Well, I am writing from Macau forcing myself to stay away from the blackjack tables and expensive restaurants for just a few minutes to recount our time in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia on the island of Borneo. We arrived in good spirits excited for what was ahead of us as we had heard varying accounts on how difficult the climb would be. We had heard about a family wanting to take the trip with their three kids aged 9-14, so we figured if they thought they could handle it- we definitely could. There were also people who could not complete the climb [View Full Entry]

---

---

Ha Long Bay While debating the merits of Laos vs. Vietnam and north Vietnam vs. the south, Ha Long Bay, in the northeastern Vietnam, pushed us towards the north. I recall talking to someone Vietnam while in Bangkok and this traveler, with a particular flair for the dramatic, proclaimed Ha Long Bay to be the most beautiful place he'd ever seen. Or maybe he wasn't exaggerating, as numerous posters in Ha Long harbor detailed how to vote for Ha Long Bay to become one of "The Seven Natural Wonders of the World." Which sparked two additional conversations. 1. What were 7 [View Full Entry]

---

---

Ho Chi Minh Well, Adam's cheap ploy to get people to comment on our blog worked- glad to see people are still reading! We are still in Vietnam and as we have a couple of free computers (and printing! - the small things that make one excited...) in our hotel it is the perfect time to get caught up on our travels here in Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) was a very interesting city- as Adam commented on before the traffic is amazing- I am surprised every time we cross the street that we made it unscathed. The market life [View Full Entry]

---

---

Just finished watching the marathon of an All Star Game on tape delay. When the Cubs get to the series (knock on Wood), MLB is gonna wish the NL won the game. Also, an addendum on Siem Reap regarding some of the absurdities we have seen while driving around. 1. At least 100 dead roosters hanging by there necks from a strange contraption on the back of a moto cruising through the city center. 2. An unknown number of live piglets in several cages stacked on the back of a moto. 3. A rather large dead pig riding upside down on [View Full Entry]

---

---

We made it to Cambodia after a busy day in Bangkok! The trip over to Siam Reap was painstakingly expensive. We had to fly as taking an overland route would involve 3 different buses, 2 tuk tuk rides and take 2 days on top of the road being in awful condition. The only option for a flight was on Bangkok Airways- not only do they have a monopoly on the route but it is rumoured that they have a bribe deal with the government to keep the road in bad condition so more people fly. Alas we paid the $400 total [View Full Entry]

---

---

After titling this entry, I searched Travelblog and found at least 500 matching entries, many of which appear to be about treks from Chiang Mai. Great minds think alike I guess. But first, the craft market. San Kampaeng. About 15km outside of the city. When we asked the innkeeper where we to catch a tuk tuk out there, he told us not to worry, he would have his "driver" take us, but until 1:30 (this was at about 12). Sounded a bit suspicious but I thought I remembered someone commenting on hostelworld.com about the friendly driver so we decided to wait. [View Full Entry]

---

---

Well, we ended up staying another day in Bangkok- we realized that was the best idea so we could do a few more things there and then be able to take an overnight train up to northern Thailand. Rest of our time in Bangkok: After the Muay Thai Boxing experience we enjoyed sleeping in for our last night in our nice hotel. I already miss the air conditioning! We grabbed some street food (yes more satay for me...) and then headed over to see Wat Arun. It took forever to walk there as we just headed in the right direction because [View Full Entry]

---

---

...the kind of heat that makes you sweat through your shirt within minutes of walking outside. Or maybe that's just me. For our second day in Bangkok (our first day after getting actual sleep), we toured Wat Pho and the Grand Palace/Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha). Lonely Planets lists these as must see places, even for those not inclined to tour temples and the like. I won't disagree although one day was enough to make me appreciate that I don't do it everyday (one of my only gripes about many countries in Europe-my opinon, not Christine's-too many churches). [View Full Entry]

---

---

I sit here in an internet shop surrounded by 10 different computers playing different music to go along with the various "Dance Dance Revolution" computer games being played. These men are getting so into it-- their hitting of the keyboard to make their different dance moves is somehow louder than the music beat. Anyways- onto the update :) We spent the last day in Krabi relaxing as our arms were still sore from the rock climbing experience. (Talk about a sport where one must really use their mental capability to overcome physical failure!) We spent the day browsing an English speaking [View Full Entry]

---

---

Almost three weeks into our trip and we have not stooped to a meal at McDonald's yet. Something to be proud of, right? We spent our last morning on Phi Phi reading and swimming. A longtail boat took us to the harbor where we boarded a ferry for the two hour trip to Railay Beach East in Krabi. Wisened after our first ferry experience, we staked out prime territory towards the front of the boat (the bow...or is it the stern?), planning to enjoy the scenery and get some sun. However, about half way through the seas roughened a bit and [View Full Entry]

---

---