Last night in Bangkok at Sinat Guest house Bangkok

On my last night in Bangkok, i went out for some last minute shopping. I bought a couple of skirts for my sisters and mom, some tees for myself and my brother, thai silk boxers for my dad and Thai souvenirs like the frog with the stick you scratch on its back. Pretty trippy stuff! It may sound a little annoying at first but believe me it grows on you! And i have no idea what its for...It worked well because my little nephew actually liked it.

And then I went out with Adam for one last time along Khao San Road, bought a couple of pints at a stall near 7-11 and then met up with a group of backpackers who just got back from a 6 month journey from India, Spanish and Aussies. I downed a couple of big bottles of Chang that night so i was pretty loaded. Had a discussion with the Spaniards as where did San Miguel Beer originate? To cut the long story short, i lost as the brewed beer came from Spain not in Manila. Shit! But that was okay, we both loved the beer anyway...

1001 Reasons to stay in the Philippines

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/25/103053707_82776c774a.jpg

Bayanihan is one of the proud values of Filipinos. In a small community/barrio, townsmen help out each other in times of need.

Ok, i am still a Filipino apart from my fascination with anything foreign. I love traveling and i have left my country numerous times this year...

As i said on my previous blog entry, i bought a really really good book 1001 Reasons to Stay in the Philippines by Isagani R. Cruz and Lydia B. Echauz... And i think my fellow Filipinos should buy it too whether you're thinking of migrating to another country or simply nationalistic! Its a good read. And made me qualify my reasons for soon leaving for a foreign land.

Thailand is a Rockstar!

How can you not love this Country?


I think Thailand is a Rockstar!

Bangkok, Thailand: Some things you can't forget

So there's a lot i cannot forget about Bangkok. BKK as the thai girl i met wants Bangkok to be called... Its such a big big city, so many happenings going on, so many things to experience, day or night... i may need to start a blog about it, just Bangkok. But a friend of mine reminded me last night you cannot get attached to certain destination so much.


Its just how travelers do it, embrace the culture, navigate the destination, pack up and go!

because if you do get attached and get sentimental about the people, the places, the events, you will be missing some more unexplored territories waiting for you to conquer and to experience, you would definitely prefer to stay there for the rest of your life..and you sure will be missing a lot. But as they say, the nature of travellers is that for them to tell amazing stories of their journey... how wonderful it is to travel and visit a place they want to call their new home away from home.


But don't get me wrong, i'm not hard as stone. I had my share of sad goodbyes to this wonderful country (more on that later on), and Bangkok is a definite come back place for me, hopefull in Ferbruary when i continue my backpacking trip across south east asia, i'll start in BKK so i can make my way up north or south first. That is tentative for now, i'll think it over the holidays. As i was trying to get some sleep last night, i asked myself what are the things i could not forget about Bangkok. There's just so many. I will try to write them down now as i remember them...

1. Killer Streets

I can never forget waking up in the morning, yes i was a morning person in Bangkok, wrapping my neck with a borrowed towel, go downstairs and try to cross the busy street to buy myself at 7-11 the best Milo mix i've tasted, and biggie size too. But before you do that, you have to master crossing the streets. You have to look at your left and then your right. Cars just pass by you like craaaazy. At first it took me 10+ minutes to cross the street, eventually i learned the trick. Its either you have a really good timing or you run fast when a car approaches you inches away. Pick one. I chose the latter. Its gets up in the morning though. Now, i'm looking forward to Saigon in Vietnam.

2. What a show!

I can never forget beeing seen butt naked by Swedish girls. It was embarassing! I was about to go to the bathroom to hit the shower, i was at the terrace smoking some ciggies. I was carrying with me portable speaker then listening to Moby. And then, a girl came up, apparently she sleeps next door. As soon as i saw her, the wrap in my lower body loosened up, shit... i immediately grabbed the towel, a little too late though. It was fun, and i pretended like nothing happened. As soon as my towel dropped, i said hi! Hi from me and from him down there. ha! But it was nothing, she's from Sweden and she's wondering who was playing all the dope music last night till she saw me. She says... "Good choice, I like your music a lot!" I never saw her again.

