• the 10:07PM train left at 10:07PM
• the trains run ridiculously smooth
• the water bottle mouths are smaller
• even though I KNOW that my bag is safe, I'm glancing at it every few minutes out of habit
• smells are stronger in Japan because there are no background smells to hide it
• Japan's cold!!
• if you drop the soap in shower in Japan, you don't feel the need to wash it before using it again
• I can taste the cleanliness of Ogaki water again
• if you drink the same amount of water, it comes out as intense amounts of pee because you don't sweat in Japan in May
• I'm a lot sleepier in Japan
• It's nice to be back home, but the backpacking excitement isn't really here
• you don't have to wait 3 hours for a bus or train, but you choose to wait 2 hours for Krispee Kreme and 3 hours for an iPad
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Last day of my Trip
I got to Japan and it took me 20 minutes to exit the plane, go through immigration and customs, and ten get in the train. It's almost as if Japan was waiting to welcome me home. I had this wave of relief once the plane landed. I felt that I could finally relax. I noticed on the plane that I had lost the bracelet that Pau from Cambodia had given me. Although a little bummed, I felt that the bracelet was karma reminded me of its presence during my trip and now that I was ending it, it also ended its journey with me.
Even thoguh it was a month long and there were times during the trip where I literally thought would never end, now that I'm at the end, it all went by pretty quickly. All those long nights waiting for a bus or boat, the crawling train that would be stopped more than actually moving, the nights where I couldn't sleep because I was being eaten alive by bugs. They don't seem so bad anymore now that I'm back home.
If there was anything I could have done different, probably not. It was a great trip and those unbearable times all make for some pretty good stories. Is there anything I will do differently next time I try something like this? Yes, less long haul transport. For a $10 train ticket, I could have dished out an extra $15 and gotten a flight.
Also, I wouldn't take so much stuff. I didn't have much with me as it was, but I only used 2 shirts and only 1 pair of pants (which only got washed twice, but is now comfortably resting in a trashcan in Bangkok airport). There was absolutely no need for 5 pairs of socks. I think 2 sets of clothes is enough. You can wear one while the other spends a day drying in your room. Unless you plan to do some intense hiking, you don't need shoes. I used it once for the Mount Bromo hike in Indonesia, but there were plenty f people using flip-flops. Take clothes that you don't mind throwing away beause that lightens your pack and makes room for gifts. My shoes are in Indonesia, while half my other clothes are in Thailand.
I'm more of a see as much as you can kind of person, so although most people will do a few weeks in a country where I only did a fee days, I don't think I would change that. A couple of days in Ko Tao might have been nicer, but no complaints.
This trip definitely fine-tuned the patience that I learned in Japan. Waiting 5 hours for a minibus to fill up, or 2 hours because the bus broke down ... I didn't expect much in terms of efficiency when I came out here, and I didn't get much.
This is what I appreciate back in my comfortable life. Flushing toilets that don't smell or are coming apart, being able to rinse your mouth with tap water. a comfortable AC room on a really hot day, mosquitos that are actually repelled by my repellant, my bed. I still don't really have a bed that I feel very comfortable in, except back in Hacienda, but just knowing what kind if sleep I'm going to get is a nice luxury. Seeing a price and paying no more than that and knowing that everyone pays the same price, that's something I missed. Although haggling was fun at times, it's can be really draining.
Seeing the cultures differently from the frat to the last day was interesting. The touts in Indonesia started off as really annoying and I ignored every one of them, but spending that night in the bus station watching them work really hard all night long to make just a few bucks, that put them in a new light. They're just trying to get by like everyone else.
I met some really interesting and nice people on this trip and I'm ending it with lots of good memories. I wouldn't compeltely call myself a true backpacker yet (I still need to loosen up a bit), but I'm getting there.
Even thoguh it was a month long and there were times during the trip where I literally thought would never end, now that I'm at the end, it all went by pretty quickly. All those long nights waiting for a bus or boat, the crawling train that would be stopped more than actually moving, the nights where I couldn't sleep because I was being eaten alive by bugs. They don't seem so bad anymore now that I'm back home.
If there was anything I could have done different, probably not. It was a great trip and those unbearable times all make for some pretty good stories. Is there anything I will do differently next time I try something like this? Yes, less long haul transport. For a $10 train ticket, I could have dished out an extra $15 and gotten a flight.
