Tuesday, 8 May 2012
New Zealand - bite size
Got woken up on the coach "Steph, he wants the smallest people at the front" Charlie and Matt both looking eagerly at me from the seats in front. Intercom: "come on, I need the smallest and lightest person from either side" hesitantly stand up, everyone's looking around. Make way from safe comfy peaceful seat at back of bus towards exposed front perch beside driver "yeah, you're tiny" remarks one of my team mates. "thanks" I smile nervously. Imagine self being squished into luggage hold or made to crawl under seats or just generally laughed at... Reach front where I'm joined by shorter person (yes they exist) from opposite side. And then the sentence. Driver announces game is bus surfing, object is to pass small person over heads from front to back quicker than other side. Fellow short person decides they'd rather not leaving me with happy task of selecting opponent... Glancing round spot tallest person, verging on 7 ft, feel competitive impulse... 5 minutes later am back in seat, champion. Bus surfing highly recommended. Awesome (out drivers favourite word).
Other bus games so far, bug splatter roulette: grid drawn on windscreen, dollar in pot, initials in square, person with most bug splatters wins pot. Didn't enter but equally entertaining watching people sit for hours staring at dead bugs on the windscreen :)
Friday, 13 April 2012
'Catch up'
So.
I'm so majorly far behind with my blogging that I've decided to stop trying to catch up and just carry on from where I am currently - Glen Innes, Australia!
I'll back track a little to give you some of the best bits...
So we left Singapore on the 23th and arrived in Cairns 24th where we picked up our high top campervan and proceeded to travel down the east coast...
April 1st - Cape Hillsborough, very beautiful beach, particularly at night, a very tame wild kangaroo was hanging around outside the camp kitchen so we had a little stoke but didn't feed it as 'a bread fed roo is a dead roo'. It was a bit surreal, also saw wallabies, bush turkeys, and possum and some huge frogs, as you do...
2nd - Rockhampton, there was a free zoo, got to see some koalas (so cute but all asleep... Lazy bums), dingos, wombats, Edward the emu, chimpanzees, more kangaroos, and many other animals :)
3rd - 1770, didn't do much, but there was a very nice, very empty beach, again beautiful at night with clear skies...
4th - Bundaberg, did even less, hung about in the pool, had a lizard sunbathe just outside the van :P
5th - Hervey Bay, went on a catamaran and saw 2 species of dolphin: indo-pacific humpback and bottlenose. Totally awesome!
6th - Tin Can Bay, went to a really not very great Good Friday service... About 2 other people under 20 there, called Matt Peters and Charlie Reeves, the rest over 80 and looking a little miserable... :S
7th - Tin can Bay again, we got up and fed these 2 dolphins that swim into the harbour every morning to be fed by hundreds of people, a pretty good set up if you ask me...
8th - Landsborough, went for a walk in the rain forest and then down to a waterfall with a pool at the bottom, it was FREEZING and probably full of snakes, but so worth it and so much fun I want to go again... although I'll need to work on my changing under a towel gracefully!
9th - Brisbane, stopped at the glass house lookout on the way (google image it), went to the cinema in the evening, took us about 2 hours to find it... I was driving with the lads directing... Not good, crossed the river about 5 times, drove the wrong way down a street right in front of a police car, and skipped a red light... Oops! But we made it eventually and watched The Hunger Games... and the people 2 rows in front, who would go down the whole row introducing themselves everytime someone joined the row... Is this standard Australian etiquette we wondered...
10th - Gold coast, stopped off at Surfers Paradise where it was so windy! We passed this one girl holding up some bread for some seagulls who were flying madly towards it, suspended by the wind about a foot from her! Then this ball went sailing past, its owner in hot pursuit... I think it took him about 5 minutes of flat out running before he finally caught up with it! Highly entertaining :P that night we each bought 50 cent creme eggs, Charlie 1, Matt 2 and I bought 4... And paid with a $50 note, successfully confusing the checkout assistant...
