Well we're finally on our way (to our new) home. We arrived safely in Singapore this morning and are about to board the final flight to Frankfurt in about an hour.
We were a little sad to leave Bangkok (probably just because the thought of having to work is getting too close) - we went up the tallest building in Thailand for tea the other night - was really nice. Got up to the 84th floor where they have a revolving platform basically right at the top. We also booked into a nicer hotel for the last night so we could have a pool to relax in.
We got back to Singapore and were glad to find our main bags still in the hotel where we left them. Worked out really well, because they made us book a room for them to keep our bags, it meant we had somewhere to relax and get ready. We then lugged our stuff across town and appreciated how we didn't have to lug it around the rest of asia.
Anyway tomorrow its a whole new life for me - got to learn german and try to make some friends - maybe even get a job...
29 June 2005
26 June 2005
Bangkok (continued)
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| Hi again, Well we're well on our way to becoming experienced Bangkokians - we even helped out some other tourists today. We've now walked around the entire city about 4 times. We've kinda learnt out lesson - when we went to the Grand Palace we walked instead of taking a taxi, but now we just jump in and make sure they start the meter (and speak english). We've even survived a few tuk tuk rides. Quite fun once you learn to bargain - and travel early so as not to breath too much grey air. Yesterday morning we got really keen and went for the first run since we started our travels. We heading to Lampini park at about 1/4 to 7am and discovered that it was the busiest place in bangkok. Almost nothing opens in Bangkok until 9 or 10 so we were expecting the place to be deserted. It felt like we were doing the city to surf or something. Yesterday we ventured to the weekend markets - again something really to see. Because we don't really fit their cloths and there aren't any changing rooms to try, we basically just wandered around. I saw more different types of animals there than a medium sized zoo. Alot of them you feel a bit sorry for as they aren't always looked after very well, but the fish seem happy enough (most of them), and there is about the same variety as when we went diving. anyway better go as we're on these crazy computers that we had to buy prepaid vouchers for and they will kick me off and delete this when my hour runs out. | |||
22 June 2005
Bangkok
Well we've entered the madness of Bangkok. We ended up skipping the stop in Chumphon as the ferries and train all matched up nicely and we managed to get an overnight train to here the same day. They had a nifty little scam going in Chumphon - they dropped us off at a bar called "Farang Bar" (Foreigner bar) which made us a little sus, but they fed us and we were able to surf the web for a little while etc and even booked the train for us very "helpfully". The scam was quite clever in that in the lower bunks in the train cost more, so we paid appropriately, but they wouldn't give us the tickets until we actually got to the station. On checking the tickets there (with only a few minutes to spare), we discover they've booked upper bunks and kept the change. We questioned the girl that dropped us off who seemed to understand very little english all of a sudden, but after trying to blow us off, just gave us the change. Pretty nice for them - all they lose is the scam profits - the scam with all upsides and no downsides!
Anyway we then suffered on a train cooled to near NZ temperatures (winter) and little 6 foot compartments (if you're concerned - kerstin was fine), and finally got to Bangkok. We booked into a hotel that we had heard about, styled (as in had no work donë) in the 50's. We were duly notified that they didn't take sex tourists and that if they mistook your wife as a prostitute, they would not applogise and that no complaints were acceptable (kinda fortunate for them given the room we got). Because we were sick of walking we booked in for one night and found somewhere nicer the next day (sorry V&V).
We've now checked out the grand palace (had to hire long pants to get in and very nearly died in the heat). They have what is commonly known as the emerald budda there, for which they would kill you if you so much as point your feet at it. The king himself changes the Budda's clothes each season (I'm not joking). The buildings were quite stunning - the amount of detail was way too much for me in the heat, the whole place spares no expense or effort so there is alot to see. After spending the whole day wandering around on a beautiful (read scorching hot) day, we went to the movies to relax.
