The longest day of my travels

I thought getting down to Khuala Lumpur would be as simple as tying one's shoes...boy was I mistaken.

It all started the day I left Koh Phangan. A perfect day for travel because the skies opened up and brought a massive down pour. The unfortunate part was...it had been raining in the south of Thailand for numerous days before...therefore...roads were flooded. Lucky for me...my mini bus driver didn't seem to mind as he plowed along the watered streets...almost spinning out once.



No harm no foul I guess, never really had that driving experience before...and I hope to never have it again. Luckily I arrived at all my stops and caught all my buses, even though I hate waiting for buses the Thai way. Would you like to know the Thai way? Alright Ill explain.

You arrive at the counter, give them your ticket and they either tell you which bus number or say...just sit over there, and I'll motion when it's here. Oh ok. Personally I hate not knowing what I'm waiting for. But lucky enough...I was the only white person...so not too hard to miss. I get called...hop on the bus and away we go to my last stop of the day...the most southern tip of Thailand...Satun.



Pretty cool little town, extremely cheap, very nice people, not too many white folk, so I was pretty much a rock star there. Everyone wanted to say hi to me, give me a high five or just smile. Pretty neat experience. Unfortunately, not much english. So when I was trying to find info about my ferry the next day...got all different answers. Therefore, I chose to arrive the next day somewhere in the middle.

Turns out, super early, but oh well, got some postcards done.

Finally arrived in Langkawi after a late ferry and was about to head to the beach for some fun in the sun, but just thought. Maybe I should check about getting to Kuala Lumpur for my flight. Walked over to the ticket desk, asked about the trains and buses for the next days...FULLY BOOKED. WHAAAAAAT. That can't be possible...I kept asking if there was anything. Nope, nothing. I even called the train station myself, because I didn't believe the people at the desk. Yup all sold out. Only thing available...bus that night.

Well...looks like its out of my hands...so I go and book it. Walking away, the lady yells back at me...you need to get a ferry to the bus station. So I wait in a 45 minute line for my ferry and take the last one of the day...Phew...good thing I got that or I would've missed my bus.

Now I've got a good 7 hours until my ferry leaves to kill time. So I begin to lug my bag around the small area surrounding the port. Turns out, I end up accomplishing one of the goals I had set out for this trip. Sitting in a park and just watching the wildlife, people, blowing wind, the clouds just to pass time and enjoy life.



I also do a little exploring and find a cheap little local eatery where they serve me a big Indian meal for under five dollars. Next it was off to watch the glorious sunset over the nearby marina.



Ahhh life was beautiful. Sitting, the wind gently blowing at my back, the golden descending sun mirroring over the ocean water, peaceful, relaxing, not a care in the world....oh...wait...what time is it?

6:04pm...phew...still have an hour.

But a mind in the back of my head says...Hey...did you change your clock?

Yipes...I quickly turn around. Excuse me, what time is it? The man replies 7:04 of course.

NOOOOOOOOO...I grab my bag...and begin sprinting like Forest Gump losing his leg braces.

I hop over carts, dodge small children and slide into the finish line...before seeing a ferry pulling away.

I hand my ticket over. Sorry the ticket guy replies...that's the ferry leaving right there.

For a moment I balance the idea of doing a James Bond style run and jump to see if I could miraculously land on the ferry, but that idea soon passes.



GREAT JUMPING JIMINY...the only thing I've taken in all of South East Asia that actually leaves on time...nice. Now I'm not catching my bus to Kuala Lumpur, I'm not going to make it there, I'm not going to make my flight to Bali, I'm going to be stuck here...FOR EVER.

I'm about to do the whole, Tom Cruise, I'm not gonna freak out bit, but before I'm able to...the ticket guy says...you can check down on the dock, I think there might be one more ferry to leave. So that's what I do, and I'm able to catch one lucky break...they have two seats remaining, and I get one.

I get on the ferry and collapse in the seat. A sweaty, high blood pressure, heart pumping kid. I'm extremely lucky that I caught this, as it was smooth sailing from then on.

Well...sort of.