11th - Byron bay, our most expensive stop yet and it rained for most of it :S but we managed to get some stone skimming in first :)
12th - Glen Innes, challenging drive, the boys fell asleep so thankfully didn't see my struggling up steep corners in second gear! Unfortunately Charlie, slumbering away in the middle seat, started leaning my way so I was having to support his weight whilst sweating over the dangerously low petrol gauge and trying not to roll the van down the large drop to my right... Fortunately we reached a station in time... Unfortunately he woke up just in time to see me hit a kookaburra :S thankfully it flew off :)
13th - Glen Innes, so today we went fossicking! I know most of you will be laughing at the thought of me slaving away in a pit, hacking away at rocks, which is why I avoided that bit... But the up to my knees in a creek sifting through rock was fun :) Steve, the guy who owns the ranch, was great; I found a couple whilst he was showing us so he nick named me hawk eyes, "women tend to be good at spotting gems" he winked... unfortunately my luck ran out when he left, but Charlie found a couple :) these horses also walked by and one of them started sniffing me out, I gave it a stroke and then it wouldn't leave till I made and effort to ignore it, urgh, I loved it, so want to live on a ranch! Anyway, we dropped the stuff off, shook Steves hand, patted his dog, then drove off into the sunset, complete with orange, pink and blue skies, tree silhouettes, and a dozen jumping kangaroos...
Moments like those you just watch and think to yourself 'yes, this is Australia, beautifully breathtaking, created by God'
I'm so majorly far behind with my blogging that I've decided to stop trying to catch up and just carry on from where I am currently - Glen Innes, Australia!
I'll back track a little to give you some of the best bits...
So we left Singapore on the 23th and arrived in Cairns 24th where we picked up our high top campervan and proceeded to travel down the east coast...
April 1st - Cape Hillsborough, very beautiful beach, particularly at night, a very tame wild kangaroo was hanging around outside the camp kitchen so we had a little stoke but didn't feed it as 'a bread fed roo is a dead roo'. It was a bit surreal, also saw wallabies, bush turkeys, and possum and some huge frogs, as you do...
2nd - Rockhampton, there was a free zoo, got to see some koalas (so cute but all asleep... Lazy bums), dingos, wombats, Edward the emu, chimpanzees, more kangaroos, and many other animals :)
3rd - 1770, didn't do much, but there was a very nice, very empty beach, again beautiful at night with clear skies...
4th - Bundaberg, did even less, hung about in the pool, had a lizard sunbathe just outside the van :P
5th - Hervey Bay, went on a catamaran and saw 2 species of dolphin: indo-pacific humpback and bottlenose. Totally awesome!
6th - Tin Can Bay, went to a really not very great Good Friday service... About 2 other people under 20 there, called Matt Peters and Charlie Reeves, the rest over 80 and looking a little miserable... :S
7th - Tin can Bay again, we got up and fed these 2 dolphins that swim into the harbour every morning to be fed by hundreds of people, a pretty good set up if you ask me...
8th - Landsborough, went for a walk in the rain forest and then down to a waterfall with a pool at the bottom, it was FREEZING and probably full of snakes, but so worth it and so much fun I want to go again... although I'll need to work on my changing under a towel gracefully!
9th - Brisbane, stopped at the glass house lookout on the way (google image it), went to the cinema in the evening, took us about 2 hours to find it... I was driving with the lads directing... Not good, crossed the river about 5 times, drove the wrong way down a street right in front of a police car, and skipped a red light... Oops! But we made it eventually and watched The Hunger Games... and the people 2 rows in front, who would go down the whole row introducing themselves everytime someone joined the row... Is this standard Australian etiquette we wondered...
10th - Gold coast, stopped off at Surfers Paradise where it was so windy! We passed this one girl holding up some bread for some seagulls who were flying madly towards it, suspended by the wind about a foot from her! Then this ball went sailing past, its owner in hot pursuit... I think it took him about 5 minutes of flat out running before he finally caught up with it! Highly entertaining :P that night we each bought 50 cent creme eggs, Charlie 1, Matt 2 and I bought 4... And paid with a $50 note, successfully confusing the checkout assistant...
11th - Byron bay, our most expensive stop yet and it rained for most of it :S but we managed to get some stone skimming in first :)
12th - Glen Innes, challenging drive, the boys fell asleep so thankfully didn't see my struggling up steep corners in second gear! Unfortunately Charlie, slumbering away in the middle seat, started leaning my way so I was having to support his weight whilst sweating over the dangerously low petrol gauge and trying not to roll the van down the large drop to my right... Fortunately we reached a station in time... Unfortunately he woke up just in time to see me hit a kookaburra :S thankfully it flew off :)
13th - Glen Innes, so today we went fossicking! I know most of you will be laughing at the thought of me slaving away in a pit, hacking away at rocks, which is why I avoided that bit... But the up to my knees in a creek sifting through rock was fun :) Steve, the guy who owns the ranch, was great; I found a couple whilst he was showing us so he nick named me hawk eyes, "women tend to be good at spotting gems" he winked... unfortunately my luck ran out when he left, but Charlie found a couple :) these horses also walked by and one of them started sniffing me out, I gave it a stroke and then it wouldn't leave till I made and effort to ignore it, urgh, I loved it, so want to live on a ranch! Anyway, we dropped the stuff off, shook Steves hand, patted his dog, then drove off into the sunset, complete with orange, pink and blue skies, tree silhouettes, and a dozen jumping kangaroos...
