Ko Pha Ngan, Thailand

Someone's to blame, but I'm not sure whom yet. Two nights now, I've gotten into the buckets, and two mornings have been horrible, ugly things. The weather's been improving here, and I've found some fun people to hang out with, maybe a bit too fun. The group's a mix of Aussies, English, Irish and a few Canadians tossed in. It was Charlie, not I, running around in his tightie whities last night before we headed out. I was the one in the bra at the club. Anyway, I'd write longer, but my stomach's rebelling again, I must find a toilet.

Ko Phangan, Thailand

Well, it's not been the best weather, but it's still nice here. Almost every restaurand here, has a 24 hour menu, so you can get any type of food, Eastern or Western at any time of day. Last night, I ended up on the beach with some Canadians and ended up dancing to all hours at a beach bar. Quite fun. Tonight's a moon party so we'll see how that goes.

Ko Pha Ngan, Thailand

We Made It! 36+ hours of travel, woof. Here's a bit of a rundown on our trek from Tanah Rata, Malaysia to Ko Phagnan, Thailand.

17.00 Skep opens up Wrath, Rain, torrents of water. Thunder all around, a bolt of lightning strikes 200m from where we sit. Sound splits the sky.

17.55 Get a lift to bus stop from hostel in a SUV. Rain still pouring down.

18.00 Board BUS to Ipoh. Enter bus one at a time, running from cover to the steps through sheets of water.

19.30 Arrive at Ipoh train station. Weather's dry.

20.10 Find ticket counter. Await counter opening at 21.00.

20.11 Store bags in station master's office.

20.45 Buy 2nd class seats to Hat Yai, Thailand.

21.10 Find food court. Get noodles with chicken. Forced to try fish, still tastes to like the inside of a fish tank.

22.00 Walk around town twice

22.01 Find station bar.

22.05 Nicole and I order beer.

22.15 Andy beat me in pool.

22.30 Andy beats Malayian #1 in pool.

22.45 Andy beats Malayian #2 in pool.

23.00 Andy beats Malayian #3 in pool.

23.02 I used toilet.

23.15 Andy beats Malayian #4 in pool.


23.30 Andy beats Malayian #1 in pool.

23.45 Andy and I team up for a doubles match in pool against Malaysians #1 and #2. Andy sinks 8-ball on 2nd stroke. I admit defeat in pool forever, I just can't win.

00.07 Nicole and I order 2nd round of beers.

00.15 Andy beats Malayian #3 in pool.

00.30 Andy beats Malayian #4 in pool.

00.37 Nicole uses toilet.

00.45 Andy beats Malayian #1 in pool.

01.00 Andy beats Malayian #2 in pool.

01.03 We drag the retired semi professional from the pool table and retrieve our bags.

01.07 Play with the Wiffle Ball.

01.15 TRAIN arrives, we board.

01.25 Nicole and I relax and consume the rest of the whisky and coke (3 glasses total).

01.30-6.30? Sleep as best one can and freeze.

morning at some indeterminate time. Cross border. Watch train leave to refuel.

30 minutes later....Train returns reboard.

12.00 Arrive in Hat Yai.

13.00 Buy tickets on mini bus at 15.00

13.15 Find restaurant. Eat

14.30 Crap my brains out.

15.01 Board MINI BUS to Serat Thani. Driver has serious issues with Le Bete.

20.00 Arrive in Serrat Thani. Dropped off at port.

20.05 Buy tickets for the night ferry to Ko Pha Ngan. Leaves at 23.00

20.30. Find pizza parlour.

20.31 Order beer and large pizzas.

20.45 Gorge.

21.45 Wandered sated back to port.

21.50 Board NIGHT FERRY.

23.00 We leave port

23.30 Pass into a state of dreamless sleep due to total exhaustion and fatigue.

06.00 Arrive in Ko Pha Ngan

06.15 Take TAXI to Hat Rin Beach area.

06.30 Leave Nicole with bags, Andy and I search for cheap rooms.

07.30 Arrive back having found a cheap place.

07.45 WALK back to bungalows

07.52 Rain begins again, we walk through rain as bad as Cameron Highlands (see above).

08.20 Having walked 2 k or so, stagger up from the beach to Rainbow Bungalows.

08.45 Shower

08.50 Sleep

13.00 Awakened by Nicole and Andy.

13.15 Get lunch.

14.20 Inhale.

14.21 Exhale.

Well, that's a rough account of the trip.

