Asia: Thailand 2007

"What you've done becomes the judge of what you're going to do - especially in other people's minds.  When you're travelling, you are what you are right there and then.  People don't have your past to hold against you.  No yesterdays on the road."

William Least Heat Moon,  Blue Highways

On October 24, 2007, Wayne (my brother) and I flew, via Vancouver to Beijing and on to Bangkok, Thailand.  This would be the start of a South Asian holiday that would last for 2 1/2 months and take in four countries (Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia).  During that time, Paul Delaney would also join us for the Vietnamese portion of the trip.  The following is an account of that trip.....enjoy!

Let the adventure begin!

Thailand 

The Kingdom of Thailand lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, making it a natural gateway to Indochina, Myanmar, and Southern China.  Its shape and geography divide into four natural regions:  the mountains and forest of the North; the vast rice fields of the central plains; the semi-arid farm lands of the northeast plateau; and the tropical islands and long coastline of the south peninsula.

Thailand is a constitutional monarchy with His Majesty King Rama IX (the ninth king of the Chakri Dynasty), the present king.  The King is revered in Thailand and is recognized as Head of State, Head of the Armed Forces, and Upholder of the Buddhist religion. He has reign for more than 70 years making him the longest reigning king in the world.  

Thailand embraces a rich diversity of cultures and traditions.  With a proud history, tropical climate and renowned hospitality, the Kingdom is a never-ending source of fascination for visitors.

 Our trip starts in...........

Bangkok

The very epitome of the modern, steamy Asian metropolis, Bangkok as a wealth of attractions if you can tolerate the traffic, noise, heat, floods and somewhat polluted air.  The city is incredibly urbanized, but beneath its modern veneer lies an unmistakable "Thai-ness". 

I was in Bangkok several years ago and stayed in the backpackers portion of town, known as Banglamphu, and if you're on a tight budget then the best place for cheap guesthouses is on Khoa San Road in Banglamphu.

Wayne's first exposure to the far east!  The craziness of Bangkok at night!

Gotta love this culture, eat on the street and do the dishes on the street as well.!!

After a night of partying we decided to slow it down a bit and explore the spiritual side of Bangkok......

Wayne hanging out with a very BIG Buddha.

A tuk-tuk driver was soliciting our business by offering us a tour of Bangkok.  We took him up on it!  There are over 300 Buddhist temples in Bangkok......I think the tuk-tuk driver took us to 295 of them.

For 5 baht (about 20 cents), you'll get a prayer on the radio and all your dreams will come true.

Templed out!  No more Buddha for moi!

The next day we decided to check out the canal's of Bangkok.....

The Rama VIII Bridge spans the Chao Phraya River and dominates the Bangkok skyline.

The river express, a sort of river bus service type boat.

We soon leave the Chao Phraya River and head into the Thon Buri canal side, once dubbed the "Venice of the East".

Homes line the canals.  Notice the small Buddha shrine!  Every house has one!

A backyard garden!

Yet more temples.  Even the canals have their fair share!

A Thai boater going about his business in his plywood boat.  Meanwhile, looks like someone on the canal bank likes coconuts!

Some old guy on the bank throws a loaf of bread out to the longtail boat and the passenger (in this case Wayne), feeds the fishes.  If you look close, you'll see the tail of one of them fishes.....they be BIG fishes.

Commerce on the canals.

No boat is too small for a car-size longtail outboard motor.

For us, the canal's are a curiosity, but for her; it is Mom and Dad's backyard.

It's also the swimming hole.  I guess the "don't play in the street" mantra doesn't hold much weight here!

After the canals we wander around Khoa San Road......

The hustle and bustle that is Khoa San Road.  Wayne got his water bottle attached and is ready.....for what I'm not sure, but he is ready!

Now that's a beer!  

When he sang, he sounded like Jim Morrison, but when he talked he sounded like.....well he sounded like any other Thai person that did not speak a word of English.

After a recoup day in Bangkok we head for.......

Pattaya

Pattaya is internationally famous for its nightlife, and has a reputation as Thailand's naughtiest city.  Many flock to Pattaya for the party atmosphere, where the nightlife characterizes the city and self gratification is on the menu wherever you go.

