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Last Days for Gene in Bangkok or 1st visit to Khao San Rd

baker — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 15:32:00 GMT

Gene never responded to the request to write, so I will leave that for the future. We headed back to Bangkok for a night cap at the Pickled Liver with Sophie. A bit of a foot massage. Gene tells me I was snoring. Hmm!

Molly Malone's is down the street from Pub Street in Seam Reap. Full of tourist, why, because it is a tourist town. Bangkok has its own and it is called Khao San Rd. Why go down there, because it is full of tourists. That is what we did the last night of Gene's visit to Thailand. As we arrived at one of the many street bars and ordered our drinks we were able to watch the police in full strength clearing the streets. Our timing was great! We had just met Matt, so the decision was to go to a legit bar. Cocktails were had and Gene was introduced to Thai Whiskey. All I have to say it is not imported into the USA. I think it was a good sed off to Gene's trip. I will encourage him to post his views

Cambodia And Gene

baker — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 16:53:00 GMT

This is my 3rd trip to the temples, Gene's 1st. It has always been hard to put in words what the temples are like. Maybe I can get gene to guest write his observations. I know he was blown away by the site.

I guess I will focus on what was a little different this time back. The park that contains the temples lets you buy your next day ticket and enjoy a sunset tour. I took Gene directly to Ankgor Wat, the main portion, to view a sundowner. The cloud filled sky made it difficult for the sun to break through, yet it was hot.

As closing time was called the guard pulled us over and said we need to see this, which is the start of all scams in Asia. We followed, no mention of money, just someone to bring us around the site where scientists have blocked off some of the main portions of this huge temple. There was no harm to the temple, we didn't steal, borrow, or break anything, just walked around. I have been here in the past, but Gene would of missed this if we didn't have our special guide. Ok, all was not legit. At one point we climbed to the top and then onto the roof of one of the highest points. Something that happened because of all the scaffolding covering the top. Cool! We paid our guard and guide for the exclusive tour.

The Tone Sap Lake is a large lake in Cambodia. It is a very shallow and small lake at this time of the year. Yet, we still managed to take a longtail boat out to where the poorest people live in Seam(sp) Reap. At one point Gene and I bought overly priced school supplies and brought them to a floating school with attached play ground. What is it like here? A slum is the best way to describe it. It is a floating slum with pigs, ducks, chickens caged on floats. Kids throwing trash off the side of the boat, while a parent is using the side of the boat as a bathroom. Our tour was basically boat ride through TJ, Harlem, or Detroit.

Once again I stayed at Molly Malone's near Pub Street. Thierry and his workers are great. Highly recommended. The is a great story about Gene and I being accused of being spys by a "drunk" vistor. I should leave that to Gene and hopefully he will write it here.

Bye for now

Bangkok and Gene

baker — Fri, 9 Jul 2010 14:07:00 GMT

I hate to say most of my world travel are like Disneyland, but how else to related to them in an American sense? My little trip outside of Bangkok was just that. Gene's work connection took us to his bottling factory and gave us a tour. The trip afterwards was to the floating market near the Mekon (sp)River. This is where it turned Disney on us.

The trip along the river was full of house on stilts, fishing boats with a lantern, and the best part Lightening bugs. I have never seen them before, total cool. All I could say was it is just like "Pirates". If I didn't see them for myself, I would say they were fake. Headed out to a resturant for a great meal. The trip back was an hour. A great time was had by all.

I promise to put pictures here in a few days. I know my spelling was horrible, but I am off to look for place to stay. Next subject Cambodia

BYE

The end is here

baker — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 15:59:00 GMT

The last two days are upon me. I am running around buying a few things, packing, and saying goodbye.

The goodbyes mostly entail a group of friend wanting to take me out for food and drinks. The Thai's like to start late and the expats start early, but ends up finishing in the early mornings. So far I am on my third goodbye and I am tired.

Speaking of the Thai's being late, that's one of the things that I have trouble with in Thailand. The Thai's sense of direction is horrible. I stayed at a hotel and was using the map provided by them to ask directions to a place. The front desk man circle a place on the map then said this is the hotel. At that point in a puzzled sort of way he scanned the map and could not find where I should go. I took the map and off I go on my own to find my destination. Staring at the circle he drew and finally realizing he made a mistake. On the map was a large picture/symbol of the hotel marking its location, which was not where he circled. He couldn't find it my destination because he couldn't find the hotel he worked at on the map provided by his hotel.

