Khao San Road, the gateway to South-East Asia.
Some of the best hawker food out there.
Buy a watermellon for 1 buck.
Great cheap food.
Outside my room, playing around with my telephoto lens.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Khao San Road Shots
Khao San Road, the gateway to South-East Asia.
Some of the best hawker food out there.
Buy a watermellon for 1 buck.
Great cheap food.
Outside my room, playing around with my telephoto lens.
Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand
The boring stuff.
The cute stuff.
The adorable stuff.
The circus stuff.
"I am the Gatemaster, are you the Gatekeeper?"
Someone had an accident in the laundry.
"Dont even think about it buddy"
Shhh! Im going to give him a wet willy!
"I dont rollover for Elvis, move on"
"Can we go back to the Gladiator set already?"
"I wub you toooo!"
"Do I look like a German Shepard?"
"A little closer, that its.....come to momma"
"Will work for food"
"If I close my eyes these loud Americans will disappear"
"Oh thats the spot!"
"Fine, go for the other girl, like I care!"
Nothing impressive here, until you realize this was taken 30 feet away. Gogo Gadget telephoto!
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Asia Complete
Hey folks!
I am in Bangkok right now getting myself prepared for the 10 hour flight over to Turkey. I have been putting country badges on my bags, bought 14 books, and bought a sweet SLR camera with 2 lens.
So how was Asia? Here are the Asian countries that I visited in my short time:
Japan, Thailand x3, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Laos, and Cambodia.
Its a mixed blessing leaving these countries behind and heading over to Europe/Africa. I will miss the massages, food, cheap accommodations, and especially the smiles. But I am really looking forward to the history that Europe brings.
Japan was so surreal and probably provided more culture shock than any of the southern countries. The quiet traffic jams, bowing, sushi and clean streets were so special. Shinjuku, Shibuya, Roppongi, and Ahkibara were so neat its hard to find words. Tokyo Disney was such a highlight and so different from other Disney's. Not looking at people in the eyes, forming random lines where they weren't needed, and not talking on the trains are all things I will remember.
Arriving in Bangkok was pretty disappointing. I was expect an exotic mix of culture and flavors. What I felt was dirty, tired, and very secular. Heading south for my scuba certification brought what I needed, peace. The islands in Thailand are only surpassed by the Carribean. You can truly find peace in the ocean here. Green and blue water, cheap food, cheap cliff-side bungalows and great weather shows what Thailand is made of.
Malaysia showed me how Thailand would have been like with a splash of religion. The people are more respectable and pride themselves on living 'good' lives. Beautiful country-side, mountains and beaches are everywhere in Malaysia. What a great stop.
Singapore was a typical clean coast city with strict traffic rules. A must stop for the fast paced westerner that is looking for some solid shopping and indulging.
Indonesia is like Thailand but half the price. How is this possible? The food seemed cleaner, better tasting and more variety. Although the beaches aren't as nice you are rewarded with some great surf. The heat here was sometimes too much with temperatures reaching 40+ degrees.
Northern Thailand is a world of difference from the South. The food is tastier, the night markets abound, and the ex-pats bring education and service to the vendors. Tribes scatter the mountains and elephants carry you to the top for a cultural explosion.
Laos is slow and relaxing. The towns are small and French influence is everywhere. Cafes and bakeries give you a taste of Europe. The French flock here on 2 week vacations seeing the once conquered country. Inner tube down the Mekong River, trek through the mountains, or relax in a cafe, Laos is a mottled mix of diversity.
Cambodia has suffered too much. War, Invasion, and Famine are merely a couple decades behind them, yet they seem to cherish their second chance. The once might Khmer Empire has left so much history behind in this country. The massive ruins of Ankor are truly as spectacular as the Rocky Mountains. A must see.
Bangkok for a third time doesn't seem nearly as bad. Its actually fun paying 7 baht for a bus ride. Khao San Road is not nearly as dirty as I remember it. The back roads have been paved, swept and made more inviting. Even the hotels seem to be modernizing. Somehow the road has maintained a sliver of intrigue, even with the backpackers pouring through this gateway.
Good day folks,
D.
I am in Bangkok right now getting myself prepared for the 10 hour flight over to Turkey. I have been putting country badges on my bags, bought 14 books, and bought a sweet SLR camera with 2 lens.
So how was Asia? Here are the Asian countries that I visited in my short time:
Japan, Thailand x3, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Laos, and Cambodia.
Its a mixed blessing leaving these countries behind and heading over to Europe/Africa. I will miss the massages, food, cheap accommodations, and especially the smiles. But I am really looking forward to the history that Europe brings.
Japan was so surreal and probably provided more culture shock than any of the southern countries. The quiet traffic jams, bowing, sushi and clean streets were so special. Shinjuku, Shibuya, Roppongi, and Ahkibara were so neat its hard to find words. Tokyo Disney was such a highlight and so different from other Disney's. Not looking at people in the eyes, forming random lines where they weren't needed, and not talking on the trains are all things I will remember.
