KhaoSan Road- first impressions

So we take a taxi to Khao San Road. Its ridiculously hot and humid, plus I'm nursing a major hangover from the Chang Beers we pounded back (I forgot to mention that). I step out of the taxi and have my backpack on and suddenly the street vendors think I'm fresh meat. Khao San Road is kind of like a way narrower version of State St. in Madison with street vendors and shops all the way down cluttering the sidewalks. You have to walk in the middle of the street because there is no room any where else. Everyone is hocking their wares and trying to lure in a sucker. My first impression as I walk down the street with my pack on, sweating profusely, with a headache while I fight off all the guys trying to give me taxi or tuk tuk ride somewhere, sell me clothes, hotel rooms, trinkets, etc. is not good. The one guy tells me, "buy a suit and get a free haircut", I turn to him and say "what do I need a haircut for? I don't have any hair." We finally turn down a street a little off the main road and it becomes increasingly more peaceful. We look to find a place to stay and find a nice room at the Sawasdee Guest House, with an nice lounge on the way in. After putting our packs away and relaxing in the a/c I'm starting to feel better. We grab a fruit smoothy and some water and I feel almost normal. I could be feeling some slight jet lag effects too I suppose. Now this time we walk around the side streets that also have vendors near our hotel and walk around the back and it becomes much less stressful and chill. My impression has now gotten much better. So far the Khao San Road area seems pretty cool, Khao San Road its self it not very cool, but once off that street the other areas are still selling, but aren't as in you face. Well I just ate some Spicy Sour soup with shrimp. Time to relax a little bit and then head out for some night life here. Tomorrow we're heading to Laos. Should be Way more chill.

The trip starts

I left Chicago (ORD) Monday June 28th at 12:45pm I think its hard to understand how long 22 hours actually is until all you can do is sit in a cramped little seat. My first portion of the trip was from O'Hare to Hong Kong. That took about 15 hours. I slept for maybe 2 hours. I read two magazines, started reading The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, and watched 3 movies. Plus it seemed like they were feeding me every couple of hours on the way over there. In the US we get a half of cup of soda and a mini bag of pretzels for the whole trip. Here I was getting a meal constantly. I wanted to turn them down! Haha. I had a window seat and we flew north through Canada, into the Artic Circle, over the Alaska then down south once we got into Russia, and into China and finally to Hong Kong. While at the airport I was cracking up when a little Asian girl got a piece of candy stuck up her nose. I was a mini emergency and the mom was freaking out, but it was pretty funny. I boarded my next flight and made it to Bangkok a little late at about 10:45pm on June 29th over here. I then jumped in the taxi that took me to the KT Guest House where I met up with Cramer. We proceeded to the 7-11 down the street and polished over a bunch of Chang Beer, Thailand's finest. So far so good. Just got done eating breakfast and now we're heading to Ko San Road, apparently the backpackers mecca to stay there tonight.

I'm Leaving Today

Here is the poem/ song I wrote before I left. I was kind of my way of saying goodbye:

When we were young
We started on that road
Not knowing where it leads to
Not knowing where it goes

Sometimes we walk in darkness
Other times its bright
Don't forget this message
Always celebrate you life

I'm leaving today
I may not be back
I want you to know
I love you so

Won't you remember
The things that we shared
On that long and winding river
Just believe me that I cared

And if we ever get there
To that place that's way up high
I'll see you on that mountain
Tears pouring from my eyes

I'm leaving today
I may not be back
I want you to know
I love you so

The days keep passing by
The skies are turning gray
All I ever needed
Was for you to want to stay

But the dreams of something better
Are always on our minds
Please do this for me baby
Give love and be so kind

I'm leaving today
I may not be back
I want you to know
I love you so

2 Weeks Until I Leave

Ahh My first experience with writing a blog, I know I'm about 8 years late. Oh well. My trip starts in two weeks and I think I'm pretty much ready. I bought a sweet new backpack for the trip. The High Sierra Access backpack. It seems large enough for everything I need, yet still small enough not to be cumbersome. When I packed everything I was going to take I believe my backpack weighed in around 14 pounds. I thought that was pretty good, since everything I read said to pack light. I'm getting really excited, but wish I was taking off in the next few days. The only problem with not working is that I end up spending money quickly. Sitting at home the last few days I've been spending money like crazy already. If I have to spend it I'd rather be spending it somewhere more exotic. I guess I better hope I can find a computer to keep this blog going once I get there. Let the countdown begin. 13 more days.... I'm ready to take it FURTHUR.