Also, I wouldn't take so much stuff. I didn't have much with me as it was, but I only used 2 shirts and only 1 pair of pants (which only got washed twice, but is now comfortably resting in a trashcan in Bangkok airport). There was absolutely no need for 5 pairs of socks. I think 2 sets of clothes is enough. You can wear one while the other spends a day drying in your room. Unless you plan to do some intense hiking, you don't need shoes. I used it once for the Mount Bromo hike in Indonesia, but there were plenty f people using flip-flops. Take clothes that you don't mind throwing away beause that lightens your pack and makes room for gifts. My shoes are in Indonesia, while half my other clothes are in Thailand.
I'm more of a see as much as you can kind of person, so although most people will do a few weeks in a country where I only did a fee days, I don't think I would change that. A couple of days in Ko Tao might have been nicer, but no complaints.
This trip definitely fine-tuned the patience that I learned in Japan. Waiting 5 hours for a minibus to fill up, or 2 hours because the bus broke down ... I didn't expect much in terms of efficiency when I came out here, and I didn't get much.
This is what I appreciate back in my comfortable life. Flushing toilets that don't smell or are coming apart, being able to rinse your mouth with tap water. a comfortable AC room on a really hot day, mosquitos that are actually repelled by my repellant, my bed. I still don't really have a bed that I feel very comfortable in, except back in Hacienda, but just knowing what kind if sleep I'm going to get is a nice luxury. Seeing a price and paying no more than that and knowing that everyone pays the same price, that's something I missed. Although haggling was fun at times, it's can be really draining.
Seeing the cultures differently from the frat to the last day was interesting. The touts in Indonesia started off as really annoying and I ignored every one of them, but spending that night in the bus station watching them work really hard all night long to make just a few bucks, that put them in a new light. They're just trying to get by like everyone else.
I met some really interesting and nice people on this trip and I'm ending it with lots of good memories. I wouldn't compeltely call myself a true backpacker yet (I still need to loosen up a bit), but I'm getting there.
Karma
I'm not a huge believer of karma, but I do like "My Name is Earl." I think it helped me lean toward believing in it for this trip, especially being in places with deep ties to Hinduism.
I didn't worry about it in Taiwan, but in Malaysia, I really started to worry that someone would steal my pack or pick-pocket me. The constant glancing out the window or feeling my pockets to make sure I had everything really got tiring. After giving some money to the guitar singers on the bus in Indonesia, I think karma was on my side. It came in the form of a really catchy Indonesian pop song. That act of good karma gave us a safe 20-hours of travel to Cemoro Lawang. When we were on the bus from Probolinggo to Surabaya, I strongly suggested to Josephine to give the little trio of boys some money. Karma kept up safe again and let us find a really cheap hotel near the airport that night, but surprised us with a hefty Indonesian departure tax (although it was written in both of our guidebooks).
Cambodia was a great country. The people were nice and very helpful, we didn't have to haggle so much at food stalls, accommodations were big, clean, and cheap ... durian smelled good. In Indonesia, everyone littered, so we were THAT careful with our trash either, but in Cambodia, we kept all our trash with us and three it away appropriately. The bus broke down on the way to Siem Reap, but all I thought about was how hard the bus driver worked, trying to fix it in the blazing hot heat. When the bus came to pick us up, the driver apologized and shook my hand. We hired a tuk tuk driver for the whole day wen we saw Angkor Wat. From 5AM to 6PM, he drove us around, covering over 50 miles at least. Even though we haggled with him a bit, we tipped him an extra few dollars because he was really nice and informative.
Karma really showed itself in Cambodia. When Pau gave me the bracelet, karma was pulling me to buy some over-priced, but ice-cold water from her. From that point, karma took it's form in the bracelet I was wearing and I wore it throughout the rest of the trip.
The main thing I was worried about in Thailand was my pack of course, getting conned, traveling long distances with delicate time schedules, and also the red-shirt protests. My pack was fine and there were no action in Bangkok at all. I felt the potential of getting conned by that "high school teacher from Chiang Mai," so I got out if there quick (but too quick to rally know if I was getting conned or not). We were also able to go from Bangkok to Ko Tao and back to Bangkok wth enough time for Josie to catch her plane. The only problem was that she was a whole day early and had to spend one day in the Bangkok airport, half a day in The Beijing airport, as then a whole day in Narita. Karma rewarded her with a first-class seat back to America though.
