ASIA - 13 Sept - 5 October 2006

September 13, 2006

What after seemed like an eternity, here I am in Bangkok. My flight left yesterday at 1pm and was thirteen hours in duration plus the time change of 6 hours. I arrived in Kuala Lumpur this morning at 6am, and then I flew to Bangkok at 10am. Either I am tired today or I am starting to feel the cultural shock. I had to get a taxi to my hotel (New World Lodge). And yes, I got “gypped”… was suppose to pay around 250-300 Baht (Thailand money) for a taxi but paid 700 (it comes up to maybe 3 dollars more which is not much anyways but the fact I got tricked irritates me!). The hotel is not bad. We are 2 per room with shower, bath, balcony, and TV. There is a gym in the hotel and Internet. I did not feel like doing anything today. Bangkok is a big shock; I do not like it very much here. Therefore, I trained for a long time, checked my emails, read plenty and wrote plenty as well. I called home and talked to Dad, which made me feel better. Then I went to bed exhausted.

September 14, 2006

Well, I had a roommate that came in at 2am last night… She was very nice. We spend the day together, traveling around Bangkok. We met to lovely local people who gave us some tips on how to get around and where to go. So, we took some “Tuk-tuks”… Craziest thing ever. It is like a motorcycle but with two wheels and a bucket at the back, and the bucket is where you sit. And no need to say that Bangkok is jammed with people that drive like maniacs!!! I felt more secure skydiving! So anyways, we got driven all around town in those little crazy things for 20 Baht! We got it that cheap because apparently it was “tourist promotion week” or something… Why do have a feeling it is always “tourist promotion week”, even though we were told today was the last day… We made these stops:
· Makutkasat Triyaram: temple in the Lucky Buddha School.
· Top Ten: shop where they make custom suits for women and men.
· Golden Mount (Phukhao Thong): another Buddha temple but it was closed because of prayer time.
· Suthat: another Buddha temple.
· Thai Factory: where you can buy, apparently, very good quality jewelry for much cheaper.
· MBK Shopping Mall: very big and near the World Trade Center Tower.

So that’s what I say today. The city is very dirty and polluted. Not a city I like very much, but happy I saw it.
At 6pm, we had our first group meeting for the tour. I do not like to say it but not impressed with our guide and the people from my group (more of the group dynamic). In addition, they are ALL from England. Not that I have anything against that but it would be more interesting to meet people from other places. Anyways, it is hard not to compare with Africa. I know it is just different; not the same place, not the same people; everything is different. Therefore, it will be great in its own different way! It is just going to take me more time to adjust here but I will come around eventually.
Tomorrow, I have another day in Bangkok (as if I need another one!) before we take the train to Chiang Mai.

September 15, 2006

I am now about 13 hours ahead of home. I went walking on my own in Bangkok today. I saw the Grand Palace; lots of gold!! Then my intention was to go see the Golden Mount but I lost myself. I had to be back at the hotel at 2pm to I did not have that much time to waist at that point. Therefore, we took a night train to Chiang Mai. I had a top bunk to sleep. I, surprisingly, slept well! People are nice in Asia but there is something about he culture I just do not seem to agree or get along with… Well, for now I am just happy to leave Bangkok. I had a head for 2 days straight because of all the smells. We should be in Chiang Mai tomorrow morning at 6-7am.
I feel old with this group… although I am technically the oldest but still… I just have to remember why I came on this trip… After all, I did expect Asia to be my “toughest” part of my entire trip. It can’t be all like “Africa”, perfection doesn’t exist!! Hihi! ;-)

September 16, 2006

It’s my brothers’ birthday today!!! My “little” brother is 19 years old!! It is funny. I had 19 too, not too long ago. It feels much longer.
The night train was not so bad. It was certainly something different to sleep on a night train! We arrived in Chiang Mai at 7am, and then we went to Rama Hotel, where we will sleep for the night. My morning was relaxed; prepared my stuff for the hill tribe trek for the next 3 days; then some reading (I’m really into my books, they’re great!!). In the afternoon, I went for a bicycle tour. We biked all around the town. It lasted a good 3 hours! We saw some Buddha temples; plantation fields; where they burn the deceits; etc. A funeral can last 1, 3, 5 or 7 days (but not 9 because it’s the lucky number in Thailand). It takes about 3 hours to incinerate completely a body. The size of the tomb varies with the importance of the family (the richer the bigger the tomb). Once these persons are buried, the family or friends can come and offer them things like their favorite meal for example. The family will cook them their favorite meal, bring it to the tomb and leave it there for 2-3 hours then take it back. Eventually we stopped for a little “banana bread and pineapple” brake. Then I got sick because of the pineapples, I have to learn not to eat those, I always do the same thing!
In the evening, we went into the night market in Chiang Mai for diner and shopping. But I was still feeling sick so I had a watermelon smoothie!! Yummy!! Then I walked around in the night market while the others went to a bar or something.

