Ourwalkabout.nl is a blog about the world trip Michiel de Wit and Judica Wondergem are making in 2010.


13 ° 46 'N, 100 ° 30' E
31 May 2010, 18:49

Big Bang Cook

13. No red light district with no evening

The ball is now the church and decided (and recorded) for tomorrow night bus and boat to Koh Tao to take. That means we only have today and tomorrow in Bangkok. Originally we were vawege the bloody red shirt riots really not going to go to Bangkok, so we enjoy the time we are here anyway.

To begin, we have once again slept good. Bangkok at night than during the day really fun, so what our rhythm shifts. Around noon, I had breakfast, we basically do some shopping and eventually hit the road towards the center of modern Bangkok. What happens in Bang Cook? Siam Square and Silom Street. The riots in recent months, mainly in the vicinity of the square, we have burned shopping malls listed. We imagined we do so before Big Bang Cook.

Around Siam Square stores are the most idiotic, most friendly and plaza known. The few large shopping centers in the Netherlands fall easily into insignificance, even in the smaller plazas. Siam Paragon is undoubtedly hit everything. Not only is the building immense size, but the splendor that is also home to incredible. There was nothing for sale that we could pay all named Gucci or Hermes or vendi or Tagheuer and the prices were written in gold. And all the white marble building shone a serene luxury. Unnoticed we went on our toes, our back court and our mouths closed.

The next big festival that our store within various skyscrapers was raided Pantip Plaza. Five-story shopping mall with just computer stuff. A kind of men heaven (minus the cars, the football scenes and scantily clad women then). We have our eyes tired. The competition should be fierce, with many shops that actually sell more of the same.

As with the Skytrain (wow!) to Silom, a 2 km long wide street that once served as a dam / dike, but now is primarily the throbbing vein of the business district forms. The district stands apart for its many high-rise is also known for its nightlife. Exactly why, we therefore later in the afternoon round. Without somewhere to have gone inside, but just to satisfy our curiosity, we are the local red-light district and we have walked many men with dirty menus for the various sex shows afgepoeierd.

In Bangkok, everything is great and over the top and after I am actually not surprised that we have wandered into a gay bar complete streets come. One of the clubs was clearly gay in ontkenninsfase, witnessed the double identity of the occasion: the name 'Balls - real sports club and embellished with verdant patches and TVs with sports gave the club but finally just accommodate men with balls were looking men ...

Anyway, so today we have the modern side view of Bangkok. Like every night until now ended, we are here this evening on Kao San road run for a coconut shake, peek into what commodities and paradise for birds and much needed exercise. Incidentally improve our negotiating skills gaanderweg and we can proudly announce that today half hour ride by tuk-tuk for 100 baht but have taken advantage. Oh, and the cap to me yesterday in an overpriced tuk-tuk from the head blew tonight again replaced by a new, cleaner and nicer one. Everything is impermanent Big Bang Cook.


13 ° 43 'N, 100 ° 29' E
30 May 2010, 18:21

Palace here

26. Our study Judica copied LP

Today a little culture in Bangkok. We have been to the palace and the temple that goes. Glitter and gold, as usual here. Within the palace walls you appropriately dressed, and so sarong knotted shirt on. Hot hot hot.

Beautiful and culturally responsible. In the afternoon we went to the "weekend market" was. One of the largest markets in the world. We were lost in the shortest time. Some nice shirts for Michael bought me a necklace.

Bangkok like actually, we still remain an extra night. We still have the tickets and rebook in Bangkok is an office where we can arrange. Michael also wants to have one big mall, it is quite powerful that huge building.

Vanavodn we have both again a beauty to lure and my legs waxed for the first cold. Pretty cool, wonder if they do in NL, I can do myself.

Unfortunately it rained so then ... anyway the hotel. Our nights are getting shorter. So we go to bed early, but that morning temple rituals (at 5 hours) we will also miss tomorrow.


13 ° 46 'N, 100 ° 30' E
29 May 2010, 18:21

Ping Pong Show

The first time I heard someone talk about the 'famous' ping-pong shows in Bangkok, I have expanded to explain what exactly a show than substance. Why would anyone with common sense in his spare time to look at a piece of entertainment with such a prosaic name?

What to expect? Maybe an impressive rally? Without table tennis? Pets on the table? Or maybe a goldfish bowl with ball-income? Now I understand that I was in the wrong direction looking for answers: the following simple equation was eenklaps me everything clearly.

