Goodbye Thailand. Hello China

Okay, so this will be a quick one because I am at a funky computer kiosk at the Bangkok airport (and it is 4:30 in the morning). Just a quick note to say that after a wonderful month in Thailand, I am headed to China. I had to get out of the country to renew my Thai visa anyway, and I've got this Chinese visa that I paid out the nose for, so I figured why not, right? So I bought a one way ticket to Xi'an China. Where's that?, you ask. I don't really know. In fact, I've never known less about a place I am traveling to. All I've got a is a Berlitz pocket guide to China and an adventurous spirit. We'll see how that goes, I suppose. I've been meaning to make a couple of posts recently with pictures and the works but the tropical island internet gods have been conspiring against me. I hope to find a good internet connection in China and do a big ole picture dump soon. I've got a couple of good ones of Shane getting harrassed by a monkey, more caves (no cobra this time), a live puffer fish, and more monuments. I'll try to get those up soon. So sawadee kahp Thailand, nee hao China!

Friday October 13 2006

File under: travel, Thailand

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on Sat 14th Oct, 2006 10:31 am UTC Horge said: Watch out for local Montezuma Wang Chung's Revenge: "The city is nested between a flood plain created by 8 surrounding rivers and streams, most of which have been too polluted to be used as sources of fresh water." (Wikipedia) You should go check out that cool looking Terracotta army 40 km to the east (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Xian_guerreros_terracota_general.JPG) And please, please please send me a picture, or even better, a postcard from the Great Mosque of X'an. That would be awesome! (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Mosque_of_Xi%27an) Otherwise, it looks like you've picked another winner to visit! Lucky Bastard! :) Good luck! ************************ on Sat 14th Oct, 2006 07:17 pm UTC Saxtor said: Wren, you should do this! http://www.brouwer-edition.com/works_wendel_performances.php#terracottawarrior ************************ on Thu 19th Oct, 2006 01:54 pm UTC Stacy said: Xi'an, went there on a train. Note: it's hard for a girl to pee in a hole in the floor on a rickety moving train. Bring your own tp :) ************************

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Everybody was Kung Fu fighting

Wednesday October 11 2006

File under: Thailand, travel

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on Wed 11th Oct, 2006 04:52 am UTC trista said: so, i was there and... those kids were fast as lightning. In fact, it was a little bit frightning. But, they fought with expert timing. ************************ on Wed 11th Oct, 2006 04:58 am UTC trista said: fyi: Chapman won. ************************ on Wed 11th Oct, 2006 06:29 am UTC Saxtor said: Okay Sam, now you can worry... ************************ on Fri 13th Oct, 2006 04:16 am UTC Mom said: Okay, Cobra, now Kung Fu fighting...rumor has it that Animal Planet has an opening for someone to "rassel" Alligators. Is this what your trip is about? BTW Marilyn misses you, she has a flat tyre. ************************ on Fri 13th Oct, 2006 04:16 am UTC Mom said: Okay, Cobra, now Kung Fu fighting...rumor has it that Animal Planet has an opening for someone to "rassel" Alligators. Is this what your trip is about? BTW Marilyn misses you, she has a flat tyre. ************************ on Fri 13th Oct, 2006 04:17 am UTC Mom said: I have no idea how the double whammy happened. I must have been blinded by the flashy picture--excuse the double posting, as they say. ************************

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Careful - cobra

In an effort to see what Ko Lanta has to offer while we are here, Trista and I made our way to some much touted caves. Well, as with much of traveling, we didn't really have any idea what we were getting ourselves into. The cave entrance was a 30 minute trek up slippery ladders, through streams, while dodging some pretty gnarly looking spikey trees. Our soft-spoken guide, who had obviously done this about 800 times before, was quick to offer his advice on wear to step, what was slippery, and what not to hit your head on all with one or two words. "Careful", "Careful: slippery", "Careful: head", all in his soft-spoken calm tone. While cruising down one of the trails, he slows down and points to the bushes, "Careful: cobra," he says. Sure enough, a 3-foot cobra is just chillin in the grass. Ah, Thailand. The whole cave experience was something else. We shimmied through narrow openings, crossed slippery 2 log bridges, and just about ate it numerous times. I enjoyed myself quite a bit. I'm sorry to say we can't all say the same. Still, it was just another one of the experiences that make travelling so great and adventurous.

