Ko Phi Phi

Being the jet-setters that we are, the boys and I decided to fly from Chaing Mai in the north down to to Phuket in the south to avoid the two 14 hour train rides. The flight was less than two hours and even included a meal (take that, Delta.) After a packed taxi and a 2 hour boat ride, we arrived at Ko Phi Phi. Ko Phi Phi was largely destroyed by the 2004 tsunami and it shows. Things are being rebuilt everywhere. Despite the obvious destruction, it is still a beautiful place. Anyone that saw the movie The Beach knows, as this was their island paradise. There are no cars on the island, and everything is more or less within walking distance. Today we plan on exploring the island a little more and getting in some much needed water time. Watch our sharks. Here we come! With the beauty and isolation comes higher prices. Internet is 6 times as expensive here as it was in Chiang Mia, with lodging running about 3 times as much. Paying $6 a night for lodging!?! Who ever heard of such extravagance. Anyway, point being that I might scale back the posts a bit this week. Or not. I sure have been enjoying seeing ya'll's comments as much as you've enjoyed reading.

Monday September 25 2006

File under: travel, Thailand

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on Mon 25th Sep, 2006 03:36 am UTC Saxtor said: For the uninformed, let it be noted that: Ko = Island Phi Phi is pronounced "pee pee" They're paying $6 a night for Ko Phi Phi (tee hee). ************************ on Mon 25th Sep, 2006 06:48 am UTC Horge said: Forgive a second immature mind dealing with the Thai language, but how do you pronounce Phuket? (tee hee, of my own) :) But these prices sound awesome. You should give Philippines a try while you're there. I was on THE resort-type island, Boracay, and was paying practically the same. ************************ on Mon 25th Sep, 2006 11:06 pm UTC jule said: so are there waves there? surf? or am i totally off and this is a rather protected island? oh yea, some important knowledge of the marine environment: sharks are scared away by shiney bracelets, the smell of blood, and violent thrashing. ************************ on Tue 26th Sep, 2006 02:35 am UTC gRetchEn said: you guys should listen to jule. i hear he's certified in sharkology. i hear your supposed to go swimming where a lot of fishing is going on as well because all of the fish bait in the water deters the sharks from attacking humans. ************************ on Tue 26th Sep, 2006 06:31 am UTC Horge said: As a certified PhMDDS in Sharkology, I'd just like to point out a common misconception regarding sharks: while swimming in fishing zones, it's not that the fish bait deters sharks, but rather that all the small pieces of bloody meat distract the stupid sharks from the intact, metal-bracelet-wearing, thrashing, large pieces of meat swimming around. But in an emergency situation where a less than ignorant shark recognizes you in spite of your flashing-neon bracelet that proclaims in a variety of audio frequencies "Your mother sucks gills!", remember always that a shark's enemy is the dolphin, so be sure to equip your dolphin to flog him with. ************************ on Tue 26th Sep, 2006 11:17 am UTC Trista said: hey... i'm atta here.. see you when i get there! ************************ on Tue 26th Sep, 2006 07:11 pm PDT jule said: and remember, if you ever hear dolphins talking or if you see them growing opposable thumbs...run. or give me some of what you are drinkin...er, so long and thanks for all the fish ************************ on Wed 27th Sep, 2006 02:00 pm UTC Wren said: Jule, Myke, Josh, etc. I saw some dudes totally shrelping the gnar gnar today. West coast of Phuket seems to be the place. The winds are right out of the west. Of course that made for a puketacular boat trip from Phi Phi. Literally half of the people on the boat chucked, and they didn't do so quietly. But I kept my cookies untossed. Yeah me! ************************ on Wed 27th Sep, 2006 06:10 pm UTC Saxtor said: Man, if you were able to keep it down, either the Thai are walking puke factories, or my driving is REALLY bad... ************************ on Thu 28th Sep, 2006 05:19 am UTC jule said: shrelping the gnar gnar? I wish I could be there... very little shrelping occuring here... wait, do you mean surfing? ohhhhh, yeah, take some photos! nice work on the lack of cookie tossing! ************************

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This is what travelling is all about

Knocking a cigarette out of the mouth of an Aussie while passing clubs with a German, both of whom are more or less random strangers. You can see the smile on my face!

