Well I decided to take up surfing yesterday... (Whit you would be proud, I stood up and rode in on my third wave) The surf is amazing - crystal clear, azul colored, 75 degree water, no wind, and 4-5 foot rollers on soft sand. I have a whole new appreciation of paddling. Went to bed early though, as I had to get up a 1 am this morning to climb Mount Batur.
The view was amazing, we reached the summit (~5,000 feet) around 4:30 am. Went with guides Mom, no worries. Around 5:45 the sky lit up with fiery oranges and yellows in a slate blue sky. White clouds drifting 3,500 feet below up on Lake Batur, which only reflected the spectacle above. For an added touch, the neighboring volcanoes were silhouetted by the sunrise. (great pictures coming ASAP, probably when I get to Australia) I was thinking I took the best sunrise picture of my life, but then I realized that the competition had few contestants due to my lack of sunrise viewings.
The hike was followed up with bathing in hot springs on Lake Batur, lunch overlooking the valley, and finally views of brilliant green rice patties. Got home around 4:30 exhausted and unbelievably happy and excited.
Excited because I am starting my own "Mo-Ped Diaries" tomorrow (although I highly doubt my conversion to communism). I'll be taking off tomorrow to tour Bali by Mo-Ped for 2 weeks. (Island is about 100 Miles by 25 miles). I plan to ride along the coast until I see an idyllic village in which to sleep in the traditional losmans (guest houses in local homesteads that dot the island). I'll be sure to photograph it well, and sure to share my adventures. Salemat Tingal from Bali.
PS Thank you Melissa for the most eloquent and moving message I have received yet, please send your email address at your leisure.
Saturday, January 29, 2005
Thursday, January 27, 2005
Norweigans...Kiwis...Bacardi
Well I'm still in Kuta. But I've got 3 weeks without a schedule and I can handle that I think. Having a blast with folks I met around the pool (the accommodations are amazing here). Dropped off laundry so I'll be around at least until tomorrow... after that I just have to fly out on the 16th. Those are my deadlines. Went swimming in the surf today and I could see my toes clearly through the water, this place is truly amazing. I'll be taking many photos but don't think I'll be able to upload them until I get to Perth as the internet here is quite slow. Hope all is great back home. Here it is ~90 degrees, blue skies, blue water, and white sandy beaches -- gotta love it.
PS to answer your comment Nick, I have found that people so far hate American forgein policy, but not american people (thank goodness). Everyone should travel - I'm convinced.
PS to answer your comment Nick, I have found that people so far hate American forgein policy, but not american people (thank goodness). Everyone should travel - I'm convinced.
Wednesday, January 26, 2005
Bangkok to Bali
Deep breath... Here goes to catching up.
Saturday-
Well, after mailing home presents (post charges were literally 3 times the price of the items) I caught back up with Summer, Shannon, & Pop. We then went to the CU-TU 61st annual soccer match. CU (Chualalongkorn (spelling?)) and TU are the Harvard and Yale of Thailand. The streets, malls, and every last nook and cranny were packed with CU & TU fans and they all wore the same things. CU wore the same pink shirt (even the guys) and TU were the same red shirt. This uniformity makes more sense when you see that all, and I mean all, Thailand students were the same uniform (kindergarten through college). By the way my knowledge of this is hardly academic, but only what I saw. The uniform consists of a white pressed button down shirt and a black skirt for girls or black trousers for the guys (sometimes shorts too I think). The only way to tell schools apart is that they all wear a school pin.
Anyways, the match was fantastic. I even purchased a light pink polo so that I would fit right in (except for being white and about 60 pounds heavier than any local). I was really impressed by two things: first, they have this amazing ceremony before hand, in which, amongst other things, they have political floats. (Thailand's students led a revolution in the 70's that overthrew the existing government and imposed a constitution on the monarchy). Secondly, and more astounding coming from the US was there sense of sportsmanship. The cover of the game's brochure had a drawing of CU and TU students with their arms over each others shoulders. They completely lack the tendency of US football fans that want to tear the liver out of the opposing team's fans. Not to say they were not into the game. Standing up, screaming for their respective team, yet clapping when the other team did well. To say the least I think there is a thing or two to learn from this type of sportsmanship. When discussing the difference with a Thai, she asked if it was a side affect of Capitalism? An interesting point but I would hope there is a way to have a capitalist, yet egalitarian society (yet that is basically a contradiction).
