Hello from Penang, Malaysia
We have been here for 4 1/2 days now, the longest we have been anywhere. We had a great time at some Chinese New Year celebrations on Saturday. These were just a stroll from where we are staying. It was such fun wandering around Penang's china town in the evening. I loved the lion dances which just happened along the street, like two gangs of people meeting and having a short, sharp word with each other. The temples were also lit up with lots of Chinese lanterns, they looked so pretty. We also had the best spring rolls I have ever tasted!! A truly wonderful evening.
Yesterday we walked up Penang hill too see the views of the Island. As we are British, we decided to go up in the mid day sun!! Anyone who knows me knows I'm not one for long walks! Although it was only about a 5 Km walk it was up 830meters (Linda worked out that it was a similar height to Skafell). To say it was hard was an understatement!! It was very, very steep, we had to stop every 20 meters for a drink and a breather! Funnily enough there weren't many others walking up, just the odd jogger (!!) and an elderly Malaysian couple who were only going up 1/2 way. They delighted in telling us that we must take it easy as people die walking up this hill!!! There were a few cars and motor bike going up and down, some smiled (probably thinking mad westerners!), some said Hello and one guy offered me a lift (which I didn't accept-although very, very tempted)!! Thankfully we made it too the top alive, but quite dishevelled and very tired!! There were lots of people at the top who had taken the cable car, looking all pristine and clean. Nice views from the top, but the best bit was the achievement of getting up there, we were very pleased with ourselves and rewarded our hard work with an ice cream!! Thank you to Linda for her ongoing encouragement, shes fab!!
Needless to say we have had a quiet day today, just hanging out at the beach and looking around a very pretty tropical garden. Two more nights in Penang and then onto The Cameron Highlands-apparently a great place for homesick travellers!!
Love Penny
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Having now well and truly left Thailand, we've decided it's time for some reflections - the highs and the lows.
My lowest was definitely trying to hobble around Bangkok with a very painful left foot (the muscles on the inside of my calf had gone solid due to a former injury, according to my osteopath who I saw before we left) and that deferred as excrutiating pain in my left foot which mean that I was walking on the outside of my heel and that every step and especially every jar or knock made me feel sick! It took daily massage (glad I knew what to do!) and regular Ibruprofen for about 2 weeks, and every time I jarred it I wanted to cry! Thankfully it's absolutely fine now, but it was certainly a very difficult start to our adventures, and I was very thankful for nurse Penny and her patience in waiting for me to hobble along!
The highest point for me was being on Koh Tao, a most beautiful and laid back island. Not only was our bungalow by the beach with stunning views, but it was a great place to dive. I was very worried about going on boat dives after a very very bad experience in Egypt where I was the sickest I've ever been in my entire life, but the water was really smooth, the journeys short and the experience absolutely fine! I was also worried about a completely different set-up to what I'd experienced in Egypt, and most of all was very aware that I didn't have my dive buddy Kim, so there was a lot to contend with all at once.
However, it all came right and my dive buddies were OK (although I'd rather have Kim there anyday!)I managed to finish my "Advanced" certificate, by doing two afternoon dives and then a night dive all on the same day.
For the night dive, we had to jump from the side of the boat, just as night descended, with a torch (waterproof, of course) and then swim in the balmy waters out to our dive site. It was exhilaring going down into the black with just a torch, following our instructor into waters that were clear but only visible within the narrow beam of our torches.
I thought I might feel worried, but our instructor had been on Koh Tao for 5 years and knew the place backwards, which was very reassuring! There wasn't as much activity at night as during the day, but there were quite a few different types of active fish, and stingrays were swimming quite freely (they hide under rocks during the day). Also, when I hid my torch beam and swooshed the water in front of me there were lots of phosphorescent particles that glowed green and yellow - incredible! There were also luminous purple small creatures that our instructor showed us, and it was all such an incredibly different world.
When we emerged about 50 minutes later, it was to a brilliant startlit sky that was just incredible, and we lay there with our BCD jackets inflated (a bit like a life jacket) looking up at the stars in this lovely warm massive and deserted bath of an ocean - no-one wanted to climb back on the boat! When I got back to our bungalows I went for a swim in the deserted and moonlit very warm swimming pool, and then floated listening to chill-out music from the bar and watching the incredible sky all over again. I'm not sure anything can top those experiences for me, it will stay with me for life!
Another highlight was our time spent in the rainforests of Khao Sok, with a challenging walk up to a waterfall in jungle heat, and relaxing in a beautiful bungalow complex where we stayed - all made from wood, with the entire complex built on stilts by the river. The night sounds were incredible, and the "pet" monkeys and puppy made every meal time a real source of entertainment - I've never seen a monkey or two and a puppy play fighting before, and all being so well looked after and free to roam. They were a real delight and were part of another unforgettable experience.
Thailand was a lovely experience, with lots of diversity and some very friendly people (and quite a few trying to rip us off!), with wonderful food including fruits , curries, noodles etc and all at a really good price. I'd certainly recommend it as there's so much to see and do, and we hardly saw or did any of it! I'd love to go back to Koh Tao, although the diving wasn't quite as good as the Red Sea and it's a lot further to travel to...... and I'm sure it's best just to savour the amazing memories I have of our time there and move on - some fantastic memories for my dotage!
