All I can say is now I know why they call it Bangkok.
We were dropped off at 5:10 am on a random rode in what we hoped to be Bangkok. A little drowsy and a lot of confused, we just followed to crowed down a dark alley way to end up on the infamous Ko Shan Road. Shockingly enough there were still gaggles of partiers sprinkled throughout the littered street and we were lucky enough to find a our hotel just down the road.
For the first time since arriving in Thailand we decided to stay in a proper hotel. The kind with private bathrooms, locks on doors, and beds with sheets. Since it was 5:23 am at this point we basically sat in the lobby of the "Dang Derm Authentic Thai Hotel" until it was light outside and then set out on a adventure.
Luckily enough we stumbled into a travel agency that offered us a great deal to take us to all the major tourist spots and included lunch. We signd up. Traveling in Bangkok is a little sketchy and most of the time you can't trust taxi drivers along the roads. They are notorious for taking you to the wrong location or charging you astronomical amounts so having private transportation for the day was a huge relief.
Mr. Mike and P' Millie made sure we had a great day along with our new Korean friends. We were able to see some amazing sights in Bangkok.
The Grand Palace:
The name is pretty self explanatory but it is where the King lives. He is a sacred symbol here in Thailand and is admired in Thailand more so than Buddha (which is saying something). His campus holds multiple buildings, temples, statues, and ancient relics all holding symbolism and meaning. Maybe I'll get around to posting about different buddhas and Thai symbolism.
Wat Do:
Wat means temple. I'm not sure what Do means but Wat Do is famous for having the third largest Buddha in Thailand. The position in which Buddha is placed means different things. This particular Buddha is reclining, which is the "Tuesday" Buddha. Supposedly on the Tuesday of the week of Buddha's enlightenment he had a dream in which he viewed what heaven was like, therefore this fellow is laying on his side. It is MASSIVE! Around the walls of the temple or drawn images of the human body in both man, spirit, and devil form. This is where Thai's were taught and educated about human anatomy. The images on the wall were how they would learn the art of massage and are still preserved for students to study today. (Don't worry Richard, I took pictures so you'd have a jump on all the other med school students. None of them will have Thai cheats. :) )
Sunset Temple:
Situated right across from the river in Bangkok is a temple reaching miles into the sky. In the top section of the temple sits Buddha statues in which the climber may worship once they reach the top. The view was amazing and we even signed our names on the wall to show that we made it!
Long Tail Ride:
We use the most random sources of transportation here. Along the choppy river go hundreds of these long tail boats. I have no clue how they steer these things with such great precision. We were taken into little channels where people live in shacks with pet iguanas just chilling by the shore. We stopped right outside a temple where monks were making bread. I was a little confused why were all given loafs until suddenly literally thousands of fish swarmed around our boats. As legend has it these fish can only be found in this small section of the channel by this particular temple. If caught they must be released and not harmed. Anyone who harms or uses these fish will bring evil spirits into their homes. But don't worry. I gave feed them my whole loaf which means good luck to my household. You can thank me later Mom and Dad.
After our buffet lunch on the river were were taken back to Dang Derm where we relaxed by the pool in the rain. Such a great day ended with 30 baht street pad thai.
So if you are ever in Bangkok look up my pals Mr. Mike and P' Millie. Best Thai tour guides I've ever had.
Pictures to come soon!
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Bangkok Day One of Two
All I can say is now I know why they call it Bangkok.
We were dropped off at 5:10 am on a random rode in what we hoped to be Bangkok. A little drowsy and a lot of confused, we just followed to crowed down a dark alley way to end up on the infamous Ko Shan Road. Shockingly enough there were still gaggles of partiers sprinkled throughout the littered street and we were lucky enough to find a our hotel just down the road.
For the first time since arriving in Thailand we decided to stay in a proper hotel. The kind with private bathrooms, locks on doors, and beds with sheets. Since it was 5:23 am at this point we basically sat in the lobby of the "Dang Derm Authentic Thai Hotel" until it was light outside and then set out on a adventure.