Hat Yai, Thailand

Yep, I've left Malaysia. Andy, Nicole and I grabbed the bus out of Tanah Rata yesterday as the rain poured down on us. The rain held off till much later than usual yesterday, but it made up for it in intensity. And the lightning that struck roughly 200m. from the hostel. Loud! Very damned loud. The hostel gave us a 300 m. lift down to the bus stop because of the rain and we got our bus out of the highlands. We left at 6pm, and the scenery was incredible, mist covered mountains. We came around one bend to see the mountains dropping away from us, seemingly into infinity all highlighted by the late afternoon sun breaking its way through the clouds. Simply magnificent.

We got into Ipoh and had to wait an hour to buy our tickets on the night train north. Once that was done, we headed out to explore Ipoh a bit, and get some dinner. Got dinner, but failed to find Ipoh, or anywhere open, at least. Andy remarked that it seemed to be a city of cats, there were at least twice as many felines on the streets than people.

After walking in a few circles we trooped back to the station and plopped down in the bar. Andy and I played a game of pool where I learned that he used to play semi professionally. I did manage to sink two balls before losing, so that was a moral victory for me. Eventually, the time of the train arrived and we boarded.

It wasn't the most comfortable night I've had, despite being in 2nd class. It was a long train ride starting at 1am, and lasting far too long. Customs was a breeze and finally we arrived in Hat Yai, and then went in search of transport North to Serat Thani, where we can catch a ferry to Ko Pha Ngan.

After a few minutes of looking, we accepted the fact that we were not going to be able to catch the last ferry to the island tonight and would have to take the night ferry instead, making it two nights in a row of sleeping on transport. Oh well. So, we've got a mini bus leaving in roughly 30 minutes, 3p and should get into Serat Thani around 7p, giving us a few hours there before heading out on the night ferry.

We should arrive into Ko Pha Ngan tomorrow morning around 6, at which point I think all three of us will be ready for a shower, a hammock and some serious relaxing.

Tanah Rata, Malaysia

Tomorrow, I'm off (I said this yesterday as well, but...). I think my time in Malaysia is done, and that I'll be heading to Thailand. Maybe.

Yesterday, I finally went hiking here. I got up reasonably early at got out before the afternoon rains started. I headed down one road, got lost and eventually found one of the jungle trails. I first walked past some houses to the Robinson Waterfall which was rather lovely. It started with a series of small falls, which reminded me a bit of Bill's falls in Tasmania. With more trash. The bottom of the falls was a nice bigger type waterfall and there was an excellent view of it from the path.

Then I got onto Trail #8.

The beginning was a nearly verticle assent, with tree roots providing stairs and handholds. I was rather bushed rather quickly. It was steeper than any climb that I've done thus far on this trip. I rested at the top of the steep section and then continued on through the jungle, the path being nothing but ups and downs as I walked over one hill and then started up the bigger one. At this point, the rain started.

It wasn't so bad as I was mostly under the canopy of trees, but I did get wet fairly quickly and it made the various logs I had to climb over rather slippery. Finally, I reached the the mountain and switched onto trail #7. This one was essentially downhill and rather easier than the previous one. However, the ending of it posed a problem. I came into a field and the sign pointing the way of the path pointed towards what looked like a trash pile which littered the side of the hill. I found another, altogether more overgrown path and elected it was more ideal than the trash laden one. I slid down this track and found myself ankle deep in a creek. I splashed through this one, soaking my socks and boots and eventually returned to civilization.