3. Thai Fried Rice

I can never forget the Thai fried rice. I mean, its not my first time to eat Thai food anywhere. We have it here in Manila. But eating authentic Thai food in Thailand is quite something. The fried rice is just perfection, you can smell the aroma, the explosion of flavors in your mouth and the colors of pepper, onions, eggs, garlic. And you can watch as they fry it in the pan. You know its freshly cooked. Loved every bite of it. One time i was with Adam, he ordered for some chicken and plain rice at a small hawker stall near the canal. He asked for the price it was 20 baht. No kiddin'. And then i saw how the thai lady grabbed Adam's thai bill with her right hand, and used the same hand to get the rice without using any cup or whatsoever and grabbed the chicken with the same hand. That was something. Dirty but Cheap! Would you eat it? He ate it and nothing happened to him. You need some dirt in your system sometime.

4. The attack of Chang!

Chang, Chang, Chang, and more Chang!!! I can never forget Chang, it tastes ok as a beer. Others prefer Lao, not a lot of people i know like Tiger. I find Chang, the ultimate Thai beer. Drinking big bottles of Chang is the way to go. Its almost the same price as the small bottle, a few bahts more, you can get more drinks right? And San Miguel is so fuckin' expensive in Bangkok, probably the most expensive beer there, even more expensive than Heineken. But you have to get drunk sometimes? I wanted to every night! Oh yeah!

5. Shop till you drop!

I can never forget how shopping is considered a national sport in Bangkok. There are shops everywhere. If i had more money, i could fuckin spend 5000 pesos and bring home so much stuff it felt like i spent 20,000 pesos. Everything's cheap in Thailand. I wish i could have gone to Chatuchak but i was in Bangkok during the weekday, and you have to go to Chatuchak during the weekends. On my last day i bought "pasalubongs" for my family. The stuff they sell is really hip and expensive looking. The shirts are the best, you can buy 100 tees there so many to choose from. But somehow, i wasn't up for shopping anyway. My priorities have changed since i backpacked. I don't need them new shirts, i just want to travel with five shirts and two shorts, that's it. Oh and do my own laundry. Well, having someone do you laundry would cost you around 60 baht for 1 and half kilos of soiled dirty clothes.

6. Budget your money wisely

I can never forget being responsible with my money. Bangkok is my last stop. And so is my money, on its way to nothing. Its almost dissapearing as days pass by. So i managed to resposibly budget my money for whatever reason and how i did it is still a mystery. All i know is i eat a lot of cup noodles during lunch so i can down 3 big bottles of Chang at night. And i didn't even bother going to the mall. We have it here in Manila. I've had mall overload already. But i'm still learning how to budget my money, and it sure helps being stuck in Bangkok for a few days with less than a thousand baht with you! Take that! But if all else fails, there's always some money transfer via Western Union. Thank goodness you can get money wired to you in just minutes.

7. Hang-out with cool friends

I can never forget making real good friends in Bangkok. I don't wanna sound sentimental. I promise this won't be dramatic like the scripts i write but it was really nice hanging out with local thais at Sinat. They're pretty friendly. I could stay in Bangkok for one year or more. I could seriously do that.

And Adam who just sent pics of himself and the kids at Pnom Penh. He's staying in Cambodia's version of Smokey Mountain. This guy may be a street punk and says shit a lot but i learned a lot from him. And i have high respects for the dude. See you brotha next year around South East Asia!

8. Thai Girls

Oh yeah. I can never forget about Thai girls, there's something about them. They aren't like Filipinas. They may look a little similar but how they act and talk to people, big difference there. Truly, Thais are smiling. And there's something how they smile and look at you. Enough of this shit, I just think Thai Girls roooock!!!

9. Thai Values

Respect. I can never forget about how thai people pay their respects to the king and queen. I don't wanna dwell with the government. But during my brief stay in Thailand, i realized these people love their king and queen, like they love their father and mother. And that i think is admirable. Taking aside the massive rally that went on in Bangkok's International aiport. I don't write about Politics. Its just not my interest.

And realizing this, i said to myself it was time for me to head home for now because hey, i miss my parents also. And they've been kind and understanding to let me go and travel just because i want to. Thank you mom and dad!

10. Thailand is like the Philippines

In many many aspects, Thailand is the closest to the Philippines. In all of South East Asian countries i've been to i find Thailand per se, the most similar to the Philippines. The traffic, the lights at night, the malls, the beautiful people, the warm embraces, the friendliness, the food, the dirt and finding beauty in it, even the currency. I always find a very good deal in Thailand because our money and Thai money is almost the same. 1 is to 1... but Manila airport is definitely nothing like their airport. Suvarnabhumi International Airport is just fuckin' beautiful. Philippines still has a loooong loooong way to go! The most beautiful airport i've been to so far...

