SORRY!!!

Been having too much fun in Koh Tao for the last week, now in Samui, heading to Phangan manana for a night than back here. We had a great Christmas. I will tell more later and hopefully pics as well. I have to find a place to stay in Phangan, so I gotta go!!! :)-m

Cloudy day in the island..

Saigon Sunset

Soo, where was I? We went to the Chu Chi Tunnels. It was pretty crazy! They spent over 20 years creating these tunnels all through Southern Vietnam. I once again felt a little uncomfortable being there, but it was interesting. They had examples of the different trap they set up in the jungle to kill American soldiers in the war. These people are crafty folks! We actually got to climb through part of the tunnels. They were really claustrophobic, and dark. I only went for a bit, almost ran into the guy in front of me ass, and had enough of that. I was wondering why alot of the older Vietnamese people have bad posture-I think it' because they spent to much time in the network of tunnels! After that they had a shooting range where you could shot guns from the AK47 to M60! I really thought I wanted to do it, but 1: I couldn't afford it 2: once there, felt weird making lite of major weapons and war. After that we headed to the airport-to say the least I was ready to get back to Thailand. Vietnam was a great experience, and I saw alot of beautiful place, and made some great new friends. But being an American, I still felt a little disrespectful and strange being there.
We got into Bangkok-with only a few delays at the airport-Mez got a bullet keychain/lighter and forgot it was in her backpack-confiscation. And Luke forgot about scissors and Leatherman in his..ohh wait then he checked it and they thought his lighters were BOMBS!!-so siilly. Especially siince Dan got through no problem with this Leatherman in his pack! Jumped a cab to Koh San Road..ohh to be back on KOh San Road..so comforting! Nothing like the backpackers ghetto of Bangkok. We got a couple of towers of beers and did some shopping, and with 2 hours to spare, got a really quick sleep in before catching our bus/ferry to Koh Tao.
The ferry ride was a bumpy one to say the least. It was like puke fest 2008! The dude in front of me lost his tummy, than the chick next to him, then the kid to the left of me! Than Dan starting looking a lil green, so we all headed outside. Besides who the hell wants to sit inside a cabin where 50% of the passengers are puking?!Once we arrived on the islands we got to our swanky hotel/dive resort.

Our Sunset from our room in Koh Tao, Bans Diving Resort
I our room is super nice-nicest we've stayed in for sure! we have a wrap around deck over the main walking path on the island-view of the ocean off to one side, plush beds, sitting area, and UNLIMITED hot water!! :) So Dan Luke, & Mez all signed up for the diving course-no money, no diving :(-but its ok, because I can totally handle hangin out on the Beach soaking up some vitamin D. The rest of our crew should be here with the next 24 hours or so. One of the English girls-Sel I guess has caught a bit of a bug and had to go toi the hospital in Cambodia! Poor thing! So her and her friend George are rumored to flying in today, and Julio & Daniel by ferry tomorrow, and Katie should be here Christmas morning.
The sun has been covered up by a giant grey cloud, but from where I'm sitting right now I can see the beach, a handmade palm frond Christmas tree on the beach, and feel a lil siesta coming on from my busy day of napping and sunbathing. Ahh the holidays in the islands-I could get use to this. No non-stop bad Christmas music, stressed out customers who don't tip, or cold damp weather. I do admit I miss the smell of a tree, the parties and of course all my family and friends.
Meryy hoho to all, and a even better new year. Hopefully everyone gets what they want-that the economic situation turns around, and you all get a pony for Christmas :)-m

It's all part of the adventure..right?

So we headed out the other day(I guess 7 days ago now) we rode for a bit, checked out some cool waterfalls, and headed for our first stop-Kom Tum. Our hotel was intresting, ok to sleep, but none of us would have chosen it. Had some local food-all veggie-even the lil smokie hot dogs, and our first of many mystery meats of our trip. the next few days pretty much mirrored this..ride, ride, ride stop for smoke breaks, checked out some'sights' then headed to our seedy hotel for the night.



All the cities we stopped in were in the middle of BFE, and what the f are we suppost to do-nowhere we could actually go, so we held up in our rooms and got our drink on. On the third night we decided to actually go out with our drivers and hit up a local 'bar'. Mez, Dan & Luke headed up to grap hoodies and when they were gone for a bit to long I started to wonder..So I headed up and looks like Mez ate shit down the stairs and sprained her ankle. Good thing we had some vodka! So our drivers went out got some more vodka, soem Asian pears, ohh and some PIGEON! Let me tell you, it wasn't half bad! And no, it didnt taste like chicken-but it was pretty tasty. Gotta try new things right?! So next day-ride, ride, ride, sight, ride, ride....

