Hey guys,
Sorry about the long break but what can I say life has been happening.
I am not sure about keeping the blog going because well the musings have been seriously lacking in depth and I am not sure anyone really cares. Life here has been hectic to say the least in the past month.
I have spent a large amount of time at the gym doing some personal training along with starting a running group at a different gym. The running group is a lot of fun with only about 6 people attending so I am not sure how long they will keep me on. Who wouldnt want to join run group with a selling video like this run group. I feel like everytime I take a step away from the sport I find a way to get pulled back in. I have a few regulars and to the best of my knowledge they have a good time with it. It has been a great way to meet new people in terms of the staff at the gym.
Rainy season has started here and this past weekend has been really rough in terms of rain. I constantly feel like I cant go out because I know I will get soaked.
I got a new roommate who is volunteering with the foundation. She is a Kiwi with a good sense of humor. She likes to cook (score) and has enjoyed wasting hours of her day watching New Girl with me on my computer. She has a love/hate relationship with Biscuit (who by the way was the pet of the week in the Phuket News). She would say its all hate but he really grows on you.
I have realized while meeting many expats on this island that there are two groups. I can sum up this group in one question which is a repost from facebook. Sorry guys. "I have realized in life you have to ask yourself are you here because you want to be here or because you dont want to be there?" The difference can be a huge one. For some people there will always be a pull toward home and that sense of the home community. Others feel that force pushing them away and to somewhere new. I have found that the people who spent a majority of their lives in one place have a much stronger sense of that. But thats nothing new on this blog.
We had a huge fundraiser for the foundation which took up a majority of my time. It went off swimmingly. We had 192 people for a sit down 4 course meal with trapeze artists. Pjae Stanley opened the night and was amazing. People entered up the stepped to only to see Mermaids lining the path. We even had one swimming in the pool. It was a great event but I am happy that is over because it was a lot of work. Some many people had to help out for the event to work. Thank you!
I got to play golf for the first time and shot a 103 but I felt like I shot a 1000 at times. Mostly cause I was playing with much better golfers. It felt good to be invited out. I really did appreciate it. I played at Blue Canyon Lakes Course. Beautiful course.
I have been going out far too much recently. I did something I have never done in my life I went out thursday night till 6am, got 2 hours of sleep then went to work all day. I took a nap around 530-7 and went out for dinner with the teachers. I followed that up by going to Patong till 6 am again. I surprisingly felt pretty good. The crazy thing is even on those big nights it only costs me like 30 bucks which in the states might have been 100.
Miss Travel seems to be one of the greatest sites of all time...just check it out and tell me what you think.
I have my 3 month review on Tuesday and for some reason I am actually kind of nervous. I have this thought of how I have been doing but I dont really know what Tina thinks. I am afraid she is going to say she is disappointing with my work and lack of autonomy. Say that I am much to quick to ask questions rather than act. Need to be more assertive and have dropped the ball on too many things. 3 months in the books and I am afraid she will say that the honeymoon is over and I need to do a better job. Heres hoping none of that is said. I feel that in some form all of that is true but we are all our strongest critic (hopefully). The school year started on last Tuesday. So now we will be getting back to having coconut clubs here shortly.
I cant believe it has only been 3 months. I feel like I have met some great people and done some amazing things. I wish I could stay here at the foundation longer but it would seem that we have no money. My hope is that I can show my worth to someone else on the island.
There was a film crew that followed around the team in Laos and they just put their video up online. Check it out...by the way I sound freaking terrible. 9th Lao National Games.
Life is good and almost never boring. I might have tried to put too much on my plate. Here is what my future schedule looks like.
Monday: Wake up 630 am drive the 30 mins to the gym. Ride the bike stretch then do personal training from 8 till 9. I shower drive the 30 mins back to work. Work till 530 or 6 then walk up stairs to my apartment then go get dinner.
Tuesday: Wake up around 830 down at work by 9 work till around 430 then drive to Patong where I will train someone else till 7 then get dinner and come home.
Wednesday (fun day): Same morning as Monday. Work till 4 then drive 40 mins to another gym for 6:30 pm run group. Then shower and leave to drive home around 830pm. Get food with friends and then get home around 10 or 11 if I am lucky.
Thursday: Same as Tuesday.
Friday: Same as Monday but then probably go out on the town.
Saturday or Sunday: If not exhausted drive the 30 mins to the gym.
There you go I know its not much considering I have no homework but still I feel busy.
As always I wish you all the best and I hope that if you get the chance you come out and visit.
Warm regards!
Luang Prabang
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Crazy Day
Hello Everyone,
I just got home at the end of a crazy day. It started out normal sitting at home trying to come in late due to watching baseball on my computer. I fed the cat talked with the maid(I am house sitting again) and then jumped on my motor bike and headed to work. I spent most of the day at work dealing with some final preparations for our big fundraiser the Bliss Beach Ball which is coming up on the 27th. It was basically a normal day with some rain sprinkled in until.....
I felt a vibration in my chair and I thought I was alone in feeling it. My boss was skyping her mom and thought I was crazy. I told her to look at the fan which was moving back and forth..and wasnt on. She still didnt believe me. Luckily I was on facebook and it started to blow up with people around Phuket talking about the earth quake and vindicating me! Tina, me and her mom all had a big laugh about the situation. Then I found out that it was a 8.9 off the coast of Sumatra Indonesia. Ok so that is much more terribe than I thought and I wish everyone there the best. Next I found out that there was a tsunami warning in the area. I at first scoffed until a friend said that it was projected to be a 3-4 meter high wave which was supposed to hit land fall in Kamala. This got us going a little bit. Tina had me drive to the beach to see where people were going. I got to one intersection and there was a mass exodus from the beach. I headed back and we packed up the office. I jumped on my bike and headed to Tinas house which is outside of the tsunami range. I got to her house and waited for 10 minutes and she didnt show up so I headed back to the office. I didnt make it all the way there before I turned around to wait at an allocated area I knew she had to pass. I waited for about 40 mins well past when the wave was supposed to hit then gave up and headed to her house. She had gotten a ride from our landlord and we spent the next few hours watching BBC about the possibility of the wave coming. I was not very pleased with the coverage because they focused on the country of Indonesia not the region of the world closest to the quake. Which is away from the large section of the country and much closer to Phuket than the capital of Indonesia.
Many hours later we found out that everything is going to be fine and that the type of underwater quake is highly unlikely to create a tsunami. It was amazing to see how quickly everyone was able to respond during the dry run. I was rather disappointed that if it hadnt been for facebook I never would have known about the alarm because you could not hear it from the office. Also as soon as the warnings got out I completely lost cell service not texts or calls in or out! Luckily we had some BBC to keep us informed.
I am so happy things worked out how they did an that everyone is ok. My thoughts go out to those who have been affected.
I just got home at the end of a crazy day. It started out normal sitting at home trying to come in late due to watching baseball on my computer. I fed the cat talked with the maid(I am house sitting again) and then jumped on my motor bike and headed to work. I spent most of the day at work dealing with some final preparations for our big fundraiser the Bliss Beach Ball which is coming up on the 27th. It was basically a normal day with some rain sprinkled in until.....
I felt a vibration in my chair and I thought I was alone in feeling it. My boss was skyping her mom and thought I was crazy. I told her to look at the fan which was moving back and forth..and wasnt on. She still didnt believe me. Luckily I was on facebook and it started to blow up with people around Phuket talking about the earth quake and vindicating me! Tina, me and her mom all had a big laugh about the situation. Then I found out that it was a 8.9 off the coast of Sumatra Indonesia. Ok so that is much more terribe than I thought and I wish everyone there the best. Next I found out that there was a tsunami warning in the area. I at first scoffed until a friend said that it was projected to be a 3-4 meter high wave which was supposed to hit land fall in Kamala. This got us going a little bit. Tina had me drive to the beach to see where people were going. I got to one intersection and there was a mass exodus from the beach. I headed back and we packed up the office. I jumped on my bike and headed to Tinas house which is outside of the tsunami range. I got to her house and waited for 10 minutes and she didnt show up so I headed back to the office. I didnt make it all the way there before I turned around to wait at an allocated area I knew she had to pass. I waited for about 40 mins well past when the wave was supposed to hit then gave up and headed to her house. She had gotten a ride from our landlord and we spent the next few hours watching BBC about the possibility of the wave coming. I was not very pleased with the coverage because they focused on the country of Indonesia not the region of the world closest to the quake. Which is away from the large section of the country and much closer to Phuket than the capital of Indonesia.
