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Puerto Princesa, Sabang, Port Barton and El nido, Philippines

06/03/07
Palawan
We got up at 6am to get to airport, and then caught flight over to Palawan. We arrived and checked onto the Palawan village Hotel, whcih was cheap and nice, with TV and Garden. Ventured out and went to the palwan Museum which was 20 p to get in and was just appallong entertainment, but was nice to see some of the old style instruments and pottery. then wlaked up to the catherdral, which was shut when I got there, so just wasn't turning out to be that good of a day!

So turned to western food and went for a pizza, met a group of little Filipino girls could not have been more than 6 or 7 who just loved to talk and stare at me! Bless them.

Walked home and had a fairly quiet night after all the travelling of the past couple of days, got some Brownies from across the road and watched crappy film with bandetas in it, but hey sent us to sleep

07/03/08
Underground river

We were up at 6am, after not the best nights sleep after hearing two young things having a bitta fun all night long!!!
Got oicked up around 7.30am and then begun the long trip the Sabang. It was bumpy journey and finally we arrived at St Pauls Subterranean River, which is the longest navigable river (traversed tunnel) in the world. We crossed over to the Entrance on a mall rickerty boat whcih took around 20 minutes, and then we reached oue destination after a short walk. It was beautiful the little lagoon which house the entrance to the river was a lovely aqua greeny colour where no swimming was allowed , surrounded by trees that grew from the water itself, they dressed us up like idiots in hard ahts and lifejackets, and then put us in the mallest boats in the world and off we went. We entered the Cave and it was really dark and bats were everwhere Stalagmites and Stalactites were amazing and bear lots of resemblences to various things including a T Rex, The Virgin Mary, The Nativity, A Mushroom to name a few. So after 45 mins or so we were done and back in daylight. We had lunch and then left on the 2.5 hour journey back. We stopped at a little village on the way back called Viet Ville where veitnamese refugees came and set up home with the help of the Filipinos during the War. Only 7 families still remain there and there are several derelict houses. Back to Palawan Village Hotel for Pride and Prejudice Dinner and a bit of American Idol before Bed as moving on tomorrow

08/03/07
The day we got stuck!!

Up early again!! I thought i was on holiday?!?!?
Up to bus staion to get bus to Port Barton, which we were told would be at 9.30, but to get there early to ake sure you got on. So we arrived in plenty of time, as did the Itlaian couple who had been on Underground River Tour. The Bus turned out to be a clapped out old Jeepney, which was not too encouraging, and in the end it finally left at 10.45, good ole Filipino time keeping! So we began our journey which went well while we were on concrete, but then we hit the dirt, and as it had been raining the road wasn;t in the best of states!! We carried on drving but then we came across a lorry that waas well and truly stuck in the mud!! The Mud must have been at least a meter deep, and there was no way of getting the lorry out, but the filipinos had a go and after 2 hours they managed to get the lorry out, but then we still had to get the jeepney through.... And god forgive me for doubting it, it whipped through without any trouble at all. So we continued on our journey. The roads did not get any better really from there down to Port Barton, with sheer drops into the jungle on one side, pretty hairy! We arrived in Port Barton at 16.20 and along with Stephanie and Daniel, the Italians we checked into the Ausan Cottages for a mere 400 peso a night, beachside, they were nice enough.

Beers were needed at this point and then off to dinner at Bamboo Restaurant, before checking out a party that a filipino Guy, Boyet, had told us about on the Jeepney, so we took a walk to party, and there was no-one there except Boyet and a load of kids running around, then Boyet said it would only cost a gzillion peso's for a table and 2 soft drinks were included in that price!! Like it was a bargain, we politley declined and retired to bed!

09/03/07
Finding Nemo
After a fairly good nights sleep got up and decided to go Island hopping, so went for Breakfast at a place called Judy's which turned out to be a great little place serving a great brekkie, mmmm hash brown, and then went and sorted out a boat. We decided on the 3 islands we would like to visit and began sailing out to Aquarium Island. We stopped just off shore of the island and I went snorkelling, the coral was amazing, there was a bit that looked like a massive pumpkin, where loads of fish were inside in, and then one of the guys off the boat dived down to this lant thing, tickled it, and guess who came out??? Oh Yeah Nemo!, found him!! Dunno what all the fuss was about! Then my conatct lens fell out so went back to boat on an effort to save it. Took mask off carefuly but could not find it, but then looked down and it was just sat there on the boat , bonus!! Then we moved onto Exotic Island and it certainly was. We sat on the beach and it was really peaceful, white sand and no one else around. Went off snorkelling again and saw numerous fish starfish and Gil the angel fish also from Nemoand obvioulsy Nemo again. One of the guys off the boat went in and caught some Nemos in a bottle of coke, so saff could also see them, ahh and when I let them go they just stayed round my feet!

We then moved onto to Double reef island, where we bumped into the Italians again. We walked around the island whcih was lovely and met the caretaker and were able to sign a visitors book. Went sonrkelling off there for a little while but not much about, so called it a day and made our way back to port barton.. Got back and had a beer and got ready to go out and went to Judys again for dinner. We met the owner that night, his name was Zacharias who had come to Port Barton in 1954 for the fishing and opened Judys in 1975, he was also the Pasteur for the community until he was too old to continue and then his son-in-law took over.

10/03/08
Bad Back

Went for breakfast at Judy's and spoke to Zacharias and then back to Bungalow, did nothing due to bad back. Went back to Judys for dinner and say and spoke to Zacharias again and he was telling us how he had met his wife. They had both been on the boat in 1954, but no-one spoke to each other on these boats as they were evening boats and people tending to just sleep. When he arrived on Port Barton, the nieghbours tongues were wagging, and syaing to him did he realise he was living next door to a single lady and he was a single man. They started courting, and in an effort to win the favour of her parents, he would get fresh water, and take it by boat to her parents house in coron, which was not na easy journey on your little fishing boat, and everytime he arrived her father would literally just throw the water on the floor, after 5 years of this Zacharias eventually wore them and and after 5 yeras of courting, no touching or kissing, he was allowed to marry her, now thats love and commitemnt for you! Sadly his wife Nanita passed away a few years ago, but left behind 5 children and 19 grandchildren.

11/03/08
Day 100 and the day the man died!
Got up went for brekkie at Judys and said goodbye to Zacharias. We waited for the Jeepney as we were off to El Nido. We got on and there was a family, a Dad who was hoding his rather porrly son and a mother who was putting vicks under his nose. We sat across the ailse form them, in the only spare seats, this guy really was not well, and Saffron decided to move to the back of the jeepney. Then he Died.......the mother was just calling his name and then sat down besdie me, i tapped her on the shoulder to see if she was OK and she just pointed at him and drew her finger across her neck, and basically told me he had died. It was awful, they stopped the minibus and carried him off and lay him down next to the road, and we were off again, but no one sat in that seat I can teel ya!!

We made it through most of the muddy road without too much trouble until we hit the part where the lorry had been stuck, and again there was a minibus stuck, but fortunately there was a lorry on the otherside of the mud ready and willing to pull vehicles through. So after little bother we were through and back onto concrete and on our way to Elnido, and we arrived there at 16.20 and checked into Ricos cottages and bumped into a couple of german guys that we had seen in Port Barton. We got ready and headed out to dinner and as we walked round we saw a town fiesta was taking place and there was some really bad renditions of I will survive amongst others. We went to a restaurant called Tubay and had Tuna steaks were whcih flippin gorgeous and only a quid.

12/03/08
Got up early and was itching!! I had been bitten on my god dam eyelid and looked like rocky!! We had decided on going island hopping, so got and set off to the meeting point! The Italian were also on this trip amongst the 2 german guys we had met in port barton and 2 other german fellas and a couple of french folk. We began ourr journey to the small lagoon and went snorkelling saw a load of lovely fish, and then carried on through a small opening and then there was a massive drop off point, where the sun hit it and it looked like an endless abyss. We then made our ways back to the boats where I saw small sharks, but thewy scarpered. We then made our way round to the big lagoon where we just had a look round. We then went to a beautiful beach for lunch. The boatman got out the fresh mackerel and started to cooked over a fire on a small grill while we all snorkelled and got to know each other sat there chillin on the beach. Then lunch was served, and it was gorgeous, fresh fish and salad, but then being a knob i sat there and then dropped a whole plate of food in my lap, well done me.! Other on the trip were Sven and Lutz from germany who we met in port barton, then Fabian and Steffan also from germany, and alexia and sam from france and the italians. After unch we headed back to the big lagoon and went snorkelling the gremans and i swam out over to another beach which looked like scooby doo island, looked spooky with massive rocks learing over us. While snorkelling saw starfish and the yellow fish that you see on the wondows screensvaer, yeah they really exist! More fish with faces in the shapes of trumpets and another Gil from nemo. Then we headed off to the 7 commadoes island for some sunbathing, but was really hot so we sat in the shade and chatted. I went off snorkelling for a while, but when I came across a jellyfish the size if my head, i freaked out and went back to shore. Then it was time to head home, so we began the boat journey and long the way saw jellyfish the size of the Buoys you found in the sea, they were awful and soon made me take in my feet from hanging over the side of the boat! Got home showered and read before meeting all from baot trip for dinner at Marbles restaurant. We sat out drining and chatting until around 2am it was a great day!

