TravelStream™ news feed for member shanewilson on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/shanewilson en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Sat, 10 Oct 2009 02:25:10 -0400 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/shanewilson/rtw-2006/1255155455/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/shanewilson/rtw-2006/1255155455/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/shanewilson/rtw-2006/1255155455/tpod.html Sat, 10 Oct 2009 02:25:10 -0400 'You can live 100 years but if you don't travel, you only have a half life'. World... here I come.

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Bangkok, TH.40, Thailand

I have a few entries to add to this trip but I thought I'd write about this whilst stranded in Bangkok.Tiger Airways have lived up to their reputation of being the most useless airline on the planet so be warned if travelling with this inefficient airline.  In Australia, we have been warned through the airing of a TV programme that indicates the frustration of the many who travel with this airline.  In some ways, I should have checked the status of my ticket before travelling to Bangkok International.I arrived at the airport at 10.30am only to read on the board that TR105 Bangkok to Singapore had been 'cancelled'.  TigerAirways does not have an information booth at the airport so using the information booth, I rang the head office only to find out that my 12.35pm flight had been rescheduled to 20:10 - with no notice by way of email or phone call.  If the flight had of been cancelled by up to 4 hours, I wouldn't have cared less.  But 8 hours with no notice is unforgivable.In searching this airline on google, I read many other traveller's stories of this exact route having been cancelled in the past.Luckily for my knowledge of this city and its airport, I organised to lock up my luggage in the airport's stored luggage area, hopped on the express city bus for B150 ($5) and am now spending the extra afternoon in Silom.  But for those travellers without that knowledge, it would of been very awkward.  I'll probably get the express bus back to the airport - and hopefully get on the 20.10 flight.  I have since tried to access my online booking only to be told that the record doesn't exist.  Online, the flight is going for 4020 baht ($130) so if all fails, I will have to pay this - but I have my receipt and the lady on the other side of the phone seems to think that all is ok.Talk about an absolutely dysmal business - I doubt that this airline will continue if it continues to throw the travelling plans of thousands of tourists into disaray.  So far, my Singapore to Perth flight is showing up ok.Shame about this - because the rest of my trip has been absolutely sensational.  But I think readers should be warned for some trouble with this useless airline.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/shanewilson/rtw-2006/1254365656/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/shanewilson/rtw-2006/1254365656/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/shanewilson/rtw-2006/1254365656/tpod.html Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:11:44 -0400 'You can live 100 years but if you don't travel, you only have a half life'. World... here I come.