There were other great experiences too, such as our trip up to Chiang Mai and our overnight trek into the hill tribe villages there, but Kho Tao and Khao Sok are enough to write about, I'm sure!
If you want to ask any more about our travels, specific questions or whatever then do PLEASE add your comments, and we'll answer when next we blog.
Hope you enjoyed my highlights (and initial lowlight) and there's another blog to follow in a minute...literally! Bye for now.
love from Linda xxx
My lowest was definitely trying to hobble around Bangkok with a very painful left foot (the muscles on the inside of my calf had gone solid due to a former injury, according to my osteopath who I saw before we left) and that deferred as excrutiating pain in my left foot which mean that I was walking on the outside of my heel and that every step and especially every jar or knock made me feel sick! It took daily massage (glad I knew what to do!) and regular Ibruprofen for about 2 weeks, and every time I jarred it I wanted to cry! Thankfully it's absolutely fine now, but it was certainly a very difficult start to our adventures, and I was very thankful for nurse Penny and her patience in waiting for me to hobble along!
The highest point for me was being on Koh Tao, a most beautiful and laid back island. Not only was our bungalow by the beach with stunning views, but it was a great place to dive. I was very worried about going on boat dives after a very very bad experience in Egypt where I was the sickest I've ever been in my entire life, but the water was really smooth, the journeys short and the experience absolutely fine! I was also worried about a completely different set-up to what I'd experienced in Egypt, and most of all was very aware that I didn't have my dive buddy Kim, so there was a lot to contend with all at once.
However, it all came right and my dive buddies were OK (although I'd rather have Kim there anyday!)I managed to finish my "Advanced" certificate, by doing two afternoon dives and then a night dive all on the same day.
For the night dive, we had to jump from the side of the boat, just as night descended, with a torch (waterproof, of course) and then swim in the balmy waters out to our dive site. It was exhilaring going down into the black with just a torch, following our instructor into waters that were clear but only visible within the narrow beam of our torches.
I thought I might feel worried, but our instructor had been on Koh Tao for 5 years and knew the place backwards, which was very reassuring! There wasn't as much activity at night as during the day, but there were quite a few different types of active fish, and stingrays were swimming quite freely (they hide under rocks during the day). Also, when I hid my torch beam and swooshed the water in front of me there were lots of phosphorescent particles that glowed green and yellow - incredible! There were also luminous purple small creatures that our instructor showed us, and it was all such an incredibly different world.
When we emerged about 50 minutes later, it was to a brilliant startlit sky that was just incredible, and we lay there with our BCD jackets inflated (a bit like a life jacket) looking up at the stars in this lovely warm massive and deserted bath of an ocean - no-one wanted to climb back on the boat! When I got back to our bungalows I went for a swim in the deserted and moonlit very warm swimming pool, and then floated listening to chill-out music from the bar and watching the incredible sky all over again. I'm not sure anything can top those experiences for me, it will stay with me for life!
Another highlight was our time spent in the rainforests of Khao Sok, with a challenging walk up to a waterfall in jungle heat, and relaxing in a beautiful bungalow complex where we stayed - all made from wood, with the entire complex built on stilts by the river. The night sounds were incredible, and the "pet" monkeys and puppy made every meal time a real source of entertainment - I've never seen a monkey or two and a puppy play fighting before, and all being so well looked after and free to roam. They were a real delight and were part of another unforgettable experience.
Thailand was a lovely experience, with lots of diversity and some very friendly people (and quite a few trying to rip us off!), with wonderful food including fruits , curries, noodles etc and all at a really good price. I'd certainly recommend it as there's so much to see and do, and we hardly saw or did any of it! I'd love to go back to Koh Tao, although the diving wasn't quite as good as the Red Sea and it's a lot further to travel to...... and I'm sure it's best just to savour the amazing memories I have of our time there and move on - some fantastic memories for my dotage!
There were other great experiences too, such as our trip up to Chiang Mai and our overnight trek into the hill tribe villages there, but Kho Tao and Khao Sok are enough to write about, I'm sure!
If you want to ask any more about our travels, specific questions or whatever then do PLEASE add your comments, and we'll answer when next we blog.
Hope you enjoyed my highlights (and initial lowlight) and there's another blog to follow in a minute...literally! Bye for now.
love from Linda xxx
Penny's highs and lows of Thailand!
As we have now left Thailand, we thought it would be good to say what were our best and worst bits, so here goes for mine.....
I loved Chiang Mai, in the north of the country, just spending time treking in the jungle and seeing such a different landscape to England. Chiang mai is so much more laid back than Bangkok and was a bit cooler too (I even wore two layers in the evenings!!). Koh Tao was also lovely and so picturesque. I also loved our other jungle experience as well, Khao Sok. I think that the cheeky Monkey and naughty dog definitely made it such fun and great entertainment. Again a beautiful place and stunning, striking scenery.
The other great thing about Thailand is the food!! Lots of Pad Thai (noodles), thai green curry and oodles of fruit. Yum Yum! I'm afraid Kyle (as you asked) I didn't eat the fried grass hopper, I was too full with all the other food!!!!