I really believe that karma was in my bracelet. I has with me all throughout Thailand and in Beijing, but once I got on the plane to go back to Japan, I noticed that it was gone. I don't think I lost it, I think it was done protecting me so it went to go protect (or punish) someone else. I started to relax at that point. There were times, though, when I thought the tiny plane was going to go down. A lot of us though we had landed, but it was just really strong turbulence hitting a really tiny plane.
I didn't trust anyone while I was out this month, but I gave a few donations and tips. Karma's a funny thing. It kept me from getting my pack stolen, getting pick-pocketed or getting hurt. It made itself known in Indonesia and took it's form in Cambodia, but once it was finished with me, it left just as suddenly as it showed up. I wonder if that means I don't have to be nice to people in Japan?
I didn't worry about it in Taiwan, but in Malaysia, I really started to worry that someone would steal my pack or pick-pocket me. The constant glancing out the window or feeling my pockets to make sure I had everything really got tiring. After giving some money to the guitar singers on the bus in Indonesia, I think karma was on my side. It came in the form of a really catchy Indonesian pop song. That act of good karma gave us a safe 20-hours of travel to Cemoro Lawang. When we were on the bus from Probolinggo to Surabaya, I strongly suggested to Josephine to give the little trio of boys some money. Karma kept up safe again and let us find a really cheap hotel near the airport that night, but surprised us with a hefty Indonesian departure tax (although it was written in both of our guidebooks).
Cambodia was a great country. The people were nice and very helpful, we didn't have to haggle so much at food stalls, accommodations were big, clean, and cheap ... durian smelled good. In Indonesia, everyone littered, so we were THAT careful with our trash either, but in Cambodia, we kept all our trash with us and three it away appropriately. The bus broke down on the way to Siem Reap, but all I thought about was how hard the bus driver worked, trying to fix it in the blazing hot heat. When the bus came to pick us up, the driver apologized and shook my hand. We hired a tuk tuk driver for the whole day wen we saw Angkor Wat. From 5AM to 6PM, he drove us around, covering over 50 miles at least. Even though we haggled with him a bit, we tipped him an extra few dollars because he was really nice and informative.
Karma really showed itself in Cambodia. When Pau gave me the bracelet, karma was pulling me to buy some over-priced, but ice-cold water from her. From that point, karma took it's form in the bracelet I was wearing and I wore it throughout the rest of the trip.
The main thing I was worried about in Thailand was my pack of course, getting conned, traveling long distances with delicate time schedules, and also the red-shirt protests. My pack was fine and there were no action in Bangkok at all. I felt the potential of getting conned by that "high school teacher from Chiang Mai," so I got out if there quick (but too quick to rally know if I was getting conned or not). We were also able to go from Bangkok to Ko Tao and back to Bangkok wth enough time for Josie to catch her plane. The only problem was that she was a whole day early and had to spend one day in the Bangkok airport, half a day in The Beijing airport, as then a whole day in Narita. Karma rewarded her with a first-class seat back to America though.
I really believe that karma was in my bracelet. I has with me all throughout Thailand and in Beijing, but once I got on the plane to go back to Japan, I noticed that it was gone. I don't think I lost it, I think it was done protecting me so it went to go protect (or punish) someone else. I started to relax at that point. There were times, though, when I thought the tiny plane was going to go down. A lot of us though we had landed, but it was just really strong turbulence hitting a really tiny plane.
I didn't trust anyone while I was out this month, but I gave a few donations and tips. Karma's a funny thing. It kept me from getting my pack stolen, getting pick-pocketed or getting hurt. It made itself known in Indonesia and took it's form in Cambodia, but once it was finished with me, it left just as suddenly as it showed up. I wonder if that means I don't have to be nice to people in Japan?