13/03/08
Cock Fighting
Got up around 8.30am after being rudely awakened by the noisy neighbours. Went to the Taiyo Cafe for breakfast where our boat driver from previous day asked if we wanted to go out on boat trip again today, we declined so he said would we like to go to the cock fight, an invitation no girl would turn down!! So went down to see Fabian and Steffan and arranged to meet them at 2pm to go cock fighting. Got to the cock fight and it was bizarre, there was a ring of bleachers where all the filipinos were sat around shouting the odds out. The next two cocks ready to fight were in the ring with their owners taunting them against each other. The blades attached to their legs were really sharp and shiny!! Then the fight began, it was barbaric and over within minutes and the way they tell they fight is over is by picking up the birds and dropping them onto the floor if one doesn't attempt to start fighting, then fight is over! The looser is then taken off to a kind of polling staion type booth, and is attempted to be saved by the doctor, depending on how severe the wound. If they are not to be saved they are lobbed into a fire! We left there and arranged to Meet Steffan and Fabian for dinner and went back to cottages for showers. Saw Sven and Lutz who had been kayaking and arranged with them to also meet for dinner. Met uo a 7.30 and went to Tubay where qwe all had Tuna steaks before heading off into the fiesta for a spot of mild gambling, on games like you have found at a school fete! Fabain win some hot chocolate while Lutz won some soy sauce!

Back to Marbles for a few drinks before we sadi our goodbyes to Fabian and Steffan as We were all leaving to go back to Puerto Princesa the next morning.

14/03/08
Bus back to Puerto Princesa
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/helgamorg/vietnam-2007/1204713240/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/helgamorg/vietnam-2007/1204713240/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/helgamorg/vietnam-2007/1204713240/tpod.html Mon, 07 Apr 2008 04:19:54 -0400 Helga's Hamazing Huge Holiday

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Puerto Galera, Philippines

11-02-08
White Beach
Well after a fairly nice sleep as karaoke finished at midnight, more a less as we arrived home. So we got up and showered and packed up and got on the road again, just like the littlest hobo. Then we went to the bus stop where we had dropped off two days ago, and waited for a bus down to Batangas. We got on bus which cost 67 peso, and yippee Celine Dion in concert playing on the inbus TV!! So then we had swap buses at Bayalan, and we again dropped in middle of nowhere, but we waited and sure enough the bus came and we went down to Bantangas, then we had to get a tricycle round to the port, which A filipino girl came over and asked where we were going, and wondered if we wanted to share tricycle with her, to which we agreed, having a filipino onside, is a sure thing then that you do not get ripped off, so we shared to tricycle and the fare. Arrived at Batangas Pier, and straight away the filipinos are all over you, taking you to boat ticket place, getting your bags off you (then wanting money) and when your bags have wheels there is no need, but they grabbed anyway, we had already said to them we're not paying you and they had said it was free, then when we got in the queue, they were there with their hands out, again we said not paying you, you said it was free and they literally stood there looked at each other dropped the bags and walked off! Must learn to have tighter grip on bag and that no means no!
So anyway got ticket for boat, got ticket for preservation of island and a another ticket for something else, one thing after another, and then finally got through into the waiting area. Again boat was ontime, so we boarded and off we went. The crossing started fine, but as we got further out to sea it became a bit choppy, and the guys moved Saff and I to the other side of the boat, then the driver proceeded and hit some of the waves full on, which in turn water came into the boat and was soaking Saff, and the seat we had been moved from appeared dry! Everyone on the boat began to look a little green and concerned, but it soon calmed down again as we approaching land, and thank the lord when we arrived!
We got off boat and had to then get a jeepney, to which the boat folk would be free as we had already paid to get to White Beach, which we thought, believe that when we see it, so headed off to White Beach, and when we arrived we didn't have to pay for Jeepney, which was a bit of a shock, but after all the shit at the pier we were ready to stand our ground! So arrived at Delgardo's and checked into to a little bungalow (Orange veranda and doorframes) just up from the beach. We decided this would the place to wait for my cards, as we were so happy to be back in the bungalow setting, so emailed address to Sooz, and then went off for dinner at CoCo Aroma. There were not many people there, but the waitress said we may have to wait a little while, as people had ordered before us..... Little did we know she meant wait for over an hour! So just waited and waited, had a beer, then another, I am sure this a way to make you drink more, as you are just sat there waiting! SO food came out, and was nice if not a little cold, and we got outta there. We went for drink on the beach at Leynlies Bar, and then made our way home.
12-02-08
Drunken debauchery
Woke up and got showered and opened Bungalow door, and it was lush, sun was shining, beach was to the right, and everything was good, so we sat on veranda, as were not fussed about doing much, plenty of time and all that. A couple of finish guys came along to look at accommodation, and then stopped for a chat as they walked back past after deciding they were not going to stay here. Asked us if we drank etc, weird question but hoe hum, they said they would be back later, which we brushed off, and went for lunch where I was accosted by Lyn the Massause, I declined the offer of Massage, but said maybe another time. After lunch came back and were playing cards when the finish came back with a bottle of vodka, a bottle of rum, some sprite, lime juice, and soda, they had the whole schbang!! So they said "so you drinking then?" It was 3pm so we decided why the hell not, after they had gone to all that effort, and god does love a trier! So we sat and chatted with Tony and Rico, and got progressly drunk.
With one bottle of vodka gone Saff and Tony went to the supermarket and purchased another, and then we reached the stage of really flipping drunk. Various members of staff then came on to our veranda and had a shot or two of Vodka, and then the guys decided they were hungry, so we wnet down to the beach to get some food, so we made our way they and I believe we went to the Girly Bar, where I fell off my chair and met an Australian fella, this is pretty much all I remember. Our resort bloke, Sherwin, had also come to the beach for a drink with us. Next thing I remember I was back at the bungalow, and I had been sick on Cameron, oops, then to bed.
13-02-08
Mother of All Hangovers
Ventured out bed at about 11am ish, with very vague memories of the previous night, the finish were catching a flight back to Manilla that morning at 8am, so could not go to them for verification of anything, so when we ventured out of room, feeling confused, sheepish and embarrassed, Sherwin, told us a few pieces of information, but didn't shed that much light. I had apparently been walked home by Rico, after not feeling too good on beach, and Saff had stayed out longer and managed to get herself lost, on one little strip of beach! So we retired back to bungalow all day, weather was shite and so were we! We ventured out to restaurant later in the evening, where I was still not ready to eat, but then after going back onto the veranda, we sat gazing and sighing as you do, then worked up to a sandwich after Sherwin was complaining we hadn't eaten! Bless him! Then more a less straight to bed again
14-02-08 to 21-02-08
And it rained.......
So instead of covering day by day on this part, I will put altogether as believe me, these few days were all the same!
IT RAINED!!! And blimey it did really rain, we split the days by reading, playing cards, watching basketball, and the occasional game of football, and generally moaned about the weather.
The first day, we went to Calapan by Jeepney which basically took all day, but when we left the resort they had just begun to kill a goat, and by the time we got back, it was stewedand ready to eat and served to us in the restaurant, freshes meat I will ever have!! How romantic oin Valentines day too.
We also met Eric during this time, a guy from Canada, working and living as a teacher in China.
We also remembered where the supermarket was, so occasionally would walk up there to get ham and cheese and a French stick to sit and scoff on the veranda, as the rain came down.
Sherwins brother in law works at the post office so he had been texting him too, to see if any post had turned up, and then one day the postman arrived and alas, nothing for me, but he did tell me post form UK takes 3 weeks!
We went to Coco Aroma again during this time and watched a band called the Tastebuds, that bless em, could hold a tune together, the drummer was always out of time, and having ago at everyone else for being out of time! Funny.
A group of Religious Koreans arrived at one stage, 18 or so and they came to dinner, where a kind of Buffet was laid on so we sat on the veranda and watched, and after dinner they broke out into song, and version of Pack up you troubles, it was hilarious, they had a dance routine and everything, kind of like a Jesus Army but with worse clothing, and visors to die for. They also sang this song again in the morning at 7am!!!
On the 20th, it looked like things were looking up, it was not raining when we got up and everyone was milling around the resort, getting on with jobs while singing away to The Police, so we got involved, we changed the sheets on our beds, Sherwin came and cleaned the bathroom, and everything was spic and span. We went to supermarket for bread cheese and ham and then after lunch I even went on sat on the beach for a couple of hours and read, wasn't a bad day at all. Then that evening a few of the guys from the resort, started a little jamming session, which obviously consisted of Bob Marley, which lasted all of about 30 mins.
22-02-08
The Sun has got his hat on, hip hip hip hooray!
Woke up in the morning, looked out of the window and Skipperdy Doo Dah it was sunny! So got up and ready and had a coffee, Sherwin shouted across to get down the beach quickly! Everyone was happy the mood had certainly lifted! Got down the beach at 10.30, Eric was already there, and sure enough so was Lyn, she was on my case for a massage every hour on the hour, she was a flippin nightmare. Went for my first swim in the Filipino sea, and eventually called it a day at 3.30pm. Went and sat at restaurant for a while and chatted with Sherwin, Toto (band member) and Eric, before going in for shower, and then back to restaurant where I tried the local delicacy of Duck egg, where the ducks foetus had begun to grow, you have to crack open the egg, drink the soupy stuff inside, before you eat the contents, it was a weird taste, and I could smell it on my fingers for ages afterward, so althou it was not too bad, it won't be something I will eat again. We decided as it had been a nice day to venture down the beach for drink after, so Saff Eric and I all went down to the girly bar for a pitcher of Mindoro sling, and then Jim and John, a couple of guys I had met, who live in Benalmadena in spain, walked past and asked us to join them for a drink up at the next bar. So we finished up and watched the Ladyboys bust out a dance routine before we went. John had a Filipino girlfriend who was 19, to his 57, filthy old git, misjudged them two! So we met Samantha the lady boy there and had a goodnight, we were also joined by Sherwin and the two Korean guys that had moved into the bungalow next to ours. One of them lived in Manilla, his name translated to Mel, and he was insisting on giving me his number, so if we returned to Manilla we would go and stay with him, I told him to just leave it on the veranda before they left. At this point we left the bar and went home, Eric and I chatted on veranda for a while and have made a beer bet on the ages on Toto and his girlfriend, my guess She's 24 and he's 40, his guess she's 26 and he's 30.
23-02-03
The Sun has come out again!
Woke up feeling like I had had a drink the night before, so dragged myself out of bed and went for food. Sat at Leynlies and had brekkie and was again accosted by Lyn, my god, she does not give up. So got up and left there and went to the beach, where it was a scorcher, so went for a swim etc, not a busy day really, sat in Delgardo's for the evening, having fairly quiet one, due the previous night. Jim and John came in for dinner, so had a chat with them, then an early night
24-02-08
Oh ooh, Cloudy Start
Got up and it was cloudy, so then had to find something to do all day, so borrowed Eric's laptop and started writing Travelpod on word for him then to send me once he had arrived home, so literally sat on veranda most of the day typing that up ready to cop and paste! Genius Idea, and well chuffed Eric let me borrow. It felt nice sitting on veranda, and not only having something to do, but knowing the travel pod would be up to date at some point soon!
So finished off the best part or travelpod updates then went for dinner and a few drinks. It was really busy down beach etc, as Filipino holiday on Monday, so we sat in Delgardos for the evening and watched Blood Diamond before we went off to bed around midnight, and just listened as drunken Filipinos came home from beach.
25-02-08
Oh that's hot........Nonny's Birthday
Awoke to a beautiful sunny day, so got up finished up some typing and went to the supermarket for Ham and Bread. Eric had finally sorted out going diving, so he was off for the day diving, so went down the beach at around 10.30, had s swim and then back to room for 12, as hottest part of the day, did more typing and then back down the beach at 2.30pm, had another swim due to the heat, and then it cooled down a bit, so just lay looking around, I had not seen Lyn the day before or today, I am starting to worry about her, she's is an older lady and looks like she is not even capable of giving a massage without dropping dead, so hope she is ok?!?!?! Back for last bit of typing, before showering, and then off to internet to mail Nonny happy birthday. Back to bungalow and round for dinner and few games of cards. Eric got back around 8.30 and had a great day, looking a little worse for wear! So off to bed around 10.30, was absolutely shattered.