Whatever you are looking for, Pattaya nightlife has it all, from pub restaurants with sedate music to go-go bars and trendy packed discos to world famous transsexual cabaret shows.  Probably the most famous nightlife area of Pattaya is 'Walking Street' in South Pattaya, where from the early evening until the next morning, this road is closed to vehicles.  The street itself and its adjoining lanes (known as sois), are packed with go-go bars, massage parlours, beer bars and restaurants.  It is crowded daily and the noisy bustle attracts those from all over.  A walk down this street gives the visitor an eye opening experience of what Pattaya nightlife is all about.

We decide to explore this party-zone but first we needed to eat.....

Anyone for grilled piglet hide?

"I don't think we'll find anything to eat down this street Wayne."

Later that night......

The infamous International Walking Street!  

The Walking Street goes for almost 5kms.  Nothing but bars, pubs, discos, cabaret's and people.......thousands of  people....

........and lady-boys....... everywhere lady-boys

Lady-boy: "You love me five yoowoo"
Me: "Five wah?"
Lady-boy:  "Five yoowoo"
Me: "Oooooh..... five Euro!!  No....just photo!"
Lady-boy: "OK that be five yoowoo."

Pattaya wasn't all partying.......

Pattaya was on the coast so we could rent jet-skis by the hour!  So we did and we went mad!  something this much fun should be illegal.

We debated whether we should tie up along side and grab a beer and a burger.

It seems such a contrast.  The old (Oriental lady sweeping the street) meets the new (modern Pattaya in the background).

We fly up north to........

Chiang Mai

Despite being more than 700 years old and filled with 300 Buddhist temples, Chiang Mai means "new city" - and is Thailand's second largest city.  It still manages to preserve a little of the atmosphere of an overgrown village.  The Old Quarter, set within a two-kilometre-square moat, has retained many of its traditional wooden houses, inviting guesthouses plus good markets and plenty of sights which make it hugely appealing place to many travellers.  Plus, of course, Chiang Mai is the main centre for organizing hill-tribe trekking.

Northern Chiang Mai is mostly surrounded by countryside, so it doesn't take long to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.  Visitors have several national parks, mountains, small quaint towns, rivers and lakes to enjoy in this region; all within a few hours drive from the city.

After the walk on the wild side in Pattaya, the relaxing atmosphere of Chiang Mai was very much welcome.  We decided to do some exploring around town.....

Chiang Mai is serious Temple-land, with over 300 temples.  

Buddha (and perhaps the scattered devotee) is usually the sole occupant found within the temples.

This is Chiang Mai's oldest stupa.  Anywhere else, this ancient religious symbol would be encased in glass and off-limits to everyone, but here, the stupa is overgrowing with weeds and anyone can walk up and break off a chunk.

"Ya, another Buddha.....yippee.....anyone know where I can find a bathroom?"

The Sacred Elephant Encircled Stupa was built by the three kings that settled Chiang Mai over 700 years ago.  A sacred hair from Buddha himself is enshrined within this very stupa!!  True story.

As we were exploring we came across this Thai Massage Parlour.  I'm not sure if they were making a large offering to Buddha or selling the stuff?

We decided to get out and explore the countryside so we did a trek.  And this trek was in......

Northern Thailand

The mountainous North is part of infamous "Golden Triangle", a region where Myammar, Laos and Thailand meet and where illicit opium poppies are grown.  Apart from the air of adventure lingering in the Golden Triangle and despite the increase in tourism, the North is still beautiful. 

First stop is to get supplies.........

The food market.  The Thai's like their food hot, and these huge bags of chilli peppers are a mojor ingrediant in that heat equation.

Ah yes, the weird and wonderful.  Cockroaches anyone?  Perhaps I could interest you in a bag of fried locust?  

Wayne buys a bag of deep-fried pork fat......mmmmm yummy!

The first part of the trek involves an elephant ride.......

I've been through the jungle on an elephant with no name.
It felt good to be out of the rain
In the jungle you can remember your name
Cause there ain't no one for to give you no pain.  La, la......

For $2.00 I bought a large bunch of green bananas.  Jumbo loved them!

Our elephant had three passengers, with Wayne sitting on the elephant's neck.  Here I am about to feed Jumbo another green banana.  

The elephant handler rolled a giant stogie made with a black substance.  Being as this is the Golden Triangle, I assumed that it was an unprocessed form of opium, whatever it was, it was a HUGE stogie.

The view from atop of Jumbo.

Sneaky elephant comes up from behind also seeking a fed of bananas.  Weird feeling having an elephant tap you on the shoulder.