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But there's one more thing i can never forget about Bangkok... This... later on my next entry! I am going out tonight with a good friend. Try to experience Manila Nightlife again! I missed it a lot! =(
pinoy boy journals

Rough Guide to Bangkok City: The best city in the world

So this is Bangkok. Big Time City. I love it already. Its dirty. And i'm a dirrrty boy! haha =)

I arrived during midday and i was sweating big time. I was wearing my black tee. Yeah, good choice! I couldn't stand anymore the heat. When i arrived it was chaos everywhere. A lot of people in black clothing parading the busy streets. Some where seating and chatting, most local thai people were walking. Some women are crying... Oh no! Good thing though, busy Khao San was car-free. I've heard alot about Bangkok traffic. It was closed. I still didn't know yet what was happening. I walked and walked, trying to find Soi 1. Originally i wanted to stay in Soi guesthouse, hostel named a guesthouse. I tried to cross the bridge. This is the view!

Surat Thani to Bangkok, Thailand: The Sleeper Train and A Love Story

http://www.kohsamui.org/

I left Koh Phangan with a sad goodbye... I was in tears. I wasn't trying too much to remember everything so that when i get to the city, i will still have enough memories with me. There are no words to describe how beautiful the beaches are in Thailand. I lied down on the beach north of Haadrin and found a spot where bartenders where fixing their streamers and bucket signs. It was depressing for me, because after more than a week of beach it's time for me to go back to the city. I've arranged for a taxi to the ferry port of Phangan, ferry going back to Surrathani, bus to the train station and finally a looong sleeper train to Bangkok. I am excited to go to Bangkok but i'm depressed that I'm leaving South of Thailand... But I'm so excited to finally ride a train. You know, we have MRT'S in Manila but I've never ridden a 'train-train', what's even better is it's a sleeper train. That is one of the things i'm looking forward to be doing in my backpacking trip. 

Full Moon Party, Koh Phangan, Thailand

If you still can't get enough of Koh Phangan's Full Moon Party at Haadrin.. Check out the pictures i've collected from the internet... Fuck, i miss the islands!

www.kohsamui.org/

Koh Phangan, Thailand: Sex, Buckets and Really Good Music

So, i left Krabi and Ao Nang beach. The day before i left i talked to the same lady who's managing the internet shop, and she gave me a so-so deal which includes bus, ferry, taxi going to Haadrin Beach in Koh Phangan for about 700 baht. I first rode a taxi jeep going to the bus station for Surrathani. It was a pretty good view from where I'm seated. Europeans were looking at me like craaazy. I was using my iPod. I was listening to really good music courtesy of Carl Cox. It was really amping techno. I know they could hear the music. The sight was breathtaking. We were passing by huge cliffs, the streets were pretty clean, it wasn't a bumpy ride, but it was winding. I was wondering, why the hell create a winding highway when its possible to create a straight one. Anyway, The taxi jeep was packed. There were three french girls who i think were going on the same route. They prefer to ride standing up. I wanted to say... "God Bless You! May you don't burn yourself and get Skin Cancer!" But they managed. After less than an hour. We arrived at the bus station. We were dropped off at the station and we waited for less than fifteen minutes before the bus left. That gave me enough time to buy some stuff for the 5 hour bus trip. I bought mineral water, pepsi, coconut crackers which will come handy later, and a couple of gum. I seated right behind the french girls thinking i could get a score. But there was one girl who... let's just say it wasn't the best decision. It wasn't really a good idea for me to be seated behind her. The next thing i knew, i was getting irritated already, i used my White Flower--It is a Chinese Efficacent oil good for motion sickness, nausea, insect bites, whatever's there and really ughh smell... our version of tiger balm only that its a really good smell if you like it.

