Sassy on the loose!!

Gallery: Koh Phan Ghan

sassybabe — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 22:24:00 GMT

Piccies of our resort and the Full Moon Party!!

Gallery: Lake and Jungle Adventures

sassybabe — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 22:24:00 GMT

As it says on the tin!!

Gallery: Bangkok

sassybabe — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 22:23:00 GMT

Piccies of our adventures in Bangkok

BFG's!

sassybabe — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 20:44:00 GMT

Yet another early start for our trip elephant trekking. It was again a very very hot day and this time our transport was a Songthaew with other people from the lodge.

As we haired off to the place for the elephant trekking we did wonder if we could make it alive as our driver had no question to overtaking with on coming traffic and going to the other side of the road on blind bends!

Once we got there we watcged as the elephants finished having their breakfasts before setting on them. To climb onto these BFG's we had to climb up onto a high platform before stepping onto the elephants back to sit on our seat. As there was an odd number of people I got to go on my own which I loved.

My elephant had character he was eating all the way round and was quite a happy fella.

My elephant guide had a definate bond with the elephant and didn't need to shout as the elephant just did as he should. My elephant would put his head down for him to climb and a gentle tap to the left or right of his head moved him in the required direction. When we got back we were offered the opportunity to purchase photo's of ourselve on the elephants, I HAD to buy mine because my elephant was excellent he had proper tusks and a big grin on his face!

I then purchase some bananas to feed them and then headed off in the songthaew again to a waterfall which was lovely and nice and cold. By this point I started to feel very ropey which was a combination of too much alchohol the night before and too much hot sun!

When we got back I was really unwell so I went back to bed to get some sleep while Clair and Mrs J went exploring.

While I slept Clair bravely went Inner Tubing down the river which unfortunately resulted in her being thrown off her innertube after hitting a rock and being dragged down the rapids bruising and grazing herself on the rocks.

The adventurer in Clair was getting her a bit bitten battered and bruised.

When Clair and Mrs J came back I was well rested and an afternoon out of the sun made me feel a lot better so we went for dinner.

After a relaxing evening chilling at Arts, Clair and I went to the Funky Monkey Bar again. Again they were very friendly and we settled ourselves of some floor cushions and listened to everything from the Red hot Chilli's to some Thai dance music. One of the locals kept trying to get us to dance but he remained seated.

After a short while the little kitten that lived there showed up so we fussed her for a while and then let her go on her way.

After one drink we headed over to Freedom Bar where we saw some of the people from the other tour and joined them for a drink. Clair then headed back while I went with the group for one more drink back at the Funky Monkey where we sat chatting to the locals.

One guy named Pod who spoke excellent English was telling us a bit more about life here and just as the kitten started playing with a dung beetle he told us how the locals used to have to eat them and other insects before the tourists started coming but now they come they have a better quality of life and can afford things like chicken and pork. For once it felt good to be a tourist as for once we weren't hated for it.

All i thought was I hope that tourism doesn't end up getting so bad that it spoils this beautiful spot.

Kayaking like pro's!

sassybabe — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 20:21:00 GMT

This morning saw us heading off at 8am for a guided kayak tour of the lake.

I had never done this before and Clair had limited experience that said we mastered it very quickly to our amazement! It's fair to say it did give me a buzz!!

While on our kayak we saw an eagle and some very miscievious Macau Monkeys. It was amazing watching them but they were so high up it was hard to get good pictures on my camera however Clairs camera allowed her to get some excellent monkey pics!

During my hour in the kayak I did manage to burn my feet and legs because I completely forgot about them...doh!

After we got back we had a well deserved swim. It really isn't like lake swimming in England. The water was beautifully warm and it was clean but because of the minerals it was heavy and hard to stay afloat even for Clair who is an excellent swimmer!

After lunch it was time for us to leave this haven so we got on the longtail boat for the hour long journey back to land.

I can't begin to describe how cheanged I feel by this experience. It's funny when all the trivial things we fill our day with are stripped away how you realise what's important in life. No phone reception and no internet gave me much needed time to think about the way I live my life. The strangely relaxing soundtrack to the lake of the chicadas and gibbon call made me stop and appreciate nature in its bare ruggedness.