The bus I take, ends up being two hours late, but once on...it was probably the best sleep I've had in a vehicule for a long time. The seats were ginormous. I could sleep on my side, that's how big they were.

Then...I arrive in Kuala Lumpur...try getting directions...nobody knows...I'm in the middle of the city somewhere, looking for a room...and...it starts to rain.

Hmmm...just my luck.

Turns out...I get to trudge through the rain for a good two hours before I'm finally able to, one...find the right street, and two find a reasonably priced room where I can immediately lie down and sleep.

But...I finally found something at 8:10am, got into the room which was litterally as quiet as a crip(just as dark as one too) and fell fast asleep...finally

Christmas on the beach? I say YES

Arriving in Koh Phangan I was met with hords of people hassling me to find me that "special" place. Just like the Thai people say..."Same same, but different"



Lucky for me...I had a place already booked...or so I hoped. Arriving to the place I had booked almost four months prior...I was a little skeptical that they had my booking...let alone running water. But after making sure not to be taken into the shack made of papier mache, I was able to settle down into a nice little bungalow overlooking the ocean.



This leg of my trip was solely for working myself to the bone, making sure I've accomplished everything I could possible do in a day, rush everywhere and just plainly be stressed...right?

hahaha...WRONG

This was for me to basically do nothing all day except work on my tan, write a few postcards, sleep alot and when the time came, party with the massive crowds of people. And that's exactly what I did, even though there was one tinsy winsy time where I was a little stressed, but hey...it's Christmas...who isn't atleast a little stressed during that time?



Being on a beach for Christmas is exactly how it sounds...AWESOME...now don't get me wrong, I did miss my family and the atmosphere that surrounds Christmas back home,oh and that dreadfully cold weather...well...all but the last one. Still I have tons of years ahead of me to experience the same Christmas over and over again, but how many times will I have the opportunity to wake up on a beach, look over to some friends and say..."Woah...can you believe today is Christmas?"

That was probably the best part of this stay. You couldn't tell except for the few red and white banners, that it was Christmas. It was like you were in a completely different world. And I loved it.



Now this island is known for hosting its share amount of big parties and I would of course partake, but I made sure I was well enough away that I could get some sleep to. This made for a perfect spot with a nice, quiet, secluded type beach, but it also allowed me to rent and drive a scooter for the first time.



These things are complete death traps, that is unless you take care while driving. I saw more then a handful of people looking like hamburger because they were driving recklessly. I on the other hand was white knuckling everytime I hoped on...especially after, not even 30 seconds into hopping on I over excelerate and almost crash into a house. Like I've said before...I'm very graceful.



It was great being able to have the freedom to drive to almost any part of the island. I explored, got lost, and explored some more. Still, I saw some great beaches, but my favorite was right infront of my bungalow. Not a soul in sight...clear water...great sun...white sand...and a beautiful sunset around 6pm

Now onto something completely different...spending my Christmas Eve dancing on a beach in Koh Phangan.

Well this island is known as the party spot...so I wasn't going to be one to dissapoint. Therefore me and some friends grabbed some cheap spirits, enjoyed the talks of time on the beach, gazed out over the stars and then headed off to the boisterous beach to partake in the Christmas Eve shenanigans.



The number of people was insane...even though I was talking to a few others who said they had been here last year and there were more. At times you could barely move, but you just had to find the right spot and you were free to razzle dazzle all you wanted. I remember one time stopping...pausing and just looking up into the stars, over the mass of people and thinking...wow...this is some way to spend Christmas...who would have thought...a year ago when I was planning this that I would be on an island at Christmas...dancing under the stars...pretty good I guess for a guy from small town Rocky Mountain House...I wonder what the new year will bring.

Scuba Diving Shenanigans

Well it's been quite some time since my last blog post, but fear not...for I'm back and ready to write more then ever. First off when I last left you I was leaving Laos...well holy smokes...I'm now all and done two Islands in Thailand...soooo lets begin shall we.

