TravelStream™ news feed for member ryall on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/ryall en-us Copyright ©2010 TravelPod.com Mon, 06 Mar 2006 14:55:05 -0500 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryall/india-_jan_2006/1138062600/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryall/india-_jan_2006/1138062600/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryall/india-_jan_2006/1138062600/tpod.html Mon, 06 Mar 2006 14:55:05 -0500 Project India: Volunteer Dental work with Kindness In Action

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Kerala, India

We arrived in Kerala (from Goa via Plane) to a sign that read "Mr. Ryall Graber". haha. Of course it couldn't have been a woman that was making the on-line arrangements for our travels in Kerala? Still a very male dominated society, where for most Indian women, life is full of inequalities and deprivation. Arranged marriage is alive and strong and widowed women are seen as worthless. Deepa Mehta's film 'Water' is released on DVD mid-March if anyone is interested at a further look at the traditional lives of women in India. Should be very interesting!

So...

We had left our most southern destination for last, and had decided to tour this region on board a Kettuvallam (an old rice boat converted into a floating palace). A crew of four, and even a chef on board. We were pretty excited to see a flushing toilet too! For 3 nights and 4 days we floated (literally floated) by Keralas rice fields in the backwaters on board this luxury house boat. The Arabian sea fills the backwaters and gives rise to a labrynth of water canals, lagoons and lakes. It felt Amazon like at times, and then a glimpse of the rice fields was like something out of northern Vietnam. Observing local life from the boat was great- women washing their clothes in the river, people bathing and fisherman bringing in their days catch to feed their families. In the evenings we would dock the boat and get off and explore the local villages before dinner. And dinner... well the smell of prawns being sauteed in local spices was about the only thing that made us move from our cushioned sun deck! The food was amazing. And the portion sizes were huge- it took us forever to eat with our hands! The photo album has a nice shot of my fingers that had turned yellow from the cumin and curry in the food! It also has a nice shot of Johns very full tummy! ha ha.

The rice boat was a really relaxing way to spend the last few days of the trip. I had time on the boat to reflect on my unforgettable month in India. India is an assault on the senses in every sense! Everything- the smells, the sounds (horns!), the sights... So out of the comfort zone of home, so what I was looking for! I was intrigued to visit India and now I am fascinated by my experiences here. Seeing how the people here live so contently and what they value has helped me gain insight into my own life. A country of over a billion people has given me a huge appreciation for space. Incredible & Intriguing India. Again, perspective into my own life and a new appreciation for freedom and the life of luxury that I have in Canada- a life that many dream of. I am humbled. I am moved. But most of all grateful to have been able to add India to my collection of memories!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryall/india-_jan_2006/1136965560/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryall/india-_jan_2006/1136965560/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryall/india-_jan_2006/1136965560/tpod.html Mon, 06 Mar 2006 02:14:24 -0500 Project India: Volunteer Dental work with Kindness In Action

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Delhi, India

Poverty, Polluted and Popualated sums it up nicely. But still very intriguing... A huge contrast of foreign vs familiar. Cell phones and cattle roaming the city streets? Amazing!

It amazes me how 18 million people can live in one city; and over ONE BILLION people in the entire country. India is the largest democracy in the world. I have a new respect for space. Truly.

The poverty here is devastating. It's everywhere, and there is a lot of it- more than I had expected. It feels as though I am traveling in a 3rd world country- I was prepared to be experiencing more of a developing country. There seems to be a lack of a middle class? Interesting.