Luckily enough we stumbled into a travel agency that offered us a great deal to take us to all the major tourist spots and included lunch. We signd up. Traveling in Bangkok is a little sketchy and most of the time you can't trust taxi drivers along the roads. They are notorious for taking you to the wrong location or charging you astronomical amounts so having private transportation for the day was a huge relief.
Mr. Mike and P' Millie made sure we had a great day along with our new Korean friends. We were able to see some amazing sights in Bangkok.
The Grand Palace:
The name is pretty self explanatory but it is where the King lives. He is a sacred symbol here in Thailand and is admired in Thailand more so than Buddha (which is saying something). His campus holds multiple buildings, temples, statues, and ancient relics all holding symbolism and meaning. Maybe I'll get around to posting about different buddhas and Thai symbolism.
Wat Do:
Wat means temple. I'm not sure what Do means but Wat Do is famous for having the third largest Buddha in Thailand. The position in which Buddha is placed means different things. This particular Buddha is reclining, which is the "Tuesday" Buddha. Supposedly on the Tuesday of the week of Buddha's enlightenment he had a dream in which he viewed what heaven was like, therefore this fellow is laying on his side. It is MASSIVE! Around the walls of the temple or drawn images of the human body in both man, spirit, and devil form. This is where Thai's were taught and educated about human anatomy. The images on the wall were how they would learn the art of massage and are still preserved for students to study today. (Don't worry Richard, I took pictures so you'd have a jump on all the other med school students. None of them will have Thai cheats. :) )
Sunset Temple:
Situated right across from the river in Bangkok is a temple reaching miles into the sky. In the top section of the temple sits Buddha statues in which the climber may worship once they reach the top. The view was amazing and we even signed our names on the wall to show that we made it!
Long Tail Ride:
We use the most random sources of transportation here. Along the choppy river go hundreds of these long tail boats. I have no clue how they steer these things with such great precision. We were taken into little channels where people live in shacks with pet iguanas just chilling by the shore. We stopped right outside a temple where monks were making bread. I was a little confused why were all given loafs until suddenly literally thousands of fish swarmed around our boats. As legend has it these fish can only be found in this small section of the channel by this particular temple. If caught they must be released and not harmed. Anyone who harms or uses these fish will bring evil spirits into their homes. But don't worry. I gave feed them my whole loaf which means good luck to my household. You can thank me later Mom and Dad.
After our buffet lunch on the river were were taken back to Dang Derm where we relaxed by the pool in the rain. Such a great day ended with 30 baht street pad thai.
So if you are ever in Bangkok look up my pals Mr. Mike and P' Millie. Best Thai tour guides I've ever had.
Pictures to come soon!
We were dropped off at 5:10 am on a random rode in what we hoped to be Bangkok. A little drowsy and a lot of confused, we just followed to crowed down a dark alley way to end up on the infamous Ko Shan Road. Shockingly enough there were still gaggles of partiers sprinkled throughout the littered street and we were lucky enough to find a our hotel just down the road.
For the first time since arriving in Thailand we decided to stay in a proper hotel. The kind with private bathrooms, locks on doors, and beds with sheets. Since it was 5:23 am at this point we basically sat in the lobby of the "Dang Derm Authentic Thai Hotel" until it was light outside and then set out on a adventure.
Luckily enough we stumbled into a travel agency that offered us a great deal to take us to all the major tourist spots and included lunch. We signd up. Traveling in Bangkok is a little sketchy and most of the time you can't trust taxi drivers along the roads. They are notorious for taking you to the wrong location or charging you astronomical amounts so having private transportation for the day was a huge relief.
Mr. Mike and P' Millie made sure we had a great day along with our new Korean friends. We were able to see some amazing sights in Bangkok.
The Grand Palace:
The name is pretty self explanatory but it is where the King lives. He is a sacred symbol here in Thailand and is admired in Thailand more so than Buddha (which is saying something). His campus holds multiple buildings, temples, statues, and ancient relics all holding symbolism and meaning. Maybe I'll get around to posting about different buddhas and Thai symbolism.