The rain had thankfully let up at this point so I was able to slosh back to Daniel's wet but not getting wetter.

Today, was another lazy day and trying to figure out where I'm going, which I still don't have a handle on. I think that I may push onto to Thailand, but I'm not positive. The good news is that Eva sounds better though we've been unable to reach each other by phone. It hasn't been easy not seeing her for over six weeks now, but it has made me more sure of how I feel about her, and I know that we will see each other again.

Tanah Rata, Malaysia

The Cameron Highlands

I got a bus out of KL yesterday after 8 days in the city and have climbed into the Cameron Highlands. And, the temperature has dropped. It's about 20c here which is in the mid 60's, a nice change after the heat that's been a constant since I first arrived in Singapore. It's a beautiful place here, at least all the photos indicate that, but it's raining today, so I haven't gotten out or done much.

Last night, I got in around 8.30. I'd taken the late bus from KL, seemed easiest, and I'm not a morning person. Yumi saw me off, when I finally hoisted Le Bete on to my back. Yumi, the one person who sleeps more than I do, which is not a small thing, though she is. I liked Yumi, though her one word for me, and everything about me was: weird. She thought Le Bete was weird, this website was weird, and yes, she thought I was weird. Perceptive girl, some might say.

Upon arriving, I checked into a hostel which is somewhat less than 2USD a night, and then went out for dinner at the Schwabing Haus. Got myself a plate of kasseler spaetzle with bacon, which wasn't as good as I'd hoped, but then, I am in Malaysia, couldn't expect it to be as good as the spaetzle in Germany, could I? I finished the night around the fire that they have here, a motley crew sat there, a Belgian, an Argentinian whom I'd met in KL, an English, and a German, the first I've seen in Malaysia. I opted not to have any beer, as I'm still weary from the weekend's drinking but had a 7-up instead and then retired to the dorm, worrying whether any of the many, many mosquitos had malaria.

So, here I sit, the day is cloudy and gray. Indecison again seeps through me, as my plans are again, up in the air. I got a letter from Eva today, telling of her past weeks difficulties. And here I sit, upset that I wasn't there for her.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Well, still in KL. I wasn't in a packing mood yesterday, Saturday night was the third night in a row that ended after 4am. Oye, I haven't done that in a long, long time. Saturday, I had no intention of anything other than a quiet evening when I ran into Ian, Martin, Jon and Russ at the Food Court and ended up having a few beers with them. Things started swinging and Russ and I headed back to my hostel's roof deck bar and ran into a contingent of Norwegians. They were all heading out on the town, we were already half in the barrel, so why not? It was a good time, I had fun hitting the dance floor again, and only managed to fall over twice. Yumi, and the Dutch from my room were at the club and I had fun trying to get Yumi to dance. Didn't work.

Yesterday, I didn't even go close to a beer, three nights of drinking in a row is far too much for me. I did figure out how to upload videos onto my website which I happily spent the afternoon doing. Well, that's about all for now, I should be heading out of KL pretty soon, just not entirely sure when yet. Maybe tomorrow, or maybe manana.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

I blame the Scandinavians, it's their fault. I'd pretty much resigned myself to turning in for the evening, when a Norwegian arrived with luggage for four. As she stumbled in, a homey feel had already enveloped this room in the dormitory. Yumi and I have been here for a few days now, and the room was empty save for the Dutch couple who'd arrived this morn.

Ahh, the momentary pause to shower and realign my senses.

Aroused from the bedtime routine, I elected for a quick cigarette on the roof, before turning in. I ascended and decided for one beer as well, and relaxed into conversation with Cris, Bola and Felicity. As my beer wore down, we were joined by the Swedish girls who'd left the roof earlier, but returned, now looking for a party. Another round of drinks, and talk of an all night place. We swung into the night as late as it was; by 4am we'd found a cab and sailed away, our cabbie taking corners like he was on lap 39, only to find that the hotel was closed. Turn 'er back. But on our return, the Pomeys still owned the street, and a hint of grass was in the air. Weee, yes after 3 weeks of detox, I'm through the moon, a rush to the brain. Senses flair as it rides my views, our of shape, out of familiarity, did I mention the drink?

