Thursday we had to catch a flight at 5am to Bangkok! I was grossly tired on the flight and just slept for the trip. We arrived and then straight away went to catch a coach to Pattaya where we would stay for a night. The ride was a couple of hours but it was very comfortable so it was alright. I just watched stuff on my laptop and relaxed.
Pattaya was super hot! I had never felt the sun so strongly on my skin it was ridiculous. But, once in shade it was really nice. We left our bags at Heather's mums friends house which is where we stayed. Their house was really cute! It was so nice. We didn't stay long though - we went out almost straight away to the Floating Markets.
I don't have any photos because I left my camera at home thinking we were just going to normal markets. I was mad when I realised we were going to the floating markets! (But also really excited). They were awesome, but a bit expensive to enter. All of the markets were positioned over this lake and I was worried about falling in. In the water, there were people sitting in little boats and were selling and making food! It was super cute.
When we arrived we got this special deal where we got to do a few things for 900 baht. The first was a ride on a boat around the floating markets. To be honest, it was quite scary because when the boat turned a little it felt like we would fall in. But, at the same time it was really relaxing and I didn't want to get off! Then we headed over to have a fish bath as part of the deal, but we didn't really do it. It was scary because as soon as you put your feet in the fish swarming to you and like ate your legs! I understand that it is good for you but it's just weird and at some point the fish just felt like leeches (they wouldn't let go even out of water).
Then the final part of the deal was a fancy boat ride on this really large boat. BUT, when we thought we would be doing another trip around the water, the boat suddenly turned into a car and went on land. It took us around this track which was to show different parts of the culture of Thailand and it was pretty cool. We also got free soft drink and tequila! But, the tequila smelt like dimetapp and vodka combined so I was worried it would be too strong - then Andrew confirmed that it was really strong.
After that we just walked around and looked for some food. I got some deep fried ice cream and it was the greatest food! Then I got some crab meat balls which were also pretty good. Trying to find the right exit to where the car was was really hard! There were so many directions and the markets were huge. Eventually we found our way out one of the exits and decided to walk around the outside until we found where we were meant to go.
That night, we went out for dinner at a seafood restaurant! It was cool because all the food ordered was basically to share with everyone. I had a lot of shrimp to the point where I think I ate too much! But, it was really fun trying the food with everyone. There was also a girl who was assigned to our table and had to fill up our drinks whenever they got almost empty! It was so confusing sometimes because I would think I don't have any water then turn my head again and it would be filled! I loved it though.
After dinner we went to Walker Street which is basically the Hindley street of Pattaya (only worse) but I think it's better! All of the bars were like open so there were no walls on the street side of the clubs. There were boxing rings in some and mechanical bulls in the middle of streets and also some dancers dancing in the windows! It felt amazing to walk down there but we did have to be a bit cautious of pickpocketers. The best part was probably a woman coming up and asking if we wanted a photo with the CUTEST monkey on the planet for 100 baht. I got to pet it for a little before Heather said "I'm not going to pay 100 baht for a photo" and she turned right around as if we didn't exist! It was a sad farewell.
The next day was another early start as we had to take another coach to Koh Chang! I was really ready to go so I went outside to put on my shoes but LUCKILY I decided to shake them first! This was probably the most traumatic experience of my life so I'll tell you. I shook the first shoe and a large spider fell out and onto the ground and so of course I decided to shake the next shoe. I was shaking for a little bit but eventually I heard this huge plop on the ground! I look down and realise there was a massage frog just in my shoe! It was so scary and I didn't know what to do. Apparently it's good luck to have a frog in your shoe - so I better get some luck after that ordeal!
The coach ride itself was much more uncomfortable but because I was sleeping it was alright. We were on it for even longer than the last one. My main issue was the woman in front of me putting her seat all the way down, so I didn't have any leg room. And when I moved, so did she and she did the same thing! Super annoying.
We arrived to Koh Chang on a ferrie! It was still very sunny outside. We had issues at first making it to where we were staying because our taxi driver didn't take us to the right place and so we waited in a little cafe for a car from the place to pick us up. While we were waiting we saw a super fat warthog just walking around, it was so funny!
Where we are staying is really nice and the beaches are so lovely here! I could probably get used to this kind of relaxing lifestyle - so much so I can't really be bothered uploading photos that I DO have. I might tomorrow.
