Thailand :)
The cover photo at the top is known as JAMES BOND ISLAND. I didn't see it in real life... but it IS in Thailand!
Spring Break April 2017 I went to Thailand
Before beginning your cultural dip into my Thailand experience, might I suggest this super weird music video? (you can skip the first 50 seconds)
I signed up for a 9-day tour of Thailand- picture below is everyone in my tour group. They were so awesome!
DAy 1- Arrival
สวัสดี- Hello in THAI = 'sa-wa-dee-ka' I think... :)
สวัสดี
สวัสดี
ANoTHER TRIP!!! YAY!!!
I have wanted to go to Thailand for a while now. And I'm super glad I did! I didn't write as I went along like I did with my Europe trip- so I'm going to have to try to remember all the shtuff. Good thing I keep a really detailed journal :)
I booked a tour with a company called Intro Travel. It was amazing. Stellar even. Just read all about it here on my blog.
I spent a LOT of time traveling on this trip. Like getting there and coming back. I flew out of Las Vegas because the flights are cheaper out of Vegas than SLC. So I stopped at my brother's and got to see the cutest baby human:
I have wanted to go to Thailand for a while now. And I'm super glad I did! I didn't write as I went along like I did with my Europe trip- so I'm going to have to try to remember all the shtuff. Good thing I keep a really detailed journal :)
I booked a tour with a company called Intro Travel. It was amazing. Stellar even. Just read all about it here on my blog.
I spent a LOT of time traveling on this trip. Like getting there and coming back. I flew out of Las Vegas because the flights are cheaper out of Vegas than SLC. So I stopped at my brother's and got to see the cutest baby human:
I woke up real early (like 2am) to drive to Vegas. The prime time to drive is 2-5am. Dang. No traffic. I had a couple spiritual moments with Niel Diamond, Billy Joel, and Kelly Clarkson. Those of you who know me know that Kelly Clarkson always makes the list.
ANYWAY Lots of flying. As I was getting off of the plane when we landed in China I thought to myself (because I always have movie quotes going through my head) :
ANYWAY Lots of flying. As I was getting off of the plane when we landed in China I thought to myself (because I always have movie quotes going through my head) :
"if I take one more step it'll be the furthest away from home- I've ever been"
-Samwise
I got to the airport in Bangkok around 1 am I believe and was taken to the hostel by a Thai man who didn't speak much english. I was shown to my room and the girl I was sharing with was out so I didn't meet her until the next morning. Thus ends day 1. Here are a couple of pictures of the hostel:
day 2- Meeting people
Day 2 is where I started meeting people in my group. I'm not going to put names on my blog, just 'cause I don't have people's permission... but just know my whole group was extremely awesome!! (If any of you are reading this I'm sure you're still awesome btw :)
So DAY 2 I got my first taste of riding in a TUK TUK. I went with a few people from my group to a market. A lot of things in Thailand were 100 BAHT which is like $2.90. The TUK TUK was 100 baht each and 3 of us could fit in the back.
So DAY 2 I got my first taste of riding in a TUK TUK. I went with a few people from my group to a market. A lot of things in Thailand were 100 BAHT which is like $2.90. The TUK TUK was 100 baht each and 3 of us could fit in the back.
On the way back to our hostel our TUK TUK driver played CARELESS WHISPER - I thought that was pretty funny. And more proof that Thailand is awesome. Count how many times I say that. Actually you probably shouldn't. I'll try to use synonyms.
Here's what the market we visited on the second day looked like:
Here's what the market we visited on the second day looked like:
The rest of the day was spent chillin' out, maxing, relaxing all cool and (shooting some bball) outside at the pool. I met some more people and talked about politics #notjoking #ICanNerdituponAnyTopic
That night we had dinner and met the rest of the group. After dinner everyone went to the club- I could barely keep my eyes open so I went to bed instead :/ Lame I know, but #don'tworryidanceditupl8er
Also I should apologize now for my misuse of hashtags. I do know how they work- I just don't use them how they're supposed to be used. I journal with hashtags too #winning. Alright. Moving on.
Also I should apologize now for my misuse of hashtags. I do know how they work- I just don't use them how they're supposed to be used. I journal with hashtags too #winning. Alright. Moving on.
