We hurried back to the same airport we flew into not six hours before to buy our tickets to Krabi. Our final destination was Koh Lanta but it took all day to get there.
After we arrived in Krabi we had to take a bus to the ‘shuttle stop’ where we waited at a shack for the shuttle. Throughout the hour we were constantly trying to be swayed to stay at one of the employee’s (of the shack) friend’s hotel while we were searching/calling hotels to inquire their availability. He almost had us- right until we were told to pay him now and not the hotel. When we (obviously) said ‘no’, he began yelling at us and told us we were not smart, blah, blah, blah. We left the shack in silence as we got in the van beginning to wonder what we got ourselves into…
Our concern grew as we began to make continual stops throughout the two hour journey to Koh Lanta, an island that isn’t overcrowded with tourists and still holds astonishing beauty, or so we read. The first stop was to buy a water bottle (fair enough). The second stop was a newspaper (we couldn’t help but wonder- was he going to read while he was driving?). The third stop was on the side of the road where he met a man and was handed a small plastic bag after he gave the mysterious man some money. The fourth stop we really didn’t know where he went. The last stop was at his house, where his daughter was waiting outside. He dropped everything off: the newspaper, the dinner in the to-go bag, and the water bottle and gave his daughter a kiss on the top of her head. (We felt foolish as we had jumped to conclusions).
We had to take two ferries to get to Koh Lanta. After, the van dropped everyone off at their hotel. We arrived at the Moonlight Hotel at 8PM and had to wake up the owner to let us into our bungalow. Since there were was only a month left to the off season (aka monsoon season), many hotel lobby’s, restaurants, shops, etc. close down entirely or close early. We were surprised to see how quiet it was but quickly realized we were the only ones staying there.
Our bungalow was very ‘Thai’ with thatched roofs and bamboo like walls. I loved it. We had a nice porch that sat just a few feet above what the girls called, ‘a swamp’. They quickly fell asleep at about 8:30 PM, again, thanks to jet lag when I too succumbed to sleep.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Bangkok Thailand - Day 1
And so I write this post with just a tinge of sadness. I have just said goodbye to my best friends and arrived back in Hangzhou to finish out our teaching contract until February 2010.
I knew I was quite fortunate to have friends who jumped at the chance to come to China, not exactly a country that reaches the top of most people’s ‘must see’ places. Yet they were eager to make it their yearly vacation and continue our travels together. Lizz and I have traveled around Europe together and the three of us went to Costa Rica back in 2005.
I waited impatiently for September to arrive since they bought their tickets back in March. Finally, September 29th came and we all were on our way to meet in Bangkok, Thailand. Although we only had five days to see as much of the country as we could- we were also left to see China in a matter of five days. We wanted to go Bangkok because our good friend from college, Kevin has been teaching with Princeton Review there for the past two and a half years. After I landed at 1:30 AM, I was greeted by the three of them immediately. It was so great to see them after so long let alone really good friends who have known me for years and years and I them. Immediately I felt out of my comfort zone- It was the first time I’d been out of the country in 8 months. It was even more strange to realize that China was in fact my current ‘comfort zone’. Yet, I quickly saw many similarities: the speed taxi drivers are inclined to, the run down look of buildings and streets, the HUMIDITY, etc. Something I was very surprised to see was that 7-11s are more popular there than Starbucks are in the States. (I took advantage of them and got a chocolate milk almost every time I saw one- we don’t have either in China)
Kevin was kind enough to let us stay at his nice apartment for the night before going back to the airport in the morning to fly to Krabi. We weren’t able to get to bed until 4:30 AM and not an hour and half later the girls were wide eyed and ready for the day thanks to jet lag.
I knew I was quite fortunate to have friends who jumped at the chance to come to China, not exactly a country that reaches the top of most people’s ‘must see’ places. Yet they were eager to make it their yearly vacation and continue our travels together. Lizz and I have traveled around Europe together and the three of us went to Costa Rica back in 2005.
