Like all good things, this trip must now come to an end. This trip has been absolutely amazing. I have traveled over three countries by car, bus, train. boat and plane. I have met some of the nicest people I could hope for traveling. There is Lucinda, who is the maddest person I have ever met. There was Sonia, a medical student, who was very boisterous and downright nice; Melanie, who practice homeopathy and is probably the zenest person I met; and Lisa, who has been working overseas for the past few years teaching English and lots of other people whom I may have only been acquainted with for a train ride or boat ride. Of course there were the locals that I came across - such as my tuk tuk driver, Mr. Two in Phnom Penh and Mr. Eang, my tuk tuk driver in Siem Reap.
I also had a fantastic time in Vietnam with my family. I feel very blessed to have had this opportunity to travel and visit family. It allows you to take a moment and be completely selfish, and let me tell you it was sorely needed.
The highlights of this trip include all of the fantastic people and places that I encountered along the way. I did not really have a solid plan when I came on this trip - just an idea of where I wanted to go. It worked out pretty smoothly. I loved Cambodia and recommend everyone to take a trip out there. Cambodian people were by far the nicest people that I came across.
Thailand was pretty cool as well, but Bangkok was probably my least favorite place. It is hot and loud and there are so many scams that it really keeps you on your toes. It is a hard place to relax.
Here are some tips for anyone coming to Bangkok:
1. Always get a metered taxi. If they quote you a flat fare - you are paying too much. And make sure they put the meter on!
2. If you take any flights into Don Muang airport - do not get the metered taxis at the airport that are quoted at 700 baht or more depending on where you are going. If you are going to the backpacker area it should only cost less than 200 baht plus 25 baht for the toll. I knew this when I returned from Phuket, and got into a little argument with the information guy at the airport. Just ask where the local buses are and hail a taxi from the main road.
3. Local buses in Bangkok will not let you get on the bus with all of your luggage, so don't even try. I did and was denied.
4. Avoid the tuk tuks as they are always trying to take you somewhere you don't want to go unless you want the novelty of riding in one. However, they are pretty small -- I had to crouch down in one.
5. Get a Thai massage. It only costs about $5-6 USD and they are amazing!!!
I am attaching just a few more pictures. I hope to post them online when I get back. I have loads of pictures and it takes too long to try and do it here. I guess I will see everyone when I get back home. Hope you enjoyed reading about my adventures and sorry for any spelling or grammatical mistakes.
Here is a photo of my second to last night in Bangkok with Lucinda, her friend Chris, an English guy living in Thailand, and his girlfriend Cherry. We went to an area called Intamara or something. It is located in Central Bangkok is not very touristy at all. Had the best little snacks there. I let Cherry order and basically tried everything - pretty surprising for me. I think this trip has definitely made me want to try other foods. My favorite was sundried beef with sticky rice. Can't wait to find some at home.
The standing Buddha at Wat InthraWihan in Bangkok. It was massive.
My final sunset in Bangkok.
Khao San Road, which is where all of the backpackers go. It was a little too much - but there are plenty of places to eat and drink and shop on this road. I stayed on another road, but very close as it is the easiest place to find internet and travel agencies.
Thanks for reading and keeping up with my travels!