Day 3- Buddhism
95% of Thailand is Buddhist. Interesting fact. I taught my students about world religions the last few weeks so they should be able to tell you all about Buddhism. And you best believe I'll be adding personal pictures to next year's Buddhist lesson :) #anythingforthekids
So Day 3 (which is technically really Day 2 on the itinerary) we started by going to a local Buddhist temple (like 2 minutes away from our hostel) and learning how to perform a Buddhist offering.
The temple complexes are surrounded by white walls and the area inside is sacred. People are asked to cover their shoulders and knees- which is enforced more with women.
The offering was really cool. I took some videos of people in my group doing it before I did. It involved a candle, three sticks of incense (which I have forgotten what they represent... I think one was education???), and a lotus flower. After we completed the offering we put a gold leaf on our foreheads. I think the gold leaf is normally supposed to go on the statue of Buddha- but we did it differently. Here's an article that seems to explain the offering: www.canvas-of-light.com/2010/09/buddhist-offering/
So Day 3 (which is technically really Day 2 on the itinerary) we started by going to a local Buddhist temple (like 2 minutes away from our hostel) and learning how to perform a Buddhist offering.
The temple complexes are surrounded by white walls and the area inside is sacred. People are asked to cover their shoulders and knees- which is enforced more with women.
The offering was really cool. I took some videos of people in my group doing it before I did. It involved a candle, three sticks of incense (which I have forgotten what they represent... I think one was education???), and a lotus flower. After we completed the offering we put a gold leaf on our foreheads. I think the gold leaf is normally supposed to go on the statue of Buddha- but we did it differently. Here's an article that seems to explain the offering: www.canvas-of-light.com/2010/09/buddhist-offering/
After our offering we went to another building in the complex and were blessed by a monk. Our group gave him a gift basket and then he blessed us with water. I didn't get that on video but I think someone else in my group did so I'll try to find that.
After we were blessed by the monk we were given white string to wear on our wrist that was blessed. Still wearing it :)
After we were blessed by the monk we were given white string to wear on our wrist that was blessed. Still wearing it :)
#stolenvideo
After the blessing we took a boat down the Chao Phraya River which means 'River of Kings'. I listen on tours guys. #andiusuallytakenotes. We saw Bangkok from the river. Learned a little bit about the history of the country- it used to be called Siam (which you might already know if you've seen THE KING AND I) but what you probably didn't know is that SIAM means BROWN. THAILAND however means FREE land. Better name. They're one of the only countries in Southeast Asia that hasn't been taken over by a western power. The United States got involved over there in the Vietnam War and in other countries in the name of stopping the spread of communism. And European nations were in that area too (France) but Thailand wasn't ever conquered by a European power. I thought it was interesting how they emphasized western power because China has been influencing Thailand for a while.
Alright less history. I get it.
'WAT' means Buddhist temple (Angkor Wat*) so all of the temple names will include 'WAT'. We visited WAT PHO (pronounced 'wah-t po') and saw the Reclining Buddha there :
I took a picture but mine wasn't as good as this one #stolenphoto #thanksLiam
We looked at a few different statues in the complex- learned about the King's flag and why it's yellow (day of the week he was born... Monday) and then we talked about the symbols for Chinese New Year.
The King of Thailand recently passed away, and all around Bangkok we saw shrines (they were all around Thailand not just Bangkok) devoted to their king. He seems pretty well-loved.
That night we went out and ate at an Indian Restaurant. Because ALL culture is important :)
It was actually really delicious. I played it safe and got the Butter Chicken- which I knew from eating at the local BOMBAY HOUSE and looking up what things on their menu meant, that it was a safe choice. The restaurant in Bangkok was called BOMBAY BLUES #isenseapattern. We sat at the table on cushions on the floor. Legit.
Afterwards we went to Khao San Road- which is the party street in Bangkok- lots of drinking and music. I didn't drink- but I did try a scorpian. Not delicious. A couple of people in my group ate spiders. That was gross. After spending some time at a bar on Khao San Road our group went to the club- I went home instead. I had to warm up to stayig up late and going out. At home I go to bed at like 10PM. L.O.L.