Wat Do:
Wat means temple. I'm not sure what Do means but Wat Do is famous for having the third largest Buddha in Thailand. The position in which Buddha is placed means different things. This particular Buddha is reclining, which is the "Tuesday" Buddha. Supposedly on the Tuesday of the week of Buddha's enlightenment he had a dream in which he viewed what heaven was like, therefore this fellow is laying on his side. It is MASSIVE! Around the walls of the temple or drawn images of the human body in both man, spirit, and devil form. This is where Thai's were taught and educated about human anatomy. The images on the wall were how they would learn the art of massage and are still preserved for students to study today. (Don't worry Richard, I took pictures so you'd have a jump on all the other med school students. None of them will have Thai cheats. :) )
Sunset Temple:
Situated right across from the river in Bangkok is a temple reaching miles into the sky. In the top section of the temple sits Buddha statues in which the climber may worship once they reach the top. The view was amazing and we even signed our names on the wall to show that we made it!
Long Tail Ride:
We use the most random sources of transportation here. Along the choppy river go hundreds of these long tail boats. I have no clue how they steer these things with such great precision. We were taken into little channels where people live in shacks with pet iguanas just chilling by the shore. We stopped right outside a temple where monks were making bread. I was a little confused why were all given loafs until suddenly literally thousands of fish swarmed around our boats. As legend has it these fish can only be found in this small section of the channel by this particular temple. If caught they must be released and not harmed. Anyone who harms or uses these fish will bring evil spirits into their homes. But don't worry. I gave feed them my whole loaf which means good luck to my household. You can thank me later Mom and Dad.
After our buffet lunch on the river were were taken back to Dang Derm where we relaxed by the pool in the rain. Such a great day ended with 30 baht street pad thai.
So if you are ever in Bangkok look up my pals Mr. Mike and P' Millie. Best Thai tour guides I've ever had.
Pictures to come soon!
Teaching P' Katoon
Obviouly the Mirror Foundation is a small NGO but they offer employement opportunties to local staff. From cooks to translators these are great jobs to have since many of their basic needs are taken care of.
I grew to love one translator in particularly. Her name is P' Katoon. (In Thai you had a the prefix "P" in order to show a sign of respect, like Ms. or Mr.) She is from the Akha hill tribe about two hours from the foundation. She is cute, small, and so funny.
One of the volunteers that had been at mirror invited me to teach Katoon at night with her. That's when I really started to get to know her. It is common for Thai people to be shy and generally unapproachable but once I broke the shell with Katoon she was a blast.
One of the funniest moment I had with her was completely random. We had just finished volunteering at the hospital and we were waiting to jump in the back of our truck. Since we were in town we asked Katoon if we could stop at a 7-11 for treats before we went back into the jungle. She said ok. then she got a smile on her face and said "ask me again." (know that the Thai accent is strong here and can not be accurately displayed via the world wide web.) A little bit confused we asked her again. She started to giggle and said "sure why not?" (I'm such a great English teacher I focus on slang. :) )
Katoon has such a drive to learn. She takes each opportunity she has to grow and make a better situation for herselvf. One night when we were working on conversation I asked her what her ambition was in life. Her response was simple, "to know good people." She wants good people to be around her. This simple ambition meant the world to me. She didn't want money or to visit the states or own her own home but just to know and experience good people.
I'm going to miss Katoon but she has forever impacted how I view and view those around me. I've been a little stressed with the fact that I only have one semester of college left but have now been thinking of how that's only the beginning of my learning process. I have a long way to go because like Katoon, I have much to learn.
I grew to love one translator in particularly. Her name is P' Katoon. (In Thai you had a the prefix "P" in order to show a sign of respect, like Ms. or Mr.) She is from the Akha hill tribe about two hours from the foundation. She is cute, small, and so funny.
One of the volunteers that had been at mirror invited me to teach Katoon at night with her. That's when I really started to get to know her. It is common for Thai people to be shy and generally unapproachable but once I broke the shell with Katoon she was a blast.
One of the funniest moment I had with her was completely random. We had just finished volunteering at the hospital and we were waiting to jump in the back of our truck. Since we were in town we asked Katoon if we could stop at a 7-11 for treats before we went back into the jungle. She said ok. then she got a smile on her face and said "ask me again." (know that the Thai accent is strong here and can not be accurately displayed via the world wide web.) A little bit confused we asked her again. She started to giggle and said "sure why not?" (I'm such a great English teacher I focus on slang. :) )
Katoon has such a drive to learn. She takes each opportunity she has to grow and make a better situation for herselvf. One night when we were working on conversation I asked her what her ambition was in life. Her response was simple, "to know good people." She wants good people to be around her. This simple ambition meant the world to me. She didn't want money or to visit the states or own her own home but just to know and experience good people.
