Wednesday - 30 April 08
Hi everyone!! Finally caught up, about time. Today is another fine day in Kanchanaburi. We were up at 'crack of dawn this morning' must have had something to do with all the chocolate we had last night. We were picked up from the guesthouse this morning at 7am for our half day tour to 'Floating Markets'. It was a one and a half hour drive to wherever an hour on a longtail boat going through all the canals that had the market stalls and of course like everything in Thailand there were a million longtail boats and it was like Pitt St, Sydney with the traffic. We didn't buy anything really, just some postcards and a pepsi. We have to be mindful of souveniers as we have limited room left in our backpacks and are only at the start of our trip.
It was a good half a day, although it was a long drive (and our driver, very nice, could not speak english). We were going to go to night markets in Kanchanaburi town but apparently they are closed tonight so will have to leave till some other night. I need to buy some more shorts and cotton tops (fat clothes) and with the humidity, the looser the better.
Spent the arvo just veging in the air con watching the tele. Tomorrow we are for a day tour to 'Hellfire Pass', War Museum, War Cemetary, old Bridge and a waterfall and hot springs. This time we will make sure we have coffee and breakfast before we go.
Anyway guys, stay tuned, now that I have caught up it should get easier from here. Hope everyone is well back in Oz.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Still in Kanchanaburi !!!
Tuesday 29 April 08
Hi everyone who is following this blog. Sorry I am always a day behind, will try to catch up and then keep on target.
We are having a wicked time here in Kanchanaburi (River Kwai), loving the people, the food, the lifestyle and Thailand as always. We have now settled in after long flight and bus travel and love it so much here have decided to stay and extra 2 days so won,t be leaving until Sunday to head up to Nong Khai in North Eastern Thailand. We thought for our extra 2 days here we would move to another guesthouse as there are so many to choose from and they all have vacancies and are cheaper than where we are staying and just as nice.
This morning we were up early as we have now finally caught up with our sleep. We searched out a coffee joint and found one that serves Latte with fresh milk. We then caught a songcheaw into Kanchanaburi town to go to market stall to look for Backpacks. We got 2 awsome backpacks and a smaller and lighter laptop computer bag. We can now officially be called Backpackers. We fitted everything from the suitcase into the backpacks with room for more stuff, it now should make it easier to travel. We have met a few westerners since we arrived and sat outside the internet cafe and talked with a lady (about our age) from Tassie for ages, she is backpacking around Thailand on her own and is loving it. When we were in at the markets this morning another guy (older) and scottish started talking to us as we were walking through the shops. People are so friendly here its amazing. We are getting the gist of bartering on our Songchaew rides now too, so we can get them as cheap as possible.
The weather here is quite humid but bearable, we are on our Malaria tablets now although we are not having any problems with Mozzies (as yet). Apparently they have not had much rain so that could be the reason why. We don't seem to be having any side effects from the tablets, but my ankles swell for a little bit and my head feels a bit funny but all in all they have been pretty good.
We have booked a half day tour for tomorrow morning to the floating markets and am looking forward to it. We had dinner tonight at the restaurant here at Bluestar where we are staying. The food was ok but Rick and I have found a really good, small restaurant/cafe and the people are lovely so we will be eating there most of the time we are here.
I gotta say the children here are the most gorgeous looking children and most friendly and polite I have ever met. Life is so simple here. Its great.
We spent the rest of the night watching tele and feeding our faces on ice cream and chocolate. Oh ! What a life.
Hope everyone is well at home. Stay tuned for more!!!!!
Hi everyone who is following this blog. Sorry I am always a day behind, will try to catch up and then keep on target.
We are having a wicked time here in Kanchanaburi (River Kwai), loving the people, the food, the lifestyle and Thailand as always. We have now settled in after long flight and bus travel and love it so much here have decided to stay and extra 2 days so won,t be leaving until Sunday to head up to Nong Khai in North Eastern Thailand. We thought for our extra 2 days here we would move to another guesthouse as there are so many to choose from and they all have vacancies and are cheaper than where we are staying and just as nice.