B.  The Elephant Whisperer!

Posing for the obligatory elephant picture.  Jumbo looks a little constipated from all them green bananas I fed him!

Next we had to get across the river.......

All aboard!  The Cage will be leaving immediately!

Why do we cross the river you may ask?  To get to the other side....like dah!

Awaiting us on the other side......

We were promised that we would be dining in 5-star restaurant with 8 courses......we got rice!  And an opportunity to meet our fellow travelling companions:  Lizzy (Australian) with the white hat, next to her are Paul & Charlotte (Irish), Rob (English), Wayne, Allen (English), some guy (can't remember him), and Julie (German).

Just as we were getting ready to trek up the mountain, the torrential rains started.....

Wayne's poncho covers his knapsack in an attempt to protect his gear from the downpour.  Makes him look like a Quasimoto impersonator.

And the rain kept coming and the brooks became streams and the streams became rivers....

This is what happens to perfectly sane people when exposed to torrential downpours!

The mist lifts and we see a small village nestled in the valley.

Aaaaah our Spa comes into view!!!  Luxurious bamboo cottages set within a high mountain backdrop.  The perfect getaway!

We settle into our digs for the night.......

This 5-star resort had everything, including it's own food supply!

The sleeping quarters was well equipped with silk mosquito nets and heavy blankets.

The toilet was a separate facility located slightly away from the main compound....down a muddy slope!

The Luha hill tribe family played host for us.  Their living quarters contained the Spa's central heating (open fire pit).

The obligatory picture with the youngsters!

The kitchen area!  Gordon Ramsey would be proud!

The kids looking out thru the glassless window.  We were a source of entertainment for them and they for us!

The next day we off again for another day of trekking.........

Taking a breather.  It wasn't raining anymore, but the humidity was almost the same as if it was raining.  The sign, depicts the "enlightened one".  I feel kinda enlightened at the moment!

Our next night was spent in this hut, again with all the luxuries afforded, even though none of us was sober enough to care.  We had stayed up late into the night drinking beer and playing various world drinking games.....so much so that the owner had to hike down to the next village and lug more beer back for us!!

The final day of the trek........

The trail meandered along a river that would get large enough for us to both whitewater raft on and also gently float downstream on a bamboo raft, but for now, it simply required a steady hand and a bit if balance!

The picture of innocence.  A little girl in one of the many villages we passed.

The final pose:  Allen (England), Paul & Charlotte (Ireland), Wayne and Moi, Lizzy (Australia) and Rob (England).  A good representation of the United Nations.

After arriving back in Chiang Mai, we went to......

Doi Inthanon

Doi Inthanon is Thailand's highest mountain, coming in at 2565 metres.  Today you can drive to the top of the mountain and this is exactly what we did.  We took a local bus to Chom Thong and from there rented a truck/taxi to the top.

OK so we didn't hike up this mountain, so I guess I can't say we bagged another peak!

On the main road to the summit stands the Napamaytanidol stupa.  This one was built in honour of the King's 60th birthday.  A stupa is a mound like structure that contains Buddhist relics and remains. 

We stopped at two of the five waterfalls on the way back down the mountain.  This is Nam Tok Wachiraten......jeeze boys where does these names come from????

Later that night we hook up with our trekking buddies for one more party.....

The classic James Bond pose!

Take a tuk-tuk drive to hell!

The Smells Like Teen Spirit sing-along!

Well that's it for Thailand at the moment.  Tomorrow we fly to Laos (check out Parts 2 - 6 of the blog for aspects of that portion of the trip).

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On December 21, 2007 Wayne & I return to Thailand for the remainder of our trip to Southeast Asia.
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Flying from Siem Reap in Cambodia we arrive in........

Phuket Island

Thailand's largest island, 'Jewel of the Andaman', invites beach lovers with an exciting list of stunning coastline, excellent hotels, fantastic diving and daytrips to sunny islands.  Phuket Island is Thailand's favourite destination, perfectly placed within reach of Krabi, the Phi Phi Islands, Pha Nga Bay and the Similan Islands.  However Phuket Island is most famous for Pattong Beach, a popular tropical beach resort.  It is justifiably popular:  Pattong Beach is less congested than Pattaya and has a wider variety of other attractions nearby.

On Christmas Eve we went diving to the Phi Phi Island Archipelago.....