I'm going to miss Katoon but she has forever impacted how I view and view those around me. I've been a little stressed with the fact that I only have one semester of college left but have now been thinking of how that's only the beginning of my learning process. I have a long way to go because like Katoon, I have much to learn.
Saturday, July 21, 2012
English Camp
"Quote about knowledge here."
For the past 22 years I have been speaking English. I would like to think that I'm pretty good at it. Yes sometimes my slang words are not exactly lady like and sometimes I even speak with a southern drawl but overall I speak English well.
So when I decided to come to Thailand to volunteer as an English teacher I wasn't so worried. However until there is a communication barrier you never appreciate communication until it has been interrupted.
Each week we are assigned different classes to teach. We were told last week that there would be an "English camp" that we would attend that was pretty far from the foundation so we would spend the day at the school. On Tuesday morning we were picked up in a nice bus (a major change from the back up pick-ups). We arrived at the school and were greeted by a lovely room with fresh cakes and beverages. The director came in and told us in broken English about his school. The teachers were so welcoming and it made us excited to teach. Since the school was not used to volunteers the kids were extra excited and eager for us to teach them. They followed us around, asked for hugs, and loved to say "Hi!"
We were feed a FEAST for lunch including decoratively cut fruit. We were able to learn more about the school from a young Thai girl who recited acts to us in English. The two English teachers chatted with us. The older teacher taught us how to correctly eat and even a few new phrases. Her laugh was so contiagious and I felt so a home there.
I was so sad to leave. She offered to kidnap me and I almost complied but told her I'd make it back. Sure enough I was able to go again on the last day of camp! I wore the t-shirt they had given me and she just laughed that I had it. (It might possibly be the coolest blue glittered rooster t-shirt you've ever seen.)
The kids were so fun! We taught nature so we went on an outdoor adventure with them. Afterwards I signed around 150 autographs because they love for us to leave them English messages. It is like we are celebrities. I taught the kids how to pound it. I'm not sure if that was a good skill or not but it made me laugh each time.
After another fantastic lunch we were shown the culture room. Inside it had Thai money, lanterns, and other art. Some of the kids were making bowls and other goods out of banana leafs. I asked so many questions. I couldn't get enough. The culture teacher then showed us how to make decorative designs.
At the end of the day they took us back to the White Temple. The younger English teacher had never had the chance to visit the temple even though she has lived in this area her whole life. I was so grateful for a personal tour guide this time around.
English camp was such a great experience. I enjoyed the children and most of all enjoyed the people that I got to know. The people of Thailand are so giving and loving. I feel so blessed for this opportunity to learn from others and have so many amazing experiences.
For the past 22 years I have been speaking English. I would like to think that I'm pretty good at it. Yes sometimes my slang words are not exactly lady like and sometimes I even speak with a southern drawl but overall I speak English well.
So when I decided to come to Thailand to volunteer as an English teacher I wasn't so worried. However until there is a communication barrier you never appreciate communication until it has been interrupted.
Each week we are assigned different classes to teach. We were told last week that there would be an "English camp" that we would attend that was pretty far from the foundation so we would spend the day at the school. On Tuesday morning we were picked up in a nice bus (a major change from the back up pick-ups). We arrived at the school and were greeted by a lovely room with fresh cakes and beverages. The director came in and told us in broken English about his school. The teachers were so welcoming and it made us excited to teach. Since the school was not used to volunteers the kids were extra excited and eager for us to teach them. They followed us around, asked for hugs, and loved to say "Hi!"
We were feed a FEAST for lunch including decoratively cut fruit. We were able to learn more about the school from a young Thai girl who recited acts to us in English. The two English teachers chatted with us. The older teacher taught us how to correctly eat and even a few new phrases. Her laugh was so contiagious and I felt so a home there.