September 19, 2006

Ok, recap. We left for our 3-day Hill Tribe Trek on the morning of the 17th. During that morning, we had an hour elephant ride! Very cool and funny!! We had diner there then started with our trek. It was extremely hot and muggy that afternoon! I don’t think I remember the last time I sweated that much!! I love it!! It was the greatest workout ever! The hike itself was not very hard, but the temperature made it a well attainable challenge. We hiked for 3 hours that day. Just before arriving at our final destination, I took one of these stuntly falls down the hill. I did the splits and a tree broke my fall (and almost my ribs). I was so full of mud!! I found it so funny! I do not know how I managed to get out of it without pulling or breaking anything! Our first over-night stop was on top of a rice fields and rapids! Very pretty and so peaceful! It started raining after we arrived; it is the rainy season after all. It was so relaxing. So, went to the rapids to wash up (since there are no showers!). The water was not the cleanest but hey, whatever. Women have too wear a sarong…(I hate those things!!).
For diner, we had a local cooked meal! Very good! If there is one thing I love in Asia, it is the food! In the evening, we played cards.

The next day, on the 18th, we started our day with a 3-hour hike. It was much easier today, compared to yesterday (almost boring actually). We arrived in the village at 1pm. We had lunch, and then the rest of the day was free. I went to “shower” under the waterfall and spent the most of my afternoon there. We came back to have an “afternoon nap”. Then we walked around in the village and played soccer with some kids… they kicked our asses! We served diner to those kids later on. In the evening, they had prepared some songs to sing to us. So cute!! Then we had to sing to them… not so cute! ;-)
It’s the 18th today, so it’s Simona’s birthday!! Thinking of you and miss you!

So today, the 19th, was our trip back to Chiang Mai (the same hotel as before). I couldn’t wait to wash my close!! This morning, the women of the village had put up a “little market” of all the shirt, scarves and necklaces they had made. Beautiful stuff, the colors are very bright!! Our trek back was very cool! I think it was the nicest part of the trek. It had waterfalls, gorgeous. In addition, we had to cross some rivers by walking on trees and big logs, which was cool! Then came the Bamboo Rafting!! Woohooo!! So, one bamboo attached one next to another and there’s your raft! Hihi! It was great!
Now, we are back at the hotel and I just had the most amazing, longest, hottest shower in the world… while my close is getting washed!! Later in the evening, we will be having diner in a local restaurant. They went to a bar (apparently not so good), and I went walking in the night market. I like it there; to walk around and look at all the nice stuff!
I understand better when they speak. At the beginning, I had difficulty figuring out what they where saying but I am getting the hang of it. They are very “reserved” and introverted people. They do not show emotion often (especially not anger or frustration).
My time in Asia started a bit “doggy” but I am very happy that I am making the most out of what I have. I am happy to see and live all that I am seeing and living! It truly makes a difference with the people you meet!! And, the trip is not over yet!! ;-)

September 20, 2006

My kind of day!! I slept late, packed-up m stuff, showered then checked-out at 12pm. While everyone was gone I do not know where, I went to, I think, all the bookshops in the village. Then found a Second Cup and sat down to read with a hot chocolate. Then I had a last stroll along the market. At 3pm, we headed for the train station to catch our over-night train back to Bangkok.

September 22, 2006

We arrived from Chiang Mai at 6am yesterday morning. We were back and checked in our hotel rooms (same hotel – New World Lodge) by 7am. The train ride was a bit more ruff this time so I slept most of the day. In the evening, I met with our new guide for the second part of my tour and the rest of the group. Maybe half of the previous group I had stayed, the other half was new people. The group dynamic feels better already. Then we went for diner in a Thai restaurant. Later I took a chance and went to “Golivers”, a techno bar. I danced quit a lot and met Eli, David and David. I had a good time!
Another relaxing day today. I slept until checkout time. Went to the post office to send some stuff home and did some serious Internet. The temperature was great today; big hot sun and low humidity! I walked around in the market again then met with our new group to go catch our over-night train. Now, we are heading for South Thailand, in Khao Sok National Park. The second part of the tour looks to be more interesting and fun. Plenty of cool activities are on they’re way!!