I felt that my only low was the fact that I only got a tourists view of Thailand, not really getting to know what it was really like. After living in India (all be it for only 6 months) I felt I got to know a little bit of how India ticked. I found it a little frustrating in Thailand that I only got to know a little about the place. But I quess I'd better get used to it over the next few months!!!
Penx
As we have now left Thailand, we thought it would be good to say what were our best and worst bits, so here goes for mine.....
I loved Chiang Mai, in the north of the country, just spending time treking in the jungle and seeing such a different landscape to England. Chiang mai is so much more laid back than Bangkok and was a bit cooler too (I even wore two layers in the evenings!!). Koh Tao was also lovely and so picturesque. I also loved our other jungle experience as well, Khao Sok. I think that the cheeky Monkey and naughty dog definitely made it such fun and great entertainment. Again a beautiful place and stunning, striking scenery.
The other great thing about Thailand is the food!! Lots of Pad Thai (noodles), thai green curry and oodles of fruit. Yum Yum! I'm afraid Kyle (as you asked) I didn't eat the fried grass hopper, I was too full with all the other food!!!!
I felt that my only low was the fact that I only got a tourists view of Thailand, not really getting to know what it was really like. After living in India (all be it for only 6 months) I felt I got to know a little bit of how India ticked. I found it a little frustrating in Thailand that I only got to know a little about the place. But I quess I'd better get used to it over the next few months!!!
Penx
Ok, to all of you who are reading our blogs, we'd love some MORE COMMENTS PLEASE!!! It's great when we go on and have some to read, it makes us feel that we're "connected" to people and that you're "with us"..... excuse the naff expressions but as we're thousands of miles away it's nice to know that we're all in touch, so - take the plunge and start experimenting if you're not already leaving comments. Go on, you know you want to........
Well, here we are 5 days into our time in Penang, which really is a mini Malaysia and it's the longest we've stayed anywhere so far. Although an island, it's connected to the mainland by a humungous great bridge - the biggest in SE Asia, I seem to recall. Penang had beaches, bustling city life (we're staying in Georgetown, which always makes me think of Bob Marley's "No woman no cry"), beaches, and a 2,500ft hill at the centre - Penang Hill - but I'll let Pen tell you more about that.
It also has the most famous temple in all SE Asia: Kek-Lok-Si, but by the time we got there after Penang Hill we couldn't be bothered, and it felt so touristy and tacky at the bit where we arrived that we didn't stay. It certainly was an incredibly impressive site, and looks amazing at night, but we wanted to get home and have showers, so didn't stay until dark - never mind, there are plenty of postcards around that give us an idea what it looks like at night.
Our second night here in Penang was a very special evening in the Chinese New Year celebrations (which go on for 15 days). Literally at the end of our street were the most amazing sights, sounds and smells as the streets were transformed into a mass of food stalls, bizarres, "open house" temples, galleries and so much more. There were demonstrations of ancient practices and trades, lots of dancing, singing, martial arts, dramas, and we were treated to a vast array of "lion dances" in the streets. This is where lots of people from different groups or associations make up one lion (like an elongated pantomime horse) and each time they meet another in the street there are loud drum noises and lots of rearing up/bowing/dancing etc. There was so much it's really hard to describe everything.
We ate a meal from a vendor that was a bit guess work, and according to the sign included "vegetarian roast duck"!! Everyone was so friendly, helpful and joyful. I even tried some iced Chrysanthemum tea, but I won't be having it again!!! We had giant prawn crackers - about the size of a hand, and thoroughly enjoyed soaking up the atmosphere which was right on our doorstep. We wandered around for over 4 hours then went for a nice cup of English Breakfast tea at our favourite backpackers restaurant - how British! No doubt Pen will have some reflections to add in her own blog, as it really was wonderful, and we were so glad to be here at this time (even though it meant accommodation etc is more expensive - a whole 1.50 a night each extra!)
Well, that gives you some idea of life. We're off to the Butterfly Farm, exotic fruit farm and whatever else comes our way tomorrow on the East side of the island - this requires a taxi as there isn't a bus and it's a lot quieter. The day after we head off to the Cameron Highlands, assuming we manage to buy our tickets tomorrow, and thus begins another leg of our exciting adventure.
That's all for now folks.................
Well, here we are 5 days into our time in Penang, which really is a mini Malaysia and it's the longest we've stayed anywhere so far. Although an island, it's connected to the mainland by a humungous great bridge - the biggest in SE Asia, I seem to recall. Penang had beaches, bustling city life (we're staying in Georgetown, which always makes me think of Bob Marley's "No woman no cry"), beaches, and a 2,500ft hill at the centre - Penang Hill - but I'll let Pen tell you more about that.
It also has the most famous temple in all SE Asia: Kek-Lok-Si, but by the time we got there after Penang Hill we couldn't be bothered, and it felt so touristy and tacky at the bit where we arrived that we didn't stay. It certainly was an incredibly impressive site, and looks amazing at night, but we wanted to get home and have showers, so didn't stay until dark - never mind, there are plenty of postcards around that give us an idea what it looks like at night.
