We have gotten a little behind on keeping up with the blog, but that is a good thing. It means we have been traveling a lot and we had our first visitor from the States, my brother. There are lots of new photo albums on the blog, there is a brief description/explanation of each below.
Ko Samet
It is a beautiful island about three hours from Bangkok. We took a bus there, which I am pretty sure is the only way to get there. The island was beautiful with blue water and white sandy beaches. The accommodation was extremely cheap. The bungalow we stayed in that was just off the beach was 350 baht a night, which is about 10 bucks. Now, there was no TV, hot water, towels, or maid service, but it was a great location. It is very difficult to find a place on the island to stay because no one takes reservations you just have to walk in to a place, and several are often full. The food in Ko Samet was really good, every restaurant was great. The nightlife in Ko Samet is probably its main attraction. There are fire shows on the beach, bands playing everywhere, and lots of games and competitions at various bars and restaurants. The fire show is attached below.
English Camp
English camp is a three day trip that our school puts on every year for about 30 students. The students do not have to pay for the trip or any of their expenses and go through an interview process with Kaplan to determine who gets to go. For teachers, the trip basically ammounts to a free vacation, so Jana and I were both excited to go. Unfortunately, the night before we were leaving, Jana got severe food poisoning so was unable to go.
The camp started at 7am on a Tuesday morning at Kaplan's main school. We herded all of the students into a classroom, went through introductions and briefly explained the camp rules. (Maybe it's a blessing in disguise that Jana couldn't come since gambling and drinking were both prohibited.) After introductions we loaded the students onto a giant tour bus and were on our way out of BKK. The trip down gave an accurate preview of the next couple of days. The tour bus was wired with a microphone and speakers and the students each took turns coming up to introduce themselves and to perform a song. I haven't listened to much pop music over here, so this was a good chance to catch up. The enthusiasm among Thais for karaoke is difficult to exaggerate; these kids were belting out lyrics to an audience full of strangers.
After a three hour bus ride we reached our pier (a haphazard structure that looked like 40 people was about all it could or should hold) got on a ferry boat and raced (at about 10mph) to the island camp was to be held on. The island, Ko Minork, is a tiny island (about 20 minutes to walk around) containing one resort that was virtually deserted while we were there. Upon arrival, we played a get-to-know you game then divided the students into their 'camp teams.' The students were then given the rest of the afternoon to come up with team names and jingles. The jingles were elaborate and coordinated. When the students performed their jingles later that day I was again struck by their enthusiasm and sincerity. (Maybe I'm just cynical, but it's hard for me to imagine getting 30 college age american students to be such good sports. I include myself in that description.)
The next morning the students had what we called a scavenger hunt but which was more like a series of games at different posts around the island. At each spot the students had to present their team name, flag, and jingle.
In the afternoon we had free time to explore the island. A few of the teachers and staff used the time to kayak around the island. The staff member I went with must of thought she drew the short straw; I've never really kiyaked before so we moved considerably slower than the other boats. Eventually, though, we made it around. As we boated around we could see little flying fish--fish jumping out of the water and skimming over the surface.
That night our students put on performances that they had been preparing the past day and a half. The plays were elaborate, lengthy, and hilarious. Everyone in the audience was applauding and yelling things as the performances were going on.
Our last morning we gave out awards, had one more contest, then headed back to the mainland. Before leaving, though, the students took about 10,000 pictures of themselves, the island, the ocean, themselves again, the teachers, a rock by the beach and many, many more. (Perhaps the only thing Thais love more than karaoke is taking pictures.)
All in all, this was a very memorable experience for me and (my previous joking aside) it's a shame Jana couldn't come because she would have loved it: the setting was beautiful and students were fantastic.