Cya! (-‿◦☀)
Saturday 30 November 2013
Thursday 28 November 2013
Day 7: Meeting the Family
Today we checked out of the hotel we had been staying at since Friday and headed over to Heather's family house where we would stay for a night. Most of her family live at this estate spread out over a couple of houses and it has a really great atmosphere. Her family is super nice! I especially love her second cousins Din and Doon! They're very young and super cute! It took a while for Din to warm up to me cause he's really shy but I got a bit of a kiss on the cheek tonight! So cute.
During today we visited more temples. I took some photos but at the time I didn't realise my finger was in most of them! So disappointing. We went to, what Heather's dad said, was the third most important temple in Thailand! It was massive and super detailed. There were a million Buddha statues and they started getting larger and larger to a point where they became intimidating. But, it was cool! I also made a wish in the temple and that was kind of fun. Lunch was yummy too! It was just some cheese baked spaghetti!
Then we went shopping at this supermarket type centre. I got a kitkat ice cream blizzard from Dairy Queen and it was super yum! I bought some clothes and some shoes as well for super cheap. I don't even think I spent 20 dollars! I love it here haha!
Hanging out at Heather's family's house was really fun. We ate hot pot and grilled pork while listening to some Thai music and then some of our own chosen music. The food was super yummy and it felt so good eating with everyone and everyone being super happy! It was good until a giant moth attacked us and flew into the hotpot... But Heather's uncle said it was good protein! It was funny.
Later on, Karaoke was set up and we all started singing! I obviously couldn't sing along to the Thai songs but there were quite a few English songs that I sung with Heather. It was so much fun! We sang for hours and had a good time. We also tried this type of vodka but it wasn't vodka? I'm not really sure what it was but it was so sweet and yummy and not at all horrible like vodka! Just as strong though.
We have a 5am start tomorrow to catch a plane back to Bangkok! Hopefully it's not too painful to wake up... I did have trouble waking up this morning.
Also, a pic of my tattoo!
During today we visited more temples. I took some photos but at the time I didn't realise my finger was in most of them! So disappointing. We went to, what Heather's dad said, was the third most important temple in Thailand! It was massive and super detailed. There were a million Buddha statues and they started getting larger and larger to a point where they became intimidating. But, it was cool! I also made a wish in the temple and that was kind of fun. Lunch was yummy too! It was just some cheese baked spaghetti!
Then we went shopping at this supermarket type centre. I got a kitkat ice cream blizzard from Dairy Queen and it was super yum! I bought some clothes and some shoes as well for super cheap. I don't even think I spent 20 dollars! I love it here haha!
Hanging out at Heather's family's house was really fun. We ate hot pot and grilled pork while listening to some Thai music and then some of our own chosen music. The food was super yummy and it felt so good eating with everyone and everyone being super happy! It was good until a giant moth attacked us and flew into the hotpot... But Heather's uncle said it was good protein! It was funny.
Later on, Karaoke was set up and we all started singing! I obviously couldn't sing along to the Thai songs but there were quite a few English songs that I sung with Heather. It was so much fun! We sang for hours and had a good time. We also tried this type of vodka but it wasn't vodka? I'm not really sure what it was but it was so sweet and yummy and not at all horrible like vodka! Just as strong though.
We have a 5am start tomorrow to catch a plane back to Bangkok! Hopefully it's not too painful to wake up... I did have trouble waking up this morning.
Also, a pic of my tattoo!
Wednesday 27 November 2013
Day 6: Shopping
Unfortunately, this post is going to be quite small! Today was just about shopping and hanging out - not doing too much. I left my camera at home because I didn't want to be burdened by the extra weight. We rode a tuk tuk again to the larger markets that happen every day! They were massive and we didn't even look at half of the stalls that were there. There was so much of food, shoes, clothes and everything else! It was exciting. Then we headed to the central plaza again where we looked at more clothes. We decided later on to see another movie and it was really bad! Well, it wasn't really bad but it wasn't that great. It never really explained what the plot was and there was no real climax; there were also some scenes that tried to be overly sexual but just became awkward. It was good seeing a movie again though.