This morning we were up early as we have now finally caught up with our sleep. We searched out a coffee joint and found one that serves Latte with fresh milk. We then caught a songcheaw into Kanchanaburi town to go to market stall to look for Backpacks. We got 2 awsome backpacks and a smaller and lighter laptop computer bag. We can now officially be called Backpackers. We fitted everything from the suitcase into the backpacks with room for more stuff, it now should make it easier to travel. We have met a few westerners since we arrived and sat outside the internet cafe and talked with a lady (about our age) from Tassie for ages, she is backpacking around Thailand on her own and is loving it. When we were in at the markets this morning another guy (older) and scottish started talking to us as we were walking through the shops. People are so friendly here its amazing. We are getting the gist of bartering on our Songchaew rides now too, so we can get them as cheap as possible.
The weather here is quite humid but bearable, we are on our Malaria tablets now although we are not having any problems with Mozzies (as yet). Apparently they have not had much rain so that could be the reason why. We don't seem to be having any side effects from the tablets, but my ankles swell for a little bit and my head feels a bit funny but all in all they have been pretty good.
We have booked a half day tour for tomorrow morning to the floating markets and am looking forward to it. We had dinner tonight at the restaurant here at Bluestar where we are staying. The food was ok but Rick and I have found a really good, small restaurant/cafe and the people are lovely so we will be eating there most of the time we are here.
I gotta say the children here are the most gorgeous looking children and most friendly and polite I have ever met. Life is so simple here. Its great.
We spent the rest of the night watching tele and feeding our faces on ice cream and chocolate. Oh ! What a life.
Hope everyone is well at home. Stay tuned for more!!!!!
Monday, April 28, 2008
Having a Great Time - Day 3 Thailand
Monday - 28 April 08
Hello to another great day in Thailand. We are in Kachanaburi, which is the River Kwai, bridge over the River Kwai and all its history. Its been a long trip but we are finally here and settled in to our travels. We arrived Bangkok late Sunday night and went straight to airport hotel. It was called the Convenient Hotel, which is exactly what it was 'convenient' we slept 5 hours and then up early to make our trip here to River Kwai. The language barrier is a little awkward when you are budget travelling and trying to catch buses to where you want to go. We caught the hotel taxi to Surambuthi bus station and then the bus from there into Southern bus terminal in Bangkok. What a trip! There are no road rage, but no road rules either, its drive or be driven over! Thank god we are not staying in Bangkok city itself, its millions of people, vehicles and buildings and smog that is almost as bad as Beijing.
We got to the Southern bus terminal in Bangkok and I must say safely, people are quite helpful when you need directions and guidence on where and how to buy tickets to where you want to go. We caught an air conditioned coach to Kachanaburi at 10.30am which took 2 hours and was quite comfortable, it must have been coz Rick slept. Lots to see along the way going through different little towns and its quite interesting to see how the Thai people go along with life. We arrived at Kanchanaburi bus station at 12.30pm and then caught a Songcheaw (a ute with seats in tray back) 4 kms to our accommodation. We are staying at Bluestar Guesthouse which is great budget accommodation of all styles. We opted for the 650 Baht ($22 Aud) a night room with a/c, cable tv and hot shower, we haven't worked out where the hot water in the shower is yet because it ain't hot, not that you need it. It doensn't have tea and coffee making facilities nor a bar fridge so we drink bottled water till we can get to the nearest cafe for our coffee fix. Check out the Bluestar website at: www.bluestar-guesthouse.com it's wicked. It is built on the swampy area of the River Kwai Yai and you can stay in Treehouses or log cabins and they are awsome, will take lots of photos. Thanks Kez and Wes for putting us on to Bluestar.
Now we have finally caught up on our sleep, we are getting out and about. When we arrived in Thailand it really felt like we were coming home, now I know why we miss the place when we leave. The people here in Kanchanaburi are great, very friendly and helpful. Last night after our afternoon nanny and poppy snooze we walked 2km to the night markets at the bridge on the river Kwai only to find out the night markets are actually day markets and are open from 6am to 7pm and we got there at 7pm. What tha! We started to walk back and caught a taxi, which is a motorbike with a bench on the side and the guy was pretty quick to stooge us and charge 80 Baht, ($3 Aud) rip off. Next time we ask price before we get on, we were hungry so let him get away with it this time. We had dinner at a little restaurant/cafe and all up for dinner and pepsi it cost us 120 Baht, which is $4 Aus. How cheap is everything here, especially compared to Phuket. We use internet cafe accross the road from our accommodation, how much you ask? 10 Baht (40 cents Aus) for 30 mins, wicked!