I was so sad to leave. She offered to kidnap me and I almost complied but told her I'd make it back. Sure enough I was able to go again on the last day of camp! I wore the t-shirt they had given me and she just laughed that I had it. (It might possibly be the coolest blue glittered rooster t-shirt you've ever seen.)
The kids were so fun! We taught nature so we went on an outdoor adventure with them. Afterwards I signed around 150 autographs because they love for us to leave them English messages. It is like we are celebrities. I taught the kids how to pound it. I'm not sure if that was a good skill or not but it made me laugh each time.
After another fantastic lunch we were shown the culture room. Inside it had Thai money, lanterns, and other art. Some of the kids were making bowls and other goods out of banana leafs. I asked so many questions. I couldn't get enough. The culture teacher then showed us how to make decorative designs.
At the end of the day they took us back to the White Temple. The younger English teacher had never had the chance to visit the temple even though she has lived in this area her whole life. I was so grateful for a personal tour guide this time around.
English camp was such a great experience. I enjoyed the children and most of all enjoyed the people that I got to know. The people of Thailand are so giving and loving. I feel so blessed for this opportunity to learn from others and have so many amazing experiences.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
No Monkey Business
"Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace."
-Buddha
Twice a week I have gone to Fun Min Temple to teach monks ranging in ages from 12-18. They are so fun. I don't know if it was growing up with brothers but I felt at home in a room full of teenage boys. They may have been Thai monks but they still weren't totally different than teenage boys at home. They love to play jokes, be silly, and make fun of teachers.
I had to nick name the two older monks at the school. "Papa Monk" is in his 30's. He has been a monk for "many years" and travels around the world teaching others about Buddism so his English is pretty good. The funniest moment that we had with him is when he brought us eye wash. He had purchased it in the states and wanted to know what it was for. He was a little disappointed that it only helped your eyes but seemed content knowing what it was. Why he bought it? I'm not sure. Maybe it had really cool labeling?
Then there was "Big Brother Monk." When you picture a monk you picture this character. He was round, large, and smiled all the time. His English was limited but he would make sure to greet us and say goodbye each day.
I had so much fun with these kids. Papa Monk would sit in on my lessons and he was impressed with the few Thai phrases that I've picked up. My monks loved when I would tell them to stop talking, listen, or not funny in Thai. I had to be careful of letting them teach me Thai because they were making me say things like "I love you" which could get a female teacher in some trouble. (Women are not allowed to touch Monks. It is a big deal here.)
I will post pictures as soon as I can but living in the jungle keeps you limited on what you can do. :)
As my monks would say "See you again soon! Goodbye!" (Use a Thai accent for affect.)
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
How to Stay in a Hostel
An adventure is only an inconvenience rightly considered. An inconvenience is only an adventure wrongly considered.
-Gilbert K Chestertron
Backpacker's budget has a whole new meaning for me. Traveling through countries and staying at hostels has always sounded like the most adventurous way to live your young adult life. Let me tell you. It is. Here is my guide to staying in hostels.
How to find a hostel:
Ask others- The key to finding a good hostel to stay in is asking people who have been there or know the area. Usually they are the best resources and can tell you what Loney planet cannot.
Ask to see the room- usually the guy working the front desk is some young chill guy. Ask him to see the room you are getting that way you know what you are in for before you hand the cash over.
See what is around- locations usually tell a ton about what a hostel will be like.
I've stayed in a range of hostels since arriving in Thailand. This weekend we stayed in one of the craziest yet. The room was clean and the guy who owned it was great but to get to you had to go up a fire escape and onto the roof. I felt pretty cool watching the sun rise of the back alley of Chaing Mai but I will have to say that I'd only be able to live this way I'm young. :) The best part about it was that it only cost me $3 a night to stay there! Take that Motel 6!
In the end if it has hot water, wifi, and a flushing toilet I'm sold. Not much convincing needs to be done. Let us just say my standard of what is "good" has dropped significantly since arriving in Thailand.
Crafts at the Hospital
"The sould is healed by being with a child."
