Australia Bound...

As I sit here at the Hong Kong airport I can't believe how quickly my three week holiday has gone by.  Re reading my blog and looking back at my pictures I know it's been action packed.  I've added ten stamps to my passport and I know another is going to come when I land in Australia

My days in Hong Kong were busy.  On my first full day I didn't not do exactly 

as planned.  I did make the trek to the cable car and Buddha.  The long train ride was all worth while when I got to ride the cable car and see some amazing views.  

At the top there was a small village, a huge Buddha, a Monastery, and many walks and hikes.  I took the "Wisdom" path so I'm pretty certain I'm much smarter now.

I was up on mountain top village for longer than expected so I changed my afternoon plans.  In the afternoon I headed to see the "Ladies Market".  It wasn't much different than Temple Street market but it was interesting.  The streets around the market were packed with people.  I felt like I was in a subway station at rush hour except I wasn't.  

From there I did a few more things but made it back to the waterfront for the eight pm Symphony of Lights (see photo at the top).  The buildings in the harbour turn on and off their lights to music.  The lights change colours.  It's pretty amazing to watch and they do it every night at 8 pm!  I caught it a few times in fact.

On my second full day I took the morning to head to Macau.  It's an hour boat ride from Hong Kong so I figured why not.  Macau was very interesting and I'm glad I went.  It's also very hilly.  I walked tons and managed to get myself stuck on a high road while trying to get to the ferry terminal.  I was on a road without a sidewalk and the motor bikes kept whizing by.  Eventually after walking for far too long I hailed a cab and was safely delivered to the ferry terminal.  After a quick change back at my hotel I headed to the Peak.  It's a tram you take up to Victoria Peak where you have views of both Kowloon and Hong Kong Island.  I decided to go before sunset so that I could get day time shots, dusk shorts, and night shots.  It was well worth it too.  I met some nice Japanese men and they offered to use my camera and their tripod to take picture for me.  I couldn't complain.  A Korean gentleman offered to use his camera and my memory card to get more pictures for me.  Needless to say I have some great pictures. 

( If you're a facebook friend I've posted some them there.  I am trying to figure out how to link pictures to here via one of the on line albums - Picasso of Flickr.  When I figure it out or if some one wants to e-mail directions I'll do that instead).

Today was my last day in Hong Kong.  I spent the morning in my hotel room since once I checked out I was going to be homeless.  I have no room for shopping so I didn't want to wander the markets.  Around noon I headed out for my adventure of the day - all by public bus.  First I headed to Aberdeen.  It's a fishing village on Hong Kong Island.  It was quite cute.  I walked around a bit, took some pictures and headed for lunch.  I shared a table with this older lady.  She would not look at me. It was quite funny actually.  The young ladies beside me were deep in conversation but one of them would speak in english while the rest talked in chinese.  It was hilarious to understand one side of a four way conversation.  

Once lunch was done I boarded a bus of Repulse Day.  I don't know why they call it that as it's a beautiful beach by the water.  After a few shots were taken at Repulse Bay (it was 18 C there) I jumped on a third bus for Stanley Market.  The market was small, but nice.  I ended up buying a black silk chinese dress.  From there I headed back to the hotel where I stored my luggage.  I walked around a bit more on the water front and headed to the airport.  Right now I'm sitting waiting for my plane.

I'm really glad I've spent these last few weeks traveling around Thailand and visiting Hong Kong.  It has reconfirmed that I'm doing the right thing.  I'm excited about getting to Australia as I know I have many more adventures waiting for me there.  I can't believe I will be in Australia tomorrow afternoon!

Anyhow I need to get to my gate and apparently it's a 20 minute walk.  Next post will come from the land down under.

Hong Kong

I arrived in Hong Kong mid afternoon but not without first spending my last few Thai Bahts on a foot massage in the Bangkok airport. Waiting for a plane to depart doesn't get much better than that. :-)

I'm staying at the Salisbury YMCA and if you're thinking oh you poor thing, I tell you it surpased all my expectations. I highly recommend it unless you are the "five star resort" type. It's not five stars but it is definitely worth the money when prices for hotels in Hong Kong is insanely crazy. I even have SPACE. The hotel is situated really well too right near both the star ferry terminal and a train station. Nathan street is around the corner and my bank machine is too. What more could a girl ask for? (Maybe that bank machine could be a bit further away as there is way too much to tempt me here!)