26/02/08 Erics last day!

Same same kinda day, but then in the evening Eric and I went for drinks at the ladyboy bar, where we met Trisha, we sat and drank some Mindoro Sling the local coctail that gets you rat arsed, so we got very drunk then headed back to base before going off to bed, not very productive day really, but had to focus on mozzy net to stop room spinning!

27/02/08 We said our goodbyes to Eric and off he went on his tricycle. Met a girl from Finalnd on the beach called maria and then a load of crazy filipinos who invited me snorkelling, I declined, but arrange to meet for dinner later. Met for dinner and then went to the Ladyboy bars, as I knew the island so well by then took them to the best ones where they found it highly amusing that everyine saying hello to me as I walked past, well this does happen when you say somewhere for 3 weeks! Had some drinks, filipions did some magic, then home

28/02/07 Earthquake

Well would you Adam and Eve the same day as earthquake in the Uk we had one in Mindoro!! we were awaoken at around 7am, by our bunglaow shaking, couldn't figure out what it was, so ignored it and went back to sleep, when we finally got up later, Sherwin said did you feel the earthquake, ahhh thats was what it was, the first time the earth had moved for me in a long time!!!
Everyone was leaving today, maria left, then went for lunch and beers with filipino lads, then they left and then even John and Jim the old guys from England left, we were alone again, and NO POST!!!

29/02/08
Not even anyone to propose to.

Did nothing today it was cloudy pretty much a non starter, ate, read drank s'it. Still better than being at home

01/03/08
Saffs not well

Today I went into Calapan as funds were running low and owned loadsa money to resort, so was up at 5am, and got a tricycle up to Puerto then a Jeepney to calapan. Went to the world famous Jollibee for breakfast whcih was appalling, felt pretty sick after that, but you have to try these things. Got in jeepney to come back and when I arrived back in puerto the flippin tricycle driver must have been looking out for me or something as he actually got the jeepney to stop and said he would take me back to White Beach, all the filipinos were laughing on the jeepney, what with being the only westerner, I was like bugger off man, he must have been FBI or something, but decided instead of him just following eveywhere for the lift home, I got in and went back! got back and weather was lush so spent day sunbathing on beach and then got drunk with Sherwin on the veranda later, we went for a few drinks down the beach, it was really busy with filipinos who had come over from manilla for the weekend, so trisha from ladyboy bar introduced me to some of her friends who were really sweet and really young and wnated to pratise thier english on me, We then made our way back and karaoke was still on, and what with being very drunk at that this stage, I busted out a faurground attraction, but hadn't realise all the lads from the resort had come over while I was half way through and even the boss, and by the time I had finished the whole crowd had formed, and were cheering and clapping the white girl who had been here for ages had finally done karaoke!! Bless em, off to bed

02/03/08 3 month Anniversary - mothers day

Another non day of hangover, all the guys asking when i would be singing again, reading, waited for call from mum but missed her, job done

03/03/08
3 weeks exactly
got up and went out on veranda and Sherwin said "guess what, your Mum didn't call but there is post for you at the post office!!!!" MARVELLOUS!!! It was a lovely day sun was shining, so got tricycle to Puerto and collected the post, all the time thinking what if they do not let me have them... But got them and got back, went to shop bought some matador for the staff at the resort. Sunbathed and eventaully it was beer o Clock Showered used internet spoke to Mum. Went to resort for dinner with everyone, Sherwin, Boc the chef, Rio (obviously had to sing Duran Duran to him several times) Jesus and Jomas Went opff to Tipzynakau the Ladyboy bar to say my goodbyes to Trisha and SaMANtha, Trisha gave me a neckalce and free shots before I headed home

04/03/08
Emotional hangover

bad day, just couldn;t get my head round the day, got up ate, read cried, ate, but knew hangover was to blame, another earthquake and then dinner before early night

05/03/08
Goodbye Delgardos
Well this it is we are leaving, we got ourselves booked onto the bpat to bantagas, and walked round resort saying goodbye to everyone, it was really emotional, but we left and crossed over back to batangas in a very choppy crossing. Then we had to get a bus back to shitty manilla, but Saff had some Buko Pie on the way. We checked into the Santos pension house upon Eric recommendation and it wasn't too bad, had a look round Robinsons and then went off to the Oarhouse for dinner and drinks and to goodbye for the last time to pail the belgium fella, and tried to meet up with Crazy Filipinos who missed my call, they had emailed and said they had been out looking for us but alas it just wasn't meant to be, and sooner you go to sleep in Manilla the sooner you wake up and get the hell outta there!! Or so we thought, bloody karaoke until about 6am, nice one, Lady in red and other bad renditions just kept on coming all night!!!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/helgamorg/vietnam-2007/1202547900/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/helgamorg/vietnam-2007/1202547900/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/helgamorg/vietnam-2007/1202547900/tpod.html Thu, 20 Mar 2008 04:08:07 -0400 Helga's Hamazing Huge Holiday