September 23, 2006

We arrived in Phun Phin (Surat Thani) this morning at 6am. We had breaky at a little restaurant. Then we had a 2-hour drive, sitting in the cab of a truck, to get to Art’s Riverview Lodge in Khao Sok. We will stay there for the next 2 nights. It is a very nice place. It is right in the middle of a rain forest and next to a big water stream. When we got there, I quickly got my stuff and went for a swim. There is a rock with a big cable swing. I had the most amazing time swinging myself in the water trying to make as much of a crazy flip as I could (without breaking my neck!). In the afternoon, I went for a run… Wow, I had great views all along my run, looking down on gorgeous and mountains far away!! Very pretty! We had diner later on in the lodge, and then I went back to my room for some reading and a good night sleep.

September 24, 2006

Started my day perfectly with a good run, and then a big bowl of fruits and a hot chocolate! Then we had a guided walk to a cave temple. It was cool! Got soaked by the rain on the way back!! So I figured since I am all wet anyways might as well go swim myself on that cable by the rock! Hihi! Felt like a kid! Then I had a good … COLD… shower! Since there’s no hot water here!! We had diner later on and I went for my routinely reading and writing in my journal.

September 25, 2006

We left Art’s Riverview Lodge in Kantang this morning to get to Krabi (J Mansions Hotel)…. The islands and the beaches!! The place is great!! I went for an afternoon of rock climbing on an island, Ton Sai Bay!! Very cool!! I did some indoors rock climbing but never the real stuff outside!! I climbed the highest point of the area! Only 5 made it today. The person before me did not do it and was bragging how it was too hard and I would not be able to do it… Fucker! I sure proved him wrong! I knew I could do it. There was a cave at the top and the view was great! However, it was making me dizzy. I was so high, I got scared a bit; especially when you are hanging in a little harness with some person you do not is controlling your rope! But it was great!!!
Our rooms are great!! And HOT showers!! We are so close of everything; most importantly, the sea! We went on the market for diner and finished at a little bar for a couple of drinks and some pool. I left a bit earlier to take a walk by the ocean and admire the sky.

September 26, 2006

Splendid day!! We went on an island tour on a speedboat. We visited Ko Poda Chicken Island, Bamboo Island, Maya Bay, Viking Island, Ko Phi Phi Island, Ko Phi Phi Leh Island and back to Railay Beach!! I snorkeled in Maya Bay and scuba dived at Ko Phi Phi Island. We had lunch included on Ko Phi Phi Island. So obviously, that took all day! I loved it!!
In the evening, I spent most of it in a tattoo shop. David was getting his tattoo done (No, I did not do one). Then we got some rum and coke. Got back to the hotel with everyone and had a few drinks.

September 27, 2006

This is our last night in Krabi… I wish we could stay another day here! My morning I spent it sea kayaking. We started at Ao Nang went into Ao Thalane aera, sent through a canyon and saw a cave before getting to Hong Island. Then we headed back to Ao Nang. I was expecting some blue seawater but got brown water… and a partner who could not paddle for shit! But, I still loved it! I just told her not to paddle at all, she was very happy with that as well. On the way back to the hotel, we stopped to visit the Lod Cave.
In the afternoon, I got a massage, went shopping. Then we all met together to go have diner. Then did some night shopping, more drinking and went to bed.

September 28, 2006

We arrived in Malaysia, Penang today. We had to add an hour to our time. We are staying in Hong Ping Hotel, in the Chinatown area. The town is somewhat cool. It has a mix of old and modern style to it. Apparently, the “pick pocket” is a popular activity here. Found out about some cool traits in Malaysia. When you point at something or someone, you use your thumb, not your finger. When you shake hands with someone, you take that hand and put it over your heart (usually women and men do not shake hands). Never use your left hand to do something; the left side is the “bad side” (Dam it! I would have loved to be a lefty!). The religions present in Malaysia are Christianism, Bouddhism, Indouism and Muslim.
Communication is more difficult here; not all know English. We arrived in late afternoon so we took a quick tour around the town and went for diner in an Indian restaurant. I had sweet and sour chicken!!! Yummy in my tummy!! Then I went back to the hotel for a movie…but ended up watching “So you think you can dance?”.