Chuck's Trip
Well Chuck came to visit and he was very shocked by Bangkok, in more ways than one. He felt pretty sure that mom would not be able to handle it here. He also had intense food poisoning which he is still recovering from at home. However, we had so much fun. We hit all the main attractions in Bangkok in just two or three days. It was exhausting but fun. Then, Chuck and I went down the Phuket which is the southern most province in Thailand. We hit several islands: Khai, Phi Phi Don, Monkey, and Maya Bay. We were able to do some snorkeling and got some good pictures of fish. (They will not be on the website because I only have hard copies) Overall the trip was great and I was so happy to have him here. Although when he left I became very home sick. The pictures while he was here are amazing, because their camera is a lot better than ours. So check out the ones from the snake farm and floating market.
I think that is pretty much the update for now. We are leaving for Phuket in about 5 days so more pictures will be going up soon.
We miss everybody,
Sean and Jana
About Me
- Jana and Sean
- Bangkok, Sukumvit Soi 10, Thailand
- Our Address in Thailand: 27/39 Sukumvit Soi 10 Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110 Thailand
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Chiang Mai
We just got back from our first extended vacation. We chose Chiang Mai, because it is what many Thai people consider home. Chiang Mai is in the Northern part of Thailand about 10 hours by bus. It is the second largest city in Thailand, but we have discovered in many ways it is much more pleasant than BKK. Our first impressions proved to be true that it was cleaner, cheaper, and less crowded.
Day 1
We decided for our first day we would do a walking tour of the city. We found it in our favorite book Lonely Planet. All sights are well documented in the photos under Chiang Mai Day 1. I would say there were four highlights.
Wat Chedi Luang had monks, that were preserved in glass cases. It was unbelievable, truely. Sean thought they were real, I knew they were not real people, but I could not believe they were preserved bodies. Still it is a bit of mystery to us. The Thai people seemed as intrigued by it as we did.
Another highligt was the women's correctional faciltiy. You could get a massage there for about 4 dollars US. The money goes to the women when they are released. We did not get a massages there, but maybe next time.
The third highlight would be the water blessing. The video of this is below. You can see it step by step, raising the water up to be dumped on the Chedi as a form of blessing.
The last highlight was dinner. We ate a restaurant called House, they had the most delicious tapas and homemade bread. The setting was also quite beautiful, as there were flowers everywhere.
Day 2 Trecking Chiang Mai
This day was our biggest challenge, physically. First we hiked up a mountain to see a tribal group there known as Mhonk people. Their tribe has had many changes throughout the years. They used to be a wealthy people because they harvested and produced opium. The men during this time also did little work and had many wives. Today the men do most of the work, and the women stay home. They now harvest vegetables to sell and are quite poor. The child below is my favorite, as she was the one misbehaving.
Next, it was to an elephant ride. This elephant ride was SO much more intense than the other one we did. I was telling the elephant I would buy it a banana if it would be good, which it would not. It was younger and somewhat not following what the elephant trainer was telling it to do. At one point we were wrapped around a tree, and I just had to close my eyes and hope for the best.
After elephants was a delicious lunch, and then the Karen Tribe people. These people are known for their weavings, and usually make scarfs and pajamas. Great pictures of this as well.
The last adventure was to hike to a waterfall and then go on a raft ride. The waterfall was incredible and the raft was straight out of Huck Finn, something I could have made myself. There are no pictures of this because we did not want to take the camera for fear of it getting wet, which proved to be a good decision. The man steering the raft behind us kept claiming, "No wet, no fun" So he succeeded in getting Sean and I soaked. Then, we talked him in to letting us go down this waterfall part, that they usually dont let tourist go down. It was great.
The highlight of this day was actually an American that was on the tour. I mean he really left the whole group with a memorable expression. The group consisted of two French girls, two Thai girls, a couple from Japan, and a couple from China, and then the three Americans (sean, myself, and "the guy")
Well first off, once he started talking he never stopped, literally never. Second, he asked more questions than any small child I have ever met. He would ask things like what's that made out of? Why do they do that? How old was she when she learned to do that? Does she like doing that? What does that mean? Our guide handled it pretty well for a while, and then he just started pretending like he didnt know what he was saying.
