Visa Run - Hold Onto Your Hats!!!

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Well let’s just start by saying people should really tell you more about this so called “easy” visa run….lol. I titled this blog hold on to your hats for a reason. It requires an entry just for the journey to Penang.

Begin…..9pm Saturday night at the Koh Tao Pier, Island Travel (great place in the little town by the pier) had organised my trip down here. Seeing as I waited to long to book it I was stuck taking the “mini” bus a.k.a. Van, but first I had to endure a long ride on the overnight boat to Suratanni. Boarding the boat and finding a mat (bed) in the middle away from as many people as possible, I got ready for the long journey ahead. This meant locking up the computer, setting the best playlist I made on iTunes, cuddling my purse like an extra pillow, a xanax, and I was out. Waking up startled by the lady next to me, who had decided that her mat wasn’t enough for her as she rolled over onto me. I tried with all my might to pull my things out from under her and shimmy over as well. She didn’t even move, or stir the whole time, so finally I just nudged her and got free. Trying to fall back asleep I found the surroundings though not particularly the best but calming nonetheless. I’m guessing it was the rocking of the water that helped me finally drift back to sleep. Awaking as the boat pulled into port, getting my things together, and finding my bus ticket I was greeted by a nice lady with a sign who asked me to wait on the curb. As the people piled off the boat and gathered for the bus we were all a little out of it, but happy to be back on land. This was going to be the easy part I thought……hahahahahhaa…….We were shuttled to the office where we were given a sticker to put on with our final destination. Thank god for that sticker I started to realise as the journey went on. I met a nice French man from Paris who was also doing the same visa run as me, so at least I could recognise a familiar face along the way.

Now for the parts no one tells you about……lol. The “mini” bus or van as I will refer to it from now on would be our transportation for the rest of the way. We got on at the office thinking we are going to be transferred to a nice cozy comfy bus like the others, but nope so we began our adventure. Not stopping in the city, but rather randomly to pick up and drop off locals. It seemed strange at first but after the 5^th or 6^th stop I was used to the chaos. Always looking at my new friend for assurance that we were still supposed to be on this bus, driving for what felt like hours really was only 1.5 hrs. We stopped at a side road restaurant with toilets, and were told by an amazingly funny Thai guy in a cowboy hat to get off the bus, and wait 20 mins. All I could think about was a COLD drink. So into the shop I went, got my drink, sat down, opened the it and was prompty told by Cowboy that it was time to go!!! Back in the same van as before we ventured off again. Jammed between the door and a kid fully passed out and letting smelly farts go the whole way I tried to catch some zzzzz…..and as soon as I finally fell asleep we stopped at another place on the side of the road and were ordered to get out of this van and wait for another. Whilst another lady asked for our passports and told us to sit and wait, which didn’t last long when a new driver came in and told us to get into the new van. Hoping this would be our last stop I found a comfy seat in the back corner, reclined and tried to sleep once again. We started to drive off and this funny little Japanese guy next to me realised his friend was NOT on the bus, we stop, pick him up and start going again, when the same Japanese guy then realised his bag was also NOT in the van. U-turn, back to the side of the road and pick up his bag, we were finally off on our way. Getting an hour or so of shuteye, and waking up as we drive though the customs checkpoint, I was wondering why it was so easy, I settled back into my seat, closed my eyes, and turned on the music, and again 2 mins later we are stopped at the boarder crossing, and the driver is telling us to get out, go get in line, and pay 10bht for a stamp (that we will get later), getting into the Thai customs line you could tell this was a normal everyday thing here. Finally after about 10 mins of waiting in line I get to the window, and my sweet customs officer asks me if she can take a break to go to the toilet. Not sure what would happen if I said no, I politely agreed to wait another 10mins….lol. She returned fresh with all new make-up, stamped my passport and we loaded back into the van. Thinking we had to be almost finished I search through my bag for something to eat. Promptly stopping about 500m down the road where we needed to get out again, this time with all our bags and walk through Malaysian customs. Putting our bags in the security check machine and walking though metal detectors I realised there wasn’t even a person at the computer checking what we had….lol. Following the signs for the exit we were again greeted by the same van, and piled back in for the last 2hrs of our journey to Penang stopping quickly down the road to pay the customs officer for who knows what I drifted back off to sleep.