I haven't done a whole lot yet. I walked along the harbour, I walked up Nathan Street and the surround Granville Street. I took in the Temple Night Market. Tomorrow I hope to take a boat to the Giant Buddha (yes, I know I should stop seeing these Buddha's but I've heard the trip on the boat is part of the adventure), then make my way to the Stanley Market. I want to see if I can be on the top of the peak for sunset, and then back on the harbour for the 8 pm light show. We'll see if I'm successful.

The part of Hong Kong that I've seen so far is full of neon lights. FULL! I tell you I can't imagine what the electricity bills are here. But the lights do pop and so everything seems so alive and well.

One thing that's funny is that I keep thinking that I've stumbled into Chinatown and then I remember that I'm in Hong Kong so it's all CHINA TOWN!!! It's happened more than once too and I think that's what makes it even funnier.

Okay, that's all. Internet is pricey here or I need to find a better supply. While I have my laptop I'm not using it as it's super expensive to use it in the room.

Until next time....

Chiang Mai How I Love Thee...

I arrived in Chiang Mai on Jan 6th after three and a half very full days in Bangkok. Chiang Mai has been a real pleasant surprise and I'm so glad I'm here. As in typical Thai style the people are great, the food is great, and there are temples EVERY where. It will be funny when I start uploading some of my photos because I have no idea which photo is from which temple. Here there are just about as many temples as in Bangkok but it's about 1/18th the size. So as you walk you keep running into new temples to photograph.

From the tourist perspective Chiang Mai seems like a walking city. There is the downtown which is surrounded by a moat. There are also a few streets outside of the moated area, and the river. That's what most people think is Chiang Mai. But, it much much larger than that. It's a city of over 1 million people - the second largest in Thailand.

Since I've been here I've walked the moated downtown, I've had two massages (one foot, and one head, shoulder, and back), I've visited several silver shops and purchased five new silver rings, and I've learned how to cook five Thai dishes (but don't think I can repeat what I've learned although I will try when I'm in Australia). I've also spent time at the night bazzar looking at all the things for sale. In addition I've travelled to the most northern town of Thailand (Mae-sai), and I've been to the golden triangle where Loas, Myanmar (Burma), and Thailand all meet . I took a boat over to Loas and spent  about 30 minutes there which included a new stamp in my passport. I also visited several small isolated tribes and I have some great photos of the hill tribe people Long Neck, Ahka, Padong, and Long Eared people. I also went to Chiang Rai.

My impression of Chiang Mai is that it's a city with everything you need but it's easy to get around. It's quite inexpensive too which is always a plus. It doesn't hurt that I'm in a silver area since I love silver jewlery. I purchased a third silver bracelet to join the two I'm always wearing. This third one has a small elephant on it to remind of Thailand.

Tomorrow evening I'm heading back to Bangkok to be reunited with my laptop. Tomorrow is my last night in Thailand as I'm off to Hong Kong. Thailand has been a wonderful experience and I'm so glad I've come. My only regret is that I'd like to have stayed longer because there is still so much more to see. I also wish that the beach time at the beginning could have been better with some actual sunshine. But thankfully I've seen sun everyday since I've left the beaches.

That's all for now. Sorry for the typos. When have more time I'll go back and fix them.

Bangkok Day Three

As I sit here in an internet cafe filled with teenagers yelling and screaming at one another while playing on line games I'll do my best to write this post.

Today was the day for temples, buddahs, and fancy hotels. I started my morning with a boat ride down to the Grand Castle, Wat Phra Kaew (the temple of the emerald buddah) and Wat Pho (large reclining Buddah). Each was fascinating on its own and together I think I've had temple overload. I took a ton of pictures but non can really do what I saw justice. The details in design, the colours, and the gold. It was all incredible to see.