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Tagaytay, Philippines

09-02-08
Tagaytay - Pie Day!
After the first good nights sleep in ages, got up at 9.30, showered and went for breakfast. Went to check how to get to Taal Volcano upon the advice of the Geezer in Banaue at the little tourist office next to our guesthouse. Crazy Prices for a day trip, so asked the bird if there were buses, she gave some info which was helpful so off we went. Got a Nice Taxi Driver to takes us to the bus stop, which you wouldn't really know was a bus stop, so for all we knew this guy could have just dropped us anywhere, but sure enough a bus turned up, which took us straight down to Tagaytay, we arrived there at about 1pm. We had been literally just been dropped at a bus stop along this big main road, so we dragged ourselves and our backpacks up the road and reached a little orange hotel called The Travellers Inn, enquired there, and it was a new little hotel, with roof terrace looking over the lake, where when the mist had cleared you could see the surroundings of Taal Volcano. So we checked in there and went up to terrace for a quick drink. We took a walk into to town a bit, and came across a restaurant called Bag of Beans, which had been previously run by an English guy, who had got a microwave form his mum or something, and had used the recipies to make pies and had then opened this restaurant. So we went in there and the Garden area was really nice, with a token Minor bird chatting rubbish, and we order a steak pie, a chicken pie and some country herb bread, it was lusho, mmm pie! So we took the rest of the bread back with us to the hotel and settled in for a little bit more American Idol. We sat and had a chat with Romeo who worked at the hotel for a while on the kind of veranda area outside our room, and there was a family celebration taking place next door, Romeo had said it was a policeman who lived next door and it was his daughter 1st birthday or christening or something, so they had a karaoke machine on the go all day long. We headed out to try and find this bar the liar had said about where they had live bands at weekend, apparently up by the rotunda on silang road, so jumped into a jeepney and off we went.
After about an 20 minutes or so, we were still in the jeepney, so I asked the driver about silang road, he was just like yeah yeah down here, and we ended up actually in Silang, so got out of the jeepney making out as if this was exactly where we had meant to be, and walked down the street market to the other side of the road and got straight back into another jeepney and headed back. We this time got off where we thought the bar looked like it should be, and again the lonely liar strikes again, it was gone and no-one had even heard of it! So had a drink in this bar, and then went to 7-11 type of place and then started to head back to our guesthouse, whilst looking out for a jeepney to flag down, typically no Jeepney really came past at that time of night, so we actually ended walking about 5 - 10 kilometers back to our hotel before we literally fell into bed.
10-02-08
Taal Volcano - Mum ans Lisa's birthdays
Well after not a lot of sleep due to family fun and frolicks of karaoke next door, but as we looked over the balcony the next morning we noticed a turkey pen, with a massive mutant chicken refer to pictures to be updated later. Anyhoo, a knock at the door at 8.50 woke us up, with the bloke saying that they guy who would be taking us to Taal Volcano was in reception, we had enquired about with hotel owner night before, and she would let us know, but instead just got the guy round, so agreed to a price and set off straight away. The drive down to the port didn't take too long and on the way down there was some really nice views. We arrived at the boat, kind of like a longtail and then set off across to Taal Island. We got absolutely soaked on the way, and arrived at the other side looking like drowned rats. As we got on to the island we were then charged a further 500 peso's for a guide we didn't need on top of the 1250 we had already paid, but better than paying 600 each for a clapped out old horse each. Bless them they looked near to death, but all the Koreans had hired the horses, and as we began our journey up the Volcano, they were on their way back down not looking very safe on their runaway horses!!
The guide had told us it was 4 km journey up the volcano and would take about an hour, but again it took us about 35 minutes to get up there, and along the way we walked past little bits of smoke actually coming out of the side of the volcano, and when you put your hand up to it, was really hot. We reached the top and had a look around, and was really disappointed with the view, as you did not really get to see the actual crater of the volcano, but we still got to see the island within a lake within an island within a lake, which was still quite impressive, with the toxic yellow stuff round the outside of the lake within the island, and lots of kind of vents where smoke was coming out, and the occasional bubbles in the water where the volcano would have a little cough. While we were looking over the side, a guy came up with his husky Damien, and I said to him, "well that is definitely taking you r dog for a walk!" So we got chatting asked where I was from etc, then when I asked where he was called Ramsey from he said Scotland but currently lived in Amsterdam and had travelled about, so that explained his confused accent, he said his Dad had lived in Tagaytay for while and his Aunt and Uncle and him had all come out to visit. We had a good laugh and got chatting with his aunt and uncle too, who were from Kent, then after an hour or so we said our goodbyes and headed off back down to the bottom, at least we got our monies worth as far as our guide was concerned as we had kept him up there for over on hour! So boat ride back, we had just managed to dry off, only to get soaked again on the way back! Headed back to hotel for shower and beer!
We decided to go out again and try to find this bar, as Ramsey had said it's possibly changed it's name to the G Point, so went up to Magasallanes Square and went to Carlos Pizza for dinner, it was rubbish, but then what do you expect going for an Italian in the Philippines, but as we had been going around the Philippines we noticed there really isn't much of a local dish...... So then we walked down to the G Point bar, where sure enough they had a live band on, which consisted of 3 Filipinos girls, all skimpily dressed, we sat in a booth and it felt like we were the "Only gays in the Village" Being practically the only westerners and what with being girls too. The band started and they did all sorts of songs from The Cranberries to Abba, and to be honest they weren't too bad, Simon Cowell would loved them! Some Filipinos had got up and started dancing and were trying to get us to join them to which we declined, but in time one of them came over and more a less dragged me onto the dance floor, gutted! SO danced for one song feeling like a right plum, and then we left shortly after, again no jeepneys about so started the walk again, only to be picked up by the same group of Filipinos who invited us to casino, but as we were leaving early in the morning we declined but they gave us a lift to our hotel which was ace!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/helgamorg/vietnam-2007/1201776720/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/helgamorg/vietnam-2007/1201776720/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/helgamorg/vietnam-2007/1201776720/tpod.html Wed, 05 Mar 2008 05:32:50 -0500 Helga's Hamazing Huge Holiday

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Baguio, Philippines

30-01-08
We made our way to the bus terminal after a dodgy complimentary breakfast and turned up just in time for a bus to Baguio, a deluxe bus Victory Liner, with no stops for 600peso, there was a cheaper one, but not until 2pm and this was at 8.30, so we treated ourselves, just to save us waiting around for another 5 hours. The bus was really nice, the seats were massive and we were greeted with a Kenny Rodgers DVD in concert, so can't be bad! Anything other than Celine Dion! They even served water and cake once we were an hour or so into the journey, which was a nice touch! Then they put "The Island" on which as we started to get into, it busted and was no more, so back to dodgy compilation CD of lovesongs, and back to the book. We arrived in Baguio after 6 hours which was great considering the Lonely Liar states 8 hours. Went to Red Lion checked in and chilled for a while, and then went up for dinner and drinks. We sat with some old English fellas, who appear to just sit there day in day out drinking, all over 60 and all had Filipino wives of about 25 - 30, whatever floats your boat I s'pose. So drank with them, and they were asking where we had been and where we were going, and stated as did those in Manilla, "You don't need to go anywhere else in the Philippines, everything is right here......" Sod that! Anyway called it a night and went back to room, watched TV for a while, again until the room stopped spinning!
31-01-08
Got up for another complimentary breakfast on the roof terrace, which looked over Baguio town and which was a helluva lot better than Adriatico, and there was a childrens marching band going through the town with batons etc, playing a compilation of YMCA and Barbie girl on the drums and bells. We went off into town for a look round and make the decision of Where Next? There really wasn;t much to do as far as we could see, same ole same ole really, American war rubbish etc. So we decided on Mines View Park, where there were some truly remarkable views of the surrounding Valley, I would say this is probably the only place worth visiting in Baguio, the owner of the Red Lion had said a lot of people just stop in Baguio to get drunk before heading up north. So we got a Jeepney (A kind of Bus / Jeep, that the Americans had left there and Filipinos had turned into modes of transport) back to town centre and went to the big supermarket to get some bits and pieces. We decided we would leave the following day and make our way up north to Bontoc.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/helgamorg/vietnam-2007/1201517100/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/helgamorg/vietnam-2007/1201517100/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/helgamorg/vietnam-2007/1201517100/tpod.html Wed, 05 Mar 2008 05:31:49 -0500 Helga's Hamazing Huge Holiday

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Manilla, Philippines

29-01-08
Had a lay-in and did not get out of bed until 2pm, and after I had had a shower, Saff came in and said apparently our room had already been booked, so we had to check out, so not so "Friendly" after all. So in our mood, we got our stuff and left. We checked into another guesthouse just up the road called Adriatico Pensionne Inn (Pensionne is mean't to mean cheap guesthouse) however not so cheap, friendly's was 800 peso and yet this one was about 1200 peso, hoe hum, only for one night! This just made us want to get the hell out of Manilla even more, so we went to sort out getting bus to Baguio, up north, the next day, and called the Red Lion Hostel to book in for the next day, so hopefully that will go nice and smoothly by the time we arrive.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/helgamorg/vietnam-2007/1200652740/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/helgamorg/vietnam-2007/1200652740/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/helgamorg/vietnam-2007/1200652740/tpod.html Wed, 05 Mar 2008 05:28:49 -0500 Helga's Hamazing Huge Holiday

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Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