Bangkok Thailand = = = Mass Tourism distaste = Sex Shows

Well, it turns out this is going to representations of (oppressed and imprisoned) upcoming ladies of the famous Thai beauty profile entirely without tools (other than their graceful bodies they offer) miraculously pingp0ngballetjes in vacuum managed to bring.

Tonight I was on Khao San Road (which is certainly not a song by John Denver?) By a dingy appearance of a (possibly fake) taxi license offered an invitation to a show. As if the unashamedly offering this to someone that has not been established that he has the appropriate level of decency to the entertainment offered, his proposal also knew Mr. underpinning an A6 printed and laminated flyer program. Not interested!

Incidentally I had today in more business, to me at least as persistent were offered, no interest, including: a tailored suit, Billabong shorts, foot massage by fish, foot massage by Thai ladies, discount coupons for McDo (hmm, sin actually), taxis, tuktuks and so on. Bangkok, especially the tourist stronghold where we landed, is quite intrusive and omnipresent. Pleased to offer oasis of restlessness is the hotel room now, I seek my dreams later empire. I am afraid with great fear that it deals pingpong shows will continue to haunt me. The meager consolation myself tonight in any case that I can offer is, unrestrained by courtesy obligations and freed by the fantastic opportunities in the dream realm, in a graceful way of me all those pushy people can discard. Fuck off, ill-mannered bunch of sweaters!


13 ° 43 'N, 100 ° 29' E
29 May 2010, 16:18

Bangkok, we're here

8. Judica has discovered again and kittens

Another night in a nice VIP bus. There seems to be a rhythm to sit in the quality of the buses. Alternately, whether it is good, or dredging. Tonight fell into the category of 'mud'. We had no additional water purchased (usually you can get two bottles). When we got inside we saw the vinyl seats and felt all slices. The air conditioning can normally focus, but if only a hole where the light comes out you will get cold quickly.

The movie also seemed unlikely, as promised the cabinet that was intended for television was made clear by force. Advantage was that we do not have to worry about bad music :) . We had our laptop with us next series and have enjoyed relatively potatoes. The bus left at 7 am and at 7:30 went all out lchct, read a book so unfortunately there was not.

After half a night's sleep came over this morning at about quarter to five. Nice and early, even before the Thai a little too early. Here and there a little more faded-looking girl of fun and a lot more gebezem. We dropped the next "big tourist street '(Kho San Road) and started to sit down and drink.
Meanwhile, we no longer prepared to cities, and we had a little orientation. Backpack drop and see what guesthouses / hotels. The price was pretty rough, uitiendelijk we pay almost double of Chiang Mai after 1.5 hours and we ended up in the second hotel we have visited (of course).

After a morning nap we woke up in another street. It is full of life here, a market with too many clothes to mention (and my bag is full, sob), fake cards, tailors, earrings, necklace and other curiosities.

Michael was the old camera lost on the bus so we first asked if it was found that yes, we had him in the evening pick up. Lucky (or as Michael puts it, karma).
We immediately scammed when we walked we would not go anywhere because of the can "redshirts," but we were somewhere else. Oh and we had continued our journey to Kho San road book, but the official center. A tuk tuk would take for us to go past a monument to the real tourist center. For the paltry sum of 50 cents.
Okay, well, go ahead. The pictures below are of the Buddha and other tourist bureau was so expensive that we did not do. Simple but true, just keep your cool and then it comes good.

We have just been to a large shopping mall and then sat near the problem area, but there was nothing wrong eignelijk. But immediately bought a second battery for the new camera, we have IIG always at hand. Else walked around and delicious meal. They can cook really well.

Michael has just purchased a book that he returns so he can sell the last 150 pages to read and is still addicted. To bed, slept because we certainly have not. Tomorrow we go on I think back on towards the islands.


18 ° 47 'N, 98 ° 59' E
May 28 2010, 12:54

Zoo Zoo

22. Watch out soon springt'ie

A day at the zoo is always fun. Here in Chiang Mai are also quite done their best animals to feel at home.

It was lovely weather again and we started with a shopping trip since Michael regretted the little computer translation. Unfortunately it could be exchanged, but no money back and what we can now buy at a bookstore that we can take easily. We have several times looked very sad and I could do it. So finally we have the money back and we could go to the zoo.

The specialty of this zoo is a large underwater aquarium where you can walk through a "snow dome" where it is cold and pandas live and an 'adventure zone' where you like in a safari through the animal could drive. Of course the adventure zone waaren dangerous animals such as goats, deer, etc. We have none of these exciting things are done only for three hours walking around and have us amazed at the large fauna of Asia. Here we have used the new camera a lot.

