Thank you for sharing what a wonderful trip and experience you take me along just be reading your blog. How interesting differences and makes a person realize how fortunate we are for what we have. I look forward to reading more of your entries on this awesome venture you are on.
God bless you and safe travels.
survivor Well Crystal, I guess we now know what the food theme will be for survivor night if you ever come home. MMMMMMMMMMM Looking forward to it. Oh Hey you guys are you getting to see any of Survivor. It's great. Boston Rob versus my all time favourite The fighting Irish leprechaun Russell. Does this all seem a little pathetic to you ? Lol. Miss you guys, Steve xx.
Thanks for your blog Just want to let you know that we always looks forward to your blog. We haven't been to Thailand or Laos and sure enjoy reading about your experiences there. You are such a good writer.
thanks for blog Hi Crystal -thanks for the inspiration and refuge you provide with your blogs-I can't wait for my travel days to come!
The pictures are fantastic as well. Glad you are seeing and savoring (and sharing) so much. Take care, Bev.
amazing elephant Did the elephant actually paint that picture by her/himself? That's crazy. Okay so you are such a good strory teller (unfortuately in this case) that my stomach hurt as you described the market and then when I saw the eggs and pigs..... Actually my stomach still hurts as I type. When you use the terms "raft" and "boat" you are using them loosely I see. I don't suppose you get a life jacket do you? I know we are spoiled and a little wee bit wimpy back here - or at least I am. This part of your journey is absolutely amazing, to see the history and the people. Of course you are drawn to the children. Well I think of you often, wonder how you are, and continue to be jealous. Where will the next part of your journey lead you..... Take care of yourselves - Carla
Wow! Ooooh it looks totally awesome!!! What great experiences you are enjoying! Rene driving an oxcart! All the different modes of transportation sure do contribute to the experience.
I had been thinking we could pass on the elephant rides as we did that in Zambia but it's totally different. That painting is amazing! I wonder how they taught her to do that? The Wats are beautiful! WOW WOW WOW! You pack so much into a day!
You have to try eating a bug if for no other reason than to say you did it. What do they do with those pig heads???
I love your blog and can't wait to get there!
nice Thank you that was very interesting. I love the way you both really pay attention to what your'e bodies need. You are great nap takers. And note takers. The level of writing in the blog 1st class! lease send more.
real Thai food! I can't imagine how good the food is. I was excited to hear that you were going to Thailand. Would you do me a favor and next time you come across a vendor selling false teeth, grab me a pair (upper and lower of course) I'm thinking they might come in handy in 50 years or so. How gross is that!! I can't wait to hear more about this part of your journey. - Carla
Thailand here we come! I just have to say I LOVE your attitude! YES, you will get "taken" now and then but it's part of the experience. Bangkok taxis are famous for ripping people off. Oh well. We've had the most fun getting lost too. It's all about the experience and you see even more when you don't know where you're going. I can't wait to get there!
The pool looks interesting. It's on the roof??
I'm looking forward to hearing more about your travels into Northern Thailand and Laos. Take care!
What a trip! Jim & I are so glad you decided not to go into Mexico & Central America! Too much violence there, you don't need to put yourselves in harm's way. Thailand, huh? Looking forward to hearing about your trip there! Loving your blog!!!! Love you guys! Jim & Elaine
Helloooooo Hey there Rene and Crystal;
Again, another interesting blog. Salvation Mountain is quite the find! Really cool! Love the pictures again but have you noticed that a lot of your horizons are crooked? They are higher on the right. Just thought I'd point it out as I have the same problem....crooked eyes. lol
have fun in thailand Hey guys,
we love reading your reports, have a fun time in thailand!
Just wanting to let you know that Larry and Linda just became grandparents today, a little girl. I guess they need not have worried about missing it on our little party after christmas. Somebody didn't count right.
Anyway all the best,
Meggie & ERich
Awesomeness! And again what a great blog. Love the pictures! Now I've got to get to the Grand Canyon. *SIGH* You just keep adding more things and places to see to my list!
Bravery Wow, the hostel sounds like....fun? Crazy kids. I can imagine you didn't feel all that safe. All of your years of social work could not prepare you for the one legged, crazy dressed, drunk......kids. Sounds like a memorable adventure all the same. I don't know anyone else who has spent time with train hoppers. So no more camping gear, hehehe. I'm sure that's not a problem for you and are you going to want to camp after this? It looks beautiful there and your stories as usual are incredible. It's snowing here A LOT!!! We were sent home early today actually so here I sit at my computer at home....need to get back to my work emails my friend. Take care, if I don't hear from you before Christmas, have a wonderful one. - Carla
Thanks Hey Folks, great to hear from you. Ha Ha , sounds pretty tough on the road. Little bit gritty. I've been all through that area. The wind is nasty sometimes, but the roads are long and you can find good folks.Wild stories though. Soak up some rays for me up here in the darkness. But it starts getting lighter in 6 days.Around and around it goes.
We are Rene and Crystal Hoekstra. We are a middle aged couple who instead of having extra-martial affairs for our midlife crisis decided to ride a Kawi for a year and explore some of this wonderful world that we live in. O.K so all kidding aside, we are blessed to be able to fullfill a long time dream and take a year off work and travel.... full info
Madhu Mukkamala
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Yikes!
You are barbarians ;-)