I will be home soon..... see you then

The End is Near

baker — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 16:46:00 GMT

What's to like about Thailand

The people in Thailand are very good people. They are friendly, wanting to know where you are from, your family and what it is like in your country. Thai's in large are poor and don't have the opportunity to travel or travel far from home. Your stories tell them how life is outside their home. Did you learn to share in kindergarten? Well the Thai's love to share there food and drinks with others. They want you to taste not only Thai food, but food from their particular region. It might mean you eat some bugs or something live. Thai taxis drivers sre always husting for a fare, but even if you say no to them and ask them directions they are more then willing to help.

The food on the streets is another aspect that I find brings me back. Walking the streets you see different carts selling only one item for part of the day. If you cruise the streets long enough you might be able to try all the foods available. I must admit not all the food on display is appealing, but when cooked it turns into a work of art.

Driving is not necessary in Thailand. Taxis, skyways, subways, Tuk-Tuk, and moto-taxis are the varied means of transportation. The cost is cheap. Why is this a good thing, well I hate driving, and in Thailand it is something I don't worry about. The traffic is bad here, but what time is the 405 or 10 not backed up. People who live in areas with little traffic hate the traffic here, but I tell them L.A. ain't different.

After traveling here for a few years I have made some good friends. It is always great coming back and catching up with their lives. They ask why don't I stay here and I must admit the attraction is strong. I really don't have a great answer one way or another, but I can say one day. Never predict the future.

Tourista

baker — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 15:43:00 GMT

Bangkok

Bangkok has a Chinatown like many major cities. It is the richest part of town. Why? Well the majority of the gold is sold here. Its a place with winding alleyways filled with all the trikets sold in others areas. The items are in bulk, so its like Cost Co.

The main tourist area that is not for backpackers is Sukhumvit. The Jim Thompson's House, the man responsible for the silk trade in Thailand. It is a traditional teak house. Beautiful. In this area one can find not one megamall, not two, but four.These huge malls are usually eight stories high. They are walking distance from the skytrainand each other. Food courts are one entire floor. Movie theaters on the top floor with bowling alleys, and other entertainments.

Chao Phraya river is the busiest in the world for traffic. It is a highway in the middle of bangkok. It connects all the canals that are spread throughout the city. Bangkok's nickname was the Venice of the East. The river can take you to the crocodile farm and see the snake show(?).

These are just some of the place I have visited. Most on other trips, but the river is something I seem to go back to when I am here. This time Jon and I took an hour trip on a long tail boat. A skinny boat with a chevy 454 V-8 glued to the back. We just went for a ride and didn't stop. The canals are a much cooler place than the city and you see where the thai's live. Much of what you see is where the poor people live. Shacks along the river next to some industry and empty run down buildings is the scene that is constant through the trip. Then you turn a corner and there is this huge temple or chedi among this slum. Another surprise is some of the huge mansions that you find next to these slums. I can't explain why, but this site of rich next poor is what makes Thaialnd

Cats and Dogs

baker — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 15:23:00 GMT

Walking home one late night, far from the house, it started to spit rain. I quicken the pace home just to find that the rain becomes a downpour, and it lasted for about two hours. During this time my phone and camera, which are in my jeans, are slowly drowning. Their death came soon after, this was my second phone on this trip, and the camera was six years old, may they rest in pieces.

The rain afforded me the opportunity to hold a large umbrella for three women and myself during the downpour. They were operating a street bar and were caught like me in the rain. We made the best of the situation, I bought myself few drinks, they made them, and since the rain was not letting up I bought them some shots.

Jon from Hong Kong showed up for the weekend. It was drinks in the evening and sightseeing in the afternoon heat. Jon likes street food and that makes it easy to find food to eat. It also keeps it in the budget. He was impressed with my selections. He also mentioned that my apartment was in a prime location.

Going now. A foot massage soon

Mother's Day

baker — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 19:17:00 GMT

Stereotypes

The English male- The "soccer fan": He is loud, so he thinks he is the cock-of-the-walk. Tats on both arms and a bald head is another sign that you have encountered one. Racist is his point of view. The part you got to watch out for is after a few drinks they quick to anger. there favorite thing after drinking is to pick a fight; big guy, small, or a female. A strange animal

North American female- Loud, with the look at me dance. Likes to make quick judgements. When drinking this attitude that one should worship them comes out. When talked to by a male a look of disgust as if you are just a pile of dirt, shows on their face.