-English Proverb
One of the projects here that you can do is crafts at the hospital. The first time that I went I was able to spend my time there with this beautiful Thai girl that has DS. She was so much like Kirsti it was crazy! (Miss you squirt!) She unlike some of the other kids is not sick. Since she has a disability there is no where else for her to go so she spends her time in the hospital. She is so use to volunteers there that she knows to tell our Thai translators what she wants us to know and completes the crafts that we bring so quickly. She told me that I was beautiful and it made my heart melt.
My next visit to the hospital I was taken downstairs. Keep in mind that Thai hospitals like most things in Thailand are much different than at home. They are obviously not as clean and they require you to look the other way to avoid seeing things you just do not want to see. I was guided into this big lobby area were there were rows of beds. In these beds were some of the sweetest little kids I've ever seen. They had IVS hooked to their arms and scattered family members. I couldn't really ever grasp why they were there but I sat down with a seven year old boy who was receiving a blood transfusion and his two year old little brother. Their mother was napping on the bed next to them and it looked like she was about 5 months pregnant. Their dad assured them I was safe and they did crafts me for the afternoon. They sang the ABC song and counted with me. The dad taught the little boy how to give me a thumbs up. When it was finally time to go home I was waving goodbye when the baby brother started blowing me kisses!!!!!! AH! (I don't have any pictures because we weren't allowed to take them.)
These moments make me so grateful for all I have. I know that I promised mom that I wouldn't bring any Thai children home but who wouldn't want another Kirsti around? :)
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Grab Life by the Feathers
"Once Time in Your Life" -Wanna Ostrich Farm
I rode an ostrich.
I knew before I came that I was going to go on an ostrich. My interactions with these creatures have been relatively limited however I mentally prepared to ride a bird.
Upon arriving at the Wanna Ostrich farm you literally walk up to a pin and they rangled up a bird. They asked who was first so of course it was Kristina and I who volunteered. Next thing I knew I was jumping on the bare back of an ostrich asking the little Thai guys what to do. Basically you grab the feathers, lean back, tuck your feet, and ride!
To keep the birds calm the cover their heads with a sack. The bird is just strutting around with this sack on while I'm holding on like there is no tomorrow when I look over at Kristina who was practically laying half on bird half on Thai man because the ostrich was going crazy. This sight was rather alarming. Suddenly the Thai man took the sack off and I was galloping around this pen on an ostrich like a natural.
Not to boast but I received multiple comments like "you made it look so easy" or "you were so good." I'm not sure how you are good at ostrich riding but talk about a resume builder. ;) I will give credit to my southern roots.
Thailand has reminded me to grab life by the horns, feathers, and scales. What's next? Buddah caves, overnight buses, and hopefully a beach at the end. :)
I rode an ostrich.
I knew before I came that I was going to go on an ostrich. My interactions with these creatures have been relatively limited however I mentally prepared to ride a bird.
Upon arriving at the Wanna Ostrich farm you literally walk up to a pin and they rangled up a bird. They asked who was first so of course it was Kristina and I who volunteered. Next thing I knew I was jumping on the bare back of an ostrich asking the little Thai guys what to do. Basically you grab the feathers, lean back, tuck your feet, and ride!
To keep the birds calm the cover their heads with a sack. The bird is just strutting around with this sack on while I'm holding on like there is no tomorrow when I look over at Kristina who was practically laying half on bird half on Thai man because the ostrich was going crazy. This sight was rather alarming. Suddenly the Thai man took the sack off and I was galloping around this pen on an ostrich like a natural.
Not to boast but I received multiple comments like "you made it look so easy" or "you were so good." I'm not sure how you are good at ostrich riding but talk about a resume builder. ;) I will give credit to my southern roots.
Thailand has reminded me to grab life by the horns, feathers, and scales. What's next? Buddah caves, overnight buses, and hopefully a beach at the end. :)
Sunday, July 1, 2012
How to Ride a Tuk Tuk
If you thought that Oklahoma drivers were crazy you haven't been to Thailand. They are the WORST and CRAZIEST drivers that I've ever seen. So the first little bit we were here Kristina and I had to try and figure out how traffic worked. We knew that Taxis that are referred to as Tuks Tuks were ways of great transport, but weren't brave enough to try it. The good news is that 3 weeks later we are profession Tuk Tuk riders.