From there I walked around a bit more and headed further down the river to the two amazing hotels. I ended up getting off the boat a couple of stops early so I could get to the post office to mail back two guide books I've borrowed. I once again surprised myself by actually getting to the post office, purchasing an envelope, and mailing the parcel. Now I just hope it arrives back in Canada.

Once I left the post office I headed to the Shangra La hotel. It was another sight to be seen and if I had some spare cash I'd love to have stayed there. I then kept walking looking to find the Orient Hotel until I realize I had gone way too far. So I back tracked and found it. It too was an incredible hotel.

From there I headed back to the hotel. I've had a low key night this evening as I'm really exhausted. It was hot and sunny today and I didn't sleep too well last night. Hopefully I'll sleep better tomorrow.

As for tomorrow I have a couple more places to visit before I leave Bangkok mid afternoon. I'm off to Chaing Mai which is in Northern Thailand. I've only heard good things about it so I'm excited to get there. I may do some side trips from there, we'll see.

As for my take on Bangkok I have mixed feelings.

I like the kindness of the people, the food, the great smells, the easy access to places, the interesting culture, the ability to buy anything you want and always at a special price, the pink taxis and buses, the tv's on the skytrain, and the diversity. But I don't like the serious serious noise pollution, the air pollution (including smells that trigger my gag reflex), the sensory overload (sounds every where, colours, people), the crowdedness (as a claustrophobic it has been really tough at times), the smokers, and the general overwhelming nature.

I look forward to heading north tomorrow before being reunited with my laptop on the 9th. I hope she' s still safe.

Karen

P.S. If you want a postcard you need to e-mail me your address as I don't have any with me.

P.P.S.  Just wondering if this link gets you to my Bangkok photos stored on Flickr.

Bangkok - Day Two

I woke up this morning after a some what restless sleep. I had a lot on the agenda.

After breakfast I walked to the closest boat pier - Tewes Pier. I walked through a local's market (you know the kind where the fish they are selling are still swimming in buckets), and down some pretty smelly streets. My plan was, since it's the weekend, I was told that I should head to the Chatuchak Weekend Market. It's on the skytrain route but I'm not on the skytrain route. So, I took the opportunity to ride one of the local boats in the opposite direction but in a direction that would eventually lead me to a skytrain connection. It was probably a silly thing to do but as a tourist I really wanted to ride one of the local boats and I had the time.

The boat ride was about 30 min and stopped at a variety of piers along the way. It was an excellent way to start my morning as it provided me with views of Bangkok from the water. Once I hit the "central" pier I got off the boat and purchased a one day skytrain ticke. I made my way to the Chatuchak Market. It as billed as either the largest outdoor market in Thailand, or the largest outdoor in Asia. Not exactly sure which one as I type this but trust me it was HUGE! You name it they sold it. Clothing, shoes, furniture, food, pets and pretty much anything else you could imagine. It made yesterday's Patpong night market miniscule in comparision. I took a couple of photos but nothing will do it justice. In the middle of the market there is a shrine, so while bargin hunting the Buddists can stop and pray. I kid you not!

After walking through the market for a few hours (and I know I missed a ton of it) and with only one small purchase and some food I headed back to the skytrain. My next destination was Jim Thompson's house. Jim Thompson was an American who moved to Thailand after the second world war. He revived the silk industry in Thailand which is why it's alive and well today. He created an incredible house with antiques from several places in Asia. But in 1967 while on vacation in Malyasia he disappeared and has never been seen since (okay and if he were still alive today he'd be 102).

I toured through the house with my manditory guide and group. I was fascinated by some of the things she told us about him, his house, and some thai traditions. I didn't realize how superstitious Thai people are (I need to read more on Buddism). I learned one of the reasons why Thai people take their shoes offer before going into their homes. I learned that Thai's typically eat their food on the floor in round circles. I learned several things I didn't know before. I'm glad I went.

