Happy Continued Travels Lieve Jos,
Good to see that you are really enjoying yourself as you continue to travel and meet interesting people. Enjoy the scuba diving course. Just make sure that it is a recognised/sanctioned NAUI or PADI course as that certification will be valid in Canada.
We are going to Christina and Troy's wedding in London tomorrow. We let you know how it went.
Keep those pictures coming. They are quite nice to see. I also think that you have broken the code on how to travel- we really enjoy your blogs so keep them coming!
Heel veel liefs,
Mom and Dad
it's all happening the beach you're at with all of those travellers sounds like such a fun time. i'd love to go there one day. nothing like waking up on a beach. such a good feeling, so natural. keep up the blog, the whole thing just sounds so amazing.
Thought I would say hi on your travelblog...hope you are still checkin your e-mails as that is where I have been sending my stuff. Just got off msn with you, glad to hear things are going so much better. Thanks for keeping us all up to date on your travels, it's fun for all of us to read that are stuck at a desk!! I think I will have to take off somewhere soon, as your entries are making me miss it. Be safe, have fun, and take chances!!!(but safe ones lol) So excited for you that you got this chance to travel...Amazing...
Erin
Lieve Jos Sounds like you are on the way to another adventure. Hope that you got to the island alright and that the beaches are as nice as to what you were expecting.
Gramma is really interested in following your blog so you may want to invite her as well to this site.
We had a busy weekend driving to Trenton and participating in Amanda and Steve's wedding. Over 200 people attended. It was quite a nice and happy occasion for everyone.
So, hope you are getting some rest and keep this blogs coming.
HVL,
Mom and Dad
----THAI MASSAGE ----= Jos!
Tell me about your Thai massage ... I'm reading a book on it right now ... it's like a mix of massage techniques and someone doing sivananda yoga to you !!
I might end up at that school for a bit one day!
Wow, I hope some day that people consider it an attraction to see a chair that I 'once' sat in, or the mirrow I 'once' looked in. Also I would love to see these funky pants, hopefully there are pictures. It is great to hear what you are up too, have a safe trip south, enjoy the sunshine!
We all get scammed one way or another at times in our lives! It's the only way you'll learn the culture of people who have had a much more difficult time in life then us. I think they call it "Survival of the fittest" So, when a pretty girl bats her eyes at you run like hell sweety. That goes for the ones in Canada too! LOL.
Your trip sounds fantastic. Loneliness will fade as you get used to your surrondings. This is a great adventure that you'll never regret. I'm waiting for the next installment. Besides, I'm unemployed again and I'll live vicariously through your travels. P.S. When you get back home the Bonsers should have an inground pool installed and you're more than welcome to join us. Have fun Jos!
Jos,
Sounds like you are settling in and starting to get into the groove of the trip a bit. I think heading out of the city for some relaxation is just what you need. Recharge your batteries before doing your big tour of the place. Keep the blog going, its great to read.
Take care man,
Sean
Wow, I'm really impressed at how much you've kept up with this journal so far. It's nice to hear about your hillarious adventures...just makes me more anxious leave for my travels. You've certainly thrown yourself into an intense culture with minimal opportunity to adjust, let alone time to get used to just the traveling part. What you're doing is very inspiring, not only to me but I'm sure many people reading this blog. Good luck and keep writing!
Live it up! Hey Jos, great to get your emails and now reading this travel blog. I can't wait to read more. Have a great time, and enjoy this experience while you can. The real world awaits like a crouched tiger, waiting to pounce, so avoid it as long as you can. Talk to you when you get back,
Sonny
so funny you had me laughing so much. the driving sounds nuts. and i loved how all these historic sights were not all that exciting. so funny. i am just picturing this really ridiculous effort to get to one of the must-see historic sights and it's like a statue of a guy and there's no information telling you what it is.. good luck on your journey north if you decide to go, sounds like it would be pretty facinating. keep writing!
Go to Chai Mai Chai Mai is a great place to go but i wouldn't head north so soon. There is alot to see in the city. If you are looking for people to travel with go to Gulliver's on kohn san road. You also won't get used to the smells and as you leave the city prepare yourself for no toilets and bring TP everywhere!!! The lonely planet is a great guide book and keep talking to locals.
Christine
An interesting Day 3 Lieve Jos,
Thanks for writing your thoughts and experiences out on this blog site! It is a great idea and will give you a wonderful diary to return to afer you come back.
Have a great trek and we look forward to hearing more from you.
HVL,
Dad
love this blog hey jos, travelblog is the best. i love reading your journals. i bet your brain feel like mush. the time change and the culture shock is enough to paralyze. But what stories you have to tell already! And this is just the beginning. i am picturing alot of dust and heat and helicopters flying over your head. like in that movie Good Morning Vietnam. It's funny how your imagination can be so ridiculous. Keep your spirits high, just when you start to second guess yourself, the clouds will part and the sun will shine, and it will all start to make perfect sense. It's only a matter of time before everything starts rolling. But what an adventure so far, and you've barely left the airport! You're doing such a cool thing.
Enjoy the experience Lieve Jos,
Welcome to your first real world-wide adventure. It will feel strange for awhile but no doubt, you'll meet a fellow traveller soon or a bunch that will be fun to hang out with. Just be carefull for those that use drugs.
I sent you a comment yesterday and I don't know if you actually got it. It does not show up on anything that I can see on this Blog site.
So, once you get a little used to the climate, it will be better. However, from my experience, the cities tend to be very dirty and smoky with diesel fumes etc. It is, unfortunately, all part of the adventure and a reason why you may not want to stay in the city very long. Nicole had similar observations as you are finding.
Take care and keep using this blog site- great idea.
Heel veel liefs,
Dad
Just wanted you to know how jealous I am of you! Even a 12.5 hour flight from chicago is better than sitting in Burlington! Good luck on your way to Bangkok and don't forget to look for shawna....gapgirl22@hotmail.com...they're leaving Korea and travelling all over the South Pacific at the end of June!
Have an amazing time and don't forget to look out for the male prostitutes...
Krista
so cool it's 8:20am here, haven't missed much, you just left alot of envious people behind in your dust! there's this free translation link on the net http://babel.altavista.com/ - works pretty well if you need a few words or phrases fast- or you can always resort to charades.
Enjoy the Adventure! Lieve Jos,
What a great idea to set up this Travel Blog. Mom and I enjoyed your emails and look forward to reading on what your are experiencing as the journey continues.
Have a wonderful time and hope that you enjoyed your sampling of Japanese beers!
HVL,
Mom and Dad
Joep Diening
non-member comment
Happy Continued Travels
Lieve Jos, Good to see that you are really enjoying yourself as you continue to travel and meet interesting people. Enjoy the scuba diving course. Just make sure that it is a recognised/sanctioned NAUI or PADI course as that certification will be valid in Canada. We are going to Christina and Troy's wedding in London tomorrow. We let you know how it went. Keep those pictures coming. They are quite nice to see. I also think that you have broken the code on how to travel- we really enjoy your blogs so keep them coming! Heel veel liefs, Mom and Dad