Also, only an hour ago I did something sneaky and got a tattoo! (sorry mum and dad) It didn't hurt and the guy who did it was really cool! It was scary at first but I'm glad I got it done. Cya! へ(゜∇、°)へ
Also, only an hour ago I did something sneaky and got a tattoo! (sorry mum and dad) It didn't hurt and the guy who did it was really cool! It was scary at first but I'm glad I got it done. Cya! へ(゜∇、°)へ
Tuesday 26 November 2013
Day 5: Hot Springs
Heather's parents picked us up and took us to a hot springs! It wasn't the one we were headed to yesterday, but a much closer one. The hot springs were in a huge park, it had playgrounds and cafe's and even massage tents. It was only 50 baht to go in the hot springs and it was well worth it! The springs we went into were called mineral springs. I think because of the minerals they gave off a strong eggy smell, but I could ignore it after a while. It's meant to be really good for you, too!
After some casual swimming, we walked around the park and went to look at the super hot hot springs. We couldn't swim in them (obviously) because they were over 100 degrees! People were buying baskets of eggs and dipping them in the water and the eggs would be cooked within 5 minutes! It was pretty cool I thought, but I would be way too scared of burning my hand.
On the way home, I fell asleep in the back of the car - like I seem to be doing on every car ride. It felt good
sleeping but my hair was still wet from swimming and so it felt like I was sweating a lot even though I wasn't. My dinner tonight only cost around a dollar (AUS) and it was amazing and filling! I could get used to eating the food here.
Heather and Andrew are out getting tattoos right now and I was feeling really tired and didn't particularly want to hang around for the couple of hours that it would take so I'm just sitting in my hotel. I'll probably go out soon and get some snacks or something though!
Food snaps:
Monday 25 November 2013
Day 4: Temple Run
Today was the earliest start yet. I woke up at 7am so I could be ready to eat breakfast and be picked up by 8:30. We were meeting up with Heather's mum, aunt and cousins to visit the temples. The car ride was super fun because instead of the tight seats in the back, we all sat in the trunk - which was basically the size of a bed. Because you don't have to wear seat belts here or anything it was just super relaxing to sit in the back of the car and having the freedom to move whenever was really cool. There were some times where we were rolling around a lot, but it was pretty funny.
We arrived at the temple and there were stalls everywhere. Like the waterfall park, there were heaps of dogs everywhere just sleeping. They had a sign saying we weren't allowed to touch them though. I though. We climbed a lot of steps and when we got to the top Heather's mum said the 200 step climb was only just about to start. I had never had a more strenuous step climb in my life and if I'm being honest I'm not sure if I could do it again. With the sun and the heat and my unfitness, by the time we reached the top I was grossly exhausted. I think had it not been for the gorgeous scenery and the anticipation to see the temple I would have given up.
Inside the temple made climbing the stairs totally worth it. We had to remove our shoes - and I was told to wear an outfit that didn't show too much skin out of respect. Heather had to wear a wrap around skirt thing - not sure what they're called - but they were really nice. The entire temple was covered in detail and gold. I don't think all of it was real gold but it certainly looked it. There were times when I didn't even know what to look at because everything was so beautiful. Everyone was praying and it was really nice.
When we left the temple, Heather's mum bought a cage of birds to set free for good luck. It was pretty cool but my camera was acting up at this point - I think because of how bright the sun was.
Afterwards we visited Bhubing Palace, which is one of the King of Thailand's many residents. It was really beautiful and there were tonnes of flower gardens! The King wasn't there at the time, but I doubt we would have seen him anyway. I'm glad we got to walk around there, but the stairs there were killing me too! I'm glad I didn't need to cover up for the palace either.
We began a trip to go to the hot springs, but after driving for a couple hours (I think?), we decided not to go as it was still very far away compared to temples that we had intended to visit anyway. I slept for a lot of the car ride because I was super tired - but it was a really comfortable sleep which was good!
When we arrived at the next temple I decided to pray with Heather. It was really nice and I'm glad I did it! I wish I could have read the prayer that you're supposed to, but obviously I couldn't. Every temple we visited was very beautiful and they each had distinct characteristics. The second temple we visited was completely gold inside and had a huge display of Buddha. There were many flags hanging and in the centre of the room was a large golden cup that you could make a wish and make a donation in. We didn't stay at the third temple for very long but it was also beautiful - this time it was mostly wooden with some gold.
By the time we had visited the last temple, the street markets that occur once a week had started and they were massive! I don't even think it's possible to see everything in the markets in one night alone. We were there for hours and had only covered one side of the markets and there were so many cool things to see! I bought a bag which is super nice! But, after walking around all day my feet were really starting to burn.
