Night Bus

On e again I apologize for my lack of postings this year. It is just a never ending activity while traveling this year. I seem to never want to stop talking to the new people we meet or take a break to sit and write.

Soon I will go back and write some things that I missed!

This morning I arrived in Sihanoukville, Cambodia. Getting here was interesting. After missing all three morning buses we were forced wit the decision to take the night bus. Originally I was all for the night bus. What is better than not having to pay for accommodation and not missing day activities since you travel by night? I thought it was an a amazing idea, that is until I started hearing the horror stories.

Countless people we have run in to warned us about the theft and safety of the buses. I have lost count of how many people have had their passports stolen, some even claiming they were drugged on the bus. Great! My opinion started to change. Nervously I did a quick google search and saw how many crashes their are from drivers being tired or drunk.

Either way it came down to us not having a choice. I am currently traveling with two girls so I figured we are safe in number at least from the theft.

When we get on the bus we burst out laughing. It is not just a bus, it is a hotel bus!

Living the rows are little cubicle beds that you sleep in. Two people per a bed is the rule and they are assigned. Poor Ashleigh was the odd girl out and was stuck with a random Cambodian guy to snuggle with. The first hour of the ride was just us laughing and laughing about the state of the bus, people crammed in, the random materials the bus kept stopping to transport, and the couple below us that would mumbled mean things and shine flashlights in our face.

We all decided to snuggle up in one sleeper bed and watch a movie! And that is how we spent the rest of the night. Three girls holding on for dear life to our belongings, watching The Beach, and snuggled in one bed.

The ride was not bad at all and I enjoyed starring out at the night sky while lightning flashed all around. One of my favorite parts of travel is looking out of the window during bus rides. It is the time you get to see the real towns and people living their everyday life not affected by tourism. I can't say that it was a pleasant lifestyle I was seeing, but ill get into that in another post.

I am happy to say I enjoyed the ride and we are now in Sihanoukville!

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur, more commonly referenced just as KL, is an interesting city. After hearing mixed reviews about the city we were all pretty skeptical. Our side adventure started out interestingly enough and we were shocked when arriving at 5 am to a dead city. Once the sun started to come up and the city came to life we were excited for the day.

We booked a tour with Reggae Mansion that would take us to the seven main site (minus the towers) throughout the day. Our driver was named Ong and he was a cheeky fellow. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was so knowledgeable in everywhere we went. 

1. The National Mosque

This was the biggest shock to me! Since I was not planning on coming to Malaysia I had very little knowledge of the country, besides Bali, and its history or religion. I was shocked to learn that nearly 60 percent of the city is Muslim. 

We were dressed in appropriate clothing and allowed to tour the beautiful mosque. This by no means can even compare to other mosques that I have visited such as the Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi or the Hagia Sophia, Istanbul but it was still very nice. It was recently constructed and has a very modern twist to the architecture. 

It is always fun to dress up!

In the back is a grand room that houses the bodies of past leader.

2. Kuala Lumpur City Gallery

 This may have been one of the best stops because it was full of information. Kuala Lumpur sounds like a beautiful name but we found out that it actually means muddy estuary. The city was built on the discover and mining of tin. They have a fabulous city model show that shows the past, present, and future of the city. 

3. The National Palace 

 You can not go in any further than the gates but it is a pretty impressive house. I mean who would not want to live there? It was only recently constructed in 2011.

The entrance gate.

The guards stand at attention in four places blocking the gate. If you are lucky you can even get a little smile out of them!

4. The National Monument 

This monument seemed so out of place to me. It looked like something that I would find in Washington D.C. Like many other things in the city it was confusing to think and remember that I was halfway across the world, or that it was in the same city. It was constructed to remember all those who fought in the World Wars. 

5. Batu Caves

We stopped for an amazing lunch at a little Indian restaurant at the base of the caves. I was thrilled to have some wonderful Chapati which I have not had since Nepal!!! They brought out big tin jars of curry and you could choose whichever you would like to put on your food. The best part, the entire meal was under 3 dollars! During lunch we were told about the caves and warned about the monkeys on the walk up the stair. They will steal your food, they will grab your stuff, they will scratch you if you resist. GREAT!

After lunch I bought a bag our sour skittles. Sour Skittles! I am half way across the world and I am eating SOUR SKITTLES!!!!!! Although I was far from the stairs and the monkeys would you believe that I look up from my glorious bag of skittles and here comes a monkey running straight for me! AHHHHH. Without evening thinking I chuck the bag of skittles right at the monkeys face. He rips through the bag and sat there in front of me eating MY skittles. Turns out even monkeys like them!

