Travel Notes from Chiang Mai, Thailand

4:04:00 PM Pinoy Boy Journals 0 Comments

(l-R) Alex on vocals, Christian on drums, Jerik on guitars, MM on tip box.

Looking back at the two weeks spent around Thailand gave me a clearer impression why i love traveling so much. The infinity of possibilities when you're in a foreign territory is always something to look forward to. As of the moment, i am writing what i miss which sucks because you know your trip is finally over. But at the same time, i look forward to going back home and spending time with the people i love. Get comfy in bed, laze for a few days and just enjoy what is left before i work and then travel to greater destinations!!!

With so many people you meet along the way, from the first night in Bangkok along Khao San Road to the train rides down south and up north, chill people you drink with at the beaches of Koh Phangan at Power Beach and the really cool artist you meet in Ao Haad Salad. What an impression it gives you. The world is beautiful. The People are beautiful.

On my last night in Bangkok, i got robbed by paying so much for a ping pong show in Patpong, a trumpet show, a blade popping balloon show, etc. What the heck, you'll lose your sanity and money in Thailand if you're not careful. Spent the last few hours buying so many stuff i don't need but have to buy because they are ridiculously cheap. Example is a really handsome white strapped watch in Chatuchak for 100 friggin' baht. I also have never met a girl who actually bought me a drink, and she's Thai. On my last night, we had a very sad goodbye. But as i always say, i know i will come back again for sure.

It's my third time in Thailand and just to be fair, my first time was so touching, i felt a tear falling from my eyes. Although this trip was equally memorable because the people i hang out with in this journey made it possible for me never to forget how amazing it is to travel.

I may be lazy at some time, i may lag when i think about what to do, decisions are harder for me in the morning after a hangover. My priorities change, i'd live for today and worry about tomorrow.

Now, i have a slight flu. Maybe the endless Chang nights and extreme stuff i did took a toll on my body. I just had tamarind soup with fish and shrimp, the best of Filipino food. I am on calamansi detox now so i can regain my strength. But either way, this trip is so unforgettable, this is one for the books.

On the other hand, while this trip was going on, i had the best opportunity to write for online backpacking sites and a special feature in travel blog sites, world's best here... http://travelblogsites.com/2010/02/12/pinoy-boy-jerik-de-guzman-talks-travel/

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Travel Notes from Chiang Rai, Thailand

11:44:00 PM Pinoy Boy Journals 0 Comments

As of the moment, my body hurts in all the wrong places. Somewhere there, somewhere here. Chiangmai is one place i could never forget. I did so many firsts in this cool city. Yesterday, i booked myself 22 zip lines across the northern Thailand mountains. It was so high if anyone will see what i was doing, they might probably think it's a different person. I am chill kind of guy. I enjoy drinking Chang beer and watching the day go by. I walk around. Eat something i like. Sometimes i do out of this world stuff. But it's very rare. But yesterday, i braved my biggest fear which is heights. Today was another tour of what Chiang Mai boasts. I rode an elephant, trekked for about two hours in total to swim in the coldest waterfall I've been to anywhere in the world. And then, i paddled my way across rocks streams and rode the bamboo raft in the end.

Tomorrow i promise to reward myself with a really awesome Thai massage. Shop a little because all my clothes now are soiled. Right now, my new German friends are waiting for me outside this internet shop so i have to make this quick. Drinking Chang and enjoying the cool breeze.

I have so many photos to upload and videos to still watch. I even took a video of myself as i zipped in that line so you will see how high it is.

Also i learned to accept that i am a moody person. Sometimes, i talk too much. Sometimes i prefer not to speak and keep my calm. Either Way, rules of the game, show your true colors. And as far as i know i am travelling not complaining but just accepting and embracing the world. It's not about just visiting that one place, it's actually finding that one thing that makes you smile, in my case it's how slow time flies in this side of the world.

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Travel Notes from Chiang Mai, Thailand

12:22:00 PM Pinoy Boy Journals 0 Comments

A week has passed already, and time flies really fast but on the train, every second counts. I miss the southern islands so much but i am really looking forward to exploring the northern region of Thailand. I just arrived via train in Chiang Mai a few hours ago. As soon as i stepped outside the train, the cool northern breeze embraced me with open arms. I went out for a walk. Found myself eating spicy Tom Yum soup and some meatballs i don't know what they are made up. I walked around for a bit more and bought two huge sweet ripe mangoes. Really tasty for a morning. I still have to know what is out there. So far, the people are not so used to seeing backpackers who look like Thai, hence me. Same same but different. Thailand is so huge. I don't think i can cover everything at one time.

Last night was fun chatting with some Swiss people who fell in love with the Philippines, married a Filipina, opened a dive resort in Sabang Beach. Got free booze and tobacco you inhale. The stuff that clears up your passageway.