Before I finish talking about DAY 3 I want to record some of the British slang I've learned because 85% of my group was/is from Great Britain. Including our group leader.
"going out out" --there's different levels of going out, depending on how much you drink
"can't be bothered" --I've heard this one before but I think it's cute
"Mexican Wave" apparently in England it's not just 'the wave' LOLLLLLL
I love British people.
We looked at a few different statues in the complex- learned about the King's flag and why it's yellow (day of the week he was born... Monday) and then we talked about the symbols for Chinese New Year.
The King of Thailand recently passed away, and all around Bangkok we saw shrines (they were all around Thailand not just Bangkok) devoted to their king. He seems pretty well-loved.
That night we went out and ate at an Indian Restaurant. Because ALL culture is important :)
It was actually really delicious. I played it safe and got the Butter Chicken- which I knew from eating at the local BOMBAY HOUSE and looking up what things on their menu meant, that it was a safe choice. The restaurant in Bangkok was called BOMBAY BLUES #isenseapattern. We sat at the table on cushions on the floor. Legit.
Afterwards we went to Khao San Road- which is the party street in Bangkok- lots of drinking and music. I didn't drink- but I did try a scorpian. Not delicious. A couple of people in my group ate spiders. That was gross. After spending some time at a bar on Khao San Road our group went to the club- I went home instead. I had to warm up to stayig up late and going out. At home I go to bed at like 10PM. L.O.L.
Before I finish talking about DAY 3 I want to record some of the British slang I've learned because 85% of my group was/is from Great Britain. Including our group leader.
"going out out" --there's different levels of going out, depending on how much you drink
"can't be bothered" --I've heard this one before but I think it's cute
"Mexican Wave" apparently in England it's not just 'the wave' LOLLLLLL
I love British people.
*Ankor Wat is 100% on my bucket list- here's looking at you Cambodia
Other things I learned about Buddhist/Thai culture... the head is sacred- it is the closest to Buddha and to Nirvana. The feet are dirty (both literally and spiritually) and you should never point your feet at a statue of Buddha or one of the monks.
In front of homes and restaurants they have Spirit Houses. After learning about them I saw them EVERYWHERE. Like every house. Not just in Bangkok but everywhere we went. They're miniture houses where you put offerings (figurines, food, etc) to Buddha in hope of a blessing in return. Karma.
There are also Spirit Trees that they tie pieces of ribbon or fabric around to keep the spirits happy- also another way to give an offering.
In front of homes and restaurants they have Spirit Houses. After learning about them I saw them EVERYWHERE. Like every house. Not just in Bangkok but everywhere we went. They're miniture houses where you put offerings (figurines, food, etc) to Buddha in hope of a blessing in return. Karma.
There are also Spirit Trees that they tie pieces of ribbon or fabric around to keep the spirits happy- also another way to give an offering.
Day 4- COoking thai style
Thai lunch! I was a little worried that all of the food would be too spicy but it was super delicious! We walked through the streets of Bangkok to a cooking class where we each had a little station. We watched the master cook and then we partnered up and attempted to copy her skills. It was good stuff! I hope I saved the recipes somewhere... all my stuff is in a pile on the floor currently. #unpackingishard
After cooking our master chef taught us a few Thai dance moves :)
After cooking our master chef taught us a few Thai dance moves :)
After cooking class we walked back down Khao San Road in the daytime and I bought a journal at one of the shops. This was our last day in Bangkok, that night we took an overnight train to our next destination. I've had some experience with overnight trains... European trains are different. They didn't turn off any of the lights on our train #thankheavenformysleepmask and we slept next to a car with one of the conductors and his radio kept going off all night. Let's just say- it's a good thing I didn't go to Thailand to get a good night's rest every night :)
Some of us had to sleep in a car seperate from the group- so me and a few guys hung out and talked about British and American stereotypes. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Unfortunately with American stereotypes it's more often the later ones :/ wah wah waaaaaah. We also talked about hot Hollywood actresses. I guess a lot of topics were covered :)
Some of us had to sleep in a car seperate from the group- so me and a few guys hung out and talked about British and American stereotypes. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Unfortunately with American stereotypes it's more often the later ones :/ wah wah waaaaaah. We also talked about hot Hollywood actresses. I guess a lot of topics were covered :)
Day 5- Khao Sok
Day 5- I woke up. That's how most days start. Actually last night I had this crazy dream and I woke up in the middle of the night and it took me like 2 minutes to figure out where I was. Turns out I was in my room. Fun story.