John's (my friend from Florida) flight has arrived safely and we're off to see the Taj Mahal tomorrow and then continuing on to the Pakistan border for a camel safari in the desert.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryall/india-_jan_2006/1136564640/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryall/india-_jan_2006/1136564640/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryall/india-_jan_2006/1136564640/tpod.html Sun, 05 Mar 2006 21:48:12 -0500 Project India: Volunteer Dental work with Kindness In Action

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Rishikesh, India

For all the non-dental folks wondering what the heck cavitrons are, they are these high powered sonic scalers that blast away tarter from teeth- us hygienists pray to the cavitron gods everynight, thanking them for inventing "THE CAVITRON". If we only had one million of them, instead of two, we could prevent India's future mouths from decaying away!! But we've done very well with what we had. Our team consists of three dentists, six hygienists and four non-dental people that are now professional light holders!! Unforunately our restorative kits were lost in Calgary prior to leaving, so we've only been able to extract teeth that aren't restorable and do loads of hygiene (there are no hygienists in India!!). What an experience this has been!! About 30 cleanings completed with one day to go. People that want treatment are waiting for hours everyday; it is incredible to see this and be a part of it. Words can not express how grateful and appreciative they are to recieve treatment- when there number is called it's like they've won the lottery! It has been so rewarding to be here and to be appreciated on such a level. My payment for my time here has been in smiles and in hugs- I will never forget the faces (and the teeth!) of the people I have met here. Off to Delhi to meet up with John now for some travel & fun!!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryall/india-_jan_2006/1138520520/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryall/india-_jan_2006/1138520520/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryall/india-_jan_2006/1138520520/tpod.html Sun, 05 Mar 2006 21:47:43 -0500 Project India: Volunteer Dental work with Kindness In Action

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Hong Kong, China


]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryall/india-_jan_2006/1137396300/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryall/india-_jan_2006/1137396300/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryall/india-_jan_2006/1137396300/tpod.html Sun, 05 Mar 2006 20:32:20 -0500 Project India: Volunteer Dental work with Kindness In Action

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Goa, India

Just arrived here a day ago (by car & plane via Bombay from Jaislmer) and we're soaking up the relaxation and sun by the pool. We're here for 6 days. On the itinerary is shopping at the markets, checking out beaches, ayuervedic massages and basking our pasty, white bodies in the sun- a pretty rough itinerary. We're staying at a boutique hotel called Pousada Tauma- amazing. Built completely in laterite stone and boasting a glistening pool with a waterfall- I feel some relaxing coming on!

I've been running on the beach at sunset- so nice to have some space to actually put on my runners and go! One night the owner of our hotel, Neville, offered to take me with him. Our evenings have been filled with some fantastic cuisine (menus that offered something other than curry even!), drinks at sunset, shopping and a hit to Goas top club. Fun was had by all!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryall/india-_jan_2006/1137311940/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryall/india-_jan_2006/1137311940/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryall/india-_jan_2006/1137311940/tpod.html Sun, 05 Mar 2006 20:23:39 -0500 Project India: Volunteer Dental work with Kindness In Action

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Jaisalmer, India

The Golden city of Jaisalmer was an amazing sight to see. And a sight we felt we had earned the right to experience! 10 hours of driving and an overnight train later we had arrived; exhausted, hungry (the protein bars were no longer satisfying) and so dirty. It was great!! Okay well great after we had a warm shower! The journey to Jaisalmer was a long one, but rewards of true travel are in the journey on route to the destination-not just arriving at a destination without a great story about how you arrived! The journey will not be forgotten- and neither will the snoring all night on the train in our 6 person sleeper!

Founded in 1156, this is one of the most enchanting cities I've ever been to. One giant sand castle city with an ancient and romantic ambience- it felt straight out of a fairytale. The city had a very small town feel to it, only a population of 58,000 people. In India that's a tiny town! The entire city complete with narrow, maze-like streets with shops, temples and elaborate homes- all carved out of yellow sandstone. And all of this right in the middle of the desert. We had a tour of the city in a tuk tuk with Neryan, a guide from our guest house. He really made our stay a fun one as he was a constant source of entertainment (he may have had a bit of a drinking problem?!!)! Music blasting we ripped around the streets, with hige smiles on our faces and took in the sights of the Golden City. I've uploaded a video clip into the photo album of some of our tour.

