Back on mainland, I was put in a mini bus to Had Yai. The journey to Had Yai was one of the worst I had to endure. It lasted only five hours, but I had to fight with an unfamiliar disease (perspiration attacks, nausea, cough). In addition, someone had the bright idea to squeeze sixteen seats into a minibus. So I couldn't move my legs during the ride. The third aspect that made the trip so bad was that my ear was just an inch away from the speakers. I could not escape the thaipop.
At around 10 pm I arrived in Had Yai. I found a cheap guest house for the night. The next morning I wondered briefly whether I should see a doctor, but then I decided to go to Malaysia. My stay in Hat Yai can be summarized by sleeping and having noodle soup for breakfast.
This blog is the chronicle of my experiences during a six months long journey from Germany to Singapore. During this journey I won’t use air travel. Starting in Germany I will go to Turkey via the Balkans, through Central Asia and China to the Pacific Ocean and from there further south to the southeastern edge of the Asian continent, Singapore.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Thailand II, Koh Phangan
On the bus to Koh Phangan, I had a good talk with Jonathan from Israel. He was one of the few who were headed for Koh Phangan not to attend Full Moon Party, but to join a Muay Thai Training Camp. The bus ride was followed by a bottle of Sang Song for breakfast and then a ride on the ferry to Koh Phangan.
The first thing I did on Koh Phangan, was renting a motorcycle for my five day stay. The Honda Wave, which I was rented was reliable, efficient and all the switches worked, however it was not a Minsk. With my regained freedom, I was able to ride to Haad Rin (the place of the full moon party) and find an affordable bungalow.
In the evening of the same day I was a spectator at a Muay Thai fight. It was a very good experience. There were five fights that evening. Ranging from newcomers in the ring over Europeans, who both lost their fights, to a battle of two experienced Bangkok Muay Thai fighters. Unfortunately I could not take any photos, because I went to a pool party after the fight.
The Full Moon Party is held every full moon night on the beach of Haad Rin. From a small party it grow to be one of Asia's biggest party. The beach is lined with small stalls selling buckets of alcoholic drinks. The resorts, bars and clubs pumping out music to their0 sections of the beach and offer other activities as well, a slide and burning skipping ropes are just two of those. Neon-colored clothing and bodypaint are the predominant style of party-goers. Since my blog is public I will not go into the details of my evening. It was a good party.
After I recovered the day after the party, I took the ferry back to the mainland on Wednesday.
The first thing I did on Koh Phangan, was renting a motorcycle for my five day stay. The Honda Wave, which I was rented was reliable, efficient and all the switches worked, however it was not a Minsk. With my regained freedom, I was able to ride to Haad Rin (the place of the full moon party) and find an affordable bungalow.
In the evening of the same day I was a spectator at a Muay Thai fight. It was a very good experience. There were five fights that evening. Ranging from newcomers in the ring over Europeans, who both lost their fights, to a battle of two experienced Bangkok Muay Thai fighters. Unfortunately I could not take any photos, because I went to a pool party after the fight.
The Full Moon Party is held every full moon night on the beach of Haad Rin. From a small party it grow to be one of Asia's biggest party. The beach is lined with small stalls selling buckets of alcoholic drinks. The resorts, bars and clubs pumping out music to their0 sections of the beach and offer other activities as well, a slide and burning skipping ropes are just two of those. Neon-colored clothing and bodypaint are the predominant style of party-goers. Since my blog is public I will not go into the details of my evening. It was a good party.
After I recovered the day after the party, I took the ferry back to the mainland on Wednesday.
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| My Full Moon Outfit (Neon body paint was applied later) |
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| Haad Rin beach |
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| Buckets of alcoholic drinks on sale |
Thailand I, Bangkok
The trip from Battambang to Bangkok should have taken five hours. After five hours I was on the Thai side of the border and waited for a minibus to Bangkok. Another four hours later I arrived at Bangkok's Khao San Road. Khao San Road is the epicenter of budget travelers in Southeast Asia. Opinions on Khao San Road are divided, either you love it or hate it. I belong to the second category. However, I decided for covienience to spend the night there. Together with a Brazilian, I found an inexpensive room.
I had to do some things in the evening, so I didn't go along with the Brazilians to meet one of his friends. This should prove to be a mistake. The next morning he told me that his friend is a Brazilian model and she had brought a friend (also a Brazilian model).