Backpacking Krabi, Thailand: Krabi Town and Ao Nang beach

So ok, loneliness is a pain in the ass, it's time to continue writing on my blog again about my adventures in Thailand. You know whats even sadder is that I'm deliberately postponing writing about my trip in Thailand because it just means that what I'm remembering now is officially part of the past and i don't want that. It's shit and sad, and i don't want to be anymore.. More on that later.. The picture above is the photo i took of Ao Nang beach in Krabi, Thailand

So after Tonsai beach, it's time to hit the road or i should say the waters of Thailand to another destination. I woke up after the heavy drinking and high "high" at small bar the next day feeling so fuckin' wasted. I couldn't move a muscle. Every muscle i have is aching. I just needed to doze off some more. I will be up up again for the next 20 hours or so. So i wasn't able to meet up with my new friends from US. We were suppose to meet up at 8am so we can ride the long boat together. I woke up at 10am. Wonder if i will see them again in Koh Pha Ngan where they're headed. Apparently, everyone's going to Koh Pha Ngan. The Canadian guy i met, was already leaving for Koh Pha Ngan, i could go with him but he wants to do everything on his own. Besides, i just couldn't leave yet Krabi. Its too fuckin' beautiful to leave. After an hour, the Austrian guy i met had arranged a pick-up for his diving trip to Koh Tao. The next hour, i had the room to myself. My two friends left already. It was a little sad because it was only a short time hanging out with them but we're going on different directions. I owned the room for the next 3 hours. And did what i had to do. haha! I left my mark in Tonsai!

I hit the shower. Smoked some cigarette and packed my duffel. The next thing i knew i left the room and said goodbye to the beautiful smiling Thai girls manning the resort at the foot of the mountain, i was walking carrying my duffel again. I passed by Small Bar and saw the friendly bartenders who were asking me if i was leaving. I wanted to stay more, hit some smokes and down some buckets. But a part of me was saying i couldn't be too sentimental wherever i go, it's not how it works. I just said... "Maybe I'll stay for one more day, i will just have my breakfast!" I thanked them and left. They wanted me to stay. I've never felt more special, more at home than in Tonsai.

I went to the same food stall i've been going ever since i got to Tonsai and ate my banana pancakes and Pepsi max... yes at around 12nn. I'm officially acidic. I waited for a few minutes and managed to squeeze in to a couple of Europeans who were leaving Tonsai as well. I plugged my iPod and listened to Moby's Porcelain. I wanted to talk to those who were at the boat, but i needed some time alone so i can say my final goodbye to Tonsai beach. The boat ride leaving the beach was a happy goodbye. I mean, it's sad but i've had my share of Tonsai... it's time i explore the rest of Krabi.

I arrived in Ao Nang beach in Krabi. Yet again, i need to start from scratch as i don't know anyone. I have no clue where to stay, whats the cheapest room and stuff like that. And yes, i have to have everything arranged for me, bus, ferry, taxi... fuck how do i get to Koh Pha Ngan later??? I went to the tourism office. I asked the beautiful Thai ladies where to stay. They were speaking to me in Thai. Ok. Ok. "No thai!" i said.They laughed and called someone over the phone... They gave me a price of 700 baht for a single fan room. I couldn't say "No fuckin' way you're ripping me off!" I'm kinda cordial and rudeness is not really my nature. I just said okay, I'm taking my lunch first so I'll walk around and come back after. The truth is I'm scouting for a cheaper room.

As i walk the busy street with numerous 60 sumthing farangs, i got turned off by the 2 is to 1 ratio of foreigners to local Thais. I went to the internet shop to find some recommendations. Updated my face book and look over some porn. Just kiddin' And then the kind lady from the internet shop said... "i have a room for you, cheap"... I asked how much it is? And she said 500 baht. Whattta? I am officially being ripped off by the Tourism Office of Ao Nang beach. Yet, it's still too expensive for me. After paying less than 200 baht for four days in Tonsai, i have to pay 500 baht for one night. It's quite a splurge for me. I checked the room anyway.

Finally, my little taste of luxury. Still a fan room but a huge huge room with two double beds, refrigerator, cable television, bathroom, a nice view of the other room good for peeping toms. Just kiddin'. The room is pretty big for one person who stays out all day and goes back to the room drunk. I went down and talked to the manager again. After a few minutes of good conversation, charming smiles, a little bit of this and that convincing... I got the price down to 400 baht. But i knew i was just staying overnight. I couldn't afford it to stay in Ao Nang a little longer..

So after relaxing a bit, and trying to understand Thai news which was being broadcasted. I left again to walk around. Busy. Busy. Busy. Pad thai. Art galleries. American hot dogs. Groceries. Beer junks. Everything's here. And overpriced shirts. I've not been to Bangkok yet, but welcome to little Bangkok down south. Now, if Krabi is touristy, wtf, what do you expect of Phuket?