For the amount of money we were paying it would have been nice to seen more of the towns we went to and a little more sights not as much riding. So yesterday we got to Mui Ne-a beach town in southern Vietnam. We had some issues finding a hotel, and Mez and I needed some well overdue beach time. So our drivers dropped us at the beach, and went to find some accomadations-you would think they would have had that planned right? So after a short 1.5 hour-it was past peak sun time anyway, they came back and let us know they found a great place. We all switched up drivers on the way back, and were off. My driver, with Luke was a little behind (mind you he's the 'boss' and has always been way behind everyone the whole trip, which he would get very angry about-everyday..). They showed up maybe 10 minuets behind the rest of us. Apparently Tri was very upset. I went out to get my bag off his bike, and I thanked him for finding such a great place. He mumbled something about 'don't worry you take bus tomorrow, much better" I asked him, "What?!" "No problems, I explain later..". So I got back to the room and told Luke what he said, and he said how pissed off he was at the other guys for getting so far ahead. blah blah blah....So Danny took a shower and we headed down to the beach for a look. Dan comes walking up-a little perturbed...I guess the drivers were throwing in the towel, and were going back home. Right. Back home. After 6 days of driving us all over the highlands, to random fucking towns, and charging us $50 a day-not including meals or drinks....We were all a little concerened. So we went to talk to the guys. I guess my driver was' tired' and his ' back hurt' so he wanted to go home. The other guys were still game, but really... So we paid them for the last 2 days, a total of $300 for what..and they were OUT. So we went out to Italian dinner-ppbbtt-pizza, had some vino-then headed to the beach for a lil vodka and bonfire.
We booked a bus (another one-we still have our tickets we paid for in Hanoi-apparently non-refundable) and headed out to Saigon first thing in the am. After a little longer than told ( we're use to that now :)) we have arrived. Got a room for the night, going to check out the night market, Chu Chi Tunnels manana, then hop on a plane to Bangkok. One night there, a little secret santa shopping-then off to the beautiful island of Koh Tao for the holidays YEAH!!!
So, like i said, it's all part of the adventure right?! :)-m

Eating some mystery meat
** Reading this now- in March-It was really not THAT bad. Seriously, I complained alot, but really it was awesome. A total experience of a life time. We saw alot of the countryside of Vietnam, and it was beautiful. I wouldnt have changed a thing. :)

Saigon

Sorry its been a while, but we are having too good of a time! So I've been in Hoi An, Vietnam for the last 3 days, and Dan met up with us last night, after sounds like the best days of his trip so far! He headed back out to Halong Bay-with a live chicken mascot. And partied like a rock star, drank like 50$ in beer, ate dog, missed the bus! Then took an 'easy rider' motorbike ride to meet us. The motorbike thing sounded like so much fun, that Luke, Mez, and I decided to join him on a week long journey to Saigon! Sooo COOL!!! We met our 'riders' tonight. My guy is named Tri (tree) and they took us out to dinner had some beers, showed us some pics and told us our game plan. We start at 8am tomorrow. Head down the Ho Chi Trail into the coutryside of Vietnam, visit some waterfalls and tribes. Spend the night in a hotel and continue down the inners of Vietnam. We stop all along the way and check all sorts of shit out that normally people dont get to see. Im really excited. We arrive the 19th in Saigon, then head on a plane the next day to Bangkok, then a ferry to Koh Tao. Don't be scared mom's, all is good-and safety in numbers! It will be unbelievable. Its pretty expensive, but hopefully Santa will bring me money, and all will be good.
We have jsut been hanging out here, very cool town. Nice beaches. Lots of custom tailors, and so-so friendly folks. Some really good food, and many good times. We are planning to go to Koh Tao for Christmas than down to Koh Samui forNew YEars..funfufunfun!! Ok, well Im OVER being on the computer and people are waiting for it..love xoxo-get back at cha from Saigon!! -m
PS-As some of you know, Ive joined the year 2008, and I'm now on facebook