The hike up the stairs is interesting as you pass monkey upon money. When you turn around you are greeted with this view. 

Once you arrive at the top you enter the Batu Caves and Hindu prayer sights. I am going to hold back my full rant but I will say this, it was very sad. So many beautiful and mysterious caves have been discovered around southeast Asia and they are being destroyed. I understand tourism brings crowds and I am a tourist myself but that does not mean we have to destroy these beautiful wonders. Upon entering the cave you are not hit with the awe of the cave but rather the giant pole lights, carts selling ice cream, and people trying to sell souvenirs. The cave was spectacular but we all had a hard time getting past how it was being destroyed.

6. Theon Hou Temple

The city just got more and more confusing with its religious influences. Next we visit the Teon Hou Chinese Temple. 

To Be Continued (my driver to Angkor Wat is here for Day 2 of exploring!)

This Isn't Cambodia?

I am going to skip ahead about a week. Time is going so fast and it seems that there is always something to see or do. I had anticipated that I would have tons of down time to write and read. That has not been the case. I am meeting so many people going in so many directions it is hard to choose writing and reading over an interesting conversation or a crazy experience. I apologize for my gap in writing but I do promise you I will update you in writings soon on what I have experienced.

First, here is a little map of where I have been lately.

Right, so Malaysia was not even on my radar for places to visit. However, after making plans with Mo and Jenny (my two new travel buddies) to go to Cambodia we were pressed on how to actually get there. Since we have been living the island dream life in Koh Phi Phi for a few days we forgot we were not in a major travel hub to get a cheap flight. 

I sat down with wifi for a few minutes and came up with a plan. Flying was out of the question. None of us wanted to shell out the 170+ dollars for a flight. The other option was a bus or train for 14+ hours which was not so bad. We would go up through Bangkok and over to Siem Reap, Cambodia. The other two had already seen Bangkok and I did not want to go since I will be visiting the area with my mother. Luckily we noticed that there was a 40 dollar promo flight out of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Why not go to Malaysia? This has been the wonderful thing about being a solo backpacker through Southeast Asia. 

There are no restraints.

There are no plans.

You do what feels right when it feels right.

It was the perfect journey down here. Although the bus ride was a long one it had a wonderful touch. We were no longer on an island that was existing only for tourism. We were now stopping in towns that real people lived their everyday lives in. The food got cheaper and the smiles got friendlier. It started to seem that we were no longer being milked for every penny we had.

One of the coolest bits of the journey was that during a 15 minute rest stop we bought a bunch of cakes. We had no idea what they were, what they were filled with, or what they would taste like since the baker could not speak English. We all bought a few to test out. They were not the greatest but not the worst. I chose to buy a box of these bright colored gum drop looking things in hopes that it would be super sugary. Let's just say I would rather eat candle wax! I offered them to the bus driver who smiled in delight when I gave them to him so I am happy I could brighten someone day with those nasty buggers. 

Our one big stop on the way down was Hat Yai. Before arriving we thought it was going to just be a tiny little town. It was not. When we got off the bus we were swarmed by random smells, light up signs, dried fish, half sold chickens hanging from their necks, and so much more.

This was one of the quirkiest cities I have ever experienced and wish we had a bit more time to explore.

Exploring the shops was a blast. The things that we found in some of them I did not even know existed. I am still not really sure what half of it was but it was all sold in bulk.

Who knew that you could buy dried seahorse, squid, and piranha?

Down the main street life was going on in full swing. Tiny little trucks were transporting people while everyone was moving somewhere busy doing something. The number of street vendors selling odd meats straight off the bone were more than I can count. And in the middle of all this there would be random shops such as giant clock shop, a starbucks, a shop that I do not think sold anything, and just a number of other things I still can not wrap my head around. We did find a London telephone booth as well as a giant Chinese kitty!!!

The over night bus went without a hitch and I have one more stamp to add to my collection.

The bus arrived way early and we found ourselves dumped at 5:30 am in a shut city. There is nothing more daunting than being excited to explore a new place and arriving during an hour when the city is asleep. Everywhere we looked was dirty, closed, and depressing.

Although no one would admit it I know we were all thinking the same thing "why did we come here?"

We met a very lovely girl from NY who currently lives here and she took us to the local McDonalds so that we could get some stuff sorted out. Then we roamed the streets as daylight finally approached looking for a place to stay. Five hostels later we finally have what may be the coolest hostel and tour agency (Reggae Gouesthuse & Mansion) and a full day of touring ahead of us. Just as we were checking in the city has been coming alive. People make their way to the nearest Hindu temple adorned with flowers and street vendors are opening their carts. Can not wait for the day ahead of me!