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Bangkok, TH.40, Thailand

I arrived in Phnom Penh at 4pm on Tuesday and was awe struck as to how flooded this country is... water absolutely everywhere.Arriving in Cambodia is an experience in itself.  A tip for first comers is to try to sit as close to the front of the aeroplane as possible so you can get in the visa line first.  Also bring a photo to avoid having to pay the $US2 or B100 fine.  The visa for 1 month stands at $US20 and the process for getting one is pretty painless if you manage to get yourself to the front of the line - which I was very fortunate to have done given I was in row 7 (window) and made sure I was one of the first off.  You learn from previous experiences!  Don't be upset about the immigration guys taking your passport for a while - they are going through the motions of entering a one page stamp along with all the rest - about 10 immigration people do this.  They then call out your name after you have paid your money to the cashier.  This experience can be quite daunting for newcomers especially if you are at the back of the queue.I'm staying at the Pavilion Hotel for US60 a night - a beautiful french colonial house - one of the best in Phnom Penh.  But in future, I will stay at either the Bougainvillier Hotel or The Quay.  I checked both hotel's suites last night and can highly recommend them.  The receptionists quoted me $US92 for the Bougainvillier and $US120 for The Quay.  The rooms are huge - Bougainvillier has Cambodian style rooms - but no lift - and The Quay has modern, contemporary rooms with exquisite bathrooms.  Both have rooms overlooking The Tonle Sap, have super friendly staff, restaurants, and in the best location along the busy and interesting river front.I am amazed as to how the locals remember you from previous visits.  The Cambodians are amongst the friendliest people on Earth.Whilst in Phnom Penh, it's important to take it easy and remain your calm especially when moving through the local traffic on the back of a tuk tuk.  Given the weather, I'm taking it especially easy - it's taken a few days to get use to it.  Yesterday, I revisited the S-21 and felt physically sick (the photos of graphic illustrations of torture, including to babies and young children, are just the most horrendous thing I've ever seen).  But a MUST visit to understand the pain of this country's past.  I also went to the killing fields again.  I felt so angry and sick to think that this happened.  What was more depressing was seeing several tourists crying.  I was glad to get away.  A tip - PLEASE get a taxi if coming to the killing fields - if not, wear a mask.  The roads are incredibly dusty and I was near choking as trucks passed my helpless tuk tuk.I also visited Phnom Wat - a temple on a hill.What I've noticed on this trip is the stench... but there are nice parts of Phnom Penh.  The extreme gap in wealth is also evident with the rich Khmer owning Lexus cars, living in beautiful French style houses whilst the poor ravage through the rubbish on the side of the roads and beg tourists for cash.  The economic disparaties here are clearly evident.No sign of Aleks - I've heard through the grapevine that he's now living with a rich foreigner.  To tell you the truth, I knew that would happen!  What I've noticed is that the expats and foreign tourists are especially friendly here... last night, I met Dave, a young 24 year old or so who is running an orphange just out of Battambang.  He is on a 1 week holiday here in Phnom Penh and was very interesting to talk to about the orphanages here, and Geraldine Cox.  Geraldine, who has a very good name in Australia and is doing remarkably well on the speaking tour, is apprantly very close to the Government which Dave's particular organisation questions.  I have also met several owners of property here which have given an incredible insight into the affairs of business etc.  Today I intend on relaxing, maybe a massage, maybe a trip to the Russian Market. 
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/shanewilson/rtw-2006/1254134030/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/shanewilson/rtw-2006/1254134030/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/shanewilson/rtw-2006/1254134030/tpod.html Mon, 28 Sep 2009 06:46:54 -0400 'You can live 100 years but if you don't travel, you only have a half life'. World... here I come.

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Bangkok, TH.40, Thailand

Bangkok continues to impress me every time I come here given there is so much to keep you occupied... the assault on all senses is just amazing.  If coming, get a Groovy Bangkok map which has everything you need.The Dusit Thani is a real winner and I highly recommend this hotel if you can make your budget stretch.  But there are many other fine hotels including The Peninsula, Shangri La and Banyan etc.Thai breakfasts in a 5 star establishment are to die for... and the service.  Once seated, I have the opportunity to order whatever cooked mix I want, fruit juices and tea/coffee.  This morning I had a scrambled egg mixed with salmon on toast; followed by a mixture of fruits with home made yoghurt and an assortment of danish bakeries.  If I had room, I could have also fitted in croissants, a selection of exquisite cheeses and cold meats.  The ladies are at your beck and call, refilling the orange juice and replacing cold coffee as you read your newspaper.  I love this life... and I appreciate it more given that I have been in 1 star accommodation in this country.  The Thais definitely live up to their reputation as being some of the best world-wide service.The weather is very tropical - tends to stay fine and dry during the day but when late afternoon comes, the skies open up and pour down the rain.  Made bar-jumping difficult last night and I decided to have an early night to catch up on the sleep.Yesterday, I spent the afternoon cruising the canals - a must do if coming here.  Once done, I retreated to the club lounge for unlimited drinks, canopies and a relaxed ambience.  This is what holidays should be all about:)  Today I was thinking of doing a tour to the river Kwai but gave up on that idea after being told I'd have to leave at 7am, and won't be back till 6pm.  I think I'll hold off on that till next time.  Instead, I kept occupied by heading to the Grand Temple - taxis are fantastic here - costing 100 baht (or $3) to cross to the other side of town.  After being told that the monks were praying till 1pm, I was scooped up by a tuk tuk driver and toured the jewellery and tailor shops and succombed to 3 tailor made shirts for $100.  Please, if coming here, do yourself a favour and go to the tailors - I can buy a tailor made suit for $150.  When I come back in January, I plan on buying 2 or 3 suits... and if I'm happy here, potentially more.  Ladies, I also suggest that you come armed with cash to buy those dresses... tailor made... I noticed one lady spend 51000 baht ... about $1500.  People come here to shop and I can see why.  It is ridiculously cheap.  To make matters better, I will be having my new shirts delivered to my hotel's concierge.Last night, I had an exquisite Italian meal at one of Dusit Thani's restaurants, Il Cielo.  For $50, I ate like a king and had red wine to boot.Enough dribble... I wanted to go to Banyon's top floor for a terrirfic view of Bangkok and a cocktail but I will wait till it's dry.  I intend on hitting Patpong tonight to see a bit of the action but the rain is making it difficult.  This is the low season here in Bangkok, hence my terrific accommodation deal, but October 1 all prices go up.  Mum - I checked out the Silom Serene on Silom Soi 3 and it's great... the deluxe room will ensure a very comfortable stay here in Bangkok.  I won't mind staying there in January.  But I will try to stay here at Dusit Thani other times because the location's terrific, the service outstanding, and the options endless.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/shanewilson/rtw-2006/1253963508/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/shanewilson/rtw-2006/1253963508/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/shanewilson/rtw-2006/1253963508/tpod.html Sat, 26 Sep 2009 07:23:45 -0400 'You can live 100 years but if you don't travel, you only have a half life'. World... here I come.