Also, it took him about thirty minutes longer than everyone else to get up the mountain, and the spectacle he made when he got up the mountain left the two French girls with looks of horror on their faces. All in all a pretty standard performance for an American, at least the ones we have met here.
Day 3 Doi Suthep is a Wat on the mountain that leaves a stunning view of Chiang Mai. I will say the trip up the mountain, in the back of this truck left Sean and I feeling very motion sick. It was well worth it, but those of you coming to visit (Chuck, Alicia, Kylie, Shannon, Mom, John) we will not be going up with you, you are on your own. There is no way I would do that to myself again.
Puphing Palace This is the Royal Winter Palace. It was very beautiful, but even further up the mountain than the temple. There were beautiful flowers, fountains, and houses.
Wat U Mong. The last one we say was Wat U Mong. This is known has a forest wat, surrounded by trees and a small lake. Also, the Buddha is inside a cave, which was pretty cool. The pictures did not turn out so good.
Chiang Mai was wonderful, and we were extremely tired when we got back. There is still so much to see there, even though we filled everyday with as many activities as possible. It was a very great place to spend the New Year. Happy New Year!!!
Sean and Jana
Day 1
We decided for our first day we would do a walking tour of the city. We found it in our favorite book Lonely Planet. All sights are well documented in the photos under Chiang Mai Day 1. I would say there were four highlights.
Wat Chedi Luang had monks, that were preserved in glass cases. It was unbelievable, truely. Sean thought they were real, I knew they were not real people, but I could not believe they were preserved bodies. Still it is a bit of mystery to us. The Thai people seemed as intrigued by it as we did.
Another highligt was the women's correctional faciltiy. You could get a massage there for about 4 dollars US. The money goes to the women when they are released. We did not get a massages there, but maybe next time.
The third highlight would be the water blessing. The video of this is below. You can see it step by step, raising the water up to be dumped on the Chedi as a form of blessing.
The last highlight was dinner. We ate a restaurant called House, they had the most delicious tapas and homemade bread. The setting was also quite beautiful, as there were flowers everywhere.
Day 2 Trecking Chiang Mai
This day was our biggest challenge, physically. First we hiked up a mountain to see a tribal group there known as Mhonk people. Their tribe has had many changes throughout the years. They used to be a wealthy people because they harvested and produced opium. The men during this time also did little work and had many wives. Today the men do most of the work, and the women stay home. They now harvest vegetables to sell and are quite poor. The child below is my favorite, as she was the one misbehaving.
Next, it was to an elephant ride. This elephant ride was SO much more intense than the other one we did. I was telling the elephant I would buy it a banana if it would be good, which it would not. It was younger and somewhat not following what the elephant trainer was telling it to do. At one point we were wrapped around a tree, and I just had to close my eyes and hope for the best.
After elephants was a delicious lunch, and then the Karen Tribe people. These people are known for their weavings, and usually make scarfs and pajamas. Great pictures of this as well.
The last adventure was to hike to a waterfall and then go on a raft ride. The waterfall was incredible and the raft was straight out of Huck Finn, something I could have made myself. There are no pictures of this because we did not want to take the camera for fear of it getting wet, which proved to be a good decision. The man steering the raft behind us kept claiming, "No wet, no fun" So he succeeded in getting Sean and I soaked. Then, we talked him in to letting us go down this waterfall part, that they usually dont let tourist go down. It was great.
The highlight of this day was actually an American that was on the tour. I mean he really left the whole group with a memorable expression. The group consisted of two French girls, two Thai girls, a couple from Japan, and a couple from China, and then the three Americans (sean, myself, and "the guy")
Well first off, once he started talking he never stopped, literally never. Second, he asked more questions than any small child I have ever met. He would ask things like what's that made out of? Why do they do that? How old was she when she learned to do that? Does she like doing that? What does that mean? Our guide handled it pretty well for a while, and then he just started pretending like he didnt know what he was saying.
