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Picture 001
Setting up our prayer flags at the top of Kalar Pattar. We all linked our together and tied it up high so we could see it from below. Yes, we made it out of Nepal safely and not a moment too soon. We spent a little less than a week trying to recover from some sort of ailment, but we did get out of Kathmandu for some day trips to the Monkey Temple, Durbar Square and Baktapur.
We spent a long layover in Singpore, but that would be the airport to do it in. They have three hotels in the airport, as well as free internet, a free movie theatre, free music stations, and a massive mall. When flying into Bangkok we didn't stay the night, but took a night bus to Chomphon and then a ferry to the island of Koh Toa where we were meeting up with Patrick and Tyler. The overnight bus was ok, but didn't sleep more than 2 hours, and was woken up by the bus driver telling us to get off. We apparently arrived at our stop an hour ahead of schedule, 4 am, so we got off and it was in the middle of the street, in what appeared to be the middle of nowhere. And it was raining, so we quickly got our jackets on. We were immediately approached by
Picture 002
You can see Mount Everest at the top of my head. This is also from Kalar Pattar. At base camp you can't get a very good view of Everest. two men on mopeds and told us to get on and they would take us to the peir. Not trusting them, we just wait until a "taxi" came by. Just a pickup truck with a number painted on its window. So we did make it to the peir eventually and bought our boat ticket, there was even a place to sleep on rice mats (several other travellers were already passed out), so I was able to get another hour sleep.
Koh Toa is a beautiful island and we were able to get some diving in. Carla and I were certified in Canada before we left, so we did a refresher course and then two fun dives. In our second fun dive we went through some caverns which was scary but exciting at the same time. I just tried to stay as close to the fins of the person in front of me - it was soooo dark. We also managed some rest days in between everything. Patrick and Tyler rented scooters so we tagged along the back of them for a morning to see around the island. And the food there was glorious, and delicious! Banana pancakes with chocolate
Picture 003
Mount Everest. and mango shakes - our main breakfast. We met a girl from Kentuky and she introduced us to a great coffee shop with to die for waffles!! My aim when I get home is to perfect my waffle making skills. She also introduced us to a lady from Canada she met, Majella, and we saw her almost everyday.
There was big news at Koh Toa of a Full Moon Party on a neighboring island, so hoped on that boat (3 hours) and attended a beach party of over 10,000 people. The beach was just covered in people, and there were about 5 different DJ's playing 5 different types of music, so if you got bored of one type you could move to the next section of beach. The only downside was that we had to stay on the island for over 12 hours, I don't know if I've ever partied for over 12 hours...haha, but I made it work! The ferry back was a very quiet one. 😊
Our last day in Koh Toa was an interesting one. Majella, Carla and I went on this snorkling boat tour around the island. Totally amazing! We went to 5 snorkle
Picture 004
We finally got to Base Camp, and this is where we enjoyed our apple pie. sights, one I saw two baby reef sharks - beautiful beautiful creatures! The fish and reef life was just a sight to see, unbelievable coral. Some shaped like cauliflower, some like melted butterscothch cubes, little mini christmas trees, and of course brain coral. At one point I had cleaner fish nipping at me, but they were just trying to do their job! After snorkling we went for dinner - it was Patrick's birthday, so we headed to play mini golf after. Probably the toughest game of golf I've ever played. Someone didn't lay the concrete right, or maybe they purposely made it difficult, who knows. The downfall of the whole time on the island was walking back that night. Majella and I fell behind the others in deep discussion, and out of the blue we were hit by a motorcycle. Majella got the brunt of the force and was in severe pain. The hospital did nothing for us, it was a complete joke. We are both just very lucky.
We took a ferry and a bus to Bangkok the next day (already had it booked before the accident) and I really did enjoy Bangkok. Some great markets, great cheap
Picture 005
At the Monkey Temple outside of Kathmandu. food, friendly people, and the best movie theatre in the world. We paid for gold seats which consist of huge reclining lazyboys, pillow, blanket and right to your seat service. We watched Indiana Jones, and what an experience that was! We also hired some Tuk Tuk's which brought us to some random Temples around the city, and of course some silk shops. They always bring you to some affiliated silk shops where they most likely make commision if we buy something.
We took the night train to Chang Mai where we are now. Chang Mai is amazing, with so much to do and see. Will let you know how it turns out. Hope you are all doing well at home. 😊
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