Thailand So Far
Haven't updated for a while. So much has happened since the last time I wrote.
Well, that morning we caught a local bus to a small village near Khao Sok National Park. It was interesting. They had tiny seats and ceiling fans. Oh, and interesting ornaments in the front of the bus. There was no aircon but fortunately the wind was pretty cool. We got off the bus at a petrol station/7-11 and separated our bags for our stay at the rafthouses.
After that we got on the back of a pickup truck (sheltered, thankfully) and caught a longtail boat to the remote rafthouses on the lake. It took us about 45 minutes to get there and the view was unreal. Absolutely gorgeous.
The rafthouses were really cool. They were floating on the lake, at a very secluded spot, surrounded by mountains. They were mattresses on the floor and the bathroom (or happy rooms, as we've gotten used to call it) were pretty far from the houses and the path there I must say was pretty dodgy. I slipped once, nearly fell into the lake and broke my toenail.
But anyway, we were just so excited when we got there and jumped off into the lake pretty much straightaway. The water was beautiful, and it cooled me down straightaway.
We had lunch afterwards and it started raining. Somehow I didn't mind the rain though, because it was just so peaceful there and I was happy to sit there and chill. We spent the afternoon just chilling and doing nothing, which suit me fine. A group of Germans came in the afternoon. Some of them were wearing speedos (eww!). Anyway, that night we had dinner together and hung out and played cards.
I must say, the only downside was the fact that there were a lot of bugs creeping about and I was too paranoid to sleep. There was no electricity there, and the generators were switched off at midnight. Believe me, you do NOT want to go to the happy room after midnight.
We were told that there were frogs and rats around as well, which didn't help at all. I set up my mosquito net, slapped on my heavy duty insect repellent (which made my skin feel all funny and sticky) and just lay there hoping the rats wouldn't come into the room.
I could hardly sleep that night. The mattress was so thin I could feel the uneven wooden floor underneath. I tried to stay inside my sleeping bag to avoid being attacked my the bugs, but it was too hot and I was sweating like a pig. I spent the night hardly moving, and no it wasn't a very good sleep at all.
Anyway, I woke up very early the next morning and had a shower. There was no hot water (I haven't had a hot shower since Bangkok and I've gotten quite used to it by now), had breakfast and at around 9 we went for a jungle walk about half an hour away from our rafthouses and visited a pretty amazing coral cave. The walk was pretty slippery and the path was all muddy and I nearly slipped once. I was all sweaty and sticky when we got back and we just dipped in the water again.
Washed our pants and shoes which were covered in mud in the lake (my shoes STINK now - must've been the water), had lunch, and chilled again for the afternoon. We had dinner that night and played card game called "Spoon" afterwards. It was a lot of fun.
When I went back to my room, I found rat droppings on my pillow and the bottom of my bed. I freaked. I thought, there was no way I was gonna sleep there that night. Anyway it was my fault. Should've set up my mosquito net earlier. I went back out and told some of the girls who were still there. I was going to sleep at Emma and Bonnie's hut (Bonnie's got a much thicker mattress anyway), but Isabel didn't look too happy and I felt bad so after much contemplation I decided to stay and just asked for another pillow.
I borrowed Bonnie's inflatable sleeping mat which helped a lot, and slept a little better that night. Just a little bit though. Woke up very early again the next day and had shower straightaway.
We left that morning and headed to the jungle lodge at the national park. Our room was so much better there. We've got happy room inside, comfy beds and all. And there weren't as many bugs. So yeah I was happy.
All the girls except Molly went river tubing but I changed my mind at the last minute. I had a shower instead and just chilled at the restaurant area, reading Cosmo. It started raining then, and the water in the river became so muddy I was actually glad I decided to stay. It was great just sitting around doing nothing without a care in the world. Oh and I got to do my laundry. Been wearing the same clothes over and over again at the rafthouse, because I was worried I wouldn't have enough clothes to cover me until Friday.