I waited impatiently for September to arrive since they bought their tickets back in March. Finally, September 29th came and we all were on our way to meet in Bangkok, Thailand. Although we only had five days to see as much of the country as we could- we were also left to see China in a matter of five days. We wanted to go Bangkok because our good friend from college, Kevin has been teaching with Princeton Review there for the past two and a half years. After I landed at 1:30 AM, I was greeted by the three of them immediately. It was so great to see them after so long let alone really good friends who have known me for years and years and I them. Immediately I felt out of my comfort zone- It was the first time I’d been out of the country in 8 months. It was even more strange to realize that China was in fact my current ‘comfort zone’. Yet, I quickly saw many similarities: the speed taxi drivers are inclined to, the run down look of buildings and streets, the HUMIDITY, etc. Something I was very surprised to see was that 7-11s are more popular there than Starbucks are in the States. (I took advantage of them and got a chocolate milk almost every time I saw one- we don’t have either in China)
Kevin was kind enough to let us stay at his nice apartment for the night before going back to the airport in the morning to fly to Krabi. We weren’t able to get to bed until 4:30 AM and not an hour and half later the girls were wide eyed and ready for the day thanks to jet lag.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Two Days Later
I wish I could say that I’ve gotten over my bike being stolen in a matter of two days but I haven’t. Afterall, it’s just a bike but it’s just infuriating. I still remember so clearly walking out of the restaurant, looking to the left where I had left my bike with two locks attached to a pole and turning to Chad anticipating that this funny joke he played on me would crack. I didn’t realize he had also had locked his bike to mine and the pole, meaning there were four locks ‘securing’ them. I quickly put two and two together once I saw his fierce reaction. I might as well just left them unlocked since these thieves have all the key blanks to locks in China. Live and learn, I guess.
Shocked, is an understatement. I just couldn’t believe it. I had the bike two days. Two days. There was nothing more I could have done to have prevented this. They had been right in front of the restaurant on a busy street. The worst part about it is that so many people witnessed them being carried over the bike rail into a van and did nothing. Nothing. I see situations like this often here and find myself in awe of people’s actions or lack there of. I have seen people literally hit by cars or taxis and bystanders pretty much kick up their heels and watch- they do NOTHING. NOTHING. Not one person will rush to their side. I just can’t understand it. Chad has thwarted four pick-pocketing incidents already. And in every case, he’s been the only one who’s taken action.
There’s also the issue of the ‘police’. This term is has a completely different connotation here than it does in the States. Their primary job here is to direct traffic and well, that’s it. They don’t carry weapons. None.
Chad had called the police directly after our realization and filed a report just so we had our bases covered. Knowing that there are 7 million people in this city and that stealing bikes here is true profession, we knew the odds weren’t good. What I just found out though is that the police actually know where the stolen bike market is and simply won’t raid it until they get enough complaints. This is what I’m talking about… Sometimes things just feel hopeless here.
Shocked, is an understatement. I just couldn’t believe it. I had the bike two days. Two days. There was nothing more I could have done to have prevented this. They had been right in front of the restaurant on a busy street. The worst part about it is that so many people witnessed them being carried over the bike rail into a van and did nothing. Nothing. I see situations like this often here and find myself in awe of people’s actions or lack there of. I have seen people literally hit by cars or taxis and bystanders pretty much kick up their heels and watch- they do NOTHING. NOTHING. Not one person will rush to their side. I just can’t understand it. Chad has thwarted four pick-pocketing incidents already. And in every case, he’s been the only one who’s taken action.
There’s also the issue of the ‘police’. This term is has a completely different connotation here than it does in the States. Their primary job here is to direct traffic and well, that’s it. They don’t carry weapons. None.
Chad had called the police directly after our realization and filed a report just so we had our bases covered. Knowing that there are 7 million people in this city and that stealing bikes here is true profession, we knew the odds weren’t good. What I just found out though is that the police actually know where the stolen bike market is and simply won’t raid it until they get enough complaints. This is what I’m talking about… Sometimes things just feel hopeless here.