Our second night here in Penang was a very special evening in the Chinese New Year celebrations (which go on for 15 days). Literally at the end of our street were the most amazing sights, sounds and smells as the streets were transformed into a mass of food stalls, bizarres, "open house" temples, galleries and so much more. There were demonstrations of ancient practices and trades, lots of dancing, singing, martial arts, dramas, and we were treated to a vast array of "lion dances" in the streets. This is where lots of people from different groups or associations make up one lion (like an elongated pantomime horse) and each time they meet another in the street there are loud drum noises and lots of rearing up/bowing/dancing etc. There was so much it's really hard to describe everything.
We ate a meal from a vendor that was a bit guess work, and according to the sign included "vegetarian roast duck"!! Everyone was so friendly, helpful and joyful. I even tried some iced Chrysanthemum tea, but I won't be having it again!!! We had giant prawn crackers - about the size of a hand, and thoroughly enjoyed soaking up the atmosphere which was right on our doorstep. We wandered around for over 4 hours then went for a nice cup of English Breakfast tea at our favourite backpackers restaurant - how British! No doubt Pen will have some reflections to add in her own blog, as it really was wonderful, and we were so glad to be here at this time (even though it meant accommodation etc is more expensive - a whole 1.50 a night each extra!)
Well, that gives you some idea of life. We're off to the Butterfly Farm, exotic fruit farm and whatever else comes our way tomorrow on the East side of the island - this requires a taxi as there isn't a bus and it's a lot quieter. The day after we head off to the Cameron Highlands, assuming we manage to buy our tickets tomorrow, and thus begins another leg of our exciting adventure.
That's all for now folks.................
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Hi all,
Ok, at last we've settled in for the long haul and managed to upolad some photos. So sit back, realx and enjoy the ride!
A top-class sailing vessel on Koh Tao - fancy a sail anyone?
Yum, Penny's favourite....fried grasshopper.... could catch on at the local chippie??
Spot which one's the monkey...?
That's taken us most of the afternoon to sort out, so don't hold your breath for the next lot!
By the way, my foot and leg are heaps better now (thanks for the concern & prayers) - Linda.
If you want to see some more photos, you could go to Flickr and search for lindafbarker under "people".
Also, if any of you techno geeks knows how to link Blogger and Flickr together (there seems to have been a long running problem re: doing that) then please please let us know, as we're completely working on trial & error at the moment (there are a lot of errors and it's all quite a trial!)......
Well, that's all folks. Bye for now..... Penny & linda ;-)
Ok, at last we've settled in for the long haul and managed to upolad some photos. So sit back, realx and enjoy the ride!
A top-class sailing vessel on Koh Tao - fancy a sail anyone?Yum, Penny's favourite....fried grasshopper.... could catch on at the local chippie??
Spot which one's the monkey...?
Our transport to the dive sites.......
Five star accommodation in the hill tribe village outside Chiang Mai - with a mix of Brits, Ozzies,
USA, Dutch, Belarusse and Argentina all under one roof!!
This is paradise - the view from our beach at
Ko Tao............. wish we'd had more than 3 nights!
Linda's new best friend - he makes a lot more sense than Penny!!
That's taken us most of the afternoon to sort out, so don't hold your breath for the next lot!
By the way, my foot and leg are heaps better now (thanks for the concern & prayers) - Linda.
If you want to see some more photos, you could go to Flickr and search for lindafbarker under "people".
Also, if any of you techno geeks knows how to link Blogger and Flickr together (there seems to have been a long running problem re: doing that) then please please let us know, as we're completely working on trial & error at the moment (there are a lot of errors and it's all quite a trial!)......
Well, that's all folks. Bye for now..... Penny & linda ;-)
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Two nights in the Rain Forest....
We had a long journey from Koh Samui to Khao Sok, should of taken about 5 hours and it took 9!! But this was more than made up for when we arrived at Riverside cottages in the rain forest- wow, so beautiful, noisy and hot!! Our 1st encounter at the place we stayed was sharing our lunch with an andrex puppy and a monkey!! We were just minding our own business when the monkey comes along and takes a straw, it was all downhill from there! The dog (Kauson) and the monkey (Max) played (and fought) alot and were great entertainment. They were some of the residents of where we were staying, definatly the quieter ones as the insects, frogs and birds made quite a racket!!
It was amazing staying in such a place, it was so alive with so much to look at. Yesturday we went into the national park and went on a walk (supposed to be 8KM but seemed like much further). We treked over rivers, avoiding the leaches and through bamboo clad forests to a waterfall. The waterfall was good but not as spectacular as it would have been in the wet season. We also saw our first rain, even though it is not the wet season, warm rain that is really heavy but not for too long. The wildlife seemed to get even more vocal after that!!
Sadly we left there today. We are now in Krabi for two nights before taking the bus on friday (at 7am!). We didn't know whether to go straight to Penang or stay in Krabi to get some washing done and brake up the journey. So we flipped a coin yesturday in the travel agents (much to the amusement of the travel agent) and it came up heads (for Krabi), so here we are.
Some exploring tomorrow of a local island, then its Bye bye Thailand -Land of Smiles and Hello Malaysia.