Pro Rock Climber

So we just got back from beautiful-yet cloudy-Halong Bay. We headed down there and jumped on the boat that we spent the night on the first night. We then headed out for a lil kayak session. There were all these fishing villages, just floating in the middle of the water-very cool. There is something like 1169 islands there. It was peaceful and well needed from being in the honking madness of Hanoi. So we cruised around checked out some little caves, had a few kayak pile ups and drank some nice cold beers. I guess Dan had too many of the frosty bevey's, and had to use one of the empty cans to pee in. Talk about talent. He peed in a can in the pack of a kayak. I almost had to go myself from laughing so much! Nothing like being surrounded by beauty and hearing gentle tinkeling sounds behind you! So after that back to the boat for some jumping off the deck into the lovely warm water and swimming. The night continued with dinner, many a beer, some vodka, and dance party of the deck. We meet a girl-Miz-who back at home does a lil Tai Kwon Doe, and lets just say Dan was determined to beat her in a sparing match, and failed 3 times :) I had originally signed up to do kayaking the second day, and in my beer haze, decided that I could tottaly handle do rock climbing. It cost like $30 more, but hey, how often do you get to climb for your first time in Vietnam? So I woke up the next morning, regretting all then drinking and what I signed up for. But the boat captain said no changing my mind, and I would have a great time-so off we went to climb some rocks. We took a smaller boat to the nice little beach where the ropes were set up. Umm, yeah the instructor guy-freakin hottie. Tim from Idaho, with arms and legs of steal. So we all got geared up and started in. I was really nervous, but everyone started and I waited my turn. The girl Miz was scared as well, she had done it before-so I went after she did it. Its pretty crazy climbing up a pretty much flat surface with just a rope and little Vietnamese holding the rope. I did the first one, very quickly-faster you go up quckier you can come down. The next one was a lot harder, but i pulled off like a champ. The last looked easier than the second, but I was wrong. About half way up I started to get a lil nervous, missed my grip and fell off. But luckily the hottie has the rope all strapped to you so I just grabbed a hold of the rock took a breather, and with his coaching and the encouragement off the others headed to the top. I really think the repelling down is the best part, just jumpin down like a lil spider. Luke has done it at home and truely was like a spider going up-pretty impressive I must say. And being his first time, Dan kicked some major ass as well! So after that a lil lunchy and off to do some more climbs. Hottie man climbed the rocks to set up the ropes-just climbed right up, no big deal-did I mention his legs and arms of steal?:) The second group of climbs was a bit harder, and from my slip I was a little banged up and decided to sit the second round out. Everyone else did it and did an awesome job. Back on the boat to head to land to spend the night in a hotel-more drunken shenanigans. We had a lot of fun to say the least. I spent most of the day today resting and nursing my lovely hangover. Im no longer going to head out by myself, so we are heading south to Hue manana. Vietnam is getting much better-still missing and loving you all :)-m

Some well needed fun in the sun

So Im feeling better bout everything :) We head out to Halong Bay manana on a 2 night trip. We go out, kayak and hang out. Spend the night on the boat-the 'Jolly Roger'. Next day more fun in the sun, kayaking-half the group goes rock climbing-Im doing the kayaking, its cheaper and some how Ive blown through more than half of my money already-no good since I still have almost 2 months! Then we all meet back up for lunch, fun, than check into the hotel for the night. Im sure I will have fun and I am really looking forward to some relaxation, swimming and laying inthe sun. After that we head back and not sure my next step. I think Dan and I will be going our own ways for a week or so. I need some time to do a little 'self' exploring, and check things out on my own. But all is good-no worries my friends. Ok, I will keep you updated and tell you all about the adventure to Halong Bay! peace-:)m

This one goes out to you and yours..worldwide..

"I say hey, I'll be gone today, but I'll be back coming round the way.
Seems like everywhere I go, the more I see, the less I know.
But I know one thing, that I love you, I love you, I love you.."
-Michael Franti & Spearhead
I learned a few things on that trip yesterday, one is that Michael Franti is a lyrical revolutionary and my audio savior. Thank you Apple, for inventing the IPod, I really dont think I could survive without it!! :0)-m

So it was 27hrs...