I caught a train ride from Bangkok down to the port town of Surathani where I end up almost getting scammed by the tuk tuk driver. What ends up happening is I negotiate a price and tell him to take me to the bus station. I told him where I wanted to go and he said he knows the place I can get a bus...so I agree. (Looking back I should have stated more specifically where I wanted to go, but live and learn

I end up being brought to "his" bus station where they try over charging me and saying if I don't buy this one I'll be stuck at the port...well...little nervous, but I'm not overly worried...soo I head down the street looking for a cheaper place. But then the tuk tuk driver guy chases me down and demands I pay him more money(reason being...I didn't buy from that booth...therefore...no commission) The guy gets right in my face like he wants to fight...I calmly try and explain that was the price we agreed on. He was having none of it...fine...I don't want to get in a fight with a crazy Thai guy...so I give him ten Baht more(he wanted 30 more)

Walking down the street I end up finding three other cheaper places, but still nothing within what I want to pay. Finally I'm about to call it quits and try and find a place to stay at this crappy port town...until...BAM...I come across a place with a bus just about to leave for the boat...its also 100percent cheaper then the others...well geez...sign me up. So I hop on the bus, then the boat and I'm off to Koh Samui



Koh Samui is a great looking island, but on the island...well that's a different story. It reminds me of Bangkok...all jumbled up onto a little patch of land. Western hotel chains...strip malls...McDonalds and almost any other amenity you could want from back home. Sooo...this wasn't my type of island.

Now don't get me wrong...loved the clear water...white sandy beaches and sun...buuut all the people hassling you to buy stuff...it can kind of wear on someone. So I spent a couple days...then packed up my things...and off to my favorite Island so far...KOH TAO.



My main goal of Koh Tao was to get my advanced PADI scuba diving, but I also fell in love with the beaches and beautiful scenery. If Samui is a city, then Koh Tao is a village scattered throughout a vast landscape, but still, everything is in walking distance.

Myself and a guy I met on the boat decided that Crystal Dive was going to be the right fit for us...so we were able to get bungalows close to the water for 7 dollars a day and we didn't look back. The dive center was the perfect fit, great instructors, new gear and so much more.



After completing all the required classroom sessions...it was off to the pool before we hit the open water. Well...me being me...it didn't take long before I almost drowned in the pool. Breathing underwater is spectacular and such a mind blowing experience, but when you have to incoperate taking out the thing you're able to breathe with and put it back in underwater...WHAT? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?



So I my first attempt to remove the regulator and put it back in my mouth turns into me rushing to the surface trying not to die as I sucked in water instead of air...everyone else is laughing while I'm gasping for air...hahaha...thanks guys...but soon enough I was able to get that skill down and master everything else that needed to be done...next up..the open water.



I was like a giddy little kid ready for his first day of school...I had all my things ready to go and couldn't wait to feel the cool rush of the water. Finally, after all the work I awkwardly jumped into the ocean and let out a yell of joy.



Getting to the bottom of the ocean, staring at the vast amount of sea life, feeling the cool water brush against your skin, the time slowly float by and the bubbles floating up to the surface you can't help but smile...I fell in love with diving from the first moment I touched the water wearing my scuba pack.



I love seeing a world that can't be normally visible...all the life...the movements...the stillness...just a spectacular and fulfilling moment. Still, there are moments when it can get a little scary.



For example...the night dive of disorderly depths. It was actually a dive I was looking forward to the most. Seeing all the aquatic life at night, how they change and more come out, a very unique experience. Well...this is me were talking about, so after getting down to the bottom, doing a little fish sighting, it was time for night diving navigation.



My buddy and I are supposed to take off in one direction for 10 kicks, then return using the compass. Well, we take off fine, but I end up getting split up with my buddy around a large coral piece and just like that, I lose him. But not to worry, I see some lights ahead, must be my group. Unfortunately I didn't bother checking my compass, and find out that's not my group. They take off, and I attempt to find my way back, but...now I'm good and lost.



To make matters even better...my light dies at the very moment I realize I'm lost. Hmmm...this is like some bad joke someones playing on me. I commence operation turn light back on and start banging the heck out of it...then there was light.

Training explains, that if lost, remain in one place for a minute then return to the surface. Well I waited probably five and soon enough...I see lights. So I swim to the group and they lead me back to the boat, where my groups waiting...crapping their pants and thinking I'm dead on the bottom of the ocean.