On Christmas Eve, Wayne and I went diving.  Our first dive was at Ko Rok Nai, where we dove for 45 minutes to a depth of 30 metres.

Some of the sites seen at Ko Rok Nai.

Our second and third dives were at the two islands: Ko Ha and Ko Rok Yai.

Ko Ha Island.  Reminds me of the karst we saw in Vietnam's Halong Bay.  We saw a huge leopard shark basking near this island.

Wayne explores a huge Barrel coral.

The two lads!

Now this is how to spend Christmas Eve!!!

Since Christmas Day was Wayne's last day before heading home, we decided to just lay around on the beach and relax.......

Pattong Beach:  On December 26, 2004 the Indian Ocean exploded with a tsunami that would kill over 300 people in Pattong Beach......

.....today everything has returned to normal, however, now these evacuation signs dot the beach every few hundred metres.

This Christmas, instead of a tsunami exploding on the beach, there is a different kind of commotion happening!!!

Later that night Wayne and I celebrate one more night........

In Pattong Beach, the party strip is Bangla Street, with it's go-go bars, rock and roll places and cabaret shows.

Wayne's last night:  We had a few beers and at the end of the night, we sat on the curb by our hotel, looked at pictures from the trip, watched the sites go by, including a motorcycle accident.

After Wayne left, I befriended some Thai people from the hotel.....

The day Wayne left for home, I went down to the hair parlour on the ground floor of the hotel to get a haircut.  I met several Thai people there and they said they all meet outside the hotel at around 11:00PM and that I should join them....so I did.

Having a sheesha smoke outside the Moe Moe Hotel.

In Canada after a night of drinking, we order up a good feed of chicken wings to munch on.  In Thailand, they love to eat the chicken feet.  I must say, not much meat on them, but they are pretty tasty!!

Fresh oysters delivered right to the hotel.  Such a civilized country!!

I finally found a place to stay up in the foothills surrounding Pattong Beach.  This is the view from my hotel window!

On New Year's Eve I went to.....

Phi Phi Island

Phi Phi Island is where 'The Beach' was filmed and it is a "tropical paradise" if ever there was one.

Approaching Phi Phi Island's only town and beach!

The Swallow's nest is harvested on Phi Phi Island for Swallow Nest Soup.  Notice the ladders on the cliff???

Phi Phi Island is actually two islands separated by a sandy isthmus.  This sandy isthmus!!

There are no vehicles on Phi Phi Island.  In fact, with the exception of this shopping promenade, there is nothing much at all on Phi Phi, except a laid-back paradise!

On one side of the isthmus are the local's long-tail fishing boats....

On the other side of the isthmus are the pleasure craft!

That night, back at Pattong Beach, we celebrate New Year's.......

Some of my friends, from the Moe Moe Hotel Hair Salon.  Besides Andy, the English guy, only two of the group spoke any english!!

At least once in a lifetime, everyone should experience the craziness on Bangla Street in Pattong Beach during New Year Eve festivities.  
Partying hard at the Kangaroo Club!

Tins and tins of Crazy String was sprayed around.  That is what you see in my hair!!

On the count of 3, everyone take a drink! One....two....Andy I didn't say 3 yet!

Back on the street.  At the end of the night there was so much left-over chafe from the firecrackers, that it was over an inch deep on Bangla Street.  True story!

Happy 2008 New Year from Pattong Beach on Phuket Island in Thailand !!!

And with that another adventure comes to an end!

Cheers........

DIARY ENTRY:  Friday October 26, 2007  4:58PM:  Can you believe I'm here in bed sick?  My Crohn's Disease has returned with a vengeance.

We arrived in Bangkok at 9:30 last night (Thursday 10/25/07) after travelling for 24 hours.  It was quite the journey just to get here.  Had to take the ferry from Victoria B.C., fly to Beijing and on to Bangkok.  A total of 16 hours of flying time.

We headed into Bangkok and are now staying at the Old Siam Hotel on Khoa San Road.  I had been here 7 years earlier and not a thing has changed.

Later the night we took a walk on the wild side and decided to go to Patpong.  Actually we started out having a few beers at a bar on Khoa San Road where we met an English girl (Sarah the lawyer).  She had gotten in about 4 hours before.  She was game for Patpong, so off we go.