Arriving in Bangkok was pretty disappointing. I was expect an exotic mix of culture and flavors. What I felt was dirty, tired, and very secular. Heading south for my scuba certification brought what I needed, peace. The islands in Thailand are only surpassed by the Carribean. You can truly find peace in the ocean here. Green and blue water, cheap food, cheap cliff-side bungalows and great weather shows what Thailand is made of.
Malaysia showed me how Thailand would have been like with a splash of religion. The people are more respectable and pride themselves on living 'good' lives. Beautiful country-side, mountains and beaches are everywhere in Malaysia. What a great stop.
Singapore was a typical clean coast city with strict traffic rules. A must stop for the fast paced westerner that is looking for some solid shopping and indulging.
Indonesia is like Thailand but half the price. How is this possible? The food seemed cleaner, better tasting and more variety. Although the beaches aren't as nice you are rewarded with some great surf. The heat here was sometimes too much with temperatures reaching 40+ degrees.
Northern Thailand is a world of difference from the South. The food is tastier, the night markets abound, and the ex-pats bring education and service to the vendors. Tribes scatter the mountains and elephants carry you to the top for a cultural explosion.
Laos is slow and relaxing. The towns are small and French influence is everywhere. Cafes and bakeries give you a taste of Europe. The French flock here on 2 week vacations seeing the once conquered country. Inner tube down the Mekong River, trek through the mountains, or relax in a cafe, Laos is a mottled mix of diversity.
Cambodia has suffered too much. War, Invasion, and Famine are merely a couple decades behind them, yet they seem to cherish their second chance. The once might Khmer Empire has left so much history behind in this country. The massive ruins of Ankor are truly as spectacular as the Rocky Mountains. A must see.
Bangkok for a third time doesn't seem nearly as bad. Its actually fun paying 7 baht for a bus ride. Khao San Road is not nearly as dirty as I remember it. The back roads have been paved, swept and made more inviting. Even the hotels seem to be modernizing. Somehow the road has maintained a sliver of intrigue, even with the backpackers pouring through this gateway.
Good day folks,
D.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Cambodia Complete
Wow!
What an amazing three weeks! Cambodia has surpassed my expectations. When you talk to most backpackers they only plan on spending a week or so here.
I was actually planning to head Vietnam. I bought my plane ticket, got my 1 month visa and headed to the airport. When I arrived at 5am I went through security, or lack of, and tried to check in. The girl proceeded to inform my that my visa was 4 days early! I couldnt enter Vietnam for 4 days! What to do? I had to hitch-hike back to the travel agent who sold me the plane ticket and get my money refunded. After she charged me 15% for the refund I headed back to the airport. I begged the airline manager to let me sit in the cockpit with the pilot. For $150 american I was able to bribe my way onto the plane and head to Cambodia!
I started by flying from Vientiene, Laos into the Cambodian capital. I spent about four day in Phnom Penh hitting all the major sights. I start with the killing fields, then the following day I ventured into S-21 the prison where all the people were held. The killing fields themselves were all that emotional. It was hard to connect to anything. I only spent about an hour there. The prison itself was really, really hard. They had some pretty intense photos there. One picture depicted a guard throwing babies in the air and shooting them down. I was embarassed to be a human being.
Lonely Planet had a wonderful walking tour that I completed in a span of about 4 hours. The Imperial palace and royal musuem had some great photo ops.
From Phnom Penh I took the 5 hour bus ride down south to the beaches. The beaches arent near as beautiful as Thailand but they have a couple good differences that made up for it. Firstly each beach is lined with free beach chairs. Secondly there seemed to always be a nice wind blowing by. In Thailand you cant really sit on the beach all day because you arent very comfortable in the direct sun and on your towel. In assure you its very easy to lay on the beach for 8 hours at a time in Cambodia. I ended up staying for about 12 days.
From Shikanoukville I headed back up North to Phnom Penh before heading up to Siem Riep. Siem Riep is a cool little town that holds all the tourists visiting the nearby temples of Ankor. I bought the three day pass which includes a free sunset prior to the 3 purchased days. I started with the mighty Ankor Wat which wasnt a disapointment considering all the hype. Three more days were spent heading around the area hitting different eras and temple types. The furthest out I ventured to see temples was 32kms. Two hours on the back of a bike was hard but fun. Speeding past slower tuk-tuks(hybrid taxis) at 70km without a helmet on a gravel road can be a blast.
So what have a learned about Cambodia?
Culture: Cambodias seem really great. They are by far the poorest in Asia and seem to live life without any cares. They can be quite aggressive when it comes to selling something to a tourist but it is to be expected. With all the hardships in the past they seem to take each day for what it is, a new beginning.
Tourism: Pretty strong. With Siem Riep being so close to the Thai border you can expect lots of traffic. Most of the tourist here are Chinese, rich Bangkoker, and a mottle of backpackers. If they ever decide to refinish the road from Thailand to Cambodia I think more people will come.
