It is insane I have been here more than 100 days now. Been the trip of a lifetime and just cant believe all the people and places you can see in 3 months.
After my last post Spencer and I split up for a little bit and I went down to 4000 islands with a few friends we had met. It was a 24 hour travelling adventure because it is so remote and the roads are not very good in Laos. But this trip was definitely memorable. The 1st bus was supposed to be air con but of course it did not work so for 4 hours on are way to Vietianne I sweated out all the water in my body and every single person in there was dripping. Seriously was a sauna, no windows and 100 degree heat. THe next bus was a sleeper bus which sounded nice but big surprise for me. The three of us who were travelling together and one girl I had met at the bus station got on the bus and we were the only ones so we just "spread out" on out 5'6" beds and maybe 4 ft wide. Good size for Lao people not so much for me. We did not know that we had to stop at the other bus station in town and this is when all the bus got completely full with Lao people. Kept trying to keep my spot to myself because it was meant for two but me fitting with someone was not happening. I ended up getting a little Lao girl. She started looking at me very strange and ended up getting kicked out because Lao people do not sleep guy and girl together and turned into a whole scene. Luckily my friend gave me a spot and all was alright for the bus ride. Got off that bus at 7am and took a minibus with our driving literally falling asleep at the wheel to apier to take a boat to get to the island. Finally got there and just passed out. I ended up staying for 5 days (only planned for 2) and just chilled out and relaxed on Don Det because really that is all you can do. Lay on hammocks, drink beer, night bonfires and relax. Good life they have over there.
I met a good group of people in 4000 islands and ended up travelling with them to Siem Reap Cambodia. Went to the temples in Siem Reap for 3 days in 100-110 degree heat climbing and sweating buckets (theme of the trip). Saw a sunset, sunrise at Angkor Wat, saw the "TOmb Raider" temple which they are very proud of there and partied it up in town which was actually good fun. Unfortunately Cambodia gave me a present to take back to Bangkok on my flight which was a stomach parasite. This led to the flight from hell where i just had my head on the seat in front of me the whole flight and people definitely judged me. Got to Bangkok and just passed out for 4 days until I got better. Cost me sometime in the Thai islands but I was not doing well so it is what it is.
After I got better I went down to Ko Phi Phi which was an amazing islands. Literally no sleep for 3 days. First day went on an overnight camping trip to Maya Beach (place where the beach was filmed) and just drank the night away and swam and just had fun. Played Kings cup with a 10 yr old which was screwed up but he was playing with water but not good start for the little guy. The parties on the beaches are like spring break every day and good fun. Watched people get ridiculous tattoos and drink buckets when the bars closed and was thoroughly amusing. Ended up leaving for Ko Tao to meet back up with Speedy and get our scuba diving certification. ALways wanted to and made it come true. Ended up getting my open water and advanced open water certification I liked it so much. Had a great instructor one of our friends knew and just had a great time doing something new. Of course Ko Tao gave me a present much like Siem Reap and I got an ear infection from diving just in time for party time for Full Moon. Really I think my body is just telling me to go screw myself and to take better care but I come home soon so whatever.
The first two days in Ko Pha Ngan I just laid around not able to do anything because of the constant pain in my ear but after a few days I had to party because I wasnt gonna miss out so I have been drinking massive quantities to counteract the ear ache. Not recommended by your local doctor but still very fun. Been partying for three straight days now and tonight is the FULL MOON PARTY. Been looking forward to this for the whole trip and is basically our final swan song. We got to take a taxi at 12pm tomorrow to a ferry to a bus to another bus to bangkok and get a taxi at 6am to the airport, catch our 11am flight to Hong Kong and get in after about a 30 hour travel day. Should be good with a massive hangover or no sleep or both. The town is filling up for the party tonight so I will be on my way.