Many hours later we found out that everything is going to be fine and that the type of underwater quake is highly unlikely to create a tsunami. It was amazing to see how quickly everyone was able to respond during the dry run. I was rather disappointed that if it hadnt been for facebook I never would have known about the alarm because you could not hear it from the office. Also as soon as the warnings got out I completely lost cell service not texts or calls in or out! Luckily we had some BBC to keep us informed.
I am so happy things worked out how they did an that everyone is ok. My thoughts go out to those who have been affected.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
More photos
Here are some more photos:
Dinner on the beach with the girls.
I am actually doing work this week I am just doing it from right there.
Jen and I relaxing.
Rachael, Allie and I living the life.
This is the poster for our next fundraiser which I have been working on. (I did not design the poster they did http://www.cre8-media.net/)
House sitting
When we left off last time I was waiting before heading off to the volunteer thank you party. This party was a great event filled with bloody marys (Sorry not sure about the punctuation on that one). That night I went out and did some bar hopping till 5 am my latest night yet. It ended with a lady of the night crying on my shoulder because I would not take her home with me. I could feel the tears through my shirt. Just ridiculous.
The next morning (Sunday) I went to pick up my laundry and walked by the bar she works at. When I did she hid her face behind a book as if she was disgraced with what happened. Cant say I blame her. Alcohol does some bad things to people. The rest of the day was filled with relaxation which would be a theme over the coming week.
Tuesday Jen and Allie came over to Kamala and we ate at a cool little restaurant on the beach before spending the next hour or so talking with our feet in the sand. It was a very relaxing night and the one that helps justify why you live in such a beautiful location. Around midnight Angela a long term volunteer candidate arrived and stayed with me. I was surprisingly tired even though the night wasnt busy or all that late.
Wednesday Corral Seekers an event company set up a survivor type game set for the children at the school to play. They brought a group of around 35 Australians to play with the children and our teachers helped out. It was soo hot that day and we were out in the sun without shade. The children had a great time and got some awards. Helps justify why they came back to school when they are on vacation. Angela spent the day running around with Carl (dir of ed) and Tina (dir of ops). She has decided to take the position so will be my new roommate starting later on next month.
Thursday night was a much need farang night. After I finished work I rushed to Patong and ate some McDonalds with Jen before we bought our tickets to opening night of the Hunger Games. I spent a few days last week cramming to finish the book so I would know what was going on in the movie but it turns out that they didnt follow the book to the T. I felt disappointed with how they made the movie but that could be a completely separate post. It was pretty crazy that we were able to see the movie before anyone in the states was which never happens. The foreigner night made me miss the US but also gave me the feeling that whenever I needed I could have days like this. It was a night that could never have happened in Laos.
Friday night was much more low key than other fridays in the past. I met some friends in Patong and we grabbed a little road side burger. I know its terrible two nights in a row burgers but the second was a from a thai guys cart. We hung out at Bodega and had a few beers before I went home. The girls ended up going out dancing till 3am.
Saturday was my first day house sitting. I went to Allies house and had some chicken nuggets from a thai girl down stairs and they were AMAZING. Then I headed out to Cape Panwa where I will spend the next week house sitting for one of the foundations volunteers. I had never been to Cape Panwa and got lost before eventually finding my way. The house is spectacular (photos below). It is 3 stories with the master and a little living room on the second story and a guest bedroom and main living space on the main story. It has an infinity pool that has a view that makes you say wow. The only reason I got the house sitting gig is because she didnt want to leave her cat alone. I have rarely seen the cat though. They left after showing me around and I got settled in by finding the closest bar I could. When I did I saw the people who run Corral Seekers. It was great to see some familiar faces and we talked for a few hours. It amazes me how different this side of the island is. Its so lush and not many people and not many farangs. The bar prices show this.
Sunday Allie Jen and Rachael came over for a day of swimming and relaxing. I honestly am not sure how much work I will get done because this house is too relaxing. Later on Claire met us and we drove around the peninsula and ate on the beach watching the sunset. Another night where you know this is why I live in Paradise. The girls left and I watched some tv with the cat before heading off to bed.
Monday morning I woke up and started to do work before the pull of the pool was too great. I jumped in to refresh myself when my email inbox was empty. I could get used to this lifestyle. The maid showed up and told me she cut up a few plates of fresh fruit for me......a life as the 1%. Jen and Ashley came over around 1 and we swam, drank and ate. It was a lot of fun. They only had a half day of teaching and decided that we wanted to have an afternoon party. They brought over hot dogs and potato salad and I drove out and picked up a bottle of Sangsom, coke and some beer. The night ended with an underwater photo shoot and a rain storm. They left after dinner and then I watched tv with the cat again.
This morning (tuesday) I woke up and found I had a lot of work today so I wasnt able to get in pool. Damn actually working on the work day. I decided I needed to get out of seclusion so I drove out to meet Claire and Allie at Subway. This past week is the first time that I have eaten at the chain restaurants. Subway was almost the same as the states except for the cheese....the only option is American. It reminded me of America with my turkey bacon and southwest sauce on honey oat. The only thing that would have completed the day was if I would have then taken it back to the red house and eaten it while watching some dumb movie on TNT or better yet baseball! I made my way back and the maid was here with the pest control guys. I did some more work before deciding this was a perfect time for a nap. I woke up and decided to write this post.
Musing. Life is something that is so interesting. Sounds dumb I know but here is what made me think of it. Look at your life. How did you end up there? What shaped it? There are so many decision you have made through out life and just think about every time you did something and then do the opposite where would you be now? How different would your path have been? Personally I am seeing my life and wondering what if I had decided you know what Lewis & Clark is way to small and I dont want to run in college, I am going to ASU. I never would have gone to Laos, and most likely never gotten this position here. Would I have gone into the business world and actually have a paying job? Would I have gotten lost in the mix at a giant school and dropped out. Would I still be working at Scottsdale Running Company my job from high school?
I know one thing I am pretty damn happy with how things worked out. Even if my life is filled with ????'s starting in August.
Children breaking into groups.
One team trying to build a tent,
Volunteer party...can you find me?
Inside of the house.
My view/pool.
More photos to come later.
The next morning (Sunday) I went to pick up my laundry and walked by the bar she works at. When I did she hid her face behind a book as if she was disgraced with what happened. Cant say I blame her. Alcohol does some bad things to people. The rest of the day was filled with relaxation which would be a theme over the coming week.
Tuesday Jen and Allie came over to Kamala and we ate at a cool little restaurant on the beach before spending the next hour or so talking with our feet in the sand. It was a very relaxing night and the one that helps justify why you live in such a beautiful location. Around midnight Angela a long term volunteer candidate arrived and stayed with me. I was surprisingly tired even though the night wasnt busy or all that late.
Wednesday Corral Seekers an event company set up a survivor type game set for the children at the school to play. They brought a group of around 35 Australians to play with the children and our teachers helped out. It was soo hot that day and we were out in the sun without shade. The children had a great time and got some awards. Helps justify why they came back to school when they are on vacation. Angela spent the day running around with Carl (dir of ed) and Tina (dir of ops). She has decided to take the position so will be my new roommate starting later on next month.
Thursday night was a much need farang night. After I finished work I rushed to Patong and ate some McDonalds with Jen before we bought our tickets to opening night of the Hunger Games. I spent a few days last week cramming to finish the book so I would know what was going on in the movie but it turns out that they didnt follow the book to the T. I felt disappointed with how they made the movie but that could be a completely separate post. It was pretty crazy that we were able to see the movie before anyone in the states was which never happens. The foreigner night made me miss the US but also gave me the feeling that whenever I needed I could have days like this. It was a night that could never have happened in Laos.
Friday night was much more low key than other fridays in the past. I met some friends in Patong and we grabbed a little road side burger. I know its terrible two nights in a row burgers but the second was a from a thai guys cart. We hung out at Bodega and had a few beers before I went home. The girls ended up going out dancing till 3am.
Saturday was my first day house sitting. I went to Allies house and had some chicken nuggets from a thai girl down stairs and they were AMAZING. Then I headed out to Cape Panwa where I will spend the next week house sitting for one of the foundations volunteers. I had never been to Cape Panwa and got lost before eventually finding my way. The house is spectacular (photos below). It is 3 stories with the master and a little living room on the second story and a guest bedroom and main living space on the main story. It has an infinity pool that has a view that makes you say wow. The only reason I got the house sitting gig is because she didnt want to leave her cat alone. I have rarely seen the cat though. They left after showing me around and I got settled in by finding the closest bar I could. When I did I saw the people who run Corral Seekers. It was great to see some familiar faces and we talked for a few hours. It amazes me how different this side of the island is. Its so lush and not many people and not many farangs. The bar prices show this.