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Bangkok, TH.40, Thailand

Well, after another 10 weeks of work, I'm travelling again... let's face it, I'm a life long traveller.I departed Perth at 10.10pm Friday night and arrived in Singapore 5 hours later... Tiger Airways definitely lived up to their reputation as a 'no thrills' airline but I endured the 5 hours for only $214.  After arriving at Singapore at 3.10am, I hung around the budget terminal at Singapore which is nothing to rave about, before boarding the 6.30am flight Singapore to Bangkok with Tiger Air for only $82.  I struggled to keep awake between 5 and 6am and on one occasion, I was so detached from reality I stupidly left my front zip of my bag open which had my passport and wallet... luckily, I realised after only about 10 minutes and nothing has gone missing.  But this goes to show that you have to be so careful about your wallet and passport.  The security guys asked me to put this in my bag which could of ended in disaster.  I like to keep both these documents in the front pockets of my jeans/shorts... so I know that my most precious documents are on me at all times.  After the incident in China in 2006, I will not lose my passport again.  To say the least, my precious passport is now in the safe at my hotel.I arrived in Bangkok at 7.50am local time after a 2 hour 20 minute flight from Sinapore.This info is for first timers to Bangkok:ATM charges about $5 to withdraw cash - therefore, try to wtihdraw as much as possible.The taxis are a sinch - proceed to the public taxi booth.  I got a taxi for $15 to my hotel including the two highway tolls.Bangkok airport is huge - and intimidating.  But take calm.  Make sure you align your flight arrival details to the baggage carousel because there are heaps.I am absolutely thrilled to be back here in one of my favourite cities and I intend on making the most of it.  This time, I'm staying at one of the best hotels in Bangkok - Dusit Thani in Silom.  I got the best possible deal by paying $182/night for 3 nights to stay in the grand executive club room on the 8th floor.  Wait for the photos - this is the best hotel I've ever stayed in.  I'm writing this from the club lounge over complimentary drinks and snacks.  I arrived at the hotel at 9am thinking that they would turn me around.. but the checked me in to my room!  I got a personalised check in via the club lounge, a welcome drink, nice cold towel, overview of the benfits and direct check in.  GIven that I was travelling all night, I couldn't have been happier.  My room is huge - includes a separate lounge area, a HUGE bathroom with separate bath and toilet, a luxurious bedroom etc. etc.  The view is not as good as I was hoping - it's on the 8th floor - but I still have a good view of Lumpini Park, one of the main reasons I'm here.I slept in the humungous and comfortable king bed from 10 to 3 and plan to hit Lumpini Park after my complimentary drinks and snacks... maybe Game is working in his shop?Then I'll hit Silom Rd - Soi 4.Well I'm probably dribbling now due to my pending intoxication so I'll sign off.  Aftter the horrors of work this term, I'm keen to have a good time in what is one of my favourite cities in the world.  Bring it on!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/shanewilson/rtw-2006/1250514454/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/shanewilson/rtw-2006/1250514454/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/shanewilson/rtw-2006/1250514454/tpod.html Mon, 17 Aug 2009 09:19:02 -0400 'You can live 100 years but if you don't travel, you only have a half life'. World... here I come.

