TravelStream™ news feed for member sarahandwill on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/sarahandwill en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Sat, 12 Sep 2009 20:28:10 -0400 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sarahandwill/1/1252800013/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sarahandwill/1/1252800013/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sarahandwill/1/1252800013/tpod.html Sat, 12 Sep 2009 20:28:10 -0400 Our amazing adventure!

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Bangkok, Thailand

We had an absolutely great time in Cambodia and especially around the temples and ruins of Angkor Wat. It was a full day journey to get from Bangkok to Siem Reap and overall it was pretty uneventful ride. We had heard some pretty bad horror stories about the border crossings and the road conditions, but i guess the paving job was completed this year so things went very smoothly. Its crazy that even though the border towns are only a few hundred yards apart, you can tell immediately which side is Thailand and which side is Cambodia. Because of numerous reasons, including the finacial states of the countries, Thailand was so much more modern and had better infrastructure. Cambodia was dustier, dirtier and much poor. There was a constant flow of goods moving back and forth on huge pushcarts with 4 or 5 people pushing or pulling it. The people are such hard workers and so friendly.

We stayed 4 nights in Siem Reap and spent 2 full days touring around the ruins. We hired a tuk tuk driver and he drove us around and waited for us for as long as we needed. The whole area of ruins is absolutely HUGE.... with tons of smaller areas that are just as beautiful but less touristy. Angkor Wat itself was spectacular... but like the movies but better. The whole place is so massive but when you look closely there was just so much detail. All the buildings were built over the course of hundreds of years (starting around the 11th or 12th century), depending on who the ruler was and what religion they were. There are parts built with respect for Buddhism, Hinduism and many others. People say that you should spend one whole day just in Angkor Wat but we found that to be much more then you need. Things start to look the same and you don't appreciate it as much if you spend too long there.

One of the most specular ruins was the one where Tomb Raider was filmed.... gorgeous! Nature is starting to take its toll on the area with huge trees growing around the buildings and starting to knock them down. There seems to be a bit of controversy over if the government should start cutting these trees down and preserving the area or just leaving to natures devices. There has been ongoing restoration from companies all over the world and they seem to be really particular about putting the building back to the way that they originally were.

For us 2 full days was enough time to really get a good feel of the area.... it was great!

We had originally planned to spend our last week on the beachs of Koh Chang ( an island 5hrs from Bangkok ) but recieved some news from home and decided to head back to Vancouver Island a week early. When it came down to it, it was a bit sad to leave asia. Its amazing how fast our 9 month trip went by.... can't believe that it is over! Our trip was such a great learning experience for the both of us. We grew alot over the past months and are happier then ever being together. If we haven't killed each other after spending 9 months, 24/7, together... then i think its safe to say that we should make a great married couple!!

Now back to the real world... gotta find a job and a place to live so that we can save up for the next big adventure!!

Thanks for everyone who followed along with our blog... im actually going to miss writing them!

]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sarahandwill/1/1251617235/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sarahandwill/1/1251617235/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sarahandwill/1/1251617235/tpod.html Sun, 30 Aug 2009 04:30:30 -0400 Our amazing adventure!

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Bangkok, Thailand

We had the most amazing day spent with elephants while in the Chiang Mai region. It was called Patara Elephant Farm (www.pataraelephantfarm.com) and it is a family run farm with 17 elephants. They rescue mistreated or unneeded elephants (from being overworked or working in the circus) and care for them in a natural and caring environment. Along with doing days with tourists, the main purpose of the farm is to encourage breeding.

There were only 9 of us in the group and we were each assigned an elephant along with a trainer for the day. The 2 elephants what Will and I had where the oldest and largest elephants in the farm. Both our elephants used to work in the logging industry. It was definately a bit intimidating at first but they were so gentle that it felt fine.