The trip has been amazing and starting to see the finish line. Crazy to think about everything that has happened. Crazy to think about coming home and living the planted down life but it is very welcomed. Introducing yourself and getting to know people with the same conversation gets tiring after awhile and it will be good just to chill out with the fam bam once again. My everlasting summer will continue when I get home but please all I want is just one day of cold when I get home because I have been way too hot for way too long. Much love from abroad and next time I talk to you all it will be stateside. See you all soon talk to you soon and love you all. Full Moon time babyyyyyyyyyyy
Friday, May 28, 2010
Monday, May 3, 2010
Thailand and Laos
Leaving the western world was a welcomed change and has been amazing. Our flight to Melboune to Bangkok left us at 6am to figure out a place to stay which turned out to be a blessing in disguise. We were shown to Khao San road which we had never heard of and were interested just because all of the riots that were and are going on. We got down there and the streets were just filled with water and gray clay and we saw signs for Songkran festival aka Thai New Years. Sad we missed it but we checked into a guesthouse and I went to watch the sharks game like a good fan would at 8:30am to watch them lose. When I got out of the internet spot it was mayhem and led to one of the best days of my life. Songkran is literally just the biggest waterfight in the road and the only way to explain is to go to youtube type in Songkran Khao San Rd Bangkok and you will see. Craziness for a few days for sure and glad we caught the end of it. It is a child's dream to have a water fight this big and everyone should go once, just absolute mayhem.
Bangkok was much to hustle and bustle and "white man buy everything" so we went north to Chiang Mai which was a much chiller city. Everyone laid back, pad thai and tom yum for less than a dollar on the street which fulfilled a dream of mine. The first day we ended up renting scooters which quickly turned out bad becayse i gave way too much power to start and put it right into a gazebo. Luckily talked out of it got a new one and the next two days just scooted around the city embracing the who gives a fuck about road laws mentality of SE asia.
I wish we could of seen more of Northern Thailand but we ran through Chiang Rai and Chiang Khong on very interesting public buses to get to Laos. No matter how much time you have on a trip is never long enough I guess. Our 4 day adventure to get from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang in Thailand took 4 days but was amazing. We took a 2 day slowboat with close to 75 people and turned out to be a good way to meet people because we traveled with most of them for most of Laos. A lot of presidents and assholes made time go by quick as well as on dollar 5th's of whiskey.
Getting into Luang Prabang everyone was tired but turned out to be a graet city for me. I ended up just walking around locals part of town one day and got offered to get taken to a bunch of temples for a personal tour for 40000 kip ($4) so i said sure. Ended up being awesome and saw lots of cool caves in monastery where I was able to talk to monks and pick their minds. Really good experience and I tipped the man an extra 20,000kip and he ended up offering me dinner at his house and to meet his English speaking son Loon. Was a night I will never forget especially going out to the bars with a bunch of Lao people and just jaw dropped at the scene which was awesome.
The next day 8 of us went to a waterfall near town that turned out to just be absolutely unreal. Th directions to get there literally was follow the wooden stairs, go up and see a sign that says No swim and swim, go up the waterfall rocks that are like sandpaper and not slippery, past the stream and to the best place ever. Somehow we found it and it was awesome, my idea of utopia with a swimming hole that you could jump off cliffs from and a infinity pool style just overlooking waterfalls and Laos. It was amazing day and an amazing place.
ANother long bus ride later we got to Vang Vieng, basically a white mans playground on a river for partying and jumping off bridges. Got over a little of my fear of heights by jumping off 20-30 ft platforms into water and the free shots and buckets definitely helped. We partied until 6am and the next morning I felt it. My body felt done for and just took it easy. Slept in and watched the Mayweather fight at a weird English bar at 9am watching the Vegas lights which was weird.
I just got done with a 24 hour travel day to get to the 4000 islands in the south of Laos. One of the most chilled out places on Earth and just laid in a hammock all day which was nice after so much travelling. Figuring out to do with the rest of the trip but Laos has just been a great surprise and a place I will return because it is incredible. Time seems to be winding down with less then a month left but plenty of time still. Following the Sharks as close as possible (yessir), 49ers draft (yessir), and the A's (maybesir). Excited to be sitting down for a little in a chill area but headed to Angkor Wat next which has always been a dream. Like always hope everyone is safe and sound and much love from across the pond.