Waking up a little later as we arrived in the outskirts of Penang pulling off to let out three locals, we then veered off into a gas station, not to get gas but to give some lady in a black car a bunch of bags of unknown liquid……all of us including the sleeping Japanese guy were very curious as to what had just gone down. The driver proceeds to ask us all where we were staying before we made the last 20 mins of our journey to George Town, Penang. Arriving at Bahamas Guesthouse I checked into my room, went to the ATM, handed in my passport, got a towel, and headed up for a well-needed shower. Hot water and A/C felt like heaven on earth after that journey, not to mention the fact that I finally had a bed. I watched a couple TV shows until my computer died, and decided it was time for Indian food, and a SIM card. Following a wonderful dinner, and success with getting Internet access, I was on the hunt for a sports bar and ESPN so I could watch the LFC – Everton game. Finding one close by virtually empty I chatted with the bartender, had some pumpkin soup, and drank a couple beers. The game finished with what I thought was a goal for LFC but was called back because of offside, annoyed that we tied I headed back to my hostel for a good night’s sleep. Waking up in the middle of the night FREEZING since A/C is not something I get much of these days, I turned it off and fell blissfully back to dreamland.

Hello Koh Tao

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Arrival on the afternoon ferry, and they forget to pick me up….thankfully someone came back to get me a little while later. It was a beautiful wait, I felt as if I'd re-entered island time and all was once again at equilibrium. Put away my day to day watch and took out the Matrix cause it’s dive time……

Got to Big Blue and immediately met my DM for the next day, he was awesome. Welcomed me with open arms and was super excited to dive with me. I asked politely if he could make a call and find me the ever so difficult and enormous creature…. The “Whale shark”. He then proceeded to tell me my call time was at 6:30AM!!!!!!!!! So I figured….why not, have a few beer and head to bed….lol…..ya right…………hahahahahahhahaha. Enjoying the afternoon sun passing the time I met some great people. Spent the day/evening chatting about experiences and life, swimming, drinking and laughing. Exactly what the doctor ordered after such a busy week and a half in Bangkok. Fire Poi, music and a wonderful night had me loving this tiny island in the middle of the Gulf of Thailand. Forced myself with all my will to end the night before it began again as I was diving the next day.

However, I can’t leave you without a favourite quote or moment of the evening….

Me: Have you been to 40m?

Funny French Canadian Guy: No, but I been 8 mins and less…..

Me: CRACKING UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Waking up bright and early at 5:45am, I stumbled down to the restaurant at the beach. Craving bacon like it was my job after a month in Malaysia I ordered what any meat eating person would after a night of drinking and dancing: bacon and eggs and it was only $2CAD….lol……Greeted by my DM with a smile, we joked about how much nicer we would feel after getting in the water. I finished my breakie, and headed to grab my gear. It was boat time! Excited to get the day started we briefed and chatted as a group on the sundeck for the 45 min journey to what would be the best dive of my life thus far. My DM joked that he had called the Whale Shark and asked it to make an appearance for me, and though it is Whale Shark season in Koh Tao the sheer number of them left makes then very difficult to find. So down we go for what was going to be a deep dive around the Chumphon Pinnacle a diver’s favourite around here. I was just stoked to get back in the water after three weeks off. Sounds like I have a very difficult life……I know………….I’ve been told by many people….hahahahahah… Getting all geared up and turning on my camera I realised I had forgotten to bring the strap to attach it to me. Worried I might drop it I decided to leave it on the boat, down to 30 we go, seeing tons of barracuda, schools and schools of fish, groupers, cobias, and out of the corner of my eye I saw the MASSIVE shadow, turned my head, realising I didn’t have my tapper, and grabbed the DM’s fin and shook like crazy while making as much noise as I could to get his attention. IT was a WHALE SHARK!!!!!!  At that moment he turned towards me as it swam cm’s away from our faces. Watching like a movie we followed it for as long as our watches allowed us to….lol. During our safety stop after numerous happy dances, one of the girls pointed down, and again, right below us there it was again “The Whale Shark…………….AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The couple that was in my group had missed it last week and it was their last day. We were all ecstatic and when all the groups returned to the boat we celebrated with high fives, laughs, and pure excitement. Remembering that our DMT and a guest had missed it due to camera malfunction during the dive. I felt for that guy man, he did NOT look happy at all but I guess it’s the chance you take to capture a moment. Due to our long deep dive we needed to rest for an hr. So we all chatted amongst ourselves about whether we wanted to try again…..limited by depth and NDL’s we choose to move on and see another fabulous site that is rarely divable due to currents. But today for us, the seas were calm, the skies were clear, and the sharks were out.