..but really not too bad. We left at about 7, just as our passports and visas arrived. We headed out, full to the brim-bags hip deep in the aisles and every seat taken. we drove for ohh about 5 minuets then stopped. this repeated every 15 minuets to an hour. At about 1:30 we stopped again for untold 5 hour stop at hotel where the rooms were 4$ then 5$ the next min, but what ever we got a room and splept for a sec, than back on the bus. We headed for the Vietnam/Laos border. There we waited about 4 or so hours, on the bus-off the bus-on-off blah blah. More fees, more run around, pretty unorganized, but then we were off. And we stopped again. The 'guy in charge' was VERY rude. But then turned nice, I asked him if we were going to city center, he said yes for 15 people on the bus, we told we had a reservation, and he told us ' no problem' he could drop us at our hotel-perfect! By the way, honking is a national pass time in Vietnam, so every other second, HONNNNK HONKKKHOOOONK! So F-ing annoying. So we kept going, and going, he told me ohh a couple more hours. We were to arrive in Hanoi at 6, but like all our other trips we shoulda figured a few extra hours, we got to some random busstop at around 9:30, we get off to smaoke, before we get dropped at our hotel. All of a sudden evil man in charge turned..Yelled at all of us 'backpackers' to get off the bus, and saying how ' you wonder why we dont like backpackers' blah blah blah. So he kicked us all off, so we all we pretty much forced on this mini bus where this lady 'said' she would take us to our hotel, after we checked out hers. Scams, scams, scams. But whatever, we all got on, then as a mass, we all got off before her hotel, thanks but no thanks lady. Not to sure where we were, got some money, and headed to where we had made soft reservations at this place. We came upon the infamous Hanoi Backpackers Hostel, they had rooms for all of us, so we took it. The other place would have been cheaper, with a private room, and bath-but we were here, and it looks like alot of fun! So we checked in locked up our bags, then headed out for a beer and soem grub. Weird, I guess in communist countries then stop serving beer at 10. But we found an Irish pub, Finnegans-whatelse! Decent enough Fish n Chips, although tasted a lil 'dirty'. But good beer and Jamesons :)
So my first reaction was I want to go home or at least flee this dirty ass-liar filled country and head to Cambodia. But after a ok night sleep, on the top bunk,in a dorm with 7 other people-Im feeling much better. The hostel is great. Breakfest every morning, free-FAST-internet,and free BBQ evry M, W, and Th at the roof top bar! We will be here for a few days then head to Halong Bay-Yeah!! Beach and sun again!! :)-m
PS-All of you worried about the situation in Bangkok, not even affecting us, so no worries. Its pretty peaceful, not sure what the news is portraying there-but its more of a hassel then a danger. And for those of you coming here-Im sure it will be resolved by then, at least I hope so! Love to you all :)-m

Gobble Gobble Fat Turkey!!

Im sure everyone is enjoying left over turkey sandos slathered in cranberry, mayo and cheese-maybe a little stuffing or mashed mixes in for good measure-and if not please do and enjoy one for me! So im a day or two late on the Happy Turkey Day shout out, but im a busy lady! So we left fun times in Vang Vieng and south to the capital. We (there is now 5 in the group-Me And Dan, Andy & Jenn, and Luke), hired some kayaks and headed down the river. After a very bumpy 1.5 hour, we got to the river, cruised down about an hour or so stopped for a river side lunch-cooked on the rocks and all! Then another hour to the drop where we caught a glamorous ride in another comfy Tuk-Tuk, then a 2 hour ride into town. Its funny how every time frame we have been given, you can just add another 1-2 hours on to it :) So checked into a hotel, unfortunately with moldy walls-then after a good nights sleep, and an actual HOT shower, we checked out into another this morning. Today the plan is to get some chores done-email, visa for Vietnam, and another drop at the post. Then happy hour tonight to celebrate a hard days work, than play again manana! Sooo, I think in Laos hot water means tepid, and Fast Internet means, not that slow....so no pictures yet :)-m

Tubing Fun!

I so wish this town had faster internet! Sorry, but you are going to be soo jealous when you see the pictures and videos from the tubing adventure down the river here in Vang Vieng. You can You Tube it I guess to get an idea, but really, soo much fun. So you rent your tube, hop in a tuk-tuk, get carted up the road like 15 minuets than dropped off at this organic farm next to the river. You can indulge in a mulberry mojhito or a big bottle of Beer-Lao( who would have guessed Id be drinking soo much damn lager!(but dad said!)). Then you jump in the river with beer in hand. But wait, you didnt need to do that b/c like 40 feet away is your first beer stop! They throw out a rope and pull you in. Then if your not a scaredy pants, you climb up this big tower than jump off with a 'trapeze' rode in your hands, swinging across the water, than dropping into the refreshing river. So picture doing this rotation of events down the river for 4-6 hours! HAHAHAHAAHA!!! Heaven!