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My camera officially died on me. My Sony Cybershot model from the jurassic era i got from my brother was all wet and doesn't turn on anymore. The Olympus camera i borrowed from my sister is fuckin' low low bat. It's either i buy a charger for the Olympus or buy another camera, a cheap one. Not another disposable camera. I bought three disposable cameras because the charger for the Olympus would cost me 3500 baht. no fuckin' way!!!

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I walked around, bought some chips and soft drinks. Went to the beach wearing my new Hawaiian floral shirt. I looked weird because i look like the locals yet i was preparing to hit the beach, to tan. I was lying in the sand, while all the locals were trying to sell to get a little Thai baht out of the rich farangs. It was a pretty weird moment. Everyone was just staring. It was cloudy then as seen in the picture. I couldn't see the sun. It was drizzling a little bit so i used my umbrella to cover my backpack.

I plugged my iPod on to my portable speaker, smoked my way to 80 baht marlboro lights, ate my kornets and enjoyed, probably the most unsexed beach of thailand. Seriously, the only tourist i've seen in Ao Nang are either boring couples, moms and dads, or big big families. But i must say, listening to Dido and Sarah Mclachlan while trying to get some sleep is as close as to having a thai massage on the ears.
I swear that the next time i travel again, i will buy a lonely planet guide. I bought this Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore guide. It wasn't as helpful as Lonely Planet because it didn't cover much of the island of Thailand. I was trying to look for a way out of Krabi going to Koh Pha Ngan. That part/page is either torn out of a brand new book or i need to buy myself some reading glasses and pay close attention. Truth is, it has no Koh Pha Ngan guide on it. Just a brief description as a party island if you want to go out and dance... The Full Moon Party. I spent two hours figuring out at least how to get to Surrathani. Luckily, i found my way going there.

I left 30 mins. after sunset. Took the shower. And then i went out for food somewhere i forgot. It's funny i couldn't remember it now. I was feeling a little lonely when i got to my room. There was no one to talk to. Everyone was pretty busy doing their stuff. The only engaging tourists i saw were two 50 sumthing American women who were smiling at me. I got depressed. After the breakthrough trekking and spelunking, i needed to chill. But not too chill, i thought i was meditating. I slept for a few hours, and left the room at around 10pm. It was pretty sad outside. A handful tourists were inside the Irish pub situated next to my hotel. I tried to walk around looking for the party place. Walked up north and then down south. Till i heard a familiar song...

No fuckin' way... Madonna's Give it to Me. If you've been reading my travel entries, you must have read that the song is Bohol's National Anthem. The bar i go to every night in Panglao Island plays the same play list while the waitresses shake the mixed drinks, and the foreigners staring at their brown beauty. I walked inside the strip just before the corner near the convenience store. There it was. Krabi's mini red light district. But i was a good boy. I just wanted to drink a couple of beers so i could sleep better. No hanky panky this time. I was dead set about going to Koh Pha Ngan, it's there where i will party hard!!!

I ordered for yes... Chang beer at KR Bar. This is highly recommended by me. So if you're going to Ao Nang, drop by this bar, it's the first bar you see when you enter. Four small bottles later, i was talking to the friendly bartender. And he was asking me where I'm from. I said Philippines. It took him 15 minutes to finally realize it's three hours by plane from Bangkok to manila. It's in Asia. He said a Filipino couple was here last year. Ok, that's a bit delayed i said. He said they left early at 9pm. What the fuck? No wonder Pinoys have a bad impression as boring snob people outside. Who leaves at 9pm? In Manila, we leave at 4am. We start partying at 12mn. He said i was different because after downing a couple of beers i was still thinking, walking, talking straight. I'm a cool guy. It's 2am and i was downing my last beer when the bartenders invited me to go with them to the 24 hour bar. Am i up for this? What if they're plotting to kidnap me? Yeah, yeah... a 25 year old brown skinned dude in shorts is a good catch for some money. Of course not. So off we go. Oh yes, 24 hour bar again. I hopped on the back seat of the old beat up motorcycle. We were three in one motorcyle with another Thai girl on my back. She's with the driver though. The other Thai bartender was riding his bicycle. So of course we arrived earlier unless he's lance Armstrong. It was 30 minute cruise around the sleepy quiet streets of Krabi town. When we arrived i wanted to order a rice meal but at almost 3am. That's gluttony. So i just ordered some chicken pad thai and big bottle of Chang. It was absolutely delicious. And the talk was great. I asked if i wanted to live here, how much is the rest. He said around 4000 baht for one month in a fan room with tv, water, electricity included. That's fuckin' cheap! Shit! Oh yeah, that gave me an idea...

