I have been pondering this since arriving; mostly the change in me - from the skinny, brown, intrepid backpacker I was then, haggling over 10baht (20p), staying in the most basic huts we could find and hanging out with interesting types from all over the world. I miss that girl, especially her considerably smaller bum, but I suppose I must embrace the fact that I am older, wiser, and perhaps less bothered about 20p!
Anyway to what we've been up to...
Arrived with Ronan having a small panic about the protests in Bangkok being between us and our hostal - our bus from airport stopped about 2km from destination due to roadblocks. We ended up lugging our very heavy rucksacks through the centre of the protests and found nothing but smiley faces helping us with directions and a wealth of impromtu stalls selling yummy things, t-shirts etc. 'Like notting hill carnival without the agro' was Ronan's comment and it did feel festival like, glad to see it still remains peaceful and that they are not giving up. (although we would like to be able to leave too!)
One 6 hr bus later then a boat and we arrive on Koh Chang, moutain and rainforest covered island, 2nd biggest in Thainland. Since then, mostly lounging, sunsets, fab food, kayaking and starting to take the edge of our reflective english winter skin. Done a bit of flashpacking in somewhere totally lovely but full of people about 20 years older and so now have downgraded to a more basic place. That's all for now....
Funniest moment so far (by Ronan)
Katie tries to step into the back of a pick up with massive backpacks on front and back...falls flat on her back (pack) and is reduced to waiving her limbs to call for assistance. After estabishing she wasn't hurt this became hugely entertaining for all, especially the driver who kept remarking (oh, you 100 kilo bag girl !). The contrast couldnt have been stronger compared to the huge tanned Italian guy getting on behind her, his muscle bound brozed body was totally dwarfed his tiny little wheely case. All that remains of this wonderful moment is a purple bruise on her left butt cheek....photos censored i'm afraid.
Just arrived in Bangkok, dazed but straight on the street food
Ronan having some serious hammock time
Just the one cheesy sunset shot
Slacklining on our own little deserted beach
Classic farang action on Koh Chang, Chang beer in the sea
it looks like pure bliss.... xx
ReplyDeletelooks and sounds spice, hope you're having fun, thanks for the update. update for you: day by day, im getting closer to pierced lobe. send help
ReplyDeleteGreat to know that you're both having a great time.
ReplyDeleteLast of CD events finished so whilst the scenery is different to yours there is a certainly relaxation creeping in!
Dad says Hi treasure and lovely boy, overjoyed to read your first overseas posting - keep them coming. Glad your both safe and well,careful with the sun. I assume your friendly protesters were in red.They support Thaksin Shinawatra who had a lot of support from the rural poor but sadly he wasn't one of the good guys.He used his time as president to make a lot of money from various corrupt deals for both himself and family. He also owned Man City,who play in blue, for a short while and of course his city rivals are Man U who play in RED!!! Funny that.I look forward to the next skype. Love Dad xxx
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