Also, it took him about thirty minutes longer than everyone else to get up the mountain, and the spectacle he made when he got up the mountain left the two French girls with looks of horror on their faces. All in all a pretty standard performance for an American, at least the ones we have met here.
Day 3 Doi Suthep is a Wat on the mountain that leaves a stunning view of Chiang Mai. I will say the trip up the mountain, in the back of this truck left Sean and I feeling very motion sick. It was well worth it, but those of you coming to visit (Chuck, Alicia, Kylie, Shannon, Mom, John) we will not be going up with you, you are on your own. There is no way I would do that to myself again.
Puphing Palace This is the Royal Winter Palace. It was very beautiful, but even further up the mountain than the temple. There were beautiful flowers, fountains, and houses.
Wat U Mong. The last one we say was Wat U Mong. This is known has a forest wat, surrounded by trees and a small lake. Also, the Buddha is inside a cave, which was pretty cool. The pictures did not turn out so good.
Chiang Mai was wonderful, and we were extremely tired when we got back. There is still so much to see there, even though we filled everyday with as many activities as possible. It was a very great place to spend the New Year. Happy New Year!!!
Sean and Jana
Saturday, December 6, 2008
The King's Birthday
Hello, Well to everyone's relief especially the tourists that were stuck here, the airport is now open. Apparently all the political problems are over for a while. Yesterday was the King's Birthday, a huge event in all of Thailand. Bangkok has a huge parade, concerts, fireworks, and in general total chaos. Anyway, we took a boat taxi down to the parade.
After the parade we walked around for about three hours in the biggest crowds I have ever been in. I mean to say there were people everywhere doesn't really explain it. Basically there is someone touching you on all sides. We did manage to eat some good street food and we finally tried the fried bugs. Here is some video of that.
After walking around forever, we finally found a little free space to sit down on. So we sat in the grass in this area right by Grand Palace to wait for the fireworks. All of a suddent the Thai people started standing up, so naturally we stood up to. Then, they started singing, we unfortunately could not participate. Then, the fireworks started. It was pretty cool. I have video of this too, it's the best video by far.
After the fireworks we decided to walk around some more. Basically they had four stages in which you could hear all four at one time. Not to mention the fact that there are people everywhere. So one stage has dancing and singing, one stage has a band playing, one stage/ring was Muay Thai Boxing, (really cool), and the last stage was someone screaming (we could never figure out that one) Here is a video of what it was like.
After the parade we walked around for about three hours in the biggest crowds I have ever been in. I mean to say there were people everywhere doesn't really explain it. Basically there is someone touching you on all sides. We did manage to eat some good street food and we finally tried the fried bugs. Here is some video of that.
After walking around forever, we finally found a little free space to sit down on. So we sat in the grass in this area right by Grand Palace to wait for the fireworks. All of a suddent the Thai people started standing up, so naturally we stood up to. Then, they started singing, we unfortunately could not participate. Then, the fireworks started. It was pretty cool. I have video of this too, it's the best video by far.
After the fireworks we decided to walk around some more. Basically they had four stages in which you could hear all four at one time. Not to mention the fact that there are people everywhere. So one stage has dancing and singing, one stage has a band playing, one stage/ring was Muay Thai Boxing, (really cool), and the last stage was someone screaming (we could never figure out that one) Here is a video of what it was like.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Hua Hin
Hi all,
Jana and I just took our first trip (in Thailand) outside of Bangkok this past weekend. We went to Hua Hin, a beach town about 3 hours south of BKK that Lonely Planet describes as a "beach resort that priveleges luxury over hedonism"--a fairly apt description. There are several upscale hotels and condominium buildings, much of Hua Hin looks very similar to Florida: palm trees, tons of sun, and elaborate condominium buildings. I'll forego more general descriptions to give you all a day-by-day account.