Bangkok was much to hustle and bustle and "white man buy everything" so we went north to Chiang Mai which was a much chiller city. Everyone laid back, pad thai and tom yum for less than a dollar on the street which fulfilled a dream of mine. The first day we ended up renting scooters which quickly turned out bad becayse i gave way too much power to start and put it right into a gazebo. Luckily talked out of it got a new one and the next two days just scooted around the city embracing the who gives a fuck about road laws mentality of SE asia.
I wish we could of seen more of Northern Thailand but we ran through Chiang Rai and Chiang Khong on very interesting public buses to get to Laos. No matter how much time you have on a trip is never long enough I guess. Our 4 day adventure to get from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang in Thailand took 4 days but was amazing. We took a 2 day slowboat with close to 75 people and turned out to be a good way to meet people because we traveled with most of them for most of Laos. A lot of presidents and assholes made time go by quick as well as on dollar 5th's of whiskey.
Getting into Luang Prabang everyone was tired but turned out to be a graet city for me. I ended up just walking around locals part of town one day and got offered to get taken to a bunch of temples for a personal tour for 40000 kip ($4) so i said sure. Ended up being awesome and saw lots of cool caves in monastery where I was able to talk to monks and pick their minds. Really good experience and I tipped the man an extra 20,000kip and he ended up offering me dinner at his house and to meet his English speaking son Loon. Was a night I will never forget especially going out to the bars with a bunch of Lao people and just jaw dropped at the scene which was awesome.
The next day 8 of us went to a waterfall near town that turned out to just be absolutely unreal. Th directions to get there literally was follow the wooden stairs, go up and see a sign that says No swim and swim, go up the waterfall rocks that are like sandpaper and not slippery, past the stream and to the best place ever. Somehow we found it and it was awesome, my idea of utopia with a swimming hole that you could jump off cliffs from and a infinity pool style just overlooking waterfalls and Laos. It was amazing day and an amazing place.
ANother long bus ride later we got to Vang Vieng, basically a white mans playground on a river for partying and jumping off bridges. Got over a little of my fear of heights by jumping off 20-30 ft platforms into water and the free shots and buckets definitely helped. We partied until 6am and the next morning I felt it. My body felt done for and just took it easy. Slept in and watched the Mayweather fight at a weird English bar at 9am watching the Vegas lights which was weird.
I just got done with a 24 hour travel day to get to the 4000 islands in the south of Laos. One of the most chilled out places on Earth and just laid in a hammock all day which was nice after so much travelling. Figuring out to do with the rest of the trip but Laos has just been a great surprise and a place I will return because it is incredible. Time seems to be winding down with less then a month left but plenty of time still. Following the Sharks as close as possible (yessir), 49ers draft (yessir), and the A's (maybesir). Excited to be sitting down for a little in a chill area but headed to Angkor Wat next which has always been a dream. Like always hope everyone is safe and sound and much love from across the pond.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Done with Australia and on to Asia
The end of trip has been a little compacted together because more time spent in other destinations but Australia has been amazing. Last time I wrote we were in Noosa and just chilling on the beach, finding koalas and just relaxing. Chey guy ended up leaving us one man down but Spencer and I kept on going up the East Coast on a 13 hour overnight bus to Hervey Bay to do a 3 day camping/4x4 adventure on Fraser Island which is the biggest sand island in the world. The trip consisted of 16 of us in hufe Land Cruisers smashing through the sand, skidding around and camping. Everything was fun from driving and scaring the shit out of the people in our car, to the amazing people we met on the trip, to the camping and the incredible amount of stars and amazing ocean there was. It was Easter weekend, which is huge out here, so there were a lot of people but we ended up seeing dingos, sharks, and just amazing scenery. If you ever get a chance go there and just spend three days at Lake McKenzie. Did not get much sleep because we had to sleep on the sand but the goon drunk helped that out a little bit.