Well, after the game we went with Oak to a great Thai restaurant and ate grilled catfish on a stick amongst other things. Yet again, falling asleep in the car on the way home but slowly getting more adjusted to the time.
Sunday-
The next day I checked out of my free lodgings with Shannon & Summer and took the express boat back up the river to Thewit district and checked back in to the Bangkok IYH. Here I proceeded to take a Thai cooking class. Now this was a great afternoon, 60 Baht (US$1.50) to learn to cook Thai food with a bunch of internationals while stimulating my pallet as never before. And that was basically my day. This is were I met the beautiful Tannie (americanized nickname) who later took me to were I could get a book on Bali. And still later we went to China town for Pad Thai that was indescribable. There is something amazing about sitting with a beautiful intelligent girl, in the middle of Chinatown, in Bangkok, at a tiny food stall in a crowded market, and thinking I'll never have Pad Thai this good again.
Monday-
Slept like a baby in the air-conditioned dorm. Slowly got my act together and headed towards Ayuteeya (will correct spelling later). Met a hilarious Canadian Paul on the express boat and shared lunch for 15 Baht a piece before taking the train out to Ayuteeya. Train ride was great yet, urbanization continued forever. Finally got to Ayuteeya and was in awe. The spirituality of this place was astounding. I was walking around outside amongst the ruins and remember thinking that I've never been somewhere outside that inspired such deference. Came home on the train called up Tannie for coffee and readied for my trip out.
Tuesday-
Got up, put my life back in my backpack and headed off to the airport. (rode in a mini van with 11 people AND their luggage) Needless to say it was on it's axles. Something great about traveling: I was in the shop/guesthouse buying my ticket when two Spanish speakers walked in and asked the store keeper about something. I started up conversation I realized I was talking to the first Mexicans I've met abroad yet (they live in Sydney though). Within about 2 minutes of conversation they gave me there numbers and email and told me to come stay with them when I get to Sydney. Literally 2 or 3 minutes! And I was invited into their home. Something about being the minority really brings folks together, I think. Jumped the plane to Singapore and then to Bali. Landed and changed me leaving date from Bali from the 2nd to the 16th because it is supposed to be paradise and half the price of Australia. Then the selling began. Holy cow do these people push their products; taxi, sunglasses, food, motorbikes, lodging. It's like verbal spam walking down the street. Yet, I am in Kuta which is very touristy. Met some Americans (whoo-ho) on the street, asked where they were staying a booked a room (Kedin's II on Poppies Lane 1). Very nice, pool, gardens, but no A/C for 85,000 Rupia a night (~US$10) including breakfast.
Wednesday-
Verbal spam doesn't let up for a moment. But upon seeing the water I realized why everyone is here. It's the freaking south pacific and it's cheap and easy for Australians to get to. Met an Aussie in an internet cafe and was recommended to the Giley Islands. So I think I'll fly to Lombok tomorrow (~US$30) and take a taxi to the harbor, and boat to the islands. Should be much less noisy at the least as it is small and there are no cars or scooters on it.
That's all for now folks, I commend you if you made it though. I've been trying to upload photos now for about 2 hours and got half of them up. Check here to see. I'll try to get more up later.
Saturday-
Well, after mailing home presents (post charges were literally 3 times the price of the items) I caught back up with Summer, Shannon, & Pop. We then went to the CU-TU 61st annual soccer match. CU (Chualalongkorn (spelling?)) and TU are the Harvard and Yale of Thailand. The streets, malls, and every last nook and cranny were packed with CU & TU fans and they all wore the same things. CU wore the same pink shirt (even the guys) and TU were the same red shirt. This uniformity makes more sense when you see that all, and I mean all, Thailand students were the same uniform (kindergarten through college). By the way my knowledge of this is hardly academic, but only what I saw. The uniform consists of a white pressed button down shirt and a black skirt for girls or black trousers for the guys (sometimes shorts too I think). The only way to tell schools apart is that they all wear a school pin.
