Back to Canada

Here I am, sitting in a warm house, watching CSI, and petting my cat. It's so nice to be home! Although I am quite lucky to be home. In Korea, we checked the weather to find that there was a weather advisory in effect for Kelowna. I remember distinctly that the day before we left Kelowna on November 27, 2007, there was a snowstorm the night before. We made our journey to Incheon Airport in Seoul and checked our bags in. We were worried that there wasn't going to be enough time in Vancouver to go through immigration and customs. Everyone assured us there would be enough time if we hurried. I was just so excited to go home, so everything I was doing was hurried. I was getting a little frustrated with the flight when it was delayed because of cabin cleaning. Then, I was the lucky one where my inflight entertainment system didn't work the entire trip. That was pretty lame. I tried sleeping, but that didn't go so well. How can one sleep on a plane that is completely uncomfortable? I can't sleep sitting up, and the seat doesn't tilt back so well. I was off that plane so fast when it landed, though we did have to sit on the apron at Vancouver Airport for about 15 minutes because we had to wait for the ground crew....uh huh...

We got to go through to the beginning of the line because of our flight to Kelowna. We managed to get through immigration fast, with one hiccup. Luc's suitcase came out of the plane absolutely demolished. It looked like it was in a trainwreck. Luckily, everything inside came out fine. We busted through customs and made our way to what seemed like the other side of the airport. We arrived at our gate just in time for the scheduled boarding time, but there was no one there No Air Canada employees were at the gate. Turns out, the weather advisory was delaying things. Eventually someone showed up and let us know that the captain would try to land in Kelowna, but we may have to turn back due to back weather. I just wanted to go home.

As we were waiting to land, I had a choking anxious feeling. I knew that everyone was going to be at the airport, and I was so excited to see everyone. Luc was acting so calm, but I was almost bouncing out of my seat, I swear I was the first one up out of my seat when we landed and was raring to get out of the plane. I walked as fast as I could to get to the arrivals. I was so fantastic to see everyone at the airport, thank you for being there! It is so amazing to be home. I missed things.

I went to Walmart today and was so overwhelmed by the choices. I stood staring at the body washes for awhile. There's so many! I can't wait to go to a grocery store, where I can get ful fat, half fat, non fat anything. It's going to be crazy.

Tomorrow I head to Vancouver to help out dad. There's somuch happening, and so much to do, I don't know where to start, or where to go. Now I have to figure out what to do with myself. Where do I begin?

Krabi

Princes Cave Shrine

Part of the opening to Princess Cave

Rai Leh Beach

Chicken Island...get it? Though it's more like Turkey Island.

Haha! I LOVE the Christmas light contest posts! I was laughing out loud in the internet cafe! I'm imagining a big star on Uncle Moe's house, and the 3000+ lights complete with outdoor speakers on Uncle Dave's. Oh man.

Yesterday, Lucas and I went on a day trip to Krabi. We woke up to sunshine, but as the day went on, the dark clouds came in, and we were in another rainstorm. But, it was alright, as the air was still warm and we had roof over our heads. The day started at 630 am when we had some toast and coffee/tea. We were picked up at 7am by the tour company and we were back on another boat. The ride was over 2 hours long, but we made it to our first place after transferring boats. We first went to Chicken Island. You can see why it is called that from the picture. We went snorkelling here. The tour guides kept throwing in cheese or bread, and the little fish were swarming it. They were doing this right at the bottom of the ladder. It reminded me of feeding the Piranhas at the Nature Centre. And they expected me to go down the ladder right into that?? But I did, even though I was slightly freaked out about it. Lucas even did it. We didn't go far from the boat though. I bought an underwater camera, and took a couple shots, but having so many hungry fish around me like that, was not awesome. We got back on the boat, and you could see the swarming fish going wherever there was a boat. They knew that food was there. They are smart little devils.

There was an Israeli couple who started chatting us up. They kept telling me that we should go and visit Isreal. They also thought that I was from Poland because I told them I visited there once. I tried to tell him otherwise, and he said he understood, but then later, he brought it up again, talking about what it's like being from Poland.

We drove in the boat around two islands that are connected by a sandbar during low tide. There is also a tiny island in between. We didn't get to walk on the sandbar, but we went around to the second island and stayed on the beach for a bit. Luc and I did some more snorkelling and finished off the underwater camera. I don't think the pictures are going to be suberb for a couple reasons. One, it's a single use camera. Second, the water was not too clear becuase the water was choppy and throwing up sand. Phi Phi's waters were so much better, and the fish on Phi Phi were a lot more varied and colourful. This place had so many sea urchins. I was afraid to walk around there because of the amount of urchins.

We then went to Rai Leh beach. I don't know if you got this commercial in Canada, but in Korea, there was a commercial for Pepsi that had a bunch of soccer players in it, even David Beckham (let's be honest, he's the only soccer player I know). They are playing all over Thailand, even on this beach. We're coming to realize that there is a lot of places in Thailand that are in commercials and movies that we've seen. We had lunch here, and got to hang out on the beach for awhile.

