The first leg of our trip, Thailand, is about ready to end. We leave tomorrow morning about 7:00 for the Phuket airport. For $750 Bahts, a taxi will pick us up from our hotel and drive us the 90 minutes - about $28.00. We're in Kuala Lumphur for two nights, then will take a train or bus to Singapore for one night and then off to Athens.
It seems I'm finally getting acclimated to the weather- just in time for us to go. Val likes the heat and humidity more than I do but still says he's looking forward to some cooler temps when we get to Greece.
We rented a motorbike and have spent the last few afternoons exploring the area outside of the beach resorts. Yesterday and this afternoon we went to national parks and hiked up and around some beautiful waterfalls. The hike yesterday was very strenuous. So much so that about 15 minutes from the top, I turned around and went back down with my head pounding and drenched in sweat. Val went on and said the rest of the route was even harder but the view at the top was worth it. The hike today was a bit easier though just as beautiful. We didn't encounter any snakes or other critters of any kind, just about a million mosquitos.
When I asked Val what his favorite part of this leg of our trip was, the first thing that comes to mind for him is the food! So good and so inexpensive - we had lunch today for about $1.25. For both of us. He also liked the jungle hiking - you'll have to ask him about his waterfall adventure. I liked experiencing the two ends of the spectrum that defined for me this county: how the beaches and countryside were so beautiful - only to turn the corner and see heaps of garbage and trash. How the people in Bangkok and the small town of Ban Song were so hospitable and welcoming while the Thai people who make their living from tourism in the beach resorts can be rude and pushy. We also liked how in the sea of people here at the beaches, we found interesting fellow travelers from over the world who were willing to spend a bit of time with us: Bruce and Rety who used to live in Canada but who now call the world their home - they're spending the next three months Italy and we may try to meet up with them in Verona when we go to Spain; Thomsen, an Australian woman who now lives in Scotland and who works as a consultant so she can set her own work schedule, save up and travel. She spent 9 mos in South America and is here in Thailand for 3 weeks; Nathaniel and his dad who were here from Singapore for a get-away week who gave us info about traveling in Singapore and even gave us the name of a nice but inexpensive hotel close to a central subway stop. All good people, good times.
Well, we're up early tomorrow - looking forward to what comes next!
We rented a motorbike and have spent the last few afternoons exploring the area outside of the beach resorts. Yesterday and this afternoon we went to national parks and hiked up and around some beautiful waterfalls. The hike yesterday was very strenuous. So much so that about 15 minutes from the top, I turned around and went back down with my head pounding and drenched in sweat. Val went on and said the rest of the route was even harder but the view at the top was worth it. The hike today was a bit easier though just as beautiful. We didn't encounter any snakes or other critters of any kind, just about a million mosquitos.
When I asked Val what his favorite part of this leg of our trip was, the first thing that comes to mind for him is the food! So good and so inexpensive - we had lunch today for about $1.25. For both of us. He also liked the jungle hiking - you'll have to ask him about his waterfall adventure. I liked experiencing the two ends of the spectrum that defined for me this county: how the beaches and countryside were so beautiful - only to turn the corner and see heaps of garbage and trash. How the people in Bangkok and the small town of Ban Song were so hospitable and welcoming while the Thai people who make their living from tourism in the beach resorts can be rude and pushy. We also liked how in the sea of people here at the beaches, we found interesting fellow travelers from over the world who were willing to spend a bit of time with us: Bruce and Rety who used to live in Canada but who now call the world their home - they're spending the next three months Italy and we may try to meet up with them in Verona when we go to Spain; Thomsen, an Australian woman who now lives in Scotland and who works as a consultant so she can set her own work schedule, save up and travel. She spent 9 mos in South America and is here in Thailand for 3 weeks; Nathaniel and his dad who were here from Singapore for a get-away week who gave us info about traveling in Singapore and even gave us the name of a nice but inexpensive hotel close to a central subway stop. All good people, good times.
Well, we're up early tomorrow - looking forward to what comes next!
I don't think I would have such a rich experience if I did the same trip. Your open personalities allow you to gain so much more than most of us would gain. I'm enjoying living through your experience...
ReplyDeleteSounds like adventure lurks around every corner! Can't wait to hear the more detailed version and pictures. I guess it comes down to we are all just people, and most people have good hearts and giving souls! I love the true fingerprints this trip is having so far and your not at the half way mark. i'm sure time seem to evaporate fast but it is awesome when you take time to share your trip. Still wondering about the dude in the speedo. LOL
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