Tomorrow we are just going to have a relaxing day - catch up on some sleep and maybe check out some other markets and just hang out. I'm excited! Cya! ＼(^▽^＠)ノ
Food snaps:
We arrived at the temple and there were stalls everywhere. Like the waterfall park, there were heaps of dogs everywhere just sleeping. They had a sign saying we weren't allowed to touch them though. I though. We climbed a lot of steps and when we got to the top Heather's mum said the 200 step climb was only just about to start. I had never had a more strenuous step climb in my life and if I'm being honest I'm not sure if I could do it again. With the sun and the heat and my unfitness, by the time we reached the top I was grossly exhausted. I think had it not been for the gorgeous scenery and the anticipation to see the temple I would have given up.
Inside the temple made climbing the stairs totally worth it. We had to remove our shoes - and I was told to wear an outfit that didn't show too much skin out of respect. Heather had to wear a wrap around skirt thing - not sure what they're called - but they were really nice. The entire temple was covered in detail and gold. I don't think all of it was real gold but it certainly looked it. There were times when I didn't even know what to look at because everything was so beautiful. Everyone was praying and it was really nice.
Afterwards we visited Bhubing Palace, which is one of the King of Thailand's many residents. It was really beautiful and there were tonnes of flower gardens! The King wasn't there at the time, but I doubt we would have seen him anyway. I'm glad we got to walk around there, but the stairs there were killing me too! I'm glad I didn't need to cover up for the palace either.
We began a trip to go to the hot springs, but after driving for a couple hours (I think?), we decided not to go as it was still very far away compared to temples that we had intended to visit anyway. I slept for a lot of the car ride because I was super tired - but it was a really comfortable sleep which was good!
When we arrived at the next temple I decided to pray with Heather. It was really nice and I'm glad I did it! I wish I could have read the prayer that you're supposed to, but obviously I couldn't. Every temple we visited was very beautiful and they each had distinct characteristics. The second temple we visited was completely gold inside and had a huge display of Buddha. There were many flags hanging and in the centre of the room was a large golden cup that you could make a wish and make a donation in. We didn't stay at the third temple for very long but it was also beautiful - this time it was mostly wooden with some gold.
By the time we had visited the last temple, the street markets that occur once a week had started and they were massive! I don't even think it's possible to see everything in the markets in one night alone. We were there for hours and had only covered one side of the markets and there were so many cool things to see! I bought a bag which is super nice! But, after walking around all day my feet were really starting to burn.
Tomorrow we are just going to have a relaxing day - catch up on some sleep and maybe check out some other markets and just hang out. I'm excited! Cya! ＼(^▽^＠)ノ
Food snaps:
Sunday 24 November 2013
Day 3: Tiger Kingdom
Today was awesome! My first nights sleep in the hotel was not too bad, but I did wake up a few times during the night. We were meant to be awake and ready by 9:30 and I woke up an hour before my alarm and decided to start the day then. It's so nice staying at a hotel that also has breakfast services and so many nice things too! It was already really hot by 9:30 which is when we had breakfast.
Then we caught up with Heather's parents and sat with them as they ate their breakfast before we headed off to Tiger Kingdom! While they ate a group of people came up to us in costume and asked us for money. I'm not entirely sure what they wanted it for, but Heather's mum gave them a small donation anyway!
Originally, I was going to see the big tigers and the little tigers, but when I got there I got really scared ahaha! The big tigers are soooo big and just a little too intimidating for me. I don't regret it now, but maybe if I go another time I can build up the courage to cuddle one! Instead, I only saw the smallest tigers.
It was kind of a long wait to see them because they could only let so many in at a time, and of course lots of people wanted to see the newborns. They were so cute but even sometimes I got a bit scared of them! When we went in the trainer told us to play with them and then one of them started eating my dress! It was cute but I was a bit worried that it might think I was food next ahaha. We were just trying to taking photos with them mostly but because they were laying down it was really hard to get a nice photo. It's annoying because we saw other people being so playful with them - but I guess they were all probably tired because of it.
Andrew then went to hang out with the big tigers, so me and Heather watched from the cafe and waited for him to come out. Then, after picking us up, Heather's parents took us to a waterfall park.
It was so beautiful where we went. There were lots of stone paths that directed us closer to some rapids and a waterfall. I didn't climb the rocks with Heather and Andrew at first - because I felt the rapids were a bit strong. But, when we progressed up the paths, we all decided to dip our feet in and walk around in the water as a refresher but also to take some pictures! There were heaps of people just having a swim in the water and I wish I had my swimsuit with me so I could have done it, but oh well! The water got a bit scary sometimes though because I almost fell over a lot. I was mostly scared about my camera getting ruined but thankfully that didn't happen.