We travelled up the coast with a lot of Swedish people (very good people) and ended up taking another overnight bus to Airlie Beach. We got in at 9:30am to take a 2pm boat cruise for 2 days. Sleep has been for the weak out here so far but is for sure starting to catch up. This morning was the first night I got more than 4-5 hours of sleep in about 2 weeks which is ridiculous. The Whitsundays boat cruise turned out to be one of the highlights of the whole trip. In contrast to roughing it on Fraser Islands, we lived like kings on our boat the British Defender. It was a old $10 million racing yacht that fed us amazing buffets, took us to some of the most beautiful islands in the Great barrier Reef and let us just have fun. We partied after dark and swam around during the day, stopping at a few white sand beaches. Did my first scuba dive which was awesome and probably going to try and get certified in Thailand. The two days went by two quick and was just amazing.
The last 4 days have been really compact with a 10 hr bus ride to Cairns (home of the most popular part Great Barrier Reef). Wanted to be there for a few more days but we only really got one because we had to be down in Melbourne for our flight to Bangkok. The one day in Cairns turned out to be an amazing one making it sad we could not stay longer. We took a snorkeling cruise called Ocean Freedom into the outer reef and it was simply extraordinary. The colors and animals were unfathomable. We saw a pregnant white tip shark, mantarays, stingrays, nemo's, turtles, and everything else. The weather has treated us so perfect on this trip and this was just another 85-90 day so you could see almost 50ft down. We had to say goodbye to a lot of friends at the end of this leg of the journey because we met some really good people the last 4 weeks travelling up the coast. Got places to stay all around Europe now which is good to know.
We just flew down to Melbourne yesterday for a quick 2 day adventure which is not enough but whatever if i want to come back I will. Looking back on Aussie is just amazing. From Bondi to Melbourne and all the places inbetween have been so beautiful. It is a massive country with plenty to see and I only touched a piece of it. I could not be more excited to get out of the Western world and culture because most of Australia is a lot like home just different place and SE Asia will be a welcomed change. Been looking forward to a Thai Massage and tropical beaches for a long time and the time is finally coming. There is a lot of political strife right now in Bangkok which should be interesting but whatever I will get out of their quick regardless.
Life is good, and day by day find ways in which I want to change it and improve on the life I live. The amazing people I have met on this trip just make me want to travel forever but unfortunately unless I strike gold that wont be happening. Love all you guys at home and starting the last leg of this amazing adventure. Hope all is well with all you, be safe and be easy.
We travelled up the coast with a lot of Swedish people (very good people) and ended up taking another overnight bus to Airlie Beach. We got in at 9:30am to take a 2pm boat cruise for 2 days. Sleep has been for the weak out here so far but is for sure starting to catch up. This morning was the first night I got more than 4-5 hours of sleep in about 2 weeks which is ridiculous. The Whitsundays boat cruise turned out to be one of the highlights of the whole trip. In contrast to roughing it on Fraser Islands, we lived like kings on our boat the British Defender. It was a old $10 million racing yacht that fed us amazing buffets, took us to some of the most beautiful islands in the Great barrier Reef and let us just have fun. We partied after dark and swam around during the day, stopping at a few white sand beaches. Did my first scuba dive which was awesome and probably going to try and get certified in Thailand. The two days went by two quick and was just amazing.
The last 4 days have been really compact with a 10 hr bus ride to Cairns (home of the most popular part Great Barrier Reef). Wanted to be there for a few more days but we only really got one because we had to be down in Melbourne for our flight to Bangkok. The one day in Cairns turned out to be an amazing one making it sad we could not stay longer. We took a snorkeling cruise called Ocean Freedom into the outer reef and it was simply extraordinary. The colors and animals were unfathomable. We saw a pregnant white tip shark, mantarays, stingrays, nemo's, turtles, and everything else. The weather has treated us so perfect on this trip and this was just another 85-90 day so you could see almost 50ft down. We had to say goodbye to a lot of friends at the end of this leg of the journey because we met some really good people the last 4 weeks travelling up the coast. Got places to stay all around Europe now which is good to know.