Today we went to see the Reclining Budda - a massive 45 metre long, 3 metre high statue - oh and the golden Budda - 5.5 tonnes of solid gold. Both were very touristy and while impressive they were a little disappointing, given that we were constantly being asked to move aside so Indian tourists could have their picture taken beside them.
Anyway we then suffered on a train cooled to near NZ temperatures (winter) and little 6 foot compartments (if you're concerned - kerstin was fine), and finally got to Bangkok. We booked into a hotel that we had heard about, styled (as in had no work donë) in the 50's. We were duly notified that they didn't take sex tourists and that if they mistook your wife as a prostitute, they would not applogise and that no complaints were acceptable (kinda fortunate for them given the room we got). Because we were sick of walking we booked in for one night and found somewhere nicer the next day (sorry V&V).
We've now checked out the grand palace (had to hire long pants to get in and very nearly died in the heat). They have what is commonly known as the emerald budda there, for which they would kill you if you so much as point your feet at it. The king himself changes the Budda's clothes each season (I'm not joking). The buildings were quite stunning - the amount of detail was way too much for me in the heat, the whole place spares no expense or effort so there is alot to see. After spending the whole day wandering around on a beautiful (read scorching hot) day, we went to the movies to relax.
Today we went to see the Reclining Budda - a massive 45 metre long, 3 metre high statue - oh and the golden Budda - 5.5 tonnes of solid gold. Both were very touristy and while impressive they were a little disappointing, given that we were constantly being asked to move aside so Indian tourists could have their picture taken beside them.
19 June 2005
The beach
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| Ahh the last 6 or 7 days or so since the last update have been great. First we went on a trip to Ang Thong Marine Park where we did some snorkelling and Kayaking around a lovely little group of islands. Then we shifted house and came to Koh Pha-ngan and found a really superb little beach called Hat Yao on the North Western side of the island. We got a room for 200 baht (around $8) per night, right by the beach. The beach itself is really cool - it has a little reef that anytime apart from a couple of hours either side of high tide, protects it from any waves etc. So during the day you get heaps of people just sitting and playing in the calm shallow water. They make most of their money from the restaurant so meals were an extortionate 50-60 baht (around $2) from the 30 odd we were paying on the mainland. So after sitting in the nice calm warm water (just rubbing it in for the NZers reading this :), we decided to do our diving course there, so we signed on the dotted line and the next day we started. After 3 days we did two dives at "Sail rock" - a rock in the middle of the ocean that just rises vertically from the bottom and therefore makes great diving. The water was a crazy 29-30 degrees which made diving really quite pleasant. It was really nice to get down and see what had only tempted us when we were snorkelling. We saw a moray eel amoungst many other fasinating things. Apon completing our course we had a massage to congradulate ourselves - we really should have tried it earlier! We both had "Thai massages" which is where they push and pull your entire body to leave you feeling pretty relaxed at the end of the 1 1/2 hour session! Yesterday we decided we had had enough of the strenous stuff and had a lazy day sitting around on our lovely beach. We did some more snorkelling and also had another massage as we really enjoyed the one the day before! Today we are heading off reluctantly to Koh Tao that we're now just using as a stepping stone on our way north to Bangkok. We'll probably stay one night in Chumphon on the coast and then get a night train north the following night. Now we feel like we've had a honeymoon... | |||
12 June 2005
The move to Thailand
Feels like I haven't updated the blog for weeks...
Well we finally made it to Thailand. On Langkawi we got up at six, went part-way towards the mountain we were going to climb, discovered that no gas stations were open and we were going to run out of gas, changed course, went to the set of "Anna and the king" instead, then went back to our hotel, tried to return the scooter, discovered the place wasn't open, paniced, managed to return it in the nick of time, jumped into a taxi, went to the ferry terminal, managed to eat breakfast, got on the ferry - all in perfect time.
We then got scammed first up in Thailand - Fares into the town 7 kms away were about the same as a 5 hour journey, but we figured that their scam (involving booking a ticket right to Surat Thani a days jouney north) kinda saved us time anyway, so weren't too worried.