The day was focused on learning how to care for elephants... just like their trainers or owner would do on a typical day. We learnt how to perform a basic health assessment by checking their skin, feet, teeth, eating habits and of course their poop! Next we learnt some basic Thai commands and walked them down to the creek for a bath. You are supposed to lead them by tugging on their ear and calling their name... but ours were so large, I had a hard time holding onto the ear.... they were just so big! We scrubbed them down while they just lay in the water and relaxed. Then we were taught how to get up on the elephant and sit on their neck, with our knees bent behind their ears. A bit tricky at first but there was always lots of help. We had about a one hour trek through the jungle on a very narrow, steep and muddy trail. Its amazing how nimble they were for such a large animal. They always had 3 feet on the ground at one time and were slow but very steady. When you are sitting up on their neck, you can feel their whole body moving underneath you, you really have to put all your trust in them.

At the end of the jungle trek we arrived to a water fall area where the elephants immediately went for a drink and a swim... with you still on their backs. We got drenched but it was great to see them playing around. We had a great picnic lunch afterwards and fed them all the leftover fruit and rice. Their tongues are soooo huge. When you put your hand/arm in, it gets completely slimed.

We spent the rest of the day making our way back to the farm through trails along rice paddies and rivers. It was the best day!

The next day we took a 3 hr bus to the town of Pai. Its a small town, very touristy but a very beautiful area. Rented motorbikes for a few days and explored the surrounding waterfalls and country side scenery.

We took the overnight train from Chaing Mai to Bangkok lastnight. We are heading to Siem Reap, Cambodia tomorrow via bus and then to the beach so we can relax before heading home. 2 more weeks!!!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sarahandwill/1/1251002887/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sarahandwill/1/1251002887/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sarahandwill/1/1251002887/tpod.html Sun, 23 Aug 2009 01:26:52 -0400 Our amazing adventure!

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Spend a few more great days in Luang Prabang before heading towards Thailand. We rented bikes one day and just cruised around the town. There were so many quiet tree lined streets with beautiful old houses. We sat along the river edge watching the daily life on the Mekong... kids splashing away and the old men sitting in the shade chatting the day away.

We took a cooking course where we learned the fine art of Laos cuisine. It was a full day affair and we left absolutely full to the brim. The day started off with a group trip to the local market... which is always interesting, no matter how many times you have been there. We shopped for all of the food for the day and learned about all the ingredients. We were able to make 6 dishes which we had for lunch and dinner. Hopefully we will be able to recreate some of the great food when we get back home!

We also took a tuk tuk to a beautiful waterfall. It felt great to jump into the cool water pools after all the heat. The waterfall area was like an oasis in the middle of the jungle... as Will would say, it was a paradise in the middle of paradise.

The morning that we left Luang Prabang, we got up at 0530 to watch the Alms giving for the Monks. Every morning at this time the monks walk along the street and recieve their food for the day from the local Buddhist people. Its quite the sight to see with the long line of orange robes walking by. I was invited to participate in the alms giving by a 19yr old girl that worked at our hotel that Will and I befriended. I kneeled on a mat next to her and her family on the side of the road and was taught how to give the monks each little balls of sticky rice. Although I have very limited knowledge of the Buddhist religion and culture, the whole experience was really quite touching. We were then shown how to place an offering on a small shrine (most houses have a small shrine in the corner of the yard or compound). We felt really lucky to be invited to share this daily ritual with our new friend.

Every year in August, Luang Prabang holds a huge Dragon Boat race. People from all over Laos, Thailand and Vietnam come to town to enjoy all of the festivities. The big race was held the day that we left so the town was getting very busy leading up to it. It seemed like every little street was filled with street vendors and food stalls, with people buzzing around everywhere.

We decided to take the slow boat on a looooooooong 2 day journey up the Mekong River towards Thailand. It was a beautiful couple of days, with some great scenery but after 10hrs each day on the same wooden seat.... it all started to look the same. We did alot of napping and reading to pass the time. Our boat was only a few foreingers and the rest were locals so we stopped often to pick poeple up and drop people off at little villages along the way. One couple with their young son just kept stariing and smiling at us the whole time... I don't think they see that many curly haired and blue eyed people very often.