Other Random Observations
• duct tape is a very good thing to have. It can fix holes in the mosquito net, tape things near the outlet when shelves were lacking, and help water proof stuff
• bring tissue packets or spare rolls of toilet paper (or just steal them when you can)
• ziploc bags are a must. You can store liquids, water proof things when snorkeling, divide and organize
• it's easier to bring more than 3 ounces of shampoo and toothpaste because the cost can add up
• not bringing enough sunblock is expensive because only the foreigners buy it
• extra soap and a bit of laundry detergent is useful to have
• a small micro fiber towel is way better than a large beach towel
• hardcore backpackers bring a sleeping mat and mosquito net because they don't use hostels
• there is no need to pack a mosquito net if you're staying at hostels ... I'm glad I didn't
• getting sick before you leave is a bad idea for you ... and for your travel buddy
• most backpackers are really friendly, but some tend to talk too much
• ¥100 slippers will break after a day
• slippers are called slippers because you slip them on, but some are called slippers because you slip a lot on flat surfaces
• three days without a shower in a hot and humid country is something you really just have to experience to understand
• even if you think you know where you're going, take the map and the guidebook
• even if it's 80°F (37°C) at night, your clothes won't dry if it's humid
• even if you think your traveller's diarrhea is cured, it might not be
• don't eat a huge meal after only eating little ones unless you're near a toilet
• wearing wet clothes in humid weather is a great way to stay cool, but you might get too cold
• taking videos of lightning is difficult, but satisfying
• you can still have dark yellow pee after drinking 8 cups of water a day
• unpacking and repacking your pack every couple of days is a real hassle
• sometimes rain really sucks, but other times, it's god answering a prayer on a hot and humid day
• disposable underwear is great when you don't want to carry dirty underwear until you can do laundry
• all my books and papers are a little damp because of the humidity
• student cards are a must when traveling ... lots of discounts
• we spend A LOT of time waiting for transportation ... thats why all the other backpackers spend a month in each country, not just a week
• after a while, flies aren't THAT bad
• other backpackers are a wealth of information ... for free
• everyone uses the "Lonely Planet"
• my "Rough Guide" guidebook sucks
• taking old clothes when traveling is a good idea. You can throw them away before your flight home to lessen your load
• karma is good to have on your side when you're traveling
• Southeast Asians honk their horns much more than LA drivers with road rage
• it's better to be starving on a bus than have traveller's diarrhea
• there are a lot of foreigners at hostels and tourist attractions, but not on public transportation
• the most hardcore of backpackers can drink water straight out the tap
• If you don't want to pay for a tour guide, just follow closely begin them
• speaking Japanese can't get of pesky touts ... they speak Japanese too
• any country with street stalls are bound to be dirty
• after a while, a place to lie down takes priority over comfort
• foreigners who don't respect another country's culture are jackasses
• if you finish your book before your trip is over, that sucks when you have more waiting time
•my paranoia, although still pretty strong, has gone down after leaving Indonesia
• using your pack as a pillow hurts your neck after a few hours
• seats 11 and 12 on a bus seem to be ideal for watching your packs stowed on the outside compartment
• not many people seem to worry about their bags as much as I do (maybe they are the ones who write stories in the Internet about getting their stuff stolen)
• you get pretty dark after a month in SE Asia
• my bag always seems like someone tried opening it after I take it out of the luggage compartment on a bus
• padlocks on a pack, tying all the strings, zip ties, and bungee chords seem like good deterrents for thieves
• your black camera strap turns white after washing t
• I think someone stole my umbrella
• if I had no stuff to worry about being stolen, I would have enjoyed my trip more
• maybe one pair of shorts would have been nice
• an AC room might be a luxury, but after I spending a night in a fan room, an extra $3 for AC is worth it
• 65 (18) degrees with a blanket is much better than 85 (30) degrees with a fan
• after a heavy storm, the air cools down a bit, but heat radiates from the ground
• it's hard to use large bills in third world countries
• no one will take dirty or slightly ripped bills - use them to pay for your entry visa
• if you're not sure where you're going, just follow the crowd
• the ancient temple builders really like steep, crazy dangerous steps
• intermediate Sudoku is really hard
• bowel movements become everyday conversation with your travel buddy
• if you don't have anything to lose, then you don't have to worry
• backpackers are the type of people who can manage if all their stuff gets stolen
• losing 10 pounds (5 kilos), I guess isn't that difficult
• after losing weight, immigration stops you a lot if you have a fat picture on your passport
• the first shower after you get back is the best one
• bring tissue packets or spare rolls of toilet paper (or just steal them when you can)
• ziploc bags are a must. You can store liquids, water proof things when snorkeling, divide and organize
• it's easier to bring more than 3 ounces of shampoo and toothpaste because the cost can add up
• not bringing enough sunblock is expensive because only the foreigners buy it
• extra soap and a bit of laundry detergent is useful to have
• a small micro fiber towel is way better than a large beach towel
• hardcore backpackers bring a sleeping mat and mosquito net because they don't use hostels
• there is no need to pack a mosquito net if you're staying at hostels ... I'm glad I didn't
