1/25/09 Bazaruto Island - Scuba and Sunsets

Sunday, January 25 - Bazaruto Island

Mom and I went scuba diving today. We went for about 50 minutes at 12 meters. We saw a turtle right away and a lots of Big Fish! We went back to the hotel and sat by the pool. I took a walk along the beach that night and met a local boy selling wood carved items. I told him I would buy the lighthouse the next day but I had no money. He said the lighthouse costs $20 plus a T-shirt. OK so that is the first time that I have ever made a purchase using money and my own clothes but the local people have very little so I was happy to give a shirt to the cause.

The next day, the local boy brought me the lighthouse and I gave him the money and the shirt. That night the locals came to play the drums and dance for us at the resort and one of them had on my shirt. I felt good that it went to use...apparently right away!

1/24/09 Beautiful Mozambique - and the tractor

Saturday, January 24 - Bazaruto Island

I had to include the tractor picking us up at the airstrip. It was just too funny!

Also included a shot of the view from the pool. It was very relaxing and very quiet. There was no place to go visit/tour/explore. It was our resort surrounded by the local people that live on the island. Mom did a scuba diving refresher course and I hung out by the pool. We had lunch and then I went water skiing behind a zodiac which was a first. We watched the sunset and had some dinner. The resort had free internet which allowed us to view our email but they did not have an electrical converter so I was unable to download photos when updating the blog. The computer was extremely slow and the room was hot and humid so mom and I did quick checks a few times a day.

1/23/09 Off to Mozambique!

Friday, January 23 - Flight to Mozambique from Kruger

Well....bad transportation karma is back. Mom and I made reservations through a travel agent to fly to Mozambique via Kruger Airport which is about 2 hours and 20 minutes from the game reserve. The travel agent did not book the transportation to the airport so after waiting 2 and a half hours, we finally had a taxi come to the game reserve and we were off to the airport. We made it 45 minutes prior to departure (this is an international flight but a small airport). We were met at the curb by three airport employees to take our bags and check us in. We boarded (which is the shot of mom) and headed to Mozambique.

We landed in Mozambique and we were told by the travel agent that a driver would pick us up and take us to Bazaruto Island so we figured we were taking a boat to the island. After waiting about 20 minutes a nice man approached up and asked about our holiday and proceeded to tell us that we needed to catch a plane to the island. OK. So we go back in the one room terminal, show our passports, they load the luggage and we are off for a 20 minute ride to the island. The view was amazing!!

We landed and we were met by a John Dere tractor to take us to the resort. Bazaruto Island has only 2 resorts on the island. Our hotel had 20 bungalows and we were 2 of 8 tourists there. Apparently, we are traveling during the off season!

1/22/09 Thorny Bush - Last Shots

Thursday, January 22

My lost photos of Thorny Bush - what a place! Perfect!!!

1/22/09 Thorny Bush - Last Day Afternoon Drive

Thursday, January 22 Thorny Bush - Afternoon Game Drive

Mom and I invited the Chef to join us on the ride and we had new comers, Tristin and Maggie join us. They live in Hong Kong but are originally from Canada. They are both teachers and have spent 3 years in Hong Kong at an international school. We had dinner with them after the game drive and really enjoyed getting to know each other. We were disappointed that we did not have more game drives together.

We saw so many animals on our last day and I did a lot of video vs still shots so I included a shot of the buffalo and baby giraffe.

1/22/09 Thorny Bush - Last Day Morning Drive

Thursday, January 22

The morning safari was just me, mom, Shoes and Peter. We saw elephant, hippo and lots of birds. Most of the staff was still sleeping when we left so we enjoyed a quiet game ride on our own. I included a photo of an elephant walking by us and another tracking vehicle. The rangers and trackers work together to find the animals and then take turns driving to them. There was never more than two vehicles observing the animals and when the next vehicle arrived, one would leave. It kept it very calm and enjoyable.

I gave Peter a hard time about this photo as well as I still think he is trying to get a gig with Eddie Bauer.

1/21/09 Thorny Bush - Staff Game Drive & Lions

Wednesday, January 21 Thorny Bush - Staff Game Ride

My mom and I were the only ones left at the Lodge so we asked the staff to join us for a ride. We had a ball and I think it was one of the highlights of our trip. It was great to talk to the folks from the Kruger area and hear about their lives and stories.