Haaa.... Day 5 I woke up from the train and we got off and had breakfast at a nearby café. Then we all piled into vans and drove to this awesome national park. We boarded a boat with all of our luggage and headed out onto the lake. The lake was gorgeous! The water was blue-green and surrounded by limestone cliffs. I couldn't stop staring. Everyone was taking pictures and videos like crazy.
Haaa.... Day 5 I woke up from the train and we got off and had breakfast at a nearby café. Then we all piled into vans and drove to this awesome national park. We boarded a boat with all of our luggage and headed out onto the lake. The lake was gorgeous! The water was blue-green and surrounded by limestone cliffs. I couldn't stop staring. Everyone was taking pictures and videos like crazy.
After riding on the boat for a few minutes we pulled up to this tree branch in the middle of the water that had a rope hanging from it. Nearby there was a large rock - so we stopped and jumped out of the boat and swam around for a bit. We all wore our swimsuits off of the train so we didn't need to change or anything.
We got back on to the boat and kept driving for a few more minutes until we pull up to a bunch of small floating bungalows!
Lunch was an all-you-can-eat Thai food and then I hopped onto a kayak and spent the rest of the afternoon on the lake. I stuck with some friends for a few minutes, then I ended up exploring on my own, then I just laid on the kayak and soaked up the sun. You guessed it- I got super burnt :)
After kayaking I just hung out on the pier for a while- there was a sad/dramatic moment when a girl's iphone fell into the water and was lost forever... but other than that it was a fun afternoon. That national park was freaking awesome.
After hanging out for a few hours we hopped back on the boat to see if we could see monkeys on the opposite shore. That's when Gam decided that she and I were best friends.
Gam is an 8 year old Thai girl whose family runs the restaurant and the bungalows. Gam was playing with us earlier in the water but she seemed kind of shy. Didn't want to talk to anyone. On our way to see the monkeys she grabbed my hand and stuck to my side. Melted my heart. I actually was able to get a video of her-
When I came back she followed me to my room to get clothes, then she followed me to the shower, then she waited outside the shower while I showered, then she followed me back to my room. We played flip the bottle together for a few minutes. #besties
After dinner she stuck by me when our group played games. Kids just love me LOL. They better. I'm a teacher.
So it was a good day on the lake. If I could camp for a straight month any place in the world I think Khao Sok National Park would be the place. I haven't been everywhere yet though so I cannot yet make an informed decision. Glamping more like it. I'll take either. The food there was real good too. Super glad I like Thai food. Alright day 5 over.
After dinner she stuck by me when our group played games. Kids just love me LOL. They better. I'm a teacher.
So it was a good day on the lake. If I could camp for a straight month any place in the world I think Khao Sok National Park would be the place. I haven't been everywhere yet though so I cannot yet make an informed decision. Glamping more like it. I'll take either. The food there was real good too. Super glad I like Thai food. Alright day 5 over.
day 6
We left the park and took a van and then a ferry to Koh Phangan- Which is an island in the south of Thailand.
Weirdly I always giggle to myself when I'm on a ferry because I make all these jokes in my head about fairies. I'm pretty juvenile. That's why I connect with kids. Here's a photo someone in my group took of us walking onto the ferry :
We took the ferry to Koh Phangan. The island of Koh Phangan is where we stayed the rest of the trip. It took like an hour and a half I think? When we got to the island and it was pouring rain. But Thailand rain is warm rain. Thank heavens for that.