After eating which i thought i was gonna pay for everyone.. hey I'm a backpacker... i don't have much money. Anyway, we paid for our own meal. we went inside stall because my new bartender friends were going inside to watch something. It's 3am, everyone's glued watching......... Kung Fu. Yes. Chinese Kung Fu. Yes. Chinese Kung Fu dubbed in Thai. Oh No! I'm officially lost for words. But i stayed and tried to understand what the fuck was happening. It was really culture immersion. All the local night owls stay up till 3am to watch Kung Fu. After the show ended, everyone was going back to their chores. It's how they do it in Krabi. Just small talks. Not really a party district.

I actually enjoyed the night. Too bad i had no photos of how my local thai friends look like. The picture above is taken via Fuji disposable underwater camera. In the morning it's artsy fartsy, when you take pictures at night expect to see everything in black. Well, they look like me a lot. They were the same age as mine. The Thai guy has a girlfriend, the Thai girl who was seated behind me in the motorcycle. The other Thai guy is working and studying. They are really really nice people. Now, i fully understand the concept why Bangkok is the land of Smiling People. It's so welcoming here, i feel so loved, taken cared of, looked after. It was a brief goodbye. As they again tried to convince me to stay for one more night so we could go near the mountains to drink and stay overnight. I said I'll try. I couldn't say goodbye. I hopped on again in the motorcycle and in a few minutes i was right in front of my hotel. I actually imagined myself scooting for two more hours, going to the cliffs, mountains and plains but it was pretty late already.

I left the next day waking up to the best morning ever, no hang-over, the sun was just right, it wasn't hot, it was breezy with farangs jugging, locals opening their shops and the beach just divine. It's time to move on... to the Party Island of Koh Pha Ngan.

I'll write about it maybe tomorrow. It's 3am here in Manila and i need to get some sleep, or maybe day dream again!

Krabi, Thailand: Tonsai Beach and Railay Beach

Ok, i wrote my entries already regarding my backpackint trip to Singapore and Malaysia but i left Thailand hanging. Why? For the simplest reason that Thailand is fuckin' special to me. All the good memories are there. A lot of firsts also. And i fell in love in Thailand. I left my heart in Thailand. I flew out of Thailand with a breaking heart. Shit! But i don't care i was so fuckin' happy!!!

Anyway, its time to write about Thailand now. Moving on...

I flew from Kuala Lumpur LCT to Thailand via Krabi. I chose Krabi over Phuket, i could fly directly to Phuket but i know its so touristy, everyone's there already. Why choose a place where i'm sharing a small piece of land, when i can have some peace and quality time in Krabi. I took the Air Asia flight to Krabi. Don't be confused with the time. Thailand is an hour late than KL. I was asking the ticket agency man so i'm flying for just 15 mins. Apparently, its 1 hour and 15 mins. On the plane, i ordered a Malaysian chicken rice with small salted fish similar to that of a Filipino food. I was seated where a lot of solo backpackers were seating. I met up with an Austrian dude who was on vacation for three weeks. He's going to Krabi and then he's gonna dive in Koh Tao. A few minutes later, i met a Canadian Chinese guy who's doing the same route only that after Thailand he has huge plans for India. (Which didn't push thru because of the bombing incidents in Mumbai). We then decided to go together since we're going on the same route anyway..

We all went to Krabi town, rode the cheapest bus possible out of the airport. Krabi international airport is a really outstanding airport. But it was sleepy. Not a lot of people are there. I exchanged my US dollars and left with my friends.

I arrived in Krabi town, thankfully we pushed thru going to the beach already. We were headed for Ao Nang beach. A tourist superpower of Krabi. A lot of travel agencies, lots of expensive accomodations and whole lot lot lof of restaurants and food stall. While walking, we stopped by a restaurant. at around 1pm, they ordered for pad thai and chang. I ordered for a big bottle of beer, chang as welll. I was full with the hearty meal i ate in the plane. We then proceeded to ride a short long tail boat going to Tonsai Beach. Luckily we chose Tonsai beach.