After reaching the shore we were then put in our minibus for the hour odd journey to Arts Treehouse Lodge. After such a back to basics break we didn't know what to expect. We were very surprised to find we had mobile reception and there was a plethera of bars, restaurants, massage parlours and shops. Arts lodge was excellent and right on the river!

After checking in and settling in our treehouse lodge we headed back to the restaurant cum bar for a drink and some dinner. At about 5pm dozens of monkeys started gathering on the rocks opposite us. I am not sure why but it seemed to be a bit of a ritual for them. I personally think they were probably amused by us.

After yet another gorgeous but a bit spicy Thai dinner Clair and I headed off to the Funkey Monkey bar. It was strange to find such a party spot in the middle of the jungle. They had an in house DJ and plenty of mental flashing lights in a myriad of colours, there was a fun atmosphere and friendly vibe.

We then headed to Freedom bar which was run by a middle aged Thai/Chinese man who looked a bit like Mr Miagee from Karate Kid. He was dressed in the bright colours of a rasta and the walls were adorned with rasta flags and pictures of Bob Marley.

The owner was very friendly and cheerful and the vibe here was very, very chilled out......yeah man.....would you like some happy leaf....lol

Wilderness!

sassybabe — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 17:58:00 GMT

OMG 4 o' clock!.......there is more than one 4 in the day!.....who knew!

After only 5 hours sleep we heaved our heavy aching bodies out of bed and got ourselves ready to go to the airport.

We checked out and jumped in a cab and sped off to the airport for our 7.20am flight to Phuket. For me the excitement was almost too much to bear as I knew how much I needed to be back in the open countryside again. I really am not cut out to be a city girl!

As we were nearing Phuket the view was beautiful, blue sea and gorgeous little islands full of lucious tropical foliage and tall palm trees.

After landing we were whicked off by private air conditioned coach to Koh Sok national park.

It was a 2 hour journey that was amazing. It was so strange to see expensive luxurious houses in amongst the impoverished shacks.

I can't convey in words how beautiful Chieow Laan lake is. It's serene, completely flat and surrounded by imposing jutting limestone outcrops decorated with tropical foliage and topped with a fluffy white mist.

After arriving we met our guide Ah and the representative for Limestone Lake Tours Kris. She was a lovely Australian woman who came site seeing 9 years ago and hasn't gone home. I can understand why as the areas beauty had, within 30 minutes, completely captured my heart.

We jumped in our longtail bot and headed for our floating raft house. It was as basic as you would expect from a responsible travel eco holiday but perfectly functional and ultimately a world away from our consumerist, computer driven lives.

After settling in and having some gorgeous Thai lunch we (with a really nice couple from Birmingham called Lisa and Steve) headed off for our Jungle trek and just as we got in the boat the heavens opened. It rained and rained and rained some more making our journey through the jungle treacherous on the steep muddy slops to say the least.

But being brave adventurous people used to a spot of rain we carried on regardless.

We were shown rattan plants, banana plants, coconut trees and many other beautiful things.

We then got on a bamboo raft to the limestone cave which was quite simply gorgeous.

After seeing the cave and its mighty formations (ooerr missus) we headed back to our huts for some down time.

Again the torrential rain started but by now we were wet and Clair had been bitten by a larry her pet leech.

So when we did get back we decided we were wet anyway so it makes sense to have a swim....the water was so warm, deep but warm and perfect for swimming.

Big BankOk!!

sassybabe — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 17:44:00 GMT

Our big quest for today was trying to find a Bangkok bank as it turns out we had each bought enough Baht to employ a person for a year!

We decided that the most sensible move was to first go to the Royal Palace to have a nose around. So once again we sped off in a cab and eventually arrived at the majestic Royal Palace. It was, again, a very hot and humid day in Bangkok and we had, again, decided to go out in the hottest part of the day!

On arrival to the palace we were appraoched by a lovely Thai lady who offered to guide us around the treasures that the palace had to offer for a mere 700 Baht, dubious at first we discussed it for a while. Clair, feeling lazy due to lack of sleep didn't want a guide and just wanted to amble but Mrs J and I over ruled her.