I am posting on blog everyday but a day later. Today (Tue) we are off to day/night market again. We have decided to get backpacks as carting a suitcase around on uneven ground and on and off buses and trains just doesn't do it. Its a pain in the arse! I am sure someone will love t receive our $20 Red Dot suitcase!!!!!!!!!!
Stay tuned for updates. We are alive and well and loving it!! Love to everyone. Nic & Rick
Hello to another great day in Thailand. We are in Kachanaburi, which is the River Kwai, bridge over the River Kwai and all its history. Its been a long trip but we are finally here and settled in to our travels. We arrived Bangkok late Sunday night and went straight to airport hotel. It was called the Convenient Hotel, which is exactly what it was 'convenient' we slept 5 hours and then up early to make our trip here to River Kwai. The language barrier is a little awkward when you are budget travelling and trying to catch buses to where you want to go. We caught the hotel taxi to Surambuthi bus station and then the bus from there into Southern bus terminal in Bangkok. What a trip! There are no road rage, but no road rules either, its drive or be driven over! Thank god we are not staying in Bangkok city itself, its millions of people, vehicles and buildings and smog that is almost as bad as Beijing.
We got to the Southern bus terminal in Bangkok and I must say safely, people are quite helpful when you need directions and guidence on where and how to buy tickets to where you want to go. We caught an air conditioned coach to Kachanaburi at 10.30am which took 2 hours and was quite comfortable, it must have been coz Rick slept. Lots to see along the way going through different little towns and its quite interesting to see how the Thai people go along with life. We arrived at Kanchanaburi bus station at 12.30pm and then caught a Songcheaw (a ute with seats in tray back) 4 kms to our accommodation. We are staying at Bluestar Guesthouse which is great budget accommodation of all styles. We opted for the 650 Baht ($22 Aud) a night room with a/c, cable tv and hot shower, we haven't worked out where the hot water in the shower is yet because it ain't hot, not that you need it. It doensn't have tea and coffee making facilities nor a bar fridge so we drink bottled water till we can get to the nearest cafe for our coffee fix. Check out the Bluestar website at: www.bluestar-guesthouse.com it's wicked. It is built on the swampy area of the River Kwai Yai and you can stay in Treehouses or log cabins and they are awsome, will take lots of photos. Thanks Kez and Wes for putting us on to Bluestar.
Now we have finally caught up on our sleep, we are getting out and about. When we arrived in Thailand it really felt like we were coming home, now I know why we miss the place when we leave. The people here in Kanchanaburi are great, very friendly and helpful. Last night after our afternoon nanny and poppy snooze we walked 2km to the night markets at the bridge on the river Kwai only to find out the night markets are actually day markets and are open from 6am to 7pm and we got there at 7pm. What tha! We started to walk back and caught a taxi, which is a motorbike with a bench on the side and the guy was pretty quick to stooge us and charge 80 Baht, ($3 Aud) rip off. Next time we ask price before we get on, we were hungry so let him get away with it this time. We had dinner at a little restaurant/cafe and all up for dinner and pepsi it cost us 120 Baht, which is $4 Aus. How cheap is everything here, especially compared to Phuket. We use internet cafe accross the road from our accommodation, how much you ask? 10 Baht (40 cents Aus) for 30 mins, wicked!
I am posting on blog everyday but a day later. Today (Tue) we are off to day/night market again. We have decided to get backpacks as carting a suitcase around on uneven ground and on and off buses and trains just doesn't do it. Its a pain in the arse! I am sure someone will love t receive our $20 Red Dot suitcase!!!!!!!!!!
Stay tuned for updates. We are alive and well and loving it!! Love to everyone. Nic & Rick
We Are Here !!!!!!!!
Saturday - 26 April - Monday 28 April
Hello everyone who is keeping up to date with our Travel Blog. Well if you have been looking, yes I haven't updated for a couple of days as we have been flat out 'like lizards drinking' and now have time finally to catch up with ourselves.