"Uh...hi guys...hehe...guess who", said very meekly by myself. "Ooops...my bad."



In the end it all worked out, and I wasn't too worried as I knew what to do, had lots of air and knew the area somewhat. A great first hand learning experience...just how I like it. :D

Our final dive day consisted going to a depth of 30 meters, which turned out too not be as bad as I expected. Visability was average, but I ended up seeing some huge fish, a barracuda and a sting ray. Unfortunately...no sharks :(

Geez, I just can't express how much I loved diving. Just being able to go to a depth of 30 meters under the sea, see all these creatures interacting in their habitats and practicing the art of buoyancy...just surreal.

One of my favorite islands of all time is Koh Tao. Added with the scuba diving made this part of the trip a huge success. I definitely recommend anyone with a sweet tooth for diving, relaxing, tranquility and scenery to visit Koh Tao.



Next stop...Koh Phangan for Christmas.

Loopy Laos

Now my original plan was to split this post up in three...unfortunately, I wasn't aware that the jungle didn't have internet...surely you can't be serious...O I am serious... and don't call me Shirley.

I had never planned on coming to Laos, but after I heard the raves of reviews about tubbing down a river for days on end, well...I knew this place was for me. So I jumped the Thai border into Laos, got my visa...and began waiting for another three hours until we could board the boat. You'd think the waiting period would be to get the boat together or some reasonable shenanigans...well no...it was because they were so disorganised, that it took that long to get everyone accounted for...also, it allowed for the scammers to move in.



These sweet talking individuals who make you feel like the place you're going is a walking theives ground...where you'll get robbed just by looking at someone...also...the boat...ya it's probably going to sink, and the hotel you stay at...well...you will die.

Maybe not that bad, but they were very convincing...still...I almost bit, buuut, I met some great people, and I had a place set to stay at in Luang Prabang...so good thing I didn't fall for it.



Now everyone knew the boat ride was going to be long...so what's the number one way to pass time? Anyone...anyone?...Buehler?...Buehler?...well...drink.
So people were gobbling up the cheap whiskey...(three dollars) and so I thought I'd join the parade. Unfortunately the stuff was terrible, but it led to some great conversations, games and plain ol shenanigans. Sure made the time pass quickly.



Then we arrived to a town...that really only makes its money, because of the tourists who come through. Smack dab in the middle of malaria country. Also even luckier for us...we came after another boat...sooo all the good accomodations were taken...yup...here I was...in some beaten up little room, with a tiny little lock, and a giant mosquito net covering the bed.



The good thing about the place was...it had cheap food and drinks...so all of us from the boat shared some laughs, a hearty meal and then packed up at 10:30 because the power went out...now the real fun begins. I've heard of the creatures of the night, but I never classified them with humans...that is until I arrived to Pak Ben(the water town from no where) Anywho...after the lights go out...a few of us party animals think it would be a good idea to scour the town...that is until the rustling creatures appear from the depths of the night. Seriously...when we finally got a flashlight out...they were diving back into the shadows as if they were Gollum from Lord of The Rings...(my precious)

But we all emerged the next day unscathed, and lucky for me I got to witness my first ever dog barbecue...that's right friends...in front of my very eyes...along the street they were freshly cooking a dog...mmm...good thing I didn't taste the "lao sausages"



The next obstacle the lot of us face that day is getting piled into one boat. So the day before we took two boats, now, they think it would be a good idea if all of us fit onto one boat. Of course, yours truly tries to explain the ordeal to whoever is in charge(its so disorganized that no one really knows) but we end up getting no where until a bunch more people start complaining. Then...they start tossing peoples bags over to the new boat...well...mayhem ensues followed by people jumping ship to get to their bags...lucky for me...mines tucked away in the back...safe and sound.



This ride isn't nearly as fun as the first, but still I have a good time as I meet a bunch of cool people, we play cards and share some laughs and soon enough we're in Luang Prabang.



