We arrived in Bangkok, checked in to the guest house (recommended by the lovely Brit, Kirstn) and hit up the restaurant for some Thai goodness and some cold beers. Khaosan Rd in Thailand is a backpackers heaven a place to rejoin civilization after spending time traveling, roughing it as they might. You can get everything from Starbucks to McDonalds, enjoy some shopping, get some ink, watch TV and re-energize as it is definitely a travel hub. You meet people from all over the world just sitting outside drinking a bucket.
Bucket:
- 1 small bottle of your alcohol of choice (vodka for me please)
- your favorite mix (why not make it a Long Island Iced Tea)
- mix with ice in a small bucket, often used by children as beach toys (who knew that at that young tender age one could be playing with a deadly weapon)
We met a couple from Holland. The man from Holland bought 10 roses from the little girls on the street. Unfortunately for him (but fortunately for the little girls) not by choice. They are clever little business women and will trick you into buying. They often play games and say if you win they will buy a rose, the trick however is that somehow they always manage to win. However, they are cute and you don't feel bad paying for the roses. He was very much a gentleman and handed them around to all the girls!
Games to watch for:
- rock, scissors, paper
- thumb war
- any other activity that begins with: If I win you buy a rose, if you win I give you a rose...
We also met some Polish people...hmmm oh the Polish people...they were expats living in Thailand, they love to party and drink. Inevitably we ended up at The Club (whats the name of the club? The Club. No, but whats the name of it? The Club.)
After the Polish episode we had to catch an early taxi + flight + bus + ferry combo, needless to say we were not happy that morning, but I am happy to report that hangovers do eventually go away...
Koh Phagnang was beautiful, an island off the east coast of Thailand. Known for it's full moon parties and laid back atmosphere, it was a perfect getaway. We had just missed the full moon party (not really our scene) but not too worry cause there are half moon parties, shiva moon parties, or really any other kind of moon party (any excuse to party is welcomed). These parties include, buckets, hookahs and fire dancing.
There was a surprisingly high number of Israelis on this island. We wondered why. So we asked our friend Gustavo (a half Israeli half Italian traveling for a month)...his answer was clear and simple:
"Our country is in very bad condition, too much stress and too much to worry about, it's very dangerous. Also it is cheap for us to come here."
Here we have another thing to be thankful for. Peace of mind everyday, whether it is in Korea or in Canada.
After a wonderful stay on the island we headed back to the city, finished our shopping, ate more spring rolls and had one last bucket!
Sights Visited on this Trip (not necessarily in order)
- Tiger Temple
- Floating Market
- River Khwae
- Royal Palace and Emerald Buddha Temple
- Khaosan Road
- Surat Thani
- Koh Phagnang
- Tuk Tuk
- Taxi
- Bus
- Van
- Ferry
- Train
- Airplane
- Small boat
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