I witnessed two englishmen fight over the IRA (can't we just get along). The little dude started it. The fit, huge, Thai-boxing guy finished it. In the same night I witnessed a Englishman beret a Thai women because all Thai's are ungreatful for what his coutrymen did for them during WW II. (didn't we fight the Japanese?)He spit in her face.

The other night at the PL a group of North American women walked in and annouced they don't want to be here. (there dates want to have a few drinks) Their dates sat at a table as these women walked from bar to toilet and back to their seats. They wanted to make sure all saw them and their wonderful outfits. A few drinks later and the realization that they can change the music on the computer set into motion the "watch" me dance with screams. After a few moments of this show (off) most of the other patrons move to oneside of the bar. It was like a us-against-them situation. When they left the said this place is the best.

Most people say that when it's time to go they want to die in their sleep. Other people think releasing this mortal coil during sex is the way to go. I agree with both camps, but I must add a third choice. It would be during a foot massage.

Half Way Point

baker — Sat, 8 Aug 2009 23:14:00 GMT

Jon is arriving in Bangkok on Friday. Start off with a sundowner, try some outdoor place for a cocktail. The night will be long, but I think Jon and I will manage. We have both been to Bangkok before and in fact he is the one that first brought me here several years back. It was when I had made my first trip overseas to Hong Kong. Jon suprised me with this quick trip and we met up with Steve and Kelly.

Some of the days have been socializing at the local pub with the expats. One thing I do here is get a check up at the dentist. A different experience than in the states. The basics are you are paying, so your the boss, no pushy stuff or extras to be charged.

This is a quick one, I off to get a $7 foot massage.

Postcard for normal

baker — Tue, 4 Aug 2009 16:20:00 GMT

I am declaring my jetlag over. It took a week and a couple of days, but I am on Thai time. That doesn't mean much, because people here don't stick to their committed time. I haven't experienced anyone come early to a gathering, but certainly 1 to 3 hours late is normal.

I normally wipe down my body with some "good-olde-fashion" chemicals to prevent the bugs from biting. I had this discussion in the lounge at work, and heard many remedies that are natural. I am back on the 100% DEET. My ankles are a warzone, thosands of little bites. They really don't itch until you start staring at them. Then the urge to dig your fingernails into those red bumps is uncontrolable. Don't know where these bugs are coming from, the apartment or??

I been hanging outside for Happy hour with a group of Expats that are long-timers and 50+ on the average. A great deal of insight on the expat scene. The discussionfor the most part is the same the world-around, women, sports, drink prices, and music. It is fun, but the heat outside and the beers is just a recipe for me going home very early.

I am getting ready for Jon and maybe Timon to show up next week.

Ten Minute Update

baker — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 17:46:00 GMT

While here I got an apartment and it is on Soi 11. The street has two 7-11's, they are the Starbucks of America, one on ever corner. I have a 24 hour supermarket. The street has the two trendiest clubs in the Bangkok area, "Q" Bar and Bed Club. An assortment of resturants and all the street food one can handle.

This brings up something I read at another blog and it has to do with the streets. I was at an outdoor makeshift late night resturant listen to music and singing. It was in an alley in the Japanese tourist section. As the night wore on we were asked to move to the tables on the street, this was to clear the area as it was time to change into a noodle resturant. This is what happens in Thailand, everyone has a place on the street, but it is not forever, as time moves on and the vendor cleans his/her area the next merchant shows up and sells something completely different. It is the morning shift, swing shift and late-night shift at the factory. It is an ever evolving life on the streets. One of my favorite thing about hanging out here.

Time to go, it has been more then ten minutes and it's off to have a few happy-hour beers with friends

The internet is Slooooowwwww, today

baker — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 13:26:00 GMT

This will be a quick one, I am still slow and so is the internet, but things are good.

The trip started at LAX, where after many hours of carefully crafting all things neccesary for an oversea trip, I open my wallet to find my credit card and ATM card not there. I had earlier copied them at my parents and left them on/in. Cellular technology is great, but it caused my parents to make 2 trips to LAX.

The flight was the flight with lots of turbulence. A particular session occurred soon after I recieved my lovely hot cup of "joe." I was soon wearing it all over the front of me. The positive is both flights arrived early.

This is just a quckie, will be back for more.