Bangkok Part 2

So as I pack the last few things into my suitcase once again, I think about what an amazing 11 days it had been. I’ve already had the pleasure of telling you a bit but to highlight the later part of the week I spent the time entertaining myself throughout the city, from Hi-So places, to free all you can drink ladies night from 7-9, Koh San, Department Stores, Markets, and my favourite day…….exploring the city with my camera. The city becomes a different character each time you look through that lens; you see the beauty in things that most people wouldn’t even turn a glance at. While immersed in the culture for the day I found myself trying at my best to speak the little Thai I had learned. Getting around okay, I stopped to watch, look and really see Bangkok. It has this familiar Asian feeling, but like every country it’s own flavour. The food here is REMARKABLE, and every time you turn the corner there is some other interesting cuisine for you to try at your own risk.

Life takes place in hyper speed in Bangkok, far from the relaxed island life I left behind in Borneo. I had to keep looking at my watch and checking the date, as if I was back in the real world. But Thai people have their own time too. Sometimes early, sometimes late, no real reason or method but love it all the same. As I set numerous time zones for friends and family all over the globe and check my watch it reminds me how fast time flies and how far away people really are.

Side note…..my OWSI (PADI Instructor Card) came in the mail along with a fancy certificate. It feels good when your dream starts to take shape. Now it’s “find a job” time…..or at least plan to find one in the future.

It’s funny how you find yourself in a place where you belong nowhere and are free to go anywhere. It can be daunting one day and exhilarating the next. But while these emotions ride like a rollercoaster be sure to sit back and enjoy them. Cause for these moments of question and doubt will find you back in moments of clarity. Life has curve balls and we all get hit once and awhile. Like most, one of mine was on my last night out in Bangkok. We were having a great time, in fact, an amazing time. We figured we should spend my last Saturday on Koh San the same way we spent the first. Buckets around the table my friend and I snuck away to the Thai spa for pre-beach touch-ups. She was having none of it, but accompanied me for moral support. Needing to recharge the cash funds we went to the ATM….and the ATM machine decided it was not having any of what I needed and ate my card. Standing in the middle of the bank on a Saturday night, I didn’t do what most would expect, I DIDN’T get upset, or angry, instead I called the one and only “MOM” to the rescue. Reminding me it was Thanksgiving weekend I told her not to worry and I would be fine for a while. Deciding that fate was going to be what it was we went back to our buckets and finished out the evening right.

And here comes Monday, the day…………my bestie and I had to cancel our original plans to visit the islands on the weekend due to a cyclone warning. So I decided I was going anyways, just AFTER the weekend. Realising just how easy it was to do everything through the Internet I had all but my ride to the pier arranged. I was going diving, and not even a lost ATM card could stop me….lol. Nervous about the train as I have heard they are NOT even as close to as nice as the oldest trains in Taiwan. I braced myself for the adventure on my own. My bestie Thai twin couldn’t have been more nervous for me doing this all by myself. And to be honest while I was on the train I did NOT see another foreigner alone.  But okay, like I would of let that stop me anyways. Getting there early, as one would expect to do for a departure time I found a great teashop with green tea and NO sugar. Ecstatic at this I was off through the entrance towards my platform to find a safe, but protected area to wait and drink my tea. Keeping to myself sipping tea and surfing the net, the next thing I know a very annoying guy thought it would be funny to grab and knock my tea all over me…….awesome! IT was NOT such a good idea, but he did it anyways. So now it goes through my mind as to whether I can chance it and drink the rest of this tea. Could he have put something in it? I smelt it……. Looked in it…..and decided best to be careful. Just ALWAYS be careful I thought…..weird too, be careful ESPECIALLY when it’s weird. Finally it was time to get on the train, I needed a sink, some water and a change of clothes….lol. Well all that changed when I realized my lower berth sleeper in the afternoon was actually someone’s seat as well. Now I understand why everyone takes late night trains……lol……..no harm no foul. I figured it was best I curled up and tried to sleep as long as possible anyways. Making friends with the security guard as he jumped from seat to seat every stop. He made his way down for a chat. Asked me if I wanted my bed made up early cause I was tired, and said he’d make mine up first when it was time…..smiling I went back to sleep. Like clockwork at 5:31pm he came round to wake me and turn my uncomfy chair into a comfy bed…….yay!!!! So I figure time to get some food. Diner cart…….lol……..my favourite place on the train. You can drink, smoke, eat, do shots, and anything you like in there. Getting there through each car was interesting, crossing with doors open, and connections not fully connected……..I made it. All the tables were full except for one with 2 really nice Thai Train Police officers. I figured if I sat with anyone they’d be my best bet……..and were they ever. Ordered me food, got me an ice-cold beer, and some peanuts to snack on. Tummy full it was time for a nap……..and of course I couldn’t sleep, no 3G on my phone, and kids everywhere it was iPod and loud girly music time.  10hrs later a few naps, and a 400m walk with dive gear I arrived at my hostel to find I only had 4 flights of stairs to climb before I could have a shower….at least they got me a 50Bt ($1.50CAD) ride to the pier (which they never even charged me for) my island adventure began. Thanks Bangkok!