Patpong - the "red light district" of Bangkok.  Well, I saw a woman do things with her privates that I ain't never seen before.  Shooting ping-pong balls into a glass.  A "f**king" show (the guy was even able to get it up).  Another shot darts out of her privates and bursted balloons.  No shit!  Regardless, after a couple of hours of this it becomes boring, so we took a tuk-tuk and dropped Sarah off at her hotel and came back to Khoa San Rd.  Since I hadn't had supper and Wayne also had the munchies, we grabbed some food from the street vendors (squid on a stick and spring rolls)!

Today we got up a little late, after having a few beers the night before.  Took a tuk-tuk to various temples and tried to get a river cruise but they weren't running today.  So we ended up back here and I crashed about 2 1/2 hours earlier.   I guess my Crohn's got the best of me.

DIARY ENTRY:  Saturday October 27, 2007 10:54AM:  Woke up this morning and decided to check out of the Old Siam Hotel and look for a better hotel.  So for $11.00 CAD per person, we moved across the street and got a real hotel with a television and a rooftop swimming pool.!!

We didn't do a lot, but went for a walk and took a longtail speedboat around the canals.  This was a very interesting trip and it let us see a different side of Bangkok - very different.

DIARY ENTRY:  Sunday October 28, 2007  11:47AM:  Last night (Saturday 10/27/07) we went to a blues rock club.  The cover band was excellent.  It was a late night and copious amount of beer was consumed, so this morning we decided to stay one more day in Bangkok.

DIARY ENTRY:  Tuesday October 30, 2007  2:40PM:  The actual trip to Pattaya (Monday 10/29/07) was interesting to say the least.  Our "bus" picked us up at the hotel on Khoa San Road and took us to a travel agent where we had to change "buses".  We actually changed "vans" but not before the agent tried to book us into a hotel in Pattaya.  When we finally got on the "air con" bus, we find that the air con was dodgy at best.

Pattaya is a typical sex trade resort town.  Lot's of hookers and lady-boys!!  We settled on a mid-range hotel (900$B), in the southern part of town near the Red Light district.  We went for a feed of ribs and afterwards headed for the Red Light district, where we took in the sights.

DIARY ENTRY:  Wednesday October 31, 2007  11:29AM:  Yesterday (Tuesday 10/30/07) was a 'down day' as Wayne was suffering from a major hangover.  Today will be our last day before heading for Chiang Mai.  Hopefully we can rent some jet-skis today.

DIARY ENTRY:  Thursday November 1, 2007 4:43PM:  Well here we are in the Don Mouang Airport in Bangkok, waiting to check-in, for our flight to Chiang Mai.

Yesterday (Wednesday 10/31/07) we rented our jet skis.  It was my first time on one and they are awesome!!  We took them out for an hour and this time I managed to get a good sunburn.  Afterwards we walked around for a while and settled on an English restaurant for supper.  We both had the blue cheese and bacon stuffed steak.  It was very good.  Later that night we strolled down to the Red Light district and enjoyed watching the sights and sounds.

Got up this morning somewhat hungover, checked-out and took a bus back to Bangkok (this was a real bus this time).

DIARY ENTRY:  Friday November 2, 2007  6:47PM:  We arrived in Chiang Mai (Thursday 11/01/07) after all day travelling.  We left Pattaya at 1:10PM and travelled by bus to Bangkok and from there we took a flight to Chiang Mai and got here around 9:20PM.  A long day!

We took a hotel in the Old City part (surrounded by a moat).  It's not a bad place and Wayne and I are sharing a room.

Today we got up and did a walk about.  Visited several temples in and around the old city. I also did my weekly email to everyone.  Tonight we'll head for the night market as Wayne needs to get a sheet for the three day trek that we'll be starting tomorrow.

DIARY ENTRY:  Tuesday November 6, 2007 12:50PM:  Well it has been a few days since I last updated my diary.

We got up Saturday (11/03/07) morning fairly early as we had to catch our ride up into the mountains.  The taxi picked us up at around 10:00AM and there were 7 other people besides Wayne and I (Paul & Charlotte from Ireland, Elizabeth from Australia, Rob & Allen from England, Julie from Germany and another guy).

We drove for about 20 minutes and stopped at a market and picked up supplies (including ponchos).  We were soon back on the road and about an hour later we arrived at our destination.  The first part of the trek consisted of an elephant ride.  These gentle giants are awesome and this was a pretty amazing experience.  I bought a bunch of green bananas and for the next 50 minutes we fed the elephant these while riding on his back.