In the course of the day I bought an overpriced ticket for bus and ferry to Koh Phangan for the evening. I therefore had only one day in Bangkok. Instead of wasting the little time I had with sightseeing, I went to Pratumam. Pratumam is the textile district of Bangkok. In a huge market and countless shopping malls textiles are sold, mainly to traders from all over the world. Individuals are also welcomed as customers. I bought an outfit for the Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan (next post). After the shopping, I went to a hairdresser and had my beard shaved down to a moustache.
In the evening I boarded the bus to Koh Phangan. My stay in Thailand's capital was short and uneventful.
I had to do some things in the evening, so I didn't go along with the Brazilians to meet one of his friends. This should prove to be a mistake. The next morning he told me that his friend is a Brazilian model and she had brought a friend (also a Brazilian model).
In the course of the day I bought an overpriced ticket for bus and ferry to Koh Phangan for the evening. I therefore had only one day in Bangkok. Instead of wasting the little time I had with sightseeing, I went to Pratumam. Pratumam is the textile district of Bangkok. In a huge market and countless shopping malls textiles are sold, mainly to traders from all over the world. Individuals are also welcomed as customers. I bought an outfit for the Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan (next post). After the shopping, I went to a hairdresser and had my beard shaved down to a moustache.
In the evening I boarded the bus to Koh Phangan. My stay in Thailand's capital was short and uneventful.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Cambodia III, Battambang
The only reason for me to go to Battambang was, that I had read the boat trip from Siem Reap to Battambang was spectacular. My information was correct. The ride went through flooded forests and floating villages. Now and then one of my fellow passengers got hit in the neck by a branch when the boat went too close to the trees and shrubs.
In Battambang tuk tuk and minibus drivers were already waiting to get us to one of the hotels. I shared a double room with an American, his name is Shaun. After we had recovered sufficiently from the boat ride, we decided to have a look at the bamboo train. In the foyer tuk tuk driver were waiting and after spoting us, they eagerly tried to sell a tour to us. We decided against the tour (the tour included sunset over the bamboo train) and only went for a tuk tuk ride to the bamboo train.
Once there we found that the bamboo train is less impressive, but much more expensive than we thought. We were lucky, eight more passengers of the boat arrived in a crowded tuk tuk. With our improved negotiating position we were able to get a decent price. The ride on the bamboo train was better than I expected. It was a bit like a roller coaster ride on a flat surface.
At the end of the tracks, we were drenched in a rain shower but warmly received. The kids of the little village showed us their games and wanted to be whirled wildly through the air. One boy took picture with all the digital cameras. Just in time for sunset, we drove back to the bamboo train station. Later we went to eat together and later had a drink in a bar.
Early the next morning I went to Bangkok. The five days in Cambodia were eventful but had the feeling that I had to leave too soon.
In Battambang tuk tuk and minibus drivers were already waiting to get us to one of the hotels. I shared a double room with an American, his name is Shaun. After we had recovered sufficiently from the boat ride, we decided to have a look at the bamboo train. In the foyer tuk tuk driver were waiting and after spoting us, they eagerly tried to sell a tour to us. We decided against the tour (the tour included sunset over the bamboo train) and only went for a tuk tuk ride to the bamboo train.
Once there we found that the bamboo train is less impressive, but much more expensive than we thought. We were lucky, eight more passengers of the boat arrived in a crowded tuk tuk. With our improved negotiating position we were able to get a decent price. The ride on the bamboo train was better than I expected. It was a bit like a roller coaster ride on a flat surface.
At the end of the tracks, we were drenched in a rain shower but warmly received. The kids of the little village showed us their games and wanted to be whirled wildly through the air. One boy took picture with all the digital cameras. Just in time for sunset, we drove back to the bamboo train station. Later we went to eat together and later had a drink in a bar.
Early the next morning I went to Bangkok. The five days in Cambodia were eventful but had the feeling that I had to leave too soon.
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| Bamboo train |
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| If to "trains" face each other, one train has to be disintegrated. |
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| Sunset over the bamboo train. |
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| This picture was taken by an eight year old boy. |
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| Things you shouldn't do in Cambodia. |
Cambodia II, Siem Reap
The bus trip from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap was depressing. The roads were in a bad condition flooded and large parts of the country were flooded. While in Vietnam, the sight of countless motorbikes was a sign of a growing middle class, in Cambodia the poverty is visible. The country is still struggling with the consequences of the murder of academics and monks thirty years ago.