Hong Kong Days

baker — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 16:57:00 GMT

The last 6 days have been very busy. Day One: Jon picked me up from the airport and had plans all ready for me. A trip to his house in Sai Kung and off to Deep Water Bay for a few drinks on Ty's Junk at sundown. It was Ty's birthday so dinner with 15 close friends. (his not mine) Day Two: Hit Sai Kung town with Jon and his baby, Kayla, for shopping and the playground. Drinks at HeBe for the sundowner with friends. A late night travel into town for a few round of drinks and back to the pad for a few more. The weather was great at 3 AM.

Typhoon Day Three: The previous day's shopping was in preperation for the coming typhoon. Cornas and mixers for the long day indoors, plus sand bags for the rain to come. Cabin fever quickly set in and Jon & I set off to Kevin's condo in Hong Kong. Mixed drinks were had by all and the TV was tuned to the Olympics. The evenings food was homecooked Thai. The second half of the storm was about to start and Jon decided it was time to drive home. A wet and rainy drive.

Sight Seeing Day 4 & 5: The weekend saw me and Jon, Meg & Kayla to Stanley Rd. and Lantau Island. The weather after the storm was fantastic for both days. Stanely road was for shopping, baby clothes and not much else, and beers at sundown. They evening found Jon and I at HeBe for drinks with James. Lantau Island was to see the largest outdoor Buddha in the world. We all took the cable cars over the island. A great day, but very long, we all hit the bed early.

Last Day: Packing and a final foot massage. See ya!

Limbo

baker — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:33:00 GMT

Sat most of the few days in Bangkok and just enjoyed the friends I have made and met in this city. My friends whether they be locals or expats have been great to me. I will miss them. While here I have been offered a job, {I decline. }danced the night away, drank like a fish, and watched TV. I do love this city.

Love it because:

the people

the expats

the prices

the food

the all night food stalls

the after-hours clubs

there is no need to have a car

the cheap taxis

the BTS

foot massages

and the need for you to come and see this town for yourselves

Birthday

baker — Fri, 8 Aug 2008 20:42:00 GMT

Admid the many birthdays this summer I found time to celebrate mine. I kept it low key. I stepped into the Pickled Liver around 10:30 PM for a drink. At 11 PM I said to Nick the owner that this was the second time I celebrated my birthday at the PL. Now, the shots were on and my choice was Grappa. Most know me for an anti-shot person, but when in an Asian country the term "save face" is important to remember, so 3 to 8 shots were bought for me. Closing time could not come sooner, the Thai work staff, both the afternoon and night staff, were ready to take me out for my birthday "Thai-style." That means karaoke in Thai with drinks and alot of food. At 3 AM it was packed, several floors, and a dance club all in one place for karaoke. The machine was coined operated and we all plied into a room to sing form a big book that was in the middle of the table. Everyone sang ( I was saved due to the fact everything was in Thai )and we all danced. Many a bottle of beer was broken during the night and in the end many of the staff of the place were in our room singing, dancing, and drinking. 9 AM rolled by and I said my goodbyes to everyone. Time does by when you are having fun

Down Time

baker — Sat, 2 Aug 2008 23:08:00 GMT

Just been taking it easy in Bangkok. Hanging with friends. Drinking a beer or two. A foot massage. My stomach is doing great. Funny thing about that is I am thinking about going to Cambodia, Phnom Penh and my travel book says that 75% of street food thier has some sort of bacteria. I am going to say Laos is about the same. If I go to PP it will be food not from the streets.

I feel a 3 night 4 day trip to Cambodia will do. I been to Siem Reap and the temples are beautiful. I guess its time for the capitol city. The flight here is only about $70 US roundtrip. I have a few days to make up my mind.

Now that I am back Bangkok is oh! so loud compared to Vientiane. The sidewalks are 90% in good repair. Bangkok sidewalks require to much concentration, because a brick might be missing or loose. The loose one's are the worse to step on, the reason is there is usually water under it and it splashs all over your other leg. In Vientiane the Adult night life is there but not like Bangkok. In Bangkok depending on what bar you walk by the chorus of Hellllloooos come flying at you. My MP3 helps drown that out. Vientiane the women tend to be shy and only really talk to the men who give the signals. I have mentioned the Heat difference, boy I will not make that mistake again.

I hope the next time I write I will be in Cambodia.

LAOS II

baker — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:21:00 GMT

Last full day here and I am starting off the day writing this blog. I am better today than yesterday. After a long nap in the room, it was out to get some comfort food. The pizza I had hit the spot. The rest of the day will have me walking around, shopping, taking pictures, and a massage.

