Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Inspired by Brooke Candy
Well I'm chillin here in Thailand..and taking a day off from the beach, I'm catching up with my old friend, you tube!
I listened to Brooke Candy's "Don't Touch My Hair Hoe" and I just LUV her.
I then watched an interview with her on I-D online, and she comes across as a super intelligent, interesting chick who I'd love to have a conversation with ( and write a song with :)
She found what she loves- rapping, and spreading a message of awesomeness, and acceptance, and who gives a fuck attitude..and she is 100% living her dream. THAT is super inspiring to me!
That level of total acceptance of self-and drive and determination to pursue your own happiness, is something that I hope to achieve with my own dreams and aspirations.
:) :) xoxoxoxoxoxo
I listened to Brooke Candy's "Don't Touch My Hair Hoe" and I just LUV her.
I then watched an interview with her on I-D online, and she comes across as a super intelligent, interesting chick who I'd love to have a conversation with ( and write a song with :)
She found what she loves- rapping, and spreading a message of awesomeness, and acceptance, and who gives a fuck attitude..and she is 100% living her dream. THAT is super inspiring to me!
That level of total acceptance of self-and drive and determination to pursue your own happiness, is something that I hope to achieve with my own dreams and aspirations.
:) :) xoxoxoxoxoxo
Monday, May 6, 2013
What's It Like At Ao Nang Backpacker Dormitory?
AWESOME!!!
We decided to move on from our 600/Baht a night private room, that was beyond our budget; We took the scooters down the main road about 5 minutes, and Shaun spotted this place. We popped in and inquired about the facilities:
-1 bed in a very clean, and very modern..Air/con mixed dorm with thick blankets and a comfy mattress was a mere 150/Baht !!!!!!!
-A lovely patio with comfy cushioned chairs (a rare occurrence in Thailand) and tables
-Big TV playing western movies
-Fridge to store food and drink purchased from the grocery store (instead of eating out every single day)
-Cafe selling coffee, tea, smoothies and shakes.
-Extremely clean facility with WIFI in dorms, and patio
Another plus is the two people who either work here or own the place, are very friendly and hospitable, and speak good english. I am excited to explore the little strip of restaurants, shops, and bars around the hostel! I'll update later with photo's (my camera broke, so I am using Shaun's IPhone)
We decided to move on from our 600/Baht a night private room, that was beyond our budget; We took the scooters down the main road about 5 minutes, and Shaun spotted this place. We popped in and inquired about the facilities:
-1 bed in a very clean, and very modern..Air/con mixed dorm with thick blankets and a comfy mattress was a mere 150/Baht !!!!!!!
-A lovely patio with comfy cushioned chairs (a rare occurrence in Thailand) and tables
-Big TV playing western movies
-Fridge to store food and drink purchased from the grocery store (instead of eating out every single day)
-Cafe selling coffee, tea, smoothies and shakes.
-Extremely clean facility with WIFI in dorms, and patio
Another plus is the two people who either work here or own the place, are very friendly and hospitable, and speak good english. I am excited to explore the little strip of restaurants, shops, and bars around the hostel! I'll update later with photo's (my camera broke, so I am using Shaun's IPhone)
Should You Rent A Scooter In Thailand?
HELLS YES!
The Myths about renting scooters in Thailand:
-The roads are very dangerous
-The drivers are maniacs
-The scooters themselves can be faulty, and rundown
-The companies that rent you the scooter can charge you 10,000 Baht if they detect that something has been damaged-even if nothing has
-You're better off to just pay for an organized tour, on a safe, air conditioned government bus
The Realities:
-I felt very safe on the roads in Thailand, more so then I do at home
-The drivers are 100% conscientious of other motorists
-Road rage does not exist here, people are insanely calm and courteous
-The scooters were brand new, 2013 models, impeccably kept. If you want to find a run down scooter I'm sure you could find one..but a short stroll down the main beach road in Ao Nang turned up half a dozen or more shops..all renting top of the line bikes.
-Organized tours are a total rip off, unless you are unable or unwilling to explore on your own. The buses are not that nice, and isn't it more fun to enjoy a 2 hour drive with the wind blowing through your hair- on your own time anyways?