Thats all for now, Love Penny an Linda
We had a long journey from Koh Samui to Khao Sok, should of taken about 5 hours and it took 9!! But this was more than made up for when we arrived at Riverside cottages in the rain forest- wow, so beautiful, noisy and hot!! Our 1st encounter at the place we stayed was sharing our lunch with an andrex puppy and a monkey!! We were just minding our own business when the monkey comes along and takes a straw, it was all downhill from there! The dog (Kauson) and the monkey (Max) played (and fought) alot and were great entertainment. They were some of the residents of where we were staying, definatly the quieter ones as the insects, frogs and birds made quite a racket!!
It was amazing staying in such a place, it was so alive with so much to look at. Yesturday we went into the national park and went on a walk (supposed to be 8KM but seemed like much further). We treked over rivers, avoiding the leaches and through bamboo clad forests to a waterfall. The waterfall was good but not as spectacular as it would have been in the wet season. We also saw our first rain, even though it is not the wet season, warm rain that is really heavy but not for too long. The wildlife seemed to get even more vocal after that!!
Sadly we left there today. We are now in Krabi for two nights before taking the bus on friday (at 7am!). We didn't know whether to go straight to Penang or stay in Krabi to get some washing done and brake up the journey. So we flipped a coin yesturday in the travel agents (much to the amusement of the travel agent) and it came up heads (for Krabi), so here we are.
Some exploring tomorrow of a local island, then its Bye bye Thailand -Land of Smiles and Hello Malaysia.
Thats all for now, Love Penny an Linda
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Hi all,
today we got up at 5.30am (urgh!) to be ready and breakfasted by 7am to be picked up for a visit to Ang Thong National Park (a group of 43 protected islands off Koh Samui where the film "The Beach" was filmed) - gorgeous white sandy beaches and blue/green/turquoise waters etc - a lovely relaxed day of kayaking for an hour around one of the islands, then snorkeling, a thai buffet style lunch on the boat, more sight seeing and a very steep stepped walk up to a viewing platform for a fantastic lagoon situated in the middle of one of the islands - WOW!
We had hoped to go to church this morning, but asking locally and internet searches brought no joy, but hopefully we can find somewhere in Penang next week (Malaysia).
Tomorrow morning, bright and early (6.30) we leave Koh Samui and head off to Koah Sok in central Thailand to a rainforest/jungle area for two nights (assuming our internet booking worked OK!) and then on to Penang, a Malaysian island that is meant to be a "mini Malaysia".
It's hard to believe that we're only just over two weeks into our 6 months - it seems that so much has happened and we've already seen quite a few places, but it's great knowing that even if we have to get up early or have a very broken night's sleep when travelling - it doesn't really matter coz we haven't got to go to work! (sorry, don't mean to rub it in!).
Anyway, need to sort a few things out then go eat, so will be in touch again probably in a few days.
With love, Linda xx
today we got up at 5.30am (urgh!) to be ready and breakfasted by 7am to be picked up for a visit to Ang Thong National Park (a group of 43 protected islands off Koh Samui where the film "The Beach" was filmed) - gorgeous white sandy beaches and blue/green/turquoise waters etc - a lovely relaxed day of kayaking for an hour around one of the islands, then snorkeling, a thai buffet style lunch on the boat, more sight seeing and a very steep stepped walk up to a viewing platform for a fantastic lagoon situated in the middle of one of the islands - WOW!
We had hoped to go to church this morning, but asking locally and internet searches brought no joy, but hopefully we can find somewhere in Penang next week (Malaysia).
Tomorrow morning, bright and early (6.30) we leave Koh Samui and head off to Koah Sok in central Thailand to a rainforest/jungle area for two nights (assuming our internet booking worked OK!) and then on to Penang, a Malaysian island that is meant to be a "mini Malaysia".
It's hard to believe that we're only just over two weeks into our 6 months - it seems that so much has happened and we've already seen quite a few places, but it's great knowing that even if we have to get up early or have a very broken night's sleep when travelling - it doesn't really matter coz we haven't got to go to work! (sorry, don't mean to rub it in!).
Anyway, need to sort a few things out then go eat, so will be in touch again probably in a few days.
With love, Linda xx
Friday, February 16, 2007
Hello there
Thought that I should just write about my first time scuba diving. I did a discovery dive for one day. This consisted of 5 minutes of theory and then get the gear on and jump in the pool!! Humm, just a bit daunting. I did manage to do it though and quite enjoyed it, I did a beach dive and saw a few fish, dead coral, coke cans and the odd tea cup!! Would have been better to have gone out on the boat but I was a bit freaked by the whole thing. Maybe next time!!!
We did our shortest journey today to reach our new home for a few nights. Only a two hour boat journey from Koh Tao to Koh Samui, that was great. Not sure where we go next, Whether we stay here for a few more days, head to Malaysia or do a bit more Beach stuff in Thailand. Watch this space.
Here's to a few more days sunbathing on the beach!!!