Friday, September 11, 2009
'I Told You So'
I’m obviously really behind in keeping up with my promise about posting our trip in Tibet BUT something has inspired me to write…
Two days ago I made the big purchase to facilitate our life here. Chad already had one- he bought a ‘nice’ used bike off of a teacher who was leaving. After riding around on his a few times and realizing the convenience of it, I was very excited to buy our newest addition, my new bike. It’s beautiful-shiny, red and black, and everyday I wake up excited to ride it. I even dreamed of it the night I bought it. Sounds silly but really I kicked myself for not buying one earlier. I no longer have to pay for ‘Mr. Toad’s Wild’ taxi ride and I honestly LOVED riding around the city. I felt like I had gotten to know my way around in these last few days by riding my bike everywhere than I have in the last six months!
I also have managed to corral several other teachers to create our little own ‘EF half marathon team’ in which we ride our bikes to West Lake/ meet up with other teachers who want to train, run our distance and then ride back home. It’s amazing. We don’t have to cram onto the already sweaty buses, worry about our bags being sliced or robbed and can come and go as we please. I have felt healthier in these last few days and enjoy that my legs are sore. It’s a welcome sign to getting back into shape, something that has been long overdue and I’m already feeling so much better.
Today, on the ride over to dinner, to say goodbye to a great friend who’s contract has ended and is leaving for Australia for a year, I talked with another friend who has decided to go on a long bike ride with me Sunday morning to encourage her into running with us on Monday. The look of my bike and it’s efficient gears and effective brakes even swayed her into buying a new one… that is until mine and Chad’s was stolen one hour later off a pole with three locks on it…
Yes, it’s just a bike and yes, this is part of my experience in China but at the moment… I’m just so angry.
Two days ago I made the big purchase to facilitate our life here. Chad already had one- he bought a ‘nice’ used bike off of a teacher who was leaving. After riding around on his a few times and realizing the convenience of it, I was very excited to buy our newest addition, my new bike. It’s beautiful-shiny, red and black, and everyday I wake up excited to ride it. I even dreamed of it the night I bought it. Sounds silly but really I kicked myself for not buying one earlier. I no longer have to pay for ‘Mr. Toad’s Wild’ taxi ride and I honestly LOVED riding around the city. I felt like I had gotten to know my way around in these last few days by riding my bike everywhere than I have in the last six months!
I also have managed to corral several other teachers to create our little own ‘EF half marathon team’ in which we ride our bikes to West Lake/ meet up with other teachers who want to train, run our distance and then ride back home. It’s amazing. We don’t have to cram onto the already sweaty buses, worry about our bags being sliced or robbed and can come and go as we please. I have felt healthier in these last few days and enjoy that my legs are sore. It’s a welcome sign to getting back into shape, something that has been long overdue and I’m already feeling so much better.
Today, on the ride over to dinner, to say goodbye to a great friend who’s contract has ended and is leaving for Australia for a year, I talked with another friend who has decided to go on a long bike ride with me Sunday morning to encourage her into running with us on Monday. The look of my bike and it’s efficient gears and effective brakes even swayed her into buying a new one… that is until mine and Chad’s was stolen one hour later off a pole with three locks on it…
Yes, it’s just a bike and yes, this is part of my experience in China but at the moment… I’m just so angry.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Lhasa, Tibet: August 26, 2009 (Day 1)
Alas, we finally made it to Tibet, the highest city in the world- It was only our second try to get here. The first time we planned to come, I acquired a lung/ blood infection just two days prior to leaving and due to Tibet’s altitude, going with a mere cold isn’t even recommended due to the risk of developing pulmonary edema rather quickly. Luckily the tour company allowed us to delay the trip until after my busy season at work.
