Journal Update 9
Spent some time at the beach this morning sipping drinks (fruit smoothies, non alcoholic!) and enjoying the ocean breeze. After I headed back for a shower, I figured I'd throw this up online.
February 2, 10:58 AM TT
Walked along the beach, heading North. Grrr, I just told the waitress at the place I'm sitting (and drinking a mango smoothie - so good) "Hello" instead of "Thank You." I keep accidently doing that and people keep laughing at me lol. Anyway, walked North about 20 minutes, stopping every once in a while to sit in the shade and cool off. This slowe rpace seems fitting for this place.
There are lots and lots of tourists here, but seemingly few Americans. In fact, I have not heard any english spoken out loud since I've been here (on the street at least). Lots of Europeans. I've heard a lot of German and French spoken, those are easy to tell apart due to the accents/dialect/whatever. I am totally guessing and basing it off how people look, but there appears to be a lot of people from Spain and Italy here as well.
Splended, I now have a wonderful view of someone's grandma sunbathing topless on some rocks. Hightlight of my trip! Also, I can tell if a man is European or not by the swimsuit he wears. European men love sporting the banana hammock.
There is a large cruise ship that has dropped anchor about half a mile to a mile from shore- it's hard (for me) to tell distances in the water from the shore (or from anywhere else I suppose). I guess it could be 2-3 miles out for all I know.
In the shade the temperature is in the low 80s I reckon. With a light occassional breeze it's pretty comfortable, not even sweating at the moment. Today I'm wearing shorts + a white long sleeve (but very thin) hoodie + socks and chucks.
My villa doesn't include any shampoo so I had to wash my hair with soap. My hair has NO volume now, UGH. I'm so embarassed. :-P It's like that episode of Seinfeld where Jerry's building has no water pressure and everyone has terrible hair. (I'm kidding btw, I don't really care about my hair's volume)
Topless grandma from before has been joined by her topless grandma friend! Double (or quadruple, depending on how you count) the fun!
Can't wait to get in the water tomorrow - my bungalow is supposed to be 75-100m from the water. I guess there is a difference between villas and bungalows that I didn't know about. Villas are like fancy hotel rooms with full kitchens that you have a patio or deck attached to.. where as bungalows are little huts. Maybe that is common knowledge for most people but I am a common idiot. The next two places I'm staying at are actual bungalows- or at least they claim to be!
While the beachfront here is fairly developed (there is even a condominium building with around 30 floors, by far the tallest building here) most of the rest of the town is giving off a "developing country" vibe. There are empty lots filled with trash, small hillside huts people live in, lots of stray animals. I've seen a few hundred stray dogs since I arrived in Bangkok on Wednesday. I've seen 4 or 5 dogs on a leash tops lol.
The cup my smoothie is in says "happy sheep" on it and has smiling cartoon sheep.
I started writing down random 1-line thoughts or observations. Going to share those at the end of the trip. Most are fairly funny (to me) and are about something I see/notice or something stupid I did.
One story of my stupidity/unsmoothness:
So on Sunday when I got to the building the skybar was in, I go over to the elevator area that takes you up there. They have decently high standards on appearance so you have to look kinda nice else they don't let you up. I pass that test though they make me check my backpack (though I was allowed to remove the camera and carry that around).
At the time, I don't remember which floor the bar is on (the top one, it's a rooftop bar, DUH!) so I get off at the 52nd because that floor has some special writing next to it (I needed the 64th). There is a bar on this floor and remembering that the skybar has 2 bars, I saunter up and order a beer. As I'm paying I ask how I get to the skybar and they tell me it's on the 64th floor. I'm sure I turned a little red in the face as I pay $10 and go sit down. "At least there is a nice pool here that I can take a picture of" I think as I pick up my camera and... the battery was dead! I forgot to check that! So I chug my $10 beer (bartender and waiters were probably wondering wtf) and have to go back to the first floor, uncheck my bag, get a new battery, re-check my bag, and head up to the 64th floor.
I felt so stupid I thought it'd be a shame not to share. :-)
February 2, 10:58 AM TT
Walked along the beach, heading North. Grrr, I just told the waitress at the place I'm sitting (and drinking a mango smoothie - so good) "Hello" instead of "Thank You." I keep accidently doing that and people keep laughing at me lol. Anyway, walked North about 20 minutes, stopping every once in a while to sit in the shade and cool off. This slowe rpace seems fitting for this place.