We walked for a really long time after that, just admiring the scenery. There were lots of paths and bridges that we had to cross. At one point, we saw a stray dog (just one of many that were roaming around) and it started following us for a good hour before we left. It was so cute and I wanted to pet it but it would always back away! I'm glad it stayed with us though, it felt like an additional family member.
On the way home, we took a detour which ended up being a 2 and a half hour car ride! I was so exhausted so I tried to sleep- and did- for some of the way. My legs were really tight because of how the seating worked, but I managed to move my feet in the end. We all played I Spy to pass time as well before we made it home.
For dinner, we went to Burger King! Classic Thai food, I know. It was actually amazing, though. Instead of fries I could get mini hash browns and the burgers were delicious. Mine was a little funny, but it was still good food in the end. The person who served us had really good English and was so nice to us. Just a really good meal. I wish Hungry Jacks was half that good - but then again, if it was I would eat it far too often.
After, we went to look at the markets again but I didn't have much money on me so I couldn't buy anything. I was able to afford a little elephant bracelet though! Eventually we decided to head back because we have an even earlier start tomorrow. But, I did get some nutella roti on the way home for dessert! It was delicious!
Cya! ＼（＾▽＾）／
Food snaps:
Then we caught up with Heather's parents and sat with them as they ate their breakfast before we headed off to Tiger Kingdom! While they ate a group of people came up to us in costume and asked us for money. I'm not entirely sure what they wanted it for, but Heather's mum gave them a small donation anyway!
... Then Tiger Kingdom!
Originally, I was going to see the big tigers and the little tigers, but when I got there I got really scared ahaha! The big tigers are soooo big and just a little too intimidating for me. I don't regret it now, but maybe if I go another time I can build up the courage to cuddle one! Instead, I only saw the smallest tigers.
It was kind of a long wait to see them because they could only let so many in at a time, and of course lots of people wanted to see the newborns. They were so cute but even sometimes I got a bit scared of them! When we went in the trainer told us to play with them and then one of them started eating my dress! It was cute but I was a bit worried that it might think I was food next ahaha. We were just trying to taking photos with them mostly but because they were laying down it was really hard to get a nice photo. It's annoying because we saw other people being so playful with them - but I guess they were all probably tired because of it.
Andrew then went to hang out with the big tigers, so me and Heather watched from the cafe and waited for him to come out. Then, after picking us up, Heather's parents took us to a waterfall park.
It was so beautiful where we went. There were lots of stone paths that directed us closer to some rapids and a waterfall. I didn't climb the rocks with Heather and Andrew at first - because I felt the rapids were a bit strong. But, when we progressed up the paths, we all decided to dip our feet in and walk around in the water as a refresher but also to take some pictures! There were heaps of people just having a swim in the water and I wish I had my swimsuit with me so I could have done it, but oh well! The water got a bit scary sometimes though because I almost fell over a lot. I was mostly scared about my camera getting ruined but thankfully that didn't happen.
We walked for a really long time after that, just admiring the scenery. There were lots of paths and bridges that we had to cross. At one point, we saw a stray dog (just one of many that were roaming around) and it started following us for a good hour before we left. It was so cute and I wanted to pet it but it would always back away! I'm glad it stayed with us though, it felt like an additional family member.
On the way home, we took a detour which ended up being a 2 and a half hour car ride! I was so exhausted so I tried to sleep- and did- for some of the way. My legs were really tight because of how the seating worked, but I managed to move my feet in the end. We all played I Spy to pass time as well before we made it home.
For dinner, we went to Burger King! Classic Thai food, I know. It was actually amazing, though. Instead of fries I could get mini hash browns and the burgers were delicious. Mine was a little funny, but it was still good food in the end. The person who served us had really good English and was so nice to us. Just a really good meal. I wish Hungry Jacks was half that good - but then again, if it was I would eat it far too often.
After, we went to look at the markets again but I didn't have much money on me so I couldn't buy anything. I was able to afford a little elephant bracelet though! Eventually we decided to head back because we have an even earlier start tomorrow. But, I did get some nutella roti on the way home for dessert! It was delicious!
Cya! ＼（＾▽＾）／
Food snaps:
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