Anyways, the match was fantastic. I even purchased a light pink polo so that I would fit right in (except for being white and about 60 pounds heavier than any local). I was really impressed by two things: first, they have this amazing ceremony before hand, in which, amongst other things, they have political floats. (Thailand's students led a revolution in the 70's that overthrew the existing government and imposed a constitution on the monarchy). Secondly, and more astounding coming from the US was there sense of sportsmanship. The cover of the game's brochure had a drawing of CU and TU students with their arms over each others shoulders. They completely lack the tendency of US football fans that want to tear the liver out of the opposing team's fans. Not to say they were not into the game. Standing up, screaming for their respective team, yet clapping when the other team did well. To say the least I think there is a thing or two to learn from this type of sportsmanship. When discussing the difference with a Thai, she asked if it was a side affect of Capitalism? An interesting point but I would hope there is a way to have a capitalist, yet egalitarian society (yet that is basically a contradiction).
Well, after the game we went with Oak to a great Thai restaurant and ate grilled catfish on a stick amongst other things. Yet again, falling asleep in the car on the way home but slowly getting more adjusted to the time.
Sunday-
The next day I checked out of my free lodgings with Shannon & Summer and took the express boat back up the river to Thewit district and checked back in to the Bangkok IYH. Here I proceeded to take a Thai cooking class. Now this was a great afternoon, 60 Baht (US$1.50) to learn to cook Thai food with a bunch of internationals while stimulating my pallet as never before. And that was basically my day. This is were I met the beautiful Tannie (americanized nickname) who later took me to were I could get a book on Bali. And still later we went to China town for Pad Thai that was indescribable. There is something amazing about sitting with a beautiful intelligent girl, in the middle of Chinatown, in Bangkok, at a tiny food stall in a crowded market, and thinking I'll never have Pad Thai this good again.
Monday-
Slept like a baby in the air-conditioned dorm. Slowly got my act together and headed towards Ayuteeya (will correct spelling later). Met a hilarious Canadian Paul on the express boat and shared lunch for 15 Baht a piece before taking the train out to Ayuteeya. Train ride was great yet, urbanization continued forever. Finally got to Ayuteeya and was in awe. The spirituality of this place was astounding. I was walking around outside amongst the ruins and remember thinking that I've never been somewhere outside that inspired such deference. Came home on the train called up Tannie for coffee and readied for my trip out.
Tuesday-
Got up, put my life back in my backpack and headed off to the airport. (rode in a mini van with 11 people AND their luggage) Needless to say it was on it's axles. Something great about traveling: I was in the shop/guesthouse buying my ticket when two Spanish speakers walked in and asked the store keeper about something. I started up conversation I realized I was talking to the first Mexicans I've met abroad yet (they live in Sydney though). Within about 2 minutes of conversation they gave me there numbers and email and told me to come stay with them when I get to Sydney. Literally 2 or 3 minutes! And I was invited into their home. Something about being the minority really brings folks together, I think. Jumped the plane to Singapore and then to Bali. Landed and changed me leaving date from Bali from the 2nd to the 16th because it is supposed to be paradise and half the price of Australia. Then the selling began. Holy cow do these people push their products; taxi, sunglasses, food, motorbikes, lodging. It's like verbal spam walking down the street. Yet, I am in Kuta which is very touristy. Met some Americans (whoo-ho) on the street, asked where they were staying a booked a room (Kedin's II on Poppies Lane 1). Very nice, pool, gardens, but no A/C for 85,000 Rupia a night (~US$10) including breakfast.
Wednesday-
Verbal spam doesn't let up for a moment. But upon seeing the water I realized why everyone is here. It's the freaking south pacific and it's cheap and easy for Australians to get to. Met an Aussie in an internet cafe and was recommended to the Giley Islands. So I think I'll fly to Lombok tomorrow (~US$30) and take a taxi to the harbor, and boat to the islands. Should be much less noisy at the least as it is small and there are no cars or scooters on it.
That's all for now folks, I commend you if you made it though. I've been trying to upload photos now for about 2 hours and got half of them up. Check here to see. I'll try to get more up later.
Tuesday, January 25, 2005
Addition from 1/17
Added a post I composed on the way to Bangkok (finally got my laptop online in Singapore). More to come soon....