Bangkok Part 1

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Day 1

EPIC NIGHT with FRIENDS and FAMILY! Thank you Bangkok for the warm welcome and thank you all for making it so AWESOME.  Arrived at the airport and after a 1500m walk to immigration, 10 min.s in line I was thru and my adventure was about to begin. My fab fav friend who lives in Bangkok met me at the exit and after a couple of screams and hugs we scurried our way up to the metered taxis on the 4^th floor. We were on way with a good cheap ride home. Arriving at my friend’s fancy new condo drinks, music, and a dance celebration was needed. Quick shower and costume change and we are out the door to the famous foreign hang out Kao San Road. Everyone and more showed up to “The Hub” to welcome me and celebrate a birthday of a good friend. After some great food, local live music, bushels of roses and CHEAP drinks we were off to “Roof Bar”. Though not outside on a roof as you would imagine the music and vibe was fantastic. We all split up at this point to devil in what we fancied, me and my bestie decided to stay for the music and eye candy . . . lol . . . Dancing and singing the night away we had built up an appetite and set off on a mission to find my cousin and the others. Through the rainy alleys, up, down, in and out of buildings, with good Thai friends to translate directions, we arrived at “Bombay Bar”.  By then we were well into our night and feeling free, so we sprawled out on the amazing Indian/Thai style cushions smoking Sheesha, and drinking buckets for $15CAD.  Leaving the crowd for some “real” local food we wandered down the street stopping here, there and everywhere to take in all the moments. After a much needed 7-11 stop to curb the sweet tooth and hangover in the morning, we caught a taxi back with smiles on our faces, new friends for life, and a fantastic evening, then sunk into the comfiest bed I have slept in months and sailed quietly off to sleep.

AMAZING NIGHT

Favorite moment of the evening

My Friend: “Can I have a tequila sunrise?”

Waitress: “Sorry, we have tequila, but don’t have sunrise”….

Day 2 relax day and movie day, enjoyed living life.

Day 3

Starts off with my friend over-sleeping work, as she was not feeling well. I drag her out to help me get a phone so I can communicate with people. For some reason in Asia Smart phones really aren’t that SMART!!! Leaving finally satisfied we get some REAL Thai food for my craving, we go our separate ways and I am off to conquer travelling the BTS. Arriving safe and sound and my intended destination I travel down the organized walk ways crowded with people to meet my new two FAVOURITE Thai twins. They graciously took me out on the town for a good time. First stop: Haircut. We wander the streets through and around local marketers and people about their day, as the twins barter and look for the best deal to get what we wanted. Pleased with their find in the second or third store, they were politely given instructions in Thai and we headed off to find yummy Thai tea. Cut to the end - great hair, great drinks and we are off on our journey to see the best malls, and THEN the BEST DEALS. . . . . . getting what I needed from the “western” mall, small but necessary.  We start our journey through the mall trying aimlessly to get out. And then, we pass it: H&M. Not only am I surprised to see a store like this after years in Asia, but there is a queue to get in . . . lol  So we wait. In we walk comparing prices to the upcoming market mall down the street.  Leaving WITHOUT a thing down the street we go, after literally completing a maze on our way out. Walking the pedestrian tunnel built above street level we walk and talk our way to the other side and arrive and the “Thai” mall .a.k.a. HEAVEN . . .  Cruising the numerous stalls and shops with little trouble we weaved our way in and out one floor at a time; women’s wear, accessories, bags, hats, and so much more, finally making it to the top floor.  Da Da Da . . . the food!!!  With pros by my side every step of the way we ordered the best snacks and yummiest Thai food a girl could want. IT was seriously the first time we had all stopped talking or sat down all day.  Finishing our meal we escorted each other back to the train as we parted ways. With my address in Thai I found my way back and was able to catch a motorbike taxi back to my friend’s condo. The whole day in transit and food cost me $12 CAD.  Thank you again ladies for a wonderful experience, and a great haircut.