Finally, we went around Rai Leh to Princess Cave. Legend has it that an unmarried princess died here. Because of this fisherman have set up a shrine to her, and are contstantly leave wooden phalluses for her. This, apparently, is to appease her, and she in turn helps the fishermen with good catches. This cave is mighty impressive, and with the water surrounding it a warm green colour, you can see why the bungalow by it is an insanely priced 5 star resort. Only the richest of the rich can stay there. At this point, it started to rain a lot, but it was the end of the tour. The trip back to Phuket was a little more somber because of the weather. For the rest of the night, Lucas and I went for dinner, and then tried to do a little shopping.

Today is our last full day here. We took our time leaving the hotel, and are now just biding time until we figure out where we're staying tonight. Since we have to be at the airport at 6am, we need to find somewhere close to the airport. We've been told there are some hotels by the airport, and so we're going to somehow make our way up there to check it out. The trick is to figure out how to get to the airport. That's our task for the day.

Karon Beach

the courtyard at our hotel

Connect Four at our dinner table

Lucas likes Triceratops

Heck yes Dino Mini Golf!

We were going to stay on Karon Beach for one night. One night has turned into three. After walking for a little longer than expected, trying to find a hotel, we found a beautiful respite from the sun. Casa Brazil. The decoration in this place is fantastic, so colourful. It also has an open courtyard with a fountain a fish. And the two cats (though apparently there are three) also help. It also has the best shower, with the best pressure, compared to the places we have been staying for the last couple weeks.

Today, we were getting some beach chairs, when the lady asked us where we were from. We said Canada. And she said, "wow, you speak good English!". Uh, yes? Thank you? Being here makes Lucas and I realize how sad of a job that Canada does when it comes to foreign languages, even French. Tourists and Thais alike all seem to know English. They can all speak well, and get their point across. I wish I had the ability to speak another language, but the teaching I got in school was not very good. We're lucky to speak English, I suppose, because we can go so many places, and not have a problem talking or getting a point across. But we're also unlucky, because so many others can speak their own language, with English on top of that.

Lucas got himself a wicked burn today, and it was cloudy! Those clouds are quite deceiving. He's got the lobster-like stomach and face, and is pale ghostly white on his sides where his arms are. It's quite entertaining. It's a good thing that we bought another aloe vera bottle. Tomorrow we go on a day tour of Krabi. I bought an underwater camera because we are going to snorkel on the trip. I'm sad I didn't have one on Phi Phi with the zebra fish, angel fish, and clown fish (Nemo), and the weird sword-like skinny long fish that freaked out Lucas. We will have one more day after that, and we're not sure what we're going to do. It can't be anywhere far though because our flight leaves on the 9th at 8am; therefore, we have to be at the airport around 6ish. Spendid!

Our time is almost over. In one week, we'll be home to Canada. It's so weird to think about that. I've been missing home since I left last November 27, but it's been comfortable here. Korea's been easy. We could do what we want, have money to burn. Now we go home where there is an economic crisis and we'll be restricted on what we can do. And it will be cold. Can't forget about that :)

We miss everyone, and are very excited to see you at the airport! I'm carting around so much booty for people. I seem to buy more for others than I do myself! My shoulder are sore from carrying it. You won't get it until Christmas though!!

Little Scandinavia

We're still here on Kata Beach. Tomorrow we're going to move up a few meters to Karon Beach. We discovered tonight just how close it really was as we were walking down to street trying to find somewhere to eat that wasn't overpriced. The sand on that beach is like icing sugar, and it crunches under your feet. It's so soft.

On the way to finding a place to eat, we saw an elephant with people feeding him and getting their picture taken with him. He was so cute. I could go for a baby elephant. I kinda felt sorry for him though. People kept feeding and feeding him. Isn't that a form or torture? Being constantly fed? And he had a swarm of people around him, and flashes constantly going off. The elephant did catch our attention though of the place he was standing in front of...DINO PARK! Heck yes, a mini golf area that is completely dino themed. I think it's probably to coolest and well made mini golf I have seen. The courses were imaginative, and there were dinosaur scattered throughout. There was even a volcano that shot up fireballs. We had a lot of fun there.

We were talking with a hotel guy a couple days ago, and he was telling us that because of the airport disruptions, there has been 90% cancellations. It's incredible. When we were in Phuket Town, it didn't seem like much, but he said that at this time it's usually quite busy. Phi Phi Island as well had nearly empty restaurants at peak dining times. It was weird to see. The airport is supposed to be fully functional as of tomorrow.

For the entire trip, I seem to be the target of mosquitos. Canadian mosquitos don't really like me, but it appears that Asian ones do. Though the other night, Lucas was the target. He awoke one morning to find 32 bites on his feet alone. There was some kind of bug in his bed (we had two singles that night). It's a good thing I bought Tiger Balm in Vietnam, that stuff is great on bites.