This post is to help all you future travelers know the basics of Tuk Tuk riding.
Step 1: Find a Tuk Tuk. Generally camped out by tourist attractions, bus stops, and banks.
Step 2: Approach with caution. Find a older gentlemen or someone with teeth preferably.
Step 3: Explain your desired location. Most of the time if it's a tourist spot they will have it done. Having a map may or may not help, however if it requires them to read English forget it.
Step 4: Set a price. You are going to get ripped off no matter what because you aren't local, but at least don't get ripped off extremely. Knowing the price before you get in avoids an argument later.
Step 5: Get in and enjoy the ride.
This post is to help all you future travelers know the basics of Tuk Tuk riding.
Step 1: Find a Tuk Tuk. Generally camped out by tourist attractions, bus stops, and banks.
Step 2: Approach with caution. Find a older gentlemen or someone with teeth preferably.
Step 3: Explain your desired location. Most of the time if it's a tourist spot they will have it done. Having a map may or may not help, however if it requires them to read English forget it.
Step 4: Set a price. You are going to get ripped off no matter what because you aren't local, but at least don't get ripped off extremely. Knowing the price before you get in avoids an argument later.
Step 5: Get in and enjoy the ride.
Seven Days of Madness
"Believe nothing, no matter where you read it or who has said it. Not even if I have said it unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense." -Buddha
In the past seven days I have...
- Zip lined through the jungle, completing 22 lines and 2 extremely far drops
-Got a fish pedicure. Fish literally ate the skin of my dead feet. I actually highly recommend it.
- Spent 5 days teaching at a hill tribe school with the sweetest best behaved kids you will ever encounter.
- Deheaded a fish and ate it right off the bones. (The Nicholas would be so proud of me.) I have eaten the crazies things here. No fear.
- Spent the night in a hilltribe village fearful of a crazy grandma and loud noises. Thank goodness I had stuffed animals to snuggle with that the kids gave us.
- Learned how to write my name in Thai
- Joined in on a tradition dance. After a few songs we were told that we were wonderful.
-Visited the coolest modern Thai art exhibit.
- Road and elephant in the river
- Visited the famous White Temple here in Chaing Rai
-Hiked through the jungle to a waterfall during a rainfall.
-Purchased some crazy cool things
- Laughed till I cried.
- Was scared out of my mind, hot, sweaty.
- Took a shower using water bottles.
- Slept wrapped in Mosquito nets (which I found out later does no good to protect from bugs if it is touching your skin so my sweaty nights were for nothing).
-Climbed a mountain to visit a Chedi.
Basically Thailand is wonderful. I can't blog enough about it because the experiences are fantastic. Hopefully during the next week we can avoid leeches, massive rashes, and extreme food. Wish us luck! :)
In the past seven days I have...
- Zip lined through the jungle, completing 22 lines and 2 extremely far drops
-Got a fish pedicure. Fish literally ate the skin of my dead feet. I actually highly recommend it.
- Spent 5 days teaching at a hill tribe school with the sweetest best behaved kids you will ever encounter.
- Deheaded a fish and ate it right off the bones. (The Nicholas would be so proud of me.) I have eaten the crazies things here. No fear.
- Spent the night in a hilltribe village fearful of a crazy grandma and loud noises. Thank goodness I had stuffed animals to snuggle with that the kids gave us.
- Learned how to write my name in Thai
- Joined in on a tradition dance. After a few songs we were told that we were wonderful.
-Visited the coolest modern Thai art exhibit.
- Road and elephant in the river
- Visited the famous White Temple here in Chaing Rai
-Hiked through the jungle to a waterfall during a rainfall.
-Purchased some crazy cool things
- Laughed till I cried.
- Was scared out of my mind, hot, sweaty.
- Took a shower using water bottles.
- Slept wrapped in Mosquito nets (which I found out later does no good to protect from bugs if it is touching your skin so my sweaty nights were for nothing).
-Climbed a mountain to visit a Chedi.
Basically Thailand is wonderful. I can't blog enough about it because the experiences are fantastic. Hopefully during the next week we can avoid leeches, massive rashes, and extreme food. Wish us luck! :)
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