Funny story about getting here...I basically didn't exist at the Bejing airport. Couldn't find me in the systems and BTW - not everyone speaks english. I did meet a cool guy from the UK at the bejing airport and we became mini travel buddies bec we were both going to Bangkok. he was definitley helpful in making the trip a bit better. I was the only tally blonde woman there so I did get approached quite often from others for help - those that spoke english. Much to their dismay I was of no assistance. But I felt a little less alone.
From the Bangkok airport to my hotel was interesting as i got yet another cab driver that didn't speak english. To all of my friends that said language wouldn't be an issue...what were you thinking??? So it's 1:30 am and he makes me get out of the cab with my big ass bag and makes motions for me to walk...I quickly understand that this is the end of my ride and I have to walk to find my hotel. Again, I"m the only tall blonde woman with a suicase walking doen the street...alll these little people all dressed in black are waling the oppisite way of me. Note to self: Bangkok looks much better during the day and during normal hours of operation.
Just as I'm getting pissed, scared, perplexed - a full range of emotions I literrealy look up and see my hotel down a side a street. Buddah was lookiing out for me. But I think he was done for the day - hotel room was not so nice. But once I threw myc lothes aroung it felt like home.
I do need to mention my big new orange duffel bag on wheels that I boutht for the trip. I"ve become well known in my travel group due to this lovely orange beacon. I think it';s grand but not for treking..some of the comments my new friends are saying is - "how many small children do you have in there", "did you forget the kithcen sink"...but now they're starting to like my big orange bag (BOB)....We used it for a great chair/bench while waiting for the "train". Thought we could use it as a card table and I have lots of things I can laon people because I did pack everything but the kitched sink!
BOB is who I am. BOB lets people know what type of traveler I am before I say a word. I'm comfortable with this. BOB and I are looking forward to the Hilton Millenium on NOv 29th. in bangkok. (check it out - it's a posh hotel that we both deserve).
OMG - it's startign to rain. Damn it - I have to go trekking tomorrow. Why do people like to trek in foriegn conuntries? Guess I'll find out. BTW - I'm hiring a porter to carry the back pack I had rent. so is my roommate. I immediately liked her when she said we should hire a porter. I wont' make the porter carry BOB. BOB is lucky and is gettign a car ride to our next desitination after the trek...could I fit in BOB? I miss BOB already...
SPECIAL NOTE TO JOSE: I think this blog is using WordPRess. No spell check.
Caio! (I like to use this as my sign off as I love Italy. I didn't trek in Italy and love that country!)
Denielle