About fifteen minutes, we picked to go to Bangkok Anar and tomorrow we will upload photos.


18 ° 47 'N, 98 ° 59' E
28 May 2010, 3:53

Off to Bangkok

7. Near the Temple

Some people would say that we are the last days that have made it easy for. The fact is that we really do not have. Apart from an occasional massage and walk around in markets over the last two days consisted of: book reading, tinkering with website (unfinished), eat and watch series.

Today there is some action on the program. Michael wanted to go to the zoo with the new camera and we look for what is beautiful around.

Yesterday we can get the camera ... and it's great. We've even got discount and a free memory card.
I thank those who have sponsored this for my birthday and I assume that we're making more great foto'skunnen. During dinner, we surprised about all the different functions and even at night some nice pictures. Today is the big test, pictures in daylight.

Tonight we leave on the night bus to Bangkok where we arrive early in the morning. I do not think we have a long stay in the city, but to the islands to come we will still go. Do not worry, we'll post tomorrow and unrest are almost over. MinBuZa has even travel from stage 6 to stage 4 adjusted.

Now first, but once all the bags packed.


18 ° 54 'N, 98 ° 57' E
25 May 2010, 17:00

Tijgeritis

41. Save on bike shot

· ger the tide, m s-large feline predator with striped skin

Large animals, dangerous predator .... This is deduced from the above definition of the word 'tiger'. Today we decided to tempt fate and go hug them. It started like this. We rented a motorbike weeer once, it remains a favorite means of transportation. We thought if we left the drive to survive we have enough karma to be able to cuddle with tigers and all the limbs preserved. On to the "Tiger Kingdom".

Here you can (at hefty fee) to tigers in the cage. They have four categories tigers, small, small, medium and large. Choosing what you wanted to do was more like an order at a fast food chain. Michael was cuddling with the little ones (one month) more than enough while I went for the "combo" (supersize discount) of toddlers, children and adults. When would be a great photographer to capture all follow.

On to the smallest so, what babies say. They had blue eyes and sleep most of the day. I expected that she would feel very soft but it was really as many stuffed animal at the fair. The rules are simple, not lift and play with it. Not that the animals are not allowed to play but if they learn it is difficult to explain to them that if they can not push a man with a playful push down.

We hugged, gekroeld, many photos and surprised us. How large these creatures actually are, so that they resemble cats, the size of the legs and the smell. These little ones smell really good!

After fifteen minutes, our time and went on to the little tigers (approximately 3 months). What a difference. Still very lazy and tired, but so much bigger. They really have tiger and ambitions are much more playful, even if you pay attention. The head and front legs were not really be touched, yet they remain great. Just like Simba with stripes in real life is to stroke. SUPER!

Finally then the big tigers. Although many things I am afraid I was not afraid to step in the cage now. Together with a photographer and trainer on the big babies (2 to 2.5 years after they moved so they are almost always young). They are also very quiet, and curious. I would like a rubber ball on a stick before, but I fear that the teeth make short work of them. The shoot (it felt a bit) was very cool. The photographer involved or little English but had fun and humor in his work. Michael looked from outside the fence so far.

There was also another man for as a similar session, but that was after 2 minutes outside. Apparently it is too narrow. How is it that I did not scary? No idea, but I have today a lot of fun out of it. A cd with 80 pictures, we were awarded, making it even more memorable.

In the afternoon we drove around some more, the rain and sheltered ears are stopped by the shop drove my camera. Just as well there was something about the order and unfortunately he is day after tomorrow, so wait one extra day. We are now in bed, but what a great experience quenched with those cubs to cuddle. Enjoy the photos.


18 ° 47 'N, 98 ° 60' E
24 May 2010, 18:01

Chiang May 24

24th May day in Chiang Mai has remained fairly inconspicuous. This day we had at the start though no major plans and is a pleasant ripples remained. No commotion, excitement or other strong emotions. Rather a nice breakfast (at a familiar place, and only at lunchtime), a simple walk, a fairly gentle Thai massage for Michael and for an hour picking nails Judica.

The main event of the day it was actually shopping in the 'night market'. This afternoon we went shopping a bit, but that should not have names. The main output was a book of yours: eBook reader since my piece, I was forced again to seek my salvation to the printed word.

