Sweet heavenly sun!

After a 28 hour bus saga I've finally made it to the beach... And now I'm kinda stuck cause it feels so good to just sit and soak it in. After 2 days my tan is already darker than the end of last summer, the rays are very strong here:) The only down side is that old women tanning topless and old men wearing itsy bitsy speedos seems to be the in thing. At least the speedos are helping me feel like I haven't left North Surrey Rec.

I am staying in a Hostel called 'On On' It's neat cause it's famous for a cameo it had in the movie 'The Beach' staring Leonardo DiCaprio, I'm also planning to head out and find the waterfall used in the film, apparently it's breath taking and you can swim in it:)

Well I don't have much to say now as my days are summed up in two words: sun bathing! As soon as things pick up I'll be sure to fill you in.

Thanks for all your comments, they have become such a great treat to look forward to!

Hope all is well,

Kari.

Some Pictures

Phra Nakhon



These are from the city Ayutthaya which used to be Thailand's capitol.









I bought a coke from a street vendor, and she wouldn't let me keep the bottle cause they return it for the deposit, everywhere you go you see people drinking from little plastic bags:)




The streets are so clean!!! Yes thats a toothbrush she's holding.

Here is an example of people accepting change and growing with technology. The Monk is on his cell during a ceremony:)

This is the lady who feeds me everyday. The Pat Thai costs 20 Baht which is less than $1 Can


.I wanted to buy these for Rachel, I knew how much she'd love them, but sadly I do not think they would pass the weight restrictions on the plane... Sorry Rachel :D

Where's the beach?

Hello all,
Well I still can't figure out how it's happened, but I am still in Bangkok. I can't believe I've stayed away from the beach for this long! I had to stay through the weekend to hit the weekend market, which was crazy, I bought 7 or 8 things for $40 Can :) Today I'm heading out to see some last temples that are deemed 'must sees' and tomorrow night I'm hopping on a bus and heading south.
I woke this morning to rain and thought it would ruin the day's plans. but after 15 min it all cleared up and now can hardly tell it ever rained at all. Nothing like home were the rain stews for days.
I only have a few minutes so no time for pics, hopefully I'll get some up tonight.

Kari

The Beginning

Hello to all. I've made it safe and sound to Bangkok. It only took me 27 hours; 21 hours in the air and 6 hours waiting for flights. I still can't quite figure out what day it is, but since I don't need to be anywhere for another 75 days I won't worry about it.

Last night I arrived @ 12:00am, I'd met two other lone travellers and we decided to stick together till we got our bearings. I ditched my reservations (only cost me $4) and we took off to find a hostel that could accommodate all of us... 20 hostels later, we found a hole in the wall that took us all for $8. I love the prices here. Tried to fall asleep once we got a place to avoid crazy jet leg, sleeping is really hard when there are 10 roosters in the area, all of which were very confused about what time it was.

Anyways, I'm running out of time on the computer, I'll stop this note and add some pics.

Mom and Dad - sorry I didn't call again / Jason - I miss you / Rachel - I already got the glasses / Veronica - Your letter made me cry, I love you / Drew - Songs sound great :)

Kari

Here I go

I soon realized that no journey carries one far unless, as it extends into the world around us, it goes an equal distance into the world within. ~Lillian Smith

So I am off to a new land with new food, new people, new bugs, new languages, new customs and new climates. I am looking forward to quite an adventure. I hope to update this often and be able to share my stories with you as I experience all these new experiences so check this often.

Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime. ~Mark Twain