We just flew down to Melbourne yesterday for a quick 2 day adventure which is not enough but whatever if i want to come back I will. Looking back on Aussie is just amazing. From Bondi to Melbourne and all the places inbetween have been so beautiful. It is a massive country with plenty to see and I only touched a piece of it. I could not be more excited to get out of the Western world and culture because most of Australia is a lot like home just different place and SE Asia will be a welcomed change. Been looking forward to a Thai Massage and tropical beaches for a long time and the time is finally coming. There is a lot of political strife right now in Bangkok which should be interesting but whatever I will get out of their quick regardless.
Life is good, and day by day find ways in which I want to change it and improve on the life I live. The amazing people I have met on this trip just make me want to travel forever but unfortunately unless I strike gold that wont be happening. Love all you guys at home and starting the last leg of this amazing adventure. Hope all is well with all you, be safe and be easy.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Aussie Aussie Aussie
Well since the last post I spent 11 crazy and debaucherous days in Sydney. Honestly could not wait to get out of the town because it was taking my money, dignity, and liver. It was awesome to have our boy Pete out there because we got the locals guide of sydney which is always priceless. We had to of walked 50 miles in a week just seeing the whole city which is absolutely extraordinary. Sydney reminds me a lot of home just a laid back big city feel. We partied it up in every place but Kings Cross is just one of the biggest shitshows in the world. Traveled up to the Blue Mountains for a day trip which was beautiful but after 11 days we were ready to get out of there quickly.
Right now we are working our way up the coast and stopped along the way. Met some real cool people and some not so cool people but every second has been amazing. My favorite stop has been Byron Bay which is a simply incredible beach town. We chilled out there for 4 days just laying on the beach, trying to surf (unsuccessfully), drinking, and staying at one of the funniest hippie hostels in the world. Awesome group of people which cumulated with a candle lit circle party for earth hour. The next day we went to the polar opposite place called Surfers Paradise which i think is probably the tackiest city in the world. Met some locals who have to be the worst people I have ever met. Stupid roided weirdos.
We rolled up to Brisbane which everyone told us was not worth our time, but we met a guy in Byron Bay from there and he gave us the locals tour which was awesome. Just saw some awesome viewspots and drank goon all night (goon=cheap slap the bag type wine which is huge here). Right now were in Noosa, another little beach town, just ready to hit the beach. Cheyenne leaves on the 2nd from here so we will be one good man down, but spencer and I are continuing up to Fraser Island, Whitsundays, Cairns. Should be exciting.
I got a million pictures from this place which is awesome because I never have been a good picture taker but its been awesome to look back on the trip already through pictures and probably will be even better when I get home. Just bought my ticket back to the states which is pretty crazy to think about. Feel like I been here a year just living every second. Be back the 4th of June just in time for the world cup which is nice so I can watch it with the boys (girls if wanted). Stop for a 3 day layover in Hong kong which should be fun end of the trip.
Once again much love to the family and friends back home and I will keep living out here and posting from time to time. Good on ya.
Right now we are working our way up the coast and stopped along the way. Met some real cool people and some not so cool people but every second has been amazing. My favorite stop has been Byron Bay which is a simply incredible beach town. We chilled out there for 4 days just laying on the beach, trying to surf (unsuccessfully), drinking, and staying at one of the funniest hippie hostels in the world. Awesome group of people which cumulated with a candle lit circle party for earth hour. The next day we went to the polar opposite place called Surfers Paradise which i think is probably the tackiest city in the world. Met some locals who have to be the worst people I have ever met. Stupid roided weirdos.
We rolled up to Brisbane which everyone told us was not worth our time, but we met a guy in Byron Bay from there and he gave us the locals tour which was awesome. Just saw some awesome viewspots and drank goon all night (goon=cheap slap the bag type wine which is huge here). Right now were in Noosa, another little beach town, just ready to hit the beach. Cheyenne leaves on the 2nd from here so we will be one good man down, but spencer and I are continuing up to Fraser Island, Whitsundays, Cairns. Should be exciting.