Sunday Allie Jen and Rachael came over for a day of swimming and relaxing. I honestly am not sure how much work I will get done because this house is too relaxing. Later on Claire met us and we drove around the peninsula and ate on the beach watching the sunset. Another night where you know this is why I live in Paradise. The girls left and I watched some tv with the cat before heading off to bed.
Monday morning I woke up and started to do work before the pull of the pool was too great. I jumped in to refresh myself when my email inbox was empty. I could get used to this lifestyle. The maid showed up and told me she cut up a few plates of fresh fruit for me......a life as the 1%. Jen and Ashley came over around 1 and we swam, drank and ate. It was a lot of fun. They only had a half day of teaching and decided that we wanted to have an afternoon party. They brought over hot dogs and potato salad and I drove out and picked up a bottle of Sangsom, coke and some beer. The night ended with an underwater photo shoot and a rain storm. They left after dinner and then I watched tv with the cat again.
This morning (tuesday) I woke up and found I had a lot of work today so I wasnt able to get in pool. Damn actually working on the work day. I decided I needed to get out of seclusion so I drove out to meet Claire and Allie at Subway. This past week is the first time that I have eaten at the chain restaurants. Subway was almost the same as the states except for the cheese....the only option is American. It reminded me of America with my turkey bacon and southwest sauce on honey oat. The only thing that would have completed the day was if I would have then taken it back to the red house and eaten it while watching some dumb movie on TNT or better yet baseball! I made my way back and the maid was here with the pest control guys. I did some more work before deciding this was a perfect time for a nap. I woke up and decided to write this post.
Musing. Life is something that is so interesting. Sounds dumb I know but here is what made me think of it. Look at your life. How did you end up there? What shaped it? There are so many decision you have made through out life and just think about every time you did something and then do the opposite where would you be now? How different would your path have been? Personally I am seeing my life and wondering what if I had decided you know what Lewis & Clark is way to small and I dont want to run in college, I am going to ASU. I never would have gone to Laos, and most likely never gotten this position here. Would I have gone into the business world and actually have a paying job? Would I have gotten lost in the mix at a giant school and dropped out. Would I still be working at Scottsdale Running Company my job from high school?
I know one thing I am pretty damn happy with how things worked out. Even if my life is filled with ????'s starting in August.
More photos to come later.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
100th Post
After some Bloody Marys, spring rolls and a volunteer party I think I am ready to blog again. As always sorry about the long delay life has been busy.
When I left you last time I was feeling sick and questioning whether or not I would head out for the night. Well I did head out as my photos post will show and went to Bliss Beach Clubs opening party. This event was great as you pull up you are given a lei by a baby elephant. The hors d'oeuvres were delicious the drinks flowed and I got to talk to some really interesting people. I also got to meet my boss Tina's doppleganger. The likeness is uncanny. We spent a few hours at bliss before heading to Kathu and what has become somewhat of a regular bar. We drank and the girls danced until the wee hours and I knew I needed enough. I was being driven but couldnt go straight home. We dropped one friend off at the far south of the island a 30 minute drive then went to my house a 45 minute drive from her house. I was very grateful not to be driving and there was a calmness to the island at 3 am and no one else on the roads.
Sunday I made my way to Jen's house and swam all day at her pool. She got cheaper rent to live in a upscale complex if she teaches the staff english. Good gig if you can get it.
On Tuesday we went to a little house party where I met some of the other teachers Jen works with. They are a good group of people with such amazing different backgrounds all around the same age. It was a fun late night of meeting new people.
The reason I was able to go out on a tuesday night was because Wednesday was Buddha day so I got to have a holiday. I spent most of the day sleeping and reading but then met Allie and Rachael to go see a movie. We saw Haywire and I wasnt a huge fan...they hated it. After that we got dinner at a restaurant called N. 6 which is situated on the hills above patong. The view is amazing and the prices arent bad either. My motorbike almost didnt make it up the hill to get there. I always love seeing places from its highest point because you get a whole new view of this place you supposedly knew.
Thursday was a day where you knew you were living on a tropical island. The rain was intense and seemed nonstop most of the day. The worst part is it was so humid afterwards and still pretty damn hot.
Friday Jen, Allie and Rachael came over to Kamala to go to dinner. We had dinner at this great little place on the beach..a little to expensive though. Then we went to one of my favorite bars the Rooftop bar. As soon as I walk up and say my hello to the cook and the bartender we are served our drinks with a big plate of popcorn and it was great. We drank and ate for a while until Allie and Rachael left and it was just me and Jen. We sat at the bar talking to an expat and two cops until the expat left. We drank and then got invited out to some hot pot....at 3:30am since it was the police who invited us we couldnt exactly say no even though I was exhausted. We ate some until the cops had to get called to an accident and then they scurried off on the same bike. It was a good sight. We ate some more and waited but eventually I had to throw in the towel I was too exhausted. Jen stayed in my extra room and we finally got to be around 4:15.
Saturday night Jen, Rachael, Allie, and I went to get dinner at this place called the Natural which is a good spot in phuket town. This was my first journey into Phuket town. The food was really good. We were going to make a bigger night of it and did go back to the bar in Kathu but I was in bed by 11pm.
Sunday I am awoken to a text by the girls that they are in Kamala at the beach and they have brought me food....one of the best texts of my life. I drop off my laundry and jump on my bike to meet them. We swim and eat for a few hours and I get TORCHED on my shoulders. I thought I put on enough sun screen but I guess I didnt do enough. The next few days were rough. It was nice to spent the day at the beach with friends.
Monday night I got dinner with one of the teachers and then met him later at a bar called Daddys. Daddys is run by Boomer who lives above the bar and is an old farang from ohio who cooks tex mex. This is the type of bar you can only see to believe. Some of the stories I had heard such as when he had a sign that said free wifi but he gave you the password to the neighbors wifi. The list would go on but I havent spent enough time to truly know all of it. Boomer seems like a good just kinda goofy guy. We played some pool then headed off to the Mansion where we drank and shot the breeze with another american from louisiana. Finally our last stop was the Apple Bar where I ended up playing pool with some of the ladies of the night and another farang I had just met. The bar closed up and after a good night and I went home....alone.
Wednesday as I hope to make a thing is Movie night. The movies in a nice movie theatre are only 80 baht or about 2.75. The group saw chronicle and I liked it, I just felt like it could have been done better. We hit up some dinner at Duck spicy a good Thai place and then called it a night.
Friday night I jumped on my bike and drove to Nai Harn at the far south of the island. It took me 45 minutes on my motorbike and honestly thats about 35 more minutes than I like to spend on that bike. I got off still vibrating. I met some people at Los Amigos a mexican food place. It made me want Chipotle and some real mexican food from AZ but my tacos were ok. The plan for the night was to go to a reggae bar because they would have live music. We found out that it was only happening on saturday night not friday night. We went to the bar anyways and had a good time talking and drinking. The reggae bar is this cool building with poster of bob marley and crazy art everywhere. When we first arrived we were the only ones there but by the end of the night it was packed. I could only coerce the girls to play one game of pool but I think that was enough. To get to the reggae bar you have to walk through another bar which is completely decked out in Black Lights. We spent our time jumping between the two bars and got some good photos. The reggae bar had a fire dancer who was amazing. I thought I had seen here perform before at famous. It so popular on the island that some people think its played out but I still enjoy it.We ended up leaving the bar around 3:30 and going to family mart to get some food. They microwave the food for you there which is nice because no one I know has one. We brought the food back to my friends house and passed out.
This morning my alarm went off around 9:30am. I folded my sheets packed away my bed and then tried to make my way out quietly. I got out and realized that her automated gate was locked so I had to sneak back in have one of the two girls click it open for me. Luckily one was awake to help me out. I drove the 45 mins back up to Kamala, jumped in the shower then headed off to our volunteer thank you party. The next few hours were spent drinking, eating and talking with friends of the foundation. Its a really good group of people who are involved and I am happy to be working with them.
I will steal some photos from facebook when they are posted.
When I left you last time I was feeling sick and questioning whether or not I would head out for the night. Well I did head out as my photos post will show and went to Bliss Beach Clubs opening party. This event was great as you pull up you are given a lei by a baby elephant. The hors d'oeuvres were delicious the drinks flowed and I got to talk to some really interesting people. I also got to meet my boss Tina's doppleganger. The likeness is uncanny. We spent a few hours at bliss before heading to Kathu and what has become somewhat of a regular bar. We drank and the girls danced until the wee hours and I knew I needed enough. I was being driven but couldnt go straight home. We dropped one friend off at the far south of the island a 30 minute drive then went to my house a 45 minute drive from her house. I was very grateful not to be driving and there was a calmness to the island at 3 am and no one else on the roads.
Sunday I made my way to Jen's house and swam all day at her pool. She got cheaper rent to live in a upscale complex if she teaches the staff english. Good gig if you can get it.
