Thailand

Bangkok and Koh Samui

Jordan and I arrived in the legendary city of Bangkok towards midnight. After getting our bags and negotiating a price for the cab ride we were off to the heart of the city. One thing's for certain, even from a cab in the middle of the night it was clear that Thailand and Bangkok would be a much different adventure than Australia. As morning dawned, Jordan and I were off to Khao San road, the famous tourist road in Bangkok. This small stretch of street is littered with hotels, bars, shops and stands selling everything your little heart could desire. We arrived, found a hotel then decided to do some investigating. On a little stop inside a 7 eleven for some water we were amazed to run directly into a face from my past back home. A friend named Chris Watson, who I haden't seen since my high school days. He had just arrived from Canada with his buddy Ty on a 6 month trip around South-East Asia. We promptly decided some beers were in order. The next 5 or 6 hours we aquainted ourselves with a selection of Thai beers and visited one of Bangkok's legendary markets and red light districts; Pat-Pong markets. We'll just say that everyone should experience this area. Once you see it, you'll never forget it.

By 10pm it was time to head to the airport and meet a new arrival to our journey; the incredible, the amazing and the beautiful Elizabeth Munch (she forced me to say that).
After a little searching we were reunited with Elizabeth, and although she was tired from her long journey and a little mad with us (because we originally went to the wrong terminal) she was happy to see us. It was great seeing her again and energized this part of our journey. Thus begins the legendary journey of the fabulous Canadian super-group: EL-ORD-ATT!!

We spent the next couple of days shopping, made a visit to Soi Cowboy (another famous Bangkok red light area...yes they have a few) and planning the next few weeks of our adventure. From Bangkok the three of us jumped on an overnight train heading south, destined for the town of Surat Thani. The train trip was awesome, a really good way to see the Thai countryside. Even met 3 friendly Kiwis and chatted with them to pass the time.

From Surat Thani we quickly jumped on a ferry and headed for the biggest of the three main eastern islands; Koh Samui. On Koh Samui we got our first taste of the Thai beaches and sunshine. We managed to find a nice little resort on the coast and immeadiately began working on our tans. We quickly found out that Thailand is as it's described...a little piece of paradise. Restaurants on the beach, vendors, sandy beaches, picturesque coastline. It was decided that we would celebrate Jordan's belated birthday and our trip by indulging in a little taste of home. Elizabeth in her infinite wisdom brought with her a beautiful bottle of Gibson's Finest rye whiskey. It was a long anticipated moment for us all.

Spent the next few days taking in the sights, went to a tiger and bird show and attended a legendary full moon party. Imagine 10-15 thousand people partying all night on one stretch of beach, VERY INTENSE!!! We had a great time to say the least, although the transport there and back was a bit of a hassle. Our experiences in Bangkok and Koh Samui would set the tone for what would be a memorable month of adventures, sights, sand and memories.