They have taxis on the island- the taxis are just benches in the covered back of a pick-up truck. So we loaded all of our stuff in the back of the truck and took the taxi from the port to our bungalows. (this photo is from later in the week... but I wanted to show ya'll a taxi from the island) :
They have taxis on the island- the taxis are just benches in the covered back of a pick-up truck. So we loaded all of our stuff in the back of the truck and took the taxi from the port to our bungalows. (this photo is from later in the week... but I wanted to show ya'll a taxi from the island) :
The place where we stayed is called 'Sarana Bungalows'. And I remember how to spell that because of the wifi username and password. They were très chic! (see my synonyms?) Here are some pictures taken the day after when it was sunny:
Right on the beach. We stayed on Sunset Beach- which coincidentaly had the perfect view of the sunset. The other side of the island was Sunrise Beach which was in an area of the island called Haad Rin. That is where the crazy full moon parties take place :)
The parties take place every full moon- but apparently they also have half-moon parties on the beach to get ready for the full-moon parties. So after we settled in we met up to go party on the beach. We went to eat and paint ourselves at a place called SAME SAME which interestingly enough has some Danish (I think) influence. In fact there were a couple of places on the island (Mama's Schnitzel) that had some Scandinavian influence. Not what I expected. But cool nonetheless.
After painting ourselves we went to a pirate bar and I impressed everyone with my ability to keep up with Eminem. Lyrically that is. And then gangster style I won their respect. Street rules.
Jk I'm no gangster. Sometimes I fool people.
I also beat an aspiring surgeon in a game of connect four. Those of you who know me know that I'm humble and shy about winning. That is, I would be... if I could resist rubbing sweet sweet victory in people's faces! True colors that night.
Then we headed to the beach where a lit dance party (that might be the first time I've ever used 'lit') was going on and I danced like a maniac. I've always loved dancing like a maniac and it was weirdly comforting dancing like a maniac when everyone else was drunk and non-judgemental :)
One of the downsides to dancing like a crazy person is that I get real sweaty. Like a sailor. (that's a saying right :) And I hate getting sweaty. But dancing is worth it. I'm sure you wanted to read about my sweat. Wednesday night was a BLAST. Real fun was had.
The parties take place every full moon- but apparently they also have half-moon parties on the beach to get ready for the full-moon parties. So after we settled in we met up to go party on the beach. We went to eat and paint ourselves at a place called SAME SAME which interestingly enough has some Danish (I think) influence. In fact there were a couple of places on the island (Mama's Schnitzel) that had some Scandinavian influence. Not what I expected. But cool nonetheless.
After painting ourselves we went to a pirate bar and I impressed everyone with my ability to keep up with Eminem. Lyrically that is. And then gangster style I won their respect. Street rules.
Jk I'm no gangster. Sometimes I fool people.
I also beat an aspiring surgeon in a game of connect four. Those of you who know me know that I'm humble and shy about winning. That is, I would be... if I could resist rubbing sweet sweet victory in people's faces! True colors that night.
Then we headed to the beach where a lit dance party (that might be the first time I've ever used 'lit') was going on and I danced like a maniac. I've always loved dancing like a maniac and it was weirdly comforting dancing like a maniac when everyone else was drunk and non-judgemental :)
One of the downsides to dancing like a crazy person is that I get real sweaty. Like a sailor. (that's a saying right :) And I hate getting sweaty. But dancing is worth it. I'm sure you wanted to read about my sweat. Wednesday night was a BLAST. Real fun was had.
Day 7- Treat yo self
Treat yo self. Parks and Rec style. I got a Thai oil massage. And the Thai ladies laughed at my sunburn. So day 7 was a day of massages and relaxing. I went with a couple of guys down to Haad Rin to check out the shops down there- we didn't really shop we just walked around... which is exactly my kind of shopping. I dislike shopping with people that want to spend a lot of time in stores.
I kind of wandered off by myself later that afternoon- walking the streets of Koh Phangan solo. Han style. JK Han wasn't there. He's dead. #lightertopic.... Then I went back and watched the sunset on Sunset Beach and wrote in my journal.
I kind of wandered off by myself later that afternoon- walking the streets of Koh Phangan solo. Han style. JK Han wasn't there. He's dead. #lightertopic.... Then I went back and watched the sunset on Sunset Beach and wrote in my journal.