21-01-08
Got up and went to find alternative accomodation and bingo, found a nice little hotel called Nan Teang with Air con, cable TV and hot shower for just uner a fiver each, and due to only come here as Visa was running out for Thailand, we had no plans accept to sit, chill and watch some TV before our flights outta there in a weeks time. So went back to get Saf and Chloe from travellers inn, and checked into Nan teang. We went out and got some cash and food and then went back to hotel for well deserved hot showers, and food and TV, it was ace, we actually hardly moved! We nipped back out later so Chloe could get a camera, and we came across a temple, where a guy came over and told us there would be a load of people about later as it was the start of Thaipusam Indian festival, where they start a procession outside the temple and walk for 13 kilometers to the Batu caves, where there is a hindu shrine and they pray and chant and shit for 4 days before they walk back again. And the following they also do the ole hook thing, where some of the more devout followers then have hooks placed in their skin and there is no pain or blood, Yeah right, of course not, how can it not hurt, man they're mental! So anyway we decided we would come back a 10pm as said by the malaysian fella. Went to book our flights, Chloe to Bali and us to Philippines. Fly out on me Birthday, so will effectively wake up in Malaysia and go to bed in the Philippines.
So we came back out at 10pm and came across a fish head soup restaurant, mmm mmm,and there didn't seem to be that many people about, but there was a kind of float, which they were riggin up with some, lets say with not the safest looking cables, and then after two hours the procession actually started. A lot of the people dressed in yellow with flowers in their hair, and those without hair had smeared yellow all over the scalps. Some of the organisers were passing out water and food, as apparently they had been fasting in the lead up to the festival. So anyway they started the walk, with a load of people first, then a car/van thing with a load of flags and bunting on it went, followed by the band on the back of a pick up, and then the float itself containing the god of worship and a few fellas dressed in kinda pajamas and make-up were also inside the float. We stayed until the crowd had kinda of dispersed and then made our way back to Hotel the other, so not to get caught up in the crowd, and went home to bed.
22-01-08
Eventually got up at 11.50 after being rudley awakened by reception, checking that we were not checking out today! So got up went to the shop, and then we stayed in bed all day long watching TV. Finally had a shower at around 5pm and Chole and Saffron went out to gather food, while I stayed in doing girly things, painted toenails, even straightened my hair, what with Air Con, I could do this without breaking into a sweat! Saff and Chloe came back with some Duck and Rice, and we sat and watched Final Destination 3. Ben, the guy Chloe was travelling with turned up and had decided to stay somewhere else, much to our disgust!! So after a good ole man battering we went out for a while and then back to hotel and off to bed after such a busy day!!


23-01-08
Got up again very late at about midday, again reception called to check we were staying, we had already told them the previous day how long we had intended to stay! We decide after such a lazy day previously we would make some effort and get up and go out. So we went to Batu Caves. We arrived there and it was definatley a sight to see. There were thousands of hindu's with the most elaborate costumes there to either watch or participate in the masochistic feats. There is also the worlds largest ***** and they praise the Lord Murugan. We walked up the 272 steps to The Temple Cave, the where the hindu shrine is, and there was a load of chanting and all that jazz. We did not see the hooky stuff as apparently that takes place at 10am, and that was far too early for us! We made our way back down the stairs and back to catch a bus back to chinatown where we were staying. We got some fruit and then went to the Reggae Bar for a drink, well there is always a Reggae Bar! And there is always Bob Marley! We made our way back to Hotel and got showered and changed ready to go for dinner, we settled at a street vendor and had Pork and Wontons, although the Malaysians believe that the fat is the best part of the pork, so my dinner mostly consisted of fat and wontons, hoe hum. We went to go and find Bens hotel, we heading off the wrong direction and came across fish head soup place again! After walking for miles we came across it, only to be told by the hotle he had already checked out! So went for a drink at a bar, before heading back to our side of town to frequent the reggae bar, where they obviously playing Madonna and Gloria Gaynor! We had a few drinks and got a bit pissed so went to the 7-11 and got some take outs and went back to sit on our balcony with our beers and listned to some music and made some noise, due the our nextdoor neighbours making a shit load of noise the night before, slamming doors etc, so we got our own back in the corridor by making really loud coming home noises, only to be confronted by them, they opened their door and asked where we were from, upon our response they replied "Bastard English" and closed their, which we then took as encouragement to make even more noise!! Cheeky Swedes!!! So we discussed the fact that if you fell from our Balcony would you get death or paralysis, and decided it would more than likely be definate death.
24-01-08
We had decided on going up the Petronas towers the night before, but after waking up at about 11am we thought better of it! So we thought we would just go to Medeka Square instead, with the intention of also visiting the National Museum. So we headed off, and obvioulsy came across the Fish head soup place again, I think we are destined to go there! We made t to Medeka square after doing a lap or so of Chinatown, and it was a whole bunch of big buildings including banks etc, then there was the Square itself, and all that seemed to have was some really bizarre rules on a board, which included No Swearing, No Eating drinking smoking or laying down, and most gutting of all, you were not allowed to climb up the 100 ft flagpole, which was obviously the first thing we had wanted to do!! So found the museum just across the road and due to the Thaipusam festival everything was closed!! Rubbish! So we walked through the Central Market and went to post office before deciding on a cheeky Nando's for lunch/dinner for some comfort eating as had discovered my laptop had been stolen!! DOH
Went back to room to watch TV as by this time we were experiencing wtihdrawal symptoms. We headed out for food a little later, and found and nice little side street vendor, where we had some rice and noodles for a mere 30p, then we fellinto the cake shop, and aciidently bought some chocolate swiss roll which we thought would be a nice accompaniment with a late night movie before bed.
25-01-08
Today we did actually get up and make our way to the Petronas towers, and thought I would treat Cameron to a day out. So we got there at 8.30am to avoid disappointment, as they only a certain amount of tickets per day. So we queued up and were all ready to go up at 9.30am. They first take you into a mini cinema, where they give you special glasses, and they show you a 3D movie, was very amusing. Then up we went in a mega high powered lift, that went really fast but you couldn't feel it, genius! So got to the skybridge, and the views were totally amazing, and such a different world from Chinatown. The gardens all around the towers were immaculately kept, and not a spec of dirt. You get about 5 or 10 minutes up there, so we made our way back down after a few photos, even with Cameron, and a few of the either Japanese or Chinese or Korean folks were even taking pictures of him too. So we come back down and went on the ole gift shop to obtain some random sourvenirs, and then off for a look around Suria KLCC shopping center, which was within the towers, along with ashit load of stuff, like Art Gallery, Orchestra and of course the Rasa food Arena, so that's we made our way to. Went back to hotel after food and a walk around the grounds, and watched some half pipe freestyling skiing, where Tanner Hall beat Simon Dufont on the championships, whoop whoop, amazing what you get into when there is no movie on!
Went out for some food of Chicken Satay and crisps, and made our way back to eat and watch more rubbish which consisted of Godzilla, followed by The Plague, both absolutely terrible movies, but the entertaining part was watching Chloe squirm over how scarey they were!! The light off and the Air Con blew up, JOY!
26-01-08
Told reception about the Air con, and they sent up the fat repair man, and we explained what had happened and then he stated that we would have to move rooms, gutted, we had come to love our little haven! So we packed up and moved out, up to the 4th floor, (Definate death, no chance of paralysis) which we told was a bigger and better room, and considering our HBO had also disappeared off the our TV, a great inconvenience, we were looking forward to our new and improved room. But when we arrived it was shoddy! The Air con was rubbish and dripping everywhere, you could be in the bathroom and put your hand through near the windown into the main room, and it just wasn't home, and certainly not bigger, just had more beds squeezed in! Anyway we made do, the resourceful ladies that we were, and just moaned and complained how much "we f**king hated this room" So went down to Red Dragon to Mum and Dave a quick call, before going back to the rubbish room with some beers as we were going out for my brithday that night. We headed down to the Reggae Bar where we got chatting to owner who then wanted to introduce us this this english girl who lives and works in KL, so met Kate and her friend Kane. We had some great photos, with the malaysian rude boys, and had a good night, until my bloody bag was stolen off the table!! Thieving Pikeys, so I jhad managed to keep hold of my bank cards for almost a month before, poof they were gone again!
Fortunately at the stage when it had gone missing, I had no money left in it, and my camera was in my hand, so looking on the brightside!!! Left the bar and went to use the phone and cancel my cards, again, and then rang Mum for that Mum kind of sympathy you need, not only when something like has happened, but you are a little bit pissed too. Came out form using the phone and sat down with these two guys sat outside the 7-11, a mexican and a canadian, and told them of my plight, as they could I was crying, so they bought me a beer and cheered me up a bit telling me of their separate stories of when they had had stuff stolen, so I didnlt feel so bad after, to come out of it with only missing bank cards isn't that bad, so back onto the bank of Saffron!
27-01-08
Well after the night before, when I woke up felt really depressed and a bit stupid to have taken my eye off my bag for a milli second, DOH! I really wanted to just get my stuff together give and go home, but we went out for chip butties at the central market, and then went and watched bloody casper, before heading out for an hour or so. Back to the hot and horrible room and I nipped out on balcony, and when I came back into the room, Saffron and Chloe had decorated my bed and laid out presents for my birthday the following day, it was really sweet, so we ate some of the chocolates before lights out at 10.15, for a really flippin early start in the morning!
28-01-08 My Birthday!
Up at stupid o clock, 4.15am, still we picked ourselves up and got on with it. Taxi to the airport, and got checked in straight away, and even thought our bags were slightly over weight, the lady behind counter let us off, thank god, really didn't want to have to open bag in middle of airport to take more stuff out and transfer to hand luggage, so just bear that in mind, on 15 kilos allowed! So after all checked in we wnet and had a macdonalds, I know, what a sin, but who knows when we would eat again! We said our goodbyes to Chloe, it was quite sad as we knew our paths would not cross again on the trip! So we went through and soon enough boarded our flight. Flight only took hour and a half, so we arrived at Clark Field airport in Philippines, and got straight onto a bus ( 300peso)to the main part of Manilla, and then got a taxi to Malate, by the time we arrived and checked into Friendlys guesthouse we were shattered.
We went out for a look around and to get some foods and ended up at a massive shopping centre called Robinsons, so headed straight to the food hall, and again had some crappy food, so decided from then on no more food halls! We headed back to guesthouse and checked out the Roof Terrace, which consisted of random people, sitting around including the owner Benjie. Saff went off for a lay down,a dn I sat there with my head on the lonely liar! Benjie and Co then invited me to join them in a glass of Champagne (it was cava, but hey not too shabby for me) and I told them it was my birthday, so we toasted and he gave me the cork of the bottle as a souvenir, and then as they had a reason to be drinking at 4pm in the afternoon he opened a nice bottle of red too!
So we drank that and then this guy called Paul from Belgium turned and and we were sat chatting, and he told me he had to go to work, he had a bar called The Oarhouse, and invited to go for a drink there. So quickly emailed mum with a number to call me on, and spoke to her, and then went and got Saffron and we headed off to the bar.
The bar was actually really nice, he had decorated and made it all nice and was telling us all his plans etc. He even invited us to stay at his house a little further north, to stay with him and his wife. We sat there for a few hours having drink etc, and met another fella from Sweden or Norway or something, who had come away on holidat about 9 or so years ago and decided not to go home. Then Benjie an co came in for a drink, before we all back to guesthouse for a game of poker, which we didn't participate in, we sat and chatted to some other girls staying at guesthouse, doing project work with the street kids. Then it was off to bed after a really long but good day.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/helgamorg/vietnam-2007/1201257360/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/helgamorg/vietnam-2007/1201257360/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/helgamorg/vietnam-2007/1201257360/tpod.html Wed, 05 Mar 2008 05:27:47 -0500 Helga's Hamazing Huge Holiday