Koh Phangan by Motorbike

I told myself I was going to get a motorbike and drive it around the island. Even though I said is as going to do that I didn't truly think it would end up happening. Bright and early the guys decided it would be fun to explore the island on our own with motorbikes.

A little unsteady at first I got on the bike and went about five feet. What was I doing? I'm in thailand on a little island driving a bike with practically no road rules. Fortunately I quickly got the hang of it and we set off. 

Our goal was to make it to the back side of the island to a stop that connects to another small island. To get there you go passed Baan tai where I was staying. When I found this out I almost stopped dead in my tracks because I was familiar with the road. The road has claimed many victims with its steep terrain and sharp curves. Koh Phangan backpackers are no stranger to the sight of seeing many people hobbling around town with their arms, legs, face, and any other part bandaged up by a motorbike accident (or rope burn but ill get to that later). 

As we approached the start of the crazy hill I told myself that I would be safe if I just took it slow. Day one on a motorbike and I'm twisting and turning up and down these steep hills and I love every second of it. Scared? Yes! Thrilled? Double yes!

Once we flatten out it is a lovely open stretch through Baan tai to Thong Sala. It was a nice area because the traffic is not heavy. The sights and surrounding transported me back to my time in Nepal. The little shops that served also as the owners house, the construction of random rock piles that lined the streets, and the smells were all so familiar. Although I am half way across the world it almost felt like home because I could relate it to my time in Nepal.

The day was perfect. We stopped to each some odd orange pad thai before making the last stretch to the beach we wanted to visit. Following our fearless leader we turn off the main road to a road that consists of cracked rock and mud going down a hill. This can not be the right way! A local guy stood laughing on his porch as he watched 9 of us slowly try to make our way down the mess of a road. 

Now I do a lot of risky things sometimes but this early on I was not about to be a percentage of those so leave the island in bandages. Luckily for me one of the guys was kind enough to walk back up and drive my bike down! 

The beach we arrived at was lovely. *** Since I'm so late writing this I would like to note the beaches in Koh Phangan don't even stand a chance in comparison to the rest of what thailand has to offer. However at the time if this happening to actually was a nice beach. We snagged some people and hung out in the water for awhile. 

Taking in the beautiful surroundings I was swept with that feeling of overwhelming emotions that I was in thailand, on my own, having a blast, and making new friends. I am living a dream life and following my dreams!!!! Ouch!!!! A that moment I was snapped back to reality as I step on a shark piece of coral. The bottom on my foot begins to bleed as I see that it pierced straight into the middle of the bottom of my foot! 

For the rest of the day we jump from beach to beach just exploring the island. We passed very few people and it almost seemed like we had the island to ourselves. Minus cutting my foot is was a perfect day.

This island is not real!

I know I have already stated this but it seems like this island is not a real place. There doesn't seem to be any real rules and the everything can be paid off. I've heard so many stories about how bars pay off cops to get away with whatever they want.

Now I don't think I have to state the obvious, but I do not do any drugs. I was shocked to see shops selling t-shirts promoting them. I was standing at a club and a guy literally ordered drugs from the bartender!!!! What!!!

My first full day of Koh Phangan was spent going around and just exploring the basics. Seeing some different shops and what not. I had agreed to meet up with the English guys and Tasha so I headed to their hotel. Unfortunately I had missed them already. Oh man now I had to go find new people to befriend.

I walked around alone for awhile. I looked at shops then headed to the beach in hopes of running into them. This went on forever. I started to get discouraged. How am I going to survive this whole trip alone without friends. I had made friends so easily the day before but now here I am stuck alone. A little lonely and sad I gave up and decided to regroup back t my hostel.

 But instead I met Cheri who was also an American solo traveller and three guys from Singapore. We explored the shops and then headed down to get a look at Haad Rin beach. It was full of people hanging out, playing games, eating food at restaurants set up in the sand, and sunbathing. 

As we walked along the beach I hear a girl shout my name. it was Tasha!!! What luck that we would run into each other and she was with the group of English guys. For the rest of the day we all hung up swimming and talking at the beach. When the sun went down we decided to head back and get ready for the Jungle Experience.

It turns out they had rented motorbikes and I got a ride on the back of one. We all got ready and took a taxi to the jungle experience. It was located back in the jungle near Baan tai and was the hottest place alive. It felt like, well it felt exactly like a jungle would because it was a jungle! When we arrived we snagged some groups pictures at the entrance sign before we were greeted by a massive party in the jungle.