September 29, 2006

I went walking in the morning market this morning; very crowded!!! There were vegetable, fruit, fish stands everywhere!! Then we left to see the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (Georgetown), also called “La Maison Bleu”. It has 38 rooms, 5 courtyards, 7 staircases and 220 windows. It’s a big and old one!!!! (And very blue!!!). We saw the “stick houses” (houses built on posts above water). It is not very clean and looks very poor. We stopped at the Fort Cornwallis, built in 1786 by Francis Light who named it after Governor-General Charles Cornwallis. After that, we went to the largest temple in Malaysia. It is big all right! I got lost I do not know how many times! In addition, it has a great view over the city! It is called Kek Lok Si Temple and home of the 30-metre high Ban Po Thar Tower and the biggest statue in Malaysia.
We spent the rest of the day in the shopping center “Prangin Mall”(since it was pouring rain!). We got up the Kamtar Center (70th floor) for a coffee. We caught a movie (Miami Vice) in the cinema in the shopping center and topped my day with a nice hot chocolate from Starbucks!

September 30, 2006

I loved my day! I woke up early (5am) and got some Dim Sum for breakfast (Chinese breakfast). You just sit down at a table and they circulate with some trays with different plates on them. You pick want you want and at the end, they count the number of plates to calculate what you owe. It was really good and different food!! To be quite honest, there were some plates I had no clue of what was in there… Maybe it is better that way!
We had to walk a good 20 minutes with all our gear to catch the ferry. Our 5-hour bus ride was waiting for us on the other side. We got to Cameron Islands (with the tea and strawberries plantations!! Woohooo!! I am in paradise… just missing a chocolate factory!). We are all staying in one big apartment with each our own rooms (Hill View Inn)!!! It’s very nice and cool!! I love it! Too bad, we are staying only one night. In the afternoon, I went for a run in the mountains. We had a Sate Chinese diner later on. Some rented a DVD player and some DVDs so we all went back to the apartment to make it a movie night (with alcohol involved of course!).

October 1, 2006

We woke up early this morning to have breaky at an Indian restaurant. I ate a pancake topped with lemon and sugar…hmmm… almost like a beaver tale! Then we had another 5h drive to do before getting to China Town Hotel in Kuala Lumpur (believe it or not it’s in the Chinatown area!)
Took me one afternoon to see all I wanted to see in KL. We walked from the hotel to see the Petrona Towers. Then I went to the Central Time shopping mall with its indoor roller coaster and bowling alley. Later I went up the Menara Tower to have a view of the city and the Petrona Towers. I stayed there until sunset! Very pretty! Then... hihi… on my way out, there was a ride where you sat in a metal framed ball attached by two huge bungee cords and you get “slingshoted” in the air!! Very cool!! Blood rush to the head anyway!
I walked back to the hotel and got back at around 9h30pm, and then I went straight to bed... after calling home!

October 3, 2006

Well, nothing exciting. Yesterday, I spent my day doing nothing. I took a coffee across the hotel and read for a while. Then I did some shopping. Went for a run…in the city, not the greatest place to run but hey, whatever. In the afternoon, I watched a movie in my hotel room. Went for a walk in the night market then came back to my room for another movie. Then, dodos.
Today, we left at 9am to get to Melaka. It is cute. However, honestly, right now, I am a little tired of cities. I am not much of a city person. I was expecting more “beaches and beautiful scenery” on this tour… I am a little disappointed. But, it’s ok. I am very happy to have seen what I have seen! Next time, I can go check out different places. So, we are staying in Sama Sama Guest House. Hihi! I think the owners of this house have done a little too much “smoking” in their younger age…. I went for a walk and saw St-Paul’s Church and A’Famosa Fort. We had a traditional Malay Sate Celop Diner.

October 5, 2006

We arrived in Singapore yesterday. We stayed at the Royal Peacock Hotel. My time to visit the place was limited. I only had one afternoon. I did a boat cruise that circled around the city. Then I went walking around in the Chinatown and Little Indian. We had our last group diner and evening later on. We had diner in the night market then went out to a bar (where women got in free and had free unlimited drinks!!!). So yes, I am a little hung over this morning. I still have a couple of hours before my flight.
I like Singapore! It is a nice place! And the Singapore Slings are great!!
This morning I had my pics burnet on a CD, went to the post office and then took the train (the MRT) to get to the airport. I was flying from Singapore to KL, then KL to Sydney. The airport in Singapore is amazing! Cinema, free Internet, free coffee, showers… I was entertained for quite a while! I arrived in KL at 5h25pm. My flight to Sydney was at 10h30pm. Therefore, I will be arriving in Sydney at 6am tomorrow morning (an 8h flight plus time change).