A really nice city...relaxed atmosphere, right by the Mekong river, has a night market, numerous surrounding sites and tons of great places to eat. The best place to eat was this quaint restaurant with a picnic type of feel as you were sitting back with the trees and surrounding wilderness. Really cool...and great food...called Lao Lao Garden.



I only spent a full day there, but I was able to experience alot. A few of us walked around the town, then caught a Tuk Tuk to the huge waterfall. At first I just thought, well, its just going to be a waterfall, no big deal. But turns out, not only was it a massive waterfall, you could swim at the base of it too(not too close of course) Also I got some really great scenery pictures.



After that, the entire group that came together on the boat met up for some drinks and headed out to the only place open until 3am in Luang Prabang...BOWLING. Yes could you imagine that...the most western place in the world, but it was tons of fun...and the best part was...I ended up winning...yup...three strikes in a row at the end sealed the deal for me.

Now it was time to move on to the main place I wanted to see...Vang Vieng...the tubing...the rivers...the cheap drinks...the fun will just not stop. Except for on the van ride up. Only time in my life I can remember where I almost threw up because of all the windy roads. I remember the roads on the way through the mountains in BC and this...was waaaay worse...reason one...tighter...they travel faster...and there's only one lane...yup...every so often...on coming traffic...yikes.

But I arrived safe and sound, met up with people from the slow boat and started the magnificent six days of adventure.



Vang Vieng is notoriously known for its tubing. You go down the mighty Mekong river and on each of its banks there are bars that line it...but that's not it...you can do zip lines...rope swings...jumps or just lie out and listen to music...I did the latter. I tried some swings and zip lines, but soon found that I was one of the least graceful people on this side of the left footed brigade.



I just loved waking up and being able to go tubing for hours on end, having a cold beer along the way, or even a strawberry fruitshake. I did three days of tubing and not only ended up having a great time, but also sore as could be. It was like I had been playing hockey, baseball and basketball hard for the past couple of days. I could barely move on the third day...so I took it easy and watched movies all day...sheeesh tough life eh.



The one day I took a break from tubing a couple of us decided to rent bikes and go up to a cave and a place called blue lagoon. At first it was awesome...we biked up to this secluded lagoon...jumped off the rope swing and just messed around. It was also great just staring at the backdrop of mountains with tons of butterflies floating around us.



Unfortunately, we should have done it after the cave...because we literally entered the destruction depths when we climbed to the cave.

We were led by two small children, probably six or seven who alone could fit through any possible crevasse, with two small lights. So here was three guys all six feet and above walking through the tinniest places, with the littlest light ever. We were tripping, scrapping and cutting every piece of flesh possible. But finally we emerged from the depths and began the descent.



Thankfully no one was hurt...and then we came across the biggest scorpion I've ever seen. Almost bigger then the two kids(slight exaggeration, but the thing was big) Anyway, I wanted to let it live, until it came after us...then we had to kill it. Pretty cool seeing that thing up close and personal.



Boy did I love Vang Vieng...tubbing, sun tanning and plain ol shenanigans...pretty much this place has no rules...which makes it a lot of fun if you can keep your head about yourself...some can't.



But all good things must come to an end. So I packed up my stuff, said goodbye to all my friends as if we'd been family for ages, and boarded the cheap local bus to Vientiene...the capital of Laos.

Since it was cheap and only a three hour bus ride, I thought it wouldn't be a bad idea...well...at first it wasn't, but soon enough, the hoards of people started piling in. And I swear I blinked my eyes for a second and I had two other Laowanese people sitting squished up beside me. Boy did my bum ever fall asleep quickly on that ride.

Lucky for me I'm not claustrophobic, but still...wow, I couldn't WAIT to get out of there. Most uncomfortable ride ever. I arrived in Vientiane in one piece, thought I had lost one of my locks for my bag, thankfully found it, and luckily got a cheap place to stay.

Not too much to see here in Vientiane, basically saw it all within a day. Coolest thing was the Arc de Triomphe kind of thing made here. But other then that...nothing else.



And,I checked the news for Bangkok and it seems the rioting is now over. Looks like I'll be able to make my way to the islands in a nice and timely fashion...hopefully(fingers crossed) One more adventure down...more to come.