I love this city.

WOW the last two months.....

People keep telling me I should write a blog about my adventures....my reply was always "why"? I mean it isn't really that interesting right......while I have been convinced that my life is quite entertaining......lol.....who woulda thought?

So I guess I should start by telling you why I am writing this. A couple months ago, July 29th to be exact. I left my comfy life in Taiwan for the adventure of a life time. I sold almost all of my stuff, some would say I enjoy "things"......and it was time to give them up. So with 70kg I embarked on my journey...................

First stop: Borneo - Kota Kinabalu - Malaysia, my FAVOURITE place on Earth. I arrived a little tired from the previous nights' shenanigans. Ready to take a nap and crawl under a rock wondering if leaving Taiwan was a good idea. I threw my stuff down on the floor in the hostel and ran to the beach. It was if the waves and the familiar sound of the ocean settled any concerns I was feeling at the time.

After my first couple days it was time to get down to business and back underwater. The real reason I returned to Borneo was to complete my PADI Instructor Exam, and dive. First day back in the water was like riding a bike. I felt at home underwater, like I was meant to be there. However, the second day wasn't as amazing as I ended up with an ear infection. So down to the pharmacy I went to pick up the ear drops and start my 3 dry days on land until it passed. Feeling a little frustrated as things were not off to such a great start..........and continued to get worse as the ear infection wasn't going away. I head down to the local clinic to get some professional advice. I get in to see the doctor and he begins to tell me, it is in the middle ear and I MAY need surgery. WHAT???????? SURGERY???????? My mind is now in panic mode. He suggests I go the see a specialist, and I agree as surgery is NOT what I wanted to hear. So off I go (taking a taxi to avoid being lost in translation), see the specialist, drains my ear, and I pay $50 CAD as he tells me I need another 5 dry days out of the water.

Skip 5 boring days of drinking, tanning, sleeping and studying. Back in the water on the following Wednesday, I will never forget that day. I was so worried my ear would cause problems and my idea of a diving career would expire before it even began. Though as it expected all was fine and I met this really nice lady I was guiding that day, talking about how much better the drivers in Malaysia were than Taiwan. Up bright and early the next morning to get down to the dive shop and help the crew,  I get hit by a car on my way. Scratched and bruised but me and my motorcycle seemed to be in pretty good condition. I figured a few bandaids and some disinfectant I would be good to go. So all patched up, off to work I went. People are stunned and surprised I still wanna dive, asking over and over again if i was okay. Didn't really feel the pain till the next day, when I woke up the next morning I felt like I had been run over by a bus. Remembering I was in Asia, and massages are super cheap I spent the better part of that day paying a nice Muslim lady to massage around all the bruises and cuts.

The following week I had the pleasure of working for an amazing couple who own a dive shop here. They gave me the confidence I needed to assure myself that this was a great dream, and I would do great at it. That week I met some awesome people, saw some cool things, and had my heart touched by someone very special :). Things were looking up.......

IDC TIME...................holy heck, people told me it would be stressful, they told me I would be tired, they told me it was tough. They call it a development course for a reason, it KICKED MY ASS.....and my confidence. But as my Course Director told me prior to the course, "you WILL pass". And I passed the IE with flying colours. Proud of my accomplishment, and meeting my goal a big night of dancing, eating and drinking was planned. Those nights are kinda a blur, but I've been told I was a riot, full of smiles, fun, and just plain old me. It didn't really sink in that my dream had come true until the Monday following the exam. I got an email from PADI saying I was officially in active teaching status. Meaning I was actually an instructor. Looking back today, time flies, and I wish I had tried to enjoy it more, but I was too busy.

The last two weeks.........have been relaxing, fun, and exciting. I am flying to Thailand this weekend to begin the next chapter of my Southeast Asian adventure. I will get to see my cousin, one of my best friends from Taiwan and more awesome people I have met along the way.

Stay tuned......I am sure Thailand will have its quirks and I can't wait to share them with you.....