Vientaine is a place where time seems to go ever so slow. One sits by the Mekong river and watches the sunset as you sip on a cold beer. A capital city that is very small in size, so walking from one end to the next is easy. It does remind me of Khao San Rd in Bangkok. It has a large number of Europeans. They tend to stay within their groups. There are white men with dreadlocks and wearing pants that are not pants, but not shorts either. People are wearing things here that they would not at home. I might even say some of the people here are "sketchy" or not of high morals. The use of drugs is one thing that brings people here and the locals sell it, but I think some non-locals are in the market. They ride around on bikes day and night.

I would tell someone if this is your first trip abroad, then Vientaine is the best place to start. Its small, slow, and cheap. I would even recommend families. I not saying there is a water park, but the people love children. The streets are easy on baby strollers. one can get food kinda like home.

See Ya,

baker

Laos, Vientaine

baker — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 18:57:00 GMT

Flew to Laos for about 300 US. I am staying 5 days and 4 nights. I have never been, so I am just playing it loose.

I got in around 12 noon to my guest house. I used the extra day to walk around the city. I hate getting lost and this is the one day I factor-in getting lost. I use the lonely planet map to get around. It is a very small city. I was surprised to find the weather very cool. I took a long nap and got up for dinner. I will say that the food here is the same as Thai, less spicey. I hit the street stalls for some chicken and noodles with a big beer. I found an expat bar down from where I am staying. I sat and watch the locals and had some beers.

I decided on the 2nd day to do a walking tour from the Lonely Planet guide. It's about 3-6 hours long. I visit some shopping, food, and temples. The weather is not the same as yesterday. It is hot. Hotter than Bangkok. So hot that after a shower I sit outside in the shade and watch my shirt get soaked as I do nothing at all. The walking tour was cut short and I took a nap.

I am on day 3 and I must say I don't feel great. I wake up early to breakfast and visit the most famous site in Vientiane. I forget the name, but its used on the cover of most travel guides. I walk all the way there. Its about an hour. I walk around and take pictures. I decide I must get to my place quick, so a Tuk-Tuk is needed. I get home and sleep most of the day. I am now writing this to you. I am the most sick I have been on my travels. I am really tried, my stomach does flip-flops, and the need to be close to a toilet.

We will see what the rest of the trip brings

Bye,

Baker

What happened to my last entry?

baker — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 19:20:00 GMT

I guess my last babble about my trip did not make these pages. I was going on how last week was definitely "rainy season" for Bangkok. The city's high raise building were covered in grey clouds. It rained day and night. I compare that to my previous trips where it sunny and nipple dripping hot. Bangkok gets lazy when it rains all day. People just don't want to move around. I walk through the city as it rains, the looks I get from Thais is I must be totally crazy.

Laos is my next place to visit. I might spend 4 or 5 days, I haven't really decided on it. The cost to fly is about $500 US. I could save some money and take a 12 hour bus or train ride to the border. I wonder why both have the same length of time, but that is what the guide books say for the two. Half a day on the road or 2 hours by plane??? I see what I choose at the travel agent.

I off to eat some street food, later

Baker

What you get for 78 dollars US

baker — Thu, 3 Jul 2008 18:07:00 GMT

I can guess what you are thinking. I am in LOS, so you might be leaning towards the seedier side of this country. I say rise your head out of the qutter. I went to the dentist. I found a US trained doctor (not USC). My visit first consisted of him taking digital pictures of my teeth. Instantly they appeared on the screen. You know that tray that is usually infront of you with all those icky dentisit tools, that is where the computer screen sits. He then took me on a tour of my teeth. Telling me which one's could be naughty or nice. I saw all the plague. I told him lets those puppies clean.

The doctor is good, because he went for the up sell. I bought the x-rays and the selling point was how quick it would be and he would wait. I must say a US doctor would of scheduled you for next week. The x-rays were also digital. They did a full skull xray. The experience was like a roller coaster ride. I stood up and grabed the bar in front of me. A head rest was used to keep my head from moving. In front of me was a straw like device that I had to bite. This all took less then 10 minutes.

The xrays said no cavities and the doctor said I have good teeth all around. The cleaning was just as smooth and nothing really to talk about. The totla time was little over an hour. I tell you now it has been about 6 years from my last dentist visit. I believe the the dentisit in the US said I had cavities, so what has changed? Am I a miracle? Or was my old dentist a theif?

Baker