When standing on the side of the road watching the traffic go by it looks intimidating because of the sheer volume of motorists. Scooters, motorcycles, trucks, tuk tuks, cabs, cars all together, driving on the opposite side of the road..it can be very scary to look at. But once we got in the mix, it was hardly frightening..there is a beautiful rhythm to the traffic here, people moving in and out peacefully. Slower scooters stay to the extreme left, and cars and faster scooters use the main lane..but even so, they honk the horn when coming up behind you as a warning, and give you a large birth when passing.
We met our friends from Saskatchewan at noon at the local McDonald's, and went to rent our scooters; We decided to each get one because we both wanted to experience driving, and figured 100 Baht for gas wasn't too bad!
It was scary at first getting used to the other side of the road, but within 15 minutes I felt quite alright! We scooted down the beach road to the very end, and discovered a really cool park where it seems the local Thai's hang out. The tide was out so we walked out on the sand littered with shells towards the limestone islands, that you normally couldn't access. We found a spot where there was a bit of water to swim, although it was an overcast day and eventually started to rain, it was a surreal feeling to be in water warm as a bath, with ice cold rain pouring down from above.
We ate lunch at a tasty seafood joint, I had the Tom Kah soup with no meat, which was nice and spicy to cure my hangover!
Then the real adventure began..off to see the Emerald Pools! Apparently these warm pools are the colour of emeralds, and you are able to swim in them. Our journey led us winding down the amazing highways, through magnificent limestone cliff passes, and then dipping low into pure jungle. We saw a sleeping buddha statue the size of a semi truck, tucked on her side under the lip of a limestone cliff; she was among a peaceful area spotted with temples, and shrines and beautiful trees with trunks so big you could drive a car through.
We drove for 2 hours or so..and wound up at a national park with an awesome waterfall..we hiked through literal jungle, complete with hanging vines Tarzan could swing on, and an orchestra of exotic jungle sounds.
At about 6pm we left the National park, as the darkness fell I realized my headlight and tail light did not work- this was a very scary realization; I am on a scooter, I am driving on the opposite side of the road, and I must drive on a highway in the dark, with no lights, for 2 hours. Luckily I was able to ride behind Holly+John and in front of Shaun with his high beams on. At one point I decided it would be better to follow Shaun, as my presence was creating a black shadow on the highway in front of me, and I was unable to see very well. It was going well for awhile, until Shaun either sped up- or I slowed down..and he was gone and everything went black. I panicked-screaming his name and flashing my turn signal, and honking my horn; I wildly slammed the bike towards the shoulder, stopped and hoped that he heard me and would turn back. It was honestly the scariest 30 seconds of my life, I couldn't see my hand in front of my face, I was on the side of the road, with traffic coming up behind me, and was immobile with fear, crying and shaking in absolute black. Shaun came back, and gave me his bike, and I followed him the hour back to the beach. WOW.
It was an awesome day, and a brilliant experience, minus the lights thing..and I would def. suggest renting your own scooter. It really opens up your capacity for experiences, taking you off the beaten tourist path, and into a more authentic immersion into the Thai life. Even just to hop on the scooter, and find a new restaurant to eat, or to discover a new beach- you don't have to make a 2 hour trek- you can keep it within a 30 mile radius..and save a bundle!!!
The Myths about renting scooters in Thailand:
-The roads are very dangerous
-The drivers are maniacs
-The scooters themselves can be faulty, and rundown
-The companies that rent you the scooter can charge you 10,000 Baht if they detect that something has been damaged-even if nothing has
-You're better off to just pay for an organized tour, on a safe, air conditioned government bus
The Realities:
-I felt very safe on the roads in Thailand, more so then I do at home
-The drivers are 100% conscientious of other motorists
-Road rage does not exist here, people are insanely calm and courteous
-The scooters were brand new, 2013 models, impeccably kept. If you want to find a run down scooter I'm sure you could find one..but a short stroll down the main beach road in Ao Nang turned up half a dozen or more shops..all renting top of the line bikes.
-Organized tours are a total rip off, unless you are unable or unwilling to explore on your own. The buses are not that nice, and isn't it more fun to enjoy a 2 hour drive with the wind blowing through your hair- on your own time anyways?
