Nothin like a good ol' tour

Today we decided to let our host, Johan take us around the city to see some areas where tourists would otherwise not go. We saw Anne Frank's childhood home. Not the house she hid in, but her actual family house which was about 2km away. Which if you think about it is pretty impressive to make it that far in a natzi infested area with constant searches taking place. We can definitely appreciate the story more that we have gotten all the background history from Johan. 

Other things we saw on the tour:

-Canadian monument

-Gandhi monument

-he pointed out many of his friends and families homes

-vondelpark (sort of like amsterdams Central Park) 

-many churches and buildings that his friend was in the business of restoring, and effectively did so in Amsterdam for 40 years before he passed away a year ago. Johan tells us most of Amsterdam's restoration efforts and continued history is because of this man. Can't for the life of me remember his name. Something Dutch that sounded phlegmy when he pronounced it. 

- we were even invited to a Dutch art activist party which we had no idea what it was and why we were there. Johan tells us it's a great privilege to be there listening to the presentation and we even needed a code word "Lima" to get in. 

So this is how that happened: we take the ferry to the north part of Amsterdam and end up smack dab in a shipping yard which also happens to have a flee market going on (more like garbage market, like thanks but I don't really want your decaying rocking horse that smells like piss. I would have rather paid money to eat a maggot in Bangkok then buy that thing!)  

Anyway, pretty much Johan has many friends and wanted us to meet all of them. This old shipping yard and warehouse has been converted into a giant studio for artists to rent out the space and design their "masterpieces". Honestly I just saw a lot of junk, but apparently one of the artists we met does sculptures for cirque du solei, so I guess that was pretty interesting. 

So finally we get to this artist activist presentation. Really it seemed like an activist cult of some sort. Honestly, everything was in Dutch so we had no idea what was going on. We just drank the free tea and coffee and smiled while Johan introduced us to people. I think the gist of it was these two artists who went to lima, peru to work with the community and developing them. something about politics also but again it wasn't in english or else I'm sure we would have found it somewhat interesting. 2 hrs go by and the entire time we are thinking of how to get away. The presentation is not even close to being complete, not to mention its all in dutch so we cant understand a thing, so we excuse ourselves politely, thank the host, quick wave goodbye to Johan and we are out of jail! 

Spent the rest of the day wondering what had just happened and more exploring the city, walking and souvenir shopping solo this time! 

The activist cult artist presentation 

Shauna nice pic

Johan showing off his first car, plus Shauna

The car park for the bikes. They get ticketed after two weeks of being there!

The bathroom where the cult gathering was. 

Notice how the bathroom is also the kitchen. Even in Thailand it wasn't that bad! 

Krokets & Windmills!!!!

Friday in Amsterdam, Once again, ate our breakfast and tea waiting for us at the kitchen table. After all the walking from the previous day, we thought the tram would be a nice change. Great system, similar to the street cars in Toronto but much nicer and they don't look like they have been set on fire.  

Johan wanted us to see his work, so we stopped by his office. He began to show us all the work his friends have done in Mali, Africa.   They have assisted and funded in the development of many communities. We were shown photos of the schools (which had 50/50 ratio boys to girls).  They insisted that it was equal or they would no longer fund the program. 

Danielle and I went out in search of the red light district. First of all, a red light district shouldn't be so difficult to find!!! We finally arrived there, after an hour of going in the wrong direction, much different than what we were expecting. It was full of restaurants, coffee shops and souvenir stores. Definitely not what I remembered the photos looking like. I must say it was quite disappointing compared to all the hype it has. Doesn't even compare to the craziness of Thailand. 

We then jumped on a train towards Haarlem. And no, not the one in NYC,  the original Haarlem to see THE original windmill!! Big excitement for us haha!! 

Haarlem is a cute little town outside of Amsterdam- one problem we encountered though, everything was closed!! We still aren't sure why, it was 3 in the afternoon.  Anyways, we sat by the water and enjoyed the view of the windmill - there was a wedding party coming out of it too!! 

Also!! Forgot to add, Danielle and I were on a search of Krokets, pancakes and waffles - all Dutch food.  The pancakes and waffles - pretty typical and obviously amazing. Now the Krokets- we ordered them and the guy at the shop asked how we wanted it. Well I didn't know what I was ordering so I told him do whatever you think we should haha. Then he asked us why we were ordering something we didn't know. Tourist moment!!! 