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Perth, Western Australia, Australia

I'm not sure about this new web page... I'll have to get use to it once again.I thought I'd update this again for those interested.If I had my way, I'd be travelling full time.  I hope that one day, my work will enable me to travel the world.  We can only dream.  Working in one place, whilst giving me a purpose, bores me shitless.I've planned two trips to South East Asia this year... one in 6 weeks time and the other at the  end of the year, mostly to celebrate my mum's 60th.  She is in for a real treat going to one of my favourite places on Earth for the first time.  In 6 weeks, I'll be spending two weeks travelling through Bangkok, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap before returning to Singapore for a night. At the end of the year, a bit more of the same but new year's eve in Chiang Mai, a business class flight Perth to Singapore with my mum, and about 2 weeks in Cambodia to re-visit Angkor Watt and Phnom Penh.  I hope to visit Geraldine Cox's orphanages in Cambodia - her book, 'Home is Where the Heart Is' is a highly recommended read and gives an incredible insight into not only her own life but also that of the plea of Cambodian children.  Having met Aleks in January last year (a Cambodian orphan), I couldn't help but be torn by his story and the fact that his daily life is a heart-wrenching struggle.  Travel won't stop there.  I'm looking to travel round the world in business class (funds permitting) for the 2010/2011 Xmas break.  This will be an opportunity to revisit some of my favourite destinations on Earth, with one deviation to Israel which I've always wanted to go to.  The trip at the moment is:Perth-Hong Kong-Bangkok-Singapore-London (on the A380)-Tel Aviv-London(transit)-Barcelona (maybe venturing to Sitges)-New York-Miami-San Jose-San Francisco-Los Angeles-Sydney (on the A380)-Perth.  All up, about a 5 week trip.I'd love to read of my readers' dream round the world itineraries, that fit in with the rules and routes of the Oneworld Airfare. 
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/shanewilson/rtw-2006/1232341560/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/shanewilson/rtw-2006/1232341560/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/shanewilson/rtw-2006/1232341560/tpod.html Thu, 22 Jan 2009 00:20:25 -0500 'You can live 100 years but if you don't travel, you only have a half life'. World... here I come.