Saturday, January 22, 2005
Photos...finally
Well it took awhile to hack past the "don't install anything on me security" in this internet cafe, but thanks windows for making it easy to get past. Anyways got some photos uploaded, check out Bangkok photos here (sorry but the weather has not cooperated yet for good picture taking weather, it has rained everyday and not cleared up yet) Well, I'm off to a soccer game this afternoon between rival Thai universities, Shannon's (girl from plane) friends (Pop and Mac, speak English and gave me easy versions of there names) that live in Bangkok went to the one wearing pink shirts? Pop and Mac took us to dinner last night which was amazing, but holy hell they can use the spice here.
I finally got why the Thai folks I try to speak Thai to don't understand me (other than the obvious point that I don't speak Thai). Thai is tonal and for an example Mac said this: guy, guy, guy, guy, & guy means...(gave 5 different things). To this I responded, huh? Apparently the tone, distinguishes the meaning. Akin to the difference in musical notes; "guy" spoken in C sharp means something but B flat means something else. That coupled with the fact Thai which is written with Thai characters (44 characters) has no capital letters or punctuation. And if that wasn't hard enough they don't put spaces between their words only between sentences. Anyone that has ever heard me sing would appreciate the challenge of learning Thai, so more power to the one white guy I've seen speaking it so far.
Having trouble writing in flowing sentences. Speak English broken. Sentences not work. Yes, no yes.
I'll leave you with a photo of the amazing tailor setup on the street that hemmed my pants for me. This guy rocks, amazingly friendly and like other Thais I have met he took phenomenal pride in what he did.
Smiles from Thailand.
Trey
I finally got why the Thai folks I try to speak Thai to don't understand me (other than the obvious point that I don't speak Thai). Thai is tonal and for an example Mac said this: guy, guy, guy, guy, & guy means...(gave 5 different things). To this I responded, huh? Apparently the tone, distinguishes the meaning. Akin to the difference in musical notes; "guy" spoken in C sharp means something but B flat means something else. That coupled with the fact Thai which is written with Thai characters (44 characters) has no capital letters or punctuation. And if that wasn't hard enough they don't put spaces between their words only between sentences. Anyone that has ever heard me sing would appreciate the challenge of learning Thai, so more power to the one white guy I've seen speaking it so far.
Having trouble writing in flowing sentences. Speak English broken. Sentences not work. Yes, no yes.
I'll leave you with a photo of the amazing tailor setup on the street that hemmed my pants for me. This guy rocks, amazingly friendly and like other Thais I have met he took phenomenal pride in what he did.
Smiles from Thailand.
Trey
Friday, January 21, 2005
What day is it?
Well I'm already losing track of time while simultaneously getting my bio-clock back in line. Slept all the way until 6:30 today! Staying up late, and sleeping in a comfortable air conditioned room definitely helps. Caught back up with the girls I met on the plane from LAX and they offered me free lodging with them at the Twin Towers hotel which I grabbed at like the hungry dogs walking around Bangkok's alleys. So A great shower, night on the town, and sleep in a king sized bed with a real mattress has done wonders for my spirits. Not to mention the weather is clearing and I got some great pictures yesterday of Wat Phra Kaew (BTW Wat is a temple, of which there are ~600 in Bangkok alone). It was amazing. Hopefully I'll have some photos uploaded within a few days, just have to get my computer online somewhere. Did a little shopping yesterday for souvenirs and real deal beatnik clothing to wear around these blazing climates. (Did I mention it's 95/95, that's degrees/humidity) The rain each morning really keeps this place blazing.
The real adventure was going out last night with Summer and Shannon to one of those famous Bangkok "Strip Clubs". 20 mins is plenty for a lifetime, but I think you have to see it while here, so I did. Let's just say I'll never look at ping pong balls the same. (cold shutter running down spine)
Thank you all for the great comments, haven't figured out how to respond directly to them so I just wanted to let you know they're great to read.
Via con dios, (entirely out of context use of foreign language)
Trey
PS got my backpack back night before last, which has made me much less stinky.
The real adventure was going out last night with Summer and Shannon to one of those famous Bangkok "Strip Clubs". 20 mins is plenty for a lifetime, but I think you have to see it while here, so I did. Let's just say I'll never look at ping pong balls the same. (cold shutter running down spine)
Thank you all for the great comments, haven't figured out how to respond directly to them so I just wanted to let you know they're great to read.