Tuesday October 10 2006

File under: travel, Thailand

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on Tue 10th Oct, 2006 03:32 pm UTC Andrew said: ahh! cobras! ************************ on Tue 10th Oct, 2006 04:41 pm UTC per said: don't worry, chicken curry! ************************ on Tue 10th Oct, 2006 06:46 pm UTC Saxtor said: COBRA?! Sounds like a job for G.I. Joe (and associated cliched catchphrases involving massages, dawgs, sandwiches, computers and downloadin')!! ************************ on Wed 11th Oct, 2006 04:41 am UTC trista said: no really, it was huge.. like 4 feet... i mean 5... and the tail was like 10 feet long....or was that meters... we were totally chill though, even when it almost attacked. ************************

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It

Sometimes there are moments that are so perfect, so right, that you can't help saying to yourself, "This is it. This is what it is all about." These moments often only last for, well, a moment, and they require letting go of the future and the past. It is about the way things are now. I had myself an it moment the other day. On a beautiful beach on Ko Lanta, watching the sun go down, with my arms around a pretty girl. I was lucky enough at the time to realize that it-ness of the moment, because it was quickly gone. But for that moment, things were right.

Saturday October 7 2006

File under: Thailand, travel

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on Sat 07th Oct, 2006 06:09 am UTC jule said: oh oh oh! who's the pretty girl? chapman? anywhoo, nice piece of writing there Wren! sure captures the moment and more... p.s. dad just got done with his hike and he lived to tell about it! adventures abound in the schultz family. next look for me to be leaving the Olympic Peninsula for over a day! ************************ on Sat 07th Oct, 2006 03:39 pm UTC dave said: wren, i'm only interested in one thing regarding your 'it' moment: a picture of the girl. ************************ on Mon 09th Oct, 2006 12:13 pm UTC trista said: thanks for it, wren. thanks for everything. ************************ on Tue 10th Oct, 2006 03:49 am UTC Mom said: Wren, Thanks so much for helping me to remember how to stop and cherish the present moment. Once again, I am the student and my children are the teachers. This was a beautiful reminder. Ahh, parenting is such a humbling experience! ************************

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Week 3 wrap up

Three weeks gone already?!?! I guess when chillin' on the beach reading a book is the only thing you do, time just flies by. Well, yesterday we made the 1.5 hour boat trip from Ko Phi Phi to Ko Lanta. We've only been here for 24 hours, but I'm pretty sure I love it. It is low tourist season, so there aren't the throngs of tourists that there were in Phi Phi. Also, there is much more to explore. There are waterfalls, caves, and national parks that are all begging for my attention, but that will come in due time. I think I am going to take this opportunity to really really chill. The place we stayed last night had a pool, chairs on the beach, T.V. (with HBO) in the bungalows - it was just gorgeous. And all that for only $2.50 per night. Tonite we are going to try out a new place. If it is anything like the last one, I will be a happy camper. Okay, so sorry for the pictureless post. I will get to another picture dump here soon. I got a couple of great ones of the sunset last night. But in the meantime, turn your attention to Una Estrella for Andrew's pictorial wrap of his trip.

Saturday October 7 2006

File under: Thailand, travel

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on Sat 07th Oct, 2006 02:24 am UTC Andrew said: whoa whoa! no pic wrapup yet! need myke's pics first yo! ************************ on Mon 09th Oct, 2006 01:59 pm UTC Sam Chapman said: Hi Wren. It's Sam. I've beem enjoying your blog. Great pictures. I know this is your show but I would appreciate it if you could let me know how Shane is doing .I haven't heard from him yet. Tell him to e-mail me sam.chapman@comcast.net. Well I don't need to say have a great time. Take me next time. I'm not as good as you but I am still in shorts. Sam ************************ on Mon 09th Oct, 2006 05:05 pm UTC Saxtor said: Tell Shane that we love him, we miss him, and help is on the way. ************************ on Mon 09th Oct, 2006 05:06 pm UTC Saxtor said: PS: Sam, I'm just being a smartass, I have no idea how Shane is... ************************

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Mission(s) accomplished

Going into this trip, I didn't have much of a plan, but I did have a few goals. I'm pleased to say that a good number of those goals can now be checked off. Firstly, it was/is my goal to get at least one geocache in every country I visit. So far in Thailand, I've gotten two. The last one was in Phuket at a beautiful waterfall. Per saved the day by finding it after the rest of us had given up. Three cheers for Hanwool. Another goal has proved to be underambitious. The original goal was to read a book a week. I've been here for 2.5 weeks, and I've already read 4 books, all trash. And that is with having constant traveling partners. Once I set out on my own, I imagine I will bump the average up to 2 a week. Goal #3 is really one of my favorites: go 24 hours shirtless. I went a good 6 weeks while in Palmyra, but that wasn't real life. Well, after yesterday, I'm pleased to say Mission Accomplished. We are back on Ko Phi Phi after letting Andrew and the boys off at the Airport. Yesterday, Trista and I took a tour out to Ko Phi Phi Ley, the highlight of which was Maya Bay, made famous by The Beach. (I didn't take this picture, but I could have.) We also snorkeled, stopped at a beach inhabited by monkeys, and got the experience of riding in a "traditional" Thai long tail boat. (More about that later). Anyway, it was a great time.

