Yesterday was a massive travel day, left Ko Lanta at 7:30am to Trang, after a forever ferry crossing we arrived and took off an hour later at 1pm for Had Yai, got there at 3:30, and left at 4:15 for the border of Malaysia at Su-ngui Kolok. Crossed the border at 9pm and took an hour taxi to Besut, got a room around midnight, and will be taking the ferry this morning over to the Perenthian Islands. Quite a trip! But, we traveled in style in various air-con mini vans, the scenery was interesting, lots of palm trees, beaches, as we went farther south we saw more muslims, it is a little strange to see the women in the traditional headgarb, riding motorbikes and pumping gas. It just doesn't seem to fit. The police checkpoints increased as we went south, we must have gone though at least 3o, with a few stopping us to ask questions. Overall a nice trip, but we were glad to see the end of it.
A few highlights from my trip in Thailand:
* The different bungalows on the beach we stayed at
* My first glimpse of the beach in Pha Ngan
* Pad Thai, Coconut Curries, Green Curry, Banana Pancakes, Thai Iced Coffee, Spring Rolls, I could go on for quite a while. The food in Thailand has been amazing!
* Having a delicious Thai Green Curry dinner with a Chocolate Mocha MilkShake on the beach with friends.
* Playing cards at a local bar on the beach, drinking Jasmine tea, and watching a Thai fire show.
* Evening swimming at the pool on the beach in Ko Lanta
* The sunset cruise on Railey, where we went snorkling at different islands, then watched the sunset on a deserted beach and ate a seafood dinner.
* My first Thai massage
* Seeing the monkeys on my day trip around Phi Phi Island
* Every single beach, swimming, reading, laying in a hammock in front of my bungalow on the beach. That is the life!
Hong Kong was a whirlwind in three days, but so much fun. We visited Victoria Peak, and had amazing dim sum, way above the city. We looked over all of Hong Kong as we feasted on spring rolls, BBQ pork rolls, shrimp wontons, and dumplings. Later that night, Robin and I found an delicious restaurant that served homemade ramon noodles.
My first day in Thailand was a feast of food. I ate spring rolls, homemade ice cream, Pad Thai, roasted pork, banana crepes, and thai iced coffee, and finished things off with an hour long Thai massage. Total cost. $11. Today I continued to eat will with Shrimp Pad Thai and a noodle, chicken, and shrimp dish, that was heavenly. Thai's know how to season a dish.
Tonight I head off to Phangan island, I have an overnight bus and then a ferry to the island. I cannot tell you how much I am looking forward to laying out on a beach. I love being in a place that is finally warm. Today I put on a sundress and sandals. The nights are balmy and the days are hot, but not too bad. Bangkok is a big city, but not overwhelming. I went to their giant weekend market today, did a little shopping and a lot of looking. Traveling is such a feast for the eyes, and managed to get myself home on the bus without too much trouble. I did get on the bus going the wrong way, and then I missed my stop, and had to hop back on the bus going the other way, but I did get home - and that is the important thing. :)
I wish I could describe the experience to all of you. Traveling involves all of the senses, taste, touch, hearing, smelling, and seeing. The world is so different from what I have known, growing up in California. The people, the buildings, the attitudes, the dress, and mannerisms, so fascinating. Every day is an amazing, new experience. I can blog to everyone, but it will never do justice to what I am experiencing. I can never fully capture the wonder of the neon signs and buildings in Kong Hong, as I wander down the streets, or the bustle of the market in Thailand, the site of Kao San Road, in Bangkok, with its street vendors and backpackers.
Still I will try, as I want to share it with you all. I am having some technical difficulties with pictures, but I will add some soon, here and on facebook.
The city lay sparkling below us, the lights of the buildings reflecting off the harbor waters below us creating an unforgettable view, as we sipped our wine and toasted to our adventures. Robin and I, along with our new friend, Steve from England were celebrating our first night in Hong Kong at the Sky Lounge, 18 stories above the city.
Hong Kong is an amazing city. Green hillsides, lie alongside tall skyscrapers. The harbor is filled with industrial equipment and huge boats. Old decayed buildings sit next to brand new 30 story shopping malls. The Sheraton competes with the Spanish Hotel, offering rooms by the hour in large letters. English is quite universally spoken here, making it a welcome change from Korea. The people and friendly and diverse. We have seen a wide variety of foreigners. It seems imitation watches are the thing to get here, as I have been made offers from various dodgy street sellers no less then 20 times since my arrival.
So, far the trip has been idyllic. Yesterday was a perfect day, we got to the airport, caught our flight, got to Hong Kong, changed our money, found our bus, and our hostel with no problem. We found a nice litle hostel in the heart of the Kowloon area, called The Dragon Hostel. For $15 a night we have a small, but clean and comfortable room with a shared bath. The city is at our doorstep with shopping, and various restaurants, steps away. Last night we had a gourmet Indian meal at a little table outside a storefront shop, for $4. All I can say is life is good.
I will add more pictures later. Check facebook for all our Hong Kong pics.