Love penx
Thought that I should just write about my first time scuba diving. I did a discovery dive for one day. This consisted of 5 minutes of theory and then get the gear on and jump in the pool!! Humm, just a bit daunting. I did manage to do it though and quite enjoyed it, I did a beach dive and saw a few fish, dead coral, coke cans and the odd tea cup!! Would have been better to have gone out on the boat but I was a bit freaked by the whole thing. Maybe next time!!!
We did our shortest journey today to reach our new home for a few nights. Only a two hour boat journey from Koh Tao to Koh Samui, that was great. Not sure where we go next, Whether we stay here for a few more days, head to Malaysia or do a bit more Beach stuff in Thailand. Watch this space.
Here's to a few more days sunbathing on the beach!!!
Love penx
Hi all,
we ended up diving a day later than planned, but got ther in the end. I'm now an "Advanced" Open Water diver, which is great. The diving was good, but not as clear visibility as Dahab, Egypt, and I wasn't with my "buddy" Kim, but it was a good experience - especially the night dive - good job the batteries didn't go on our torches!!
Koh Tao was gorgeous and we had a bungalow really near the swimming pool and the sea, and everything was really friendly and laid back. However, as we"d already booked to move on after 3 nights we said a sad farewell this morning and got the ferry over here to Koh Samui - here for three nights.
That's all for now, hoping to sort out the best way to upload some photos soon that doesn't cost us a fortune in internet charges trying to sort it out by trial and error - do let us know any hints and tips!
Til next we blog...... Love from Linda xx
we ended up diving a day later than planned, but got ther in the end. I'm now an "Advanced" Open Water diver, which is great. The diving was good, but not as clear visibility as Dahab, Egypt, and I wasn't with my "buddy" Kim, but it was a good experience - especially the night dive - good job the batteries didn't go on our torches!!
Koh Tao was gorgeous and we had a bungalow really near the swimming pool and the sea, and everything was really friendly and laid back. However, as we"d already booked to move on after 3 nights we said a sad farewell this morning and got the ferry over here to Koh Samui - here for three nights.
That's all for now, hoping to sort out the best way to upload some photos soon that doesn't cost us a fortune in internet charges trying to sort it out by trial and error - do let us know any hints and tips!
Til next we blog...... Love from Linda xx
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Hello,
Whats new? Monday we went to Jim Thompson's House-who is he?? He was an American man who fell in love with Thailand, made it his home and revitalised the silk industry after the 2nd world war. Great house made out of teak and beautiful jungle type gardens, a nice oasis in the middle of a bustling city. Spent the afternoon in Lumpini park, another oasis in a big city. Bangkok is so busy and smoggy so it was nice to get some fresh (ish) air and do some people watching.
We then embarked on our journey to Koh Tao, another long one starting in Kousan Rd-the main back packer haunt in Bangkok. A coach journey and then a 2 hour wait in Chumphon at 5.30am before getting the boat to the island. Very beautiful, palm tree lined beaches and the view from our beach bungalow is stunning. Lots of divers practicing in the pool, very laid back and chilled-great after 2 days in Bangkok!!
Tomorrow is scuba diving for Linda and I'm going to do a try dive-HELP!!!
Thats all for now folks, Linda and Penny
Whats new? Monday we went to Jim Thompson's House-who is he?? He was an American man who fell in love with Thailand, made it his home and revitalised the silk industry after the 2nd world war. Great house made out of teak and beautiful jungle type gardens, a nice oasis in the middle of a bustling city. Spent the afternoon in Lumpini park, another oasis in a big city. Bangkok is so busy and smoggy so it was nice to get some fresh (ish) air and do some people watching.
We then embarked on our journey to Koh Tao, another long one starting in Kousan Rd-the main back packer haunt in Bangkok. A coach journey and then a 2 hour wait in Chumphon at 5.30am before getting the boat to the island. Very beautiful, palm tree lined beaches and the view from our beach bungalow is stunning. Lots of divers practicing in the pool, very laid back and chilled-great after 2 days in Bangkok!!
Tomorrow is scuba diving for Linda and I'm going to do a try dive-HELP!!!
Thats all for now folks, Linda and Penny
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Well, now in Bangkok after waiting at Chiang Mai station for an extra 6 hours after our train was horrendously delayed. Instead o f getting in at 6.40am we arrived about 1.30pm, which has put an end to the plans we had to visit either the orphange "on spec" or travelling to the River Kwai (4 plus hours round trip).
We feel a bit at a loose end and seem to be spending too much on food as a result (having spent 2 quid each on our room our economy drive seems to have since taken a nose dive!).
We get the overnight bus tomorrow evening to Koh Tao, and are really looking forward to some time on the beach, some snorkelling and some diving..... bring it on! Sun, sea, sand and sleep...... lovelly!!! :-)
Bye for now, hope you're enjoying the snow, tee hee..... P & L xx
We feel a bit at a loose end and seem to be spending too much on food as a result (having spent 2 quid each on our room our economy drive seems to have since taken a nose dive!).