Prices in Chiangmai have decreased dramatically, from 150 Baht motor taxi rides to a dirt cheap 30 Baht for a whole taxi jeep, and 200 Baht guest rooms. I'm wearing a light jacket now. It's sunny but really cool here in Chiangmai. I'm really looking forward to doing so many things here. Thank you mom and dad, for increasing my credit card limit so i can book some tours around. Maybe a monk chat which i've been meaning to do, a Muay Thai boxing match which i want to watch tonight (they say it's the real fight not the show match they have in bangkok) and the touristy-tourist elephant trek and waterfalls. So far, i haven't done anything touristy around Thailand and i think i am going to do the same here in Chiang Mai. I wanna go to Pai but there's no more time, maybe when i come back again and do Chiang Rai all the way to Lao and/or Myanmar. Either way, i am taking everything as they come.

Now, i am heading towards the big temple in the mountain and see the waterfalls. It's a little tiring to be thought as Thai when you're a Filipino. It has its pros and cons, you know.

Meanwhile, for those Manila Lovers out there, please help spread the word. Tweet and Comment http://www.gobackpacking.com/Blog/2010/02/08/manila-forgotten-city/

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Travel Notes from Hualamphong, Thailand

7:37:00 PM Pinoy Boy Journals 0 Comments

Wow! What a day this is. I spent more than half a day traveling on a ferry boat, bus and finally via train. It's almost 2PM when i arrived in Hualamphong Train Station. I miss the beach so much; the cool breeze of sunset at power beach in Bantai and also the happy hour spent just chilling and talking sense with heaps of people from around the world. Somehow, it makes you realize more the real reason why people travel, not for anything else but to make a reason about your life. Khao and Jack are really awesome bartenders and i would definitely go back again and just hang out.

I arrived in Bangkok so tired from yesterday's non-stop party at the Half Moon event. Paid 500 Baht plus free drink a CD compilation which is what I'm listening right now. Really cool trance and progressive house on this track. Surprise, surprise! I've just had the best shower in a week, all courtesy of my friend Nio who i met up with here in Bangkok. He's staying for a multinational conference. We're just waiting for everybody to get ready so we could all head somewhere for a well deserved dinner and party in Bangkok - Good time city!

I dressed up quite sharp today. After almost a day of traveling, the train got delayed and delayed and today the train was at its slowest. It's so unbelievable. That's why i decided to look and feel good tonight. Will definitely check out Bed Supperclub, Glow and Narcissus. Yey! I'm back in the city. Can't wait to shop, that is if i still have some dough.

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Travel Notes from Koh Pha Ngan, Thailand

2:32:00 PM Pinoy Boy Journals 0 Comments

Sorry! It took me a long time to blog again. Internet was crazy around Ao Haad Salad in the north east of Koh Pha Ngan. I stayed in a small bay up hill, down hill. You get everything you need. Stayed till the next day listening to good 'ol music from an Irish dude i met. Really cool! I am still here in the island after a few days. Prices have jacked up since i was last here, about a year ago. I still love this island though but i think one needs more money traveling around here. The last time i was here, i stayed most of the days and nights lounging around Haad Rin Beach. I reckon now it's not really an ideal place to stay if you're gunning for quiet beaches and relaxing in the sun. It's littered with people everywhere.

So, i am now in an internet shop in Thongsala. I just booked my ferry,bus,train for about 1450 baht, not very cheap but maybe the most comfortable way to travel around. I've been drinking shakes like craaaazy. I've had about three hours of sleep today. Went back home around 8AM after the Half Moon Party, with no more Baht left, all spent on good Chang Beers, smokes and entry to the event - right smack in the middle of the jungle. This is some trippy shit. I am staying now in one of the quiet beaches in Bantai. The beach is deserted and it's just chilled environment. Met so many English people and had good talks with them about life. Also met a Brazilian girl who's just the sweetest girl I've met.

I would have loved to go to Koh Samui after this but Baht is running out, time is running out, what else. More on that later. Good thing, I only need to pay a few hundred Bahts for a fan rooms and most of time, split taxi cab fares.

The half moon party was the best party i've been to all my life. The set up was great, the sound system could have been better, but the DJs were just awesome and phenomenal. There's a lot of progressive house music playing and i particularly loved the set of the Asian guy who was looping the tracks while the sun was rising. What more can you ask for? I chanced upon again the Japanese couple i met in the beach earlier.

I have about three hours to go before i catch the ferry to Surrathani. Same old, same old where i was a year ago. I can't wait to go to Chiang Mai though and head to Pai for some really cool chill in the mountains. I just hope they accept Mastercard as i am nearing out of cash.

Someone asked me a few days ago, why i was in Thailand when the islands of the Philippines are the best in Asia? I paused because i cannot find the right answer. I know for sure when i get back home, it's Philippinea time again.