I got a million pictures from this place which is awesome because I never have been a good picture taker but its been awesome to look back on the trip already through pictures and probably will be even better when I get home. Just bought my ticket back to the states which is pretty crazy to think about. Feel like I been here a year just living every second. Be back the 4th of June just in time for the world cup which is nice so I can watch it with the boys (girls if wanted). Stop for a 3 day layover in Hong kong which should be fun end of the trip.
Once again much love to the family and friends back home and I will keep living out here and posting from time to time. Good on ya.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Done with NZ on to Aussie
One thing I learned from this trip is that the human body does not need sleep, food, or water. Living on a budget has been interesting hard on the body but fun every day. Have not woken up once yet missing home or anything else just incredibly excited to do whatever I please.
Doing NZ in 3 weeks was hectic, fun, and just absolutely insanity. Bus every day or so bars at night, hikes, bungy jumping, beach swimming, and over all relaxing. Queenstown is a place that everyone needs to go to. Absolutely beautiful and is an absolute party town with extreme sports everywhere. Two nights in Queenstown rivals Vegas. Two nights in a row up until 6am. Missed my bungy jump which was non-refundable but sweet talked and had to do 150 push-ups in front of a whole building drunk and tired. But the NEVIS bungy was insane (look it up on youtube).
Coming to Sydney has been a dream. Our hostel in Bondi Beach was directly on the beach for a three-day pro-surfer comp which was a lot of fun and good to watch and just lay on the beach. THe last week I been kicking it with speedy and big cheyenne who came out for awhile. Our boy Pete lives here and has been giving us the bomb local guide. BBQ with families and just walking everywhere. Not a piece of the city i havent seen I am pretty sure. Did the opera house, and all the tourist locales. Well Im bouncing to celebrate St. Patty's day down understyle but start travelling aussie this weekend so should be fun and a good time. Love and miss you all.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Almost Done with NZ
Its been a great time in New Zealand. Little more expensive out here than expected because everything is geared around tourism. Spent a day swimming with dolphins with Kaikoura which was awesome. Spent a two day trip in Abel Tasman National Park with a couple people I met out here which was good. Taking this Kiwi Experience bus that is basically a bus full of people our age just having a good time. Travelling is always fun and I am thinking more and more that I will stay longer and maybe find some work after money starts getting slim which. We are staying with my friend from New Zealand tomorrow night with his aunt which should be nice and get a home cooked meal and bed. Been on no sleep and long nights and lots of bus rides.
Yesterday climbed this glacier at Franz Josef which was just incredible. Basically a jungle with a huge glacier in it. In two days we get down to Queenstown which is the party and extreme sport capital of New Zealand and they say the world. Gonna do a 500ft bungy jump which should be interesting. Think about you guys in the states and hope all is well with ya and you can send me messages or emails along the way if you want anything more because internet time is very few. Much love
Yesterday climbed this glacier at Franz Josef which was just incredible. Basically a jungle with a huge glacier in it. In two days we get down to Queenstown which is the party and extreme sport capital of New Zealand and they say the world. Gonna do a 500ft bungy jump which should be interesting. Think about you guys in the states and hope all is well with ya and you can send me messages or emails along the way if you want anything more because internet time is very few. Much love
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
First One
New Zealand is an amazing country. The people are nice the place is absolutely beautiful and a perfect place to get travel legs under you because of the laidback lifestyle. Have already had some funny nights, visited my boy Ben Kruse out in Raglan which was incredible. Just got down in South Island and took one of the worst bus rides ever incredibly hungover. Learned last night that English Commonwealth countries are both heavy drinkers and crazy as hell. Also learned they have crazy skills because last night I saw a Brit snort a condom and pull it of his mouth and than proceeded to see 3 irish guys staple their scrotums to a wood board for a $400 NZ tattoo. Still makes me cringe inside. The next two weeks should be nice and crazy and in about a week I will be jumping off the highest bungy jump in the Southern Hemisphere and might dabble with some skydiving. Hopefully I dont end up as red dirt at the bottom of the ravine.
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