SATURDAY was a hectic day moving all our stuff into the storage shed which took from 8am in the morning until 5pm that arvo. Rick and I have both used muscles that have been dormant for quite a while now. Anyway its done, have handed back the keys and are now officially homeless for a few months, which is great. We stayed the night at mums to spend time with her since we will not being seeing her for a while.
SUNDAY - Met the family on the Foreshore and had breaky at a cafe to say goodbye to them all. It was a wet, cold and miserable day and we all wanted to find somewhere warm to hang out, mums until we needed to leave for the airport. We said our goodbyes to mum and headed off dropped our car off at the Airport security parking, checked our luggage in and waited to board our Thai flight to Bangkok. Of course the plane was delayed an hour which happened to us back in November when we flew to Thailand. It finally took off at 5.45pm and being a evening flight was good although it was a full flight. The 7 hours seem to go quick, but by 5 hours I was hanging for a fag and getting a little snappy at Rick. But by 11.15pm Thailand time which is 12.15pm Perth time. We didn't sleep on the plane at all so we were pretty bushed and dying for that ciggy so got through immigration and 'what customs?' and flew out the door for a quick one before the driver picked us up to take us to the hotel.
We checked in at Hotel, Convenient Resort Hotel close to the airport, pretty basic, no tea and coffee making facilities but we were so tired we went straight to bed and slept like logs. Ricks hot and tired and finished doing his stuff on net so will update today,. tomorrow.... Stay tuned.
Hello everyone who is keeping up to date with our Travel Blog. Well if you have been looking, yes I haven't updated for a couple of days as we have been flat out 'like lizards drinking' and now have time finally to catch up with ourselves.
SATURDAY was a hectic day moving all our stuff into the storage shed which took from 8am in the morning until 5pm that arvo. Rick and I have both used muscles that have been dormant for quite a while now. Anyway its done, have handed back the keys and are now officially homeless for a few months, which is great. We stayed the night at mums to spend time with her since we will not being seeing her for a while.
SUNDAY - Met the family on the Foreshore and had breaky at a cafe to say goodbye to them all. It was a wet, cold and miserable day and we all wanted to find somewhere warm to hang out, mums until we needed to leave for the airport. We said our goodbyes to mum and headed off dropped our car off at the Airport security parking, checked our luggage in and waited to board our Thai flight to Bangkok. Of course the plane was delayed an hour which happened to us back in November when we flew to Thailand. It finally took off at 5.45pm and being a evening flight was good although it was a full flight. The 7 hours seem to go quick, but by 5 hours I was hanging for a fag and getting a little snappy at Rick. But by 11.15pm Thailand time which is 12.15pm Perth time. We didn't sleep on the plane at all so we were pretty bushed and dying for that ciggy so got through immigration and 'what customs?' and flew out the door for a quick one before the driver picked us up to take us to the hotel.
We checked in at Hotel, Convenient Resort Hotel close to the airport, pretty basic, no tea and coffee making facilities but we were so tired we went straight to bed and slept like logs. Ricks hot and tired and finished doing his stuff on net so will update today,. tomorrow.... Stay tuned.
Friday, April 25, 2008
2 Days to go!!!!!!!!
Friday 25 April 08
What a day! Rick and I have had the busiest day in a long time. This moving house at the same time as getting ready for a long trip SUCKS. Up at the crack of dawn to do last minute of filling up removal cartons and trying to fit the last of what is left in already over full cartons. Took me all morning to do it and Rick started moving furniture and boxes into the garage. We now have our bed (mattress on floor) parked in front of the TV and look forward to jumping in it soon enough and watching the footy, Geelong and Freo and of course Geelong will kick Freo's butt.
What has been our little home for the last 12 months or so is now empty except for the last essential items we will need to get us throught tonight and tomorrow up until 3pm when we hand over the keys to the landlord and then become homeless. But hey, its worth being homeless if we get to spend the next 2 and a half months in Thailand.
Glynis, thanks for the phone call this morning, its good to know family and friends are showing an interest in our Travel blog. Keep in touch by email while we are gone.
To Kes & Wes, we miss you guys and hope you enjoy your time in the UK and thanks for all the info and advice about Thailand and the things you advised us to do we hadn't even thought of, like Vaccinations, which we have now had but cursed about it for a week after, with sore arms and feeling yuk. Hope we get to catch up when you guys eventually return to Australia.
