Wednesday, February 4, 2009
What is Thailand?
Thailand is: the land of smiles as everyone from children playing ball at the Burmese refuge camp to the military with machine guns smiles and waves as you fly past shoved in the back of a pick up truck (song tau), an early morning gibbon monkey wake up call, a refreshingly fresh banana fruit shake, a squat toilet with no TP or flushing capability besides the bucket of water in the corner, a charming street market vendor with a "special price just for you!", a combination of smells: fried noodles, fish, sunscreen, bugspray, and excitement, a crazy tuk-tuk ride weaving in and out of Bangkok traffic, a stomach-flopping zipline and descent 60m high in a limestone cave, an attempt to cross 4 lanes of taxis, song taus, and motorbikes in the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, an eye-opening excursion into Burma, a waterfall shower, and a feeling of freedom that comes with purposefully wandering down jungle trails and city streets. Travel is an adventure, often unpredictable but that is all part of the excitement. It is important to go with an open mind, seek opportunity with no expectations, and as you really connect with the world around you, who knows what you'll do and the stories you will create!
A guide on how to get dirty in Thailand
Two words. GO CAVING!
The last two days our group ventured from the comforts of our Mandala House hotel in Chiang Mai into the bed of another pickup truck to be transported into the forested hills. Our destination was Crazy Horse, a pristine rock climbing location. Our first day was spent getting introductory courses into climbing and rappelling. This included a dizzy rappel down 200 meters into a cave and climbing the limestone rocks. Our guides were amazing! Some were headed to some Thailand championship cilmbing competetion the next week. Our main guide was cool too, he was spending a year in Thailand after graduating from Princeton University, guiding groups such as us. It almost felt like being at camp! Except everyone spoke Thai and instead of roasting marshmallows we roasted balls of sticky rice soaked in coconut milk.
The second day, we split into two groups, adopted new names, packed up a spare change of clothes which filled me a feeling of dread...when someone tells you that you will be able to hose off later you get a bad feeling...and set off! So the Smoov Dog Chillz as we called ourselves elected to go caving first and packed a few bottles in a dry bag, put on knee pads and helmets, turned on our head lamps, took one last picture, and crawled into the darkness. Although we didn't crawl for long, it turned more into a snake slither. This is not the place to be clausterphobic! There were openings I didn't even think I could fit through yet somehow managed to speeze through inch by inch. However we were lucky (or unfortunate depending on whether you find mud fun) that we were not there a few months earlier when the caves were still wet from the rainy season. Then instead of mostly dried mud you have to almost swim your way through parts of the cave. Needless to say we got dirty. However I stayed the cleanest, I think from spending so much time at the barn I have learned to repel mud. I was clean enough that people started throwing mud at me in retaliation.
Thankfully we all made it out of the cave successfully! Were not eaten by cave spiders, swallowed by bottomless mud puddles, or mauled by bats, although we did get some bats flying in our faces at the most inopportune moments. Then we got to end the day on a fun note! Zip lining across the top of a cave and free fall rappelling down the side into the rocks below. One of the most exhilerating moments of my life!
Off to the northern Thailand border tomorrow and then Laos! Miss everyone!
The last two days our group ventured from the comforts of our Mandala House hotel in Chiang Mai into the bed of another pickup truck to be transported into the forested hills. Our destination was Crazy Horse, a pristine rock climbing location. Our first day was spent getting introductory courses into climbing and rappelling. This included a dizzy rappel down 200 meters into a cave and climbing the limestone rocks. Our guides were amazing! Some were headed to some Thailand championship cilmbing competetion the next week. Our main guide was cool too, he was spending a year in Thailand after graduating from Princeton University, guiding groups such as us. It almost felt like being at camp! Except everyone spoke Thai and instead of roasting marshmallows we roasted balls of sticky rice soaked in coconut milk.