We have been here 3 days, done it twice, and plan to do it again manana. Our first time 8 of our ten (2 down with tummy issues) headed out right after we checked in. I couldn't do the swing the first day, only the massive slide into the river, but day 2 I was brave and did the 2 tallest ones! But so first day..we go along and decide to float the whole way back, about an hour after the last bar. So we all beer up, a head out together. So silly. And we are floating, and what happens, but a total downpour. So there I was floating down the river foot in foot, chatting with a guy from England, beer in hand, floating down one of the most beautiful places I've seen yet-in a total monsoon! Ahhh..I love life :)
So this Town we are staying in has this really weird obsession with friends. Like ALL day they just play back to back friends. And there is a least 6 places Ive seen so far. Really annoying. ( ill be there for you...) But thankful we found a place that does the same thing with Family Guy-Stewie! Okay, more soon my frinds :)-m

Waterfalll!

So we headed out to a beautiful waterfall yesterday, I forget the name, but it was too cool for school. I would love to show you the pictures, but the connection is redicliously slow here and I dont have any pacience. But the water was crystal clear, and scaredy pants mandy jumped off a tree and the waterfall! You could hike to the very top, and let me tell the view was fantastic.

Dan doing a little tree jumping. So much fun! The water was truly beautiful...






Today I went to these caves that have like million old Buddah statues in it, pretty unreal. Tonight we head to the pub to watch the 'match' with all our new English friends. Tomorrow MOrning the 10 of us, we now have another Brit and and Aussie in the crew, will pile into a mini van off to the place(sorry Im really hungry and my head really isnt working so well, I cant remeber any names) where we float down the river. :) It should be lots of debochary. Loving Laos. I spent WAY too much money on pressys for everyone, but it is all too tempting! Love and mIss you all-m

Well, its now February, and there's the pictures! :)

Laos baby!!

Hello!! We have arrived in Laos after a long and really comfy ride down the Mehkong River.



We left had a nice 6 hour float, not to crowded-bout 60 or so people,
and with a lil rum quite enjoyable. Stayed the night in a stop over place and left the next morning. THENNN yesterday we had about 125 on the first couple of hours. Than we stopped and picked up about 15 locals, chickens and all. So I didn't really move for the next 7 hours. Leg cramps anyone? We now are traveling with a group of 8. @ from our trek, Jen and Andy, 2 from a bus ride, Simon and Tash, and 2 Swiss folks Michelle and Alex.

We arrived in Luang Prabuang (sp) and are here for a few days. LOVE this place. So many monks, so little time. Its funny all the Americans we meet are from the Bay. a guy from Woodacre, Santa Cruz, and Walnut Creek so far! But I got everyone waiting on me, so again soon :)-m

Im now a vegetarian again...Ness-dont show Conner

and this is why...

Yes folks, that a freaking human hand. It was in this nice little pile of trash down the street from our guest house in Chang Mai. I almost threw up. And Im sorry if you are right now. But come on, I had to share it!!
** I took out the pic, I dont everyone puking on their keyboards :) Dont worry, I still have it though. Meeta, I will get it blown up for you to put on your wall.

Im getting better at this huh?!

Today I started my day with a lil yoga. Than a light breakfest. Walked downtown, sent some packages, got some passport photos for my visas, got a little money exchanged, now Im blogging. Ohh the horrors of life. I think I will go have some beers now and then rest before another stressful day in Thailand. Ohh wait Im leaving Thailand to take a slow boat into Laos where I will play for the next 2 weeks or so...poor me. :)
Dont hate me, Love me, especially you Brian :) Ohhkayy-till then my friends :)-m

Not so much a Trek, as a hike...

So We DID catch the last night of festivities from the full moon Festival in Chang Mai. So flippin cool. There were tons of people out celebrating with fireworks and setting out those boat things into the river. I guess by doing that you absolve yourself from worries and bad things. I set one in the river, yeah, so I got that going for me (daluna dalung gunga, Hey Lama!).

We hung out with this guy we met from New Castle that night, he was also coming on the first night of our 'trek' with us.
Matt-he will be visiting SF in March :). Everyone was letting off the hot air balloon things and craziness everywhere. So we went out had some fun then headed home to get sleep for the big trek..