The night market is a daily spectacle that is a long road full of hotels and other large buildings going. A street interspersed with branches of Burger King, McDonalds, Subway and Haagen Dasz. Along hundreds of meters away stands which are mostly T-shirts, jewelry and trinkets are sold. We are now back at the hotel room with a plastic bag full of treasures. It was very nice that droppings and strolling while one vendor after another with just a few rehearsed Dutch (!) Phrases to lure into buying from soap, cut flowers, tuk-tuks made from beer cans, copied CDs and wooden puzzles . And after such an unremarkable day, at the end it feels like a hard day's work, it is good to rest. And the prospect of a day with the bike and aanmechtige tiger cubs makes the eyes may easily behind the shutters dream will disappear. On the 25th!


18 ° 48 'N, 98 ° 40' E
May 23 2010, 18:06

Seu (buy) in Chiang Mai

Today, a day of shopping. We had needed to find a new camera and have found the most amazing camera (Olympus mju Tough 8010). He works up to 10 meters under water, is resistant to attack up to 2 meters and has many more small nice functions (eg Tikke against the camera function / mode change). The only downside is that the 2010 model was not available and that we wanted because the 2009 model is not compatible with the SD cards that fit into the computer.
We have ordered and deposited him and he comes in Wednesday. So super cute, but be patient.

Michael has spent the past week unfortunately ebook reader to see die. anything not packed and the screen is broken internally or the whole thing is useless. Considerably since he bales in the middle of an exciting book was, and we use them both very much.
Today we were also looking for a new ebook reader but unfortunately we can not find. Michael in quite minor. The whole day walking around in shops where they sell everything electronic gadgets (Michael simply does things with a plug) and then anything that you buy the rest of the evening play.

After the third shopping mall (it's just like America) I walked around with Michael with a glum face. He was almost planning to buy a cheap camera but I can not recommend.
A further store they had great translation computers. Something we have accounted for somewhere to call (the thing to 13 different languages ​​including Thai, Malay, Spanish and Portuguese) and whether the two girls who were sold or the device itself? The result was the same, a big smile on his face, Michael.

As I type this is Michael's next to me on the bed. For 3 hours he is busy with his new little computer translation and as happy as a child. The thing translated as you type in the word and speaks it, if desired, even for you. You can also record your own voice to compare it with the pronunciation.
Words I heard coming through were: Okapi (Oh ​​you never know) Chinese shit, skating and other in Thai that I did not know. From tomorrow we can save in any situation with little computer.


18 ° 47 'N, 98 ° 60' E
22 May 2010, 4:37 p.m.

Busmoe

"You make a beautiful ride from the former capital of the Lao government to the former capital of Siam. At the border you will arrive with a slow boat to the other side held, where a comfortable mini-bus will be waiting for you. A journey that guarantees fantastic one day tour. "Well, so was our tour of Luang Prabang (Laos) to Chiang Mai (Thailand) in the books can stand. In reality, the journey is not only beautiful but also tiring.

We left last night at a quarter past six came from the travel agency and now a quarter past five at our hotel in Chiang Mai. That's 23 hours in the bus, tuk-tuk, slow boat and mini-van. Judica is fortunate tonight to sleep properly at the - very comfortable - VIP bus to the Thai border. My night was a little longer, unfortunately.

Incidentally, we had tonight for the first time a bus broke down. Buspech, of course. One of the bands had apparently sprung a leak and was in the middle of the night to be replaced. I woke up when I noticed that the bus was put on a jack, and after a few pumps from kukelde. What exactly went wrong I do not know, but it took the 'technicians' 2 hours to get the tire replaced. Amateurs ...

Also in the Lao-Thai border, we can entertain precious: our bus showed up to ride the bus, while we had to cross by boat to Thailand. The services of a tuk-tuk was therefore necessary to get us to the water. A frontier outpost on the water is a strange affair, especially in the way that we approach these regions. Nothing big, impressive buildings, nothing barriers. Just a small loketje and a boat that does not leave without the approval of the Beamten. As simple as a border too. Arrived in Thailand, our visas were stamped and we're very happy that we had already arranged in advance of other passengers had their visa applications at the border and were given only 15 days for a while we must remain 60 days.

The fan above our hotel room is now running at full tour. We just went to the hotel where our mini-van deposited us. We had quite some can go shopping, but frankly we were too tired and we could pay for 250 baht (€ 6.15) will likely not get much better. Because: We have a spacious room, pool, wireless Internet and a baliejuf a few words of Dutch. So striking how much harder they are doing to be hospitable to tourists and a little to spawn. It also looks as though we will enjoy a lot.