We stayed the night in Surat Thani, then went to the Khao Sok National Park, where we got to ride on an elepant, see lots of pretty butterflies, eat lots of fruit off the hotel's trees, and relax a bit.
Anyway now we now are on Koh Samui - we arrived last night and today rented another scooter and had a look around. They didn't even look to see whether I had a license, let alone the international license I'm supposed to have, but don't. Tomorrow we're going to Ang Thong Marine Park to do some kayaking and snorkelling etc.
Kerstin was hoping to do a Thai cooking course, but it seems to be pretty touristy, so we'll try again on another island. On Tuesday we'll probably head to Koh Phan ngan which is a bit more backpacker-like (here is a bit more upmarket), and then after a few days will head to Koh Tao for some diving...
Well we finally made it to Thailand. On Langkawi we got up at six, went part-way towards the mountain we were going to climb, discovered that no gas stations were open and we were going to run out of gas, changed course, went to the set of "Anna and the king" instead, then went back to our hotel, tried to return the scooter, discovered the place wasn't open, paniced, managed to return it in the nick of time, jumped into a taxi, went to the ferry terminal, managed to eat breakfast, got on the ferry - all in perfect time.
We then got scammed first up in Thailand - Fares into the town 7 kms away were about the same as a 5 hour journey, but we figured that their scam (involving booking a ticket right to Surat Thani a days jouney north) kinda saved us time anyway, so weren't too worried.
We stayed the night in Surat Thani, then went to the Khao Sok National Park, where we got to ride on an elepant, see lots of pretty butterflies, eat lots of fruit off the hotel's trees, and relax a bit.
Anyway now we now are on Koh Samui - we arrived last night and today rented another scooter and had a look around. They didn't even look to see whether I had a license, let alone the international license I'm supposed to have, but don't. Tomorrow we're going to Ang Thong Marine Park to do some kayaking and snorkelling etc.
Kerstin was hoping to do a Thai cooking course, but it seems to be pretty touristy, so we'll try again on another island. On Tuesday we'll probably head to Koh Phan ngan which is a bit more backpacker-like (here is a bit more upmarket), and then after a few days will head to Koh Tao for some diving...
07 June 2005
Hello from Langkawi
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| Well we changed our minds and didn't bother going to Penang in the end as the beaches aren't up to our standards, so we jumped on the next bus (conveniently sitting beside the one we were on) and headed up to the ferry terminal to Pulau Langkawi. Its a rather interesting place - first the guy who seemed very helpful and helped us find where to buy the tickets and find the ferry etc, suddenly didn't want to leave us alone when we arrived here. Not entirely sure what his scam was, but everyone here seems to be in each others pockets, so we guessed he was either planning to pick our pockets, or maybe just get backhanders from the taxi and hostel when we booked them... Anyway we managed to lose him after quite of bit of effort and after trying to hire a scooter, we got picked up by some guy using "his" car to play taxi for the day. Anyway he was also very friendly and gave us some real french cognac when we told him it was our honeymoon (which is probably worth more than the fare), so we weren't sure what his game was either - but he offered his phonenumber for if we had any troubles and insisted on going in personally to see if the hostel had any spare rooms etc. All I can say is I'm glad I still have my wallet and bag... So we went for a quick swim which was *very* warm, and went for a nice stroll along the beach - all very welcome after getting back into the heat that we had been able to get away from in the highlands. Today we hired a scooter for 25 Ringgit (about $10) and went for a drive. It was lovely for the first half of the day, then a light rain started. It was kinda fun - I got a free massage, and it wasn't really that cold. However when we wanted to come back home, it had got more persistant and heavier... and we were around the other side of the island. We had asked whether the monsoon had started, and nobody seemed too concerned. We got home and then an hour later we really found out what a monsoon was all about. Rain that beat the west coast. Unfortunately that meant we were trapped inside for the rest of the afternoon. Tomorrow morning we're going to make a early start and try and get to the top of the highest mountain before we have to catch the ferry just after 9. Then we might finally get into Thailand. | |||
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05 June 2005
Kuala Lumpur and Cameron Highlands
Well we failed on the whole getting up to heights in KL - we tried to have tea in the KL tower and discovered that you have to book about a week in advance, then we tried to get up the Petronas towers and missed that too as they only allow 800 people up a day and the loney planet lied as to the time to be there. But the Petronas Towers were impressive from below (and at least we can say we were in them...).