Mom and I also talked to the chef and he made custom meals just for us - we asked him to reduce the amount of food and stick with the easy stuff as we are simple people. After the game drive, we had dinner in our room and the staff had the night off. Perfect!

1/21/09 Thorny Bush - Afternoon at the Lodge

Wednesday, January 21 Thorny Bush Game Reserve

So we typically would go out on game rides from 5:30am-9am and again at 4pm-8pm. We had the afternoon to do whatever we wanted and I walked around our lodge and ran into a few animals on my own. It was typical to see these and impala all over the lodge area roaming freely.

1/21/09 Thorny Bush...There, There, There in the tree

Wednesday, January 21 Thorny Bush - Leopard in the tree

Now that was a sight to be seen! We watched for a few minutes and then it climbed down and walked across the dirt road right in front of us. It was so cool!

I also include a photo of Linda and Michael from Boston. We spent many a game ride with them and I have all their commentary on my video which will be fun to hear when I am back!

1/20/09 Thorny Bush - Our Fearless Leaders

Tuesday, January 20 Our leaders Shoes and Peter

Shoes was our ranger and grew up in the bush near Kruger. Peter was our tracker and I gave him a hard time about this photo as he looks like he is posing for an Eddie Bauer or Safaris-R-Us ad. He was actually cold during out afternoon snack and drink break so he put on a sweater. Mom and I simply adored these two guys!

1/20/09 Thorny Bush 2nd Game Drive of the day

Tuesday, January 20, 2nd Game Drive

This was a massive buffalo herd that walked right by our vehicle. The old bull elephant was hanging out by himself.

1/20/09 Thorny Bush 1st Game Drive of the day

Tuesday, January 20 Thorny Bush, Kruger National Park 1st Game Drive

Photos of white rhino during our drive and a cheetah right outside of our lodge. The white rhino looks a lot like the aggressive black rhino as the rhino was originally named wide rhino but due to translations and misunderstandings, it is referred to as the white rhino. The cheetah tends to be more solitary and we saw a few by themselves on our drive.

1/19/09 Kruger - First Game Drive more pics

Monday, Jan 19 Thorny Bush, Kruger National Park, 1st Game Drive

We saw this black rhino on the other side of a water hole. He is the most aggressive animal and will charge the vehicle so we kept a safe distance. The other photo was taken at sunset and shows how beautiful that land and trees are in Kruger.

1/19/09 Kruger - First Game Drive

Monday, January 19 - Thorny Bush, Kruger National Park, First Game Drive

After traveling for about 30 hours, we landed, showered and went on our first game drive. We first say giraffe and zebras.

1/17/09 Dinner in Phuket

Saturday, January 17 last night in Phuket
Mom and I having dinner. Next day we headed out for a long day of travel to Kruger in South Africa.

1/16/09 John Grey's Cave Canoe

Friday, January 16 - John Grey Cave Canoe

Spent the day drifting through caves - sometimes you had to lie flat like my friends Andy and Evie (from Sante Fe) are showing here in the photo.

Once the sun went down, we made an offering for the Buddha and let it drift in the water in the Bat Cave. Yes, that is the real name and no I cannot make this stuff up.

Hoping that Buddha will be good to me for the rest of my travels.

1/14/09 Scuba diving - Racha Yai

Thursday, January 15 - Racha Yai

We were suppose to go to Racha Noi but because of the high winds and strong current we went to Racha Yai. Did 2 dives at 40 ft for one hour each. I missed my dive computer which was lost at sea the day before. Bummer!

1/11 Phuket - Love those massages!!

1/21/09- Leopard in a tree & the staff joins us for a ride!

Wednesday, Jan 21 - Thorny Bush Game Reserve, Kruger National Park
We went out on two more game drives today. The first one was with Michael and Linda and we were trying to find some cats. Shoes and Peter tracked leopard to a specific area and while we are all looking through the bush to find the cat, my mom points to a tree. I am thinking that she is pointing out a bird as my mom tends to do (even while driving on narrow curving mountain roads but I digress) and there is the most beautiful leopard just sitting in the tree. I have amazing video of that as well! I am really looking forward to posting the video and photos of this part of the trip but I am unable to do it for another week! We also saw jackals, nygala, monkeys and impalas but that leopard stole the show!!