Siem Reap is very far away from the problems of the rest of Cambodia. The city is the basis to explore the biggest tourist attraction in the country, Angkor Wat. Siem Reap is thus a place of hotels, guesthouses and souvenir shops.
On the evening of my arrival, I booked my tour for the following two days. I wanted to have guide showing me the multitude of temples, so that I could aprreciate the temples.
The first day I took my guide and me took a tuk tuk to see some of the outer temples. This was a good introduction. My guide Lon Vong (tel. 092 848 704) was excellent. He made me aware of, both the ancient Khmer culture and the culture of nowadays Cambodia, as well as the recent history of Cambodia.
On the second day, I was going to see the highlights. Together with an Indonesian couple and our guide / driver, I visited some temples includina Angkor Wat and Angkor Tom. I think the pictures speak for themselves and I try not to reproduce the history of each temple. The only thing worthy of mentioning is the fact that the existence of the huge temple complex (several hundred temples) had been forgotten. Nature had reclaimed the temples until they were rediscovered by a Frenchman.
Siem Reap is very far away from the problems of the rest of Cambodia. The city is the basis to explore the biggest tourist attraction in the country, Angkor Wat. Siem Reap is thus a place of hotels, guesthouses and souvenir shops.
On the evening of my arrival, I booked my tour for the following two days. I wanted to have guide showing me the multitude of temples, so that I could aprreciate the temples.
The first day I took my guide and me took a tuk tuk to see some of the outer temples. This was a good introduction. My guide Lon Vong (tel. 092 848 704) was excellent. He made me aware of, both the ancient Khmer culture and the culture of nowadays Cambodia, as well as the recent history of Cambodia.
On the second day, I was going to see the highlights. Together with an Indonesian couple and our guide / driver, I visited some temples includina Angkor Wat and Angkor Tom. I think the pictures speak for themselves and I try not to reproduce the history of each temple. The only thing worthy of mentioning is the fact that the existence of the huge temple complex (several hundred temples) had been forgotten. Nature had reclaimed the temples until they were rediscovered by a Frenchman.
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| Tourgroup on day 2 |
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| Cliche tourist picture |
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| Many men are responsible for the polished surface. |
Cambodia I, Phnom Penh
During the bus ride from Saigon to Phnom Penh, I thought: "How much better riding my Minsk would be, instead of this bus." I had left the Minsk behind for a good reason, so I tried to concentrate on the new impressions in Cambodia instead.
I spent less than 24 hours in Cambodia's capital. The stay was characterized by the fact that a gang of scammers had chosen me to be their victim. My report about Phnom Penh is therefore focused on this event.
After I had found a cheaper room, I intented to spent the early evening getting an impression about the city. I walked along the river, until a middle aged man approached me. He said that he was from Malaysia and had married a woman from Cambodia. We talked for a while, then I announced that I would travel to Malaysia in two weeks time. He invited me to his home, where he wanted to show me some brochures about Malaysia. I thought he was probably glad to speak some English. So I accepted his invitation in good faith.
Shortly afterwards we were sitting in a tuk tuk. There he revealed to me, that his sister is a model and has to go to Germany to work, soon. I should tell her what life in Germany is like. During the trip we had a nice talk, and he took advantage of the information I told him. When I told him that my father was an engineer, he had a son who was working as an engineer in Malaysia.
We arrived at his apartment. There proclaimed his other sister that the model had to take her mother to the hospital. I got a coffee and a couple of brochures from various regions of Malaysia were shown to me. Then he revealed to me that he was working as a headcroupier in an international casino chain. His job was to be the dealer in the VIP rooms of casinos in Australia and Asia. In this capacity, he travels regularly from casino to casino. At this point I realized that they would try to scam me. Rather than leave the house at this point, I stayed there and enjoyed the show.
Next he told me that we could cheat as a team in a card game called Pontong Poker 21 and make good sum of money that way. I agreed reluctantly to see what would happen next. He explained the game and how we can cheat to me. The game is played against one opponent. It is essentially like blackjack but with betting rounds like in poker. Using hand signals, he let me know about the cards of my opponent and with a quick move he showed me the card on top of the stack. After I understood the system, he told me that he was working as a dealer in a private game the day before. A businessman from Brunei, who had held that game paid him only a fraction of the agreed wage.