Saturday September 23 2006

File under: travel, Thailand

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on Sat 23rd Sep, 2006 01:23 pm UTC horge said: Did you also take your clubs with you, or do they belong to the German? That's pretty awesome, man! Travelling's all about meeting those new people... ************************ on Sat 23rd Sep, 2006 03:42 pm UTC jule said: Oh my god! That is so COOL! I am totally going to start smoking! the juggling is pretty neat too... seriously though, that is cool you found some travelling jugglers, with clubs none-the-less. ************************ on Sat 23rd Sep, 2006 03:45 pm UTC jule said: oh yea, nice zoom on the picture when you scroll over it. have you ever thought about a career as a computer programmer? ************************ on Sun 24th Sep, 2006 08:41 am UTC Saxtor said: That is some strong work, Wren! ************************ on Sun 24th Sep, 2006 04:08 pm UTC Jena and Ahmed said: What a wonderful time you must be having. We enjoyed your web-site....keep it up, it is so fun to see your daily adventures! ************************

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Week One Wrap Up

So it was a week ago almost exactly that I stepped off the plane in Bangkok with nothing but a backpack, a guidebook, and a vague plan. Now I am a streetwise traveler who has mastered the transportation, trekked in the jungle, tried a wealth of new foods, met new people, and even picked up a few Thai phrases. Not a bad start to my adventure. Traveling with Andrew, Per, and Myke has been great. Having a group of similarly minded people to eat and adventure with has been just what I needed to get my mindset right. Just yesterday, they suggested we rent motorcycles to get outside of town a bit. It was just the ticket. And we really made a strong showing at the trivia night at the local ex-pat bar last night. (Actually we got 11th out of 12. Who would have known those ex-pats were so smart?) Next week, those boys leave town, and a new contingent of traveling buddies arrive. I'm so fortunate to have all of this work out. It is funny to think that less than a month ago, this wasn't even a glimmer in my eye. Now I am sitting in an internet cafe in the north of Thailand, sipping a fresh fruit shake that cost $.43, contemplating the options that I have in front of me. So great.

Friday September 22 2006

File under: travel, Thailand

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on Fri 22nd Sep, 2006 10:58 pm UTC Saxtor said: A week, eh? Time flys! Sounds like the 4 of you are definitely living it up. Nate told me to tell you to be sure to have a watermelon shake as he finds them to be awesome. Your next batch of travelling companions would be Trista and Chapman? ************************ on Sat 23rd Sep, 2006 04:24 am UTC Mom said: So, what about the Bhat? Sounds like the best currency investment out there right now. And what are you pointing at? ************************ on Sat 23rd Sep, 2006 04:42 am UTC Trista said: that's right, Saxtor! penetratin' Thailand! The count rises, 6 San Juan natives. A-town represent! ************************ on Sat 23rd Sep, 2006 09:47 am UTC Andrew said: hmmm.. maybe a San Juan coup of Thailand? just a thought... ************************

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Trekking in Doi Inthanon National Park

In Chiang Mai, we signed up for a 2 day/1 night guided trek north of town. It was exactly what we were hoping. All in all, we hiked maybe 6 miles on sometimes slippery terrain. This was spread out over a couple sections in between various villages, waterfalls, etc. It was really cool to see the villages they took us to. The first one consisted of just 4 families, and everyone went about their business instead of putting on a show for us honkies. Their dwellings were a covered area, a small portion of which had a raised floor for sleeping. No walls. Otherwise, it was dirt floors. Very similar to other extra rural dwellings I've seen around the world. Hey, if it works... Other highlights included the elephant ride, which I liked much better than I thought I would. We rode two to an elephant for about an hour. When our guy got moving, it got a little rough up top, but mostly he was just lumbering down the trail. We fed him bananas when he was a good boy, but he got pretty greedy and finished them off in the first 10 minutes. The visit to the waterfall was somewhat marred by the presence of leeches in the water, but of course we didn't find those until we were out. Not too much of a problem, however. One did escape my detection, so I ended up with a much sated friend down the trail a ways. We finished up the mini trip with a rafting excursion down a river. The rafts were long pieces of bamboo roped together. Our guide used a pole to keep us from banging into the rocks. We got to stand mostly, so it was like we were surfing down the river. Coming back to Chiang Mai, we piled 14 of us into a small truck and just watched the scenery roll on by. It was really a great trip.