When standing on the side of the road watching the traffic go by it looks intimidating because of the sheer volume of motorists. Scooters, motorcycles, trucks, tuk tuks, cabs, cars all together, driving on the opposite side of the road..it can be very scary to look at. But once we got in the mix, it was hardly frightening..there is a beautiful rhythm to the traffic here, people moving in and out peacefully. Slower scooters stay to the extreme left, and cars and faster scooters use the main lane..but even so, they honk the horn when coming up behind you as a warning, and give you a large birth when passing.
We met our friends from Saskatchewan at noon at the local McDonald's, and went to rent our scooters; We decided to each get one because we both wanted to experience driving, and figured 100 Baht for gas wasn't too bad!
It was scary at first getting used to the other side of the road, but within 15 minutes I felt quite alright! We scooted down the beach road to the very end, and discovered a really cool park where it seems the local Thai's hang out. The tide was out so we walked out on the sand littered with shells towards the limestone islands, that you normally couldn't access. We found a spot where there was a bit of water to swim, although it was an overcast day and eventually started to rain, it was a surreal feeling to be in water warm as a bath, with ice cold rain pouring down from above.
We ate lunch at a tasty seafood joint, I had the Tom Kah soup with no meat, which was nice and spicy to cure my hangover!
Then the real adventure began..off to see the Emerald Pools! Apparently these warm pools are the colour of emeralds, and you are able to swim in them. Our journey led us winding down the amazing highways, through magnificent limestone cliff passes, and then dipping low into pure jungle. We saw a sleeping buddha statue the size of a semi truck, tucked on her side under the lip of a limestone cliff; she was among a peaceful area spotted with temples, and shrines and beautiful trees with trunks so big you could drive a car through.
We drove for 2 hours or so..and wound up at a national park with an awesome waterfall..we hiked through literal jungle, complete with hanging vines Tarzan could swing on, and an orchestra of exotic jungle sounds.
At about 6pm we left the National park, as the darkness fell I realized my headlight and tail light did not work- this was a very scary realization; I am on a scooter, I am driving on the opposite side of the road, and I must drive on a highway in the dark, with no lights, for 2 hours. Luckily I was able to ride behind Holly+John and in front of Shaun with his high beams on. At one point I decided it would be better to follow Shaun, as my presence was creating a black shadow on the highway in front of me, and I was unable to see very well. It was going well for awhile, until Shaun either sped up- or I slowed down..and he was gone and everything went black. I panicked-screaming his name and flashing my turn signal, and honking my horn; I wildly slammed the bike towards the shoulder, stopped and hoped that he heard me and would turn back. It was honestly the scariest 30 seconds of my life, I couldn't see my hand in front of my face, I was on the side of the road, with traffic coming up behind me, and was immobile with fear, crying and shaking in absolute black. Shaun came back, and gave me his bike, and I followed him the hour back to the beach. WOW.
It was an awesome day, and a brilliant experience, minus the lights thing..and I would def. suggest renting your own scooter. It really opens up your capacity for experiences, taking you off the beaten tourist path, and into a more authentic immersion into the Thai life. Even just to hop on the scooter, and find a new restaurant to eat, or to discover a new beach- you don't have to make a 2 hour trek- you can keep it within a 30 mile radius..and save a bundle!!!
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Saturday Night in Ao Nang Beach
We started off the evening at Taj Restaurant, and it was the most delicious food we've had since arriving in Thailand. period. We had a delicious Indian vegetarian dish called "Mutter Paneer" which was a sort of tomato/cream based sauce with cubes of cottage cheese that tasted like tofu..quite lovely..with cilantro and fresh peas. We also ordered a vegetarian pizza, which tasted just like home, and quenched our thirst with Pina Colada's and Chang beers. We had almost finished our food, when a couple sat down at the table beside us, and engaged us in conversation- and we ended up spending the whole night with them, from one bar to the next.
We wandered down a dark alley and wound up at a seedy little bar called climax...where we played a game of pool and had a few Changs..
Then hit up an awesome reggae inspired spot complete with baby kittens lounging on the bar..and before we left rasta bartender/owner Mr.Long hooked us up with a free shot of his special tequila..
We had been aching for some rock n roll since arriving in Thailand, and were drawn around the corner by booming female vocals and a live band! Shaun got up on stage and played drums to a cover of Metallica's "Enter Sandman" and then I took the mic and slayed Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" and Joan Jett's "I Love Rock n Roll" it was effing amazing. Every member of the band was so fun and engaging..the other vocalist/keys master was so awesome rocking his toque and nike shirt with converse runners!
