BKK AND BEYOND

Wednesday, July 8th at 16:06

Kevin

Bangkok

It was Saturday morning as we boarded Air Asia flight FD3701, bound for Bangkok (BKK), departing from Noi Bai airport in Hanoi. We were both in shock at how fast our trip through Northern Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam came to an end. It seemed as if we had been planning this leg of the journey for so long and now it was all over. I believe that it is safe to say that we pretty much enjoyed, with the exception of our journey to Cat Ba Island, and took advantage of every minute. Most everywhere we went, people were incredibly friendly and hospitable, the food, for the most part, was amazing and lessons in history and human nature abounded. In addition to being just good travel, we were also fortunate enough to be schooled in many things Asian. However, despite being nostalgic, we knew there was no reason to be somber as we were once again headed to our beloved city of Bangkok.

We chose our flight out of Vietnam on a Saturday, specifically to be able to arrive in Bangkok on the weekend and have the opportunity to visit the famous Chatuchak weekend market. With over 15,000 stalls and approximately 200,000 daily visitors, it is a sight to behold. Unlike many markets that we have been to throughout our travels, Chatuchak is, by far, the best. Not loaded with the usual chachki, it is a home to creative, inventive and just plain genius vendors displaying their unique and original wares and crafts. Sprawling over an enormous area on the outskirts of Bangkok, it is impossible to see it all in just one day, though we did our best. Like most everyone else who visited that day, we left with arm loads of shopping bags, full stomachs and empty wallets. A highlight of our return to Bangkok.




While in Bangkok, we also took advantage of the cheap, easy and delicious food available along Rambuttri, the street where our guest house was located in the Bang Lamphu district. We enjoyed breakfasts of rice with omelet, fresh fruit and, of course, ice coffee with sweet milk. After that it was off to cross the Mae Nam Chao Phraya klong (river) for a stop by Wat Arun, which we missed on our last visit. Named after the Indian god of dawn, Aruna, the Khmer style praang (spire) is covered with a mosaic of porcelain tiles left behind by Chinese merchants.




Another uncharted diversion on our last visit to Bangkok was a trip down to the Siam Center, otherwise known as the most amazing mall complex I have seen to date. Comprised of three separate buildings, Center, Discovery and Paragon, Siam pretty much contains every commercial enterprise from outlet shops, to a Lamborghini showroom, and even a clothing store named “Keven”. The food court in the Paragon is what dreams are made of and in addition to having every type of food imaginable, and some I could have never imagined, there is also a bakery and a gourmet market, that should be the model for gourmet markets around the world. Once again, compelled by a great shopping opportunity, we left with full bags, full stomachs and a gaping hole in our finances.





As is always the case, time flies when you are having fun. Our second trip to Bangkok was over as soon as it began and it would be time for us to make our move to the marveled beaches of southern Thailand. But, not before we would indulge in one last round of our favorite Thai specialties on Rambuttri and throw a coin over our shoulders into the fountain at the bank on the corner, ensuring our return one day.

Wednesday, July 8th at 16:59

Kevin

Ko Samui

Not a day goes by where Idalis and I do not give thanks for the incredible opportunity we have to travel the world. Today is no exception, as I write this post from the porch of bungalow number 14 in the Shangrilah beach side resort located mere feet away from the sand and the lightly crashing waves on the island of Ko Samui, southern Thailand. Though our trip here comprised an overnight bus ride (read: no sleep), two sawngthaew (pick up truck taxi) transfers and a boat ride, traveling in Thailand is relatively easy, especially when compared to “other” places (read: India) that we have traveled. At the end of this journey we were fortunate enough to have arrived on the largest of three popular islands located on the southeastern coast of Thailand, on the Gulf of Thailand. Having gone for a large portion of our trip without seeing the ocean, our recent excursions to beaches have been most welcome.

Our decision to stay on Ko Samui did not come without extensive pontification. Every person that you talk to who has visited any of the islands of Thailand seems to have a completely different experiences and impressions. Formulating an opinion based on the information of others, as we so like to do, proved to be a most difficult task this time around. Of the three islands that we were considering, each had its share of pluses and minuses. Large crowds, crazy full moon parties and uncontrolled development, clashed with empty beaches, sparkling water and amazing seafood. In what can only be described as a twist of fate, Idalis struck up a five minute conversation with a girl that we passed while transiting to the city of Surat Thani, or the harbor town where we would have to make a final decision before boarding the ferry. She told of a small paradise on the island of Ko Samui known as Mae Nam. So, without knowing any better, upon arriving, we hailed a sawngthaew and got dropped off on the side of the road where the driver told us, “Shangrilah bungalows, very cheap!”. We walked towards the beach and at first were not too impressed. Although the beach was beautiful and quaint, we have the misfortune of comparing all beaches to our home beach at 3rd Street. Not only this, but all the bungalows we saw, though incredibly amazing in architectural style and location, were way out of our budget. After some muddling around in the hot sun and a few inquiries, we found it...Shangrilah! At only 300 baht (or about $9) per night, we were ushered to a small and character laden bungalow (number 14 as mentioned before) right on the beach.




It is here we would decide to shack up for a while. In fact, today is day number six and we have decided to leave tomorrow morning, at 6:30 AM, of course. However, the last few days have been as exciting and adventurous as they have been relaxing and lethargic. As has become our new fascination, we rented a motorbike and for two days spent every moment exploring almost every square inch of the island. We spent quiet time admiring wats and pagodas, many located right on the water, climbed to the top of two waterfalls, one very rugged, yet populated, and another more scenic and all to ourselves.





We cruised on the main highway checking out the other popular beaches and tourist destinations, agreeing that our pick was far superior, and rode along back roads and through small sea side villages. We also spent three days doing absolutely nothing but lying around on the sand and perfecting our tans. Our biggest decision being what to have for breakfast. Though the town we chose to stay in is relatively small, at least compared to other areas on the island, we have done good at mapping out the local culinary gems. The small “Mummy's Restaurant” doles out an amazing curry as the Mae Nam Thai Barbecue is an all you can eat feast of Thai specialties that you grill yourself on a flaming hot dome with a trough that collects all the drippings to make a fantastic finishing seafood soup. Though the beers were quite expensive, and the bottom of the barbecue pot fell out and showered flaming hot coals all over my left foot, we both agreed that it was the most amazing meal yet.




Tomorrow morning, early, we strike out on yet another bus, boat, bus excursion. This time, to the west coast of southern Thailand and the beaches of Krabi. It is here that we hope to turn even a few shades darker, do some snorkeling and kayaking, and for me, some real deal rock climbing and repelling. With only about one month left on our one year travel insurance policy, I suppose I better get it all out of my system now.