Moments like those you just watch and think to yourself 'yes, this is Australia, beautifully breathtaking, created by God'
Wednesday, 14 March 2012
All in one - Penang
14 hours and 5 different mini buses later and we arrived in the best hostel so far (in my opinion). Free internet and free breakfast and the room was really nice.
So our first day in Penang, we rose reasonably early, ate our free breakfast, then went on a very long, hot walk!
We looked around an old fort then walked along the riverside where, after resting on Church Pier for half an hour, we saw a Monitor Lizard, or at least that's what we think it is, I believe the topic is still being debated between a few of our relatives... But it was pretty awesome (good spot Charlie). We then walked down an old jetty that had people's homes on. It's quite impressive how stable they are, not even a wobble!
We also passed a fire station and I smiled at all the boots and gloves laid out to dry. Unfortunately some of the locals saw my smile and started winking and smiling... Blonde hair is apparently quite attractive in Malaysia and Singapore :S
We moved onto some of the back streets and found ourselves in little India where we ate at a brilliant bustling burning restaurant called Kapitan, that makes humongous heavenly hot currys!
Back at the hostel - poker then bed.
The following day we woke up, had our free breakfast, hen found ourselves waking up again around 1 (don't worry parents, this habit does not continue) We then headed to the shopping centre to get presents for various mothers and family members. We then went up the Komtar tower which gave great views of the island/city. I then did a bit more shopping whilst, not wanting to prolong their suffering, the boys went and booked transport to Kuala Lumpar.
A second feast in Kapitan and so ended our long, hot days in Penang!
So our first day in Penang, we rose reasonably early, ate our free breakfast, then went on a very long, hot walk!
We looked around an old fort then walked along the riverside where, after resting on Church Pier for half an hour, we saw a Monitor Lizard, or at least that's what we think it is, I believe the topic is still being debated between a few of our relatives... But it was pretty awesome (good spot Charlie). We then walked down an old jetty that had people's homes on. It's quite impressive how stable they are, not even a wobble!
We also passed a fire station and I smiled at all the boots and gloves laid out to dry. Unfortunately some of the locals saw my smile and started winking and smiling... Blonde hair is apparently quite attractive in Malaysia and Singapore :S
We moved onto some of the back streets and found ourselves in little India where we ate at a brilliant bustling burning restaurant called Kapitan, that makes humongous heavenly hot currys!
Back at the hostel - poker then bed.
The following day we woke up, had our free breakfast, hen found ourselves waking up again around 1 (don't worry parents, this habit does not continue) We then headed to the shopping centre to get presents for various mothers and family members. We then went up the Komtar tower which gave great views of the island/city. I then did a bit more shopping whilst, not wanting to prolong their suffering, the boys went and booked transport to Kuala Lumpar.
A second feast in Kapitan and so ended our long, hot days in Penang!
Saturday, 10 March 2012
All in one - Koh Samui
So the day after we arrived in our new hotel (with free lollies) we were exhausted so slept in till 1! The Charlie had a shower, inducing, what we later found out was called, 'hells itch'. At the time all we knew was that he was in A LOT of pain. It was difficult to watch as there was nothing any of us could do...
It gradually decreased but as Charlie was in no state to do much, I spent the rest of the day uploading photos, which took aaaages, and in the evening Matt and I went and bought 2 takeaway pizzas. I also booked an elephant trek for 2 days time...
The following day, neither of the lads wanted to risk their sunburn so we chilled in the hostel till about 2 when two German girls who had also been in the hostel in Koh Tao, and travelled over the day after us, came and asked if we wanted to go to the beach with them.
Grateful for some female company, we set off with another German guy and relaxed on the beach, stopping for food in a beachside restaurant. It was great to be with other travellers and back at the hostel we watched 'Patch Adams' - a lovely movie.