On Tuesday we went to a little house party where I met some of the other teachers Jen works with. They are a good group of people with such amazing different backgrounds all around the same age. It was a fun late night of meeting new people.
The reason I was able to go out on a tuesday night was because Wednesday was Buddha day so I got to have a holiday. I spent most of the day sleeping and reading but then met Allie and Rachael to go see a movie. We saw Haywire and I wasnt a huge fan...they hated it. After that we got dinner at a restaurant called N. 6 which is situated on the hills above patong. The view is amazing and the prices arent bad either. My motorbike almost didnt make it up the hill to get there. I always love seeing places from its highest point because you get a whole new view of this place you supposedly knew.
Thursday was a day where you knew you were living on a tropical island. The rain was intense and seemed nonstop most of the day. The worst part is it was so humid afterwards and still pretty damn hot.
Friday Jen, Allie and Rachael came over to Kamala to go to dinner. We had dinner at this great little place on the beach..a little to expensive though. Then we went to one of my favorite bars the Rooftop bar. As soon as I walk up and say my hello to the cook and the bartender we are served our drinks with a big plate of popcorn and it was great. We drank and ate for a while until Allie and Rachael left and it was just me and Jen. We sat at the bar talking to an expat and two cops until the expat left. We drank and then got invited out to some hot pot....at 3:30am since it was the police who invited us we couldnt exactly say no even though I was exhausted. We ate some until the cops had to get called to an accident and then they scurried off on the same bike. It was a good sight. We ate some more and waited but eventually I had to throw in the towel I was too exhausted. Jen stayed in my extra room and we finally got to be around 4:15.
Saturday night Jen, Rachael, Allie, and I went to get dinner at this place called the Natural which is a good spot in phuket town. This was my first journey into Phuket town. The food was really good. We were going to make a bigger night of it and did go back to the bar in Kathu but I was in bed by 11pm.
Sunday I am awoken to a text by the girls that they are in Kamala at the beach and they have brought me food....one of the best texts of my life. I drop off my laundry and jump on my bike to meet them. We swim and eat for a few hours and I get TORCHED on my shoulders. I thought I put on enough sun screen but I guess I didnt do enough. The next few days were rough. It was nice to spent the day at the beach with friends.
Monday night I got dinner with one of the teachers and then met him later at a bar called Daddys. Daddys is run by Boomer who lives above the bar and is an old farang from ohio who cooks tex mex. This is the type of bar you can only see to believe. Some of the stories I had heard such as when he had a sign that said free wifi but he gave you the password to the neighbors wifi. The list would go on but I havent spent enough time to truly know all of it. Boomer seems like a good just kinda goofy guy. We played some pool then headed off to the Mansion where we drank and shot the breeze with another american from louisiana. Finally our last stop was the Apple Bar where I ended up playing pool with some of the ladies of the night and another farang I had just met. The bar closed up and after a good night and I went home....alone.
Wednesday as I hope to make a thing is Movie night. The movies in a nice movie theatre are only 80 baht or about 2.75. The group saw chronicle and I liked it, I just felt like it could have been done better. We hit up some dinner at Duck spicy a good Thai place and then called it a night.
Friday night I jumped on my bike and drove to Nai Harn at the far south of the island. It took me 45 minutes on my motorbike and honestly thats about 35 more minutes than I like to spend on that bike. I got off still vibrating. I met some people at Los Amigos a mexican food place. It made me want Chipotle and some real mexican food from AZ but my tacos were ok. The plan for the night was to go to a reggae bar because they would have live music. We found out that it was only happening on saturday night not friday night. We went to the bar anyways and had a good time talking and drinking. The reggae bar is this cool building with poster of bob marley and crazy art everywhere. When we first arrived we were the only ones there but by the end of the night it was packed. I could only coerce the girls to play one game of pool but I think that was enough. To get to the reggae bar you have to walk through another bar which is completely decked out in Black Lights. We spent our time jumping between the two bars and got some good photos. The reggae bar had a fire dancer who was amazing. I thought I had seen here perform before at famous. It so popular on the island that some people think its played out but I still enjoy it.We ended up leaving the bar around 3:30 and going to family mart to get some food. They microwave the food for you there which is nice because no one I know has one. We brought the food back to my friends house and passed out.
This morning my alarm went off around 9:30am. I folded my sheets packed away my bed and then tried to make my way out quietly. I got out and realized that her automated gate was locked so I had to sneak back in have one of the two girls click it open for me. Luckily one was awake to help me out. I drove the 45 mins back up to Kamala, jumped in the shower then headed off to our volunteer thank you party. The next few hours were spent drinking, eating and talking with friends of the foundation. Its a really good group of people who are involved and I am happy to be working with them.
I will steal some photos from facebook when they are posted.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
PHOTOS!!!
Here is a Photo Post!
Job2Do on the beach!
Some of the group at Job2do.
The elephant giving us our Leis at Bliss.
Tina my Boss, Alex the chef and Me at Bliss.
Me and Allie at Bliss.
Rachel, me and Jen at Bliss.
Myself, Kyle and a Ladyboy.
Myself, Kyle, Jen and Claire with the lady boys in the background.
Jen and me at hotpot.
I am swimming with the children.
I am floating for safety purposes while the children jump in.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
March Already?
Let me start this off by saying I am sorry. It has been over two weeks since my last post and I know there is no better way of losing readers than making them wait soo long for new posts. Hopefully after reading this post you will get a better sense of whats been going on.
When I last posted it was the Friday morning after the event. The event which I am still hearing raves about and just got an 1hr 30 minute long video of. I hope to post a part of it onto facebook. Friday night I went out with some friends to see a Thai Reggae band called Job2do. They had their show at a reggae bar at the far south end of Kata beach. The bar was jumping and it was a lot of fun. I got to hear them play their most famous song. I think its a pretty awesome jam. They totally look the part of a reggae band too. The show was literally on the beach perfect spot for it and there were some fireworks(unrelated to the show) going on in the background to complete the event. Overall a really fun night with a good group of people.
Saturday I slept in before Claire met me and we went to go get some dinner. We were supposed to have some free bbq at Skyla Bar but got there late so there wasnt any left. We hung out having a beer with her friend and an american we met. As we were a half beer from leaving a torrential downpour hit and we were stuck. We were stuck there for another 2 hours eating nothing but potatoe chips before we eventually got some bread and salad. Not exactly the BBQ we had been hoping for. When the rain finally let up we were all in need of some real food. Claire and I made plans to meet up with the other two later and went to the rooftop bar where we ate and then ended up getting free wine. We ended up staying there until 4 am. Remember things are supposed to close at 2 am here. Claire stayed in the second bedroom with Biscuit (my arch nemesis) and he couldnt have been happier to have company.
Sunday I was invited to join Claire at the opening of East 88 a bar inside Serenity. Truly an amazing place. It took me so long to get there because its on the other side of the island but when I did wow! Free food and drink and the food was good. The first time I had seen smoked salmon and Caesar salad. Serenity is located on the south eastern side of the island where the beaches arent as nice but the views are still amazing. I took some photos and will post them at the bottom. Overall a fun event and Pascal the manager is a nice guy. I wish I could afford to go to some of these places more often.
Monday was back to work. Work went well and then it was onto another event Claire got me into. This was the Calvin Harris show. He is most known for this. He is a DJ and the club was bumping. Something I would have never gone to unless I was on the VIP list. We went up to the club around 10 and it was dead. Luckily we went into the VIP section where beers were $6 unfathomable!!!!! Sorry you get used to different things here. I met two of the DJ's at the radio station which is affiliated with the news paper Claire works for. They were cool guys who ended up wanting to maybe do an interview about the foundation. I know I must always bring business cards when I go places with Claire cause she has all the connections. Around 12:30 Calvin finally came on but I was starting to get exhausted so I didnt even make it to his most famous song. I left around 1:30. I am lame I know. The club seen just really isnt my scene unless I have had a few to drink and at those prices I could afford to.
Tuesday I made it to work hating the fact that I had gone out the night before. The day went fine and I was happy to have a night in. Today was lazy, well after work atleast.
