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!
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Ugh, I'll write more later. Gott aget some food or I'll be falling asleep early again. Night.
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