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Siem Reap, Cambodia

Visiting Angkor Wat rates up there with the likes of Petra (Jordan), Machu Piccu (Peru), Great Pyramids of Giza (Egypt) and Mayan Ruins (Guatemala) as being my travelling highlights - I need not see any more ruins in my lifetime because I've seen the best the world has to offer.  The ruins are probably the best I've seen and a 'must do' if coming to South East Asia.  Siem Reap is very easy to get to with Air Asia flying to and from KL for less than $100 if you book early.  I woke at 4.30am to meet my tuk tuk driver and guide for the day.  I froze as I rode the 30 minutes through thick forest to Angkor Wat for the sunrise at 6am.  For US25, I booked a local guide for the 10 hour trip and for US15, I booked a tuk tuk driver for the day.  I found this to be an outstanding use of my time and money in visiting Angkor and I felt for those people visiting Angkor Wat without a guide because it would of just looked like a pile of rocks!  My guide gave me an incredible insight into Cambodian culture, the ruins and his own life whilst giving me some great company for the day.At 6am, I, like the other thousand or so tourists were in awe as we watched the sun rise over the top of Angkor Wat - to give me my first view of these very impressive 1000 year old ruins.I spent the next couple of hours roaming through Angkor Wat - the first of 3 major areas.For the last 10 days, I've been struggling with an upset stomach and diarrhoea - I would be very surprised to meet a traveller without these symptoms because of the hygiene, water and food preparation issues here.  I cannot remember having a firm shit and look forward to returning to Perth for this luxury:)Angkor Wat has wonderful toilet facilities for those people like me who needed them at hand!After Angkor Wat, my guide took me for a tour of Angkor Thom.After Angkor Thom, we went to Ta Prohm - the ruins with the amazing trees.I write very little here because the photos are the most important aspect here - these will be added after my trip.It costs US20 to access the temples for one day, US40 for 3 days and US60 for 7 days.  I think 1 day was plenty in giving me a good look - but the US55+tips for a one day tour is rather expensive, but money well spent.I'm in KL now - a modern, eclectic city with a diverse selection of people from varying cultures - Indian, Pakistani, Caucasion, Chinese etc. etc.  It is probably nearing the 100% humidity today so very uncomfortable - won't be doing anything today except laundry and this.  The shopping is outstanding here - for all budgets.  So far, I've seen the towers, Central Markets and Bukit Bintang area (a must stay area if coming here).  Apart from the shopping, KL holds no interest for me - I doubt I'll return (except for transit) given my preferences now lie with Cambodia and Thailand - whilst in Cambodia, I felt a tremendous sense of peace and tranquility and just loved the people.  If coming to Malaysia, don't limit yourself to the city - areas such as Taman Negara, Penang, Cameron Highlands, Langkowi etc. are absolutely pristine. 
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/shanewilson/rtw-2006/1232117700/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/shanewilson/rtw-2006/1232117700/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/shanewilson/rtw-2006/1232117700/tpod.html Fri, 16 Jan 2009 10:10:04 -0500 'You can live 100 years but if you don't travel, you only have a half life'. World... here I come.

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Siem Reap, Cambodia

Travelling by boat from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap through countless remote Cambodian villages has got to rate as being one of my most memorable travelling experiences.  I was in awe as the boat travelled up the Tonle Sap River - experiencing 10 metre high huts, locals fishing the lake, children playing along the shores and waving to us as we passed by and locals going about their daily business.  The peacefulness and tranquility of the area is just sensational - and I ache to return.  My friend Aleks who I met in Phnom Penh is from one of the villages along the river (I think it is K.Chnong - check) and he invited me to visit his family.  I intend on doing this when I return.  He tells me that his family is extremely poor, pumping water from wells, no bathroom, the need to fish from the river for food, rice as his staple food, and no beds.  Even though his daily life in Phnom Penh is an incredible struggle, I will keep in touch with him and look forward to visiting his village - probably with a generous $50 or $100 donation which is 2 to 3 months income for these people!  On arrival, there were countless tuk tuk drivers offering to take me to my hotel for $1 - along with the request to be my tour guide for the temples.I have just fallen in love with the Cambodian people - they are, by far, the friendliest people I have met in my travels.  They are shy at first - but attempts at smiling and talking with them just pays so many dividends.Yesterday, I kind of made my presence felt at a local public primary school.  Like in Aboriginal culture, I made my presence known by standing at the gate and seeking permission to talk to an English speaking teacher.  I met a local university lecturer who eagerly introduced me to the Director of the School (Principal).  The guy had to translate because the director didn't speak English.  The Director and translator gave me a personalised tour of the school - about 12 classes.  I LOVED this experience and feel so priviledged - the children were adorable.  All dressed in uniforms and keen to speak to my Australian English.  They were attentive, and a little giggly in listening to the basics such as 'good morning, how are you, good to be here, who speaks English etc'.  The facilities are incredibly basic and no computers except in the director's office.  The director's only requests were the need for basic year 1 to 3 English books and cash to the value of $US500 to fund much needed playground equipment.  If I were to donate, my name and/or organisation would be engraved on the equipment to note my donation.  I have the contact details if interested.  When travelling, I make a point of trying to visit the local schools and this one was memorable.  Just a little cash goes so far in cultures such as this.Today, I left my hotel at 7 am to get the 6 hour boat trip to Siem Reap.  At a cost of $35, this was a lot more than the $11 bus trip.  Travelling here is simple.  Everything seems to be at your beck and call.From what I've seen so far, Siem Reap is too touristy for me - and why not, with one of the 8 wonders of the world at our door step.  Tomorrow evening, I will visit Angkor for the sunset and then spend all day on Sunday touring the temples.I'm staying at the Kool Hotel.  Mike from PP recommended this hotel because it is in the early stages of being established - 1.5 months.  Everything is new and the rooms incredible value for $35 a night - discounted.  The guys are very friendly and helpful.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/shanewilson/rtw-2006/1231831740/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/shanewilson/rtw-2006/1231831740/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/shanewilson/rtw-2006/1231831740/tpod.html Tue, 13 Jan 2009 02:58:23 -0500 'You can live 100 years but if you don't travel, you only have a half life'. World... here I come.