Thursday September 21 2006

File under: travel, Thailand

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on Thu 21st Sep, 2006 01:18 pm UTC jule said: so I guess martial law doesn't really matter in rural thailand? Or do they role into town on elephants toting bananas? great pics! ************************ on Thu 21st Sep, 2006 05:02 pm UTC Saxtor said: Great pics. Who's the lady? ************************ on Fri 22nd Sep, 2006 02:31 am UTC Trista said: ditto. ************************ on Fri 22nd Sep, 2006 05:08 am UTC Mom said: So, I guess up in the hinterlands they are coup-less, so to speak. ************************ on Fri 22nd Sep, 2006 06:09 am UTC Wren said: We are pretty much oblivious to all the political goings on over here. We only learned about that stuff from people e-mailing us from home. (P.S. thanks for that!) But it sounds like we are completely safe. "No problem," as the english challenged locals might say. Andrew made a post about it over at his blog, with a link to some state department stuff. http://www.brothersroot.com/blog/?p=289 ************************ on Fri 22nd Sep, 2006 03:48 pm UTC Auntie Rose said: Who's the blonde with the braid??????? SWEET ************************ on Sat 23rd Sep, 2006 04:26 am UTC Mom said: BTW did that elephant back into a tennis match and capture a racket with it's tail? ************************ on Sat 23rd Sep, 2006 10:25 pm UTC said: Margret: Master Observationologist! Who knew?! Of course, the elephant isn't the only reptile in the photo, the area is infested with Crocs! And yes, elephants ARE reptiles... ************************

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Bangkok to Chiang Mai

After picking up Andrew, Per, and Myke at the airport, we spent one day in Bangkok seeing the sights and shopping for new Rolecks watches. But after about 2 hours of the hustle and bustle of the city, we all agreed that it was time to get out of dodge. We caught a 14 hour overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai in the north. The was a nice ride with airconditioned cars and realtively realistic sleeping conditions. Still not adjusted to the time change yet (or maybe just because I am a natural early riser), I was up at 6:00 am watching the country side pass us by. There were rice fields galore with the occasional village of tin roofed huts. That quiet peaceful ride with the wind blowing in my face (the dining car, wasn't ACed) is currently vying for highlight of the trip for me. So now we are in Chiang Mai. Yesterday we pretty much did the city: night market, day market, temples, etc. etc. This morning, we leave on a 2 day/1 night trek into the jungle (what is the technical difference between jungle and forrest anyway?). The trek is to include a visit to native villages, elephant rides, a trip down the river on bamboo rafts, and (this is what I am really excited about) a stop at a few waterfalls! It should be a good time. So I had better go get packing. Sorry for the picture-less post. While traveling with the boys, I'm pretty much leaving the photodocumentary stuff to them. So far, they are doing a great job. I'll steal a couple from them for my next post. Also, be sure to follow what there is to follow over at brothersroot.com while Andrew and I are traveling together.

Tuesday September 19 2006

File under: travel, Thailand

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on Tue 19th Sep, 2006 02:24 pm PDT Saxtor said: Wren, are you an international spy who used a job as a javascript programmer as a cover for your real job, toppling southeast asian countries? I really don't know much about what's going on, but hopefully your trip will be uneffected. ************************ on Tue 19th Sep, 2006 11:10 pm PDT horge said: Wow! You've got some awesome timing, dude! Gettin' the hell out of dodge before the local sheriff's deputies decided to take over. Hope y'all stay safe. And flaunt your foreign-status if it proves necessary! ************************ on Wed 20th Sep, 2006 12:05 pm UTC Trista said: so a.. while ya'll were out playing in the woods... Bangkok went coup-coup coup-coup! ************************ on Wed 20th Sep, 2006 01:47 pm UTC Sara said: Hi...so, yeah, how is Thailand? Hope things are ok. ************************

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Buddha Day!

As luck would have it, the day I arrive in Bangkok is Buddha Day, or the birthday of Thailand's equivalent of the Dali Lama (it is sometimes hard to get the full story when you don't speak the language). Anyway, the Thai government used the opportunity to encourage tourism to some temples and statues, some of which are open only for this day to non-Thais. Anyhoo, it lead to a lot of buddhas in a short time. A tuktuk (3-wheeled motorcycle taxi) took us from temple to temple and waited while we looked around. At one wat, the lucky buddha (pictured right), we met a guy that explained the significance of it all, with personal anecdotes and everything. Besides buddhas, it was helpful Thai after helpful Thai. Everything fell into place for the first day of my adventure. Now I just gotta get my sleep pattern adjusted to the 14 hour time difference, meet up with the fellas tonite, and then the adventure truly begins.