Some of the girls had Thai massage in the arvo. We had dinner and hung out for a bit afterwards. I met Ben, an Australian guy who's been staying there for a while (he's been to Thailand so much he actually speaks Thai). He's doing his PhD in Anthropology about border relation between Thailand and Cambodia or something. Anyway, that night we all decided to go to a bar in town. It was quite a long and interesting walk, with the huge potholes and stuff.
Anyway, there were a few other people when we got to the "Poor Bar". We sat and played games (they had dart board there) and left at around 11. Isabel and I got a lift on a scooter from one of the Thai guys who worked there. It was quite an interesting experience, the three of us sitting on a tiny scooter swerving through the potholes. I was a little shocked when the guy kissed me on the cheek before he left. Isabel said she thought he liked me. Hmm. Definitely not my type. Anyway I had a MUCH better sleep that night.
Too bad I had to wake up early that morning for the elephant ride. Only Bonnie, Emma and I went for the ride and I must say I did NOT enjoy it. First of all I felt sorry for the animal, and I got elephant-sick. Yes, motion sickness from riding an elephant. When we got to the waterfall I just lay there recovering while Bonnie and Emma went to the water. Emma sat on the elephant's neck on the way back and I was again feeling sick, even after popping the seasick pill. I think it was too late for that anyway. I threw up all my breakfast when we got back. So no, I did not enjoy it.
I had a long nap afterwards and woke up at about 1.30 to have lunch. Was feeling much better than. Had an oil massage in the arvo.. it was soo good. We went out to the temple cave in the evening then dinner outside before heading back.
I had a fortune reading while we were at the temple cave and mine was surprisingly VERY good. In fact I'd never had a reading that good in my entire life.
According to Noot, it says that I was very lucky and I would be lucky in whatever I chose to do. If I was sick, I would be feeling better soon. If I was to open a business, I would get a lot of money. If I was after a boyfriend, I would meet a very good-looking guy. You know, perfect. It just says that I shouldn't "lose myself" despite all that and all would be sweet. Who wouldn't believe such a good reading? Especially since not all the readings were good. Lou, for example, was told that she wouldn't find a boyfriend for a very long time. Ha. Oh well, it was all in good fun.
Anyway, after we got back I finished off packing and went to bed early. We were to have a very early start the next day.
Woke up at 4.15 (before the alarm went off. Was too worried I would be running late that I couldn't sleep) and got ready and got our bag out by 5. I needn't have woken up so early as the other girls (apart from Isabel, who shared a room with me) didn't come out until way after 5.15. We got on the back of the pickup truck again in the dark and left. It was 1 hour and 40 mins ride an it was windy and cold and yeah, uncomfortable. But I fell asleep anyway.
We had breakfast at Surat Thani (the same place we had one after we got off the train) and caught another pickup truck to the city to catch a bus to the ferry station. The bus was big and comfy and air-conditioned and we were all excited to have such "luxury" after the kinds of transportation we've been having so far. Sad huh.
Anyway, I took a seasick pill and was knocked out. We got on a big, comfy ferry and again I fell asleep pretty much straightaway. Couldn't keep my eyes open. That drug really has made me drowsy.
When we got here in Ko Phangan we were picked up by another pickup truck (this time with no shelter!) when we got there and it was stinking hot at first. But then it started pouring down and everyone was absolutely drenched. I was not very happy. The rain was so heavy and it felt like our backs were being stabbed. That would definitely go on my feedback form. Transport with shelter, please! At the very least!
I got my own bungalow here because there was only 1 big bed in a room and Isabel didn't really want to share a bed (well, works for me!) so she had a separate room. I went to change clothes straightaway and had lunch. Went to the supermarket with Bonnie and Emma afterwards and bought sarong, beach towel and snacks.
Went to internet cafe afterwards (here) but the internet was down just as I was sending a LONG email and I lost it. Emma and I were pissed off and she was going to refuse to pay the full 20 baht because, well, we didn't do anything! But the guy was very rude and said "I don't want no baht and I wish never to see you again" so I rolled my eyes and left 20 bahts on the table and left. Lou said "it's just pennies for us, guys", which was true, but it wasn't the money. It was the principal!