We crossed the boarder to Thailand yesterday and then took a 6 hr minibus ride to Chaing Mai. It feels good to be back in Thailand and we are looking forward to spending about a week in the Chaing Mai area.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sarahandwill/1/1250409073/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sarahandwill/1/1250409073/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sarahandwill/1/1250409073/tpod.html Sun, 16 Aug 2009 04:25:25 -0400 Our amazing adventure!

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Luang Prabang, Lao Peoples Dem Rep

Oh Laos.... where have you been all of our lives?

Flew from Hanoi to Vientiane and we noticed that we weren't in Vietnam anymore as soon as we got off the plane. It was just so quiet and laid back with no honking horns! The drivers were a bit more civilized and alot safer. Vientiane is apparently the worlds most relaxed capital city. We spent two nights there but it wasn't the most exciting place.

Went to a Buddha park, about 25kms outside of the city. There was a huge collection of Buddha and Hindu sculptures that were constructed in the 50's. Pretty nice to see with some great photo ops. We experienced some literal "riverside dining" on plastic chairs and tables in the mud beside the river. Very classy.

From there we took a 4 hr bus ride to Vang Vieng. As soon as we arrived there the landscape changed from flat ricefields to dramatic limestone pillars all along the river. Vang Vieng is a small town, famous for the popular river tubing. It seems like every backpacker in Asia does it but we can see why, it was alot of fun. Basically you just get tuk tuk's full of people and tubes dropped off up river. Then you have the whole day to make the 1.5hr journey back, stopping along the way at numerous bars/restaruants that attract you in with giant swings, slides, ziplines, mudpits etc etc. Besides the tubing, Vang Vieng had some great spots to lounge in some river side hammocks and watch the sunset.

Yesterday we took a long and windy 7hr bus ride to Luang Prabang. Again, the landscape changed dramatically. We were winding our way through mountain regions, passing little villages that were perched on the side of the cliffs. It was a 300km journey that took all day, but it was beautiful (when i could stand having my eyes open). hahaha

Luang Prabang is another UNESCO World Heritage Site and it really inforces the rules to keep it quiet and cultural friendly. There are no big trucks or buses allowed in the downtown area and all bars and restaruants close at 11:30pm, by law. One of the main streets closes to traffic at night and turns into a HUGE night market. It goes on forever with everything from souveniers, textiles, carvings, paintings, and foodstalls galore. Its got a nice ambience feel to it with all the lanterns lit and lots of locals as well as travelers walking around.

Luang Prabang is a great place to rent a bike and just explore. There are tons of waterfalls and caves around the outskirts of town as well as numerous temples and museums.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sarahandwill/1/1249718441/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sarahandwill/1/1249718441/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sarahandwill/1/1249718441/tpod.html Sun, 09 Aug 2009 07:09:02 -0400 Our amazing adventure!

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Hanoi, Vietnam

We have had a busy week exploring parts of Northern Vietnam.

We took a one night boat trip to Halong Bay (about 3 hrs drive from Hanoi) and it was great. We were with a group of 16 other travellers in a beautiful, large, wooden "Junk" boat. The accomodation on the boat, along with the food, was probably the best that we have had in Vietnam. We were able to do some kayaking and swimming through some of the huge limestone towering islands. There are almost 2000 islands in Halong Bay and it is part of the UNESCO Heritage Site.

After Halong Bay, we got on an overnight train up to the mountain region of SaPa. This part of the trip was proably our favorite part of Vietnam. I can't say anything bad about it!

The train was definately an experience. After a few technical difficulties and a few hour delay, we were on our way. We shared our cabin with an older couple from Singapore who treated us like their kids! hahah it was great... super friendly and they shared all their food with us. We arrived at the train station where we got an hour bus ride to the town of SaPa.

From Sapa we joined a group and went trekking through the beautiful rice paddies and hill tribe villages for 3 days. Our guide was a 17yr old local girl named Si who lived in one of the villages that we walked through. She took us to her home and we met her mom and sister. They have a very basic but clean home where 8 of the family members live, along with the pigs, chickens and ducks. Her family had a small area of land where they have their own rice field. They welcomed us into their home so warmly and gave us all some local rice wine.