It's hard to explain without being there but it's very surreal. Thousands of people are crowded in under neon lights wearing neon clothes and neon flower headbands. There are all different sections to explore. The first stop was a mui tai ring were we got to watch professionals box. So cool! There were so,e music stages and one was built like the giant mouth of a lion. To get from each area you crossed under vines and leaves and crossed over small bridges. It was a truly cool and magical place with some awesome new friends!

Welcome to thailand!!

Welcome to thailand!

Four flights, one boat ride, one missed flights, and forty some hours late I finally have arrived in Thailand! Immediately I could not believe what I was seeing. All around me there are backpackers in their twenties or early thirties gathering around talking. At first I was slightly nervous, did all these people come in groups with friends?

No, so many of them are solo travelers. Within minutes I was talking to a German couple, a Canadian who was on his six trip to thailand, and an English guy. Together we boarded the boat from Koh Samoi to Koh Phangan. The line to get on the boart was unbelievably long with swarms of backpackers heading to Koh Phangan for the famous Full Moon Party that would take place on Haad Rin beach in a few days.

Exiting the boat I panic slightly again, oh I I have to leave the friend is made on the boat to head to my hostel! What if I don't meet more people? Never fear I watched as hoards of people head down the street randomly talking. I hear a loud group of English guys and a girls laughing and talking. I got the courage walked up and started talking to them about the festivities that were about to take place. We all decided to stop at the first restaurant we saw and grab some food and wifi. 

For the next couple hours we sat and talked! Two of the guys were professional rugby players and the girl had been traveling for awhile, her name was Tasha. As the sun went down we realized it was time to probably all find out hostel. Ahhh once again I have to leave the new friends I've made. 

The taxi ride to my hostel was a whirlwind of twists, turns, hills, bumps, and screams! I had chosen a place in Baan Tai which was about 15 minutes from the main section. On the way I realize how dead the towns are outside of the area I just left. Did I make the wrong choice staying at Hard Road Cafe? I had chosen the place because it had a wonderful reputation and I thought it would be easiest to meet people there. My nerves grew as we get further and further away and the streets get quieter. Panic sets in again until I start to hear so,e distant music. As the music grows louder and louder I hope that I'm staying at the place where it is coming from. Sure enough up on the right side of the road is my hostel, or should I say backpacker resort. Outside our forth motorbikes parked, a pool, makeshift gym, lounge area with big screen, movie screen area, volleyball court, and plenty of people.

I tentatively get out of the taxi and go to reception. My nerves are high again as I think about how I have to go up to strangers and make friends. I'm tired so maybe I should just go in the room and sleep. As I'm led to my room I quietly kept my head down and enter the room. Only one girl sits there getting ready. I tip toe to my bed shyly and set my stuff down. 

Not even fifteen seconds goes by before she greets me and we begin talking about where we are friends, going, how long we have travelled, and all sorts of stuff. We decode to go get one food and by the time we actually leave the place we are a group of six! The one girl is named Joanna and we immediately hit it off. She is a solo traveller who has been at it for awhile and her stories of places and things make me so excited for the journey.

Back at the hostel everyone is out and about playing games and watching tv. More and more my confidence gains about how I am going to make friends. Joanna tells me about a crazy night club called Eden. You get there by taking a taxi to Haad Rin beach and then a little boat around to another secluded beach where you climb some rocks and finally reach a super chilled club. The boat was was a bit terrifying as we were being swayed back and forth in the waves but we could not stop laughing at the fun. The hike up to the club wasn't bad at all because I still could not get over the fact that I was in thailand!!! By the end of the night we all sat on the rocks and watched the sunrise over the water. At this moment I knew this place was going to be a blast and maybe just a little bit too good to be true!

I have arrived!

Despite my plan to write a nice post during the long journey, I slept instead.

I have arrived finally at Koh Phangan and it is unreal. The beaches are beautiful, the water crystal clear, and everywhere there are backpackers.

Even though I was a little nervous about meeting people I did not need to worry. There are thousands of people travelling exactly the same way as meet!!!

It's the Final Countdown!

With less than 24 hours until I depart this is what I know:

I am not packed.

I went to crossfit instead.

I do not have a single hostel booked.

I updated my blog cover and bought a domain name instead.

Thailand's military took over the country about two weeks ago.

But it is safe.

I am very nervous.

But I am also excited.

I do not want to leave my nephew.

But can't wait to meet new amazing people!

But most of all......

I can not wait to get my travel backpacker pants back on!!!!