Despite our initial concerns our guide turned out to be excellent and as we strolled around the stunning Royal Palace she told us the fascinating history of the palace and Buddism.

It turns out that the yellow shirts they all seem to wear on Mondays is to do with the King. Each day has a colour and because the King was born on a Monday the Thai's wear yellow as a tribute.

The tour was both awe inspiring and very interesting. We did however have three Americans that joined us but I shan't comment on them!!

After a hard afternoon sight seeing we decided we had better find a bank and upon finding it we managed to flawlessly pay in our money to adrians bank account for safe keeping (he assures us he has no spare card!). We did get some funny looks as we paid in 56,000 Baht, they probably thought we were rich!

Worn out by the heat we headed back to our hotel (by crazy cab) where we chilled out for a few hours before being joined for dinner by Adrian.

After yet another delicious meal we headed up to our room to try and get some sleep before a very early start.

With our curtains open we stared out across the Bangkok skyline and as we eventually drifted off to sleep we silently said goodbye to the bustling melting pot of Bangkok for 10 days.

Watch Out Bangkok....We're Here!!!!!!

sassybabe — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 23:40:00 GMT

Upon our arrival in Bangkok we were instantly hit by the 33 degree heat....let's face it when you come from a country basking in a glorious winter sun that places the surrounding air at a refreshing -3 it's a bit of a shock to the system to land tired and thirsty in the clingy heat of the surrounding Thai terrain.

After being met by Adrian, Clair's older, willowy brother we headed for some food and then seated ourselves and out overly indulgent, heavy cargo to await the arrival of Mrs J. Now we love to people watch but seriously some people are just painful on the eyes and it appears those people are drawn to Bangkok like leeches to a septic wound. The first place crazy was an elderly American gentleman who could only be described as eccentric. There he stood, in Bangkoks airport practising his Tai-Chi moves sporting some equally eccentric clothing (Khaki trousers, open Jesus sandals, flourescent green shirt, black dicky bow, glasses with flip up shades and an a mental hat). He was introduced to a young Thai girl who looked like she had just thrown up in her own mouth (understandably so we felt!!) who then made some excuse and scuttled off. We didn't see that girl return but we watched her presumed intended beau practise yet more Tai-Chi and play his harmonica in a nutty professor way.

Upon the collection of the lovely Mrs J we headed off in our taxi. Now I am not a stickler for rules or regulations, quite the opposite, but sweet jesus who taught these nutters to drive.....the Transporter?!

With seeming no regard for life, limb or livelihood he haired off down the highways and biways og Bangkok until we reached our rather splendid destination.

Our apartment on Sukhumvit road was everything we hoped it would be, cheap, very spacious and very classy. Our illusion, however, did not last long, shattered by our blessing who's knowledge could turn out to be a curse when he delivered the crippling blow that we were around the corner from some pretty extreme red light districts....oh well, we sighed, welcome to Bangkok!!

After a couple of hours to refresh ourselves we headed out to get some dinner at Lemongrass. All I can say is yum!.....excellent, excellent food and plenty of it!!

After gorging ourselves on traditional Thai (Northern Thai) cuisine we dropped Mrs J off, threw on some glad rags and grabbed a cab to meet Adrian for a night on the town. Naively we thought that we would tell the taxi driver where we wanted to go and he would deliver us to our required destination. However it would appear that when you speak none of the countries lingo and they barely speak yours and have no idea where you want to go finding your way is a near impossibility. Finally after three taxi rides we arrived at our chosen party spot, Santika.

Tonights party spot was a club that was a chosen venue amongst the rich and famous Thais, with a 700 TBH entry fee this was no poor mans party spot.

We were however lucky enough to gain free entry and cheap whiskey and coke all night due to Adrians excellent connections. It would appear that the extremely kind Thai lady we were with is a big Bangkok fish (if you pardon the expression) she is the head of entertainment for Bangkokg biggest newspaper and man did people know it.

What ensued was an ecclectic mix of dated dance music, heady house music and a very good dash of rockin' R'N'B.