Ruthy & Mal if we don't get to talk betweem now and when we return, best wishes for Julia's wedding in Bali, give them our congratulations and I hope you guys will have a holiday while you are there and we get to catch up at the end of July when we are back in Queensland on our way to Cairns.
To Jodie & Jason I hope you have the best trip accross Oz and you keep up the great work you both are doing, you are my inspiration and can't wait until you guys move in to your house in October and we can catch up, we will pratically be neigbours as hopefully we too will moving into our unit in Hervey Bay.
To everyone, stay tuned, 2 more days and this blog may actually get interesting.
Until tomorrow !!
What a day! Rick and I have had the busiest day in a long time. This moving house at the same time as getting ready for a long trip SUCKS. Up at the crack of dawn to do last minute of filling up removal cartons and trying to fit the last of what is left in already over full cartons. Took me all morning to do it and Rick started moving furniture and boxes into the garage. We now have our bed (mattress on floor) parked in front of the TV and look forward to jumping in it soon enough and watching the footy, Geelong and Freo and of course Geelong will kick Freo's butt.
What has been our little home for the last 12 months or so is now empty except for the last essential items we will need to get us throught tonight and tomorrow up until 3pm when we hand over the keys to the landlord and then become homeless. But hey, its worth being homeless if we get to spend the next 2 and a half months in Thailand.
Glynis, thanks for the phone call this morning, its good to know family and friends are showing an interest in our Travel blog. Keep in touch by email while we are gone.
To Kes & Wes, we miss you guys and hope you enjoy your time in the UK and thanks for all the info and advice about Thailand and the things you advised us to do we hadn't even thought of, like Vaccinations, which we have now had but cursed about it for a week after, with sore arms and feeling yuk. Hope we get to catch up when you guys eventually return to Australia.
Ruthy & Mal if we don't get to talk betweem now and when we return, best wishes for Julia's wedding in Bali, give them our congratulations and I hope you guys will have a holiday while you are there and we get to catch up at the end of July when we are back in Queensland on our way to Cairns.
To Jodie & Jason I hope you have the best trip accross Oz and you keep up the great work you both are doing, you are my inspiration and can't wait until you guys move in to your house in October and we can catch up, we will pratically be neigbours as hopefully we too will moving into our unit in Hervey Bay.
To everyone, stay tuned, 2 more days and this blog may actually get interesting.
Until tomorrow !!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
3 Days to Go - and Counting
Thursday - 24 April 2008
We were up at sparrow fart this morning, 6.30am. What Tha! It was a killer as 9am is about normal crawl out of bed time. Rick and I hopped the train into Perth city as it was Visa day. As we will be away for 81 days we thought it better to go to the Thai consulate and apply for 60 day visa which means we only have to do one visa run accross the border when in Chiang Rai to get an extra 30 days which should see us through our 81 days. To kill time while the application was being processed we walked around Hay st Mall, London Court and then sat at the Stock Exchange for a while so Rick could watch the all Ords. How Excitement! Bought a couple of packets of Koala Bear and kangaroo Key rings to give as a gift to the lovely Thai people we will meet whilst over there.
We got back to consulate around 11am only had to wait another 15 minutes and visa was ready. Back on the train and home. By this time Rick was exhausted and was having withdrawals from no computer and stockmarket. Ho Hum!
One thing I will give WA, it has a small and very beautiful city that is easy to get around. The air is clean, the sun shines into the streets and it is certainly not crowded, the Swan River is picturesque and the Public Transport is excellent and easy to use. All of you out there who have never been to WA or Perth City put it on your 'to do' list, it is worth it.
Stay tuned for the next instalment as we count down to fly off!
We were up at sparrow fart this morning, 6.30am. What Tha! It was a killer as 9am is about normal crawl out of bed time. Rick and I hopped the train into Perth city as it was Visa day. As we will be away for 81 days we thought it better to go to the Thai consulate and apply for 60 day visa which means we only have to do one visa run accross the border when in Chiang Rai to get an extra 30 days which should see us through our 81 days. To kill time while the application was being processed we walked around Hay st Mall, London Court and then sat at the Stock Exchange for a while so Rick could watch the all Ords. How Excitement! Bought a couple of packets of Koala Bear and kangaroo Key rings to give as a gift to the lovely Thai people we will meet whilst over there.