The second day, we split into two groups, adopted new names, packed up a spare change of clothes which filled me a feeling of dread...when someone tells you that you will be able to hose off later you get a bad feeling...and set off! So the Smoov Dog Chillz as we called ourselves elected to go caving first and packed a few bottles in a dry bag, put on knee pads and helmets, turned on our head lamps, took one last picture, and crawled into the darkness. Although we didn't crawl for long, it turned more into a snake slither. This is not the place to be clausterphobic! There were openings I didn't even think I could fit through yet somehow managed to speeze through inch by inch. However we were lucky (or unfortunate depending on whether you find mud fun) that we were not there a few months earlier when the caves were still wet from the rainy season. Then instead of mostly dried mud you have to almost swim your way through parts of the cave. Needless to say we got dirty. However I stayed the cleanest, I think from spending so much time at the barn I have learned to repel mud. I was clean enough that people started throwing mud at me in retaliation.
Thankfully we all made it out of the cave successfully! Were not eaten by cave spiders, swallowed by bottomless mud puddles, or mauled by bats, although we did get some bats flying in our faces at the most inopportune moments. Then we got to end the day on a fun note! Zip lining across the top of a cave and free fall rappelling down the side into the rocks below. One of the most exhilerating moments of my life!
Off to the northern Thailand border tomorrow and then Laos! Miss everyone!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Rules of the Road in Thailand, Breakfast in Burma, and Following Moses
So I have just returned to civilization and a welcome warm shower after three amazing days visiting Burma and "the jungle." Three days of bathing in waterfalls might sound romantic but not so much when there is no soap and its for THREE DAYS. But totally worth the greasiness! I have never seen such amazing waterfalls!
Now I have always had this desire to ride in the back of a pickup truck...just thought it always looked like fun. Well now, after a round trip total of about 8 hours in the back of a windy truck travelling across switchbacks and through blind corners (Mom please don't read haha) I am cured of ever wanting to sit in the back ever again. But it was breathtaking! In more ways than one. However there are some Thai rules to driving I have learned over the past few days...
1. Lines on the road? Those are just guidelines, always use the most efficient route especially when going around tight corners. However, when crossing into the other lane of traffic be sure to follow Rule 2.
2. When crossing the yellow line around a blind corner be sure to honk just so that in case another car is coming at least you are aware of each other before you hit. (Don't worry we never had an accident but did come across a nasty sideswipe)
3. Honk at anything that is in your path, this includes animals, small children, cows, wandering elephants (we did come across one!) just to let them know you own the road. But in the case of the elephant, we let her have her own space...slightly more damaging to hit then most roadkill I guess
4. Thai military with machine guns? Don't worry they are friendly! Give them a wave!
These are just a few guidelines I have created from my experience of sitting in the back of a pickup truck with 7 other people sharing snacks that we've picked up at the random rest stops and trying to keep my hair from permenently becoming plastered to one side of my face.
On a happier note...I had so much fun the last few days! Besides not being able to sleep very well, I have been woken up by roosters, gibbons, pigs under the hut/lodge floor, and just being cold...it has been an amazing experience! There are too many stories to share.
I think one of my favorite experiences was the waterfall at the Thai campground we rafted and hiked to the first day of our trek. It is the largest in Thailand, 6th in the world! But I can't mention the waterfall without talking about Burma. Burma is one of the poorest nations in the world and it was an inspiring experience visiting the border town. We handed over our passports to the Myanmar military who are controlling the country and stepped into a new place, a place where a Burmese can be thrown in jail for life just for talking about democracy. We were the only white people in sight and the Burmese stared at us everywhere we went. It was almost like being in a fishbowl as stated by Craig our group leader. Ok I have to go now, internet cafe is closing!
Now I have always had this desire to ride in the back of a pickup truck...just thought it always looked like fun. Well now, after a round trip total of about 8 hours in the back of a windy truck travelling across switchbacks and through blind corners (Mom please don't read haha) I am cured of ever wanting to sit in the back ever again. But it was breathtaking! In more ways than one. However there are some Thai rules to driving I have learned over the past few days...
1. Lines on the road? Those are just guidelines, always use the most efficient route especially when going around tight corners. However, when crossing into the other lane of traffic be sure to follow Rule 2.