Anyway we went to the Batu caves (large caves just outside KL that were converted into a Hindu shrine about 110 years ago). Pretty amazing - firstly just the size - the main cave is about 100 metres high and big round too. You get to it via 272 steps up a big staircase that isn't far from vertical. You can hire these little voice things that tell you all about the various parts of the temple. They explained all the different gods (well the most common ones anyway) and the mythology that goes with them. They have heaps of statues built right into the walls of the cave. I couldn't imagine it being built in NZ - the greenies would throw their toys about the cave desecration.
Next we discovered that it was school holidays *and* a public holiday when we wanted to go to the Cameron Highlands. So we rang around about 20 places until we found one that had a spare room - 340 Ringit - compared to the 40-50 odd that we've been paying in other places. Kerstin was pretty keen to go anyway, so we made it a honeymoon special. I quite enjoyed walking into a flash hotel wearing sandals, a singlet and running shorts.
Today we went on a tour around the "Boh" tea plantation. It was pretty interesting. Firstly the countryside looks pretty cool with the vast rows of tea bushes, then we visited the factory and saw how tea is actually made. Our guide also took us bush for a while and taught us how to survive slightly longer in the bush and how to kill anyone we don't like in various nasty ways. All in all a really enjoyable day.
Tomorrow we head north to Penang as a stopover, before heading up to the Ko Samui and Ko Tao island group in Thailand. I'm looking forward to doing a diving course - and am trying to persuede Kerstin that she does too...
Anyway we went to the Batu caves (large caves just outside KL that were converted into a Hindu shrine about 110 years ago). Pretty amazing - firstly just the size - the main cave is about 100 metres high and big round too. You get to it via 272 steps up a big staircase that isn't far from vertical. You can hire these little voice things that tell you all about the various parts of the temple. They explained all the different gods (well the most common ones anyway) and the mythology that goes with them. They have heaps of statues built right into the walls of the cave. I couldn't imagine it being built in NZ - the greenies would throw their toys about the cave desecration.
Next we discovered that it was school holidays *and* a public holiday when we wanted to go to the Cameron Highlands. So we rang around about 20 places until we found one that had a spare room - 340 Ringit - compared to the 40-50 odd that we've been paying in other places. Kerstin was pretty keen to go anyway, so we made it a honeymoon special. I quite enjoyed walking into a flash hotel wearing sandals, a singlet and running shorts.
Today we went on a tour around the "Boh" tea plantation. It was pretty interesting. Firstly the countryside looks pretty cool with the vast rows of tea bushes, then we visited the factory and saw how tea is actually made. Our guide also took us bush for a while and taught us how to survive slightly longer in the bush and how to kill anyone we don't like in various nasty ways. All in all a really enjoyable day.
Tomorrow we head north to Penang as a stopover, before heading up to the Ko Samui and Ko Tao island group in Thailand. I'm looking forward to doing a diving course - and am trying to persuede Kerstin that she does too...
02 June 2005
Hello from KL
Hey y'all,
Well we've made it safe and sound up to KL in Malaysia - I can't actually spell the city name, so I hope you know where I'm talking about.
Brief history: On Sunday Evening we arrived in Singapore. According to the pilot it was only 26ish degrees when we landed - I'd like to disagree. After lugging our 14 bags around the airport and onto the MRT (train), I'd lost more sweat than I thought I had in me... and then we had to get off at the other end. We had been contemplating taking our packs around with us, but this quickly changed our minds to "we're leaving our bags here at any cost".