After the sun had set some of the girls wanted to go out exploring a nearby night market. Scratch that- all of the girls wanted to go explore a night market. I didn't go (because I'm not a shopper at heart)- instead I hung out with the guys and cheered them on as they played beer pong. I think I made the right decision :)
day 8- hiking and stuff
It was a little rainy- the first thing we did was meet Steve who is from New York and super funny. And by funny I mean punny. And I certainly love puns. He took us to a waterfall. Everyone was standing at the bottom so I just took my shoes off and started hiking. #adventurewaitsforNoOne. Okay that hashtag isn't even remotely true. Adventure can await anywhere. I'm just trying to be cool with the hashtags again. So I climbed up to the waterfall and then waited for everyone to come up and take pictures. #trailblazer. I probably should have taken more pictures up there... but alas. earwax.
After hiking we went to a place to go snorkeling...
then a place called 360 bar which had amazing views of the island:
We had some food at the bar and then we spent the rest of the afternoon on the beach and the sun came out. Later that night we lit a bonfire on the beach. I fell asleep in front of the fire. Ha. I slept a lot and still felt like I didn't get much sleep :) but I woke up and talked to people afterward the fire. I'm not sure I have any pictures of that night so ... that's all for day 8! |
day 9- water for elephants
I haven't actually seen that movie. I also considered another LOTR quote- maybe next time :)
So after breakfast we took a taxi (truck :) to play with elephants. It was awesome! The sanctuary we went to is conscious about how they treat elephants so we didn't ride them or anything, but we did feed them bananas and then follow them around the jungle, and then wash them and we had a mini water fight. I may have been too clingly with the elephants :)
So after breakfast we took a taxi (truck :) to play with elephants. It was awesome! The sanctuary we went to is conscious about how they treat elephants so we didn't ride them or anything, but we did feed them bananas and then follow them around the jungle, and then wash them and we had a mini water fight. I may have been too clingly with the elephants :)
Here is the WATER FOR ELEPHANTS part. That's me in the blue squirting everybody -->
After playing with elephants we went back to the bungalows and I spent all afternoon by the pool. I have a sunburn picture this time:
That night was our last night together. And I got really sad about it. Hanging out in Thailand with all my British (and American/Canadian/German/Swiss) friends was so fun! I miss those guys :/ The last night we went to a resort for our farewell dinner and talked about our awesome week.
At the dinner awards were given out. I got the 'best dancer' award :) I've been complimented before on my special car-dancing abilities- but I'd like to think the Thai beach set me free :)
We then kind of repeated our routine from a few nights before: SAME SAME- Pirate Bar- Beach Dance Party. I was a little less social this time. I wandered up to the roof at SAME SAME and looked down on the street and thought about life. Then at the beach party the DJ was playing the exact same playlist as he had 2 nights before. I wasn't feeling it. But let me just say... beach dance parties are AMAZING. Because you can go and walk in the water when a song comes on that you're just not feeling.
We then kind of repeated our routine from a few nights before: SAME SAME- Pirate Bar- Beach Dance Party. I was a little less social this time. I wandered up to the roof at SAME SAME and looked down on the street and thought about life. Then at the beach party the DJ was playing the exact same playlist as he had 2 nights before. I wasn't feeling it. But let me just say... beach dance parties are AMAZING. Because you can go and walk in the water when a song comes on that you're just not feeling.
I left the beach dance party early though. My guide negotiated me a taxi to go back to the bungalows- everyone wanted to stay and dance. I went back and showered and sat on the beach for a couple of hours. 'Twas the perfect way to end Thailand.
I had a long trip home.
I had a long trip home.
Trip home...
So I'm a little bit of a cheapskate (which etymology tells me 'skate' means 'worn out horse'... not sure if I trust that...)
When I booked flights I booked the cheapest possible. Like with crazy layovers. So Sunday morning I slept in a little - half our group left at 6:00AM and I didn't get up to say goodbye :/ but I left at 11AM. It was sad leaving. Because like I said, I love my group. Also everyone else was staying and I was going back to work.
So back to the cheapskate comment... My total travel time to get home? 54 hours. Seriously. That includes layovers and stuff (which in Beijing I saw the Great Wall of China!) but STILLLLLL that's long. And it was funny because I flew United (and Air China) and then I got home and heard about that incident and saw all of the funny hashtags.
First I took a taxi to the pier in Koh Phangan.
Then I took a ferry to the neighboring island of Koh Samui
Then I took a plane from Koh Samui to Bangkok
Then I took a plane from Bangkok to Beijing
Then I obtained a 24 hour visa and spent part of my layover at the Great Wall of China :) pretty sure I would have gone crazy if my traveling wasn't broken up somehow...