We stayed at a homestay one night which was great. Stayed with a great family along with our guide. They made us the best food and where so friendly. Will and I played pool with their 10yr old son and got beaten numerous times by the kid. Even with the language barrier, we had a great time losing!

It was so nice to get away from the hussle and bussle of a busy city with all the motor bikes whipping around you. The mountain area and fields where so quiet and peaceful. We didn't want to leave!

We fly from Hanoi to Vientaine, Laos tomorrow. ITs bitter sweet leaving Vietnam, we ahve had such a great time here but our month visa is almost up, plus we are looking forward to travelling in Laos.

Almost a month left of our trip!! can't believe it! Time flys when you are having fun!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sarahandwill/1/1249210635/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sarahandwill/1/1249210635/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sarahandwill/1/1249210635/tpod.html Sun, 02 Aug 2009 07:13:41 -0400 Our amazing adventure!

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Hanoi, Vietnam

We hated to say goodbye to the city of Hoi An but we had to keep moving. Took a short 4hr bus ride to Hue but didn't get to see much of the town. We both came down with a bit of a "gut bug" so we hide out in the hotel room for a few days. Apparently the town is supposed to be quite nice, right on the river and close to some okay beach's as well.

Took the overnight bus from Hue to Hanoi last night and boy, they never fail to surprise us! We got on the usual sleeper bus and were the only English speakers there, the driver didn't even speak English. As soon as the bus left the station they put on some Vietnamese Kung Fu Fighting movie that seemed to last the whole night. As usual, Will was about 2 feet taller then all the other men on the bus, so needless to say, he was pretty crammed in there. And then to top it all off, it started raining at about hour 11 of our journey and the roof over my little bed started leaking. Not just a little trickle.... it was a river... on my head... and blankets.
Hahaha all we could do was laugh about it but at that moment it really was not funny.

As frustrating as the bus systems sometimes are, I always enjoy rolling into the small town and villages at sunrise and seeing all the local people out and about. Could be 4am, 5am, 6am and they are out exercising, stretching, preparing for the day... even the kids. Its kind of like watching the whole world wake up. If only I was more of a morning person!

Apparently we forgot how to bargain during those sleepless 14 hours on the bus last night because since we stepped off the bus we got scammed by a taxi, two ladies selling fruit, a shoe repairman, and a lady selling fans. All small loses but its the principle. Usually we are "on the ball" when it comes to that sort of thing.

Tomrrow we take a 2day 1night trip to Halong Bay and then up to Sapa (northern hilltribe and mountain area) after that.

]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sarahandwill/1/1248753451/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sarahandwill/1/1248753451/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sarahandwill/1/1248753451/tpod.html Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:34:49 -0400 Our amazing adventure!

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Hoi An, Vietnam

After spending a few relaxing days in Mui Ne we took a 4 hr bus to the town of Nha Trang. Its a busy touristy town on the beach, where we spent 2 nights. While we were there we went to chekc out a pagoda. We arrived intime to see about 40 monks walking into the pagoda for their noon time prayers. IT was beautiful to see them all lined up chanting, wearing thier bright orange smocks. Even though we couldn't understand anything that they were saying it was really quite touching to watch. Kinda gave you goosebumps.

We then walked up to huge buddha on the top of the hill. Had a great view of the city and surrounding areas but was sort of hard to enjoy with all the vendors hounding us. IT starts to get quite trying with all the beggars and vendors constantly asking us for money. We try to help out but you just can't give to everyone.

We then took a 13 hr overnight bus to Hoi An and arrived a few days ago. We LOVE Hoi An. Its a great town based around the river and only a 20 min pedal bike ride to the beautiful sandy beach. The town is a UNESCO heritage site and is over 1000yrs old and was one of the first Chinese settlements in the country. ITs got a great feel to it, its really charming, especially at night with all the chinese lanterns lit up in the trees and streets.

Hoi An's claim to fame is the hundreds of tailor shops and custom made shoe shops. It is a sure way of spending a tone of money that we don't have so Will has been keeping me on a tight leash! We both got a few small things made but nothing crazy. We felt like celebrities going to our tailor everynight for fittings! hahhaha... there were 4 or 5 women fussing around taking all of our measurements.