Wednesday I decided to make the long trek to Kathu where Jen and Allie two of Claires friends were going to dinner. We had what in Laos we call Sendat. I have posts about this earlier in the blog. This was a giant restaurant where the food was selected buffet style. I just kept thinking about Lao Lao Beer garden in Luang Prabang. I miss those guys. Anyways dinner was fun and we had some drinks. We decided to keep the night going and went to a bar the girls had driven by a hundred times but never gone in. We pull up and the place seems interesting there is a live band inside and little outdoor seating area. We are the only white people there....about time! Too many farang on the island. Anyways so I need to use the restroom. I go into the mens room and no one else is there and then all the sudden I hear footsteps and them BAM!! There is a warm towel on the back of my neck and thai guy is massaging my neck. Needless to say this was unexpected. I finished my business then went over to the sink while he followed. He then turned on the water and gave me soap while massaging my neck and making small talk. When I was finished washing my hands he gave me a towel and then stood there. I gave him a 20. Baht that is. He smiled said thank you and then went on his way. That was a first for me and hopefully the last. I didnt see a single other person getting such treatment the rest of the night. The cover band was pretty good and even did some requests. The girls requested Job2Do and then Too Much Soo Much Very Much. If you have been to SE Asia in the last few years you have heard this song. Its so hard to erase from your memory too. The crowd got into those songs and after they were done I had to make the long trek home. I have no idea what time it was. Another fun and interesting night in the books.
Thursday I woke up with one of these. I made it to work and then found out that one of our students had won an art competition run by Claires newspaper. We needed to get the student their vouchers so my boss told me I had to go to the club which I was invited to. I wanted to go anyways its just always amazing when your boss tells you to do something like that. I met Allie and Claire (who gave me the tickets for the student) at one of the only micro breweries in Phuket. It was good but not great beer and super expensive for here. I had an amazing fish and chips though. Later Claire and I went to the Famous night club. This is one of the coolest clubs I have ever seen. It covers the third and fourth floor of a building. The third floor looks like a traditional club with some cool seating and a skylight. The 4th floor is a rooftop beach club with beach chairs and lounges with a pool in the middle but the bottom of the pool is glass looking down onto the club below. An awesome idea. Some people went into the pool mind you it was like 75 degrees at 11pm when I was there. There was a fire dancers who was spectacular. I ran out of gas pretty early probably around midnight and made my break.
Friday I played some basketball at the school with some of the teachers and WOW I am out of shape. They play a physical form of the game that I really dont play so that didnt help things.
Saturday morning I was up bright and early going with one of the teachers to teach the children swimming lessons. They are such a good group of children. They are did really well and then after we had some relaxation time before we had another birthday party at Bliss Beach Club. This was very similar to the one we had a few weeks ago but worse because I was in charge. Everyone had a great time so I am told but there are things I know I could have done better. Around 5pm I wanted to pass out but instead went out drinking with some of the teachers and stayed out until things closed around 2.
Sunday I woke up to find out that a bar literally 100m from me burned down around 3am. I have no idea how I missed it happen. We find out now that they think its some sort of insurance thing. If I know thats what it is you have to think they arent getting their insurance money.
Monday Biscuit got snipped. He was not a happy camper after that but now he is back to normal. The last straw for Tina was when she saw him trying to create kittens with another neighborhood cat.
Tuesday Ryan the morning DJ came over to interview me. I think it went well. I should have the file to post up here at some point.
Wednesday I went out to dinner at a mexican food place which had some good tacos...not great or something that would come from the southwest but good. It was surprising that the entire staff seemed to be pregnant. Must be a special sauce or something.
Thursday was a half sick day. I was sick and only made it half the day at work ie downstairs. The half I was downstairs I got to listen to my interview on the radio. It went much better than I thought and hopefully we get some volunteers from it.
Friday was an all sick day and my ankle had swollen up. Weird stuff.
Today (Saturday) I am feeling much better my ankle is no longer swollen and I think I can see two bite marks. No idea what caused it but I am just happy its done now. I might have a sinus infection of sorts but I have an event to go to tonight. I wont drink but I must been seen! Plus I am getting a little stir crazy.
Sorry again about the lack of posting I will try to keep it more regular.
Here are some photos.
Food stations at East 88
The pool area at East 88.
One of the lounges upstairs at East 88. I could sit there all day couldnt you?
I do some work with children in case you thought I was just partying all the time.
Coconut Club our after school activities group.
I do a lot more arts and crafts at my job than I thought I would.
Thanks again for reading and if you have any questions or comments I always appreciate them.
When I last posted it was the Friday morning after the event. The event which I am still hearing raves about and just got an 1hr 30 minute long video of. I hope to post a part of it onto facebook. Friday night I went out with some friends to see a Thai Reggae band called Job2do. They had their show at a reggae bar at the far south end of Kata beach. The bar was jumping and it was a lot of fun. I got to hear them play their most famous song. I think its a pretty awesome jam. They totally look the part of a reggae band too. The show was literally on the beach perfect spot for it and there were some fireworks(unrelated to the show) going on in the background to complete the event. Overall a really fun night with a good group of people.
Saturday I slept in before Claire met me and we went to go get some dinner. We were supposed to have some free bbq at Skyla Bar but got there late so there wasnt any left. We hung out having a beer with her friend and an american we met. As we were a half beer from leaving a torrential downpour hit and we were stuck. We were stuck there for another 2 hours eating nothing but potatoe chips before we eventually got some bread and salad. Not exactly the BBQ we had been hoping for. When the rain finally let up we were all in need of some real food. Claire and I made plans to meet up with the other two later and went to the rooftop bar where we ate and then ended up getting free wine. We ended up staying there until 4 am. Remember things are supposed to close at 2 am here. Claire stayed in the second bedroom with Biscuit (my arch nemesis) and he couldnt have been happier to have company.
Sunday I was invited to join Claire at the opening of East 88 a bar inside Serenity. Truly an amazing place. It took me so long to get there because its on the other side of the island but when I did wow! Free food and drink and the food was good. The first time I had seen smoked salmon and Caesar salad. Serenity is located on the south eastern side of the island where the beaches arent as nice but the views are still amazing. I took some photos and will post them at the bottom. Overall a fun event and Pascal the manager is a nice guy. I wish I could afford to go to some of these places more often.
Monday was back to work. Work went well and then it was onto another event Claire got me into. This was the Calvin Harris show. He is most known for this. He is a DJ and the club was bumping. Something I would have never gone to unless I was on the VIP list. We went up to the club around 10 and it was dead. Luckily we went into the VIP section where beers were $6 unfathomable!!!!! Sorry you get used to different things here. I met two of the DJ's at the radio station which is affiliated with the news paper Claire works for. They were cool guys who ended up wanting to maybe do an interview about the foundation. I know I must always bring business cards when I go places with Claire cause she has all the connections. Around 12:30 Calvin finally came on but I was starting to get exhausted so I didnt even make it to his most famous song. I left around 1:30. I am lame I know. The club seen just really isnt my scene unless I have had a few to drink and at those prices I could afford to.
Tuesday I made it to work hating the fact that I had gone out the night before. The day went fine and I was happy to have a night in. Today was lazy, well after work atleast.
Wednesday I decided to make the long trek to Kathu where Jen and Allie two of Claires friends were going to dinner. We had what in Laos we call Sendat. I have posts about this earlier in the blog. This was a giant restaurant where the food was selected buffet style. I just kept thinking about Lao Lao Beer garden in Luang Prabang. I miss those guys. Anyways dinner was fun and we had some drinks. We decided to keep the night going and went to a bar the girls had driven by a hundred times but never gone in. We pull up and the place seems interesting there is a live band inside and little outdoor seating area. We are the only white people there....about time! Too many farang on the island. Anyways so I need to use the restroom. I go into the mens room and no one else is there and then all the sudden I hear footsteps and them BAM!! There is a warm towel on the back of my neck and thai guy is massaging my neck. Needless to say this was unexpected. I finished my business then went over to the sink while he followed. He then turned on the water and gave me soap while massaging my neck and making small talk. When I was finished washing my hands he gave me a towel and then stood there. I gave him a 20. Baht that is. He smiled said thank you and then went on his way. That was a first for me and hopefully the last. I didnt see a single other person getting such treatment the rest of the night. The cover band was pretty good and even did some requests. The girls requested Job2Do and then Too Much Soo Much Very Much. If you have been to SE Asia in the last few years you have heard this song. Its so hard to erase from your memory too. The crowd got into those songs and after they were done I had to make the long trek home. I have no idea what time it was. Another fun and interesting night in the books.
Thursday I woke up with one of these. I made it to work and then found out that one of our students had won an art competition run by Claires newspaper. We needed to get the student their vouchers so my boss told me I had to go to the club which I was invited to. I wanted to go anyways its just always amazing when your boss tells you to do something like that. I met Allie and Claire (who gave me the tickets for the student) at one of the only micro breweries in Phuket. It was good but not great beer and super expensive for here. I had an amazing fish and chips though. Later Claire and I went to the Famous night club. This is one of the coolest clubs I have ever seen. It covers the third and fourth floor of a building. The third floor looks like a traditional club with some cool seating and a skylight. The 4th floor is a rooftop beach club with beach chairs and lounges with a pool in the middle but the bottom of the pool is glass looking down onto the club below. An awesome idea. Some people went into the pool mind you it was like 75 degrees at 11pm when I was there. There was a fire dancers who was spectacular. I ran out of gas pretty early probably around midnight and made my break.