Most travellers that venture as far as Jaisalmer (almost at the Pakistan border) are not only there to explore this fairy tale city, but also to experience a camel safari in the desert. This was so much fun! Riding a camel through fluffy sand dunes in the desert- it was, again, like all things in India, INCREDIBLE. Sampling desert life trotting through the sand on the back of a camel- One of my favorite adventures yet. It's right up there with riding an elephant in the jungles of Northern Thailand. We were on our camels for the afternoon and watched the sunset sitting on a sand dune. Wow! This was the one thing that I was most excited about experiencing while I was traveling here- I wasn't disappointed!

In general the people all over India have been super warm & friendly. The sense of communtiy here is incredible. They make time for people and place high values on relationships with people. In our world we're too busy working to even get to know our next door neighbours. Not only that, but it's refreshing to see how people can be so happy with so little.

Our camel guide, Neryan, as crazy as he was left us with these interesting words of wisdom that made me really think about the value of NOTHINGNESS...

What's greater than god?
Less than the devil?
Rich people think they don't need it.
Poor people have it.
If you eat it you will die.

The answer is nothing.

They may have nothing materialistically, but they have so much more than us in so many ways. Truly, an inspiration. Who needs Alanis for inspiration when you have India!

Now by car and then plane to the beaches of Goa for some r&r...
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryall/india-_jan_2006/1137052320/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryall/india-_jan_2006/1137052320/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryall/india-_jan_2006/1137052320/tpod.html Sun, 05 Mar 2006 19:17:16 -0500 Project India: Volunteer Dental work with Kindness In Action

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Agra, India

The Taj Mahal was built by Emporer Shah for his wife Mumtaz, to represent his love for her. Mumtaz died giving birth to their 14th child. The construction of the Taj consisted of 20,000 people and took over 22 years to complete. The architectural masterpiece commenced construction in 1631 and wasn't completed until 1653. The tombs of Mumtaz and Shah are still in the basement of the Taj Mahal today (in a gated off viewing area below the main floor). The detailed marble inlaying covering the entire Taj Mahal was outrageous. All created to perfection by man and his hands.

One of the 7 wonders of the world and described as the most extravagant monument built for love. The Taj Mahal is India. I'm not even going to try to find the words to describe this masterpiece- it just wouldn't do it justice. Being there was just one of those moments where you're lost for words. Overwhelmed by it's significance and hugeness and warmed by the magic of being in it's presence all at the same time. A moment that has turned into a memory I will have forever.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryall/sea-_2005/1116158880/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryall/sea-_2005/1116158880/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryall/sea-_2005/1116158880/tpod.html Tue, 06 Dec 2005 01:34:24 -0500 SE Asian Adventures

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Siem Riep, Cambodia

The last five days in Cambodia have literally been an emotional roller coaster ride full of ultimate highs and never before experienced lows.

Siem Riep, Cambodia is home to Ankor Wat- the heart and soul of Cambodians. I had no idea what I was in for- truly the worlds most spectacular architectural monuments conceived by man kind. These are something everyone should try to see in their lifetime, as my words will do it no justice. Ankor Wat and surrounding monumental temples (roughly 50) were constructed by 27 Kings over the span of 600 years between the 9 and 13th centuries. They were homes for the present rulers & their families. These temples (now preserved ruins), constructed completely from rock, were absolutely mind blowing. Immaculately detailed carvings in the rock throughout all the temples; down to every last detail. Looking back on my time spent at the ruins I struggle to find the words to describe how magnificent they truly are. I am hoping to use my photos from my three days of exploring here to convey the overwhelming sense of Ankor Wat.

