Kanchanaburi (1 of 2)

Kanchanaburi was a highlight for us. For those that don't know, the Japanese interred 60,000 POWs (British, Australian and Dutch mostly) and 200,000 Asian workers and forced them to build a rail line to link Bangkok to Burma in order to supply troops trying to move into India (part of their pan-Asian plans). Working conditions were horrendous, and most that died fell to disease and starvation (many were beaten to death or shot too).
The first two shots are of the famous "Bridge over the River Kwai". Funnily enough, the bridge didn't actually cross the river Kwae, but so many tourists wanted to see it after the movie that the government renamed the river! The museum at the so-called "Hellfire Pass" (cutting 8m down into rock by bamboo-torchlight) was easily the best we've seen in Asia. The pass itself is shown in the third photo. We also actually rode the "death railway" (the last two photos), which was the best part for me (I rode half the way standing in the open doorway, even over wooden bridges - which you can see in the last photo). WWII history, trains, and freedom to experience it in a unique way = awesome.

Bangkok snaps (2 of 2)

Not going to explain much here - these are simply some snaps of the wonderful contents of the many temples in Bangkok. The one worth mentioning specifically is the reclining Buddha (in Wat Po) which is 46m long and 16m high. Within its feet are highly-detailed mother-of-pearl carvings, which I have some good up-close photos of too. The one Buddha with dragons behind is one of my favourite shots!

Bangkok Snaps (1 of 2)

Okay. So there were tonnes of photos we could have taken to try and show you the "whole" Bangkok, but that would have included photos of mega-malls, public transport, and girls dressed up in anime costumes. So - instead - we've decided to focus on the more beautiful aspects of the city (although I did get a little misty-eyed over the public transport!)
The first two are in the Grand Palace. The black/gold/orange roofed temple is Wat Phra Kaeo (in which sits the non-photographable emerald Buddha). The next one of the Chao Praya river is from atop Wat Arun. (The river is the easiest way to get between the sights in the old city.) The photo of Vee acting all demonish is also Wat Arun, which actually has the steepest stairs I've ever climbed (almost scary, especially when you're carrying a camera!) The final photo is of Lumphini Park, which a great little park in the middle of the city where we spent a couple hours reading, walking, and hanging out with dozens of monitor lizards.

Bangkok

Hi Everyone!

Well today is our last day in Bangkok. I have enjoyed it but I do miss Chiang Mai. There were so many things I loved about it:

• the many smiling monks.
• our accommodations, a beautiful open air bed and breakfast. It was surrounded by lush vegetation, swing chairs, hammocks, places to meditate, do yoga and get a massage. And the lovely organic breakfasts were to die for.
• the zen like quality of the town itself. It was wistful, old and simply magical.
• the cheap and delicious food!

Bangkok is funny as it is a mix of old Thai ways and new western ways. There are HUGE malls, restaurants and lots of Gucci, Louis Vitton and Coach. It is a huge city and well, when traveling I would prefer to avoid these at all costs.

Yesterday was filled with temple hopping and water taxis. Some of the temples and the Buddhas within were spectacular so I am grateful for that. But yesterday I also encountered another spell of homesickness, so that was tough. GRUMPY - one word used to describe me yesterday, but I am certain Matt has many more adjectives! ;o) We made it through though and today we are just going to mail some books home, go to a park and relax and read and simply just enjoy our last day here without rushing around.

Next stop on our list is Kanchanaburi, our last stop in Thailand. It is famous for the "Bridge over River Kwai" - so we are going to travel on the "Death Railway" and check out this VERY small town in Thailand. Something I know we will both enjoy. I am excited for what is supposed to be a beautiful waterfall and I am just excited to get back to nature!!!!

I am also reading a fantastic Dalai Lama book called "The Art of Happiness", which Matt kindly bought me. Thought I might as well get in some good Buddhist reading while here and I am loving it already! I will be sure to lend it to any interested on my return.

Missing you guys, so so so much! Hope all is well back home!
xxxooo

Chiang Mai - About town

These photos are pretty random.
Surrounding the old city is what could be described as a poor-man's moat, but it's actually one of the nicer places we've had to walk in Asia. The banks are adorned with tonnes of flowers, and the water itself is full of fountains that light up at night. These are especially pleasant when they cast dancing colourful shadows on the spottily excavated old city wall. The moat is unattached to the river, into which the two (of seemingly thousands) monks gaze.
Shopping is also a huge activity in Chiang Mai (probably because everything is SO cheap). The night market is the central hive of activity after the sun sets. It's mostly fake... well, anything, but there are some nice stalls too. Vee and I argued over which photo to post to show this, and we settled on the scarves.
There's no significance to the girl eating the orange - we just thought she was just cute.

Chiang Mai Temples

With Chiang Mai now but a fond memory, here are a couple posts of photos. First up is the temples of Chiang Mai, of which there are many. The city was the capital of the first independent Thai state, and as such became a cultural and religious centre. There are few tall buildings in the city (especially the old city, where we stayed), allowing the temples to stand relatively tall.
I've stayed away from too many "descriptive" photos, as I think Bangkok's temples will be more worthy of cyber space. So instead, I've included a couple shots I think are just kind of cool.

Half-way Point!

This blog marks the beginning of the second half of our journey – six weeks in, six weeks to go.

It’s been an incredible experience thus far, though one not without detour. With so many places to go, it’s hard not making a “mistake” or two, but we’ve stayed sane by being easily adaptable. I can easily sense my own development, which – for what it’s worth – is part of the reason for taking such a trip. This includes the realization that patience and focus are very important, that enjoying the positive little things is just as life-saving as letting the negative little things go, and accepting that nothing can ever be perfect is crucial to being happy. For Veronica, the lessons take the form of goals, including riding more freakin’ elephants! Little PUMPKINS!

It’s amazing to think that many of our best days still lie ahead, but – for those of you who enjoy lists – here are our highlights thus far (in no particular order):

1) Favourite 3 places visited (overall): Udaipur, Chiang Mai, and Langkawi

2) Favourite 3 sights/activities: Elephant training/riding, Taj Mahal, and making new friends/rooftop food in Udaipur

3) Favourite 3 hotels: Banyan Tree (Goa), Pak Chiang Mai (Chiang Mai), and Pondok Keladi (Langkawi)

We know the next six weeks will unfortunately fly by, but we know that when it`s over, we`ll get to see all of our loved (and terribly missed) ones again!