"Sawadee Khrap"

Sorry it took so long for us to check in but in between jet lag, a lack of a viable internet source, and the mojitos it was very difficult to post to the blog. But finally with out further a due... Let us welcome everyone to Thailand and more specifically to the island of Ko Samui. We will start with a simple vocabulary lesson. Sawadee Khrap (for males) and Sawadee Kha (for females) means both Hello and Goodbye and Khopkhun maak means Thank you. And lastly farang means Westerner, it is not a derogatory word but Michelle and I have a habit of calling 50+ white males with a young Thai girl "FARANGS" in a loud, condescending tone!

We arrived in Hong Kong around 10pm but missed our flight to Bangkok, luckily we were able to take a later flight with Michelle's parents. As you can see the lack of sleep hasn't stopped Michelle for posing for the camera!

We made it to Bangkok just before midnight. This is me posing in front of the several Manchester United advertisements!

Our room at The Great Residences Inn just outside the Bangkok airport. It was very spacious and even had a hot shower included. Michelle let me know that I shouldn't get used to these luxuries as many backpacker's hotels are very sparse.

They say if life gives you lemons make lemonade. Bangkok is flooded and this individual has a bow n' arrow fishing rod just in case a huge fish makes his way down main street.

If you have read any news report about Thailand several areas including Bangkok are flooded. During the rainy season the farmers damn up the water so when dry season arrives they have water to irrigate their crops. Unfortunately this year there has been an excess of water and the water levels continue to rise and the runoff from the damns is causing flooding.

Our first meal!

About to board a plane to Ko Samui

We arrived to a beautiful sunny day in Ko Samui. It was a very small airport that reminded me of the museum from Jurassic Park.

Sunset from our house

Michelle's parent's secured a home on the beach for us to stay for a couple of weeks after doing a favor for one of their ballooning friends. It is truly a gorgeous space. We are on beach front property. To our right is a resort villa and to our left is a destination wedding resort. Michelle's father made friends with our neighbors and they allowed us to use their WIFI, pool. and lounge chairs :)

Thailand is the birthplace of Red Bull. Eat your heart out American Red Bull. This lil' guy packs a punch!

Coconut, Anyone???

Morning Swim

Baht, Money Millionaires!!!

Busy Market Street

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I can honestly say I was not ready for food from Thailand. The last time I had Asian food I got take out from Panda Express. Slowly but surely I have come around to adapt my eating habits. Locals eat 5-6 times a day and with everything being so cheap and readily available I do not blame them. Michelle, with her vegan diet, is sticking to vegetables but she is less picky then me! This is one of the several markets we have come across. We have a local joint across the street that we have eaten at several times!

A Beach Wedding! It really bothered us that people were wearing shoes. It's 95 degrees for goodness sake!

Creepy Crawlers

Loy Krathong is a nationwide holiday occurring on the full moon in November. Thais launch small candle laden boats and paper balloons to seek blessings. It is quite a sight to take in!

Elephants!!

More Elephants!!!!

Baby Elephants waiting for Mom to feed him! That's precious, hahaha!

Even Ronald McDonald is getting into the act! If your craving fast food like McDonalds expect to pay prices equivalent to US Dollars.

Ko Samui has the most motorcycle deaths than any where else in Thailand. But for 1100 Baht ($32 ) per week you really can't beat that price for transportation. But be warned you really have to keep your head on a swivel and drive offensively. People are constantly racing past you even in the smallest of spaces. Don't forget that over here the flow of traffic is opposite from the States. And always wear your helmet...

Martini and a milkshake beach side!

Massage on the Beach

The Thailand Lottery. I need to learn how to play so I can retire here!

Any one hungry for toad, turtle, or eel?? : X

Bad Ass Predator Sculpture made out of spare parts

The Big Buddha Temple (Hat Bangkrak)

Coming to Thailand both Michelle and I wanted to get a richer sense of spirituality. We definitely got a good start on this island.

Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, Buddha... Rockin' Everywhere!

Where's Michelle?

Nothing says charge me double then a I Heart Bangkok shirt

18- arms

The Hancocks, a wacky bunch, aren't they??!

Should I get royalties for this??

This is the mummified monk, Luang Phor Daeng at Wat Khunaram. He famously predicted his death and was preserved to honor his dedication to monk hood. Still looking fly as ever with his raybans on!

Mich' n Monk

See No Evil, Speak No Evil, Hear No Evil

Pool Time

Pancake food carts are everywhere and there are infinite amount of varieties you can choose from. If there is one food you can brave it is this. Most sweet foods are very similar to that of the United States. If anyone wants to start a food cart in Portland when we return, let me know.

Mich and I and Double Rainbow

Otis Redding has nothing on us!

 

Boat made from a native Thai wood parking at the dock

Buddha Rub Down

Hin Ta (Grandfather Rock - pictured) and HinYai (Grandmother Rock- not pictured) are male and female genitalia rock formations. The story goes that a man and his wife were on honeymoon at sea. Their boat crashed and their bodies were found at this location. Years later these rock formations appeared. Sounds like a load of rubbish but humorous none the less.

 

Romantic dinner in oceanside restaurant XoXOXOx