In the afternoon, it is just my mom and I on the game drive since this time of year tends to be slow for the game reserves. So my mom and I invite the staff to join us. We fill the 12 seater Land Rover and head out with the staff from the front desk, spa, kitchen and gift shop. It was the highlight of the trip for us sharing the game drive with some really nice folks that opened up their hearts and country to us.
Shoes, our Ranger, found more giraffe, lions, black rhino, bamboons, monkeys and in the dark driving 20 miles an hour spots a small chameleon on a tree. I swear this thing was the size of my finger and lazer eyes Shoes sees it all! Shoes grew up in the bush about 30 minutes from the reserve and had no electricity or running water. His dad is now 104 years old and had three wives and at least 10 kids. Shoes hears and sees all and he was a wonderful Ranger that showed us the sights and sounds of the Kruger area.
After dinner, mom and I were escorted back to our room (which they do at night since we are on a game reserve as the animals run wild) and our night escorts tells us that his mom died yesterday but he does not have enough money to get home. I ask him how far away home is and he tells us about two hours. I ask how much to get home and he says about 60 Rand which is $6 US. Mom and I are touched by his story so we give him $20 and the sheer appreciation in his eyes is something that I will never forget. He says thank you and I think no thank you for reminding me how truly blessed I am and that I should be thankful for every $20 I have. I cannot imagine not having $6 to get home or do whatever it is that I want to do with $6. I am truly grateful for all I have and all I have experienced. This is why I love to travel so much - it reminds me how lucky I am to be me!

1/20/09 - Cheetahs, Elephants and Hippos - oh my!!!

Tuesday, January 20 - Thorny Bush, Kruger National Park
We went on 2 safaris today in Thorny Bush and saw more giraffe, 3 female lions in the bush, cheetah, white rhinos, buffalo, elephants and hippos - it was amazing! It rained on the morning drive which was a little bit of a bummer but we expected it since it is the summer and rainy season this time of year. Mom and I went out with Linda and Michael again and ended up eating most of our meals together. They have traveled the world and shared some of their experiences with us and told us very funny stories about their three boys!
Mom and I took an afternoon nap and we are still adjusting to the six hour time change for Thailand and the long travel day.
We also started to work on the plan for our next stopoff as we have been planning the trip as we go which has allowed lots of flexibility and we get lots of advice from folks on where to go next. The bummer is that it then requires us to spend an afternoon (or two) on the internet planning our next trip. We decided to go to Mozambique from Kruger which took more time to plan since we had to do all the research on-line but we eventually got our hotel and air booked.

1/19/09 - Let's Safari!

Monday, January 19
Oh the joys of using computers on slow speed dial up! I just wrote an entire page about my game drive when the lights flickered and I lost the entry so mom and I had dinner and I will re-create that which has already been created and lost!
So, mom and I meet back up in Jburg at the airport and we have about a three hour layout before departing to Kruger National Park. We arrive at the game reserve around 3pm which gives us just enough time to shower and head out on our first game drive at 4pm.
Our Ranger (Shoes - so named because he excels at football) and our tracker (Peter) take us on a ride of a lifetime! Our first drive out and we see giraffe, black rhino, impala, kudu, zebra and a male lion walking by himself along a road - I have video of him roaring which is amazing!
Shoes and Peter were our guides through the reserve for the next four days and we saw it all. I can't wait to post photos of all the animals. We got very close to them to take amazing pictures but not too close that we were intrusive.
Mom and I also met Michael and Linda from Bosten and went on game drives with them for the next few days and we had a ball! Linda was a great commentator on my video and she was sometimes a little nervous about the animals but we all enjoyed her comments!
After the game drive, we had dinner and then barely made it back to our room before we dropped from exhaustion - we had been traveling for about 36 hours and we were ready to sleep in a bed!

1/18/09 Thailand - Things I find interesting

Hi Again,
Much to catch up on and unfortunately I am unable to post photos but wanted to get some updates down before I forget!