Monday found us sweating our way around Orchard Rd and going to see the orchids in the botanic gardens. On our way to the gardens we saw heaps of turtles in a pond. While trying to capture a video of them, I nearly died in the sun. Needless to say, water was our friend.
On Tuesday we headed up to Melaka mostly by train. It was supposed to take 3 hours, but after moving about 2km, it decided to sit there for about an hour before moving on. When we got to Tampin, we caught the first bus we could - after being told by a wiley old taxi driver that there weren't any... he tried really hard - "would I lie to you, look at me, i'm old, look at my hair" - turned out (fortunately) that he would lie to us :) We ended up catching a local bus which took us the scenic (read long) route the rest of the way. Melaka is a town with a lot of history. First colonised in 1511 by the Portuguese, then the Dutch, then the English, then Japs, then English again. We stayed in a little hostel where we discovered that even top sheets weren't included in the price. That night we discovered why - even with the fan on, it was too damned hot.
Wednesday, we went for a wander around the township. I persueded Kerstin to allow me to hire a trishaw which was much better than walking. I don't think they know what wind is here, so some old guy peddling us around at 10km/h was sheer bliss. We also went to the "Sound and light show", which was a tape recorded history of Melaka.
Today we've moved on to Kuala Lumpur. Everything went smoothly today. The bus didn't rattle much at all, and we were here by lunchtime. We ate Indian for tea which was great after the terrible Indian we tried in Singapore. Now Kerstin is just checking all her job emails, and then we might head to the KL tower for tea :)
I think we're starting to adjust to the heat here now. I don't start beading sweat as soon as I step outside anymore. Don't get me wrong though, I can't wait to get to the islands in Thailand...
Till next time.
Lindsay and Kerstin
Well we've made it safe and sound up to KL in Malaysia - I can't actually spell the city name, so I hope you know where I'm talking about.
Brief history: On Sunday Evening we arrived in Singapore. According to the pilot it was only 26ish degrees when we landed - I'd like to disagree. After lugging our 14 bags around the airport and onto the MRT (train), I'd lost more sweat than I thought I had in me... and then we had to get off at the other end. We had been contemplating taking our packs around with us, but this quickly changed our minds to "we're leaving our bags here at any cost".
Monday found us sweating our way around Orchard Rd and going to see the orchids in the botanic gardens. On our way to the gardens we saw heaps of turtles in a pond. While trying to capture a video of them, I nearly died in the sun. Needless to say, water was our friend.
On Tuesday we headed up to Melaka mostly by train. It was supposed to take 3 hours, but after moving about 2km, it decided to sit there for about an hour before moving on. When we got to Tampin, we caught the first bus we could - after being told by a wiley old taxi driver that there weren't any... he tried really hard - "would I lie to you, look at me, i'm old, look at my hair" - turned out (fortunately) that he would lie to us :) We ended up catching a local bus which took us the scenic (read long) route the rest of the way. Melaka is a town with a lot of history. First colonised in 1511 by the Portuguese, then the Dutch, then the English, then Japs, then English again. We stayed in a little hostel where we discovered that even top sheets weren't included in the price. That night we discovered why - even with the fan on, it was too damned hot.
Wednesday, we went for a wander around the township. I persueded Kerstin to allow me to hire a trishaw which was much better than walking. I don't think they know what wind is here, so some old guy peddling us around at 10km/h was sheer bliss. We also went to the "Sound and light show", which was a tape recorded history of Melaka.
Today we've moved on to Kuala Lumpur. Everything went smoothly today. The bus didn't rattle much at all, and we were here by lunchtime. We ate Indian for tea which was great after the terrible Indian we tried in Singapore. Now Kerstin is just checking all her job emails, and then we might head to the KL tower for tea :)
I think we're starting to adjust to the heat here now. I don't start beading sweat as soon as I step outside anymore. Don't get me wrong though, I can't wait to get to the islands in Thailand...
Till next time.
Lindsay and Kerstin
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