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Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Cambodia is a fascinating yet hearbreaking country to visit - I'm finding it very difficult to hold myself together in what is one of the poorest countries I've been to.On Sunday, I chose the busiest day by mistake to visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda - a fine exame of Khmer architecture and a fair insight into Cambodian history and culture.  The entry price of $US6.25 is over-inflated but I enjoyed several hours mingling with the Khmer budhists and Monks whilst seeing some very impressive buildings.  But I'm over being a tourist - I prefer to mingle with the locals and see how they live. Sunday was a relatively quiet night, spent with Aleks at the Salt and Pepper Bar and then Cindy Bar.  He doesn't drink or smoke - indicative of the rural Cambodian lifestyle?During breakfast at the Manor House, I met Michael - an Australian high school teacher from Melbourne - like me, he is spending his Christmas Holidays in South East Asia.  He has been here many times and was an outstanding source of local information.  We spent several hours comparing travel notes before deciding to go to an exquisite Chinese restaurant.  We had dim sum and an assortment of excellent Chinese dishes.Later, Michael and I decided to take an Aromatherapy 90 Minute Massage, Cambodian Style.  For US24, I had a full body massage from foot to head and to say the least, it was an oustanding use of my holiday time.  Micheal and I then met up with our local Cambodian friends, Sumathai and Aleks and joined the owner/manager of Manor House for dinner at Friends the Restaurant, #215 Street 13 Phnom Penh.  The food was excellent, as was the service from the 19 year olds that look 10, along with the exquisite art on the walls.  $US45 fed 6 people and provided for an assortment of drinks - a great deal.We then went to another restaurant for coffee and French desserts before calling it a night for drinks at Manor House.Alek's story is heartbreaking.  He is a young, good looking and fit 24 year old from rural Cambodia who has decided to study here in Phnom Penh to become a flight attendant.  He has been wonderfully honest in opening up to me in telling me his story of being raped, having to sell himself to foreigners to fund his $US50 a month living costs, detesting going to bars to meet foreigners for sex etc.  Sadly, he speaks negatively of his homeland and dreams of leaving Cambodia.  Michael and I explained to him that he will miss his family, culture, food, music, friends and comfort zone if he was to leave for Thailand.  There are so many young men and women like Aleks who have no choice but to raise funds through selling their only asset - their fit and beautiful bodies to sex-driven and sometimes sick foreigners.  I did hear from the other side though... a 60 year old Swiss man who buys company here in Cambodia because he can't get anything back home.  He doesn't mind spending the hundreds of dollars for a fling with a Cambodian for up to 3 months at a time.  I don't mind that if it is a win-win and both sides are happy.  I have seen several child prostitues here on this visit to Phnom Penh.  Fortunately, the local authorities have been strict in cramping down on this behaviour but the lure of the dollar and a better life means that this illegal activity continues to engulf desperate families.  As written in the previous entry, I was approached by one boy who offered me sex with his girl (she was probably 10)... along with opium, hash, heroiin etc. etc. etc.  I have also come across several people without limbs (arms or legs) who are desperate in begging for food and money.  This just makes me so upset given that most Aussies have such a trouble-free and happy life... in comparing Cambodia and Australia, I think our biggest problems are the issues of individualism, materialism, loneliness and mental health.  The Asians however, have such a strong sense of collectivism, family and friends - even though they are poor, they are quite happy on the surface - except for young students like Aleks who struggle with depression on a daily basis.  I feel for Aleks and wish I could help him out - but he is one of many hundreds of thousands.  Tragic.  The locals love to stair at me - we are so wealthy compared to the locals who earn an average $400 per year... $50 means so much for a local here and goes towards building local communities.  Phnom Penh itself is starting to become a lot more modernised... but it is still full of motorbikes and rubbish.  I have seen two serious motorbike accidents in 2 days and street corners littered with rubbish.  The locals are quick to crowd around accidents and make a huge spectacle about it.  However, I have been told that the locals are keen to reach an amicable situation to prevent expensive police intervention... $5 tends to fix a minor repair whereas $20 is required when police are called to the scene.  The Cambodians hate confrontation - they avoid it at all costs.More later - I leave for Siem Reap on Friday but I'm sure I will be lured back to this country many times.  Readers, please try to come here with a generous wallet and support the locals wherever possible (legal of course!).
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/shanewilson/rtw-2006/1231657200/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/shanewilson/rtw-2006/1231657200/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/shanewilson/rtw-2006/1231657200/tpod.html Sun, 11 Jan 2009 02:13:48 -0500 'You can live 100 years but if you don't travel, you only have a half life'. World... here I come.