Things I find interesting about Thailand:
1. The number of motor bikes used
2. The number of people on one motor bike - it is common to see four people on one bike (2 adults and 2 kids often under the age of five with no helmets or safety gear)
3. The number of people riding in the back of pick-up trucks - I think the record was 26 people sitting and standing on the back of the truck
4. How incredibly friendly the Thai people are - you can tell that they love their country and want you to so they will bend over backwards to help you
5. Thai time - they are on their own time. Mom and I were giving walking directions to the local post office and told it is "10 minutes" down the road....after walking for 30 minutes we finally hoped on a tuk tuk and got a ride. We also had a taxi pick us up after a scuba trip and asked if it would be OK to have a drink with one of the instructors. After an hour, we rejoined our driver who gave us a great tour back to our hotel and never asked for more money (we gave him a good tip).
6. How incredibly easy it is for me to lose track of time and days and dates. I only know when I need to go to the next airport and ignore everything else.
7. The clear water and soft sand......

1/10-1/18 Phuket - relaxation!

Jan 8-18 - Phuket area

Mom and I stayed at the JW Marriott and it was truly amazing! The most difficult decision was which bathing suit to wear each day. The beach was quiet and wonderful. I went scuba diving 2 days at the Phi Phi islands (where The Beach was filmed) and at Racha Yai. Diving was not very good as it was winding which made the viz about 12-15 feet. I did see some cool fish and swam with a turtle for awhile.

I had one hour thai beach massages for $12 US and enjoyed the pool every day. Mom and I went on a cave canyoning tour which was very cool. A guide paddles you through caves which require you to late flat in the boat so you don't hit any part of your body.

I am now at the Bangkok airport having flown here this morning. My flight to Hong Kong leaves in about an hour and then a 13.5 hour flight to Jburg. After about a three hour layover, mom and I fly to Kruger National Park for a four night safari.

The place we are staying has internet so if they do not charge an arm and a leg, I will post photos in a few days.

Thanks for the comments and emails. I am enjoying hearing from you!

Kel

1/9/09 Phuket day 2

Friday, January 9: Phuket
No really, I am not leaving!

1/8/09 Arrive in Phuket

Thursday, January 8: Phuket
I am not leaving....

1/7/09 ELEPHANTS!

Wednesday, January 7 Chiang Mai - Elephants!!

We went to an Elephant Show for about an hour and then rode an elephant for about an hour, We gave ours lots of treats so I think he/she liked us. We then took an Ox cart back to the show area and took a river tour. The elephants were amazing - they played soccer, painted, and bowed.

We then went back to the hotel and had lunch for about $5 US. This place is great!

My mom and I then venture out to find the post office so I can ship a few items home. We finally find the post office after about a 30 minute search and I ship a box that weighs 10 kilos for $55 US and will take three months to get to Seattle on A BOAT!!!! Any bets on whether this box actually shows up? I am a little nervous so I need to go visit the Buddha and make a donation.

We go back to the hotel to get out of the heat for a few hours and then to the night market from 6:30-8. I know it seems like I am shopping a lot but really I am going to experience the culture. I am really not buying very much at all...just the suits...cause you know...when in Rome...

We take a Tuk-Tuk back and forth to the market for about $1 US.

1/6/09 The trip ain't complete until mom loses her passport

Tuesday, January 6 - Chiang Mai - tour of Doi Inthanon National Park

We left the hotel in a rundown van and went to pick up 7 more tourists. The tour company decides that we need a better van so we wait about 45 minutes to get a nicer van delivered. We drove 1.5 hours to the national park which was simply beautiful - green rolling hills and awesome waterfalls.

We went to the highest peak in Thailand (as evidenced in the photo), visited the Queen and King Pagoda, had lunch and visited a tribe town. It is about this time that my mom wants to buy something and can't find her passport or money. We go through her backpack and search the van and...nothing. So we visit one more waterfall and head back to the hotel to find the illustrious passport. We search high and low and there is no passport in the hotel room. So back down to the front desk to see if anyone has turned it in. Nope. We ask the concierge to call the tour company to ask them to look in the van again and it is about this time that my mom remembers we changed vans. The tour company shows up 10 minutes later with the passport and money in hand. So no calls to the embassy or consulate but it was touch and go there for awhile!