Its a backpacking island paradise. All the young people are there. They were climbing the steep cliff. Its a small beach, with a small community of thais manning the island. They're either working at the bar, selling food on free standing food stalls, or simply smoking dope on the side. haha! i saw them.

On my way to the island, i knew already why everyone's going to Thailand. Its so fuckin' beautiful, the white sands beaches, the amazing cliffs, and the smiling people.

You'll say, ahh you're definitely in South East Asia. We walked further to get the cheapest deal on accomodations. As you know, the cheaper your room, the longer you can stay. We managed to get a room for three nights and i just paid 166 Baht. It was a double room. Situated at the foot of the mountain. You need a good walk. Passing by craters in the road. a lot of frogs also. But it was a good walk, passing by the magnanimous cliffs, a lot of greens and local thais doing their daily chores. Anyway, One of my friends slept on the floor. I got one bed for myself. They came prepared with all the necessary backpacking beddings suited for camping. I didn't so i had the bed.

We went to the beach. I took my first swim after weeks already of beating the heat of Singapore and Malaysia, i so want to go to the beach. I did. It was really good. Like really fuckin' good. The water was just right. And for the first time i was swimming with my sandals on as some parts of the beach are a little rocky. Never mind the stomach, its full of tiger beer already from singapore..

After a few hours i went to Freedom Bar just infront...

for some happy hour cocktail and the gorgeous sunset. Everyone's there. Look at them like all hippies from around the world. drinking cocktails, smoking cigarettes and weed, talking non-stop, music from Bob Sinclair... the amazing cliff and the sunset. Just great!

Some more big bottles of Chang. I was already talking to an english couple. We talked about music really. How they love prodigy and chemical brothers. How i started partying at 15. They were really impressed because i told them i still listen to those stuff but i'm beginning to be more mature with my interest turning from the loud and annoying sounds to the calming tones of Moby and th wild wild stuff of Underworld. It was a good talk, i was downing another big bottle of Chang. I'm such an alcoholic. Shit.

The next few days, we were still hanging out. I asked them if you have the time, do fly to Manila. They were looking forward to it. But you can never get lost in Manila. Everyone speaks good english. ha!They were staying in the same guesthouse as we are. Apparently, everyone i know wanted to go to the Philippines... Soon... Not now, everyone's going to Thailand then either Australian or New Zealand... and yes India for 6 months.

You know me, i'm quite moody. One minute i paaarty, the next i just want to chill with my ipod on and lie in the sand thinking of making love. Haha!!! So there were moments where i was doing my own thing while they were trekking. That's just my thing. But we always end up drinking a couple of beers. But they usually head home earlier while i stay for some more.

If you're in Tonsai Beach. Head to Freedom Bar and look for Chang who sells Chang. He's a really good guy. I would talk to him about stuff. Mostly how i look like him. haha!!! I was telling everyone, have you met my brother... His name is Chang. Everyone would just laugh. I even got his lighter. I forgot to give it back to him. What's funnier is that when the crowd in Freedom is pretty boring, he would walk up to look for us in Small bar a few walks away from my guesthouse, deeper in the jungle. This is the place where all the naughty stuff happens.

I could have taken a picture but i was respecting the privacy of everyone. And we keep it. don't know if i can blog about this. But you can just order whatever, they'll give it to you. But you have to be responsible, you're not in highschool anymore when you're stoned you're gonna trash the place later. I think they got impressed because i was one of the few last standing men still drinking at 5am. I want to drink more, but i need to head home. I couldn't wake up at 12nn. This is not Manila. In Small bar, the bartenders were pretty friendly. They were all looking at me, because i don't think they've met anyone who looks like them but is not thai. I would notice how they would look at me, thinking whats the difference between them and me. Everyone in Tonsai thinks i'm thai. 10 out of 10 people think i'm thai. And close to 90% couldn't believe i speak english really well. I was hanging out in the bar when i met Jessica, she's american. She's a really funny girl. She's with her thai boyfriend. And she's so funny, she was telling how she's so bummed out and stressed because she hasn't had a pedicure and spa for the week. She's nice. And how she told me the story of some freak guy who has pictures with them in the well even if he's not with them. How did he do that? Really similar to the Ring movie of Japan only its in thailand. That gave me a good scare. But i went home that night so fuckin' wasted. I was suppose to meet up with them the next day to ride the boat going to the town onwards Koh Pha Ngan. I wasn't able to wake up at 8am. I slept more. There were also some Germans who had dreadlocks and all that shit. They gave me a hit, i gladly accepted. They were saying "no shit you're not Filipino. You must be american!" We were just laughing and listening to Bob Marley. I am now a convert of reggae music. Thank you.