Day 1
We left Bkk about 630 in the morning. We left early in order to move through traffic quickly. This plan worked well until we ran into--of all things--a marathon running through downtown Bkk. Needless to say, we were stuck in traffic at this point for over an hour. Finally, we arrived at the bus station about a little after 8 and got on our bus shortly after. We arrived in Hua Hin about noon. After a quick bite we headed to our guesthouse--450 baht a night, or about 13 $. (In this case we got we paid for, fortunately we didn't spend much time in the room itself.) We quickly evacuated our room and headed to the beach. The beach at Hua Hin is quite nice, the sand is white and fine, though the ocean was a little murky just coming off of their wet season. (The pictures make the water look clearer than it actually was.) We hung out at the beach for several hours and then after the sand, travel, and fatigue started to cause a little turmoil we decided it was time to get cleaned up. We ran home, showered, and then headed to a seafood restaurant a couple of our friends recommended.
I've had some good meals in Thailand (I've had some great meals in Thailand) but I think Jana and I would agree this was the best we've had. We ordered bbq prawns and a whole steamed fish with a side of steamed rice. The prawns we're huge (see the pics)and very delicious and the fish was--according to Jana: "The best fish I've every had." The dishes were served with garlic/chili sauce and sweet/sour sauce that were more savoury than seeing Brad Martin fail. The food was so good we decided to go ahead and order two more entrees. After dinner we headed to "downtown" Hua Hin--a small area full of al fresco bars--hung out here for a little while and went home.
The next morning we headed to Khao Takiab, a large cliff overlooking Hua Hin. This was one of the more diverse and rich experiences we've had in Thailand--combining incredible natural beauty, beautiful shrines, and a million half-wild, half-domesticated monkeys. Besides the food, this was my personal highlight of the trip, very Thai and very rewarding. After this, we headed to our tuk-tuk driver's personal hook-up (all the tuk-tuk drivers are connected to some store that offers them a comission for bringing tourists to their site), an elephant/horse/atv adventure camp. After some haggling with the Thai workers there, we decided to go ahead and ride an elephant. The elephant rider took us through a swamp and around a winding (sometimes steep path). You basically feel like you're falling off the giant at all times so Jana was screaming accordingly. After a while, our guide hopped off and invited me (I think he knew this would be a little much for Jana) to climb down onto the head.
This was about enough excitement for us for the day so we headed home, changed and went to the beach for a few hours. After the beach we cleaned up, went "downtown" and celebrated Jana's birthday (one day early) at a pizza restaurant. Good pizza is surprisingly hard to get in Thailand, and we were both pleasantly surprised by the price and quality of our pizza. After dinner, we stopped by the al fresco bar we went to the previous night, met a British couple that we talked to for a while, and eventually headed back to our guesthouse. The next morning we left Hua Hin at noon.
My overall impression from Hua Hin is of a more laid-back and relaxed Thailand. (It's often said that there are two Thailand's, Bkk and everywhere else.) Though Thais in general are best characterized as more laid-back than their Western counterparts, in Hua Hin this outlook is definitely more pronounced.
Jana and I just took our first trip (in Thailand) outside of Bangkok this past weekend. We went to Hua Hin, a beach town about 3 hours south of BKK that Lonely Planet describes as a "beach resort that priveleges luxury over hedonism"--a fairly apt description. There are several upscale hotels and condominium buildings, much of Hua Hin looks very similar to Florida: palm trees, tons of sun, and elaborate condominium buildings. I'll forego more general descriptions to give you all a day-by-day account.