Then I took a plane from Beijing to San Francisco
Then I took a plane from San Francisco to Las Vegas
Then I picked up my car from the Park N' Ride (it's free btw if you were considering flying out of Vegas :) and drove to Cedar City to crash at my brother's house. That's 51 hours. I arrived at 2AM on Tuesday morning- plus I lost 13 hours coming back.
Then it's a 3 hour drive from Cedar City to Provo
Now that I've done the whole 'spend two whole days traveling' thing I think I'll never do it again. I told all my students about my trip. On the plane ride from San Francisco I was feeling that I really didn't want to come home... which is weird because I love my job. But I want to go meet awesome people all over the world like I did in Thailand. I guess I don't like consistency. Unless it's consistent food and shelter. That I like. Anyway I had an emotional moment there for a minute. I seriously considered running away for a second. But then I realized I don't have the money to wander the globe aimlessly.
Thailand has been my favorite trip so far. I think the ThaiIntro tour is like the top ranked tour in the world...on the TOURRADAR website and our group leader Jack is like #2 top ranked tour guide. I gave him a weird but glowing review (I was in the airport and tired at the time :)
I'm glad I didn't do Europe in a group because I don't like being tied down to a schedule- I like to go off and explore. When I'm alone I feel more free. But Thailand was the perfect mix. I created my alone time when I needed it. Plus I wouldn't have known where to start exploring solo like I did in Europe. In Europe I just picked a city and went. So touring with a group was awesome. Not sure what my next adventure will be but I've got to get through 6 more weeks of teaching until summer vacation!!
When I booked flights I booked the cheapest possible. Like with crazy layovers. So Sunday morning I slept in a little - half our group left at 6:00AM and I didn't get up to say goodbye :/ but I left at 11AM. It was sad leaving. Because like I said, I love my group. Also everyone else was staying and I was going back to work.
So back to the cheapskate comment... My total travel time to get home? 54 hours. Seriously. That includes layovers and stuff (which in Beijing I saw the Great Wall of China!) but STILLLLLL that's long. And it was funny because I flew United (and Air China) and then I got home and heard about that incident and saw all of the funny hashtags.
First I took a taxi to the pier in Koh Phangan.
Then I took a ferry to the neighboring island of Koh Samui
Then I took a plane from Koh Samui to Bangkok
Then I took a plane from Bangkok to Beijing
Then I obtained a 24 hour visa and spent part of my layover at the Great Wall of China :) pretty sure I would have gone crazy if my traveling wasn't broken up somehow...
Then I took a plane from Beijing to San Francisco
Then I took a plane from San Francisco to Las Vegas
Then I picked up my car from the Park N' Ride (it's free btw if you were considering flying out of Vegas :) and drove to Cedar City to crash at my brother's house. That's 51 hours. I arrived at 2AM on Tuesday morning- plus I lost 13 hours coming back.
Then it's a 3 hour drive from Cedar City to Provo
Now that I've done the whole 'spend two whole days traveling' thing I think I'll never do it again. I told all my students about my trip. On the plane ride from San Francisco I was feeling that I really didn't want to come home... which is weird because I love my job. But I want to go meet awesome people all over the world like I did in Thailand. I guess I don't like consistency. Unless it's consistent food and shelter. That I like. Anyway I had an emotional moment there for a minute. I seriously considered running away for a second. But then I realized I don't have the money to wander the globe aimlessly.
Thailand has been my favorite trip so far. I think the ThaiIntro tour is like the top ranked tour in the world...on the TOURRADAR website and our group leader Jack is like #2 top ranked tour guide. I gave him a weird but glowing review (I was in the airport and tired at the time :)
I'm glad I didn't do Europe in a group because I don't like being tied down to a schedule- I like to go off and explore. When I'm alone I feel more free. But Thailand was the perfect mix. I created my alone time when I needed it. Plus I wouldn't have known where to start exploring solo like I did in Europe. In Europe I just picked a city and went. So touring with a group was awesome. Not sure what my next adventure will be but I've got to get through 6 more weeks of teaching until summer vacation!!