Now one thing about this city - probably the most confusing place I have ever been!! Even with a map and street sins we managed to get lost everywhere we went and walked in circles!! (However apparently the city is in a half circle - so maybe it makes sense??) 

Danielle and the canal

De Adriaan windmill, Haarlem 

Haarlem station

Some very crooked houses 

A Dutch meal -Kroket balls, pea soup and some mystery bacon on rye bread 

At the bottom of the windmill 

Are we in the photo yet? 

Canal of Amsterdam 

Arrived in the Amsterdam!!

We arrived in Amsterdam after a wonderful flight from BKK. Friendliest flight attendants, decent food and movies  the whole way!!! We were soon greeted by our host, Johan, at the airport who brought us  to the South part of Amsterdam where we were staying. 

It was comparable to a student apartment - white walls, old furniture, missing pictures from the walls, very old appliances and a very comfortable bed! It was exactly what we needed!! 

Our first night we went grocery shopping - a huge deal for us buying fresh veggies, meat and cheese!!   

The following day we decided to walk to the city centre. Danielle and I thought we would love museums and wanted to see them all.  Well after about 10 minutes in the Rijksmuseum we agreed one was more than enough. 

We did the Dutch thing and ate sandwiches in the park beside the "Iamsterdam" sign. After wandering around a little more we jumped on a canal cruise and went for a tour of the city via boat. Great way to see the city! 

Danielle and I never anticipated it to be so cold here and our sandals and shorts were not nearly warm enough.  We ran into the first h&m and picked up pants, shoes and jackets. 

Afterwards, headed to a coffee shop and walked home-  which might i add, took over 2 hours though it was only 30 minutes away. 

In the Rijksmuseum 

Wooden shoes 

Some art ... I think 

Our host, Johan, set the table for breakfast our first morning (and every morning) haha 

Oh hi Bangkok, thanks for having us back!

The next day we celebrated my birthday Thailand island style! What better way then to attend the Full Moon Party which conveniently occurred on the same night.

The monthly full moon party consists of the following things:

-beach

-buckets containing excessive amounts of alcohol

-music

-bars

-stages

-body paint

-black lights, fire shows

- and over 15,000 people

Let's just say the night was a success and Shauna and I had a terrific time despite the horror stories we heard about it. The first good thing was there were no injuries! The second was that we managed to stay with the group of ten that we had arrived with, which we were told would be next to impossible to do. FALSE.

Shauna and I left around 4am to catch our 7 am ferry to Koh Samui for our 3pm flight to Bangkok. Yeah, try to wrap your hear around that scheduling. We have finally learned that the Thai tourist companies just tell you there are no other options so they get your business. Tricky little buggers! Anyway, we got lucky and were able to get on an earlier flight and only had to wait 30 min in the unairconditioned airport instead of our previously anticipated 6hrs! 

*Bangkok Airways - highly recommended. They have been the best domestic company out of all that we have flown on our trip.

Back to Bangkok after a very pleasant flight and we check into a really seedy hostel. Why not, right? Our venture into the city to Khao San Rd was a breeze compared to our first trip back in April when we had first arrived in Thailand. The main things we missed in the city:

-tuk tuks

-cheaper then the islands

-shopping mall, markets

-the large selection of food

Things that we didn't miss about the city:

-deep fried bugs sold everywhere

-rats! 

-constant propositions to attend ping pong shows

-the dreaded traffic

Headed to Amsterdam on a 12 hr flight tomorrow at noon. This is the big one, but we have found gravol and I still have to finish the second Game of Thrones book. Shauna will most likely be out cold the entire way. Lets hope we are seated together this time. We don't really feel like being wedged between arrogant Chinese or French people again! 

A very edited picture to make the body paint glow just before FMP

The dreaded 7am ferry. Slept 2 hrs and then we were on our way... I definitely put that smile on for the camera. I don't look that happy when I'm sleep deprived! 

Shauna letting me practice my artsy skills by painting her arm with a leopard print pattern, flowers and swirls!

The flight from koh Phangan. A view of the island from above. 

Last day in Bangkok!!

Danielle and I had a busy day for our last day in Bangkok.  First we headed to the Tiger Temple. So for those who don't know, the tiger temple is a Buddhist temple and the monks (and other trainers) look after the tigers and other wildlife. 