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Ton Sai, Thailand

16-01-08
After a bit of a shoddy sleep due to animal noises, after Lisa telling us stories of Monkeys and Snakes getting into rooms, every noise was obviously a Monkey or snake trying to get onto our bungalow to kill us and eat our brains, anyway got up and went down to see Gary and Lisa, and Gary had got up early and been down to the Beach with his buddy Bob and had seen the basejumpers. Who are a crazy couple from Finland, who climb up the rock 550 feet, unaided ie no harness, and then they jump off the top and literally have 4 seconds to open the parachute. Gary was on such a high, so we all decided to get up early the next day to watch them. So we off for breakfast at our resort and then took a walk down to the longtails to get a boat over to Railay to go to ATM. We had a walk around and got to the bottom of the view point, it looked so perilous i made my decision there and then not to even venture up it, one piece of ropey rope and definate death or paralysis if you fell, no way pedro! I felt like I had turned into my Mum!! We made our way back over to Ton Sai on the longtail just before sunset just in case the base jumpers had decided to jump, but alas they didn't, LAZY!! So went to Andamans for dinner, and then onto the Corner Bar where Thong and Boll (pronounced Tong and Bon) who run the place, done a fireshow, very impressive, with sticks like majorettes that were obviously on fire, and then also the balls of fire too. Then off to bed, as early start what with the pending basejumping in the morning
17-01-08
Up at the crack a sparra, in fact it was till dark! It was like a prison cell what with no leccy! So all walked down to the Corner Bar and met up with Bob before all walking down to the beach, and surely enough basejumpers bags were hidden in the trees which meant they had already started the climb up the rock face. So we waited and then after about half an hour you could see their heads just looking over the side of the rock face. Then at 8am the girl threw herself off and within a couple of seconds she had opened her parachute and ended up at the other side of the beach by the time she had landed. Then straight after the fella threw himself off, and we stood watching him approaching us very fast, just willing him to open the parachute, you could actually see him smiling and waving as he fell towards us, and then after 4 seconds or so he opened up his shoot, and was whipped up into the air before doing a very controlled landing right in front of us on the beach, it was proper mental!!! So with all of us on a high we went to get some chicken off the chicken lady and sat on the beach for a while watching the early risers climbing before the sun got too strong. Saff and Chloe then went off shopping to Ao Nang while I went back to the room for a little lay down before going off to lunch with Lisa and Gary. We sat around for the afternoon and then went for showers before Saff and Chloe got back with their purchases. All went for dinner at Banyan Tree, which was rubbish and then obviously back to the Corner Bar for a drink before another early night, due to possiblilty of seeing the basejumpers again in the morning.



18-01-08
So again same thing in the morning, and straight down to beach but no bags hidden in trees, so we knew they were not jumping. So instead we just went off and got some chicken. Chloe and Saff then made their off to Railay to climb the viewpoint, and again I went back to Bungalow for a lay down. About 30 mins later Lisa came round to tell me Gary had been bitten by a cat and was worried he now had Rabies, I was more worried about what the cat may have caught!!! So we forgot about that and went for lunch. Saff and Chloe got back and had completed their climb up the view point, so we then went to sort out stuff on internet and sort out where to go next. Luke had mailed saying he was gonna come over Ton Sai. Then back to bungalow to get down the beach for sunset, in the hope the baseumpers would be jumping, only to be let down again!! Mum and Dave called later as we walking down to dinner so was great to speak to them. Then we sat in TonSai restaurant for dinner, before going for a drink at Kasbah, a new place that had opened, really nice setting, and lighting with Hammocks and cushions all over the place, Rock the Kasbah!

19-01-08
Got up early again, just to get another look at the bloody basejumpers, yep that's everyday at 6am! Although Gary Lisa Saffron and Bob were all off to Railay to going climbing, Chloe and I went down to the beach, only for more disappointment, as no basejumpers! So we did our usual routine and got some Chicken and then both went for a lay down. We met up at 10am to go and look at some flights and then went to dream valley for lunch. Then with no other pending appointments we went down to the beach for a little sunbath, and Christ on a bike it was boiling, but the sea at Ton Sai isn't so nice, really rocking and you would cut your feet to shit, so we paddled for about 10 mins, and then just prayed for some cloud every so often! Lisa called to confirm they had all got back from the climb every one still alive, but obviously Lisa had fallen over once she had hit flat ground, and this then opened her knee injury back up which had just started to heel, so was not really able to climb too much once they had reached the rock. Unbelieveable, well not so unbelieveable of Lisa the cluts! Saffron had successfully completed her first climb and was really chuffed to have done so, fair play to her! Again I had my Sheilaisms, so had decided not to climb! So Chloe and I took a slow walk back to Bungalows, and then we all went down to book bus tickets for the following day to make our way to Malaysia.
After that was all done, we went to see Lisa's new injury, and bless her she hurt her wrist her ankle and obviously her knee again. We went down to Corner Bar and decided to have dinner at Dreamvalley again as it was close, and Lisa could hardly walk, good of us I thought. Nipped into the Corner Bar to say our goodbyes to everyone, then fairly early to bed due to the ridiculous hour we had to get up the following day!
20-01-08
Was up at 5am, we were racing against time as the leccy went off at 6, and we wanted to get backed and showered before it went off, and we were doing well until they turned it off at 5.20am instead, trying to pack your backpack in the dark isn't an easy job!! Got outside and it was even darker! We ahd to make our way back down to the road, with backpacks in pitch black, and then we dropped into formation and were walking down the road in single file, just concentrating on getting bags down to the longtail! Got onto the longtail, and then as we went to leave the thing broke down! So there we were in the middle of the ocean, still pretty dark, and the little fella got off and went back to shore! We thought we could just drift away, but soon enough the little fella was back with his tool kit, which consisted of a butter knife, and started on the repairs. He was done in a jiffy and we commenced the journey over to Ao nang. Got there at 6.20am and then waited for our bus which arrived at 7.10am. This minibus then took us to another minibus, which then stopped every few minutes for the driver to try to get more passengers to make it more worth his while, this got pretty annoying in the end, but after a few huffs and puffs from Saff, he soon stopped and we eventually made it to Hatyai at midday. We went for a drink and then the big bus that would take us all the rest of the way to Kuala Lumpur arrived at 1pm.
It was a nice looking bus, Air Con, massive chairs etc, but then after we had taken our chosen seats, we were moved to the back, as for the first time ever you actually had to adhere to the seat number on your ticket, we were gutted, back of the bus isn't as cool as it used to be at school, the chairs did not recline properly and the air con was really strong, so we ended up pretty uncomfortable and flippin freezing!! This bus also stopped about 100 times, and we actually arrived in Kuala Lumpur just after midnight, but it was actually 1am as there was a sneaky hours difference which were unaware of. So got straight into a taxi and tried to find a hostel that was in the lonely Liar, but surprise surprise it was no longer there, so tried a few more others before having to settle on the Backpackers Travellers inn, was pretty pikey, with loads of rules, but we got a drink and had a fag before retiring to our Bunkbeds!