Ankor Wat was my motivation for traveling to Cambodia. It was more than I imagined it could be. However what I was unprepared for (not that one could prepare themselves for this?) is the current nation-wide poverty that exists here as a direct result of the countries tragic past. The devastation is evident everywhere & the desperation is seen in their eyes & heard in their voices. I have never experienced such sadness in my life. Cambodia's gruesome history lives on in the people here today; a past that they will still be recovering for years to come. A brief touch on Cambodian history- Between 1975-79 the Kmer Rouge (Group that was in political control at that time) killed almost 2 million upper class Cambodians in attempts to transform the country into a peasant dominated society, devoid of any educated and possibly free-thinking individuals. It was literally the holocaust of Germany in Cambodia; personally, I think even worse. Families were split up, people were tortured & some killed for a simple reason such as wearing glasses. Along with the torturing & killing they also placed roughly 3 million land mines throughout the country; many of which are still scattered throughout rural areas today (still injuring & killing people). Cambodia is the most heavily land mined area in the world. Going off the beaten track here, even to go the bathroom, is not a smart idea. Although there are still thousands of farmers that risks their lives everyday by farming mined land. The effects of all the land mines today are desperate images everywhere of men, women & children with missing limbs. Most of them having no families, as they were brutally killed. At first, it's was easiest to turn the other way and not look, not truly see and feel, because it's so painful, but eventually I had to face it, because it's their reality and it's everywhere. Well, everywhere except the police-secured ropped off two blocks of high-end restaurants and night clubs here in Siem Riep- unbelievable, seriously. They have created a little "escape" from reality for all us foreigners. Anyway, some people use their disability as a means for money- a man with both of his forearms missing came up to me on the street a couple of nights ago touching me with the remains of his arms, aggressively demanding money; in hopes of causing me to be so uncomfortable that I would just give in. When I asked him why I should give him money he was completely caught off guard and walked away. I decided at that point that most of the people here are comfortable with their disabilities (some even using it to their advantage!) and it's time that I try to become comfortable with this too; to really look at these people, not just into their eyes, but at them in entirety. The pain involved with this is almost unbearable- it brings tears to my eyes & pain to my heart all day long and I don't think I can take much more of it to be very honest. I don't believe that giving out money is a solution here- it will only make the begging worse (which is hard to imagine as the hassling for money is constant from the second you leave your hotel). Today I gave a woman 2 toothbrushes for her family and she had no clue what they were. I had my motorbike driver translate oral hygiene instructions for me and several other woman gathered around to listen. It was a very personal and moving experience after realizing that she didn't know how to brush her teeth. Something so very basic to us; we learn this as children, is completely foreign to some here. The lack of education, poverty, wide spread disease, land mine victims, orphans, devastated families, child prostitution & labour... The next third world country I visit will be for desperately needed volunteer health services, not just for a history lesson.

The feeling here towards tourism here is mixed; some people meanly glare and others smile and wave. But for the most part people are welcoming and safety here during the day is not an issue. Night time presents opportunity for armed theft. The police are everywhere here and supposedly for our protection, however they are so obviously corrupt. One police office at Ankor Wat asked us if we wanted to buy his badge as a souvenir!! I was like "Don't you need that for something?". Hilarious! For safety purposes unfortunately exploring here has been only in the day time & evening activities are kept very close to the hotel. My food choices here have been self-limited to tuna & crackers, as dog & rat are frequently confused as chicken or beef here! Yummy! I'm still not up for a survivor audition- sorry to disapoint!

The most emotional moment for me personal has been meeting Hak (see photo) at the land mine museum- an 18 year old victim (he is missing his right leg from the knee down) who shared his personal story with me. I had no words to say to him, just tears. Innocent people suffering by no fault of there own. An undescribable tragedy. How do people like Hak continue to smile? His strength is unbelievable. And grounding.

I am in shock with the enthusiastic people here that can smile and find happiness in all of the pain. There are people here that have so little, not even clothing on their bodies; and they are smiling and waving furiously when I go by. Throughout each of my days here I have felt moments of disgust & embarrassment from thoughts of home, where unhappiness may be caused from selfish things such as not being able to afford something that one desires. What a humbling experience this has been. No bad day at home is as really that "bad". I think we all need to take a moment to reflect about what life is REALLY all about. What is the essence of our lives? Is bigger, better & more really going to be significant when it's all said and done?

PERSPECTIVE. It is what we make of it. But, most importantly we should never lose sight of it. At the end of the day I get to fly back to Canada, the land of the free, with my eyes and heart opened, and these peoples reality will live on.