We get the overnight bus tomorrow evening to Koh Tao, and are really looking forward to some time on the beach, some snorkelling and some diving..... bring it on! Sun, sea, sand and sleep...... lovelly!!! :-)
Bye for now, hope you're enjoying the snow, tee hee..... P & L xx
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Hi all,
where to start? Have been on a two day trek into the hills, which was challenging at times but a good experience (and my leg/foot held up - HURRAH!). We were quite a mixed group, with one that we kept "losing" as he kept heading off into the undergrowth to take photos etc (Kim: I named him "ALBI#2"!). After trekking we spent some time at a waterfall, then riding elephants for an hour. Ours was very naugthy as he kept going up into the steep side of the path to get food, which was quite a hair raising experience! The we were rafted down the river on bamboo rafts, and got very wet bums! We got back very tired, very very hot and dirty but had a good experience and the a good sleep.......
...which was just as well as we had to get up 6am yesterday for a day trip (too long - 14 hours!) to the very top of Thailand, via Chiang Rai. We saw some hot springs (not very exciting), a very new and "shiny" temple, went to a Karen tribal village where the "long necked" people live, but it felt very voyeuristic.Then went briefly into Laos by speedboat, and took pictures from a temple that overlooks the border between T'd and Myanmar (Burmah). Then had a 4 hour journey back home with Stirling Moss" at the wheel through very winding and steep roads - hurrah!
Now off to get overnight sleeper back to B'kok & were hoping to visit an orphanage, but haven't heard back from them so will prob go to the bridge over the River Kwai instead. Will let you know.
Shame you have snow as we struggle with 35C heat - ahhhh. Haven't added any photos yet - will try when we have more time. Bye for now, til next we blog.
Linda & Penny xx
where to start? Have been on a two day trek into the hills, which was challenging at times but a good experience (and my leg/foot held up - HURRAH!). We were quite a mixed group, with one that we kept "losing" as he kept heading off into the undergrowth to take photos etc (Kim: I named him "ALBI#2"!). After trekking we spent some time at a waterfall, then riding elephants for an hour. Ours was very naugthy as he kept going up into the steep side of the path to get food, which was quite a hair raising experience! The we were rafted down the river on bamboo rafts, and got very wet bums! We got back very tired, very very hot and dirty but had a good experience and the a good sleep.......
...which was just as well as we had to get up 6am yesterday for a day trip (too long - 14 hours!) to the very top of Thailand, via Chiang Rai. We saw some hot springs (not very exciting), a very new and "shiny" temple, went to a Karen tribal village where the "long necked" people live, but it felt very voyeuristic.Then went briefly into Laos by speedboat, and took pictures from a temple that overlooks the border between T'd and Myanmar (Burmah). Then had a 4 hour journey back home with Stirling Moss" at the wheel through very winding and steep roads - hurrah!
Now off to get overnight sleeper back to B'kok & were hoping to visit an orphanage, but haven't heard back from them so will prob go to the bridge over the River Kwai instead. Will let you know.
Shame you have snow as we struggle with 35C heat - ahhhh. Haven't added any photos yet - will try when we have more time. Bye for now, til next we blog.
Linda & Penny xx
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
What have we been up to since we last wrote?? We had an great day on Sunday going to some markets, however a lot of walking. We went to the flower market in Bangkok, amazing amount of flowers (funnily enough!) of various shapes and sizes. Just the shear quantity of roses and marigolds and other stuff, a lot we guessed were used at the temples. Also a vast array of fruit and veg, from cherry tomatoes to very bizarre looking things! Even fried crickets, yum, yum! Chinatown was also interesting, busy, noisy and smelly! Getting around in Bangkok consists of jumping on and off riverboats, a great way to travel.
Thailand is such an interesting place busy, noisy, lovely tropical smells (mix of heat and incense), amazing palaces and temples, adorned with gold and colourful stones. The Thai people are very friendly, smiley and kind, so willing to help when we look lost or confused!! Great place, can't wait to discover more. Bring it on!!!
Now in Chaing Mai and the adventures continue..............
Thailand is such an interesting place busy, noisy, lovely tropical smells (mix of heat and incense), amazing palaces and temples, adorned with gold and colourful stones. The Thai people are very friendly, smiley and kind, so willing to help when we look lost or confused!! Great place, can't wait to discover more. Bring it on!!!
Now in Chaing Mai and the adventures continue..............
Hi all,
tried to send a blog on Sunday but we timed out at the internet cafe just before sending, so we both lost our blog entries!
Anway, travelled up to Chiang Mai last night by bus - VERY COLD and broken seats, but managed the odd doze. You really know you're travelling somewhere quite different when you stop at midnight at a roadside cafe and have to guess what to do (and also what kind of soup it is you're eating!).
We're staying at a backpackers hotel tonight, then off in the morning for our two day treck into the jungle, with rafting, elephant ride and probably the odd mozzie or three for company. The day after that we have an early start off to Chiang Rai to visit the Karen tribe (long-necked people who wear many rings to "stretch" it).
The only other people we've seen at our accomm so far look about 21, so we're trying not to feel too old, and actually think we're doing quite well given extensive lack of sleep so far (only one good night!).
My foot/leg's loads better now after an incredibly painful and frustrating time until only y'day, when penny made me rest by the pool and do nothing....she's such a good nurse (and lovely with it)! For those of you who do, please pray that my leg/foot will be fine for our treks over the next few days and be totally well for the rsat of our travels.