Erin2, I think that Kata Beach is the beach for you. Bob Marley and Rasta Thais everywhere. This beach is fantastic and so chill. You would love it here! Like I said in the title of this post, Kata Beach is also Little Scandinavia. There are so many Scandinavian restaurants, even the place where we are staying is a Scandinavian man and his Thai wife. The majority of people here are from Norway or Finland or Sweden. There is a lot of blonde hair and blue eyes. And of course, old topless ladies. Yesterday we even got a little man bits and lady lower bits, as a couple decided to change out of their bathing suits on the beach. Oh Thailand.

Kata Beach

On Phi Phi Island

The hermit crab had walked such a long way, and it kept on trekking, it had a mission, it seemed.

Kata Beach sunset

Well everyone, as fate has it, Bangkok's airport opens up the day after we change our flights. We got lucky though, in a sense. We were going to have a charge for changing the flights, because our original flight was not cancelled. But I just received an email from our travel agent, and he said the flight was cancelled today, therefore no charge! BUT, we did have to buy a flight from Phuket to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

So, here's our new flight itinerary home: It's going to be a long way to Daegu...

Dec 9: 8am flight from Phuket, Thailand to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (1.5 hours)

Dec 9: 2:20pm Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam ( 2 hours)

Dec 10: 1:10am Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam to Busan, Korea (6 hours)

Dec 10: 8am-ish Busan, Korea to Daegu, Korea (1 hour)

We'll be travelling for about 24 hours until we get back to Daegu. Awesome. But then three days later, we go to Canada!!!

We are now in Kata beach, which I believe is south from Patong. Becuase of our new flight schedule, we're going to be spending the remainder of the week here in Koh Phuket. We took the bus from Phuket Town, and once we got here, it was ridiculous trying to find a hotel. Our Lonely Planet book really let us down here as the map sucks, and two of the hotels that we tried apparently do not exist. We were walking in the incredible heat for about an hour before we found a place that was suitable (ie air cond, tv, shower). We were irritable and sweaty. The rest of day we just spent on the beach. We picked a good spot. The sand is so soft, and we had a perfect view of the sunset, as you can see. We are here at Kata for two nights. Since we now have all this time on our hands, we think we might try to do a day tour of Krabi or something else.Tonight, there is a night bazaar that we plan on going to.

Luc and I found Nemo and his dad!

Its good to know that they speak Canadian here. I was worried.
Island kitty, living the island lifestyle
Lucas with a school of zebra fish



We're here on beautiful Koh Phi Phi. Even though the sun has been lacking, I'm enjoying the island lifestyle. No time limits (except on the internet because it's 2bhat a minute), beaches, and crystal water. Yesterday, we had a day at the beach. Our guesthouse is 30 seconds away. It was nice. The water is a little colder here than Patong Beach, but it was still nice. We enjoyed seeing the long boats gathered on shore. Every second you turn around, someone is shouting at you "taxi boat, taxi boat?" Luc said that after Asia, telemarketers aren't so bad. Right now, we can here the mosque calling to prayer. Phi Phi is a Muslim island, and the hundreds of cats that walk the streets are great. Everyone seems to have a cat. Yesterday, there were people walking with their kitten. The kitten was wading in the water, and comes when he's called. The cats are so friendly and obedient. We keep coming back to this Internet cafe because the cat here will come and jump into my lap for a cuddle when I call to it!

We're staying at the Pier Guesthouse. Mom and Dad, you stayed at the Phi Phi Hotel. When you were sitting at the hotel pool, did you notice the crappy, run down place looking over it as well? That's where we are staying. It's not so bad really, but the water smells like eggs. Kind of a turn off. But the room has a bed, air con, tv, and bathroom, and that's what I need.

Today, we made our way via long boat to Long Beach. There wasn't much around there, but the sand was white and soft, and the water was full of fish. I started going in the water when I was surrounded but transparent looking with with black tipped fins. I immediately told Lucas was had to rent masks and snorkels. When we did, we dove in, and were amazed. There was a school of zebra like fish that hung around us, swimming with us, not scared at all. When we went out a little further, there were rainbow coloured fish, purple fish with turquoise fins, angelfish, AND clowfish and Dori fish. It was like the whole story of Finding Nemo was playing out before our eyes. The clownfish even had a baby Nemo, and they were playing in the anemone!!! It was amazing.

We have been in contact with our travel agent, and he said we have to cal Vietnam Airlines, to get them to change our flight, since we're not going to be able to leave out of Bangkok. It's too late to do it right now, but tomorrow, I'm going to see if we can fly out of Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. We'd have to make our own way to KL though. It's a 13 hour bus ride from Krabi if we go that route. If we do have to do that, I would like to see KL, even if it is for a day. This whole situation is getting ridiculous. It's obvious that there are many people not happy with the current government, why can't they just call an election?? I want this sorted out now.