From there I walked to the MBK Centre - aka a Bangkok Shopping Mall. I had no intention on actually shopping (remember the overloaded already suitcase) but I wanted to see what people were talking about. The shops seemed to go on for every. It was a six or seven story mall. It made metrotown seem tiny. Once again I was feeling over whelmed.

I spent some time wondering and then stopped for something to eat (again - I seem to eat a lot here). From there I headed a back onto the skytrain and made my way to the HSBC. There is only one in all of Thailand and it's in Bangkok. To my surprise I actually found it, and reloaded my wallet.

From there I was in the area of the Patpong Night market again so I watched them set up. I hung out for a little while, contemplated another foot massage, but decided to head home. It was already a very long day.

To top of the day I decided I'd try out a third mode of transportation. I took at Tuk Tuk (they look like little carts on motorcylces) back to my guest house.

It was a great day for me and I'm excited about tomorrow. Tomorrow I hit the Grand Palace, and a few of the local temples. I may sneak my way into Chinatown as well.

In my next post I hope to write about my observations of Bangkok. It's a very interesting city. Let's just say it's a sight, sound, and smell overload.

Bangkok - Day One

I arrived in Bangkok at about 10:30 am on Jan 3rd. It was my first real adventure without Brenda. While in Krabi, I made and confirmed reservations so I knew I had a place to stay. The taxi ride was uneventful. Because I was early (I got to the airport in Samui so early that I was put on an early flight) my room wasn't ready and so I sat in the restaurant. The restaurant was filled with other travellers and I immediately felt out of place. I didn't look like a hippy, I didn't have a tatoo, and my clothing wasn't super baggy. But no worry.

Once settled in my room I decided to go for a walk to get an idea of where I was in Bangkok. While I have guide books with maps I really had no idea where I was going. I walked and walked what felt like kms and never really could grasp of where I was. So, I retraced my steps and returned to my guest house to purchase a map. But even with the map in my hand I still had no idea where I was. Because the street names are Thai, they are translated in English with a variety of different spellings. So, the words on my map didn't match the street signs that I was seeing. Anyhow, after a short chat with the ladies from the guest house I was on my way again.

The first place I made it to was the "infamous" Koh San Roi (sp?). I can't say I was overly impressed but I guess I didn't expect much as it's the original backpackers hangout place. There certainly weren't many Thai people there. But there were people adding extentions to your hair, selling you t-shirts you didn't want or need, and cooking up all types of foods from tiny street carts.

From Koh San Roi I continued my walk towards the grand palace. It was already after 3:30 so I didn't go in. I'll be visiting there tomorrow. It looks very impressive and I'm sure there will be many pictures taken when I finally get inside the gates.

In the evening I went to Patpong Market off of Silom street. It's pretty funny actually. There are three main rows of stalls selling designer knock offs. On the outsides of the stalls there are "girlie bars" with ladies pole dancing in their bikinis. I know there were other things going on too but I never went in to check it out.

I walked around the area checking out all the wares that were for sale. As I was looking at things a small but real elephant walked passed me. YES, you read correctly, an ELEPHANT walked passed. Everyone is out to make some money and this man was walking an elephant on a major road offering to take your picture - for a fee of course. (As a side a forget to mention that I had a monkey in my lap in Samui and again a man wanted me to pay to have my picture taken with it - which I didn't so there is no proof except Brenda saw!)

Now by this time in the evening (it was around 9:30 pm) my feet were super tired. So, in Thai fashion I had a foot massage. My feet loved me for it (as did the rest of me) and it cost about $10 for 60 min.

I made my way back home via taxi (after a couple of drivers that tried to rip me off - which I didn't fall for). I went for a short night walk in the area but in one spot I spotted huge rats, so I quickly returned home.

Over all while initially completely over whelmed the day was pretty eventful.

Samui at the End of Monsoon Season

B and I arrived safely in Samui on the 29th of December. We arrived to cloudy skies but warm temperatures. Our first attempt at accomodation failed so we moved to the next hotel. We found what we thought may have been the only place to stay in Lamai and so we quickly grabbed it. Once the room was paid for for the night (at over twice what we paid on Railay in Krabi) we decided to walk the beach. On our walk we visited other hotels to find that there was a ton of free space available much at better quality for less money. So needless to say we were going to move the next morning.