Anyway, it turns out when Thai people don't understand you they say 'yes' all the same. So elephant treking didn't work out. We woke early, expecting to be collected from the hostel, but when we rang up they said they had no record of our booking. I wandered into the village to see if one of the tourism shops could help, but they were shut :( By the time I got back the boys were asleep again so I sat with my feet in the pool and read.
On my way bvack to the room, I passed the German guy and he asked if we wanted to go to the beach. I explained the boys were asleep but for some reason he still came barging in an hour later asking if we were ready yet. I just can't seem to communicate with foreigners...
This time he got the message and left, but the boys were awake now so we headed to the beachside restaurant again, sat and chatted, taxi to the main beach, booked transport for the following day, walked along the beach where some guy dumped a monkey on me, asking for 100 Baht for a photo.... It was awesome but not worth the money, the memory serves just as well :)
I went in the sea and we ate at another beachside restaurant and so ended our lazy days in Koh Samui!
It gradually decreased but as Charlie was in no state to do much, I spent the rest of the day uploading photos, which took aaaages, and in the evening Matt and I went and bought 2 takeaway pizzas. I also booked an elephant trek for 2 days time...
The following day, neither of the lads wanted to risk their sunburn so we chilled in the hostel till about 2 when two German girls who had also been in the hostel in Koh Tao, and travelled over the day after us, came and asked if we wanted to go to the beach with them.
Grateful for some female company, we set off with another German guy and relaxed on the beach, stopping for food in a beachside restaurant. It was great to be with other travellers and back at the hostel we watched 'Patch Adams' - a lovely movie.
Anyway, it turns out when Thai people don't understand you they say 'yes' all the same. So elephant treking didn't work out. We woke early, expecting to be collected from the hostel, but when we rang up they said they had no record of our booking. I wandered into the village to see if one of the tourism shops could help, but they were shut :( By the time I got back the boys were asleep again so I sat with my feet in the pool and read.
On my way bvack to the room, I passed the German guy and he asked if we wanted to go to the beach. I explained the boys were asleep but for some reason he still came barging in an hour later asking if we were ready yet. I just can't seem to communicate with foreigners...
This time he got the message and left, but the boys were awake now so we headed to the beachside restaurant again, sat and chatted, taxi to the main beach, booked transport for the following day, walked along the beach where some guy dumped a monkey on me, asking for 100 Baht for a photo.... It was awesome but not worth the money, the memory serves just as well :)
I went in the sea and we ate at another beachside restaurant and so ended our lazy days in Koh Samui!
Wednesday, 7 March 2012
Koh Tao to Koh Samui
So today was a lazy day.
Yesterday our sun cream failed the waterproof test; I got sunburned on the back of my legs and a few other places and the boys got burned all over their backs! So we spent the morning waiting uncomfortably for our boat to Koh Samui...
The new island is bigger than Koh Tao but we finally have a room to ourselves with en suite shower and toilet (which is already blocked... Turns out you're supposed to out the toilet paper in the bin provided... My bad!)
After settling in we went in search of food and being too tired to wander very far, stopped at the first place we found... where we were one of 2 groups there and the waitress looked decidedly like a boy...
But it was cheap and tasty and we had a good nights sleep, despite the unnerving number of daddy long legs.....
Yesterday our sun cream failed the waterproof test; I got sunburned on the back of my legs and a few other places and the boys got burned all over their backs! So we spent the morning waiting uncomfortably for our boat to Koh Samui...
The new island is bigger than Koh Tao but we finally have a room to ourselves with en suite shower and toilet (which is already blocked... Turns out you're supposed to out the toilet paper in the bin provided... My bad!)
After settling in we went in search of food and being too tired to wander very far, stopped at the first place we found... where we were one of 2 groups there and the waitress looked decidedly like a boy...
But it was cheap and tasty and we had a good nights sleep, despite the unnerving number of daddy long legs.....
Tuesday, 6 March 2012
Snorkelling!
AMAZING!
There was no training, they just give you a snorkel, take you out there and leave you to it... I was a little nervous, I'm not a strong swimmer and don't like being in deep water...
I got in and saw some of the most beautiful things ever, its a shame they're so hidden under the see!
There were these yellow fish that went along eating/cleaning the coral and the fish at the back would swim to the front and so the whole procession would move forwards...
There were these little blue and white fish that were everywhere and seemed to have no fear and would swim right at you or diectly underneath and made you jump as they overtook you inches beneath your nose... a bit surreal being overtaken by a fish...
