Okay. I have no idea how I am going to segment blog posts of this trip. My plan, essentially, is to write as long as I can until I pass out. This has been a trip of a lifetime and I am so lucky to have had the opportunity to enjoy it.
Friday-Sunday Feb 18/19/20: Bangkok and Full Moon Party
I arrived in Bangkok just before midnight and took a tram to Khao San road, the main tourist/backpacker hotspot in Bangkok. I stayed at the closest place I could find to my bus ride in the morning, Four Brothers Inn (the dodgy end), right next to the Lomprayah meeting place. I woke up at 5:00 and boarded the bus for the 10 hour trip to Koh Phangnan for the Full Moon Party. I quickly realized that there are almost no American tourists in Thailand. And I also realize I've lost my camera. And I can't find my friends because my cell phone doesn't work. But, hey, Koh Phangnan is beeeeeautiful! And these Swiss and French people are nice! I got some French fries and internet in an Israeli restaurant and eventually found Ben. The Full Moon Party was what was expected: A gargantuan, pumping, booze-fueled dance on a tropical beach in Thailand. Need we say more? I slept in a chair in an open terrace restaurant, and we left Koh Phangnan for Bangkok at about 11:00 the next morning. This one was longer. About 16 hours on a bus. Definitely go with Lomprayah if you can. It's worth the extra 300 baht.
Monday Feb 21: Temples, Zoo Without Animals, and Ladyboys
This was a day of sightseeing in Bangkok! I learned the dangers of riding in a tuk tuk from falling out of one and we visited the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, The Royal Palace, and The Dusit Zoo (possibly the most terrible zoo I have ever been to in my life.) BUT! That night we had a night on the town, made our way to Na Na and saw things that can never be unseen.
Tuesday Feb 22: The Way to Cambodia
This was the trip's lowpoint. The plan of meeting at 7:15 didn't work, and I couldn't contact my friends without a cell phone. I went by their hostel and their names weren't on the roster. I tried using Skype to call and text, still to no avail. Ben showed at about 11:00 and I was pissed. But we made it to Cambodia and met a nice Japanese couple to share a taxi with! And the Rosy Guesthouse in Siem Reap was hands down the best place I stayed on this trip.
February 23: Angkor F*cking Wat!
This was one of the most amazing sights I have had the privilege of seeing in my lifetime. I was literally speechless for most of the journey through the temples, and despite crawling with tourists, I feel very lucky to have seen them.
February 24: Museums and Rum
Today was mainly a transit day. I did have the chance to see the Angkor Museum in Siem Reap, which was amazing even for the somewhat steep fee of $12USD. It was remarkably informative but I didn't really need the audio tour I bought. We left The Rosy Guest House and took a taxi to Poi Pet. Ben went to a Casino and I went back to Bangkok.
Friday: Urban Biking and Big Ol' Malls
We took the Grasshopper Bike Tour of Bangkok and visited MBK and other giant malls in Siam Square.
February 26: The Best Adventure in Thailand
Flight of the Gibbon (www.treetopasia.com) is a zipline tour in the forests just outside of Bangkok. IF YOU GO TO THAILAND YOU MUST DO THIS.
February 27: Char's Day
This was an amazing day. I did everything I wanted to do. I started by visiting the Damnoensaduak floating market. Very very cool. My lunch was vegetarian lasagna at Ethos at Khao San. I then moved onto the Erawan shrine in the center of the city to see traditional Thai dancers. While soaking up the incense and chanting, I met a cool Czech man who kindly took me to the GARGANTUAN Chatuchack Weekend Market at the edge of Bangkok. The day was ended with a $6 Thai massage and a giant fresh baked baguette sandwich. It was a wonderful day. And a wonderful trip. Amen.
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