Several times throughout the day I remind myself why I am here- I did want to see this in hopes of gaining an appreciation for life that couldn't have be gained in any other capacity. I think my experiences in Cambodia will be the rawest that I'll feel on my journey here; it's so untouched. The roller coaster of emotions that have come with Cambodia will stay in my heart forever. I will truly never forget the images of the people of Cambodia that have been victims at the fault of human kind.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryall/sea-_2005/1118742900/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryall/sea-_2005/1118742900/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryall/sea-_2005/1118742900/tpod.html Mon, 15 Aug 2005 01:31:07 -0400 SE Asian Adventures

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Krabi, Thailand

Krabi, Thailand for the last week...

And what a last week it was- adventure, serenity, beauty and amazing fun all in one place! However transportation to this place called paradise was no easy task. An overnight bus from Singapore to KL, Malaysia, an hour taxi ride to the airport there only to find out that my flight to Puhket had been delayed by 6 hours!! I was re-routed through Bangkok at an earlier time, almost missed my connecting flight as I had to change from the International terminal to the domestic one, then a four hour bus from Puhket to Krabi town and finishing with a long tail boat ride (with an amazing sunset) to Railey beach! The journey was exhausting, but so worth it after seeing all that this place had to offer. And lets face it, it could have been so much worse. Like overland on a crammed mini bus all the way there, with no one in it speaking English, Asian karoke blasting and a couple of chickens on the floor next to you. Really flying, delayed or not, was a completely appreciated luxury.

7 days on Railey beach doing what?
Well...

I spent a few days touring the close-by, tiny, secluded, world class islands (Poda, Chicken and Top) by long tail boat- wow!! Again spectacular islands. The west coast of Thailand boasts some of the most stunning islands I've ever seen. Sunbathing at this point was a serious sport that I was spending a good 8 hours/day "mastering". Loved it! Enjoyed the quiet time on these islands so much- relaxing became an art form. Lazy Days filled with reading books basking in the sun....

I hired a rock climbing guide for three days and actually burnt up some calories; a nice change from the sun bathing! Krabi is known for it's world class climbing with it's massive limestone cliffs lining white sand beaches- so I wasn't going to let the fact that I had absolutely no idea how to climb get in my way. My Thai guide, Man, was nothing short of incredible. He has been featured in international rock climbing magazines and films- check out the picture in the album of his back muscles!! Yikes! Not only an inspiring instructor, but a kind person with a big heart and a super personality. Rock climbing was also a great social activity (of course!) and I met some fantastic people from Mexico, Australia, The UK and even some local Albertans.

Krabi offered a real small town feel with a sense of community to it- a place where everyone knew everyone. Faces became familiar quickly. Where being "alone" was truly never lonely. Travellers joined with the locals in the evenings for dinner, movies and dancing. It was a perfect balance for the last week of my journey. This is the first place on my list of places to visit when I go back!

Well it's all over- I guess all good things in life must come to an end. The important thing is that you enjoy all of those good things! And that I certainly did. It's so difficult to try and convey feelings, experiences and emotion through words. I have given it my best shot and now you'll all have to go and experience it for yourselves!
I'm presently slowly adjusting to life back in Calgary- which after 3 months away now seems like a chaotic rat race! 10 weeks of no phones ringing, no appointments and nothing familiar wiped my mind of what I have come to know here. I have truly just had the trip of a lifetime. Reflecting on my time away... My eyes have been opened by my experiences- I am humbled, I am grateful, I am compassionate, I am inspired. I have slowed my life down and am noticing things I haven't before. I will never forget the faces of the special people I've met, magical places I've visited and moments that reached out and touched me. My travels have inspired me to search for what really matters in my life. I want to live, want to smile, want to laugh, want to have purpose and am on the exciting path of hopefully finding all of this and much more.

Until the next journey....
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryall/sea-_2005/1114518480/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryall/sea-_2005/1114518480/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ryall/sea-_2005/1114518480/tpod.html Mon, 15 Aug 2005 01:26:37 -0400 SE Asian Adventures

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Bangkok, Thailand

Sawadee (Hello) Everyone!

After 26 hours of travel and a 12 hour time change we have arrived in Bangkok safely. It's now been three overwhelming, incredible, action packed days- so exciting that I haven't even felt the effects of the jet lag!