The beach here is great and is one of the last places with a sandy beach that we are going to in Vietnam so we are making good use of it. It costs less then a $1 a day to rent a great bike (with a basket!) to cruise through the rice paddies to the beach. We met a great couple from NZ on the beach the other day and have been hanging out them then since. The beach vendors are loving Emma and I since we are both suckers for shopping.

We went to a little pub the other night and ended up speding all night with a group of local Vientamese who where celebrating their friends birthday. They had a small feast of some "pork" and soup base but we werent too sure of what it was. Turns out it was congeled pigs blood and who knows what else. It was an interesting night out and makes for some good stories!



]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sarahandwill/1/1248013012/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sarahandwill/1/1248013012/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sarahandwill/1/1248013012/tpod.html Sun, 19 Jul 2009 10:52:59 -0400 Our amazing adventure!

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

We flew from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on a uneventful hour and ten minute flight. Arrived at the airport to pouring rain and literally thousands upon thousands of motor bikes. The first difference we noticed between here and Bangkok was the noise! With that many bikes competing for the road, they like to use the horn.
There are 8 million people in the city and over 4 million bikes. Have fun crossing the road! It seems completely chaotic but somehow it works.

We spent a few days wandering around the city and dodging the bikes. Visited the War Remnants Museum which was a major eye opener for both of us. It was a very graphic display of photos along with the details of the Vietnam War. At one point I wanted to cry and walk out.

We stayed in the backpacker district of the city so there was lots going on. Great shopping at the local markets and cheap food from the street stalls.

We took a 2 day, 1 night trip to the Mekong Delta. It involved a long boat ride along the Saigon river and then into the Mekong river. Its such a busy river system with many families whole livelyhood based around it. You see people bathing in it, going to the toilet in it, washing dishes in it, drinking from it, fishing from it.... you name it, anything goes. Just keep your mouth shut when the water splashes up from the boat.

It was interesting watching the locals going out in their small row boats to meet the huge cargo ships where they would trade or sell their produce and fish. We visited a floating market where there are tons of different boats tied up to eachother selling their goods.

We left Ho Chi Minh City (or Saigon) this morning and took a 200 km bus ride that took about 5 hrs. They have some great bus systems here, you just cant expect to get anywhere in a hurry.
We arrived in Mui Ne which is a small beach/resort town. The beach goes on for miles and miles and is beautiful. We found a great little hotel on the beach and cheap! Hopefully the rain stays away so that we can have some more fun in the sun.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sarahandwill/1/1247468822/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sarahandwill/1/1247468822/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sarahandwill/1/1247468822/tpod.html Mon, 13 Jul 2009 03:22:07 -0400 Our amazing adventure!

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Bangkok, Thailand

We are back in Bangkok now after what turned out to be a long and tiring day.

We set off on a boat from Koh Phangan to the mainland in monsoon conditions with downpouring rain and wind. We were crammed into a boat with over 300 people, with seats for 200. We made it through the brutal 4 hr journey thanks to Gravol! There were barf bags galore, filling up all around us... it was lovely.

Once we got to shore and boarded our bus it was smooth sailing. Got to Bangkok this morning at 430am wherewe luckly found a nice little hotel to sleep. Got our visas to Vietnam sorted out today and we fly there tomrrow afternoon.

We had a fun last few days on Koh Phangan. We checked out the ever famous Full Moon Party which was crazy. Twenty four hours of techno and drum and bass music combined with hundreds of bucket stands and 10 000 dancing people. It was quite the experience to be standing in the middle of it all, watching the sunrise.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sarahandwill/1/1247055019/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sarahandwill/1/1247055019/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/sarahandwill/1/1247055019/tpod.html Wed, 08 Jul 2009 08:13:07 -0400 Our amazing adventure!

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Ko Phangan, Thailand

We did a day trip to Sail Rock where we both did 2 dives. Our dive master took his underwater camera so here are some pictures and videos from the day.

It was a great day and only 5 of us on the dive. The huge number of fish is unbelievable here..... hundreds of different types.
]]>