]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/helgamorg/vietnam-2007/1199865900/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/helgamorg/vietnam-2007/1199865900/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/helgamorg/vietnam-2007/1199865900/tpod.html Wed, 05 Mar 2008 05:25:41 -0500 Helga's Hamazing Huge Holiday

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Ko Lanta, Thailand

09/01/08

Got up at stupid o clock and it was still dark!!! And I thought I was on Holiday!! So bus picked us up on time whcih was amazing! 6.30 on the dot, said bye to Lisa, and headed off! Arrived at the port and switched to another big bus, then that took us as far as the boat, where we had to get off again and get on the boat! So we crossed in about 1.5 hours and then back on the bus to Scabby Krabbi. This took about 4 hours and by the time we got there we had to swap to another bus, and then down to another office then another bus, onto a boat to cross to a small island, which we had to cross, then get another litle ferry across to Lanta, and we finally arrived at around 6.00pm, so just another 12 hours travelling, but we had arrived, and it was lovely!!! We checked into Funky Fish which was on Longbeach, and the Bungalow was brand spanking new, with hot water and a fridge! So went to shop and got some beer to put into said fridge and sat a chilled for while before heading down the track for dinner and drinks, after an exhausting day, we went for the early night! Although did discover that the "Dirty Turks" lived nextdoor but from us, they are scubber instructors and think they are gods gift, fairpklay to them though, they had a soppy bird each..................not us!!!!

10/01/08

We got up and expored now that there was daylight!! We walked right up to the other end of the beach where it was completely desserted!! It was just me Saff and a cow!! We sat there most of the day, just relaxing in the boilng sunshine!! It was bliss, no one around just the sound of the sea lapping!!!

So we watched the sunset which was beautiful, and then started to slow walk down, back to the resort! We got ready and had heard from Chloe saying she was going to making her way to Lanta in next day or so. So we went back to bungalow, and saw dirty turks sat out on their veranda.....urgh the dirty turks!!
We got ready and went down for dinner and then decided on a game of cards, Saff went back to room to fetch them, while i mingled. Met this guy called Neil from Sweden, and by the time Saff got back with the cards, that was a distant memory. So we sat and chatted for hours and he would occassionally come out eith a random Prince quote, which was annoying what wit not being a Prince fan, you just can't get away from it!

We sat chatting until the beach party over the way had finished, and all the beach party goers came to join us, it was a right mix of people, French Dutch, Thai, Swedish, Indonesian and then of course the english!!! We had a great night, but the french guy slapped my arse, so I slapped him round the head (he had been agressive too many people) but apparently it wasn;t him who slapped me, it was his mate, so he had a go at me, and I had a go at his friend, who apologised and explained to his mate what he had done, he still bought me a drink for the misunderstanding, so got Saff an expensive Voddy as the french were paying!!! Then we started chatted to Luke from Oxford and Axel another guy from sweden, and then the dirty turks appeared, with another new girl upon ones arm, and the other had not been successful so had gone off home! We called it a night at 6am!!!

11/01/08

After the night before woke up and felt remarkbly ok, so went down for brekkie and found meself a niv\ce bit of shade and spent the day there. Later on I went and Sat with Luke at the bar and started chatting with Chris form London, out on Holiday, so after the sunset, we arranged to meet for dinner at "Somewhere Else" We met there at about 8pm and had dinner which was lusho, I had beef fillet with chillis etc and it was yummy!! So we had a few drinks and then Chris went back to his posh holiday maker resort as he was off diving and fishing the next day, and Saffron and I sat around having a few more drinks before bed, nice evening all in all

12/01/08

So after a fairly easy evening, we got up and sat on the beach, but alas was flippin hot so moved on into the shade, christ on a bike it was really hot!!! So we had arrnaged to meet Chloe at Chill out bar, so we headed up there about 5pm as they were showing The Departed and we thought, why not watch a movie. So went there played cards with the boss for a while before he put on DVD and we just sat there. Chloe was a no show, so we went to get ready to go for dinner, and had decided to go to Somewhere else, as it was soooo lush. got there and and had dinner and then bumped into Chirs and Luke at the Funky Fish, so decided to give the party up the road a try at The Earth Bar. We arrived and it was full of Ladyboys and the Dirty Turks!!! Dirty Turk with long hair had spotted his next victim and was dancing with her, when I saw her say she had a boyfrind and he was approaching! He was soo pissed he reminded me of Steve the Pirate from Dodgeball..... So anyway he went to go for the Dirty Turk, but missed in the most comical way, and then awas a scuffle and that was it. Anyhoo so later on there was a glass smashed against the wall and it was the Dirty turk, Steve the pirate had come back for another go, and alas he miss again so Dirty Turk got some punches in then and then proceeded to walk around the place with blood down his Kaftan, thinking he was John "Yippy Khai Yay" Maclean ( Die Hard) What a dick!!! ANyway was very amusing. So after being called the Number 1 dancing by a VERY COHERENT Thai bloke, and I know I was the number one dancer with my sweaty head
So anyway with that done, it approached the end of the evening, so we decided for all our safety Saff and I would get a taxi back to resort, as the lads had been drinking. So got back and thought we would try and crack open the Terry's Chocolate orange that Mum had sent over with Laura, but due to our beautiful brand new fridge keeping it cool, we could not get into, so instead passed out went to sleep.
We had decided with the lads to have a day out on the moped the following day, skippee!!!

13-01-08
Decided against the day out in the end, as we were all a bit tired and hungover from the previous night, so instead we spent the day chilling out in the shade until around 3pm and then ventured out into the sunshine. We had a game, well I say a game, we threw the frisbee around, to which Saff and I were not too good at. Wathced the sunset and then back for a shower. Met up with chris again about 8pm and walked over to, yeah you guessed it Somewhere Else for dinner, where it was packed and no free tables, but then we saw guy sat alone, put his hand up and signal to us we could sit with him. His name was Johnathan from Reading, who had been travelling around the world in 3 months, and had done it the opposite way to everyone else and started in New York and finished in Thailand. He then showed us some places he thought we may like on our rescheduled day out tomorrow. Chris then went back to his resort while Saff and I went to find out if Luke was still alive. We got him up and told him about the new plans for the following day to see if he was up for it, which he agreed, so called it night.

14-01-08
Got up early ready for our day out, and eventually made it down to the beach about 10.30 and met Chris and went for Breakfast. We waited for Luke to show up. Weh he did we still couldn't quite get our arses in gear, but we finally set off about 2pm and drove up to Kan Tiang Bay where the sand was so soft and the sea was like getting into a bath, it was lusho. We sat and had a drink and then Saff and Luke bulit a ladyboy sand castle, who was indeed a beauty! Then back into to sea for stone skimming fun!! We stayed and watched the sunset and then made our way back to base before it got too dark. We agreed to go somewhere different for dinner, and we had bumped into Johnatahn who had recommended the Red Snapper Restaurant on the main road. So we mounted our mopeds and off we went. Really nice looking restaurant, so checked out the Menu, and there was not even Red Snapper on there!!! The Menu literallt consisted of Tapas and random Lamb dishes, so we ordered a shit load of Tapas. It was nice but not as good as Somewhere Else, so we alll came away from there a little disappointed, and with an urge to Punch Johnathans head in. So we got back to resort, but Johnathan had already gone to bed pissed. We hung out on the beach and had a couple of drinks andthen pulled the sunbeds over and sat looking up at the stars, all very romantic until the stars start spinning and you feel like your gonna whitey and hurl everywhere. So I called it a night a went back to bungalow, it was a case of one foot on the floor for a little while!!

15-01-08
Last day of Lanta, gutted, so checked out and went for our last Breakfast at Somewhere Else with Chris, and Luke also joined us, and who had then said he had stayed out in the end last night, and had a drinking competition with some other people and keep up the side for the brits, and who had incidently won, and was the last man standing!!! So he went off for some sleep and we said our goodbyes to Chris and went to wait for Chloe on the sofa's.
Luke came back after not being able to sleep and Johnathan also came over to say bye, so we infomred him of our discust of his choice of our last supper destination, also guts had not been particularly happy that morning!! Chloe arrived and then so did the Taxi, so we said our final goodbyes to the guys, and we were off.
Got to the boat, and got on and had a really nice crossing over to Railay, with the spray hitting our feet as they dangled off the side of the boat, as we cut through the water, NICE, as we watched Lanta fade away.
We pulled up alongside a longtail just off of Railay, and had to make the switch of boats, and were then taken across to Railay, so then we asked to be dropped at Ton Sai, which the boat geezer was more than happy to do for a few extra Baht. And so we eventuallt arrive at Ton Sai at about 3pm, and stuggled with our backpacks up the hill in the heat. We reached to Corner Bar, which we stumbled across by accident and sure enough Gary and Lisa were already there and had arrived about 30 mins before us, sat at the bar. So we got a drink and sat there and stopped sweating.
Went off to find some accomodation, so the first one checked, the guy said we could leave our bags while we checked out the room, but we decided not to bother and take bags with us, BIG MISTAKE!! The bungalow was up a hill that I am sure would give everest a run for it's money!! We were more a less crawling up by the time we reached the bungalow, and bearing in mind they only have electric from 6pm to 6am, it was pitch black in the bungalow! We decided that Saff and I would go and see if we could find something with a better location, and chloe waiting with all the bags. We came across Paasook Resort, where Gary and Lisa were staying, checked out the bungalows, which were not as far up the mountain, and also had a window, for the same price, so settled on that place and went back for Chloe.
Went to the Corner Bar for drinks, then the heavens opened. It pissed it down, so we waiting for it to ease off a llittle before we made the dash to dinner, as Weatherman Gary had said it would soon stop, but it didn't, lieing Boys!! So we made a dash for it and went to Dream Valley for dinner and then back to Corner Bar for a couple of drinks before bed.