It was an amazing night and we stumbled back to our hotel room at around 2am..the latest we've stayed up since arriving here!!!
We wandered down a dark alley and wound up at a seedy little bar called climax...where we played a game of pool and had a few Changs..
Then hit up an awesome reggae inspired spot complete with baby kittens lounging on the bar..and before we left rasta bartender/owner Mr.Long hooked us up with a free shot of his special tequila..
We had been aching for some rock n roll since arriving in Thailand, and were drawn around the corner by booming female vocals and a live band! Shaun got up on stage and played drums to a cover of Metallica's "Enter Sandman" and then I took the mic and slayed Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" and Joan Jett's "I Love Rock n Roll" it was effing amazing. Every member of the band was so fun and engaging..the other vocalist/keys master was so awesome rocking his toque and nike shirt with converse runners!
It was an amazing night and we stumbled back to our hotel room at around 2am..the latest we've stayed up since arriving here!!!
Krabi- Ao Nang
Well we have arrived in Ao Nang Beach, Krabi- and I am VERY impressed.
We got a shared cab with another couple for 400 Baht from the ferry..which took us the half hour to Ao Nang beach. We asked the cab driver to take us to a cheap hostel..he dropped us off here, at "Seaworld Hostel" and omg I am sooo happy ! We have a king size bed, mini fridge, 2 comfy sitting chairs, our own bathroom and shower, and the best part: a balcony with the most stunning view of limestone cliffs to the right, and lush jungle and palm trees to the left. It is absolutely beautiful, for 100 baht more then we paid in Phi Phi for a musty shared bathroom and decrepit room with holes in the ceiling. Oh and this room has air conditioning and WIFI in the room-so we're pretty much in heaven.
The little hill the hostel is on also has a cool pub advertising live bands, and a couple other guesthouses..2 minutes out the door to the main street you've got everything you could need- restaurants, bars, laundry, massage, 7-11, street vendors, clothing shops..and turn right and walk 5 minutes and there's the beach!!!!! AMAZING. I def. think we're going to be staying here awhile! I'm looking forward to really relaxing, I feel such a genuinely good vibe!
We have now been in Thailand for 12 days..and have stayed in 4 places! So crazy!
We went for a walk to check out the price differences between here and phi phi..here's what we discovered so far:
7-11
Beer: 44 Baht for a big Chang (60 baht in PP)
Water: 10 Baht (same for local brand)
Smokes:66 Baht (75 baht in PP)
Street Smoothie: 40 Baht (80 baht in PP)
Pad Thai: 40 Baht (10 Baht less the PP for egg and veggie no meat)
I'll make a bigger post tomorrow listing more items! We're heading out for dinner now :)
We got a shared cab with another couple for 400 Baht from the ferry..which took us the half hour to Ao Nang beach. We asked the cab driver to take us to a cheap hostel..he dropped us off here, at "Seaworld Hostel" and omg I am sooo happy ! We have a king size bed, mini fridge, 2 comfy sitting chairs, our own bathroom and shower, and the best part: a balcony with the most stunning view of limestone cliffs to the right, and lush jungle and palm trees to the left. It is absolutely beautiful, for 100 baht more then we paid in Phi Phi for a musty shared bathroom and decrepit room with holes in the ceiling. Oh and this room has air conditioning and WIFI in the room-so we're pretty much in heaven.
The little hill the hostel is on also has a cool pub advertising live bands, and a couple other guesthouses..2 minutes out the door to the main street you've got everything you could need- restaurants, bars, laundry, massage, 7-11, street vendors, clothing shops..and turn right and walk 5 minutes and there's the beach!!!!! AMAZING. I def. think we're going to be staying here awhile! I'm looking forward to really relaxing, I feel such a genuinely good vibe!
We have now been in Thailand for 12 days..and have stayed in 4 places! So crazy!
We went for a walk to check out the price differences between here and phi phi..here's what we discovered so far:
7-11
Beer: 44 Baht for a big Chang (60 baht in PP)
Water: 10 Baht (same for local brand)
Smokes:66 Baht (75 baht in PP)
Street Smoothie: 40 Baht (80 baht in PP)
Pad Thai: 40 Baht (10 Baht less the PP for egg and veggie no meat)
I'll make a bigger post tomorrow listing more items! We're heading out for dinner now :)
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