Saturday September 16 2006

File under: travel

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on Sat 16th Sep, 2006 07:11 pm UTC nathan said: you should get daeng moo baan - watermelon shake - woah are those good! ************************ on Sun 17th Sep, 2006 02:19 am UTC Saxtor said: He reemerges! Sounds like a great unexpected blast. Say "Hi" to Myke, 'Dross and Per for me! ************************ on Sun 17th Sep, 2006 05:06 am UTC Andrew said: i am dross! ************************ on Mon 18th Sep, 2006 06:54 am UTC george said: Dude! This trip sounds awesome. I've got your site up on my bookmark toolbar thingie so I can keep up to date. Beware those pretty Thai "girls". And since you've got yourself a one-way ticket there, how about coming back via Bosnia? ************************

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Bon voyage

"I find I am so excited I can barely sit still or hold a thought in my head. I think it's the excitement only a free man can feel, a free man at the start of a long journey whose conclusion is uncertain." So as I finish up packing and get ready to set off, Red's words from Shawshank Redemption rattle around in my brain. Along with the excitement, there's a little bit of nervousness, but I suppose travel is all about getting outside your comfort zone. I suppose I am as ready as I will ever be. All that's left to do now is get busy livin', or get busy dyin'. I choose the former. My beautiful custom travel bag complete with crossword puzzle pouch and everything by Cardinal Points

Tuesday September 12 2006

File under: travel

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on Wed 13th Sep, 2006 04:53 am UTC jule said: nice bag, but you are missing a target, err, I mean american flag. have some pride...go hawks! I would actually advise against the flag, besides, aussie accents are pretty easy to learn...fair dinkum mate! ************************ on Wed 13th Sep, 2006 05:10 pm UTC Saxtor said: Wren! Apologies on the last minute change of plans. Hopefully you made your proper connections. Farewell and safe travels. When I get itchy with all you blokes over there in Asia, I just have to remember that my time is coming. And PLEASE be sure to update your blog, y0. ************************ on Wed 13th Sep, 2006 07:28 pm UTC Deanna said: Wren, you forgot to say good-bye this morn. Miss you and have tons of fun. Wish I was with you on your adventure but somebody has to take care of the home front ************************ on Fri 15th Sep, 2006 01:43 am UTC nathan said: i think you made it out of town just in time. summer ended yesterday. looks like clouds and rain now. on another note, happy trails! ************************ on Sat 30th Sep, 2006 04:44 pm UTC DRNesbitt said: I choose the latter. I am very busy dyin'. Wren you are crazy, but in a good way. ************************

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I love public transportation!

For the past 2.5 year, I have been doing what some call a crazy commute. On average, it is about two and a half hours each way. I rarely have done more than 3 or 4 commutes a week, but that is plenty. When people ask how I can stand it, it is easy. I love public transportation. It is cheaper (usually), you don't have to deal with the stress of driving, you can sleep/read a book/space out, you don't have to worry about parking, it is better for the environment, you have an excuse to leave work early, etc. etc. I'm grateful for this opportunity to have learned the ins and outs of greater Seattle's public transportation. I consider myself an expert, so let me know if I can help plan a trip for you. Here are some links I've found helpful: *Metro Transit Serving mostly local Seattle routes, also going to the airport from downtown. *Community Transit Serving Snohomish County. Route #422 from Stanwood to Seattle has been a good friend of mine. *Sound Transit Mainly a link from the suburbs into Seattle. The train to/from Everett is quite easily the nicest way to commute to downtown. *SKAT What has been a somewhat cumbersome experience in the past keeps getting better with the addition of new routes and more convienient ways to pay. The Everett Connector has esp. been a great edition. This website also has a link to the County Connector, which connects Mount Vernon, Bellingham, Anacortes, and Oak Harbor * Island Transit Although I rarely go down to Oak Harbor or Coupville, Island stops at Marches Point park and ride, and runs to Mount Vernon Transit station, connecting with both the Everett and Bellingham connectors. And best of all, it is fare free! I hope you found some of these helpful. Three cheers for public transportation!