Religion: Similiar to Laos in that there are temples everywhere but not in your face. Cambodians seem to be dedicated Buddists.
Food: Bland. Nothing special here considering Thailands curries, Vietnams Pho, and Indonesias fusions are so close.
Weather: Hot and dry. The wind was a surprise, a nice relief from the high 30's weather.
Thailand still tops the list as my Southeast Asian country fave, but you cannot deny Cambodias charm. Its in its own class and should be visited.
Well the next couple days are gonna be killer. I heading back to Thailand to visit the "Bridge on the River Kwai" and the tiger temple in kanchanaburi province. Once I do some shopping im flying out to Istanbul, Turkey. I only stay a couple days before I head down for a month long stint in Egypt!
Talk in a couple days!
D.
From Phnom Penh
What an amazing three weeks! Cambodia has surpassed my expectations. When you talk to most backpackers they only plan on spending a week or so here.
I was actually planning to head Vietnam. I bought my plane ticket, got my 1 month visa and headed to the airport. When I arrived at 5am I went through security, or lack of, and tried to check in. The girl proceeded to inform my that my visa was 4 days early! I couldnt enter Vietnam for 4 days! What to do? I had to hitch-hike back to the travel agent who sold me the plane ticket and get my money refunded. After she charged me 15% for the refund I headed back to the airport. I begged the airline manager to let me sit in the cockpit with the pilot. For $150 american I was able to bribe my way onto the plane and head to Cambodia!
I started by flying from Vientiene, Laos into the Cambodian capital. I spent about four day in Phnom Penh hitting all the major sights. I start with the killing fields, then the following day I ventured into S-21 the prison where all the people were held. The killing fields themselves were all that emotional. It was hard to connect to anything. I only spent about an hour there. The prison itself was really, really hard. They had some pretty intense photos there. One picture depicted a guard throwing babies in the air and shooting them down. I was embarassed to be a human being.
Lonely Planet had a wonderful walking tour that I completed in a span of about 4 hours. The Imperial palace and royal musuem had some great photo ops.
From Phnom Penh I took the 5 hour bus ride down south to the beaches. The beaches arent near as beautiful as Thailand but they have a couple good differences that made up for it. Firstly each beach is lined with free beach chairs. Secondly there seemed to always be a nice wind blowing by. In Thailand you cant really sit on the beach all day because you arent very comfortable in the direct sun and on your towel. In assure you its very easy to lay on the beach for 8 hours at a time in Cambodia. I ended up staying for about 12 days.
From Shikanoukville I headed back up North to Phnom Penh before heading up to Siem Riep. Siem Riep is a cool little town that holds all the tourists visiting the nearby temples of Ankor. I bought the three day pass which includes a free sunset prior to the 3 purchased days. I started with the mighty Ankor Wat which wasnt a disapointment considering all the hype. Three more days were spent heading around the area hitting different eras and temple types. The furthest out I ventured to see temples was 32kms. Two hours on the back of a bike was hard but fun. Speeding past slower tuk-tuks(hybrid taxis) at 70km without a helmet on a gravel road can be a blast.
So what have a learned about Cambodia?
Culture: Cambodias seem really great. They are by far the poorest in Asia and seem to live life without any cares. They can be quite aggressive when it comes to selling something to a tourist but it is to be expected. With all the hardships in the past they seem to take each day for what it is, a new beginning.
Tourism: Pretty strong. With Siem Riep being so close to the Thai border you can expect lots of traffic. Most of the tourist here are Chinese, rich Bangkoker, and a mottle of backpackers. If they ever decide to refinish the road from Thailand to Cambodia I think more people will come.
Religion: Similiar to Laos in that there are temples everywhere but not in your face. Cambodians seem to be dedicated Buddists.
Food: Bland. Nothing special here considering Thailands curries, Vietnams Pho, and Indonesias fusions are so close.
Weather: Hot and dry. The wind was a surprise, a nice relief from the high 30's weather.
Thailand still tops the list as my Southeast Asian country fave, but you cannot deny Cambodias charm. Its in its own class and should be visited.
Well the next couple days are gonna be killer. I heading back to Thailand to visit the "Bridge on the River Kwai" and the tiger temple in kanchanaburi province. Once I do some shopping im flying out to Istanbul, Turkey. I only stay a couple days before I head down for a month long stint in Egypt!
Talk in a couple days!
D.
From Phnom Penh
Further Out! (Day Four of Four)
Greets!
Today I went 2 hours out of Siem Riep to see some of the last memorable sights. The first was a waterfall in the middle of the jungle. There were some neat carving in the riverbed. The second stop was more spectacular. The temple is known as one of the best examples of stone masonry in the world.
Enjoy the pictures!
D.
Today I went 2 hours out of Siem Riep to see some of the last memorable sights. The first was a waterfall in the middle of the jungle. There were some neat carving in the riverbed. The second stop was more spectacular. The temple is known as one of the best examples of stone masonry in the world.
Enjoy the pictures!
D.
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