Wednesday October 4 2006

File under: Thailand, travel

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on Wed 04th Oct, 2006 06:28 am UTC Horge said: What'd you give/get in the geocaches? ************************ on Wed 04th Oct, 2006 08:41 pm UTC Mom said: Wasn't there a goal about crosswords and Sudoko? This Blog might be too much information (TMI) for a mother! ************************ on Thu 05th Oct, 2006 12:45 am UTC Saxtor said: It looks like he found Suthep Cache and took nothing, and found Stairway to Heaven and took a geocoin. Sure sounds like a lot of fun... ************************ on Fri 06th Oct, 2006 04:18 am UTC Debbie Rowe said: Wren, you lucky dog. I'm jealous and happy for you. ************************ on Fri 06th Oct, 2006 06:36 am UTC Wren said: 1: Mom, If hear about your boy going with a shirt for 24 hours (I'm up to 96 hours now) is TMI, then I will have to severely edit my stories when I get back. 2: Saxtor, I had to edit up your comment because the comments section has a few issues regarding HTML or something. I'll have a look at that when I get a chance. ************************

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Week 2 Round Up

Week two of my grand aventure was a nice change of pace from week one. While week was one full immersion in the culture, and packing in monuments, treks, and elephant rides, week two has been much more chill. I've spent no less than 3 days on the beach, snorkeling, reading, swimming, and getting sunburned. Andrew, Per, Myke and I spent 3 nights on Ko Phi Phi. Then they headed off to Ko Lanta while I headed into Phukettown to pick up Shane and Trista. After meeting back up, we've spent the last 3 nights here in Phukettown at the best hostel I have ever been to (did I mention the free internet?). Yesterday we spent the day at Patong beach where Myke tried to shrelp the gnar, but was mildly thwarted. He will prolly try again today. The rest of us juggled, hackied, read, ate fresh fruit, bodysurfed, and got really sunburned (okay, so maybe just Trista and I got the burns). It has been great having the 6 of us together. Being with good friends in such a beautiful place is just the ticket. Meals are fun. Traveling is fun. Going to 7-11 is fun. It is all fun. But tomorrow, Per, Myke, and Andrew head off back to the states. After that, it sounds like Shane, Trista, and I will go back out to the islands, at least for a bit. But who knows. I'll keep you posted.

Saturday September 30 2006

File under: travel, Thailand

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on Sun 01st Oct, 2006 01:37 am UTC jule said: that is some nice shrelping! who took that picture, that is up close! myke, I expect you on the olympic peninsula when you get back! ************************ on Sun 01st Oct, 2006 02:03 am UTC Deanna said: It is very beautiful there and sounds like good times. i even found it on the world atlas. aren't you proud? i amd learning a lot from your travels. ************************ on Mon 02nd Oct, 2006 11:42 pm UTC Mom said: Whoa, I just got the coolness of this seemingly normal picture. Glad the traveling hasn't dulled your technological expertise! ************************ on Tue 03rd Oct, 2006 04:42 pm UTC Saxtor said: Now you know why we call Per "Twinkle Toes." ************************

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Picture Dump from Ko Phi Phi

I found a little bit of free internet here at my hostel in Phuket, so I thought it might be a good time to dump a few pictures. Enjoy. To see larger version, just right click to view image (Firefox users). Also for a brief caption, just hover your mouse over each image. (Ain't I fancy?)

Wednesday September 27 2006

File under: travel, Thailand

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on Fri 29th Sep, 2006 03:48 pm UTC said: hey, lovely picture dump! I can't wait to see it for myself! And this free internet is great! ************************ on Fri 29th Sep, 2006 04:55 pm UTC jule said: that looks like a strong wind a blowing in that bottom picture! did that blow your hammock around? Great photos, if you have anymore wavey ocean ones, this old salt wouldn't mind seeing them! ************************ on Fri 29th Sep, 2006 05:11 pm UTC Saxtor said: I never saw wave pictures at Old Salts...I saw jo-jos, however. Nice batch of photos, but that first "secluded" beach doesn't look so secluded. Who's the boat owner? ************************

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Ko Phi Phi

Being the jet-setters that we are, the boys and I decided to fly from Chaing Mai in the north down to to Phuket in the south to avoid the two 14 hour train rides. The flight was less than two hours and even included a meal (take that, Delta.) After a packed taxi and a 2 hour boat ride, we arrived at Ko Phi Phi. Ko Phi Phi was largely destroyed by the 2004 tsunami and it shows. Things are being rebuilt everywhere. Despite the obvious destruction, it is still a beautiful place. Anyone that saw the movie The Beach knows, as this was their island paradise. There are no cars on the island, and everything is more or less within walking distance. Today we plan on exploring the island a little more and getting in some much needed water time. Watch our sharks. Here we come! With the beauty and isolation comes higher prices. Internet is 6 times as expensive here as it was in Chiang Mia, with lodging running about 3 times as much. Paying $6 a night for lodging!?! Who ever heard of such extravagance. Anyway, point being that I might scale back the posts a bit this week. Or not. I sure have been enjoying seeing ya'll's comments as much as you've enjoyed reading.

