Sahwahdee Kha from Thailand

Many of you may be wondering what happened to me, as I seem to have stopped writing some time in January.  I've spent the past approximate 6 weeks from one end of the globe to the next with a short pit stop in Paris.  I like to pretend that this makes me a world traveler, but I guess that depends on who you're comparing me too.  My cat, Ralegh, may argue that it makes me a bad neglectful mother.  My retort would be that I had to go to Thailand and New York, I had no other choice … Thailand may be questionable on whether it was an absolute must, but I'm sticking to my story. 

During my travels, my travel buddies reminded me that I should be updating my blog.  However, I was too entranced with my own happenings to actually take the time and write.  Now, I wish I did, weeks have passed, I'm struggling with jet lag, and completely avoiding blogging.  Plus, I don't think I will give my Thailand trip any justice.  

So with the last couple of days of January, I left Paris and headed to the exotic world of Thailand. (I ended up having brilliant timing as a cold front and snow storm arrived with my departure.)  I knew the minute I stepped off the airport rail link that I was in a completely different world.  Engrossed by the humming of cars, tuk-tuks, and motorbikes zooming pass me.  Enveloped by the smell of street food, sex, and smog that surrounded me.  Bangkok was alive and full of energy.  I was in utter awe!   I stared at the street signs in a language I couldn't understand.  Now, only if I knew whether I needed to take a right or a left … he he he.

Tashi and I spent our first two nights in a hostel called Link Corner.  As hostels go, it wasn't that bad.  A lot better than some of the ones I use to stay in when I was 17 years old… But that was 17 years ago and I'm not that into the community shower and toilets anymore.  I believe Tashi thought I was being a little bit of a princess but I was fine waiting a day and half to shower at the hip Aloft Hotel (A Vision of the W Hotels) in the Sukhumvit neighborhood.  No judgments please! Lol.  With Paul's arrival we headed over to the lap of luxury.   I highly recommend the Aloft Hotel. 

I'm not going to give a daily rehash of my trip, so here are super brief highlights.  Tashi gave me the best walking tour of Bangkok!   (It's always key to have your travel buddies be in the know of where to go.)  We visited all the malls.  Ate some awesome street food.  Drank at disco van bars (basically, every business in Bangkok can be run out of a van or cart, as long as it has wheels).  Saw a boxing match. Experienced Soi Cowboy.  Went to the Night Market.  Took a couple boat/ferry rides.  Visited Khaosan Road.  Visited the Palace.  And most importantly, had a couple of massages, a facial, and a mani/pedi, it's all about the self-indulgence. :)  As I was traveling with the male species, I of course did not miss the Super Bowl.  The bar we ended up at (at 6:30AM - yes, hardcore!) was so packed we literally ended up sitting on stools in the middle of the street to watch the game.

After Bangkok, we headed south to meet up with PT.  In Phuket, we met up with some of Tashi's Thai friends, had this amazing dinner on top of a mountain and celebrated Tashi's birthday.  The next morning, we took the ferry to Krabi.  Krabi was a typical beach town with absolutely beautiful landscapes.  We went on an island and snorkeling tour.  I learned how to cook some amazing Thai food at Ya's Thai Cookery School (hopefully, I'll be able to recreate the yumminess from home).  Again, multiple massages and of course some pretty awesome meals - I did mention it was all about the indulgence.   I left Krabi with probably the worst sunburn I've ever had on my legs … I had trouble walking and my ankles were swollen, but it was all worth it. 

I absolutely loved Thailand.  I will definitely go back!  Once you get past the illicit activities of Bangkok you fall in love with the charm of the Thai and all the street activities.  If I didn't have to head to NYC for my swearing-in ceremony, I would have extended my stay, as Paul and Tashi are still traveling thru Asia sans moi. :(  Now, I'm vicariously living thru email updates.