Anyways, was gonna go to the beach with Bonnie afterwards but it was dirty and the beach wasn't that great so we hung out at the patio in front of my room instead. I didn't feel very comfy on the hammock so before too long I decided to have a shower (my bathroom hasn't got a roof so I have to wait until the rain stops before I can go! Not fair, because the other girls have indoor bathrooms!). We hung out for a bit afterwards in front of Emma and Bonnie's room. Took pictures of sunsets on the beach and had dinner.
It was then that I decided I wouldn't go with them on the sea safari. I mean, they were only going on a tiny boat (which surely would make me VERY sick - remember the elephant ride) for two hours, and there would be no shower there. I could go for one day without a shower, but two days is just too much. Especially if I'm gonna be all sweaty and sticky from the heat, the sand and the salt water. Then Noot said there would be a lot of mozzies as well, and that we should wear long pants to sleep (which I haven't got). To top it all off, she said that if the weather is not good by the time we're supposed to head back, we'll have to stay there for as long as necessary until it clears up. Hmmm sounds fun.
She said it would be very inconvenient and if you didn't want to go you had to tell her then. Some of the girls were hesitant too at first, but I was the only one who ended up deciding to stay.
Would be lonely for the next two days, but I could spend hours on internet and go to Thongsala to shop or something.
Anyways. Isabel, Bonnie, Emma and I decided to go out last night. We walked down the beach with Noot to check out the Pirates Bar, but it was deserted. We ended up following a loud Black Eyed Peas music and walked up the road to a bar (and bungalows). It was quite funny when we all screamed when we saw two big dogs on the way. There were quite a few people there. We stayed and played bricks. Met an Irish guy, a Scottish and English. It was quite a fun night. Emma and I left at around 11, and Bonnie and Isabel decided to stay longer. I heard they only got back at 1 this morning.
I slept really well last night. Had breakfast this morning and saw them off. Met an Austrian guy on the beach and talked to him for a bit then I came here.
Well it's been a VERY long entry.... will write more next time I get a chance.
Well, that morning we caught a local bus to a small village near Khao Sok National Park. It was interesting. They had tiny seats and ceiling fans. Oh, and interesting ornaments in the front of the bus. There was no aircon but fortunately the wind was pretty cool. We got off the bus at a petrol station/7-11 and separated our bags for our stay at the rafthouses.
After that we got on the back of a pickup truck (sheltered, thankfully) and caught a longtail boat to the remote rafthouses on the lake. It took us about 45 minutes to get there and the view was unreal. Absolutely gorgeous.
The rafthouses were really cool. They were floating on the lake, at a very secluded spot, surrounded by mountains. They were mattresses on the floor and the bathroom (or happy rooms, as we've gotten used to call it) were pretty far from the houses and the path there I must say was pretty dodgy. I slipped once, nearly fell into the lake and broke my toenail.
But anyway, we were just so excited when we got there and jumped off into the lake pretty much straightaway. The water was beautiful, and it cooled me down straightaway.
We had lunch afterwards and it started raining. Somehow I didn't mind the rain though, because it was just so peaceful there and I was happy to sit there and chill. We spent the afternoon just chilling and doing nothing, which suit me fine. A group of Germans came in the afternoon. Some of them were wearing speedos (eww!). Anyway, that night we had dinner together and hung out and played cards.
I must say, the only downside was the fact that there were a lot of bugs creeping about and I was too paranoid to sleep. There was no electricity there, and the generators were switched off at midnight. Believe me, you do NOT want to go to the happy room after midnight.
We were told that there were frogs and rats around as well, which didn't help at all. I set up my mosquito net, slapped on my heavy duty insect repellent (which made my skin feel all funny and sticky) and just lay there hoping the rats wouldn't come into the room.
I could hardly sleep that night. The mattress was so thin I could feel the uneven wooden floor underneath. I tried to stay inside my sleeping bag to avoid being attacked my the bugs, but it was too hot and I was sweating like a pig. I spent the night hardly moving, and no it wasn't a very good sleep at all.