Weather here is beautiful - considering we're told that it's winter, and quite a cold one at that, I dread to think what it's like in the height of summer!! It's blue, sunny and very warm, so that'll do nicely as far as we're concerned.
Well, time to go and wander a bit more on this lovely Tuesday afternoon... I can still taste the beautiful chicken green curry and sticky rice that we had for lunch by the river....still can't quite believe I'm here, but I'm definitely starting to relax into it a bit now.
Do send your comments / e.mails and let me know what's going on back in the "other" world, I'd love to hear from you.
With love. Bye for now,
Linda xxx
tried to send a blog on Sunday but we timed out at the internet cafe just before sending, so we both lost our blog entries!
Anway, travelled up to Chiang Mai last night by bus - VERY COLD and broken seats, but managed the odd doze. You really know you're travelling somewhere quite different when you stop at midnight at a roadside cafe and have to guess what to do (and also what kind of soup it is you're eating!).
We're staying at a backpackers hotel tonight, then off in the morning for our two day treck into the jungle, with rafting, elephant ride and probably the odd mozzie or three for company. The day after that we have an early start off to Chiang Rai to visit the Karen tribe (long-necked people who wear many rings to "stretch" it).
The only other people we've seen at our accomm so far look about 21, so we're trying not to feel too old, and actually think we're doing quite well given extensive lack of sleep so far (only one good night!).
My foot/leg's loads better now after an incredibly painful and frustrating time until only y'day, when penny made me rest by the pool and do nothing....she's such a good nurse (and lovely with it)! For those of you who do, please pray that my leg/foot will be fine for our treks over the next few days and be totally well for the rsat of our travels.
Weather here is beautiful - considering we're told that it's winter, and quite a cold one at that, I dread to think what it's like in the height of summer!! It's blue, sunny and very warm, so that'll do nicely as far as we're concerned.
Well, time to go and wander a bit more on this lovely Tuesday afternoon... I can still taste the beautiful chicken green curry and sticky rice that we had for lunch by the river....still can't quite believe I'm here, but I'm definitely starting to relax into it a bit now.
Do send your comments / e.mails and let me know what's going on back in the "other" world, I'd love to hear from you.
With love. Bye for now,
Linda xxx
Saturday, February 03, 2007
JOINT MESSAGE FROM PENNY & LINDA
Hi everyone! We've arrived safely and are settling in to Thai life. We almost didn't get seats on the plane (long story) but ended up with great ones with loads of leg room- HURRAH! Hotel lovely, Bangkok bustling & full of life. We're still on UK time so last night found us both waking up at 2.30am hungry and alert - not much sleep happened as a result.
We saw some amazing temples and the Grand Palace today, as well as having a painful but very worthwhile "jet-lag foot & leg massage". We also booked the next 2 weeks of our lives as follows:
5th - Aircon bus up to Chiang Mai which co-incides with the end of their annual flower festival. Spend time there and also trekking in jungle area staying overnight in a Karen tribe village, riding an elephant, rafting, swimming under waterfalls etc before heading to Chiang Rai the next day for a day trip into Laos and Myamar(!?). After returning to CM we get the overnight 1st class sleeper train back to Bangkok arriving early on 11th.
We hope to then visit an orphanage overnight on the outskirts of Bangkok before getting the bus and ferry down to the island of Koh Tao on the following day - great for diving (woo hoo from Linda!). After 3 night there we get the ferry to Koh Samui for another 3 nights,which happens to coincide with the Chinese New Year. After that we make it up as we go along, and will kepp you posted.
We hope that makes you really jealous & causes you to drop everything & come and join us!!
No pictures yet cos it's late and we need to go to bed, but keep checking and see what comes along soon. Love to you all & bye for now.
Hi everyone! We've arrived safely and are settling in to Thai life. We almost didn't get seats on the plane (long story) but ended up with great ones with loads of leg room- HURRAH! Hotel lovely, Bangkok bustling & full of life. We're still on UK time so last night found us both waking up at 2.30am hungry and alert - not much sleep happened as a result.
We saw some amazing temples and the Grand Palace today, as well as having a painful but very worthwhile "jet-lag foot & leg massage". We also booked the next 2 weeks of our lives as follows:
5th - Aircon bus up to Chiang Mai which co-incides with the end of their annual flower festival. Spend time there and also trekking in jungle area staying overnight in a Karen tribe village, riding an elephant, rafting, swimming under waterfalls etc before heading to Chiang Rai the next day for a day trip into Laos and Myamar(!?). After returning to CM we get the overnight 1st class sleeper train back to Bangkok arriving early on 11th.
We hope to then visit an orphanage overnight on the outskirts of Bangkok before getting the bus and ferry down to the island of Koh Tao on the following day - great for diving (woo hoo from Linda!). After 3 night there we get the ferry to Koh Samui for another 3 nights,which happens to coincide with the Chinese New Year. After that we make it up as we go along, and will kepp you posted.
We hope that makes you really jealous & causes you to drop everything & come and join us!!
No pictures yet cos it's late and we need to go to bed, but keep checking and see what comes along soon. Love to you all & bye for now.
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