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Travel Notes from Koh Tao, Thailand

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I'd like to keep this short because i'm heading to the other beach to watch the sunset. So, i just arrived after almost a whole day of traveling from the capital to down south. I took the sleeper train which i missed a lot and so i enjoyed every single hour of it. I had numerous naps but the last one after the KFC take out was the longest and the best. I always say i love trains. The slowness just makes you realize the importance of life. I really don't like the hectic life back in the city, in any city. I'd like to spend my days absolutely doing nothing and taking time as it arrives.

Just to be clear, I am not Thai. Everyone here seems to think otherwise. After i speak english, they all laugh. That has been the usual instance since i came to Thailand in November of 2008 in Krabi and Koh Phangan. Up until now, it hasn't changed.

I just had a watermelon shake and 2 big plastic bottles of water. I am spending way too much but i'm slowly finding the answers to my question. 7-11 is always a good place to find really cheap good food.

Koh Tao is absolutely beautiful. And Filipinos are unheard of this side of the archipelago. But it's good exploring, the beach is cest' magnificique! I'm sorry, i wasn't able to upload a photo of the beach as i left my USB connector in my room. I got a 600 baht fan room sharing for two. The best part is the view of the beach.

I wonder why so many tourists come this side of Thailand. Koh Tao is slowly becoming the next Koh Samui and i can't argue with that. I just don't know if it has something to do with heaps of nude sunbathers along Sairee beach?!!!

As for me, maybe i am not sure when i am leaving this island. LoL

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Travel Notes from Bangkok, Thailand

4:42:00 PM Pinoy Boy Journals 4 Comments

How do i describe such an eventful flight and rockin first night in bangkok? First, i was surprised that celebrities do try to be thrifty. They were in the same flight as i am. But that's another funny story to tell. Maybe next time.

In order to get a cheaper cost for the taxi from Suvarnabhumi, i hooked up with a couple - a girl from Sweden and an English guy. What was suppose to be 400 baht became 100 baht each as we split the cost. Looking very good. The lovely couple came from Malapascua in Cebu, Philippines. They stayed there for three weeks. I haven't been there. Nice!

I just settled in my room, not really cheap-cheap but it was okay. It was about 1AM when i arrived, and i needed to drop off my huge bags. I have a strong feeling, i over-packed again. But heck, at least, i get to save money and not buy anymore of the good stuff here in Khao San Road. There's just too many nice things.

Right now, i am well over my budget but i rewarded myself for my first night. A bottle of Chang was suppose to be my sole date for the night, and then somehow the vibe kept getting better and i was ordering more. It was actually one of those road side beer stalls with matching mono block chairs in place. Police are crazy here, they come around and just relax for a bit. They try to make everyone leave. These poor guys are working their asses of to earn. What's worse, travelers here are on holiday. C'mon!

But, i went back. I got a free beers from the Thai girl owner. She was very nice to me. I went back to the hostel around 6AM to catch some sleep. I woke up around 10AM, and obviously hammered. Three hours of sleep - not really very nice.

It was a very good night. It was chilled and everyone was just so relaxed. We were talking about how backpackers are such a snob when they're walking, and maybe it was the heavy weight on their backs. But a little smile wouldn't hurt, right? All of this, while we were helping the beer vendors sell more bottles.

Right now, i am sitting in a computer shop, writing as much as i can to remember what i do everyday. Internet here is cheap, about 10 baht for 15 minutes and you put coins so you can extend. I am nearing 13 minutes, and i want to write more. But i need to doze off in a bit. I walked around Khao San and Chao Phraya river. The heaps of places i went to before are surely missed.

I really miss this girl i met last November 2008. She's French-Vietnamese, and i met her on the train in Surrathani. I just walked to where we used to walk before and eat. Sorry for being a little sentimental.

Anyway, I just booked a ticket going to Chumphon and the night sleeper train which i have will leave Lumphini at around 7PM so i need to be there in a few hours. Journey takes about less than 8 hours. I miss riding the trains. It's long and a perfect romantic set up. I am now with my friend, Melissa. Everyone thinks we're a couple. We're just friends. Last night, i met this very cute Brazilian girl. She's very pretty! More of them please when i head down south. ;)

See you, Koh Tao, tomorrow. Can't wait to head to the beach!!!

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Travel Notes from Manila, Philippines

4:12:00 PM Pinoy Boy Journals 0 Comments

I am off to the airport today, just waiting for a cab. I hope it's metered. I will try to find time to blog at my destination and let everyone know what I've been up to.

I will arrive in Bangkok, Thailand later, and hoping to get some good sleep before i catch a train the very same day to Chumpon. My plan is to head to the islands Koh Tao, Koh Samui, and of course, Koh Phangan. This time, for the half moon party.

I will also be meeting up with some friends in Bangkok.

After which, I will try to catch a train on my way to the north in Chiang Mai for some hippie chill time in the mountains.

It's exciting to leave home for a great journey like this. But at the same time, it's a little sad to leave home and miss my family. As they say, i know i will always have a home to go back to..

Off to Thailand now, friends. Bisous!