Monday September 4 2006

File under: travel, work

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on Mon 04th Sep, 2006 2:27 pm Andrew said: dude! even i have taken the SKAT. and how lovely it was! ************************ on Mon 04th Sep, 2006 2:17 pm Ryan Walters said: SKAT is pretty progressive for Skagit County. <plug type="shameless">But if you want to see it supported and expanded, vote to replace Ted Anderson with Sharon Dillon for County Commissioner!</plug> ************************ on Mon 04th Sep, 2006 2:58 pm Sean said: Ryan, are you aware that she is from Sedro-Woolley??? ************************ on Tue 05th Sep, 2006 2:46 pm Paul said: Another facet of public transportation not considered in your post: http://www.heraldnet.com/stories/06/09/05/100loc_a1naked001.cfm ************************ on Tue 05th Sep, 2006 2:18 pm Ryan Walters said: Sean -- yeah I am, I'm her campaign manager. But her opponent is also from Sedro-Woolley. ************************ on Sat 09th Sep, 2006 2:15 am Trista said: Three cheers for public transportation! Hoorah! Hoorah! Hoorah! And three cheers to you for mastering it! Hoorah! Hoorah! yeah, you get the idea. So, you're like that 5 year old kid that i saw on Jay Leno who knows every route, every engine name, every conductor, and every pothole on the Amtrack line? You are so cool! ************************ on Sat 23rd Sep, 2006 04:36 am UTC Mom said: Paul, Now if that article isn't an incentive to ride public transit nothing is! I especially like the fact that the beach is called Peter Point...how good is that? ************************ on Sat 23rd Sep, 2006 10:07 pm UTC Trista said: 11 ************************

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Two Weeks' Notice

"A lawyer decides that she's used too much like a nanny by her boss, so she walks out on him." Oh that Sandra Bullock. Can she *make* a bad movie? I mean, really. And I just can't get enough of Hugh Grant. So despite the bad grammar in the movie's title, Two Weeks Notice is the way to go. But on a completely separate note, I've tendered my resignation to Photoworks and bought a one way ticket to Thailand. The plan is to meet up with Andrew, Per, and Myke. After that, the world is my oyster. I leave in 2 weeks with an estimated return sometime in December. Keep it tuned to BdW for the latest.

Friday September 1 2006

File under: travel, work

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on Fri 01st Sep, 2006 2:01 pm Jule said: Whoo whoo! watch out Thailand! goodbye photowerks, hello lemongrass soup, Phad Thai, and rickshaws. ballsy move! applause around! one a contrary note... Can Sandra Bullock make a bad movie? try miss congeniality, gun shy, forces of nature, the prince of egypt, practical magic, making sandwiches, hope floats, speed 2, in love and war, two if by sea, the net, while you were sleeping, WHO DO I GOTTA KILL? (really who comes up with these titles?)...unless of course If by bad you mean good... ************************ on Fri 01st Sep, 2006 2:30 pm Andrew said: um. Jule? i am afraid Gretchen is gonna kick your ass re: Practical Magic. in fact, i am gonna tell her of your comment right now. be warned... (oh. and congrats wren!) ************************ on Fri 01st Sep, 2006 2:42 pm gretchen said: it's all about how you approach her movies, e.g., like wren - with an open mind, suspending judgement (and at times reality) in exchange for a couple hours of laughs, cries and down right good times. Or, you can be like jule - more close minded than...a really close minded person...yeah, take that! hiyahhh! ************************ on Sat 02nd Sep, 2006 2:26 am Trista said: I wish I was "making sandwiches". Can someone mail me some sliced turkey and a little bacon? ************************ on Sat 02nd Sep, 2006 2:59 am Saxtor said: PORKCHOP SANDWICHES! ************************ on Sat 02nd Sep, 2006 2:40 pm Ryan Walters said: But, if you're going to Thailand, did you see Brokedown Palace? ************************ on Sat 02nd Sep, 2006 2:49 pm Ryan Walters said: Hey, I liked The Net. ************************ on Sun 03rd Sep, 2006 2:05 am Saxtor said: I liked Brokedown Palace. I turned it on because it's named after a Grateful Dead song, I stayed because it was an interesting flick. ************************ on Mon 04th Sep, 2006 2:13 pm Sean said: And what exactly was wrong with miss congeniality??? She went from nerdy FBI agent to Miss America. You're just jealous. ************************

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