• getting sick before you leave is a bad idea for you ... and for your travel buddy
• most backpackers are really friendly, but some tend to talk too much
• ¥100 slippers will break after a day
• slippers are called slippers because you slip them on, but some are called slippers because you slip a lot on flat surfaces
• three days without a shower in a hot and humid country is something you really just have to experience to understand
• even if you think you know where you're going, take the map and the guidebook
• even if it's 80°F (37°C) at night, your clothes won't dry if it's humid
• even if you think your traveller's diarrhea is cured, it might not be
• don't eat a huge meal after only eating little ones unless you're near a toilet
• wearing wet clothes in humid weather is a great way to stay cool, but you might get too cold
• taking videos of lightning is difficult, but satisfying
• you can still have dark yellow pee after drinking 8 cups of water a day
• unpacking and repacking your pack every couple of days is a real hassle
• sometimes rain really sucks, but other times, it's god answering a prayer on a hot and humid day
• disposable underwear is great when you don't want to carry dirty underwear until you can do laundry
• all my books and papers are a little damp because of the humidity
• student cards are a must when traveling ... lots of discounts
• we spend A LOT of time waiting for transportation ... thats why all the other backpackers spend a month in each country, not just a week
• after a while, flies aren't THAT bad
• other backpackers are a wealth of information ... for free
• everyone uses the "Lonely Planet"
• my "Rough Guide" guidebook sucks
• taking old clothes when traveling is a good idea. You can throw them away before your flight home to lessen your load
• karma is good to have on your side when you're traveling
• Southeast Asians honk their horns much more than LA drivers with road rage
• it's better to be starving on a bus than have traveller's diarrhea
• there are a lot of foreigners at hostels and tourist attractions, but not on public transportation
• the most hardcore of backpackers can drink water straight out the tap
• If you don't want to pay for a tour guide, just follow closely begin them
• speaking Japanese can't get of pesky touts ... they speak Japanese too
• any country with street stalls are bound to be dirty
• after a while, a place to lie down takes priority over comfort
• foreigners who don't respect another country's culture are jackasses
• if you finish your book before your trip is over, that sucks when you have more waiting time
•my paranoia, although still pretty strong, has gone down after leaving Indonesia
• using your pack as a pillow hurts your neck after a few hours
• seats 11 and 12 on a bus seem to be ideal for watching your packs stowed on the outside compartment
• not many people seem to worry about their bags as much as I do (maybe they are the ones who write stories in the Internet about getting their stuff stolen)
• you get pretty dark after a month in SE Asia
• my bag always seems like someone tried opening it after I take it out of the luggage compartment on a bus
• padlocks on a pack, tying all the strings, zip ties, and bungee chords seem like good deterrents for thieves
• your black camera strap turns white after washing t
• I think someone stole my umbrella
• if I had no stuff to worry about being stolen, I would have enjoyed my trip more
• maybe one pair of shorts would have been nice
• an AC room might be a luxury, but after I spending a night in a fan room, an extra $3 for AC is worth it
• 65 (18) degrees with a blanket is much better than 85 (30) degrees with a fan
• after a heavy storm, the air cools down a bit, but heat radiates from the ground
• it's hard to use large bills in third world countries
• no one will take dirty or slightly ripped bills - use them to pay for your entry visa
• if you're not sure where you're going, just follow the crowd
• the ancient temple builders really like steep, crazy dangerous steps
• intermediate Sudoku is really hard
• bowel movements become everyday conversation with your travel buddy
• if you don't have anything to lose, then you don't have to worry
• backpackers are the type of people who can manage if all their stuff gets stolen
• losing 10 pounds (5 kilos), I guess isn't that difficult
• after losing weight, immigration stops you a lot if you have a fat picture on your passport
• the first shower after you get back is the best one
Chinese Random Observations
• if you have a long layover in China, you can't leave the airport because you have to apply for a visa in advance
• Chinese airport security is very strict with lighters
• there is only exchange rate in China ... no need to haggle ... but there is a $20 fee
• if you only want to exchange $20 for food and a few gifts, it's more worth it to wait 10 hours for your plane food
• the Air China plane is smallest plane I've ever been on
• the flight attendants have no idea what language to speak to me in
• Chinese airport security is very strict with lighters
• there is only exchange rate in China ... no need to haggle ... but there is a $20 fee
• if you only want to exchange $20 for food and a few gifts, it's more worth it to wait 10 hours for your plane food
• the Air China plane is smallest plane I've ever been on
• the flight attendants have no idea what language to speak to me in
Last Day in Thailand
Overall, I wouldn't say that Thailad was my favorite country, but the pushy angrier touts, cockroach pillows, 9:00PM curfews, half-assed street pad thai are still fresh in my mind, so maybe it'll change in a few weeks. The first day going from Siem Reap to Bangkok, from Bangkok to Chumpon pier, from Chumpon pier to Ko Tao, diving twice, then going back to Chumpon pier from Ko Tao, back to Bangkok from Chumpon was the most intense stretch of travel on this trip. Although the dives made it completely worth it, I would never do that again.