Friday I played some basketball at the school with some of the teachers and WOW I am out of shape. They play a physical form of the game that I really dont play so that didnt help things.
Saturday morning I was up bright and early going with one of the teachers to teach the children swimming lessons. They are such a good group of children. They are did really well and then after we had some relaxation time before we had another birthday party at Bliss Beach Club. This was very similar to the one we had a few weeks ago but worse because I was in charge. Everyone had a great time so I am told but there are things I know I could have done better. Around 5pm I wanted to pass out but instead went out drinking with some of the teachers and stayed out until things closed around 2.
Sunday I woke up to find out that a bar literally 100m from me burned down around 3am. I have no idea how I missed it happen. We find out now that they think its some sort of insurance thing. If I know thats what it is you have to think they arent getting their insurance money.
Monday Biscuit got snipped. He was not a happy camper after that but now he is back to normal. The last straw for Tina was when she saw him trying to create kittens with another neighborhood cat.
Tuesday Ryan the morning DJ came over to interview me. I think it went well. I should have the file to post up here at some point.
Wednesday I went out to dinner at a mexican food place which had some good tacos...not great or something that would come from the southwest but good. It was surprising that the entire staff seemed to be pregnant. Must be a special sauce or something.
Thursday was a half sick day. I was sick and only made it half the day at work ie downstairs. The half I was downstairs I got to listen to my interview on the radio. It went much better than I thought and hopefully we get some volunteers from it.
Friday was an all sick day and my ankle had swollen up. Weird stuff.
Today (Saturday) I am feeling much better my ankle is no longer swollen and I think I can see two bite marks. No idea what caused it but I am just happy its done now. I might have a sinus infection of sorts but I have an event to go to tonight. I wont drink but I must been seen! Plus I am getting a little stir crazy.
Sorry again about the lack of posting I will try to keep it more regular.
Here are some photos.
Thanks again for reading and if you have any questions or comments I always appreciate them.
Friday, February 17, 2012
A Starlight Soiree
The culmination of my work with the foundation was realized last night at "A Starlight Soiree". This event, which I had no part in planning but have spent most of my time with foundation working on, went amazing. I had my four big mistakes which were fixed in time for the actual event so no one actually noticed, but I did. "A Starlight Soiree" was hosted by the British International School. This school has primarily farang children and is a beautiful campus. I would love to start a cross country team there. Their outside amphitheater was where Julie-Anne Hunter, a world renown soprano, sang opera. It was spectacular. To quote a post I put up on the foundation facebook page "
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Nai Harn Beach, Patong and Lady Boys
Friday Night I met up with Claire, a Kiwi, who was really good friends with the girls who had my job at the foundation before me. We got connected through Tina my boss and met up on Friday night in Patong. Her and her friends have a usual hangout called Bodega. Bodega is a hostel with a bar. I ate dinner and it was really good. I met Claire and her friends which was really nice to meet some farangs. They all have very similar stories of life on the island and a few of them are dating the Thai staff at Bodega, who are cool guys. After a late night of hanging out, I got home at 1:30am, I went home to get some quick sleep.
Sadly at 7:45 am my alarm went off. Lynn an American teacher with the foundation picked me up around 8:30 and we drove to Nai Harn beach. Nai Harn is on almost the southern most point on the island. It was great to be a passenger on the drive down there so I was able to take in the sights. Anytime I drive myself, on my motorbike, I get too caught up on the road in front to really appreciate paradise. We drove through Patong (ie party central), then through Karon, Kata and finally into Nai Harn. We didnt go to the main beach we went to a little one farther south. Nai Harn is a big bay. We got to this beautiful secluded little beach which I would never have known existed. We dropped our stuff after meeting up with some of Lynn's friends and snorkeled off the beach. Highlight for me was seeing a sea snake which was about 3 feet long hanging out on the sea floor. We spent some time relaxing on the beach as all the families arrived. Lots of little kids and Italians. Interesting mix I know. We then went to get food at a nice trendy little joint called Delish. This is not Thai food. Lynns friend got a quiche and I got a toastie which was salami, parmesan cheese, rocket, mushroom, and pesto. Like I said not exactly Thai food. Lynn then dropped me off back at home and I passed out. Around 6:30 pm I woke up and went out to get some food before going to a bar and watching the second half of a soccer match.
10pm came around and I headed back to Bodega in Patong to meet up with Claire and friends for her birthday. We all met up had some cake and drinks before deciding it was time to hit the town at 1:00am. You cant exactly do this in Luang Prabang. Claire wanted to go to the Lady Boy section of Patong. I was surprised at how packed the town was that late. We pulled up to a large alleyway lined with bars on each side, tables in the street and a few dance platforms in the middle. This is something I would never do by myself but was a fun time in a group. Dancing on the platforms were, well, Lady Boys. When I heard Lady Boys I just thought guys in drag....OHHH NOO. These are mostly post op trannies looking to be taken home for the night. They ranged from the Wow she is absolutely hideous and could probably bench me to the What thats a, What? Are you sure What??? They dance up on the stages until people want to take their photo and then the jump down pose for photos (sometimes with their tops off) and then charge the person taking the photo. A guy in our group took a photo so this woman came over and took photos with all of us and I got a kiss on the cheek. Hopefully thats the only/last kiss I ever get from a Lady Boy. Some of these Lady Boys wore the most revealing clothing I have seen yet. Sometimes a goofy farang, mostly girls, will jump up on stage with them and dance for a little bit before getting shooed off the stage. Only lady boys dance on the stage and supposedly must pay for the privilege of going up there. Their goal is to dance well enjoy for a guy to take them home for some extra curricular activities. Thats were the real money is. One of the least attractive, ie very obvious that they were a dude, went up on the stage and then exposed more than her top. Later on that night she was on stage with a drunk white guy and she basically stripped him. Another item on the list of things to hopefully never see again. Around 2:30am the road shut down and the lady boys tried their best for one last shot at going home with someone. It seemed to meet like it didnt work out very well. We walked back to Bodega then I drove home. The roads much busier at 2:30am than 1:30 am. It was a night I wont forget, and may never repeat but it was a must do. It confirms that Patong is where the soul of Thailand goes to die.
One thing that is always hilarious to me is how often travelers, primarily back packers, bring up the movie "The Beach". Its an interesting film and you should all rent it just for the scenery. I would think most of you wouldnt enjoy the story line. The thing that is hilarious is that people think that this ideal untouched beach would be available to find considering they have heard where it was filmed. Every other person talks about it so they cant possibly think that they will be the only ones there. Sometimes people amaze me. They will be the only ones on this beach that is still under the radar...I think not. Every backpacker wants to find it and since the Thai know that its now just another tourist spot not the perfect place the movie makes it out to be.
Of course your favorite part:
Lynn sitting in her car outside a temple beside Nai Harn lagoon which is 100m from the Nai Harn Beach.
The main Nai Harn beach.
The Nai Harn beach we snorkeled off.
Driving down the road with the statue of Buddha looming the background.
Sorry about the lack of photos with Lady Boys. I hope you all are enjoying yourselves in the much colder weather (I assume). Always love the comments. No top 3 list this time.
Sadly at 7:45 am my alarm went off. Lynn an American teacher with the foundation picked me up around 8:30 and we drove to Nai Harn beach. Nai Harn is on almost the southern most point on the island. It was great to be a passenger on the drive down there so I was able to take in the sights. Anytime I drive myself, on my motorbike, I get too caught up on the road in front to really appreciate paradise. We drove through Patong (ie party central), then through Karon, Kata and finally into Nai Harn. We didnt go to the main beach we went to a little one farther south. Nai Harn is a big bay. We got to this beautiful secluded little beach which I would never have known existed. We dropped our stuff after meeting up with some of Lynn's friends and snorkeled off the beach. Highlight for me was seeing a sea snake which was about 3 feet long hanging out on the sea floor. We spent some time relaxing on the beach as all the families arrived. Lots of little kids and Italians. Interesting mix I know. We then went to get food at a nice trendy little joint called Delish. This is not Thai food. Lynns friend got a quiche and I got a toastie which was salami, parmesan cheese, rocket, mushroom, and pesto. Like I said not exactly Thai food. Lynn then dropped me off back at home and I passed out. Around 6:30 pm I woke up and went out to get some food before going to a bar and watching the second half of a soccer match.