Anyway, I woke up very early the next morning and had a shower. There was no hot water (I haven't had a hot shower since Bangkok and I've gotten quite used to it by now), had breakfast and at around 9 we went for a jungle walk about half an hour away from our rafthouses and visited a pretty amazing coral cave. The walk was pretty slippery and the path was all muddy and I nearly slipped once. I was all sweaty and sticky when we got back and we just dipped in the water again.
Washed our pants and shoes which were covered in mud in the lake (my shoes STINK now - must've been the water), had lunch, and chilled again for the afternoon. We had dinner that night and played card game called "Spoon" afterwards. It was a lot of fun.
When I went back to my room, I found rat droppings on my pillow and the bottom of my bed. I freaked. I thought, there was no way I was gonna sleep there that night. Anyway it was my fault. Should've set up my mosquito net earlier. I went back out and told some of the girls who were still there. I was going to sleep at Emma and Bonnie's hut (Bonnie's got a much thicker mattress anyway), but Isabel didn't look too happy and I felt bad so after much contemplation I decided to stay and just asked for another pillow.
I borrowed Bonnie's inflatable sleeping mat which helped a lot, and slept a little better that night. Just a little bit though. Woke up very early again the next day and had shower straightaway.
We left that morning and headed to the jungle lodge at the national park. Our room was so much better there. We've got happy room inside, comfy beds and all. And there weren't as many bugs. So yeah I was happy.
All the girls except Molly went river tubing but I changed my mind at the last minute. I had a shower instead and just chilled at the restaurant area, reading Cosmo. It started raining then, and the water in the river became so muddy I was actually glad I decided to stay. It was great just sitting around doing nothing without a care in the world. Oh and I got to do my laundry. Been wearing the same clothes over and over again at the rafthouse, because I was worried I wouldn't have enough clothes to cover me until Friday.
Some of the girls had Thai massage in the arvo. We had dinner and hung out for a bit afterwards. I met Ben, an Australian guy who's been staying there for a while (he's been to Thailand so much he actually speaks Thai). He's doing his PhD in Anthropology about border relation between Thailand and Cambodia or something. Anyway, that night we all decided to go to a bar in town. It was quite a long and interesting walk, with the huge potholes and stuff.
Anyway, there were a few other people when we got to the "Poor Bar". We sat and played games (they had dart board there) and left at around 11. Isabel and I got a lift on a scooter from one of the Thai guys who worked there. It was quite an interesting experience, the three of us sitting on a tiny scooter swerving through the potholes. I was a little shocked when the guy kissed me on the cheek before he left. Isabel said she thought he liked me. Hmm. Definitely not my type. Anyway I had a MUCH better sleep that night.
Too bad I had to wake up early that morning for the elephant ride. Only Bonnie, Emma and I went for the ride and I must say I did NOT enjoy it. First of all I felt sorry for the animal, and I got elephant-sick. Yes, motion sickness from riding an elephant. When we got to the waterfall I just lay there recovering while Bonnie and Emma went to the water. Emma sat on the elephant's neck on the way back and I was again feeling sick, even after popping the seasick pill. I think it was too late for that anyway. I threw up all my breakfast when we got back. So no, I did not enjoy it.
I had a long nap afterwards and woke up at about 1.30 to have lunch. Was feeling much better than. Had an oil massage in the arvo.. it was soo good. We went out to the temple cave in the evening then dinner outside before heading back.
I had a fortune reading while we were at the temple cave and mine was surprisingly VERY good. In fact I'd never had a reading that good in my entire life.
According to Noot, it says that I was very lucky and I would be lucky in whatever I chose to do. If I was sick, I would be feeling better soon. If I was to open a business, I would get a lot of money. If I was after a boyfriend, I would meet a very good-looking guy. You know, perfect. It just says that I shouldn't "lose myself" despite all that and all would be sweet. Who wouldn't believe such a good reading? Especially since not all the readings were good. Lou, for example, was told that she wouldn't find a boyfriend for a very long time. Ha. Oh well, it was all in good fun.
