Wow. I can't believe it's been a week already. I feel that it has been much more. I have explored the north of Thailand seeing temples and such. I have spoken with monks. Yesterday I made the trek from chiang mai in the north to koh chang in the south. I will have stories to tell and have met some incredible people over the last few days.
I will spend the next few days relaxing on the beach, riding an elephant, trekking through the jungle, and scuba diving.
I am koh chang now, which is an island about 5 hours east of Bangkok. I am staying in a backpacker hut where my bungalow has one bed, some mosquito netting, a shower and toilet and an AC. It is hot as balls here.
This is what I was looking for in a Thai beach-location with a view, atmosphere, options regarding activity, and affordability (about $17/night).
I can say that my Thai is still coming along. It is really difficult to speak and damn I impossible to read. Needless to say hand gestures have come in handy.
Here are some quick observations I have made about thailand
1. The Thai people are reeeeeally superstitious. Tuk tuk drivers will ride around with charms and pictures of minks, the Buddha, or even Hindu deities. Some roadsides have little dollhouse structures that I learned are for spirits to live in so they don't bother the residents.
2. Dogs and cats everywhere--all very friendly.
3. Thai villages and markets are something to behold- definitely busy, motorbikes everywhere. Just crazy.
Ok. Back to relaxing. Hope everyone is doing well back home.
Jeff