Josie left on the evening of the 22nd for her very long trip home. I got an email the next day from her saying that she made a mistake and was a day early, so he spent an entire day in the airport apparently. It paid off though because karma gave her a first-class seat back to America. Being in my own was kinda cool. I could go where I want and at my own pace, but Josie's a real easy travel buddy, so I'd have preferred hanging with her.
The worst part of Thailand was the heat. It was the hottest I've been too, but I was also walking more instead of taking tuk tuks or buses. The pigeon lady who shoved her popcorn kernels at me also pissed me off. The touts were less willingto bargain as much and would get mad if you didn't like their price.
The best parts were the cobra show and the cooking class. 3 cobras, one in each hand and one in his mouth ... doesn't get more exciting than that. The pad thai was exactly what I wanted to eat and te cashew chicken was amazing. Earth, Aeg, and Katsuni were really fun ad I got to hang out with a few locals at the end if my trip. The girls at the Luang Poo shop were always welcoming and offerred a nice, cool place to sit down and I never hesitated to buy a smoothis from them.
I met a guy on the plane sitting next to me. I had just finished a 4-day trip to Thailand, but he had just finished 2 years. He was teaching english out here and had decided to go back home to Vermont. Although he said he was excited to go home, I didn't sense it. He sounded a bit like me. We had a good chat and parted ways at the Beijing airport.
I don't have a strong urge to come back again anytime soon, but definitely sometime in the future.
Josie left on the evening of the 22nd for her very long trip home. I got an email the next day from her saying that she made a mistake and was a day early, so he spent an entire day in the airport apparently. It paid off though because karma gave her a first-class seat back to America. Being in my own was kinda cool. I could go where I want and at my own pace, but Josie's a real easy travel buddy, so I'd have preferred hanging with her.
The worst part of Thailand was the heat. It was the hottest I've been too, but I was also walking more instead of taking tuk tuks or buses. The pigeon lady who shoved her popcorn kernels at me also pissed me off. The touts were less willingto bargain as much and would get mad if you didn't like their price.
The best parts were the cobra show and the cooking class. 3 cobras, one in each hand and one in his mouth ... doesn't get more exciting than that. The pad thai was exactly what I wanted to eat and te cashew chicken was amazing. Earth, Aeg, and Katsuni were really fun ad I got to hang out with a few locals at the end if my trip. The girls at the Luang Poo shop were always welcoming and offerred a nice, cool place to sit down and I never hesitated to buy a smoothis from them.
I met a guy on the plane sitting next to me. I had just finished a 4-day trip to Thailand, but he had just finished 2 years. He was teaching english out here and had decided to go back home to Vermont. Although he said he was excited to go home, I didn't sense it. He sounded a bit like me. We had a good chat and parted ways at the Beijing airport.
I don't have a strong urge to come back again anytime soon, but definitely sometime in the future.
Thai Random Observations
• there is no fee for land-crossings from Cambodia
• there are so many foreingers on Ko Tao
• Khao San Road is ridiculously full of tourists
• Thailand smells very good with it's random pad Thai street stalls
• there are WAY more tourists in Thailand than anywhere so far
• children monks come around asking for money at 6:30AM
• even the smallest amount of spice can be bad on a long bus ride
• the waiting areas for buses that we always get dropped off at are always conveniently local restaurants playing Leanne Rhymes and All-4-One
• there are so many stories of people getting their stuff stolen on Thai buses, but I wonder what the actual percentage is
• transportation in Thailand all seem to be very punctual
• bus drivers who drive slow worry me more than those who drive fast ... what are they up to?