2. When crossing the yellow line around a blind corner be sure to honk just so that in case another car is coming at least you are aware of each other before you hit. (Don't worry we never had an accident but did come across a nasty sideswipe)
3. Honk at anything that is in your path, this includes animals, small children, cows, wandering elephants (we did come across one!) just to let them know you own the road. But in the case of the elephant, we let her have her own space...slightly more damaging to hit then most roadkill I guess
4. Thai military with machine guns? Don't worry they are friendly! Give them a wave!
These are just a few guidelines I have created from my experience of sitting in the back of a pickup truck with 7 other people sharing snacks that we've picked up at the random rest stops and trying to keep my hair from permenently becoming plastered to one side of my face.
On a happier note...I had so much fun the last few days! Besides not being able to sleep very well, I have been woken up by roosters, gibbons, pigs under the hut/lodge floor, and just being cold...it has been an amazing experience! There are too many stories to share.
I think one of my favorite experiences was the waterfall at the Thai campground we rafted and hiked to the first day of our trek. It is the largest in Thailand, 6th in the world! But I can't mention the waterfall without talking about Burma. Burma is one of the poorest nations in the world and it was an inspiring experience visiting the border town. We handed over our passports to the Myanmar military who are controlling the country and stepped into a new place, a place where a Burmese can be thrown in jail for life just for talking about democracy. We were the only white people in sight and the Burmese stared at us everywhere we went. It was almost like being in a fishbowl as stated by Craig our group leader. Ok I have to go now, internet cafe is closing!
Friday, January 23, 2009
Bangkok First Impressions
This is it! After a long flight (12 hours) from Seattle to Seoul and then a 6 hour flight from Seoul to Bangkok it was a surreal feeling to finally be stepping off the plane and into an adventure bigger then I could possibly imagine. Flights were long but fun, the kind Korean gentleman on my first flight helped me order and eat my first Korean meal, very good for airplane food! The other option was a Western meal...steak...not so sure what steak is like on an airplane... I have never eaten so well on an airplane!
Met up with Shannon in Seoul, I was so so happy to have her for the flight into Bangkok. Especially when we got there and after clearing customs, couldn't find our group leader Craig because he wasn't holding his sign. So after avoiding over enthusiastic taxi drivers we finally found a helpful airport official to call Craig's cell phone. Turns out he was standing no more then 15 feet from us. Craig is awesome though!!! Everyone in the group is amazing.
The hustle bustle of Bangkok is something that takes a little while to let sink in. I spent the morning on a short walk around the block then settled in the open air hotel lobby with my book just absorbing life. Backpackers come in and out, the restaurant serves food constantly where most meals cost between 50 and 100 baht which is $1.50 to $3 US dollars. With its crazy tuk-tuk drivers (see picture) that want your business every time you walk past, colorful taxis and buses, food that smells amazing as they cook it right in front of you on the street (very easy to eat yourself to death here), Bangkok is a happening place. And I haven't even left the area around our hotel! Tomorrow we take a multi-transportational adventure through Bangkok exploring temples and other important sites using bus, tuk-tuk, train, and boat. The next few days call for a trip by train to Sukhothai a World Heritage site and rafting/trekking trip through Umphang National Park. Its an overwhelming
itinerary but in a good way!One thing I wish right now is that I didn't pack any clothes and just bought them all here!!! Seriously! Ok maybe brought a few items but the streets are filled with streetside stalls selling dresses, shirts, shoes, shorts, bags, backpacks, everything you can imagine for mere dollars. Its awesome. You could shop for days, or months. And its all just as colorful as the bright pink, blue, purple, and green taxis that are everywhere. Amy I keep thinking of you everytime I see a bright pink taxi!! haha
OK I have to go its dinnertime! Next stop is northern Thailand. Miss you all!
Monday, January 19, 2009
Welcome to my Online Travel Blog!
In the dictionary of my life, I imagine the definition of my upcoming adventure would read something like this:
trip to south'east as'ia, n: 1. A thrillingly epic yet slightly terrifying adventure 2. An escape from a conventional education 3. A personal journey of self-discovery 4. A chance to go, explore, meet new people, challenge my boundaries, and eat really really good food! (except bugs...)