There are lots and lots of tourists here, but seemingly few Americans. In fact, I have not heard any english spoken out loud since I've been here (on the street at least). Lots of Europeans. I've heard a lot of German and French spoken, those are easy to tell apart due to the accents/dialect/whatever. I am totally guessing and basing it off how people look, but there appears to be a lot of people from Spain and Italy here as well.
Splended, I now have a wonderful view of someone's grandma sunbathing topless on some rocks. Hightlight of my trip! Also, I can tell if a man is European or not by the swimsuit he wears. European men love sporting the banana hammock.
There is a large cruise ship that has dropped anchor about half a mile to a mile from shore- it's hard (for me) to tell distances in the water from the shore (or from anywhere else I suppose). I guess it could be 2-3 miles out for all I know.
In the shade the temperature is in the low 80s I reckon. With a light occassional breeze it's pretty comfortable, not even sweating at the moment. Today I'm wearing shorts + a white long sleeve (but very thin) hoodie + socks and chucks.
My villa doesn't include any shampoo so I had to wash my hair with soap. My hair has NO volume now, UGH. I'm so embarassed. :-P It's like that episode of Seinfeld where Jerry's building has no water pressure and everyone has terrible hair. (I'm kidding btw, I don't really care about my hair's volume)
Topless grandma from before has been joined by her topless grandma friend! Double (or quadruple, depending on how you count) the fun!
Can't wait to get in the water tomorrow - my bungalow is supposed to be 75-100m from the water. I guess there is a difference between villas and bungalows that I didn't know about. Villas are like fancy hotel rooms with full kitchens that you have a patio or deck attached to.. where as bungalows are little huts. Maybe that is common knowledge for most people but I am a common idiot. The next two places I'm staying at are actual bungalows- or at least they claim to be!
While the beachfront here is fairly developed (there is even a condominium building with around 30 floors, by far the tallest building here) most of the rest of the town is giving off a "developing country" vibe. There are empty lots filled with trash, small hillside huts people live in, lots of stray animals. I've seen a few hundred stray dogs since I arrived in Bangkok on Wednesday. I've seen 4 or 5 dogs on a leash tops lol.
The cup my smoothie is in says "happy sheep" on it and has smiling cartoon sheep.
I started writing down random 1-line thoughts or observations. Going to share those at the end of the trip. Most are fairly funny (to me) and are about something I see/notice or something stupid I did.
One story of my stupidity/unsmoothness:
So on Sunday when I got to the building the skybar was in, I go over to the elevator area that takes you up there. They have decently high standards on appearance so you have to look kinda nice else they don't let you up. I pass that test though they make me check my backpack (though I was allowed to remove the camera and carry that around).
At the time, I don't remember which floor the bar is on (the top one, it's a rooftop bar, DUH!) so I get off at the 52nd because that floor has some special writing next to it (I needed the 64th). There is a bar on this floor and remembering that the skybar has 2 bars, I saunter up and order a beer. As I'm paying I ask how I get to the skybar and they tell me it's on the 64th floor. I'm sure I turned a little red in the face as I pay $10 and go sit down. "At least there is a nice pool here that I can take a picture of" I think as I pick up my camera and... the battery was dead! I forgot to check that! So I chug my $10 beer (bartender and waiters were probably wondering wtf) and have to go back to the first floor, uncheck my bag, get a new battery, re-check my bag, and head up to the 64th floor.
I felt so stupid I thought it'd be a shame not to share. :-)
Update 4
I threw it up on facebook so I am some of the people reading this already saw it there, but here is a picture from last night:
Journal Update 8
February 2, 7:45 AM
Took it easy last night. Went to bed around 8:30 PM but I really needed to rest. I have another night here in Patong so I will stay out later tonight. Not too late though- getting picked up by a van tomorrow to take me to the dock to take a boat to Ko Phi Phi Don at 7 AM so I'll probably get up around 5:30 or 6:00 and try catching the sunrise. Sorta on the wrong side of the island for that though.
Yesterday after I checked in and cooled off I went and talked to the woman running this place - a French woman who speaks good english - who told me the good spots to go here, or rather how to get to them.
Rented a taxi for 3.5 hours and headed South, stopping at a few sites on the way. Went to Kata beach lookout point, which is at an elevation of around 7-800 feet I'm guessing. This island is very hill, not much flat land here at all.
