where we'll be in Thailand Hey Wally,
Thanks for the note. While I'm not sure if we'll pass through Sattahip, we absolutely loved Chaing Mai - we spent about 5 days there and did a really tough trek through the jungle and rice fields there. My girlfriend and I will be spending about 5 months in Korat, Thailand which is about an hour and half north-east of Bangkok, maybe 2 hours. Presently we're in the middle of a weeklong Vietnam trip, heading to Ha Long bay tomorrow. We'll wrap up the first leg of our trip back on the islands of Koh Pha Nang and Koh Tao. Thailand and Laos have both been great and so far so good with Vietnam.
Are you familiar with Korat at all? Or any other recommendations you can make in that area?
take care, lucas
I'm jealous of the diving experience...know how much I enjoyed snorkling in Florida when I was much younger! I agree with the 'peaceful 'nother world' aura. Can't wait to see the video! I wonder how many times you will say to each other "GOOD MORNING VIETNAM!" Miss you all! :)
I wonder if it's still the same Lucas, your Dad and I play baseball together. He and your mom told me of your travels. I lived in Sattahip, south of Bangkok on the Gulf of Siam for about 4 months (Air Force). After I finished my term with the Air Force, I trekked across Southeast Asia, and I loved it. I envy you for your opportunity. Don't miss Chaing Mai in the North of Thailand. I'd love to know where your travels will take you.
Wally Brant, Indianapolis
now enjoying beach life Hey Emily - thanks for the note! I do enjoy writing, perhaps I should look into doing a little bit more. I know Joe can write up a storm as well - we'll have some great stories to tell indeed. I'm going to miss everyone for xmas - it will be sad for sure, but at least Anna will be together and Im' sure we'll come up with a way to share some video or conversations. The new penthouse you'll be renting sounds AWESOME - score! And I'll pass on the info to Anna about two toilets - if you could see us now you'd be even more jealous as we are on the island of Ko Tao and have a beach bungalow 10 feet from the beach - it is absolutely amazing - we have our first underwater scuba lesson in about 30 minutes - off I go! Best of luck closing down the houses, just keep the pipeline full and they'll start closing right? Take care - if I'm stateside in April, I'm doing the robot on the dancefloor at the reception!
glad to help... Hi Angie - thanks for reaching out, glad to lend a hand where possible. We stayed in Chaing Mai at, what we originally thought was a hostel, but was a hotel. It's called Top North and it turns out they have both a hostel and hotel - both have a pool so you can't go wrong there especially after a long trek like we did. I do highly recommend this trek - we booked through our hotel and it's not offered at all hostels or hotels, so they say, and I do believe them, we didn't really see any other souls out there. The company was called 3 Dimensions and I'll confirm with my girlfriend - however, if you go through Top North you shouldn't have any problems finding it. Our trek departed on a Thursday, but they usually operate on Monday - Wed - Friday. Might be good to know when planning days.
Footwear - it was muddy as it had been raining and rained on us as well. We all wore sneakers and you'll want to as well - the path, if wet, is muddy, slippery and quite narrow at times. I would recommend one good pair of neoprene socks which dry quickly. If it's raining and you have rain gear you end up sweating big time anyways so, yes, have something waterproof and very light, but we got along fine without it.
Hope that helps! Thailand is great - be careful of when you plan to hit the beaches and islands....they are very very difficult to leave as they are SO BEAUTIFUL, especially Ko Tao where we are at now.
take care
such good writing I am glad to hear that you are having such a wonderful time. As far as the sleeping on the kitchen floor, been there done that. On more than one occasion. Most of the time when drunk. :) Luke, you have the gift of writing like Joe does. I am amazed that a "jock" like yourself can put into words what you have in this blog. Perhaps it is because what you are doing is so interesting. I can't come up with more than about 3 sentences about my week. You came up with 3 pages on each day. I told Joe the same thing. You both need to write a book. Your writing makes me want to come to Tailand and take that same tour with Wui.
So sorry to hear you won't be home for Christmas, but I will take care of getting the crew drunk. Dana has just started her nurse training at IUPUI and Patrick has just embarked on grad school at IU in b-town. I am currently keeping my head afloat in Real Estate. It is acutally really busy right now. I just wish I could make all the sales that fall through work.
Chad and I are moving in together in December. We are renting a place from a client of mine who is having trouble selling and just wants some consistent income. We are getting a luxury penthouse unit 4 bedroom 4 bath for 1000 a month. (We cant wait to have the space. Right now we are sharing a 640 square foot 1 bedroom condo.) Piece of advice, never live with someone unless you have at least 2 toilets! It will be a relationship saver if you have 2.
Our puppy is over 50 pounds now. We love him so much, but he needs to learn not to eat the baseboards. Other than that he is pretty good. He loves everyone he sees, especially kids and he prefers little girls. I joked with Chad that we have our dog's permission to have kids, as long as they are girls. (just what he wanted to hear.)
If you and Anna are home by April 17th I hope you can come to our reception at Maggiano's in Indy. I would send you a real invite, but know you are a nomad right now. Just put it on your calendar. I am having an open bar if that helps sway you at all.
Glad to hear you are all having a great time. Love you and miss you! Be safe and make sure you check out "the Beach" the island that Leonardo DiCaprio did his movie on. Just don't get stuck there living the island culture.
Talk to you soon!
info Hi, your trekking trip sound awesome. I am now even more excited to go to Thailand. I will be going to Thailand in October and will be traveling by myself (fingers crossed) so I am trying to plan a bit before my trip. If you don't mind me asking, I am wondering which hostel and package you picked because I am also interested intense trekking.
PS: it seemed like you trekked through a lot of mud, did you wear sandals or sneakers?
HOLY MOSES What an amazing tale! I am now in a dream state of jungles, elephants, and rafting through Thailand! Thank you so much for this wonderful recollection! Keep em coming!! Love to you all!!
Beth
WOW WHat to say! You guys are great story tellers! I laughed so hard in some spots and felt like crying just because of the wonderful adventure you are having. The elephant ride, the singing with the kids, the toilet "experience", all of it--cant' decide what would be a favorite!! I'm so happy and excited that you are having this experience!! Can't wait to read more
love
MOM/sylvia
Love your blogs! I love to read these. Today I read it while Nathan (6) and Noah (4) did homework and colored. I was able to escape Carmel, IN and tune into another world! Thank you for your great details. Safe and happy traveling!
Solid Awesome man. Thanks for the update. Are you going by "Luke" now? Glad you guys are off to a good start. Please keep us posted with stories and pics. Looking forward to the next post.
Spicy! Man oh man. SOOOO awesome. We miss you guys and are so stoked to be living vicariously through you. Hope you are having the time of your life. Just think about how much time you have lost in your life NOT loving every second of dreadfully hot spiciness! Remember the hot wings from Jake's Steaks? Can I get a compare on heat?
Oh, and I hope the tigers aren't sharklike in their abaility to smell fear. Wuss.
Love ya kid!
Coledaddy
AmAAAAzing! Sounds like a great adventure! I can almost smell it from here! Thanks Luke for writing! Keep em coming! Give Anna and Holli a Gigantic hug from their old friend!! Safe Travels my friend:)
Mother of famous traveler tells all Random thoughts about your travel blog:
1. Love it --- will relish every single tidbit of information you post!
2. I've subscribed and will look forward to your frequent updates! A day without an update will be a day without sunshine! =)
3. I love you all this much........................................................................and that's a lot!
4. I am so proud of you and so happy you are brave enough to follow your dreams......AND, I can't wait to see you again!
tim
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horse
it's never pathetic to love your colts