10pm came around and I headed back to Bodega in Patong to meet up with Claire and friends for her birthday. We all met up had some cake and drinks before deciding it was time to hit the town at 1:00am. You cant exactly do this in Luang Prabang. Claire wanted to go to the Lady Boy section of Patong. I was surprised at how packed the town was that late. We pulled up to a large alleyway lined with bars on each side, tables in the street and a few dance platforms in the middle. This is something I would never do by myself but was a fun time in a group. Dancing on the platforms were, well, Lady Boys. When I heard Lady Boys I just thought guys in drag....OHHH NOO. These are mostly post op trannies looking to be taken home for the night. They ranged from the Wow she is absolutely hideous and could probably bench me to the What thats a, What? Are you sure What??? They dance up on the stages until people want to take their photo and then the jump down pose for photos (sometimes with their tops off) and then charge the person taking the photo. A guy in our group took a photo so this woman came over and took photos with all of us and I got a kiss on the cheek. Hopefully thats the only/last kiss I ever get from a Lady Boy. Some of these Lady Boys wore the most revealing clothing I have seen yet. Sometimes a goofy farang, mostly girls, will jump up on stage with them and dance for a little bit before getting shooed off the stage. Only lady boys dance on the stage and supposedly must pay for the privilege of going up there. Their goal is to dance well enjoy for a guy to take them home for some extra curricular activities. Thats were the real money is. One of the least attractive, ie very obvious that they were a dude, went up on the stage and then exposed more than her top. Later on that night she was on stage with a drunk white guy and she basically stripped him. Another item on the list of things to hopefully never see again. Around 2:30am the road shut down and the lady boys tried their best for one last shot at going home with someone. It seemed to meet like it didnt work out very well. We walked back to Bodega then I drove home. The roads much busier at 2:30am than 1:30 am. It was a night I wont forget, and may never repeat but it was a must do. It confirms that Patong is where the soul of Thailand goes to die.
One thing that is always hilarious to me is how often travelers, primarily back packers, bring up the movie "The Beach". Its an interesting film and you should all rent it just for the scenery. I would think most of you wouldnt enjoy the story line. The thing that is hilarious is that people think that this ideal untouched beach would be available to find considering they have heard where it was filmed. Every other person talks about it so they cant possibly think that they will be the only ones there. Sometimes people amaze me. They will be the only ones on this beach that is still under the radar...I think not. Every backpacker wants to find it and since the Thai know that its now just another tourist spot not the perfect place the movie makes it out to be.
Of course your favorite part:
Sorry about the lack of photos with Lady Boys. I hope you all are enjoying yourselves in the much colder weather (I assume). Always love the comments. No top 3 list this time.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Social Circle?
Interesting how things in life seems to work themselves out. This past week has been a crazy one. It started off by waking up at 6:30 am to go to a bar. Obviously I was watching the superbowl but there was a little drinking to be had. The bar was surprisingly almost all Pats fans. I went into the game wanting a close one and I got it. I got the giants score dead on but thought the pats would get that extra touchdown. What a game though! I then headed off to work knowing that the celebratory drinking wasnt going to happen. This past week I have been at my arts and crafts best preparing for the silent auction next week. I got connected with some people who live on the island and are about my age so I will be meeting up with them tonight....things are starting to turn around. I will probably meet them and they will hate me now that I published this post. I have also met an ex-Portlander who lives in Kamala and used to work with the foundation. I might be joining her husbands soccer league. I tried to make it very clear that I am NOT good. We will see if they truly get desperate enough to have me on their team. Today I got to meet Julie Anne who will be the Opera singer for our show "A Starlight Soiree". She came to the Kalim school and sang for the kids. She was amazing and I cant wait for the real show next Thursday. It is super hot here and I will have nights where I am sitting at my computer in my kitchen drenched in sweat without doing anything. Wearing dress slacks to the school everytime I go makes things even worse. Anyways things are looking up except for one major thing. I am running out of episodes of Community to catch up on. It is one of the best shows on tv and sadly it is in an extended break. I hope it comes back and doesnt go the route of Arrested Development. Great shows ended before their time.
Now for some photos:
The Kalim School which got wiped out by the tsunami you will see why.
This is the view from the top floor of the school.
Another shot from the top floor. Look how close the ocean is.
The kids playing at coconut club.
Biscuit my arch-nemesis! Look at those crazy eyes. I know what he is thinking.....I was to go s*** on your bed!
Thanks for the comments on the last post. Some great songs on your lists there.
This posts top three most obscure sports:
3.Western States / Tevis cup (which started out as a man vs horse competition)
2.Jai Alai
1.Stair Climbing
Now for some photos:
Thanks for the comments on the last post. Some great songs on your lists there.
This posts top three most obscure sports:
3.Western States / Tevis cup (which started out as a man vs horse competition)
2.Jai Alai
1.Stair Climbing
Sunday, February 5, 2012
My First Week
Last time I check in I had just gone to my first event with PHBGTUF. It went great and the kids had a really good time. The time since has been interesting, exciting and challenging. I knew going into this position that I was moving half way around the world to work for a tiny organization in a city I have never been and never seen. I also knew that I didnt know anyone. This is turning out to be much harder than earlier anticipated. I almost feel like a kid at his first day of school. Trying to meet new people is well, really freaking hard. Normally adults meet other adults through work or mutual friends. This would seem like an easy way of meeting people and I like my coworkers. I think they are great people. The problem is that they have lives (who would have guessed that) and aren't 20 somethings with time on their hands to go out. This leaves me to make my own friends (shocking I know). As I stated before its really hard. I have decided to try a few things. One of which is signing myself up for couchsurfing, so if people are in my area and want to grab a drink I am available. Sadly I wont actually be able to host anyone. I have tried going around to bars and for a few days I had a roommate named Ron. That was a lot of fun to have someone to go out with but alas he has left and I am back on my own. Any other ideas would be great let me know. I have tried the go to bars and meet people but most people who go to bars here aren't exactly in my age bracket....ie. grey hair. I am assuming they aren't looking for a 25 yr old, new drinking buddy. Dont feel sorry for me I am just relating how difficult it is to truly leave any safety nets behind.
Now onto the recap of the last week. We will be hosting a fundraiser on the 16th. I have spent a lot of time trying to learn as much as I can about work, while setting up the fundraiser. I feel dumb at times asking my boss, who I know is busy, for things to do but I dont know the ropes yet. That transition should better come soon. Wednesday night I was taken out to dinner by the Foundation creator's son. The foundations starter has passed away. Now his son looks after the restaurant group Baan Rim Pa and the foundation. The dinner at Baan Rim Pa was one of the best meals I have ever had. It was nice of him to take me out considering he didnt have to. It was good to talk to him about how things have changed here over the years and he is a fun guy to talk to. Thursday was my third birthday in SE Asia but the first non on the Mekong. It was also my first birthday without friends I have known for years or family but was still a good time. Tina, Graham, Arati, and Ron took me out for some drinks and dinner. I am not sure when it will sink in that I live in a place where everytime we get drinks on the beach its one of the most beautiful places I have been. The thing that made my birthday nice was how many people to wished me happy birthday. Many great friends through facebook and by email reached out to me on the day. I felt that although I was all the way around the world people spent the time to comment and I appreciated it. Thank you all. Next time you just have to visit so we can celebrate in person. Friday I drove over to the second school where we employ an English teach. She kindly let me sit in on a class. This experience made me so happy that I am not a teacher. The class was made of up first graders and they might have been on crack. I give people who can teach all the credit in the world. I know that if I were a teacher I would have probably killed someone by now. Well atleast I would have really considered it. The kids did a lot of singing and screaming English phrases. Thinking back it was exactly what my Lao classes with Chanta were like but only two students not 19. Saturday I finally did a relaxing touristy thing, I spent the whole day at the beach and found out Sunday morning that I didn't do as good of a job putting on sunscreen as I thought. The beach is beautiful but I have never seen so many wrinkles. If I never see a speedo again it will be too soon but I know I will see some tomorrow. I forgot about the best part of this whole week. One night the house cat got locked in my room for what turned out to be 4 hours. When I got home the cat was crying and he had laid a nice little gift on my bed. I bet you all can get what the gift was. Anyways I cleared my sheets and had to flip my bed after doing my best to get rid of the smell. Sadly none of my coworkers felt bad for me they just laughed. I wish I could say I wouldn't have done the same thing but I would have laughed too.