The next day, Martin, Peter and I trekked on the other side of the island going to another beach. The picture above is the cliff i trekked. Fuckin's shit! And i must say i've never been more proud of myself. The trekk was hard as hell. Imagine this, i was walking horizontally so i can fit in the tiny little hole from the cave. And from there was up down, left right steep. I was holding on to the branches of the tree, my feet was swollen because of the hard edge soul of my sandals. My hands were dirrrty. And after 45 mins. I went down to the steepest cliff ever. I just jumped. Fuck whatever. When i arrived.

It was fuckin beautiful. Hello Railay beach! I took off my shirt. Threw my bag in the sand, and lied down for 10 minutes. And then i went for a swim. When i came back. I said to them "That was fuckin' amazing guys!" I ate my lunch and smoked. We were relaxing. This is Life!

Scary but this is the experience i've been day dreaming. Later that day, they went on a hike for more to the west side of Railey to follow the German Girls. Oh yes! Germans and Swedish girls are quite popular! =) There are two sides, west and east. I didn't go with them. And told them i just want to relax in the beach as i've been stressing the past few days. That's too much trekking for me. It rained so fuckin' hard. They got stranded in the mountains. I got stranded in the beach as well. I want to go to Tonsai already so i can relax and have a drink. For close to two hours i was stranded in an island. I was so wet, my spare clothes are wet, my bag is wet.

After contemplating, i just paid to rent the long tail boat going back to Tonsai for 200 Baht. When i came back i was so wet. Everyone's looking and wanting to ask me, what did you do? What an experience eh? I was walking towards my room. The bartenders from the Small bar told me, he saw me walking in the beach. And without my shirt on, i look like from here. That's thailand! I like it already!!!

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In the Philippines, i think most of us speak with a twang. Its because most of the shows we watch and how we were taught is American influenced. And i really talk fast, so most of the time i need to make some allowance for them so they could understand. But i'm really proud i had a good education. Most of the people i met while backpacking weren't able to study. Some just finished highschool so i'm quite privileged. Thank You.

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In Tonsai beach, you pay for really expensive internet, but the charging of the phone is free, the exchange rate of US dollars to Thai Baht is bad, the cigarette's almost hundred baht, a big bottle of beer is around 100 Baht but that food is so fuckin' amazing. Its really good. And the best part is its fuckin 40 Baht.

All my meals from the food stall was just great, sweet and sour chicken, shrimp rice, hotdog with rice on stick (beat that), crab claws, and the lovely Banana pancakes with nuttela... etc. Just great!

Yes. I closed my eyes while eating this. Its that good!

I wouldn't really recommend Envirosax when you go backpacking. My bag was washed away, i got it and everything inside is wet wet wet. I grabbed my digital camera and cellphone. After a few minutes, it got to working again. Thank God! I left Tonsai beach looking like this, its now the monsoon season, supposedly this side is free from the storm. We were wrong, its time to leave...

So there, that's just for now. I 'll write when i remember some other things i did, whatevs. But this is really the one place i'm looking forward to going back again. What i liked the most is the compact, less tourists here. Not a lot of people go here, and that's what i like the most. So many amazing friendly people you can easily talk to when you travel alone. The next time i will go here. I'll stay for a week. I am glad i started my route this way. The minute i was riding the long tail boat to Tonsai. I instantly fell in love already! And yes, no fuckin' bed bugs here. I even saw a hippie mom and dad, the mom breastfeeding her baby and the dad...uhhh well smoking weed. Good gracious! Whatttahippie!

Thais are friendliest down south. Only in Tonsai, i smoked weed, drinks buckets, got drunk because of Chang, yet i was offered by a kind thai mom her dinner. I ate with her family. We tried to converse. I met local thais who seem more friendly to me than the whites. They were always asking me if i want to stay longer. I think they want to get to know me better. We're in the same continet anyway. They're just curious. I was both bad and good in Thailand. This is my first stop in Thailand... Fuck yeah, i'm so happy...