"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

.

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

Arizona + Bon Voyage!!!

After we got our fill on my mother's cooking we took a long drive to Lake Powell in Utah! We grabbed the paddles and enjoyed a nice kayak ride on the lake. Fortunately, the summer rush had ended and we had the entire place to ourselves.

Champion Kayakers!

The Buhay Family + Michelle

The crystal, clear waters of Lake Powell

My brother is a student at Arizona State University and we got tickets to a college football game. They laid a whoopin' on the Colorado Buffaloes.

48 - 14 Sun Devils Win!

Michelle got hungry once she saw this banner, haha...

This cougar (and I use that term loosely) had some Nike Pumps on!

We found out what Lil' Bow Wow is doing now a days! ASU Stadium Security, lol

Happy Halloween!!!

My grandparents came into town and they treated us to some off-roading adventures in Sedona. The guide gave my grandpa some reiki healing while on the trails.  I haven't seen them in 5+ years and Michelle was very excited to meet them.

A beautiful family + beautiful views

It's Snoopy

River crossing...

The story goes... McDonalds wanted a store in Sedona and as you already have noticed the arches are not golden but rather turquoise. The city stated that this color was more indicative of Sedona's style. McDonalds took the city to court and they LOST!

We took a small trip to Old Scottsdale

We are full!!!

 Michelle and I would love to thank my family for taking care of us for these past 15 days. From food, to outings, and spending money; we can't wait to share pictures and stories with them. In approx. 9 hrs we will beginning our journey to Thailand. We can't wait to see what SE Asia has in store for us!!!

Pumping Your Own Gas is Overrated!

  

   Late Wednesday night, Michelle and I embarked on our journey. Our first stop was Newport Beach, California. My Uncle Vic was extremely gracious and allowed us to stay at his place. California is a land of beaches, endless highways, fast cars, and unfortunately SMOG!   It is amazing place to vacation but my heart will forever belong to the Northwest!

17 hours late we arrived in Newport Beach and we decided to check out the sunset! Muy bellissimo!!  

  

We also enjoyed some pizza at a local Vegan Pizzeria!

  

And Finally we unwinded with a relaxing night around the pool!

   Early in the morning, we parted ways with my uncle and set off for the last leg of our journey to Arizona. We were greeted with 95 degree weather, cheap gas, and a home cooked meal! Yumm!! Michelle and I are rocking a nice bronze coat and it is late October! It has only been a week but my Mom has already spoiled us. It is really great to be Home :) I am looking forward to spending some quality time with my family, but both Michelle and I are really looking forward to Thailand. My curiosity had me looking up the weather report over in Bangkok and right now there are massive thunderstorms causing flooding. Fortunately, most of the tourist destinations are not effected, but Michelle is calling me a chicken for my growing anxieties. It really didn't help when I found this article today... http://www.suite101.com/news/thailand-flooding---escaping-crocodiles-and-other-dangers-a394551 AAARRGGHHH!!!  Cross your fingers for us...Hahahaha!!!!

  

I got a pocket, got a pocket full of sunshine!!

  That's it Folks after months of anticipation Michelle and I are off to Arizona. We would love to thank everyone who sent us off in style. From fellow co-workers, to friends and family we really appreciate your hospitality and FREE FOOD ... THANK YOU!!!  You will be the first people we remember when we go to the street markets. The US dollar goes far in Thailand, for every  1 US dollar you get 33 Bahts :)



For all those who have never taken a road trip with your significant other, here are a few simple rules to guarantee that it will be smooth sailing:

1. Audio books will save your life and don't roll your eyes at a romance novel, you can score some major points with your lady and you might find yourself wildly entertained. Remember that Lil Wayne song you just heard on the radio will get old real quick after the 100th replay.
2. At this point you have probably heard your girl/ boy friend fart, lets be adults here! BUT... flatulence needs to be moderated or else your will find yourself in a mobile gas chamber. Bathroom breaks should not be frowned upon. All girls have overactive bladders so get over it!
3. An 8 hr shift might work for a day in the office but after of 4 hrs in the driver seat you will want to run people off the road. 
4. Spilling warm coffee on your crotch can be debilitating, make sure to have ample cup holders.
5. And Finally a road trip is not a race to the destination, BE SAFE and always 10 & 2.

  Our first stop is 17 hrs away in the beautiful Laguna Beach . My Uncle Vic has graciously allowed us to stay the night! Then we will be off Friday morning for the final 7 hrs to my parent's home in Phoenix, AZ. We love you all! May Buddah Bless you!

“There is no moment of delight in any pilgrimage like the beginning of it.” - Charles Dudley Warner