Rayong Orchid Hotel

... the sanitation here is such that I really worried about carrying raw chicken around on scratched plastic plates that have never known hot water. I think I'll take a cipro just to be safe.

I'm trying to think of a way to buy books on Amazon - text books and the like. First of all, I don't have an address, so that could complicate
things. Plus I don't think Amazon will ship here.

Did you know ...

... only 15 resorts on the island. Once you are at one, that's it. There are no roads, only a heavily rutted dirt track through the forest. No cars allowed and too hazardous for motorbikes or quads in the rain. There is literally nothing to do other than, well, nothing. And a very expensive nothing at that. Once trapped on the island you either lose several kilos or pay the exhorbitant prices charged by the very few restaurants and bars. There are no self catering ...

... and flow selection at your fingertips. They're likely more efficient than a big central tank heater, but we'll probably run up Tohn's electric bill a bit.

At any rate, our surroundings, both alien and comfortable, are a flood of new data to be absorbed and integrated over the next few days. First impression? I like. But now...time to hit the road!


.....The cruise to Rayong Beach was a mix of standard road trip, beautiful tropical scenery ...

... the other campus as well as some friends of people who aren't teachers. It was nice to meet some new people and get to hang out. Crystal was also in town. It was the end of her fall break in South Korea. It was nice to actually get to meet the person I had talked to through e-mails for 6 months before arriving. She's a really cool girl and fun to hang out with. Sunday we got up and laid around on the beach. I got burnt ...

... 5ish sunday evening.. a really fab relaxing break... just what i needed to kick start my resolution for making the effort to visit more places!! Well as for my fight news - this time i lost... sorry guys..! :-( but it was a great experience and i learnt so much more by losing this fight than i learnt from winning my last one!.. i lost on points so i now know how it feels to go the full distance in a fight when you're absolutely ...

... in my life did i cross over into the land of responsible adulthood? shouldn't someone tell me about this ****? there should be some kind of letter or notice or public notification in the newspaper that HEY BY THE WAY.....you're not a kid anymore!!!! All this being said, me and my partner in crime kept the kids safe and sound and only had to deal with a minimum of *****ing. the funny thing is......and the teachers that accompanied them and my fellow ...

... into 7-11 to grab a Smirnoff Ice and discovered that my money and phone had been completely soaked... the plastic bag I had sealed them in had a hole. After thanking myself for not bringing my camera I asked the checkout girl for two extra bags, re-wrapped my things, and exited the store. Within a few seconds I was pounced upon by three girls carrying talcum power. As my cheeks were being thoroughly covered I noticed a water gun stand just a few meters ...

... of DMCR) and were soon at the diving site. Kanchana had hoped they might be stopping at Ko Samet first so her and the kids could get off and go and explore the island, but she hadn't check all this out prior to going. Also as she has never dived before I think she thought and told her friend I have my own diving gear. I don't. I have flippers and a wetsuit (and some boots somewhere, but I forgot to bring them). So anyway, Kanchana and the kids stayed on the boat and got ...

... one and only American.We had a great time talking the night away on the train and drinking some beer and whiskey. I learned a lot about then and it was just so great to hang out with other people. I returned to bangkok on the weekend and was planning to stay there until money so I could get my re entry permit ,so once I leave the county to go to Bali I will able to come back in on my some visa. I am really nervous about getting it, even though I ...

... a big pot with a screen on top and holes punched in the bottom and hot coals) They serve the pork with a huge branch of basil and you wrap each piece in a fresh basil leaf and eat it. It is so good. Did I tell you that nobody refrigerates eggs here? they just sit out, even in stores. I sent my (WASD) kids a box of candy and stuff today and it was $25 to mail it. Mail is the one thing that is not cheap here. But can you picture me holding this box on the back of a ...