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Phnom Penh, Cambodia

My first 24 hours in Cambodia have been an emotional roller coaster.  It has been both ecstatic and heartbreaking today.I arrived into Phnom Penh at 4.30pm and was whisked away by personal taxi to my accommodation at the Manor House for about US43 a night.I hit the nightlife, including a basic meal on the Riverfront at the Paragon Hotel... $13 all up.  I had children around the age of 8 asking me if I wanted opium, 'fu** with this girl', hash etc. etc.  It was quite overwhelming trying to eat my food whilst I had these 8 year olds saying this.  They also wanted to sell me books and post cards... after the meal, I left and went to the next pub on the agenda.  At one stage, I had about 6 children following me, begging me to buy their things etc. before one little darling boy told me to 'fu** off and that I'm stingy'.  I was watching for the rock but he left quite innocently.  The poverty is striking here.  Last night I met up with Vaesna who has changed significantly.  He is classed as one of the rich here in Cambodia and has his own motorbike.  He has changed for the worse... but I couldn't believe to see him in the first pub I went to.  He is training to be a flight attendant.I ended up at the Heart of Darkness where the people were very friendly - both foreigner and local.  It is quite amazing to have about 5 boucers shaking your hand as you enter the club.  Meeting people here is a giver.  I met Aleks.  A heartbreaking story... or a con... he told me that his monthly rent is $US35 and that he washes dishes for a living that gives about US30.  He informed me that he had 2 days to go before being kicked out of his house and that he was at the bar to meet a foreigner to have paid sex.  After speaking to a few westerners at the Manor House, they are convinced that this is a con but it was quite distressing to see this guy cry uncontrollably saying that he is desperate to leave Cambodia ASAP because he is so poor and will be poor forever more.  The prices are drop dead low here... accommodation, food, getting around etc.  I'd love to write more here but I really need to get out and see that Royal Palace.This place is sure an eye opener and definitely worth a visit.  Every moment is interesting.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/shanewilson/rtw-2006/1231485780/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/shanewilson/rtw-2006/1231485780/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/shanewilson/rtw-2006/1231485780/tpod.html Fri, 09 Jan 2009 02:48:26 -0500 'You can live 100 years but if you don't travel, you only have a half life'. World... here I come.