After a peaceful sleep B and I moved hotels. On our walk we discoverd a new but not quite yet complete hotel going for a reasonable price. We are both sure it will be two or three times more expensive once it is officially opened. So there is one good thing to report on our trip to Samui - we scored on our accomodations.

Unfortunately we are in Samui at the very tail end of monsoon season. While typically the rain has stopped by now the winds can still be high. We haven't had a blue sky day since we've been here, and really we've only had 1.5 our entire time in Thailand. Needless to say there is more disappointment as we are in a beach resort without really being able to use the beach to lay out on. We have had countless walks up and down the beach, a massage or two beside the beach, and too many strolls in and out of the shops on the one main road in town. And with all the extra time on our hands we are eating and drinking more than we should with little to no exercise - can you say "buddah belly".

Between eating and walking I have arranged to have a suit, a dress, and a pair of pants costume made for me. When I realized that I would be in Samui for the longest period of time while in Thailand I figured this is where I should have clothing made. So far I've had two fittings with a third tomorrow morning. My clothing should be ready tomorrow night. My only problem now is where am I going to pack it? Some friends are telling me to wear it all but I think I'd look funny wearing a silk dress, a skirt and a jacket, and a pair of pants. Hmmmm. Perhaps a trip to the post office to mail things forward may be in order?

Yesterday we decided to take an adventure tour. I really wanted to see the Big Buddah located on the other side of the island, and B wanted to ride an elephant. We found a tour that took us to both as well as several other attractions. We traveled from temple to water fall to elephant trek to lunch with a view (well sort of as we were above the clouds), and finally to the Big Buddah in an open air jeep. Under normal circumstances that would have been a total blast but in the pouring rain it wasn't that much fun. I can say that I have ridden an elephant (I can't say that it's the smoothest ride especially going up and down hill). As for the Big Buddah, in my excitment to see it, I managed to fall HARD on the stairs on the way down. Thankfully I didn't break any bones, or for that matter lose any blood but I did give myself a very nasty bruise. (Yes, there will be pictures once I'm back with my own computer in a little over a week).

New Years in Thailand was a different experience too - both good and bad. B and I walked the beach and the main road looking for a bar/party that was busy. What we found was a bunch of couples or families having "fancy" resort meals. We did stop at a few different bars for a drink at each but overall it was a pretty quiet new years. Having said that though the people in Thailand (and all the tourists that are here too) know how to light off fireworks. At midnight it felt like Vancouver's Symphony of Fire. Fireworks were going off all over the place, and they continued to go off into the wee hours of the night/morning. I guess since Thailand is in Asia there is a real quick and easy source for fireworks/crackers.

One costum that I thought was really cool is that people light hot air balloons into the sky. I don't know their official name but they are these paper tubes that you light at the bottom. As the tube fills with smoke/hot air it flys up and into the sky. I have some good pictures of B lighting her hot air balloon which I'll post when I can. The hot air balloons are sent up into the sky for luck. The sky was filled with them and it was very cool to see. I don't think I'd see that any where but in Thailand. (Oh, if you've ever seen the movie the BEACH there is a scene in the movie where they send the paper hot air balloons up into the sky - that's what' I'm talking about).

That's the update for now. I think B and I are both ready to leave Samui since there really isn't much for us to do without the sun shining. B leaves me tomorrow night (Jan 2) and I fly out of here the morning of the 3rd. I have three nights booked in Bangkok and then I'm off to Chaing Mai from the 6th until the 9th. I'm reunited with my laptop (hopefully!!!) on the night of the 9th and then I'm off to Hong Kong the morning of the 10th. There should be more updates before then as I know internet cafes are every where and the prices are pretty reasonable.

Sawad Dee Pee Mai ! (That's Thai for Happy New Year).

Wishing all the best for 2009.

If  you're interested here's a flickr link to my photos while in Southern Thailand.