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Nov 30, 2006 09:00 PM New Blog And Stuff
It turns out some of you don't know about my new blog. I decided this site was a pain in the ass (like it INSISTS that my title be 10 characters long - how stupid!!) and quickly switched to a different site:
http://califmtngrl.livejournal.com
Sorry I didn't post it here sooner!!
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Oct 28, 2006 06:00 PM Bangkok Day 3
I can't wait to get out of here! It is so noisy and chaotic and everyone is trying to rip me off! Yesterday I spent the morning visiting some temples and the Grand Palace, the seat of government. The temples are truly magnificent. One contains a 100 ft +, gold, reclining Budha. Another the "Emerald Budha" (although it's actually jade). The Emerald Budha was first "discovered" covered in plaster in the 15th century in Chiang Mai (in the north). Since then it has been captured and re-captured between the Lao and Thai people for 500 years. Obviously, the Thai have it now! Very beautiful.
In the afternoon I had my first Thai massage (about $8 for 1.5 hours), then met a Thai friend, Tieng, who is a friend of a friend from Sacramento, for a tour of the city and dinner. I'm still not feeling well or sleeping properly, so it was an early night for me. Today Tieng will take me for another tour of the city, perhaps a boat ride and some more good food.
I bought a plane ticket to Krabi for tomorrow morning ($45 US!) - much better than the 12 hour train ride, although 10 times the price, I just couldn't face another 12 hours of travel when I haven't even recovered from the first. Krabi is just east of Phuket and promises white sand beaches, kayaking, hiking, and similar eco tours. I'm be very glad to get someplace more quiet.
Regina asked what the food smells on the street were like that were making me feel ill my first day. It's more like the smell of the street (sewer, trash, exhaust) MIXED with the smells of food that were getting to me. Plus, since it was the end of the day, the seafood was smelling a little "ripe". Yesterday I had lunch on the street, which I ordered from a little old woman, for 30 baht (including a coke) - less than $1 US. DELICIOUS. It seems that all the Thai people eat on the street on make-shift tables set up amid all the chaos. I also had some FRESH squeezed tangerine juice for 15 baht that puts Odwalla to shame. It was the most divine thing I've ever drank.
Next stop: Krabi.
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Oct 26, 2006 06:00 PM Bangkok Day 1
I've arrived safe and sound. Guess they've had some flooding problems in Bangkok this week, but I was too busy to hear about it. The landscape was all water when the plane was coming in. But there's no problems where I am right now.
My hotel (the Shanti Lodge - recommended by Matt Burgdorf) is VERY interesting. Stones, tiles, shells, and pottery are inlaid in the floor and walls making beautiful interesting designs everywhere you turn. The downstairs is all a big open restaurant, internet cafe, and small boutique. My room is fairly pricey ($20/night), but I have my own bathroom, hot shower, and AC. When I'm ready, I'll down grade, although it's pretty hot and humid and this is the COOL season. May have to keep "spluging" for AC.
I tried to get out a little this afternoon but I feel pretty ill with jet lag. All the food smells on the street were only making me worse! I think my sleep schedule is going to be screwed up for a while. Luckily, I have good music (thanks, Josh!) and a good book. I'm going to plan my escape from Bangkok ASAP.
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