We got back to consulate around 11am only had to wait another 15 minutes and visa was ready. Back on the train and home. By this time Rick was exhausted and was having withdrawals from no computer and stockmarket. Ho Hum!
One thing I will give WA, it has a small and very beautiful city that is easy to get around. The air is clean, the sun shines into the streets and it is certainly not crowded, the Swan River is picturesque and the Public Transport is excellent and easy to use. All of you out there who have never been to WA or Perth City put it on your 'to do' list, it is worth it.
Stay tuned for the next instalment as we count down to fly off!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
4 Days to go!!!!!
Wednesday - 23 April 08
Well today has been a busy day, cleaning carpets, trying to fit the last of our stuff into cartons and running around paying bills, registering the car and all those things you just love doing (not) when all you really want to do is get on that plane and away from normality.
Rick must be getting excited, he has managed to help pack the last cartons, clean carpets and monitor his trading all at the same time. Woo Hoo! He's a goer! Tomorrow is a day in the city getting our visa's and last minute bits and pieces as Friday is Anzac Day and no shops or banks will be open so we hope to have some time to sit back and relax before the task of moving furniture into storage and last minute tidying up, and handing the keys back to the landlord and being officially without a home until October. HOW COOL! Look out kids and grandkids, the oldies will be there in July.
To all our friends out there, and you know who you are, that are on the Travel train and without a home, HOW GOOD IS IT? WICKED!!!!!! FREEDOM & ADVENTURE - Here we all come!!!!!
Well today has been a busy day, cleaning carpets, trying to fit the last of our stuff into cartons and running around paying bills, registering the car and all those things you just love doing (not) when all you really want to do is get on that plane and away from normality.
Rick must be getting excited, he has managed to help pack the last cartons, clean carpets and monitor his trading all at the same time. Woo Hoo! He's a goer! Tomorrow is a day in the city getting our visa's and last minute bits and pieces as Friday is Anzac Day and no shops or banks will be open so we hope to have some time to sit back and relax before the task of moving furniture into storage and last minute tidying up, and handing the keys back to the landlord and being officially without a home until October. HOW COOL! Look out kids and grandkids, the oldies will be there in July.
To all our friends out there, and you know who you are, that are on the Travel train and without a home, HOW GOOD IS IT? WICKED!!!!!! FREEDOM & ADVENTURE - Here we all come!!!!!
Monday, April 21, 2008
Preparing for Our Trip
Tuesday - 22 April 08
WOW ! how much preparation is needed to move house and to get ready for a trip? I have been weeks getting things done and organising so all runs smooth in the lead up to us departing and starting our journey to Thailand. Rick has helped heaps by just watching with the occaisional, Have you done this! What about that? Its been all too easy for him.
Received an email from our dear friends who have been travelling all over S.E. Asia on their honeymoon and they are now back in Bangkok enroute to the UK. She warns us of the excessive heat and mozzies that we will be dealing with when we arrive, places to shop and things to buy, places to see and things to avoid and its been good to have someone to give us the heads up on all we need to know and be aware of. We are normally do the touristy thing and travel 'a la carte' but this time because the trip is longer we will mindful of staying within budget and making sacrifices on all luxuries and learning to do what other budget travellers do.
There is still much to do and to organise so keep watching for daily entries as we share our journey
Nic & Rick
WOW ! how much preparation is needed to move house and to get ready for a trip? I have been weeks getting things done and organising so all runs smooth in the lead up to us departing and starting our journey to Thailand. Rick has helped heaps by just watching with the occaisional, Have you done this! What about that? Its been all too easy for him.
Received an email from our dear friends who have been travelling all over S.E. Asia on their honeymoon and they are now back in Bangkok enroute to the UK. She warns us of the excessive heat and mozzies that we will be dealing with when we arrive, places to shop and things to buy, places to see and things to avoid and its been good to have someone to give us the heads up on all we need to know and be aware of. We are normally do the touristy thing and travel 'a la carte' but this time because the trip is longer we will mindful of staying within budget and making sacrifices on all luxuries and learning to do what other budget travellers do.
There is still much to do and to organise so keep watching for daily entries as we share our journey
Nic & Rick
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