Monday September 25 2006

File under: travel, Thailand

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on Mon 25th Sep, 2006 03:36 am UTC Saxtor said: For the uninformed, let it be noted that: Ko = Island Phi Phi is pronounced "pee pee" They're paying $6 a night for Ko Phi Phi (tee hee). ************************ on Mon 25th Sep, 2006 06:48 am UTC Horge said: Forgive a second immature mind dealing with the Thai language, but how do you pronounce Phuket? (tee hee, of my own) :) But these prices sound awesome. You should give Philippines a try while you're there. I was on THE resort-type island, Boracay, and was paying practically the same. ************************ on Mon 25th Sep, 2006 11:06 pm UTC jule said: so are there waves there? surf? or am i totally off and this is a rather protected island? oh yea, some important knowledge of the marine environment: sharks are scared away by shiney bracelets, the smell of blood, and violent thrashing. ************************ on Tue 26th Sep, 2006 02:35 am UTC gRetchEn said: you guys should listen to jule. i hear he's certified in sharkology. i hear your supposed to go swimming where a lot of fishing is going on as well because all of the fish bait in the water deters the sharks from attacking humans. ************************ on Tue 26th Sep, 2006 06:31 am UTC Horge said: As a certified PhMDDS in Sharkology, I'd just like to point out a common misconception regarding sharks: while swimming in fishing zones, it's not that the fish bait deters sharks, but rather that all the small pieces of bloody meat distract the stupid sharks from the intact, metal-bracelet-wearing, thrashing, large pieces of meat swimming around. But in an emergency situation where a less than ignorant shark recognizes you in spite of your flashing-neon bracelet that proclaims in a variety of audio frequencies "Your mother sucks gills!", remember always that a shark's enemy is the dolphin, so be sure to equip your dolphin to flog him with. ************************ on Tue 26th Sep, 2006 11:17 am UTC Trista said: hey... i'm atta here.. see you when i get there! ************************ on Tue 26th Sep, 2006 07:11 pm PDT jule said: and remember, if you ever hear dolphins talking or if you see them growing opposable thumbs...run. or give me some of what you are drinkin...er, so long and thanks for all the fish ************************ on Wed 27th Sep, 2006 02:00 pm UTC Wren said: Jule, Myke, Josh, etc. I saw some dudes totally shrelping the gnar gnar today. West coast of Phuket seems to be the place. The winds are right out of the west. Of course that made for a puketacular boat trip from Phi Phi. Literally half of the people on the boat chucked, and they didn't do so quietly. But I kept my cookies untossed. Yeah me! ************************ on Wed 27th Sep, 2006 06:10 pm UTC Saxtor said: Man, if you were able to keep it down, either the Thai are walking puke factories, or my driving is REALLY bad... ************************ on Thu 28th Sep, 2006 05:19 am UTC jule said: shrelping the gnar gnar? I wish I could be there... very little shrelping occuring here... wait, do you mean surfing? ohhhhh, yeah, take some photos! nice work on the lack of cookie tossing! ************************

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This is what travelling is all about

Knocking a cigarette out of the mouth of an Aussie while passing clubs with a German, both of whom are more or less random strangers. You can see the smile on my face!

Saturday September 23 2006

File under: travel, Thailand

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on Sat 23rd Sep, 2006 01:23 pm UTC horge said: Did you also take your clubs with you, or do they belong to the German? That's pretty awesome, man! Travelling's all about meeting those new people... ************************ on Sat 23rd Sep, 2006 03:42 pm UTC jule said: Oh my god! That is so COOL! I am totally going to start smoking! the juggling is pretty neat too... seriously though, that is cool you found some travelling jugglers, with clubs none-the-less. ************************ on Sat 23rd Sep, 2006 03:45 pm UTC jule said: oh yea, nice zoom on the picture when you scroll over it. have you ever thought about a career as a computer programmer? ************************ on Sun 24th Sep, 2006 08:41 am UTC Saxtor said: That is some strong work, Wren! ************************ on Sun 24th Sep, 2006 04:08 pm UTC Jena and Ahmed said: What a wonderful time you must be having. We enjoyed your web-site....keep it up, it is so fun to see your daily adventures! ************************

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