I couldn't take pictures but there were fish guides on the boat so here's some of the ones I saw:
Green throst parrot fish
Baby teira (longfin)
Batfish
Jewelled Blenny
Hong Kong Butterfly fish
Eight band butterfly fish
Scaly Clam
Hound needle fish
Pink Anemonefish
Banner fish
Big fin reef squid
Christmas tree worm
Anyway, we all got sunburned and there were lots of girls in skimpy bikini's that make you feel very small, and I didn't get to see a sringray, but I saw some of the coolest creatures ever and hope we can do something similar in Oz!
It was also nice to boat ariund the whole island without being able to see any other land at all!
We were so tired when we got back we had a nap, then ate in a restaurant that was showing the most unsuitable movie ever for eating... Had Jude Law and Forest Whitaker in it and they basically run around taking peoples organs...
We then booked transport to Koh Samui, then, exhausted, went to sleep again x
There was no training, they just give you a snorkel, take you out there and leave you to it... I was a little nervous, I'm not a strong swimmer and don't like being in deep water...
I got in and saw some of the most beautiful things ever, its a shame they're so hidden under the see!
There were these yellow fish that went along eating/cleaning the coral and the fish at the back would swim to the front and so the whole procession would move forwards...
There were these little blue and white fish that were everywhere and seemed to have no fear and would swim right at you or diectly underneath and made you jump as they overtook you inches beneath your nose... a bit surreal being overtaken by a fish...
I couldn't take pictures but there were fish guides on the boat so here's some of the ones I saw:
Green throst parrot fish
Baby teira (longfin)
Batfish
Jewelled Blenny
Hong Kong Butterfly fish
Eight band butterfly fish
Scaly Clam
Hound needle fish
Pink Anemonefish
Banner fish
Big fin reef squid
Christmas tree worm
Anyway, we all got sunburned and there were lots of girls in skimpy bikini's that make you feel very small, and I didn't get to see a sringray, but I saw some of the coolest creatures ever and hope we can do something similar in Oz!
It was also nice to boat ariund the whole island without being able to see any other land at all!
We were so tired when we got back we had a nap, then ate in a restaurant that was showing the most unsuitable movie ever for eating... Had Jude Law and Forest Whitaker in it and they basically run around taking peoples organs...
We then booked transport to Koh Samui, then, exhausted, went to sleep again x
Monday, 5 March 2012
Koh Tao
Literally the sort of thing you see on postcards and in travel brochures!
The boat ride over was awful... I don't really get sea sick but I started new medication before we went travelling and I felt so sick...
It's okay to gag when you're in a private cubicle and on solid ground in a youth hostel, but on the open upper deck of a cramped boat that's acting trampoline for your stomach, not so much!
Thankfully I wasn't sick and someone fainted and totally stole my thunder, honestly, attention seekers! :P
Besides, it worked to my advantage because I got to move to the side and in minutes was fine (always the way) and had a great view of the island and the flying fish!
All this time I thought they were a joke, made up to tease, but they're not! Flying fish are real and completely awesome!
So anyway, got to ride in a 'taxi' - the back of a truck - to the hostel, Matt and Charlie looking like they belong in a mission impossible movie, and then headed out for breakfast.
After this we headed down to the beach, where, feeling tired, irritable and homesick (another thing that rarely happens to me), I insisted on staying whilst the lads went off to make plans for the following day.
I woke up just as they returned... Falling asleep on a beach like that it one of the most calming things I've ever done - highly recomended!
So anyway, we went back to the hostel where they promptly fell asleep and I took advantage of not having to considor others in decision making!
I got some money out, bought a pair of swimming shorts, bought a postcard, sat on the beach and wrote it, returned the shorts for another pair, back to the hostel, back to the shop to return the new shorts for the original pair, went for a paddle along the beach with my camera, picking up shells, diverted in between some buildings on the way back and walked along the main path that runs the length of the buildings with lots of vegetation, birds, a caterpillar, stray animals and motorbikes!
I think the locals are in competition with one another; who can kill the most tourists? Because renting a motorbike seems to be the most popular thing to do, other than getting sunburn! And I think the people that rent them have their own competition; how many people can you fit on one and whats the smallest gap you can squeeze your way through!
It's very entertaining, although slightly annoying as those of us who have no desire to be killed just get honked at constantly!
But the island is stunning! It's small, like me, too so everything is within walking distance. It's possible to find a reasonably secluded part of the beach and the water is clear! You can actually see your feet!