• bus drivers who start off really slow, then haul ass worry me the most
• it's hard to give up your bus seat on an 8-hour bus, even to an old woman
• some pad thai street stalls aren't very good
• if a taxi driver in Bangkok says he's never been to Khao San road, he's going to rip you off
• always carry change when riding in a taxi because the driver doesn't carry any
• at the end if your trip, one cockroach in your bed won't bother you THAT much
• it's hard to relax when you think your room has bed bugs
• it's even harder to relax when your room has baby cockroaches
• it's a bit easier to relax when you change rooms after finding a nest of cockroaches in your room
• bugs seem to be inevitable in any room at any guesthouse
• even with a wet shirt and a fan, Bangkok is hot at night without an AC
• when you buy something, no one seems to have change ... conveniently
• I think Cambodians are nicer than Thais
• if a Thai person thinks they're giving you a good deal and you disagree, they get mad
• "khawp khun khrap" - "thank you" in Thai sounds like Korean "bokunbap"
• the Thai language sounds a bit whiney sometimes
• Thais will lie to you to get you to buy something
• the sun actually burns my feet here
• it's hard to leave your AC room when it's really hot outside and you're trying to save money
• there are monks dressed in orange everywhere
• local bookstores won't buy my Rough Guide because even they know that it sucks
• touts get your attention by yelling, "Hey Mister!" or "Hey Lady," and carrying out the last syllable
• lots of people think I'm Thai here
• 7-eleven Thai iced teas are awesome
• the ferry boat driver between Wat Arun an Wat Pho must get bored going back and forth every 5 minutes ALL day
• Thai temples use a lot of gold, but they also use lots of mirrors so it looks like a lot more gold than it actually is
• the Bangkok airport has a distinct Thai smell
• you should check to see if your plane ticket includes the departure tax because I could have gotten my Thai massage with the money I saved
• there are so many foreingers on Ko Tao
• Khao San Road is ridiculously full of tourists
• Thailand smells very good with it's random pad Thai street stalls
• there are WAY more tourists in Thailand than anywhere so far
• children monks come around asking for money at 6:30AM
• even the smallest amount of spice can be bad on a long bus ride
• the waiting areas for buses that we always get dropped off at are always conveniently local restaurants playing Leanne Rhymes and All-4-One
• there are so many stories of people getting their stuff stolen on Thai buses, but I wonder what the actual percentage is
• transportation in Thailand all seem to be very punctual
• bus drivers who drive slow worry me more than those who drive fast ... what are they up to?
• bus drivers who start off really slow, then haul ass worry me the most
• it's hard to give up your bus seat on an 8-hour bus, even to an old woman
• some pad thai street stalls aren't very good
• if a taxi driver in Bangkok says he's never been to Khao San road, he's going to rip you off
• always carry change when riding in a taxi because the driver doesn't carry any
• at the end if your trip, one cockroach in your bed won't bother you THAT much
• it's hard to relax when you think your room has bed bugs
• it's even harder to relax when your room has baby cockroaches
• it's a bit easier to relax when you change rooms after finding a nest of cockroaches in your room
• bugs seem to be inevitable in any room at any guesthouse
• even with a wet shirt and a fan, Bangkok is hot at night without an AC
• when you buy something, no one seems to have change ... conveniently
• I think Cambodians are nicer than Thais
• if a Thai person thinks they're giving you a good deal and you disagree, they get mad
• "khawp khun khrap" - "thank you" in Thai sounds like Korean "bokunbap"
• the Thai language sounds a bit whiney sometimes
• Thais will lie to you to get you to buy something
• the sun actually burns my feet here
• it's hard to leave your AC room when it's really hot outside and you're trying to save money
• there are monks dressed in orange everywhere
• local bookstores won't buy my Rough Guide because even they know that it sucks
• touts get your attention by yelling, "Hey Mister!" or "Hey Lady," and carrying out the last syllable
• lots of people think I'm Thai here
• 7-eleven Thai iced teas are awesome
• the ferry boat driver between Wat Arun an Wat Pho must get bored going back and forth every 5 minutes ALL day
• Thai temples use a lot of gold, but they also use lots of mirrors so it looks like a lot more gold than it actually is
• the Bangkok airport has a distinct Thai smell
• you should check to see if your plane ticket includes the departure tax because I could have gotten my Thai massage with the money I saved
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