We flew into Xi’an (a city in the middle of China) for a layover and while we were on our connecting flight to Lhasa, we could already feel the affects from the altitude, thanks to the airline crew releasing some of the cabin pressure. After a quick nap, I awoke to notice my heart rate had definitely accelerated as well as my breathing but also that my arms and fingers were tingling. Once we landed, we immediately saw a vast difference from Tibet vs. China. The people, were alluring- dark skinned, intriguing eyes, prominent cheek bones, and such a colorful, ornate style of dress. Chad was mostly excited about seeing blue sky. I realized then, that we hadn’t seen blue sky in six months now. The brightness literally hurt our eyes. This adjustment actually took us a few days.
We quickly found our tour guide, a native Tibetan, named Lobsang and climbed into our 20 year old Land Cruiser to meet our driver, also a local, named Bimba. Going into this trip we knew a vast majority of our time would be spent in the car- but we were quite content with that since the scenery was astounding! We also were constantly entertained with spotting the millions of cattle, sheep, yaks, goats, pigs, dogs, horses that speckled the landscape, yards, and always the roads. It was a welcomed reminder of what Scotland was like- seeing more animals than people.
It took us about an hour to get from the airport to the old town where our hotel, The Cool Yak Hotel was. On our way, it was evident to see that there was a major Chinese influence in the areas outside the old town. But it didn’t take us long to both feel that this province needs to be it’s own country. Everything is different here and it was disappointing to see this wonderful province losing it’s culture, beliefs and traditions to political turmoil.
By the time we arrived to the hotel, it was approaching several hours since we landed (A crucial time that altitude sickness would either already be upon us or would soon be)… and when they tell you take it easy the first day, they literally mean, lie down the ENTIRE day- Unfortunately, for us, we had no other choice. We were both stuck with one of the worst headaches we’ve ever had. We were dizzy and also slightly nauseated but other than that it was like experiencing one of the worst hangovers in your life. Even dinner, brushing our teeth, putting on warmer clothes were completely out of the question for the night. There was no way we were going to move. And so we went to bed at 6:30PM…
We flew into Xi’an (a city in the middle of China) for a layover and while we were on our connecting flight to Lhasa, we could already feel the affects from the altitude, thanks to the airline crew releasing some of the cabin pressure. After a quick nap, I awoke to notice my heart rate had definitely accelerated as well as my breathing but also that my arms and fingers were tingling. Once we landed, we immediately saw a vast difference from Tibet vs. China. The people, were alluring- dark skinned, intriguing eyes, prominent cheek bones, and such a colorful, ornate style of dress. Chad was mostly excited about seeing blue sky. I realized then, that we hadn’t seen blue sky in six months now. The brightness literally hurt our eyes. This adjustment actually took us a few days.
We quickly found our tour guide, a native Tibetan, named Lobsang and climbed into our 20 year old Land Cruiser to meet our driver, also a local, named Bimba. Going into this trip we knew a vast majority of our time would be spent in the car- but we were quite content with that since the scenery was astounding! We also were constantly entertained with spotting the millions of cattle, sheep, yaks, goats, pigs, dogs, horses that speckled the landscape, yards, and always the roads. It was a welcomed reminder of what Scotland was like- seeing more animals than people.
It took us about an hour to get from the airport to the old town where our hotel, The Cool Yak Hotel was. On our way, it was evident to see that there was a major Chinese influence in the areas outside the old town. But it didn’t take us long to both feel that this province needs to be it’s own country. Everything is different here and it was disappointing to see this wonderful province losing it’s culture, beliefs and traditions to political turmoil.
By the time we arrived to the hotel, it was approaching several hours since we landed (A crucial time that altitude sickness would either already be upon us or would soon be)… and when they tell you take it easy the first day, they literally mean, lie down the ENTIRE day- Unfortunately, for us, we had no other choice. We were both stuck with one of the worst headaches we’ve ever had. We were dizzy and also slightly nauseated but other than that it was like experiencing one of the worst hangovers in your life. Even dinner, brushing our teeth, putting on warmer clothes were completely out of the question for the night. There was no way we were going to move. And so we went to bed at 6:30PM…
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