SNORKELLING TOMORROW!
The boat ride over was awful... I don't really get sea sick but I started new medication before we went travelling and I felt so sick...
It's okay to gag when you're in a private cubicle and on solid ground in a youth hostel, but on the open upper deck of a cramped boat that's acting trampoline for your stomach, not so much!
Thankfully I wasn't sick and someone fainted and totally stole my thunder, honestly, attention seekers! :P
Besides, it worked to my advantage because I got to move to the side and in minutes was fine (always the way) and had a great view of the island and the flying fish!
All this time I thought they were a joke, made up to tease, but they're not! Flying fish are real and completely awesome!
So anyway, got to ride in a 'taxi' - the back of a truck - to the hostel, Matt and Charlie looking like they belong in a mission impossible movie, and then headed out for breakfast.
After this we headed down to the beach, where, feeling tired, irritable and homesick (another thing that rarely happens to me), I insisted on staying whilst the lads went off to make plans for the following day.
I woke up just as they returned... Falling asleep on a beach like that it one of the most calming things I've ever done - highly recomended!
So anyway, we went back to the hostel where they promptly fell asleep and I took advantage of not having to considor others in decision making!
I got some money out, bought a pair of swimming shorts, bought a postcard, sat on the beach and wrote it, returned the shorts for another pair, back to the hostel, back to the shop to return the new shorts for the original pair, went for a paddle along the beach with my camera, picking up shells, diverted in between some buildings on the way back and walked along the main path that runs the length of the buildings with lots of vegetation, birds, a caterpillar, stray animals and motorbikes!
I think the locals are in competition with one another; who can kill the most tourists? Because renting a motorbike seems to be the most popular thing to do, other than getting sunburn! And I think the people that rent them have their own competition; how many people can you fit on one and whats the smallest gap you can squeeze your way through!
It's very entertaining, although slightly annoying as those of us who have no desire to be killed just get honked at constantly!
But the island is stunning! It's small, like me, too so everything is within walking distance. It's possible to find a reasonably secluded part of the beach and the water is clear! You can actually see your feet!
SNORKELLING TOMORROW!
Sunday, 4 March 2012
Lumpini park - goodbye Bangkok
So, having booked tickets for a train to our next destination, we left the youth hostel and took our luggage to the ticket office where we were allowed to leave it till the train arrived later that day.
With so many hours left to kill, we made our way to Lumpini park. It was such a hot day it was nice to get some shade.
The lads decided to try out the pedallo's whilst I sat and took pictures of them pedalling off into the sunset:
Once they returned we wandered round the park for a bit. It's so much better than English parks!
Huge trees...
Monks feeding fish...
A gym! (it carried on behind)
And old men playing... Whatever game it is...
And someone doing the most incredible stretches!!
After our walk and a brief stop in McDonald's, it was time to get the train...
We were in carriage 6 of about 20 and we had second class seats. It was the worst journey I've ever been on! It was hot and sweaty, despite the fans, it was so noisy, not helped by the group at the front who wouldn't shut up, and it was overnight so we all just wanted to sleep!
12 hours later we finally walked along the pier towards the ferry that would take us to Koh Tao...
<<< a taste of what's to come!
With so many hours left to kill, we made our way to Lumpini park. It was such a hot day it was nice to get some shade.
The lads decided to try out the pedallo's whilst I sat and took pictures of them pedalling off into the sunset:
Once they returned we wandered round the park for a bit. It's so much better than English parks!
Huge trees...
Monks feeding fish...
A gym! (it carried on behind)
And old men playing... Whatever game it is...
And someone doing the most incredible stretches!!
After our walk and a brief stop in McDonald's, it was time to get the train...
We were in carriage 6 of about 20 and we had second class seats. It was the worst journey I've ever been on! It was hot and sweaty, despite the fans, it was so noisy, not helped by the group at the front who wouldn't shut up, and it was overnight so we all just wanted to sleep!
12 hours later we finally walked along the pier towards the ferry that would take us to Koh Tao...
<<< a taste of what's to come!
Saturday, 3 March 2012
China Town
So, the day after we arrived in Bangkok we visited China town.
The whole place is even busier than the rest of Thailand! Within feet I saw this sign:
We didn't try any, it really didn't look very nice :S
China Town looks pretty much how I imagined it; tall red signs -that I couldn't read- on every building, lots of street stalls and crazy traffic!