Day 1
We left Bkk about 630 in the morning. We left early in order to move through traffic quickly. This plan worked well until we ran into--of all things--a marathon running through downtown Bkk. Needless to say, we were stuck in traffic at this point for over an hour. Finally, we arrived at the bus station about a little after 8 and got on our bus shortly after. We arrived in Hua Hin about noon. After a quick bite we headed to our guesthouse--450 baht a night, or about 13 $. (In this case we got we paid for, fortunately we didn't spend much time in the room itself.) We quickly evacuated our room and headed to the beach. The beach at Hua Hin is quite nice, the sand is white and fine, though the ocean was a little murky just coming off of their wet season. (The pictures make the water look clearer than it actually was.) We hung out at the beach for several hours and then after the sand, travel, and fatigue started to cause a little turmoil we decided it was time to get cleaned up. We ran home, showered, and then headed to a seafood restaurant a couple of our friends recommended.
I've had some good meals in Thailand (I've had some great meals in Thailand) but I think Jana and I would agree this was the best we've had. We ordered bbq prawns and a whole steamed fish with a side of steamed rice. The prawns we're huge (see the pics)and very delicious and the fish was--according to Jana: "The best fish I've every had." The dishes were served with garlic/chili sauce and sweet/sour sauce that were more savoury than seeing Brad Martin fail. The food was so good we decided to go ahead and order two more entrees. After dinner we headed to "downtown" Hua Hin--a small area full of al fresco bars--hung out here for a little while and went home.
The next morning we headed to Khao Takiab, a large cliff overlooking Hua Hin. This was one of the more diverse and rich experiences we've had in Thailand--combining incredible natural beauty, beautiful shrines, and a million half-wild, half-domesticated monkeys. Besides the food, this was my personal highlight of the trip, very Thai and very rewarding. After this, we headed to our tuk-tuk driver's personal hook-up (all the tuk-tuk drivers are connected to some store that offers them a comission for bringing tourists to their site), an elephant/horse/atv adventure camp. After some haggling with the Thai workers there, we decided to go ahead and ride an elephant. The elephant rider took us through a swamp and around a winding (sometimes steep path). You basically feel like you're falling off the giant at all times so Jana was screaming accordingly. After a while, our guide hopped off and invited me (I think he knew this would be a little much for Jana) to climb down onto the head.
This was about enough excitement for us for the day so we headed home, changed and went to the beach for a few hours. After the beach we cleaned up, went "downtown" and celebrated Jana's birthday (one day early) at a pizza restaurant. Good pizza is surprisingly hard to get in Thailand, and we were both pleasantly surprised by the price and quality of our pizza. After dinner, we stopped by the al fresco bar we went to the previous night, met a British couple that we talked to for a while, and eventually headed back to our guesthouse. The next morning we left Hua Hin at noon.
My overall impression from Hua Hin is of a more laid-back and relaxed Thailand. (It's often said that there are two Thailand's, Bkk and everywhere else.) Though Thais in general are best characterized as more laid-back than their Western counterparts, in Hua Hin this outlook is definitely more pronounced.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Lately
Hello Everyone,
So, we started Thai classes yesterday!!! It was great fun, and we know more Thai than we thought we did. All the words that we hear all the time now have some meaning. We take classes two days a week, Tuesday and Thursday. The classes are only one hour and a half, so no stress. Sean is the star of the class of course. He answers all the questions. Then, when Jum, our teacher, calls on me, I look at Sean like, "what did she just ask me?" You can take the student out of Truman but you can't take the Truman out of the student.
Last night we went to a coffee and dessert party. Everyone brought a dessert and a liquor to got with the espresso, which the host made. Sean nor I drink coffee so we pretty much felt like our hearts were going to beat out of chests with the combination of sugar and coffee. However it was a good time and we got some good tips about Hua Hin, which we are going to on Sunday.
Thanksgiving. Things were looking good for a nice big turkey dinner at this American Restaurant. We, however, have to work Thanksgiving night from 6:30 to 9:30. Also, a couple of our other friends have to work those hours as well, so we are not sure what we are going to do yet. We will be with our friends so that is what is important. Although, we both wish we could be with our families.
We are finally going to the beach. We will be leaving on Sunday, so look for pictures and updates.
