January 2-3, 2010 – Day 373-374 – Bangkok, Thailand

Well, the time came for us to go back to Bangkok and sad as we were to leave beautiful Samet, we made the drive back. We made another visit to the Chatuchak Weekend Market to pick up any last minute souvenirs before we send Lin’s backpack home with Latham stuffed full of goodies. (Note: in place of Lin’s 35L backpack listed on the packing list, Lin will be downsizing to a 24L pack. Seems small but we have learned to travel with very little).

Musicians in the market

January 1, 2010 – Day 372 – Koh Samet, Thailand

So it’s officially 2010. Feels nice, like a clean sheet of paper and sharpened pencil. Ready for anything!

Best way to start the new year

December 31, 2009 – Day 371 – Koh Samet, Thailand

It’s New Year’s Eve! And what better way to start the last day of the year than with a glorious dose of Thai sunshine and a big breakfast. In case you’re curious, breakfast in Thailand for us consists of omlettes, toast, fresh fruit (watermelon, banana, and pineapple), bacon, and hot tea. That’s the breakfast of champions right there.

Lindsey awaiting breakfast

December 30, 2009 – Day 370 – Koh Samet

Despite the beautiful weather early this morning, it turned out to be a kind of grey, stormy-ish day. Saben and Latham tried to go snorkeling but the water was a bit too murky without any sun and didn’t get to see much. Started sprinkling rain mid-afternoon so we made today an internet and drinking inside kind of day. Better luck tomorrow!

Random beach shot

December 29, 2009 – Day 369 – Koh Samet, Thailand

Slept in, ate a big breakfast, and hung out at the beach all day. What more can we say? It was fantastic! For once, Lin and Saben could leave their valuables in safety and go gallyvanting off into the ocean for the sun and sea—without taking turns! Look! There are even pictures to prove it!

Us!

December 28, 2009 – Day 368 – Koh Samet, Thailand

“Uggghhhh.” We all three grunted at the alarm clock in unison. It was suggesting that we get out of bed at the ungodly hour of 6:45. Why, oh why must buses to beautiful beaches run so blasted early? Is it some kind of karma pre-payment plan for getting to go somewhere lovely while the rest of the city zips around on the back of a moped huffing diesel exhaust? Maybe…

The goal

December 27, 2009 – Day 367 – Bangkok, Thailand

After a stout breakfast of eggs and toast, we set out for a walking tour of the city’s main attractions. We left Khao San district and headed for the sizable Democracy Monument.

Democracy Monument

December 26, 2009 – Day 366 – Bangkok, Thailand

With our one year mark and a new travel mate in hand, we set out to start out Thailand sightseeing right. We hopped on the public ferry and rode the river to the skytrain.

View down the river

December 25, 2009 – Day 365 – Bangkok, Thailand

Happy One Year on the Road! We’ve been traveling and blogging for a whole year now and we can’t believe it’s gone by so quickly. Can you? It really has been an amazing year. We have had a thousand memories that we wouldn’t trade the world for. A big thank you to everyone who has donated us money, encourgaed us along the way, and lived this last year with us through the site.

Thanks!

December 24, 2009 – Day 364 – Bangkok, Thailand

Feeling pretty bad today so slept most of the day in efforts to get better before Latham comes to visit. Made mistake of getting a room with a window so we hear thumping music from Khao San Road’s 24 hour nightlife. At least we have a great location—a side street leading onto the center of Khao San. Proximity to endless amounts of great street food, bars, 711s galore, and more crazy drunken foreigners than you can shake a stick at. Wow, it’s nice to see and show some skin freely after coming from India. It’s like a weight was lifted from our shoulders and we can really live a little. Shorts, tank tops and dresses here we come!

Crazy Khao San Road