By "chance" the businessman showed up. I had to prove my ability to rip off the casinos in a cash game against the business man. The croupier payed my stake in the game.
Acting performances of the participants were not like to be worthy of getting an Oscar. I won game after game. Then the croupier signaled me that I should announce to have an appointment and therefore only be able to play one more round. I did as I was signaled.
In the last game I had the winning hand, but the businessman from Brunei but $ 30,000 in cash on the table. I went along. Unlike before, the businessman wanted to see a cover of my stake. The dealer came up with $ 10,000 in cash, but there was still $ 7,500 missing to cover up the wage.
At this point the discussion on how much money I could come up with started. It last more than 45 minutes, I blocked every single proposal how to get money the dealer came up with. I told him that I had already maxed out my credit card for the day, but on the following day I could get some money. We sealed the cards and postponed the game by one day. The next morning I was supposed to meet them again.
Instead of going to the meeting the next day, I did a little research on the internet. The result was, that I almost became the victim of a Filipino scammergang. Unfortunatly I had not found a way to get rich quickly, but watched an excellent free show and learned a new card game.
I spent less than 24 hours in Cambodia's capital. The stay was characterized by the fact that a gang of scammers had chosen me to be their victim. My report about Phnom Penh is therefore focused on this event.
After I had found a cheaper room, I intented to spent the early evening getting an impression about the city. I walked along the river, until a middle aged man approached me. He said that he was from Malaysia and had married a woman from Cambodia. We talked for a while, then I announced that I would travel to Malaysia in two weeks time. He invited me to his home, where he wanted to show me some brochures about Malaysia. I thought he was probably glad to speak some English. So I accepted his invitation in good faith.
Shortly afterwards we were sitting in a tuk tuk. There he revealed to me, that his sister is a model and has to go to Germany to work, soon. I should tell her what life in Germany is like. During the trip we had a nice talk, and he took advantage of the information I told him. When I told him that my father was an engineer, he had a son who was working as an engineer in Malaysia.
We arrived at his apartment. There proclaimed his other sister that the model had to take her mother to the hospital. I got a coffee and a couple of brochures from various regions of Malaysia were shown to me. Then he revealed to me that he was working as a headcroupier in an international casino chain. His job was to be the dealer in the VIP rooms of casinos in Australia and Asia. In this capacity, he travels regularly from casino to casino. At this point I realized that they would try to scam me. Rather than leave the house at this point, I stayed there and enjoyed the show.
Next he told me that we could cheat as a team in a card game called Pontong Poker 21 and make good sum of money that way. I agreed reluctantly to see what would happen next. He explained the game and how we can cheat to me. The game is played against one opponent. It is essentially like blackjack but with betting rounds like in poker. Using hand signals, he let me know about the cards of my opponent and with a quick move he showed me the card on top of the stack. After I understood the system, he told me that he was working as a dealer in a private game the day before. A businessman from Brunei, who had held that game paid him only a fraction of the agreed wage.
By "chance" the businessman showed up. I had to prove my ability to rip off the casinos in a cash game against the business man. The croupier payed my stake in the game.
Acting performances of the participants were not like to be worthy of getting an Oscar. I won game after game. Then the croupier signaled me that I should announce to have an appointment and therefore only be able to play one more round. I did as I was signaled.
In the last game I had the winning hand, but the businessman from Brunei but $ 30,000 in cash on the table. I went along. Unlike before, the businessman wanted to see a cover of my stake. The dealer came up with $ 10,000 in cash, but there was still $ 7,500 missing to cover up the wage.
At this point the discussion on how much money I could come up with started. It last more than 45 minutes, I blocked every single proposal how to get money the dealer came up with. I told him that I had already maxed out my credit card for the day, but on the following day I could get some money. We sealed the cards and postponed the game by one day. The next morning I was supposed to meet them again.
Instead of going to the meeting the next day, I did a little research on the internet. The result was, that I almost became the victim of a Filipino scammergang. Unfortunatly I had not found a way to get rich quickly, but watched an excellent free show and learned a new card game.
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| Elephant strolling on Phnom Penh's streets |
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Asian leg of the journey V - Thailand, Malaysia & Singapore
The last part of my route. I already went to the places in Thailand. At the time when I post this, I am in Georgetown, Malaysia.
View Asien V - Thailand, Malaysia & Singapur in a larger map
View Asien V - Thailand, Malaysia & Singapur in a larger map
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