So, we started Thai classes yesterday!!! It was great fun, and we know more Thai than we thought we did. All the words that we hear all the time now have some meaning. We take classes two days a week, Tuesday and Thursday. The classes are only one hour and a half, so no stress. Sean is the star of the class of course. He answers all the questions. Then, when Jum, our teacher, calls on me, I look at Sean like, "what did she just ask me?" You can take the student out of Truman but you can't take the Truman out of the student.
Last night we went to a coffee and dessert party. Everyone brought a dessert and a liquor to got with the espresso, which the host made. Sean nor I drink coffee so we pretty much felt like our hearts were going to beat out of chests with the combination of sugar and coffee. However it was a good time and we got some good tips about Hua Hin, which we are going to on Sunday.
Thanksgiving. Things were looking good for a nice big turkey dinner at this American Restaurant. We, however, have to work Thanksgiving night from 6:30 to 9:30. Also, a couple of our other friends have to work those hours as well, so we are not sure what we are going to do yet. We will be with our friends so that is what is important. Although, we both wish we could be with our families.
We are finally going to the beach. We will be leaving on Sunday, so look for pictures and updates.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Loy Krathong
Last night was Loy Krathong, a festival to celebrate and thank the Goddess of Water. Loy means to float and Krathong means raft. Loy Krathong is originally an Indian tradition that the Thais have adopted. Basically everyone goes down the the water, so in Bangkok it is Chao Phraya River and sets afloat a Krathong made from banana leaves and is decorated with flowers, candles, and incense sticks. You light the candles and the incense and then put it in the water, making a wish for something bad in your life to float away and saying a prayer of thanks for water.
We decided to do a dinner cruise, so that we would be on the water the whole time. First we went down the the river, and it was total chaos. There were people everywhere, which is normal but this was madness. We finally figured out what boat to take in order to get to the pier that our ship was leaving from. Once we got to River City Pier we took another smaller boat in order to get to the Chao Phraya Princess which was the name of the big boat we were cruising on.
When we were on the boat a woman walked us to our table. First she took us to the upper deck and we were so excited because we really wanted to sit in the open air outside. Then, she kept walking further and further to the point of the ship. When she finally sat us, we literally had the 2nd best table on the boat. We could see everything, it was amazing.
The cruie served dinner, they had an international buffet. So, there were mashed potatoes, which we have not had for a long time. They had lots of Thai food, seafood, desserts, and fruit. The food was okay, the Thai food was actually not that good and the farang (foreign) food was better. Usually it is always the opposite, most farang food here is not that good, especially American food.
The cruise went up and down the river, showcasing Wat Arun and Grand Palace. It also stopped in front of the Oriental Hotel for a fireworks show. The Oriental Hotel is the best hotel in Thailand and ranked second as the best hotel in the world. Anyway, the fireworks show was great and it was awesome because all of the boats were floating out in the middle for the show.
The cruise also had a singer, who was a bit crazy. She acted like she slammed about 10 red bulls before taking stage. She was all over the place, and desperately trying to get people to dance. They played some real hits: "Tequila", "La Bamba","Hero". Basically all the classics. All in all it was one of our best nights here.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya was the former capital of Thailand until the Burmese set fire to pretty much the whole town. The city was famous for its lavish temples and Grand Palace. Most of trip was spent viewing the ruins. There is nothing left of the Grand Palace except what looks like a few scattered stones.
Sean and I took the train to Ayutthaya, which is about an hour and a half. The price of the train is 30Baht for both, so it was one dollar for us to travel there. The train ride was an amazing way to see rice fields, the shrimp farms, and the many huts that people live in.
After we saw everything in Aytthaya we started the bargaining tactics to try to get a Tuk-Tuk to Bang Pa-in Palace. The Palace is known as the Summer Palace for the King and Queen and also many other Royal Families. It is more of a campus than just one palace, as you can see from our pictures. So, we finally bargained with a man to take us there for 200 baht which is six dollars. He tooks there and back to the train station, a total of an hour and a half driving time.
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