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Bangkok, Thailand

It's wintere here in Bangkok so the weather has been kind - a lot more kinder than that of the heat wave of Perth!  Glad I'm not there - I detest Perth's summers.  The temps have been in the 20s but the humidity fairly high.  A lot more comfortable than when I was here in April, 2006!Bangkok is an assault on the senses.  The noise is deafening, the throngs of people irritating (they seem to aim for you when walking - strange), the road jams in the afternoon the worst I've seen, the food absolutely delicious and every corner fascinating.  The roads are littered with food stores serving a concoction of interesting yet cheap foods, beggers crawling along the dirty paths with limbs missing, mothers begging with their babies on the side of the roads and lots of cheap items for sale - DVDs, clothing, sex DVDs, bracelets, jewelery etc.  I'm glad to be leaving after a week... I'm expecting Phnom Penh to be a lot quieter.  Bangkok is a shopper's paradise - like Malaysia and Vietnam, come with an empty suitcase if you want to stock up your wardrobe.I managed to get in touch with Game through trawling through my hotmail addresses... he rang me on Monday night at 10.30pm asking me to come out but I was desperate for a proper night's sleep.  We ended up meeting at Lumpini Market at 10pm on Tuesday... fantastic to meet up with who was one of the 10 most influential people on my trip RTW in 2006.  He hasn't changed much except to quadruple the size of his shop (15000 baht rental per month)... he is now catering to the hotel market and is earning well into the millions of baht (1,000,000 baht = approx $AUD45,000).  His success has been so huge that he recently paid for his father's $AUD15000 (Baht 300,000) operation.  This is considerable given that the basic wage is around 75baht per hour ($3) here.  He has a partner from New Zealand but is not happy - would like to separate... he would like to travel to New Zealand but is too much of a workaholic to allow for a holiday.  Game's shop is exquisite... visit at DG1032/1033 (street 2) if here in Bangkok and let him know that I referred you... you will get a good price.  The Thais seem to be obsessed with their image, weight and personal hygiene.  Game stops eating if he hits 65kg (last time he weighed himself he was 64kg)... I spent the night with Game and his mates on Tuesday at one of his favourite local clubs in the Sukomvit (soi 22) area.  We shared a $50 bottle of whisky.  One of his mates is a police officer... he was keen to share his loaded gun with me as he got drunker and drunker.  Game has recently moved from the Boss Mansion in Ekamai to Sukomvit Soi 22 so he can be closer to his work.  The Thais work so much that I have spent very little time with him.  I've also met up with Bird who works at the Telephone Bar.  He works from 6 to 2am all nights except Wednesday so it is very difficult to socialise with the locals here.  I still love them though.If coming to Bangkok and you wish to see the Grand Temple, wear long pants.  I got turned away because I was wearing shorts.  No worries though because I've seen it before.  I spent most of one day on the C. River.  A wonderful way to see Bangkok and highly recommended... cost is 120 baht for a one day pass.  I've done very little else except visit Siam Shopping Square and MBK (a huge shopping complex), lay around the pool, sleep, eat and party in Patpong.  The locals and tourists I've met have been extraordinary, including one former Guinean football olympian who competed at the Sydney 2000 Olympics... It is very, very easy to meet people here and you never need to be lonely if you hit the nightlife.  A wonderful nightlife... probably the best in Asia.  I have thoroughly enjoyed eating the Thai food... very simple dishes but tasty.  Last night I had a concoction of chicken (cut thinly), mushroom, red capsicum, chili, onion, zuchini, lemon grass and spices all stir fried and served with steamed rice.  I fly to Phnom Penh tomorrow with Air Asia at 15:10.  A great time to sleep in and check out at 12.  I'm really looking forward to returning to Cambodia, but hoping that it will be relaxing.  From what I remember, Cambodia is very slow.  Looking forward to it.  I fly with Air Asia so a bit nervous about that.    
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