We have dinner with Joan and Jeff (the couple I met in the elevator in our Hong Kong hotel) who happen to recommend the hotel we are staying in and we hook up. Small world out there.

So all is good. Mom now has procedures regarding the passport and money and we have been golden for a good three days so far!!

1/5/09 Temples and Spa

Monday, Jan 5 - Chiang Mai - Temples and Spa
We toured the Doi Suthep temple in the mountains near Chiang Mai which is very pretty. It has a beautiful view of the city. We then toured 3 more temples in the city. I am starting to overload on temples but we did see Phra Sing, Wat Chedi Luang and the Suan Dok gate. It is starting to get warm so we head back to the hotel.
I convinced my mom to go back to the spa with me and have a pedicure. We arrive and it is so tranquil (and inexpensive) that we decide to have a 3 hour session. I have a manicure, pedicure and facial and my mom has a massage, facial and pedicure. I spent $60 US and my mom splurged with a whopping $77 bill for three hours at this heavenly spa!
I think my mom feel asleep that night at 7:30. I stayed up until about 11:30 downloading photos and checking email. We really enjoyed our day of pampering!

1/4/09 Let's hit the weekend market

Sunday, January 4, 2009 - Bangkok - Weekend Market
So, this is Michael and my mom at the market. We were there for about 1.5 hours and probably only saw 10% of the shops. We bought a few trinkets and then took a cab back to our hotel in Siam Square located in the Downtown area. Tik ran over to bid us farewell and remind the cab driver about the proper route to get us back to our hotel quickly. The cab ride was about 25 minutes and cost $5.70 US.
We made it back and we packed our stuff in about 15 minutes and then I ran across the street for my final fittings. You know, when in Rome....I told Raj I had 15 minutes before heading to the airport. At one point, I had three different people working on 3 different articles of clothing. I asked the master tailor if he would like to move to Seattle as I would really like to have him make all my clothes. He laughed at me but I think I have about 13 minutes to convince him he would really like it there.
So I hop in the cab and we drive directly back to the hotel as apparently we have someone else's lugguge in our cab. I think the Thai Buddha knows that I only donated money in China and he wants his fair share so he is reminding me about my bad luck with cabs on this trip. OK I got it next Buddha gets money.
We head to the airport and with 1 hour and 40 minutes to spare, we check in...or attempt to as we have gone to the wrong airport. In Bangkok, they have 2 airports and when I booked the flights, I just put in Bangkok not realizing there is an international and domestic airport. I mean who knew? So it takes the Thai Airline representative 30 seconds to book my mom and I on a new flight out of that airport, no charge and hands us our boarding passes. I am thinking if I went to the Burbank airport and not LA I am not sure this would be happening.
We arrive in Chiang Mai and I proceed to book a two hour massage at the Peak Spa. They come pick me up at my hotel and take me back when it is over. Total cost is $57 US. I may move here.
And I want to give Michael and Tik one heck of a shoutout as they were gracious hosts and invited my mom and I to experience Bangkok with them...thank you!!!

01/03/09 Mom arrives and Tik eats shrimp heads

Saturday, January 3, 2009 - Bangkok

Mom and I ate breakfast at the hotel this morning. She arrived last night about 12:45 but I was sleeping. We went on a private tour with Nancy and our driver. It was great to have it just be us so we could ask questions and go to places we wanted to see and stay for as long as we wanted. The total tour lasted about 5 hours and cost $30 US for both of us - it was great.

We went to the Grand Palace (see photo), went for a river tour down a canal and then our guide took me to her favorite tailor. I explained that I already had one and then thought "well when in rome...why not have 2 suits made?" I negotiated a smoking deal since I really wasn't planning on having a suit made.

We then headed back to our hotel and hooked up with Michael, Tik and her 2 sisters and went to the Night Market. I bought a few items and could not believe the size of the market. We headed back to the hotel after eating dinner (Tik likes to eat the shrimp heads) and shopping for about 2 hours. My tailor showed up around 10:30pm to do an initial fitting and I could not believe how fast they can make clothes. I really like this place and I could get use to having my own tailor make me clothes ...