]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/helgamorg/vietnam-2007/1199604840/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/helgamorg/vietnam-2007/1199604840/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/helgamorg/vietnam-2007/1199604840/tpod.html Mon, 04 Feb 2008 03:05:27 -0500 Helga's Hamazing Huge Holiday

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Ko Samui, Thailand

06/01/08

Got up at 8am and went to get the boat over to Ko Samui, when we arrived there we heading straight to Silver beach in between Lamai and Chewang, but alas they were full, so we headed back down to Lamai, and checked int Sea breeze resort for 1 night. We went out fro Breakfast at Churchills where we had not a bad fry up, and then spent the day relaxing on the beach, just about 5 or 6 down from our resort, awful as you can imagine!

We then decided to get up and sort our lives out before dinner, we went back to churchills and then onto a bar to watch the footie, where Liverpool very ashamedly drew with Luton!!! Laura's birthday was the next day, so had planned to get her some balloons and deccies for the room, and everytime she was gonna head off back to hotel, she decided to stay for another drink, so I sneekily went to go to shop, and she came with me!! So kept asking her to look for things in the shop for me, while I cunningly bought balloons and hats! W then make our way back at about 2am!

07/01/08

Laura's Birthday

Got up early and sneeked out if room, and went to Duncans to blow up balloons and write card etc, by time I got back to room, Laura had got up and gone to Lisa and Gary, so planted balloons and cued up Stevie Wonder's Happy Birthday to Ya, and then went to fetch Laurs..... Ahhhh there were tears of joy!! Bless her, a tiny birthday party! So we checked out and headed back to Silver Beach, where rooms had become available.

We all sat on the beach for a while before Laura and I headed off to go to the dentist and opticians while the others sorted out a hirecar.

We got dentist, who could not fiot us in, so then we went to Opticians where I got contact lenses at a steal, and then walked into Lamai, did a bit of shopping, and picked up laundry before calling the others to get picked up. They turned up in a people carrier, and they all looked VERY SPECIAL as they pulled up waving! So went back to hotel before headong off into Chewang for birthday celebrations! We went to the Loft for dinner, and then had a look round the shops, before stopping at 7 11 fro drinks etc to take back to silver beach,where we sat for a couple of hours having a drink on the beach, then it was off to bed for our fun filled day that approached.

08/01/08

We headed off early and made the waterfall the first port of call, the walkway down was just a mud track, so i freaked out and decided against going down, so i waited up to the top for them to come back, and when they did, they were all disappointed, as suspected it was a trickle as opposed to a fall!! So made our way to the Tiger Zoo, where we greeted with random Tiger cubs just wandering around, so cute! We didn't bother goling in, as we had seem the best of it at the entrance, so instead went fot breakfast to discuss next movements. We decided upon the snake farm! We arrived there and it was just a little family run place which had loads of Snakes, croc's monitor lizards etc. We went to see the main event, which they literally started hen we were ready as we were the only visitors...... First a guy came on with scorpions and millipedes, he was putting them down his trousers etc, but the best bit was the guy commentating, he could have just sat there and entertained himself all day, you could not understand a word, and he would just giggle and go highpitched, saying the other guys has no wife or girlfriend, and no penis, what with putting live creatures down his trousers!!! The guys then proceeded to put scorpins all over his face, crazy mo fo!!!

Then the snake man came out with is 3 cobras, it was cruel, yes, but the entertainment factor was better. So anyway he messed about with these snakes for a while and did a couple of tricks and then he bought out the Burmese Python, which Lisa and I (aswell as Gary and Dunc) got to hold with pure excitement, pictures will be added! It was great. He finished his routine with another snake that he appeared to put into a trance, it was very clever and he made it kind of play dead........probably was eh!! Not really, but yeah, onwards and upwards to the Monkey theatre.

We arrived there, and as you walked in there was a monkey called Cutey, and she was indeed, straight onto Gary for a cuddle, we walked around looking at all the monkeys, who took an instant dislike to me, as the owner was talking to me, and they were getting jealous, when I got a bit too close to the cages, one grabbed and pulled my hair, indeed a cheeky little monkey!!!! We then went and watched main attraction, again started when we were ready, and a monket stood on my head, and then the guy tied my hnds up in rope and the monkey was to untye, well he started, and suddenly stopped and walked off to have a piss, which I thought very polite of the monkey!! He came back finished untying, job done clever fella!!! The guys then showed us how they use moneky for work, by sending them up trees to coolect coconuts, Marvellous!!!

We then went on to the Massive Buddha on Ko Samui, and chceked that out, all wrote our names on the bricks, which will then used to help conserve, or thats what they say to get you to part with 20baht! Thenit was back to Resort, as Laura and Dunc were leaving that night, sad sad times

So we sat and had a drink at the resort before Laura and Dunc had to leave at 6.30pm, it was awful, I even lost one of my new contact lenses from shedding a tear....

Saff and I booked up to leave for Ko Lanta in the morning and then sat and had dinner with Lisa and Gary, before saying our goodbyes to them............................and arranged to meet in a week or so at Ton Sai
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/helgamorg/vietnam-2007/1199343240/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/helgamorg/vietnam-2007/1199343240/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/helgamorg/vietnam-2007/1199343240/tpod.html Mon, 04 Feb 2008 02:34:14 -0500 Helga's Hamazing Huge Holiday

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Ko Tao, Thailand

03/01/08

Got up and checked out of My Way, we said our farewells to Dingo, a dog we had acquired and head off in the taxi, we said goodbye to Sarah who was heading off to Scabby Krabbi, and we went for food at the Green Restaurant, mmmm good ole days!!! Same man, no teeth, but new and improved bathroom facilities!! Still the same ole pot of chilli sauce placed on table with the same ole ramble from him about spicy food. We then went to catch boat over to Koh Tao, and Lisa and Gary were already on the boat! So after the intial hugs and kisses of hello, we settled on the top deck for a rather bumpy journey!! The sea spray was a blessing when it hit us!!

We arrived on Koh Tao and were imediatley jumped up by all the folks trying to get us to stay at their resorts, so we opted for a drink and sit down first then got a taxi, for what it seemed all over Koh Tao before finally settling on one of the first places someone had tried to get us to stay at the dock, always the way!!! We all checked in and were really happy with the choice, rooms were massive and quiet, although somehow I ended up sharing with Dunc, so we were married immediately what with not wanting to live in sin!!!

We went out for dinner at an italian restaurant, well of course, we were in Thailand!!! I did not feel too well, so tried eating to make feel better to no avail, so I turned in early, with the assurance of cold pizza for brekkie!!

04/01/08

Felt all better by the morning andf the cold pizza was ace!!! We wnet down to the safety stop, where we had had a drink the day before, where the others all had breakfast baps, I was gutted i had had the cold pizza then, they looked Proper!!! then the Lads went off fishing for the day and the girlies went to Sairee Beach, we laid there and had a swim, and some fresh coconuts before heading back up the road to the 7 11 for crisps etc to take back to resort to sit chill and chat, when we came out of 7 11, who should go past on their moped, but Tim Titman, we had only just been taling about the possiblility as to whether we would see him, and there he was!!!

So chatted with him and arranged to meet later at the Tattoo bar, his hangout. We got back to the Bungalows, and who should be sitting there but Chloe!! So we chatted for a while and she said when she had got off the boat andasked where Happy Bungalows were, a guy had found the owner, who we now called Mum, who was very excited chloe has been looking for her resort, gave her lift on her moped back to resort, where chloe had explained in best boken english that she was looking for us lot. Mum confirmed we were staying there, and Chloe had also rang Dunc from boat, who had told her where we were staying and actually saw chloe's boat from their longtail and we waving at her!!

So we all got ready and then went to meet Tim and Tattoo bar, the lads had caught 7 fish on thier trip, which they had dropped off in a restaurant, so we could go there later for dinner! We had a good little chat with Tim before we headed off for dinner, us girls decided t opt out of fish and settle for a curry instead. however the fish was not too bad, we were all a little put off by the bright green bones!!! We then went to the turtle rooftop terrace, so Dunc could have "Sex with a shark" it was a cocktail, before going back to bungalows. Another early morning tomorrow as heading off to Ko Samui
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