Thai Islands: Ko Lanta & Ko Phi Phi

After a painful 20 hour bus journey from Bangkok the first thing you ask yourself is what's so special about this place? You arrive in the afternoon when the tide is low making the beach hideous. Once the next morning rolls around you find yourself in paradise. A great way to explore the island is by motorbike. You can easily drive around the whole island stopping only at the most secluded beaches. The thing I loved most about Ko Lanta is that it remains a friendly local island which doesn't give you that big resort feel. Rumour has it that Leonardo DiCaprio has a house somewhere on Ko Lanta. He must have enjoyed his taste of the islands when he filmed The Beach on Ko Phi Phi.

Only one hour away by ferry is the widely known island of Ko Phi Phi. The island is known for its narrow strip which is bordered by beaches on both sides. Ko Phi Phi is exactly what you expect out of an island, beautiful beaches and fantastic mountain tops. The scenery is breathtaking. Moreover, the party scene is all there and then some. Many people will argue that the partying on Ko Phi Phi rivals the famous full moon parties.

Last night I arrived in Chiang Mai which is in the north of Thailand. Already I get a very different vibe from the islands.

I can't wait to see what's in store

-Jonathan

Cambodia: Battambang

I am now in Battambang. I have noticed some pretty big differences
from Siem Reap. On the first day I arrived I noticed how much more
layed back it was. Yesterday, I got a ride to one of the nearby
temples. The temple resembles those that I saw in Angkor but to a much
smaller scale. It is said that this temple is supposedly older (about 100 years) then Angkor Wat.  The center of Battambang itself has a market where all the action happens. But once night falls, the city dies except for a few street stands.




For all the CrossFitters:

Yesterday, I met a local Cambodian who invited me to workout at a

local gym. For the pure experience I said "Why not?". I got a couple
of pictures of the inside. All I really wanted was a pull up bar
Olympic barbell to get a decent workout. Instead I was greeted by a room absolutely packed with equipment (Picture 2). Of course I was stuck doing
bicep curls (Boring!). Also, if you check out one of the pictures carefully, you'll see a Cambodian girl on those archaic fat shaking machines (Picture 1). I couldn't believe my eyes. I felt walking up to one of the girls and saying "So you know those things don't actually work?". You
have maybe six machines with these women having their asses shaken repeatedly. It was like a room full of Shakira's. Needless to say I had to pinch myself a couple of times to stop from cracking up.


One thing I can't complain about is the food. Right near the market is
a great little place that serves up some local food. Here is what you
get for 1$ CDN, Some chicken, rice, soup and a small salad garnish.
Can't beat that...yum yum yum!




Today I am on my way back to Bangkok to meet Dominique and then it's off to those famous Thai islands. I can't wait to see what's in store...

Until next time Montreal & World,
-Jonathan

Cambodia: Siem Reap & Angkor Wat

Guess who is officially certified to dive in the open ocean? That's right, your truly...here is an under water pic from one of my practice dives. The sea life and water (28 degrees) was absolutely amazing.

I arrived in Cambodia only two days ago. After a whole day of travel from Ko Chang I was officially in another country. Siem Reap is the city which is closest to the city of Angkor. As soon as I got here I was floored by the amount of tourism that exists (i.e. the huge hotel resorts that probably cost a billion dollars to stay in). For the rest of us backpackers, you can find a place for about 4$/night. For those who aren't history majors the city of Angkor can be seen in both the Mortal Kombat and Tomb Raider movies. It's a reminder of an ancient city which remains incredible impressive to this day. After spending two days visiting a variety of different temples you realize how big the area is. Here is a couple of photos to jog your memories. I got a three day pass which leaves me with one more day to explore on my own. I plan on renting a bike and leisurely strolling around the area in complete aw of the whole thing. 

Next I head south for a day or two and then it's off to Bangkok to meet Dominique.
See you later Montreal,

-Jonathan

Thailand: Bangkok & Ko Chang

Fresh into the new year it was time to move right along. Sergio and I made such great friends in Kathmandu which made leaving super hard.  I have to say it's rare that I have made such amazing friends when on the road. I have nothing but great memories of Nepal.

I arrived in Bangkok ready for a different part of Asia. Holy cow Thailand is on a completely different playing field. When a city has huge high rises, it a fail safe sign of development.

After a couple of days in Bangkok I decided to get out of the city and head east. I got to the island of Ko Chang 3 days ago. I took a quick walk around and ended up I'm a dive school. Next thing you know I'm signed up for my PADI open water dive course. So fast forward, I have one more day left and I'll be certified to dive anywhere around the world for life. The diving here is awesome, I can't wait to get to the other islands.

Weather wise were looking at beautiful beaches mixed with sun and about 34 degrees. So how's that January weather Montreal? Here it's looking like flip flops and tank tops. Or as the Australians say thongs and singlets. Don't hate me :)

Your Thai Traveller,
-Jonathan