Same Same, But Different

As expected, it has been a little while since the last post, but I am still alive and going as strong as possible after traveling for just about 4 months!!!! I can't believe that is has been that long, but I have no complaints, and I still wake up every morning to see new things and places. Having said that, I last wrote while in Koh Tao, a great little island on Thailand's east coast. From there I headed south to the island of Koh Pha-Ngan, home of the full moon party, and from what I found, pretty much revolves around that party and parties surrounding every other phase of the moon. The island itself didn't seem like anything special, as it was more built up than our previous stay and a bit more congested. Still, our room was great: Balcony with an ocean view (directed right towards sunset) with a hammock for my enjoyment! I was very happy, though would have been happier had the room's architect decided not to place a random, unnecessary 1 inch step in the middle of our floor. I proceeded to smack my toe against this numerous times, at one point yelling loud enough for the entire island to hear me. After this, I built a blockade big enough to dam New Orleans in an effort to protect my toes. Fortunately I avoided any serious injury, because the 'medical' facilities we've seen have advertised 'miner' surgeries and one hospital's slogan was "Probably the best hospital you can trust." There are so many things to hit on here, but you can see the problems.

The one positive that came from this island was sampling what is called No Name Vegetable. Its on menus in most restaurants, and we were told by a dread-locked employee at the adventure tour place that it is great. Well I am convinced that it contains some sort of minor hallucinogen, because both Alana and I woke up in a disoriented state, feeling like we had popped some codeine, and having had some crazy dreams. Needless to say, we ordered it again for lunch!

From there we traveled 20 km south to the island of Koh Samui, the largest and most developed island in the area. The main attraction that I wanted to see here was the Ang Thong Marine Park, which we took a trip to for the day. The park is really nice, and allowed us to do some kayaking around the numerous bays and beaches, and through a cave or two as well. The highlight was definitely a hike up to one of the islands' peaks. While I nearly killed myself on the jagged rocks (don't wear flip-flops on this one), the view was awesome and worth nearly killing myself...though I may not have felt that way if my foot or body was sliced to bits.

Our last night on Samui was spent in a very relaxing way, though not necessarily traditional Thai fashion. We went to a mall to watch a movie go bowling, and it was a great time. While waiting for the only movie being shown in English, we went to a bowling alley, where everything was glowing neon colors. Apparently the owners were really into blacklights, but we managed to enjoy ourselves. The movie, however, was awful. I recommend that no one pay money to see Watchmen. On our way home, we got a cab, whose driver may or may not have been drunk, high or both. After a few minutes of awkward silence, he blasted UB40's 'Red Red Wine' loud enough for most of the island to hear; neither of us could resist from laughing.

We caught a flight to Bangkok the next day, and while my experience this time was slightly better, that is a very relative term and still can't stand that city . Walking around, I felt as though I was in a labyrinth whose streets were constantly changing (kind of like the staircases in the Harry Potter movies). Luckily, it was just one night and the next morning we headed east to the Cambodian border. Now, for those of you who haven't walked across a border in SE Asia before, it is an interesting experience, with a lot of sketchy stuff going on. We got a ride there, then had to meet a new vehicle on the other side. Going through the immigration process was relatively hassle-free, but the sights at the border were interesting to say the least. It is certainly a different world on the other side, significantly poorer and dirtier. It didn't help that once we were in Cambodia, our tour guide got into a huge argument with local tourist police and was escorted away by another cop. Apparently they were just looking for a handout of some sort, but it wasn't the smoothest start to this leg of the trip.

We traveled to Siem Reap on a road that needs much improvement. Road rules continue to lack existence, though I've gotten used to it. However, we are now back to driving on the right side of the road, which is a nice change. Siem Reap is a very cool town and I really enjoyed my 3 nights there. The highlight of this area is Angkor Wat and the surrounding complex. I don't care too much for touring temples all day, but this place is amazing. It is unbelievable to wander freely around the complex, which holds a huge amount of temples, and not be constrained by ropes telling you where you can, and more often, cannot go. I could not believe how well some of them have remained intact over the past 600-1,000 years given the country's history of war. We were there for sunrise, which was impressive, and pictures don't really do it justice, though the picture up top is from around 6:30 am or so.

My personal favorite was seeing the trees over-taking the stone. It is an image which you often see associated with the complex, and it is unreal to see how large these trees are, and how many of them have been left untouched.

We also go to see a bunch of monkeys near the temples. A family of 20-30 came down for a bit and had a little fun with the locals' hammock.

I took a trip to the Cambodian Landmine Museum, which was really interesting. It is a bit scary to think that there are an estimated 3-6 million landmines still scattered around the countryside. I won't be leaving any main roads or paths in the near future! We also took a boat ride out to a floating village, where I was amazed they had floating bars with pool tables in them, though more shocked by the amount of pollution in the lake. The fish below is someone's dinner, just not mine!

I then traveled to Kampong Cham, the third largest city, and took a bike ride on the shores of the Mekong River. Rode over a bamboo bridge, which I was convinced I'd lose control on and fall into the river, to an island housing a farming village. Kids were running up to Alana and I waving and saying 'hello' for the entire 2 hours we were there.

From there we spent a night in the village of Chambok, where we stayed in a local home and ate traditional food. Walking around the village I felt as though I had travelled back in time, as they lacked nearly all the modern conveniences that we use on a daily basis. Families still living in bamboo huts and chickens, cows and pigs running around dirt yards and streets. It was a great experience, though I avoided using the toilet at all costs! At night we were able to talk with the hosts about their everyday lives and ask questions. Very interesting, though I think I prefer western living standards a bit more!
Currently I am in the seaside town of Sihunoukville, and will be for next 2 nights, then we head north to the capitol city for a couple of nights. Overall, my first week in Cambodia has been a great one. I am very impressed with the country, although it is clear there is a great deal of poverty, pollution and corruption.

On a side note, baseball season is upon us, and although I may be 10,000 miles away, GO SOX! Also, Happy Passover to my fellow Jews!

Cheers!