Before I start I want to say that I am going to try my best to convey my experiences throughout my journey with words, however no matter how colorful my language is I already feel that my adventures here are going to be beyond words. Okay, so here it all begins...

Bangkok has literally been an assault on the sences- the stifling heat, the smells, the sounds... amazing! Most people speak very little english, but are very eager to help us 'farangs' (foriegners). Learning hello & Thank you in Thai has also gone a long way- they respect that we are trying. And of coarse the universal language of a smile is always easily comprehended. The people are very friendly, kind & soft spoken, for the most part. We have experienced a few locals that have tried to take advantage of us, but I'm not going to let those few skew my view of the Thai people. There is always bad eggs in every bunch right! Transportation here would be easy if it wasn't for the over population & infrastructure issues here. The traffic is unbelievable. 6 million people all trying to get around. However travel is quite orderly, with the exception of motorbikes diving in & out of cars! These daredevil Thai's on the motorbikes have it all figured out though- they are getting places twice as fast as those in vehciles. The roads are jammed like a parking lot and not one horn honking- no road rage here. For us getting around has been fairly easy by tuk tuk, cab & the sky train. The only difficulty we have is some of the cab drivers can't read english (and we certainly can't read Thai!) and our maps are in english so we know where we're going! Everything we've done so far has been challenging, but so rewarding.

Our first hit was The Grand Palace, the former royal residence. Mode of transport- a Tuk Tuk (pronounced Took Took); a three-wheeled motorbike with a seat on the back! Entrance to the Grand Palace required socks & shoes (which we rented!) & shoulder coverage. With a temp of 40 degrees C and 100% humidity our amazing adventure was a quick one! You'll have to check out the photos- as my words will do this no justice. What an immaculate place- Monks wandering everywhere, incredible details everywhere you look. It was quite overwhelming- especially as three monks approached us and wanted there photo taken! I had thought that women weren't to directly speak to monks- guess not! I then asked if we could have a photo with them! This pretty much made my day and after that we were content to leave the Grande Palace- I had to go anyway because with my jacket & socks on I almost passed out! The river here runs through the city & many use water taxis as daily transport. Riding the water taxi with the locals was super neat & a great view from the water. We visited the Teak Mansion today, the worlds largest golden teak building. Teak is amazing- so much detail can be carved into this wood. The shopping here has been a major highlight. Tomorrow I am sending a package by mail of all the incredibly wonderful cheap shoes & clothes (even custom fit clothing)!! I am proud to announce that I am a Thai XL! The women here are so petite that my size 2 body is tearing their clothing at the seams! As most of you know that I am very passionate about clothing, as it is such a unique form of self expression- So, I could elaborate for hours on the shopping/fashion scene here in Bangkok, but I won't bore all of you and I'll save it for those of you that have common interest. I will say that It was really incredible to spend a day shopping here and it's for sure given me the bug to persue overseas shopping in the future... The food so far has been wonderful. We've been spoilt at our hotel as they serve eggs, toast & cereal for breakfast. We realize this is a luxery as they don't eat "breakfast" here- it's supper around the clock. Serving sizes are very small. They normailly serve north americans 2 of their meals! No upset stomach as of yet! I'm playing it pretty safe with the pepto bismol close by. The only poor dinner was last night on Khao San Road (back packer haven), however met some fun people there- so it was worth it!

Tomorrow we are off to Kanchanaburi (3 hour bus ride west)- hopefully in A/C! I have to mention the heat here again- I have never experienced anything like it. As soon as my feet touch the pavement in the morning my body goes into "over heat" mode & my clothes are stuck to me for the rest of the day. Literally. Drinking water non-stop & sweating it all out! It's so crazy. Hopefully I climatize before I melt.

I am looking forward to moving on tomrrow, as three busy days here has been enough. I can hardly believe that I get to do this for 8 1/2 more weeks!! The travels are off to an spectacular start!! Things couldn't be better! More in a few days.....

Hugs,
Ryall
]]>