So, here's to you Hunter, Gonzo at its best, dripping in bed and my minds flaming. For the past few days, I've questioned myself, my choices and the Road that I'm Journeying on. Eva continues to prey on my mind, a month's absence has no way dimmed her for memory and my Home now lies in Germany, she's the end to my Road. That vibrant spark in this Romantic's Soul, a memory now, floating in a Dream. "It is a Dream!" and believe me, Baby, "I will Dream On!"

Fried I be, oh that's Riche.

But why do I go on? For the Experience of it All! Travel, the Road, pushes you, it draws into your Depths and challenges your Identity. Rules, Norm, they cease to exist, the Realm of Possibility opens and you're flung Head Long in.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Well, I'm here till Monday, at least. I dropped my passport off at the Thai Embassy today, to get a 60 day visa for when I enter Thailand. I've heard too many border run stories, and this sounds much easier. I'd get it tomorrow if the Embassy wasn't closed for some holiday. Not sure what it is, it's not the Mexican Cinqo de Mayo, that's all I know for sure.

Spent the rest of the day mooching around town. Not really too much else to report, to be honest. Hopefully, it should be a fun weekend here in KL. It supposed to have some decent clubs, so we'll see.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Ahh, nice relaxing morning, I woke, and reached for my glasses. That's when it got fun, they weren't there. Oh......SHIT! I searched through my bags, then put in my contacts and searched again. No glasses. Of all the things that I've got with me, losing my glasses would be the biggest bitch of them all. It happened to me my first time traveling through Greece, I left them in my friend Sunny's pensione and sailed back to Italy without them. It was not fun being blind if I didn't have my contacts in.

I ran down to the internet place where I'd been last night, hoping that they'd fallen out here. I had to wait as a swarm of school kids came through like locusts, intent on playing online games. They passed, and I desperately asked the women behind the counter if they'd seen any eye glasses left here.

SUCCESS!!!!!!!

Yep, they had them. So, here I sit, with my glasses and slowly destressing. Better than a double expresso, I tell you. Well, that's about all I've got for now.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Well, I made it. That's pretty much what I can say about today. I got to the bus station around 11am, and stopped in at the A&W there, for a Coney Dog, Onion Rings, and a Root Beer Float. Yum yum, good. It's amazing how many American chains I've seen here in Malaysia: McDonald's (no surprise there), Burger King, A&W, KFC, Kenny Rogers Chicken, Starbuck's, Pizza Hut, 7/11 (they're everywhere, Store24 maybe bigger in the US, but they're not internationally) and Dunkin' Donuts (passed one today). Anyway.

After my meal, I went to get a ticket to KL, and found out that the next available bus wasn't till 2.15. Joy. I plopped Le Bete down on the curb and busied myself with some reading and writing, for the next 2.5 hours. Le Bete continues to draw a lot of attention, do to its size.

Finally, the bus was ready and I boarded. Happily, there were only three seat to a row, one by itself. I had one of these and settled in for the journey North to KL. It wasn't that eventful, save for the outpouring of rain as we finally approached the city. Traffic was a mess and it took forever as we creeped along.

At last, we pulled into the bus station. I heaved Le Bete onto my back and then went in search of a bed for the night, it was already 6pm at this point. I managed to wander smack into the market in Chinatown which was less than fun with a 35kg. pack on. I finally found a side street, and headed down it gratefully, and happened to pass the exact hostel that I was in search of. Complete fluke, I had really no idea where I was going, and the vendors in the market seemed to know even less.

I've got a bed in the hostel for the night. It costs 9RM, which is just under 2.50 USD. I may upgrade to a private room tomorrow, but maybe not, I'm a cheap bastard.