Thailand and Cambodia

Bike Ride, Elephants, and Chaing Rai Village

ccphelps — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 21:03:00 GMT

Another great day. Started out by meeting some of the people I will be traveling with for the remainder of the trip. Some great people from California, Vancouver, and Toronto.

Started off on a bike ride to a temple built in limestone then did many hills to the elephant camp. On the ride, it makes me realize how flat Houston is....as a bike rider the hills on a mountain bike were tough.

We arrived at the elephant camp and were able to feed the elephants before going on a 30 minute elephant ride....it was amazing.

Then had a Thai lunch and toured the small village of people. It was great to see the lives of the Thai people outside the city.

Tonight off to a night market, dinner, and some drinks with the group.

Will be without wifi or cell service starting tomorrow so will catch up soon.

One night in Bangkok and floating markets

ccphelps — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 11:49:00 GMT

On Friday night we went to the "red district", quite an experience with the lady boys and the market stands at night. They certainly transform from day to night. After a walk through there we went on to the "SKY" bar which was very cool. You could see a 360 view of Bangkok from the 65th floor outside bar. Didn't stay long. A Thai beer was $12 and had to be up early for the next days adventure.

We started out at the train market, this was interesting because there are stalls and stalls of fish, veggies, fruit, etc., but with very short notice a train comes through and the people pick up their market in the matter of minutes. We then went on to the floating market where we rode in a paddle boat through the canals. We stopped at a coconut farm which was amazing to see all the things the locals make out of coconuts and the process that takes place on the farms. Following the farm we went to one of the only Catholic churches in Bangkok....it was beautiful. It sat on the river and was over 200 years old. The stained glass in the church was amazing. We then went on to another market, a traditional Thai lunch and then a salt farm. The day was so interesting to see all the different agriculture and true Thai life.

After that, caught a flight to Chaing Rai where I will be for 5 days. The first hotel is lovely and I am getting ready for a bike ride to train and ride the elephants.

More later.

Bangkok

ccphelps — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 23:15:00 GMT

Second time typing is a charm. Today was a great day in Bangkok. Tried every mode of transportation (taxi, long boat, tuk tuk, water taxi, sky train and walking). My favorite was the long boat. We visited the grand palace, Wat Pho, the highest temple (climed 365 stairs to the top), Erewan temple. The traditions, beliefs, and religion are very interesting to learn. Also tried traditional Thai lunch which I did not think was that spicy. I was surprised by the flooding of the canals that is still happening and how it has affected people here, that is sad. The people here are very nice and it has been a great first day. I hope to post some pics tomorrow but having some trouble with this sight. Off to the lounge to have a cocktail and then some sushi. Until later goodbye

I am off on Thailand adventure

ccphelps — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 02:46:00 GMT

Getting ready to board the plane. Mixture of emotions of excitement and nervousness. 14 hour flight to Toyko, 2 hour layover, then 7 hour to Bangkok. Long day of travel but very excited