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Published: July 13th 2008
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Hiii!
Wow, so much had happened since the last blog. After Singapore, it was back to Malaysia! Took the "Jungle-Rail" up central Malaysia to the country's most Islamic state, Kelantan. The Perhentian Islands was a definite must - so off to the islands I went. It was absolutely beautiful - really relaxing and a nice change from the busy cities. Unfortunately I was only able to stay one night; however, due to broken down busses and conflicting bus/train schedules, I ended up staying in Malaysia's most Muslim city, Kota Bahru. Being a visitor in their country and their city, I wanted to show respect to their culture as much as possible. Although it was around 34 degrees Celsius, I worn either long or knee length pants, t-shirt or long-sleeved shirt, and of course a head scarf. I received many looks; I'm still not sure how they felt about me wearing a head scarf. Most of the women (and men) smiled, but I also received some confused stares haha wasn't really sure what to do with that. I don't know how the women do it; those scarves are so hot! Kota Bahru turned out to be a really neat city!
The following morning, I crossed the border to Thailand. I'm not having the best of luck with some of the transportation - the train in Sungai Kolok wasn't working!! I had to take a 4 hour mini-bus ride to Hat Yai, where I could catch the 18:20 train. The bus was supposed to leave at 14:00, however, we didn't leave until 14:40 or so...After 4 hours of contemplation of whether or not I will make this last train to Bangkok and finally arriving at Hat Yai at 18:20, the bus driver wanted to drop me off at the BUS station. Oh no no no my friend, I will go to the TRAIN station!! There just might be a small chance of catching this train - a delay maybe?? Hopefully?? I get my way and the driver takes me to the train station and sure enough, the train is a half hour late! YES, I am going to Bangkok tonight on the sleeper train!!
Bangkok is a lot of fun!! There is always something going on in this city. There are so many cars, taxis, tuk-tuk drivers, busses, trains, trams, everything! The streets are filled with vehicle fumes and a
ton of honking!! We arrived sometime early afternoon. Since the train ended up being an hour late, that somehow made us 3 hours late into Bangkok haha normal. That afternoon consisted of mainly relaxing and strolling the streets of Bangkok. Of course I had to try the infamous Pad Thai: delicious!! Best part was that it was made right then and there in the street! There are so many little vendors and food-carts and they're so cheap! They sell all kinds of food from Pad Thai and other noodle dishes, to Banana pancakes, from fruit shakes to frog legs!! YUM! (...no, I haven't tried the frog shannagins!) Ohhhh haha I also got my hair cut - yes, it's true...sorry Wahlstroms, no dreadlocks for me yet...maybe after my Marriott days! haha anyways, I definitely got my hair cut for 70 Baht ($2.10) in a narrow side alley! The lady cut it a bit shorter than I asked but whateverrr, it's just hair! The next day I went to the Chatuchak Weekend Market; it was glorious!! You can find absolutely everything here: dogs, cats, clothes, shoes, chickens, food, kitchen/household supplies, linens, plants etc. Spent about 12 hours just walking around and buying
Siem Reap
...simply love this statue! things here and there. It was about 35 acres and had over 15,000 shops and stalls - ridiculous!
After Bangkok, it was off to Cambodia first (then later to northern Thailand!) Took the "local" train out there which took about 6 hours but for only 48 Baht ($1.20), you really can't beat that. I had to stand the first few hours or so and then was able to find a seat. The windows were all down and the weather was beautiful - the breeze felt so nice. It was getting dark when we arrived in Aranyaprathet, so decided to find a hotel there which was a bit difficult to do since absolutely nothing was in English (or Dutch, or German, or Spanish). After 20 minutes or so, finally found a hotel...got settled, grabbed some food, strolled and called it a night.
Crossing into Cambodia sure was interesting!! You had to take several different tuk-tuks: one that takes you to the consulaat. There you get your visa, for which I most likely spent too much. Always go directly to the "visa" booth - I made the mistake of getting seated at a table where I filled out all the
info and there they asked me a 1000 Baht ($30) and it should have only been $20. Oh well...c'est la vie!!
Anyways, there's so much more to say about Cambodia but where to start!! I want to get this blog posted before I leave for the States again on Tuesday. In Cambodia, we visited Siem Reap and the Angkor Wats. We also went to Phnom Penh which was amazing!! From there we took the bus back to Bangkok for a few days and then the night train up to Chiang Mai. The train was hilarious - we didn't get our tickets on time (therefore we didn't get any "sleeper seats") so we sat throughout the entire night, 14 hours, trying to sleep!! Not OK!
Chiang Mai is beautiful!! I posted some pictures but words cannot describe!! I am definitely going back there - found some connections at Lucky Foo's, this really cool restaurant/bar, and would like to do some volunteering at local orphanages. I would also like to do some work in Burmese refugee camps a couple hours west of Chiang Mai, but that's another story!
From Chiang Mai, we flew back to Kuala Lumpur
Siem Reap
Being crazy among the Wats... and I was able to meet up with a close friend from the Netherlands, Lisa! Wat een leuke meid!! Now I am back in good ol' Manila for a few days...I really missed the Philippines - what a wonderful country!! Oh, I have a new experience to share: I spent the night at an airport! haha yes - the one in KL when I had to catch the 7AM flight to Manila!! It was kind of cold, that's all I have to say about that. I really missed the Philippines, I absolutely love this country and really want to come back as soon as possible!
In Hong Kong right now: it's really big, busy and loud - there's always something going on!! Unfortunately I think this will be my last blog - leave to the States again on Tuesday....oh how the time flies!!
Thanks for following me along....thank you for all the messages, comments, thoughts, and ideas - I really enjoyed blogging and will definitely continue to do so.
Talk to you next time...I'm hoping to blog from Africa - we'll see where the wind takes me!! (=
Paz!
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Daan
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Ruilen?!
Klinkt weer geweldig Nikster! Ben jaloers! Zo zou met je willen ruilen. Dinsdag naar huis? En wanneer kom je naar NL? Dikke kus, zien we je nog in Amsterdam?! Daan.