Here I am on sunday after my first week I am starting to get the feel for things. I am spending more money than I originally thought which isshocking fine. I am finding regular places to eat and drink. I have become a hit with some of the bar girls because I speak some Thai or they speak Lao. I have made up an imaginary wife so they know that I am not going to take them home with me. My roommate Ron was born in the Philippines but is American and every time we went to a bar they would try to speak to him in Thai and I would understand and respond and he would have no idea. The people at the bar kept saying he looks Thai but doesnt speak it and your white but you kind of speak it. I was actually sort of proud about my Lao skills. I still have a lot of studying today but so many expats I have met dont speak any Thai and they survive fine. I have found a place to watch the Superbowl so at 6:30 am tomorrow I will be sitting at a bar watching the big game. I hope its a good one. I was in Vietnam and missed the first Giants Pats match up. I think the Pats will pull out the win for whatever its worth. 24-21 Pats.
Currently I am trying to put together the perfect beach music mix. If you comment please put down your top 3 favorite beach/summer songs. Here are three of mine:
3.Summertime by Sam Cooke
2.The Boys of Summer by Don Henley
1.The Harder They Come by Jimmy Cliff
As always comments are appreciated and you can talk about almost anything. You could even give me some blog post ideas.
Now onto the recap of the last week. We will be hosting a fundraiser on the 16th. I have spent a lot of time trying to learn as much as I can about work, while setting up the fundraiser. I feel dumb at times asking my boss, who I know is busy, for things to do but I dont know the ropes yet. That transition
Here I am on sunday after my first week I am starting to get the feel for things. I am spending more money than I originally thought which is
Currently I am trying to put together the perfect beach music mix. If you comment please put down your top 3 favorite beach/summer songs. Here are three of mine:
3.Summertime by Sam Cooke
2.The Boys of Summer by Don Henley
1.The Harder They Come by Jimmy Cliff
As always comments are appreciated and you can talk about almost anything. You could even give me some blog post ideas.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Birthday Party
Every two months Phuket Has Been Good To Us Foundation (PHBGTUF) puts on a birthday party for the kids that live at the school. Let me explain this a little. There are 150 kids who are currently living at the school in Kamala. Some of these kids are orphans others may have family that are just unable to raise them. This past Saturday the general manager at one of the new beach clubs called Bliss was kind enough to let us bring the kids and host the birthday party. Around 35 kids showed up and got a chance to swim, play games and cook pizza with the head chef. The kids were broken into groups and rotated between stations. We had a large group of donators come and see the event. My job was to make sure that if any of the teachers needed help I would jump in and if not I got to talk to the donors. The kids had an absolute blast and Bliss is a spectacular location. The highlight for the kids I am sure was getting to make the pizza with Chef Alex. Alex could not have a more perfect personality for his role. After the children had eaten, played and swam they were each given a backpack with gifts in it. Everyone loved what they got and then shortly after there was a big birthday cake for everyone. It was delicious. When everyone was done eating they jumped back in the vans and headed back to school with big smiles on their faces. It was a great first day and it makes working for organizations that do education and outreach work really rewarding.
I get into the real office work next week. I hope that you all get a chance to visit Phuket because although it is very touristy, it is beautiful. Plus I want to see some familiar faces.
Side note Chanta has put up some great photos on the CLI Library Boat blog which I have a link to. Check it out. I will get some photos up when I get a chance.
I get into the real office work next week. I hope that you all get a chance to visit Phuket because although it is very touristy, it is beautiful. Plus I want to see some familiar faces.
Side note Chanta has put up some great photos on the CLI Library Boat blog which I have a link to. Check it out. I will get some photos up when I get a chance.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Made it!
Hello Everyone,
As the title would suggest I have made it to Phuket. I am writing you on my second day. I was picked up at the airport by Arati who then drove me around Phuket and we ate at the Reggae Bar. The photo shows just how ridiculous it was. We pull up and we ate on the beach at this funky little bar and it was spectacular. She continued to give me a little driving tour before we pulled up at the office/my new home. It is a nice clean 3 story building. The office is the bottom floor and the upper two levels are basically my apartment. The second floor has the two bedroom two bath apartment with a kitchen. I am in the room that has a balcony and over looks the street. The third floor has a bathroom and that is basically it. The rest is barren. I got to meet Graham who is Tina's husband. Arati took this opportunity to push me off onto Graham who then gave me a driving tour of Kamala and then we went for a walk on the beach and talked about golf. I was really surprised at how large the island is and how many tourists were here. Also a shocker for me was all the speedos and topless women......I think that sometimes you see things that you wish you could unsee. Some of the people on the beach I would have rather not seen. The Kamala beach is 100m from my house and 3k long. It is beautiful in this little bay that is surrounded by mountains with hotels up their slopes. After the walk Graham gave me the keys to my motor bike and took me to the market which is wednesdays and saturdays. The market sold everything from clothes to cow tongue. Graham picked up some food for dinner and then let me drive home by myself. I didnt get lost luckily. Back at the office I met Tina Grahams husband who had just come back from a meeting. When Arati leaves Tina will be the only one in the office with me. She is very nice and well traveled. Graham said that he and Tina had been to around 50 countries. They are a lot of fun and interesting. I was told that I dont officially start work until Saturday so I get a few days to settle in but I have no idea what I will do with myself until then. Later Arati, Tina, Graham and I went out to dinner on the beach. A good little spot but I wasnt very hungry having just endured a grueling multiday trip from Scottsdale. We had some dinner and beers on the beach. After dinner I went home put some things away and then passed out around 8pm. I was up at 6:30 am and unlike Luang Prabang most of the city wasnt. I decided to go for a walk. I walked down along the beach and basically around the whole city before arriving back at the office. I was in search of breakfast but nothing was open until 8. I picked up some eggs and chili sauce from the 7-11 (there are 6 in town) and when I got back to the office Tina had picked me up some food. For breakfast I had fried chicken with sticky rice and chili sauce. Good eats but if I do this everyday I might put on 50 pounds. Now here I am after breakfast eating and writing the blog.
I know you want them so here you go Photos:
My first meal in Phuket.
The Reggae Bar.
My office/home. Office first floor, my room second and then third floor bare.
Me in front of our sign.
My room full with big bed, chair, TV and en-suite bathroom.
My view.
The Kamala School. just 75m from my house.
A view up north along the beach this morning.
The boardwalk with the beach about 12 meters to the right running parallel.
A map of the beach. Notice at the bottom the different tsunami evacuation paths. Tourist and locals have different paths.
The main highway through Kamala.
My kitchen and the second bedroom.
A view from the boardwalk to the water.
Looking at the south end of the Kamala beach.
I will update you when more stuff happens.
As the title would suggest I have made it to Phuket. I am writing you on my second day. I was picked up at the airport by Arati who then drove me around Phuket and we ate at the Reggae Bar. The photo shows just how ridiculous it was. We pull up and we ate on the beach at this funky little bar and it was spectacular. She continued to give me a little driving tour before we pulled up at the office/my new home. It is a nice clean 3 story building. The office is the bottom floor and the upper two levels are basically my apartment. The second floor has the two bedroom two bath apartment with a kitchen. I am in the room that has a balcony and over looks the street. The third floor has a bathroom and that is basically it. The rest is barren. I got to meet Graham who is Tina's husband. Arati took this opportunity to push me off onto Graham who then gave me a driving tour of Kamala and then we went for a walk on the beach and talked about golf. I was really surprised at how large the island is and how many tourists were here. Also a shocker for me was all the speedos and topless women......I think that sometimes you see things that you wish you could unsee. Some of the people on the beach I would have rather not seen. The Kamala beach is 100m from my house and 3k long. It is beautiful in this little bay that is surrounded by mountains with hotels up their slopes. After the walk Graham gave me the keys to my motor bike and took me to the market which is wednesdays and saturdays. The market sold everything from clothes to cow tongue. Graham picked up some food for dinner and then let me drive home by myself. I didnt get lost luckily. Back at the office I met Tina Grahams husband who had just come back from a meeting. When Arati leaves Tina will be the only one in the office with me. She is very nice and well traveled. Graham said that he and Tina had been to around 50 countries. They are a lot of fun and interesting. I was told that I dont officially start work until Saturday so I get a few days to settle in but I have no idea what I will do with myself until then. Later Arati, Tina, Graham and I went out to dinner on the beach. A good little spot but I wasnt very hungry having just endured a grueling multiday trip from Scottsdale. We had some dinner and beers on the beach. After dinner I went home put some things away and then passed out around 8pm. I was up at 6:30 am and unlike Luang Prabang most of the city wasnt. I decided to go for a walk. I walked down along the beach and basically around the whole city before arriving back at the office. I was in search of breakfast but nothing was open until 8. I picked up some eggs and chili sauce from the 7-11 (there are 6 in town) and when I got back to the office Tina had picked me up some food. For breakfast I had fried chicken with sticky rice and chili sauce. Good eats but if I do this everyday I might put on 50 pounds. Now here I am after breakfast eating and writing the blog.
I know you want them so here you go Photos:
A view up north along the beach this morning.
I will update you when more stuff happens.
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