New experiences will inevitably add variations to this definition throughout my trip. For those reading this blog I thought I might start with an introduction to the highlights of my itinerary from its beginnings in Bangkok Thailand to its exploration of Thailand's beautiful southern beaches.
For anyone wanting to send me a letter there are two locations I can receive mail, be sure to allow 3 WEEKS for delivery!
Times I will be there: Feb 27-28
Pacific Discovery Group - Taylor Sandelius
c/o Hotel 127
127 Cong Quynh Street
District 1
Ho Chi Minh City
VIETNAM
March 12-13:
Pacific Discovery Group - Taylor Sandelius
c/o New Siam II Guesthouse
50 Trok Rong Mai
Phra-A-Thit Road
Chanasongkram
Bangkok 10200
THAILAND
ALSO! Be sure to check out the Pacific Discovery (travel team I am with) group blog where my small group of fellow travelers will be posting our adventures:
http://www.pacificdiscovery.org/blog.aspx
So next post (and pictures!) will be coming from an internet cafe somewhere in Thailand!!!
trip to south'east as'ia, n: 1. A thrillingly epic yet slightly terrifying adventure 2. An escape from a conventional education 3. A personal journey of self-discovery 4. A chance to go, explore, meet new people, challenge my boundaries, and eat really really good food! (except bugs...)
New experiences will inevitably add variations to this definition throughout my trip. For those reading this blog I thought I might start with an introduction to the highlights of my itinerary from its beginnings in Bangkok Thailand to its exploration of Thailand's beautiful southern beaches.
Trip Highlights
- The ancient Thai historical capital of Sukhothai and its superb temples and monuments
- 3-day rafting, hiking and elephant trekking trip in the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary
- Thai cooking course and traditional massage in Chiang Mai
- 2-day climbing and caving introductory course in Northern Thailand
- 2-day trekking trip in the Nam Ha Biodiversity Conservation area in Northern Laos
- 3-day riverboat journey down the Nam Tha and Mekong Rivers
- World Heritage town Luang Prabang, with its ambience, temples, waterfall and textiles
- Exploring the Old Quarter of Hanoi, Vietnam
- Mountainous Sapa with three different trekking options and fascinating highland cultures
- 3-day boating and sea kayaking trip in spectacular Halong Bay
- Moto tour of the former imperial capital of Vietnam, Hue
- Relaxing in Hoi An - tailor-made clothes, markets and a great beach nearby
- Markets and museums of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
- Get claustrophobic in Cu Chi’s Vietnam War era tunnel systems
- Mekong Delta exploration by bike and riverboat with rural homestay
- Markets and museums of Phnom Penh
- Insight into rural Cambodian life, home-staying with a wonderful family in Takeo Province
- Overnight trip in Prek Toal Biosphere Reserve and homestay in a floating village on Tonle Sap Lake
- Exploring the amazing temples of Angkor Wat
- Immerse yourself in Bangkok’s kaleidoscopic markets and temples
- Intro to Scuba Diving in Southern Thailand
- Beach time in Southern Thailand
- Several volunteering days assisting with community development projects
For anyone wanting to send me a letter there are two locations I can receive mail, be sure to allow 3 WEEKS for delivery!
Times I will be there: Feb 27-28
Pacific Discovery Group - Taylor Sandelius
c/o Hotel 127
127 Cong Quynh Street
District 1
Ho Chi Minh City
VIETNAM
March 12-13:
Pacific Discovery Group - Taylor Sandelius
c/o New Siam II Guesthouse
50 Trok Rong Mai
Phra-A-Thit Road
Chanasongkram
Bangkok 10200
THAILAND
ALSO! Be sure to check out the Pacific Discovery (travel team I am with) group blog where my small group of fellow travelers will be posting our adventures:
http://www.pacificdiscovery.org/blog.aspx
So next post (and pictures!) will be coming from an internet cafe somewhere in Thailand!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)