On the morning of Saturday, February 6, we boarded a bus for what our guidebook called an "epic journey" - the trip from Bangkok to Siem Reap in Cambodia. During this all-day adventure we filled the time by reading books, listening to music and remembering our time in Thailand. Sean and I took an hour or two to jot down some thoughts and make some lists. Here's some of what we wrote down on the bus ride:
If you go to Thailand, be prepared to:
-pay in Baht
-sit in traffic in a taxi in Bangkok for a long time
-drive on the left
-take cold showers
-get asked if you want a tuk-tuk, suit or massage more times than you can remember
-get asked where you are going all the time
-sweat
-eat loads of spring rolls
-enter a 7-11
-visit temples and beaches
-ride an elephant
-have people bow or wai at you
-get scammed
-know what the king looks like (his image is everywhere)
-wonder if someone is a man or a woman
-drink out of a straw
-go through many bottles of sunscreen
-take your shoes off
-marvel at how friendly, happy and laid back the Thai people seem
-want to stay longer
Books I read or listened to:
-South: the story of Shackleton's last expedition 1914-1917
-Same Kind of Different As Me
-Watership Down
-Born to Run (this was a fantastic read even if you don't like running)
-Mennonite in a Little Black Dress (loved this book - if you are from a religiously conservative place in the midwest this is a must read)
-Emma
Things I wish I had:
-a Kindle
-a waterproof camera
-a netbook (we saw many many travelers blogging and checking emails using these mini computers instead of visiting internet cafes)
Things that I was glad I had:
-camelbak (hydration backpack for hiking)
-camera
-ipod
-chacos (these sandals have lasted me forever and are my absolute favorite)
-light weight and fast-drying clothes
-headlamp
-bug spray and sunscreen
Tips for going to Thailand:
-take overnight buses to save money
-pack light
-only take taxis which use a meter
-there's no reason to use a tuk-tuk unless it's just for fun
-always haggle with the first price
-bring a small day pack
-get out of the city
-bring your own bug spray and sunscreen; it's really expensive in Thailand
-consider getting your visas for Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos in Bangkok; it's quick and easy
Favorite stuff:
My favorite activity - elephant ride
Sean's favorite activity - rock climbing
My least favorite thing - getting treated like a walking ATM
Sean's least favorite thing - constantly getting scammed
My favorite food - pad Thai and glass noodles
Sean's favorite food - spicy Thai papaya salad
Our favorite hostels - Suk 11 and Sanctuary
Next time we would:
-stay in Banglampoo in Bangkok
-visit the north of Thailand
-pack less
-stay longer
It was a great trip - I would return to Thailand in a heartbeat. Now it's on to Cambodia!
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