Almost immediately after the ride it started to rain (and I mean RAIN!!).  We slogged up a muddy mountain but it was raining so hard that the path became a mud slide and this made the walking very difficult.  Up and up we went through the jungle.....slipping and sliding all the way.  It was pouring so hard and we were sweating so much that the poncho's were ineffective and everyone got soaked!!

We finally arrived at a hill-tribe village (the Luha people).  This region is famous for their opium production but we saw no signs of it.  We were staying the night in a traditional longhouse with the Luha's.  This was no luxury hotel!  Everything (and I mean everything) is made of bamboo...the longhouse, the sleeping mats......everything.

We could purchase beer here so we all sat around the earthen fireplace (in the middle of the longhouse) and told stories and drank beer.  This crowd was a really fun bunch and we stayed up until 10:30PM.

The next day (Sunday 11/04/07) was dedicated to trekking and it was mainly level and/or downhill.  The rain had stopped but everything was damp and covered in red mud.  We passed thru a couple of villages along the way but mainly it was path that ran next to a small river deep in the jungle.

We hiked for about 6 hours and arrived at another longhouse where we would spend the night.  Except for the couple living there, we were alone but they sold beer so we all got 'right on her'!  We played drinking games and sat around the fire.....again it was a blast!! These people are all young and very good partiers.

We woke up on Monday (11/05/07) and trekked for about an hour until we came to a point where the river meets another and it is here that we started white water rafting.  The rafting was for about an hour and the rapids were perhaps a class 3??  But, it was fun.  After this we spent about 10 minutes on a bamboo raft before pulling ashore for lunch.  

The truck/taxi took us back to our hotels and we all agreed to meet up for supper.  Meanwhile Wayne and I decided to change hotels (this new one had a pool and was 200$B cheaper).

We met everyone at 7:30 and had a beer and went for supper.  After supper we piled into two tuk-tuk's and headed for the Riverside Bar.  There were two cover bands playing there and they were awesome.  What was supposed to be a early night ended up being a 4:00AM morning, but what a party we had!!

Today is a R&R day and take care of chores day.  I have to go to Lao Airways office and pay for the remainder of our flights, so I'll do this as well. 

DIARY ENTRY:  Friday November 9, 2007 11:27AM:  Woke up this morning after another restless night.  My crohn's flared up to the point where it became unbearable to sleep.

On Wednesday (11/07/07) we did very little other than a few chores.  Mainly sat around the pool, internet, etc.  We also walked up to the Lao Airline office and paid the remainder of our ticket.  

Later that night we took a tuk-tuk to the Thai boxing stadium and watched Thai boxing (Muay Thai).  This type of boxing involves a lot of kicking and some jumps.  It was very entertaining!!

On Thursday (11/08/07) we took a local bus to Doi Inathanon, Thailand's highest peak (2590MASL). The local bus dropped us off at Chom Thong and from there we negotiated a truck/taxi to the mountain.  We drove to the top where it was quite pleasant temperature-wise (17C) but because the mountain was covered in trees we couldn't see much.

On the way back down we stopped at the Phra Mahathat Naphamethanidon, a stupa built by the Royal Thai Air Force to commemorate the Kings' 60th birthday.  From there we stopped at two big impressive waterfalls, Nam Tok Mae Klang and Nam Tok Wachiraten. 

We made it back down at 4:00, waved a bus down and got back to Chiang Mai at 6:00.  After we went to the Riverside Restaurant for supper.  

Today is R&R day.  Wayne is gone shopping for clothes today and I'm gonna read and sit by the pool.  

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DIARY ENTRY:  Tuesday December 25, 2007  4:54PM:  Merry Christmas!!!

What a way to spend Christmas Day, sitting on a beach in Phuket.....32C and the water is 29C!!  Just deciding now what to have for supper?  Looks like turkey will be on the menu!!  It is Xmas after all !

On Saturday (Dec 22/07), after finding a shit-hole of a hotel, we decided to look for a different place. This proved to be a tremendous task and we ended up getting an even shittier place.  This hotel had no windows.  We were both tired, so the stay here wouldn't matter a whole lot since I had already convinced myself that I would not be staying another night in a windowless hotel room.  The problem is cost.  Phuket is expensive to begin with, but now it is high tourist season and prices have all been jacked up.  Wayne is just gonna have to grin and bear it.  