After that I went to a beach whose name I'll look up later, I forget.
Then after those two stops I went to the Southern tip of the island which is supposed to be the prettiest sunset on the island. Even Thai people come to watch it there.
Once I got there I hiked for half an hour down the peninsula to get to the coast. Ran out of water halfway down, oops. Very veautiful place, probably hiked down 300 or so feet through fairly focky terrain and made it about 30 feet from the water (update: Note to self- Chuck Taylors are not good hiking shoes). The tide was out and the rocks I were walking on were covered in little shells that were attached very strongly and I didn't want to kill a bunch of animals with every step so I stopped. The only other people down that far were two Buddhist monks and a Thai guy that was talking to them.
Monks here aren't quite what I figured they would be - they use cellphones, they smoke, etc. Not like some of the monks in Europe where you hear they are very restrictive and have vows of silence, etc.
Well I got some great shots then headed back to the cab, drove back to Patong, paid ($35) and walked back to the hotel. The cab driver asked for 1,400 baht and my form of bargaining was not having that much money with me hahaha.. only had 1,260. He was more than happy with that though. Walked a block or two back to my villa, showered, and crashed.
Stayed in bed for about 11 hours.. lol yuck that's a long time. About to go out walking and find some breakfast. Haven't eaten since yesterday afternoon. Ooooh, that reminds me I still have one of mom's cookies left! Ok, now I have 0 cookies left, just two bags of crumbs. :-(
I think I am going to get some pineapple and then find some meat. I am feeling like a bit of a carnivore. I haven't swam in the ocean yet, but that's mostly because I don't have a place to leave me camera. Let's just say the security at this place is a bit lacking. It's just a sliding glass door, and after you lock them, you can really easily just slide the 2 locked doors to the side and walk right in. Ugh.
Ok, outta here!
Took it easy last night. Went to bed around 8:30 PM but I really needed to rest. I have another night here in Patong so I will stay out later tonight. Not too late though- getting picked up by a van tomorrow to take me to the dock to take a boat to Ko Phi Phi Don at 7 AM so I'll probably get up around 5:30 or 6:00 and try catching the sunrise. Sorta on the wrong side of the island for that though.
Yesterday after I checked in and cooled off I went and talked to the woman running this place - a French woman who speaks good english - who told me the good spots to go here, or rather how to get to them.
Rented a taxi for 3.5 hours and headed South, stopping at a few sites on the way. Went to Kata beach lookout point, which is at an elevation of around 7-800 feet I'm guessing. This island is very hill, not much flat land here at all.
After that I went to a beach whose name I'll look up later, I forget.
Then after those two stops I went to the Southern tip of the island which is supposed to be the prettiest sunset on the island. Even Thai people come to watch it there.
Once I got there I hiked for half an hour down the peninsula to get to the coast. Ran out of water halfway down, oops. Very veautiful place, probably hiked down 300 or so feet through fairly focky terrain and made it about 30 feet from the water (update: Note to self- Chuck Taylors are not good hiking shoes). The tide was out and the rocks I were walking on were covered in little shells that were attached very strongly and I didn't want to kill a bunch of animals with every step so I stopped. The only other people down that far were two Buddhist monks and a Thai guy that was talking to them.
Monks here aren't quite what I figured they would be - they use cellphones, they smoke, etc. Not like some of the monks in Europe where you hear they are very restrictive and have vows of silence, etc.
Well I got some great shots then headed back to the cab, drove back to Patong, paid ($35) and walked back to the hotel. The cab driver asked for 1,400 baht and my form of bargaining was not having that much money with me hahaha.. only had 1,260. He was more than happy with that though. Walked a block or two back to my villa, showered, and crashed.
Stayed in bed for about 11 hours.. lol yuck that's a long time. About to go out walking and find some breakfast. Haven't eaten since yesterday afternoon. Ooooh, that reminds me I still have one of mom's cookies left! Ok, now I have 0 cookies left, just two bags of crumbs. :-(
I think I am going to get some pineapple and then find some meat. I am feeling like a bit of a carnivore. I haven't swam in the ocean yet, but that's mostly because I don't have a place to leave me camera. Let's just say the security at this place is a bit lacking. It's just a sliding glass door, and after you lock them, you can really easily just slide the 2 locked doors to the side and walk right in. Ugh.
Ok, outta here!
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