We didn't want to spend the whole day being tourist so we hired a private car to take us there, basically we wanted more time in Bangkok and private car was the easiest way for that.  We were a little misinformed about the distance - expected the drive to be an hour and a half - it ended up being 3 hours to get there!! Then once we got to the temple our clothing wasn't appropriate.  We had our sarongs and tshirts but apparently the colours were too bright. So Danielle lucked out only having to buy pants and I got a whole new outfit! Haha. 

The tigers were really cool to look at but they were clearly drugged despite what the trainers said. I'm really doubting that a 300 pound tiger is cool with a hundred people grabbing its tail or head for a good photo. And the Thai trainers were putting some mysterious powder on them. We aren't quite sure if that had anything to do with them being dazed but it was odd.  

We probably spent a total of 45 minutes there sweating through our two layers of clothing.  It was definitely an interesting experience. It was kind of bittersweet but we wanted to check it out.  

We jumped back in The cab after we took some photos for a 3 hour drive back through traffic and headed straight for the mall.  

You can't leave a vacation without a few souvenirs!!! 

Afterwards, to celebrate Danielle's birthday, we went to the spa with Lori! Fabulous spa to relax at!! 

We are currently at the airport waiting to board our flight to Amsterdam! Very excited but we will probably be doing nothing because we are now totally broke!! 

Little tiger 

Last night in Bangkok. On Khao San road! 

Some late night snacks sold everywhere!! 

Monk and tiger 

Koh Phangan & The Jungle Experience!!

After a long trip, 12 hours, 4 buses, a ferry and a tuk-tuk, we arrived in Koh Phangan! Needless to say, anything was a downgrade after the fabulous hotel we were at. But we stayed on a very nice beach and there were coconut lanterns lighting it! 

 We met some British guys from our hotel who we hung out with for the majority of our time there.  Our Canadian friend, Lori, met up with us as well.  

On our second day we decided we needed to get mopeds to get around the island.  If not, tuk-tuks can be quite expensive.  I was very excited to bike, however Danielle was terrified. We spent our $7 and rented it! It was insanely inexpensive!! Later we would find out why. After a few practice runs, I got the hang of riding a bike and being on the other side of the road.  Strangely enough, it came very naturally driving on the left side of the road.  We may have had a little unexpected drive off the road into a bush, but it was all good from there! 

Upon returning the bike we learnt why they only charge $7. Any little scratch you leave on it, you replace the entire part of the bike.  So our little run in with the bush ended up being about $100 to fix.  Hahaha but we are all safe so no problem!!! 

We all went out for dinner and guess what Danielle had! Poutine! Yes poutine in the middle of Thailand!! Danielle, Lori, the English boys and I headed out for the jungle party that night!! It was quite the experience.  We sat on the beach having a few beers and then grabbed a tuk-tuk to the jungle! 

We were dropped off at a clearing in the jungle and crowds of people walked towards the music.  We arrive there and it is chaos! Everyone pushing trying to get tickets to get in. Luckily one of the guys got all of our tickets and we managed to jump the line!  So picture this, walk into a clearing in the jungle with  a huge stage, dj booth, a number of bars, body painting stations and about a thousand people dancing. It was insane, so much fun!  We danced until it cleared out and we arrived back at our place at dawn.  

Danielle's favourite part of the night was meeting someone who was 6'11. Personally, I preferred just dancing! Only problem about the evening - they played house music the entire night! Oh and if you needed a bathroom - good luck. There weren't any of those! 

Will post photos of the jungle party later!! 

Found a zebra! 

Danielle and the poutine ahha 

And to no one's surprise, fell in love with every stray dog I encountered. 

Living like a princess again!!

The last three days have been spectacular.  Spent them at an amazing Starwood resort, courtesy of Mama J - love u girl! 

So this is when we have realized we are not backpackers - and prefer the nicer things in life.  We were quite pleased that the resort did not have cockroaches in the bathroom, the shower was not over the toilet and our beds weren't lined with plastic. 

The resort is beautiful, the only problem we had was, once again, the rain.  Apparently there are two seasons here - sunny season and rainy season haha. We did manage to get some time in the sun  - after our complimentary massages! 

We had a fabulous Italian meal on our first night.  Forgot what good western food tasted like! 

Danielle and i have spent the time relaxing by the pools and our amazing room. 

We are headed tomorrow for Koh Phangan for the full moon party and Danielle's birthday!! So excited!! 

Bathroom! Free of bugs!! 

Our room! 

The main pool with lagoon 

Danielle's awkward cartwheel hahaha

Hanging out at the private pool 

Tiger dog and puppy

By the pool! 

Stupid Star Wars shirt haha