Anyway, after we got back I finished off packing and went to bed early. We were to have a very early start the next day.
Woke up at 4.15 (before the alarm went off. Was too worried I would be running late that I couldn't sleep) and got ready and got our bag out by 5. I needn't have woken up so early as the other girls (apart from Isabel, who shared a room with me) didn't come out until way after 5.15. We got on the back of the pickup truck again in the dark and left. It was 1 hour and 40 mins ride an it was windy and cold and yeah, uncomfortable. But I fell asleep anyway.
We had breakfast at Surat Thani (the same place we had one after we got off the train) and caught another pickup truck to the city to catch a bus to the ferry station. The bus was big and comfy and air-conditioned and we were all excited to have such "luxury" after the kinds of transportation we've been having so far. Sad huh.
Anyway, I took a seasick pill and was knocked out. We got on a big, comfy ferry and again I fell asleep pretty much straightaway. Couldn't keep my eyes open. That drug really has made me drowsy.
When we got here in Ko Phangan we were picked up by another pickup truck (this time with no shelter!) when we got there and it was stinking hot at first. But then it started pouring down and everyone was absolutely drenched. I was not very happy. The rain was so heavy and it felt like our backs were being stabbed. That would definitely go on my feedback form. Transport with shelter, please! At the very least!
I got my own bungalow here because there was only 1 big bed in a room and Isabel didn't really want to share a bed (well, works for me!) so she had a separate room. I went to change clothes straightaway and had lunch. Went to the supermarket with Bonnie and Emma afterwards and bought sarong, beach towel and snacks.
Went to internet cafe afterwards (here) but the internet was down just as I was sending a LONG email and I lost it. Emma and I were pissed off and she was going to refuse to pay the full 20 baht because, well, we didn't do anything! But the guy was very rude and said "I don't want no baht and I wish never to see you again" so I rolled my eyes and left 20 bahts on the table and left. Lou said "it's just pennies for us, guys", which was true, but it wasn't the money. It was the principal!
Anyways, was gonna go to the beach with Bonnie afterwards but it was dirty and the beach wasn't that great so we hung out at the patio in front of my room instead. I didn't feel very comfy on the hammock so before too long I decided to have a shower (my bathroom hasn't got a roof so I have to wait until the rain stops before I can go! Not fair, because the other girls have indoor bathrooms!). We hung out for a bit afterwards in front of Emma and Bonnie's room. Took pictures of sunsets on the beach and had dinner.
It was then that I decided I wouldn't go with them on the sea safari. I mean, they were only going on a tiny boat (which surely would make me VERY sick - remember the elephant ride) for two hours, and there would be no shower there. I could go for one day without a shower, but two days is just too much. Especially if I'm gonna be all sweaty and sticky from the heat, the sand and the salt water. Then Noot said there would be a lot of mozzies as well, and that we should wear long pants to sleep (which I haven't got). To top it all off, she said that if the weather is not good by the time we're supposed to head back, we'll have to stay there for as long as necessary until it clears up. Hmmm sounds fun.
She said it would be very inconvenient and if you didn't want to go you had to tell her then. Some of the girls were hesitant too at first, but I was the only one who ended up deciding to stay.
Would be lonely for the next two days, but I could spend hours on internet and go to Thongsala to shop or something.
Anyways. Isabel, Bonnie, Emma and I decided to go out last night. We walked down the beach with Noot to check out the Pirates Bar, but it was deserted. We ended up following a loud Black Eyed Peas music and walked up the road to a bar (and bungalows). It was quite funny when we all screamed when we saw two big dogs on the way. There were quite a few people there. We stayed and played bricks. Met an Irish guy, a Scottish and English. It was quite a fun night. Emma and I left at around 11, and Bonnie and Isabel decided to stay longer. I heard they only got back at 1 this morning.
I slept really well last night. Had breakfast this morning and saw them off. Met an Austrian guy on the beach and talked to him for a bit then I came here.
Well it's been a VERY long entry.... will write more next time I get a chance.
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