Additional Thoughts

The following is a list of events or items that we noted during the trip that were potential entries into the blog. There was just too much to write to include it all. They are listed here primarily as reminders for us…

Workers were slow, no one was in a hurry unless they were driving.
Thai people look young, almost like kids, even the aged.

The Thai word for pig is moo.

Phuket had a large population of Muslims and mosques could be seen everywhere. 
While trying to negotiate on a cheap souvenir necklace on James Bond Island brought out the mean spirit in a Muslim sales woman who with disgust took the money we offered and added a few choice muttered words through snarling teeth. Whatever she said it didn’t sound complimentary.

French guests stayed next to us at the guesthouse with the “world’s greatest child”
Rene, another guest we met was an eccentric sort of free soul from Switzerland.
Russians were the least liked visitors in Thailand, French were a close second, and Israeli’s third.

IPhone’s were everywhere, far more people seemed to have them there than in the US
We often saw young boys escorting what appeared to us to look very much like well dressed American businessmen, or perhaps politicians.

We went to a Dairy Queen in the mall and tried a few varieties of ice cream not available in the USA the most notable being Green Tea flavor.

Bathrooms all had water for butt washings and rarely had toilet paper.
We also rarely found towels to dry hands (or butt) in a public restroom.

Upon our arrival in Bangkok, it paid us to be choosy. The first cab wanted to charge 900 Baht to take us to our hotel, and the second did it for 450b.

Streets at 12:30 am were busy and almost as crazy as daytime hours.
The Subway was completely shoulder to shoulder packed at 9:30 pm Fri night.

On more than one occasion we were noted as Bryan and his fat friend.

Grocery prices were no cheaper than home. A box of cereal was $7. Groceries were the same or more.
Just because things don't have expiration dates on them doesn't mean they shouldn't have one.
Corn seemed to be the most common flavor of just about anything. We saw, and tried, corn drinks, corn milk, corn ice cream, corn pizza, corn on a stick, Corn pancakes and corn waffles, corn desserts...
We were presented local blue shirts and leis by Bum on our departure

After eating fresh fruits and vegetables for a month we felt great. It was a chore to eat our packaged, boxed and preserved foods back home and it felt awkward doing so. There was quite a noticeable difference.

Jackie was our friendly and talkative flight attendant on the return trip home on AA.
We ordered kosher meals for flights which included Multi-meals, we were constantly eating.
We had to left the blinds closed on the flight home, the light was so blinding.
There was no info in Chicago at immigration and we exited the area and had a heck of a time re-entering the terminal.
Two sport teams on flight from Chicago to XNA.
We were picked up at XNA by Andrea.

Bryan:
Was the guest piano performer at the restaurant in Chiang Mai. His playing earned us free meals
Favorite fruit was Rose Apples
Only digestion problems the whole trip was immediately after eating at KFC
Left phone off for the whole 30 days
Drank cobra whiskey in Laos
Lost his hearing due to water in the ear

Trevor:
Received the shortest haircut of his life in Chiang Mai
Had several incidents of minor digestion issues
Had a traumatic toilet experience at the elephant camp
Hit his head on the zip line at the elephant camp enough to bleed and look scary
Had two bike injuries while in Chiang Mai
Was frequently dizzy during massage classes, but only while on the third floor
Was kissed on the forehead at a cabaret show by a lady boy who left large red lip prints
Mosquito bites: many time, many time
Found iPhone maps incredibly useful
Participated in Karaoke on van trip while visiting Nop


Our Temple tour in Bangkok was conducted by Tony / Sakda 8:30 - 2:30 (081-772-6487)