We went looking for a live-a-board dive boat, but again Wayne found the price out of his league, so we settled on looking for a one-day dive boat.  Just out to Phi-Phi Islands or actually that general area.  The crew picked us up at 8:30AM and we headed for Karen Beach to board the dive boat.

We headed for the first of three dives just off of Ko Rok Nai.  Our first dive was 45 minutes and we dove to a depth of 30 metres.  Lot's of wildlife but the clarity was really bad.  We had rented a digital camera and were able to take all kinds of shots.

Afterwards we set sail for the two islands of Ko Rok Yai and Ko Ha.  Both of these islands are very close to each other and the diving was better.  Our second dive was for 52 minutes and we were able to see a leopard shark and many other species of fish.  The water clarity was better as well.  Our third dive was almost 60 minutes (I guesswe're getting our breathing down).  Again, lot's of fish including a big leopard shark swimming around.  

Today, we are being beach bums.  Laying around having a few beers looking at the ladies.  Also today is Wayne's last day and we will probably have a few beers.  Like ye would!

DIARY ENTRY:  Saturday December 29, 2007  4:23PM:  On Wednesday (Dec 26/07) Wayne left for home and I slept in late and then when I got up I had quite a few things to do, including getting a haircut.  I met some Thai people while getting my haircut and that night I hung out with them.  It was close to 4:30AM before I got back to the hotel and I decided to sit around and have some food.  The hotel receptionist was smoking from a large water-pipe a tobacco and mint paste (very similar to nilgiri).  It was 7:30AM in the morning before I staggered up to bed.

The next day (Thursday Dec 27/07) I was supposed to leave for Ko Samui but decided to change my ticket to Friday.  I was able to secure one more night at the hotel, although I had to change my room.  Hotel rooms in this town is near impossible to find this time of year.  I hung out with my Thai friends and again had a very late night (4:30AM).

Friday (Dec 28/07) I had to check out of my hotel, so this required the momentous task of looking for another room.  I spent 2 very hot and frustrating hours on scooter searching.  I finally found a hotel with an available room for 2 nights, just enough before Ko Samui.  So now the next big task starts, searching for a room in Ko Samui.  Since it's gonna be New Years, I want to get a nice spot so today I will search the internet for a place. 

DIARY ENTRY:  Tuesday January 1, 2008  7:27PM:  Happy New Year!!  Seems a little strange calling it 2008.

On Sunday (Dec 30/07) I finally found a hotel room that I could have for the duration of my stay in Phuket.  In the end, I decided not to go to Ko Samui but spend my New Year's in Patong Beach.  Later I drove the rented scooter out to the market in Phuket City.  I spent a few hours strolling around but it didn't seem to be a very big market.  Afterwards I went back to hang out with my Thai friends at the Moe Moe Hotel and smoke sheesha and drink beer.

On Monday (Dec 31. 2007) morning I was up at 6:00AM for a day trip to Phi Phi Island.  The island is the largest one where Wayne and I went diving a few days before.

Later that night, I went back to Moe Moe Hotel and met up with everyone.  Drank some beer, smoked some sheesha and at around 11:50PM we headed for the madness of Bangla Street.  Got totally hammered, as was the thousands on the street.  There were fireworks and fire crackers everywhere.  All and all it was a great New Year's.....one of the best I've had in years.

According to my Thai friends, the New Year's celebrations go on for three days, so tonight will probably be pretty much the same as last night!!!

DIARY ENTRY:  Wednesday January 2, 2008 2:49PM:  Just getting up and on the go.

Yesterday (Tuesday Jan 1/08) was a down day, but later in the night a bunch of us went to karaoke.  This was actually fun because you rent a private room and sit in there with just your friends and sing.....of course everything is in Thai, but it sounded nice anyway. Got home around 5:30AM....so much for an early night.

DIARY ENTRY:  Saturday January 5, 2008  5:37PM:  Sitting in an airport bar in Vancouver waiting to catch my flight to Toronto.  I was supposed to fly to Montreal but Air Canada shagged up my flight, apparently there is no flight to Montreal.  Go figure.

I think this trip was especially good for several reasons; not the least was the people I was with during my entire trip.  Especially the people you meet along the way:  That's the problem with travelling, you meet some one, you get to hang out and know them for a brief period of time, and then  BOOM, they're out of your life, usually for forever.