Via con dios, (entirely out of context use of foreign language)
Trey
PS got my backpack back night before last, which has made me much less stinky.
Thursday, January 20, 2005
Waking up at 5:00 am.
I should be more accurate before some of my old colleges have a heart attack. I'm waking up at 5 am in Bangkok only because my internal clock is so jacked up the last couple days.
Despite my best efforts got a bit scammed by a local yesterday. He was this "nice guy" who just wanted to "practice his English" (right out of the warnings in the travel books). But I thought I'll bleed this guy for info on Thai culture and keep my shirt on. Despite that I ended up buying crap I didn't need for way to much because I didn't want to just walk away from the guy and tell him to... On my local's advice I got a Thai massage which was pretty bad ass, but I paid 1000 Baht for it. None the less, it was 2 hours and 1000 Baht is about $25, so I guess it won't force me home in bankruptcy.
I did get a couple pictures yesterday, but the computer at the hostel isn't picking up my flash card reader. So I'll have to try another internet cafe today. By the way, you computer guys will appreciate that the chassis of the computer that sits in an outdoor veranda in 100% humidity is somehow grounded because when you touch it, it shocks you. Well the rain is letting up and the sun is rising.
Hoping for blue skies in Southeast Asia, Trey
PS Thanks for all the comments and emails, I love practicing my english as well.
Despite my best efforts got a bit scammed by a local yesterday. He was this "nice guy" who just wanted to "practice his English" (right out of the warnings in the travel books). But I thought I'll bleed this guy for info on Thai culture and keep my shirt on. Despite that I ended up buying crap I didn't need for way to much because I didn't want to just walk away from the guy and tell him to... On my local's advice I got a Thai massage which was pretty bad ass, but I paid 1000 Baht for it. None the less, it was 2 hours and 1000 Baht is about $25, so I guess it won't force me home in bankruptcy.
I did get a couple pictures yesterday, but the computer at the hostel isn't picking up my flash card reader. So I'll have to try another internet cafe today. By the way, you computer guys will appreciate that the chassis of the computer that sits in an outdoor veranda in 100% humidity is somehow grounded because when you touch it, it shocks you. Well the rain is letting up and the sun is rising.
Hoping for blue skies in Southeast Asia, Trey
PS Thanks for all the comments and emails, I love practicing my english as well.
Wednesday, January 19, 2005
Holy Hell, Batman! I'm in Thailand!
Alright, so the act of getting here was a little less immediate. (more on the plane rides later). I arrived in Bangkok around 2 AM this morning and found that my backpack was still in Dallas, China Airlines says it was AA (go figure). China airlines are amazing by the way, lots of great food service and new 747's. Never deterred I received a tourist visa and blew past the guys charging 600 Baht for a taxi ride to the local rail station. Here for 10 Baht (~25 cents) I rode into the city center. It was right out of the indiana jones with the railroad. Wooden floored and seated cars windows wide open and no doors. People sprawled everywhere ensuring that I felt very fortunate for what life has dealt me. It challenging enough to now which way to go on the railroad, but once on there is NO map, NO announcement of stops, and NO English. Not just is there no English but everything is in Sanskrit (including the keyboard I'm typing on) so that I could identify it on a map if I wanted to. Luckily I was getting off at the main train station that was a far cry from the local stops and therefore stood out. Jumped off the train with everyone else as it was still rolling into the station and walked through the groups of people asleep on the sidewalk outside. I could have then walked the 3 miles to the hostel but I gave in a paid way to much for a Tuk Tuk ride (200 Baht) and we had to stop 4 times to check my map on how to find the place. Finally, dropped off at 4 am and the place is dark with a closed sign! Luckily the entrance around the building was open within 30 minutes and I found that I had a reservation for the wrong day! None the less the night man let me pay my 70 Baht (~$2) for a "Fan Dormitory Room". That's right bob, no A/C in the 90 degree night. Yet I have to say I'm enjoying the jump into real deal traveling. The forth floor room I share with 7 others looks out onto a city unlike that I have ever seen. At first last night I was scarred to death I had made an enormous mistake, but morning shown that the 1st day of my adventure will be wonderful. I'm excited beyond belief and can't wait to get some pictures up here for you all to see.
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