So here we were in a city thousands of miles from home dancing and drinking Chivas and coke with Hei So (Rich and famous) and having a bloody good time!!

How will tomorrow....I mean today (glancing at the clock to notice the 4am indicator) top this?!

Stinky Heaven!!

sassybabe — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 14:19:00 GMT

After an unplanned late start our second day commenced. Due to our long lay in we had missed breakfast which at first didn't concern us but later our acid indigestion soon provided a strong reminder of how important a meal breakfast is!

Our first stop of the day was at a beautiful temple. Just as we arrived the heavens open so we sheltered under the edge of the temple until the weather started to behave itself again. We then carried on our adventure with a trip across the road to the golden mount. From what we could tell this was basically a big hill with a small temple on it surrounded by a bustling market. One thing you will find out if you visit Bangkok apart from things are not always as they seem is that there is a cocophony of intense smells ranginf from the sublime smells of exquisite Thai cuisine to the repugnant smells of raw sewage and rotten bodies which is all part of the charm when coupled with the close humid air.

The market, winding around the foot of the Golden Mount, was a bustling array of small stalls selling everything from belts to freshly cooked Thai food that smelt lovely but we were not sure entirely what it was made of. It's truely an experience and all we can compare it to is watching Floyds exotic adventures, it was very surreal.

After climbing the Golden Mount, which at first seemed like an excellent idea but soon we realised so many small steps + heavy atmosphere = shiney red faces, Adrian suggested we get some food which of course Clair and I jumped at as our stomachs thought our throats had been cut. Now little did we know that the man who the night before insisted we get a taxi to go quite literally around the corner actually wanted us to walk all this way. Walking is practially against my religion so you can imagine it was a bit of a shock to the system. After a walk that seemed to take all eternity we arrived at our chosen eatery with Clairs new friend Bertie the Blister. We sat down to a delicious meal that quite simply blew our minds and all for only 6 of our Great British pounds for four of us!

Adrian from day one told us people wash up in Bangkok, we now saw what he meant. This was where we encountered our 2nd first class crazy who first sat crying in the street and then decided to approach us and with wild staring eyes try to join our little eatery party only to be quickly shoo'd away by the owner of the establishment, he was obviously a known problem.

Our next move saw us strolling down the backpackers paradise that is Koh San Road. Growing a little weary we jumped in the most expensive cab we'd had yet and headed back to the hotel for a much needed shower and well deserved swim in what turned out to be a startlingly cold pool!

Later that evening we were again joined by Adrian who escorted us along with his Thai lady friend to an almost unknown (to tourists) spot in Chao Phaya, this was the most amazing sight. A huge sprawling flower market full of every beautiful flower you can imagine. We can highly recommend a visit there on a Sunday evening. For once our nostrils weren't being assulted, the breeze wafted the heady aroma of literally thousands of exotic flowers some of which we had never seen before.

....................

We are now sitting in our apartment watching a Thai music channel munching on some strangely spicy bbq crisps and revelling in the realisation that Thailand has chavs too, yes ladies and gents you heard it right, this is not an English phenomena!!!

Pre Hols Update

sassybabe — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 03:53:00 GMT

Hi All

This is my pre holiday update. Providing that the plane lands in one piece and I can find internet cafes along my way I will update this as I go.

This is my itinery!!

16/11 Fly to Bangkok via Amman.....ahhhh budget airlines!!

17/11 Touch down in Bangkok and continue to explore until 20th

20/11 Get up stupidly early and fly to Phuket to start my Koh Sok National Park Tour which will have a separate itinery as below:

20th November 2007	11.45am	Chieow Laan Lake	Arrival at Chieow Laan Lake Pier and departure on longtail boat for overnight stay at floating rafthouses
20th November 2007	12.45pm	Floating Rafthouses	Arrival at floating rafthouses
20th November 2007	1.00pm	Floating Rafthouses	Lunch at floating rafthouses
20th November 2007	2.30pm	Guided jungle walk	Guided walk through the rainforest for approx. 2-3 hours, including the option to spend approx. 1 hour walking through Namtaloo cave (weather dependent) or 30 minutes walking through Coral Cave. Please advise your LLRT representative in advance as to which activity you would like to do - Coral Cave or Namtaloo Cave jungle walk.
20th November 2007	5.00pm	Floating Rafthouses	Free time for relaxing, canoeing or swimming
20th November 2007	7.00pm	Floating Rafthouses	Buffet Thai style dinner at floating rafthouses
20th November 2007		Floating Rafthouses	Overnight at floating rafthouses
21st November 2007	7.00am	Floating Rafthouses	Wildlife spotting from longtail boat
21st November 2007	8.30am	Floating Rafthouses	Breakfast at floating rafthouses
21st November 2007	9.30am	Guided canoe trip	The guided canoe trip will explore some of the hidden coves at the lake, and with any luck produce some wildlife spotting opportunities along the way.
21st November 2007	12.30pm	Floating Rafthouses	Lunch at floating rafthouses
21st November 2007	1.30pm	Transfer from floating rafthouses to Art's Riverview Lodge, Khao Sok	Travel by boat to Chieow Laan pier where you will be met for your transfer to Art's Riverview Lodge, Khao Sok
21st November 2007	4.00pm	Art's Riverview Lodge, Khao Sok	On arrival, check in to private treehouse accommodation.
21st November 2007	4.30pm	Art's Riverview Lodge, Khao Sok	Free time for independent exploration of Khao Sok
21st November 2007	7.00pm	Art's Riverview Lodge, Khao Sok	Dinner at Art's restaurant
21st November 2007		Art's Riverview Lodge, Khao Sok	Overnight at Art's
22nd November 2007	7.30am	Art's Riverview Lodge, Khao Sok	Breakfast at Art's restaurant
22nd November 2007	8.00am	Elephant trek, guided canoe trip or half day guided jungle trek	Guided canoe trip, Jungle trek or Elephant trek. The guided canoe trip follows the Klong Sok River (or the Klong Phanom River if water levels are low on Klong Sok) for approx. 1.5 hours. Your guide will do all the paddling, so you can just sit back, relax and take in the scenery. The guided jungle trek will take you along one of the National Park's jungle trails, visiting a swimming hole (and waterfall in rainy season). The Elephant trek follows a gentle jungle river to a swimming spot (which in rainy season also features a waterfall). You will be on the elephants for approx. 2 hours.
22nd November 2007	12.00pm	Art's Riverview Lodge, Khao Sok	Lunch at Art's restaurant
22nd November 2007	2.00pm	River Inner Tubing or Thai Massage	Inner tubing in the Klong Sok River is one of the most tranquil ways to experience the beauty of Khao Sok. Just sit back in your inner tube and float your way along for an hour or so, taking in the beautiful scenery along the way. If that's still too active for you, consider instead a relaxing one hour Thai massage which will leave you feeling completely revitalised and ready for the next day's adventures.
22nd November 2007	7.00pm	Art's Riverview Lodge, Khao Sok	Dinner at Art's restaurant
22nd November 2007		Art's Riverview Lodge, Khao Sok	Overnight at Art's
23rd November 2007	8.00am	Art's Riverview Lodge, Khao Sok	Breakfast at Art's restaurant
23rd November 2007	9.00am	Art's Riverview Lodge, Khao Sok	Free time for independent exploration of Khao Sok
23rd November 2007	12.00pm	Art's Riverview Lodge, Khao Sok	Lunch at Art's restaurant
23rd November 2007	TBA	Private Air-conditioned Transfer	Art's Riverview Lodge, Khao Sok to Phuket Airport
23rd November 2007	TBA	Phuket Airport	Arrival at Phuket Airport for flight (details to be confirmed)

23/11 Fly to Koh Samui and get a boat to Koh Phanghan

24/11 Diving off the coral reef for my birthday people!! yee haa and having relaxing thai massages. Sunset Cove is the resort of choice!!

I am sure you can see why

29/11 Fly back to Bangkok for 3 days of fun and adventure including a trip to Kanchanaburi Town (River Kwai bridge) and Tiger Temple

2/12 Fly back to gloomy cold old England!!