1/2/09 Meet my new friend, Zena (aka Benjamin)

Friday, January 2, 2009 - Hong Kong to Bangkok

I have an early flight out to Bangkok and have no problems with the taxi or Airport Express train in Hong Kong or Bangkok (I am starting to think that those donations to the Buddha really might be helping me)!

I check in to my hotel and decide to venture out and get a suit made. My friend, Merrill has recommended his tailor but I have no idea where it is. So, I ask the hotel front desk and they refer me to a tailor across the street. I take the brochure and the map and look at the name. OK, I have REALLY good karma because it is Merrill's tailor. I walk in and create a suit with a very nice man, Raj (did I mention that Merrill told me to meet with Raj but I did not want to press my luck when I got to the shop but ended up working with Raj anyway). I am wondering if this has anything to do with me being an Earth Rooster and being very wise....

SO Raj and I create a suit and I walk around the downtown area. OK, I thought Hong Kong has shopping but Bangkok has malls that are seven levels high and have so many wings that I could just get lost!

I head back to my hotel around 5 and go to the restaurant for a drink. I am reading up again on Thailand and turn to the guy next to me with a "excuse me, have you ever been to Phuket?" Fast forward one hour of talking and we are heading to dinner with his wife Tik who happens to be from Bangkok. Michael lives in Canada with Tik although he is originally from Germany. He knows what it is like to travel and be by yourself in a hotel room so they immediately adopt me as their own. We have dinner at an Irish Pub that also serves traditional Thia (you gotta love Bangkok). We then head out to the streets where Tik proceeds to buy fried silk worms (see photo) and eats them - oh my! She offers me a bite and I cannot do the "when in Rome" thing on this one!

I mention that I would like to go to a Go Go Bar and that is all Michael and Tik need to hear. We head to a bar which I think is called Passions and I see the most amazingly beautiful women - although they were all born male. Michael and I decide that they would all win a beauty contest if entered. One of the women, Zena, comes over and introduces herself. Her real name in Benjamin and we chat during two of her breaks. I am in awe of her beauty and wish her the best in life but it is time to head back to the hotel and mom is due to arrive around midnight.

1/1/09 Finally, SUN Happy New Year!

Thursday, Jan 1, 2009 - Hong Kong and Happy New Year!!
I was so excited to have sun that I went to the waterfront with my book on Thailand and sat there for five hours reading about my next adventure. Yes, you could say that this is a "plan as you go" trip!
I did venture into one of their massive malls to buy some socks and some camera items. I still am in awe of the number of shops/store/stuff offered in such a small space!
I watched the Symphony of Lights again and then headed back to my hotel to pack since I have an early flight to Bangkok tomorrow!

12/31/08 Off to Macau

Wednesday, December 31 - Happy New Year's Eve - Macau

I took a ferry to Macau and toured the sights and casinos. There are a ton of American aka "Las Vegas" casinos that the tour guide kept explaining to me. I tried to tell him that I worked for a casino and I have been to Vegas numerous times but I think it was part of the tour so I got to hear all about the MGM and Wynn. Truly impressive casinos but they made me take my hat off so I did not stay to gamble.

Macau owes its unique heritage to Western colonial influences. Predating Hong Kong by 200 years, it became the first European enclave in China when Portugese traders and Jesuits arrived there in the 1550s. The colony remained under Portugese rule for 450 years until it was handed back to China in 1999 (thank you tourist book for that info). Oh and by the way, they also have their own currency, the pataca, but the Hong Kong dollar was accepted at a few places.

The photos here is on top of the Macau Tower. It is 1,107 feet highand has clear floors at the top which allow you to look straight down. This photo was taken of me watching some dude sit on the clear floor which freaked me out since I am not a fan of heights!

I went to the Twlight movie which was entertaining to listen to when the audience would laugh compared to me - I am not sure they were tracking with the sarcastic humor of the movie which of course made me chuckle.

I then walked around the waterfront with 500,000 of my closest friends trying very hard to stay awake until midnight for the fireworks. I finally decided I could not stay awake and headed back to the hotel.