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Published: February 5th 2012
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Hello again!
Sorry for the long silence, but internet on the beach has been anything but reliable the past week. We are, however, alive and well and sending love back home.
In our jungle/beach excursion, we have learned that like Texas, everything is bigger in the jungle; the leaves and fruits on the trees, the hooting morning birds, the insects and spiders (I had one on my shoulder, to my suprise, as big as my palm!), the limestone cliffs, and the mosiquitos (more in mass than actual size). I also saw a lizard that was about 4 feet long and THIS BIG around! It was awesome. Furthermore...the pests. Instead of squirells, there are monkeys. Now, at first, they are definitely a noted pleasure to observe. I particularly enjoy watching them groom each other: one patiently sitting while the other sifts through tuffs of fur and eats any delectable found! However, they have definitely been downgraded from furocious wild animals to just plain naughty. They get into the trash and steal visitors bags if left unattended. So indeed, beware!
Continuing our travels, we have learned a keen eye will fall witness to many a photo shoot. Typically, this involves
a couple of girl friends posing, to perhaps send a photo home to an aspiring love interest, or a man snapping a shot of his partner on the beach at sunset. However, the most ridiculous thus far has been the speed-o-ed european berating his girl during a photo-shoot of his own. There he stood, all macho and glistening in the sun, with a fruity drink...not sipping, but simply placing the straw on his tongue. Neither of us could understand the ensuing conversation, but while he snapped at his girlfriend, she snapped pictures of him from every angle. Imediately following, he handed her the drink, and we assumed she was next. It turns out, the drink was just hers! We're still laughing about the whole event.
As we've been here a good three weeks, our Thailand language skills are vastly improving, as you can imagine. We can now say about 7 things: hello, thank you, white-person, change, chicken, squid, and how much (hehe). One must be careful in the use of these words, however, (ie how much? tao rai?) as it tends to be answered in Thai, and then you're screwed. Especially Dean, as in his tan state and pulled-back
hair, he blends in with the locals:-) Though I no longer resemble a member of the Cullen family, I cannot say as much for myself.
Another noteworthy aspect of Thai culture is the art of the Thai massage. It's a mixture really of acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, and yoga. One's body is manipulated, pushed and pulled on, twisted and stepped on. It's pretty amazing. One particular pressure point, which has plagued me with food allergies (the one between your thumb and pointer figure), were virtually cured after one go. You can have all of this, for just $6!
The last massage I received was in the company of Dean, Jorge, and a girl we met traveling named Marianna. It was hilarious. Dean fell asleep and was snoring next to me, Jorge was worried because his masseuse looked like a line-backer, and the hookers were rampant across the street. Relaxing??
*Quick note on prostitutes: In small, touristy towns, they flock to 'work' the bars. Even with me walking right next to Jorge and Dean, they frequently got propositioned. It's so ridiculous, that some bars advertise for 'no prostitutes'! The beach town we are in, is (thankfully) free from prostitution.
As of now, travel glitches have been left to a minimum. With the exception of being ravaged by mosquitos, Dean swimming through a swarm of thumbnail sized jellyfish and taking one to the upper lip, and the occasional grumbly tummy, we are unscathed. The climbing is undoubtedly epic, but you'll hear from Dean in a few regarding those adventures.
**Less the map pictures from the 1st blog entry, pictures posted are either taken by Dean or Haley. If you scroll to the bottom of the page, there are usually a few extra posted pictures. Also, appologies for any typos, as these entries are on the clock!
Happy Superbowl Sunday,
Mosquitos are haneous,
Love and Hugs,
Haley and Dean
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Sue Lemm
non-member comment
Very cool!
Hi, Haley and Dean! Thanks for the fabulous update! It sounds like you're having a great time, and the area sounds really cool! I can't imagine thinking, "Oh, it's just those darn monkeys again!" Enjoy your tropical paradise, and have FUN! Take care... Sue