We found a side street that looked packed so naturally we had to dive straight in there!
There were lorry's squeezing down the road and no pavement to speak of so they were passing within inches of stalls, pedestrians and motorcyclists!
As you can see, their height meant that Matt and Charlie blended in beautifully!
We wound up on a lovely back road that had hundreds of lanterns in rows above our heads...
It had such an incredible atmosphere, although its a shame that beneath the colour and madness of it all the area is just as dilapidated as the rest of Thailand:
But the locals are great people!
That night we feasted on noodles, duck and pork.
I highly recommend China Town, we didn't get to see it at night but if you ever get the opportunity, go for it!
God bless x
The whole place is even busier than the rest of Thailand! Within feet I saw this sign:
We didn't try any, it really didn't look very nice :S
China Town looks pretty much how I imagined it; tall red signs -that I couldn't read- on every building, lots of street stalls and crazy traffic!
We found a side street that looked packed so naturally we had to dive straight in there!
There were lorry's squeezing down the road and no pavement to speak of so they were passing within inches of stalls, pedestrians and motorcyclists!
As you can see, their height meant that Matt and Charlie blended in beautifully!
We wound up on a lovely back road that had hundreds of lanterns in rows above our heads...
It had such an incredible atmosphere, although its a shame that beneath the colour and madness of it all the area is just as dilapidated as the rest of Thailand:
But the locals are great people!
That night we feasted on noodles, duck and pork.
I highly recommend China Town, we didn't get to see it at night but if you ever get the opportunity, go for it!
God bless x
Friday, 2 March 2012
Bangkok
Arrival Time: 07:00
Youth Hostel: Lub.d, Decho Road, Silom
Got a taxi to the youth hostel. The whole city seems slightly manic with a large number of motorcyclists that seem to have a death wish...
Lot's of vehicles look like parts of other vehicles thrown together, but they're all very colourful. Crossing the road is always a bit of an adventure!
I was pretty exhausted so after a bit of wondering around I had a shower and caught up on my sleep. The lads went on their own adventure, I understand they bought a magnum and got charged a fair bit for some tuk tuk driver to take them to his mates restaurant...
Late afternoon/evening, we headed into the centre of the city (we think), Siam, via the sky rail and had a healthy meal of KFC in the massive shopping centre that's full of designer shops (and Burger King, KFC and McD's)
We then went in search of bananas as Charlie was still hungry. Unfortunately, whilst they were cheap, when it came to eating them they were black inside so rapidly disposed of.
Then we sat outside a just watched the city go by:
If you look closely at the second picture, you can see Matt and Charlie's head
Anyway, I hope all is sunny in England, it is here! And very hot, which can be a bit much after a long journey but later in the evening it was just right :)
Tomorrow we plan to visit China Town and The Palace, I'll do my best to keep you all informed
God bless x
Youth Hostel: Lub.d, Decho Road, Silom
Got a taxi to the youth hostel. The whole city seems slightly manic with a large number of motorcyclists that seem to have a death wish...
Lot's of vehicles look like parts of other vehicles thrown together, but they're all very colourful. Crossing the road is always a bit of an adventure!
I was pretty exhausted so after a bit of wondering around I had a shower and caught up on my sleep. The lads went on their own adventure, I understand they bought a magnum and got charged a fair bit for some tuk tuk driver to take them to his mates restaurant...
Late afternoon/evening, we headed into the centre of the city (we think), Siam, via the sky rail and had a healthy meal of KFC in the massive shopping centre that's full of designer shops (and Burger King, KFC and McD's)
We then went in search of bananas as Charlie was still hungry. Unfortunately, whilst they were cheap, when it came to eating them they were black inside so rapidly disposed of.
Then we sat outside a just watched the city go by:
If you look closely at the second picture, you can see Matt and Charlie's head
Anyway, I hope all is sunny in England, it is here! And very hot, which can be a bit much after a long journey but later in the evening it was just right :)
Tomorrow we plan to visit China Town and The Palace, I'll do my best to keep you all informed
God bless x
Thursday, 1 March 2012
Terminal 4
Date: 01MAR Time: 1005
From: London Heathrow
To: Mumbai
Waiting for boarding
Took all of 10 minutes for football to become the topic of conversation...
A sign of things to come?
From: London Heathrow
To: Mumbai
Waiting for boarding
Took all of 10 minutes for football to become the topic of conversation...
A sign of things to come?
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