Kristina and Krismom's trip to Thailand and Cambodia
Dec 9th, 2007, 05:37 AM
#41
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can't even compare the penn and ROS---different leagues....and different ages, i.e. windows...
we will never convince the dye-hards that ROS is not the cat's meow---gpanda and kathie....don't try...we will only try to warn unsuspecting others...hahaha
the first word i saw on entering taxi is meter and i point to it....the i say where i am going....can also instruct the doorman to be firm with driver about it....
another ros failing....i have not had problems there however....try to take a taxi from river city and you will have far more problems...we often walk over to hotel to get taxis for this reason
bon voyage
we will never convince the dye-hards that ROS is not the cat's meow---gpanda and kathie....don't try...we will only try to warn unsuspecting others...hahaha
the first word i saw on entering taxi is meter and i point to it....the i say where i am going....can also instruct the doorman to be firm with driver about it....
another ros failing....i have not had problems there however....try to take a taxi from river city and you will have far more problems...we often walk over to hotel to get taxis for this reason
bon voyage
Dec 10th, 2007, 04:56 AM
#42
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Home now and up early due to jetlag. Flight home on Thai was fine but I've never been able to sleep comfortably sitting up, even in Premium Economy.
I fear I'm going to crash badly today around 3PM, but I still have to go to work.
I've posted the text from the 2nd half of our day with Tong on my website. Pictures will have to wait until later, assuming I am conscious this evening.
I fear I'm going to crash badly today around 3PM, but I still have to go to work.
I've posted the text from the 2nd half of our day with Tong on my website. Pictures will have to wait until later, assuming I am conscious this evening.
Dec 10th, 2007, 09:29 PM
#43
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Ok, you all still with me here?
Now posted are more photos from the floating market, pictures from the tiger temple and a cute one of Tong with her Fodor's GTG bag.
You can read all about the tiger temple, Bam Bam the bear, getting pulled over by the Thai Highway Patrol, and eating over-priced street food.
Jat lag is a killer. This afternoon I had to come home and sleep lest I start halluncinating.
As it is, I keep having vivid dreams of ruined temples and large wild cats...
Now posted are more photos from the floating market, pictures from the tiger temple and a cute one of Tong with her Fodor's GTG bag.
You can read all about the tiger temple, Bam Bam the bear, getting pulled over by the Thai Highway Patrol, and eating over-priced street food.
Jat lag is a killer. This afternoon I had to come home and sleep lest I start halluncinating.
As it is, I keep having vivid dreams of ruined temples and large wild cats...
Dec 11th, 2007, 08:58 AM
#44
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Meant to add a direct link to Day 2.
http://www.wired2theworld.com/Cam2007BangkokDay2.html
Finally heard from Mom in Chiang Mai. She's having a good time but so far has given me no details as to what she's doing other than sending a picture of a 5 month old baby elephant. Other than that, I know she's going to the Golden Triangle area tomorrow.
http://www.wired2theworld.com/Cam2007BangkokDay2.html
Finally heard from Mom in Chiang Mai. She's having a good time but so far has given me no details as to what she's doing other than sending a picture of a 5 month old baby elephant. Other than that, I know she's going to the Golden Triangle area tomorrow.
Dec 11th, 2007, 10:00 AM
#45
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Thanks so much for sharing all of these pictures and your experiences with us. I am SO psyched to go to Bangkok and to meet Tong. We will also be going to Siem Reap and touring with Ponheary so I can't wait to see those days when you get them onto your website. Especially since you were there for four days and I think my husband is starting to think that we can do all of Angkor Wat in a day and then another day to go to Tonle Sap and we're done. This because his brother just did that, but he tends to do the highlights and that's it. I'd like to get into a bit more depth and really experience the area.
I am so envious of people who have the computer know how to set up sites like this. Maybe once I am retired I will have the time to learn how to do it
!
I am so envious of people who have the computer know how to set up sites like this. Maybe once I am retired I will have the time to learn how to do it
!
Dec 11th, 2007, 08:58 PM
#46
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jcasale-No! You can't "do" Angkor Wat in a day! Well, ok, if you want to go that far just to see one or two temples you can, but really, then, what's the point?
We did not visit Tonle Sap lake this trip, but did it on the last trip in 2002. We spent 4 days in SR on that trip as well. If you want to see that report while waiting for the new one, go here:
http://www.wired2theworld.com/cambodia2002.html
I am working on Day 3 in Bangkok right now and hope to have the Siem Reap stuff posted in the next few days. Lots of pictures to wade through. I have to do it all in order or I will forget something.
We did not visit Tonle Sap lake this trip, but did it on the last trip in 2002. We spent 4 days in SR on that trip as well. If you want to see that report while waiting for the new one, go here:
http://www.wired2theworld.com/cambodia2002.html
I am working on Day 3 in Bangkok right now and hope to have the Siem Reap stuff posted in the next few days. Lots of pictures to wade through. I have to do it all in order or I will forget something.
Dec 11th, 2007, 10:42 PM
#47
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jcasale-I realize my post above might have sounded harsh. That's the jet lag talkin'.
If you can only go for two days, then by all means, go. If you can convince your husband to do more, so much the better. All the temples are so different, I'm not sure I'd sacrifice a whole day of two for the lake.
If you can only go for two days, then by all means, go. If you can convince your husband to do more, so much the better. All the temples are so different, I'm not sure I'd sacrifice a whole day of two for the lake.
Dec 12th, 2007, 04:17 AM
#48
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Thanks for your updates...looking forward to reading the rest.
Slightly random question: the shoes you have on in the floating market picture are so cute. May I ask the brand or where you got them? Thanks
Slightly random question: the shoes you have on in the floating market picture are so cute. May I ask the brand or where you got them? Thanks
Dec 12th, 2007, 04:29 AM
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I agree with Kristina. With only two days, I'd spend them both in the temples. The lake is a so-so experience in my opinion and only something to do if you're templed out or have been before or have lots of time......my 2 cents.
Dec 12th, 2007, 06:36 AM
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Hi-
Day 3 in Bangkok is now posted and included walks through Pat Klong Talat and Bang Rak Markets, Wat Prayoon, and many bowls of noodle soup. Also dinner at Taling Pling.
http://www.wired2theworld.com/Cam2007BangkokDay3.html
Cruisinred-Those shoes are Champion brand from Payless of all places! Cute, eh? I bought them about 3 months ago, so I don't know if they still have them. They were very comfortable.
I can't tell you how many times I was glad I was NOT wearing sandals on this trip. I tripped and stubbed my toes on uneven pavement (or tree roots in Siem Reap) so many times! I probably would have broken something if I'd been wearing sandals.
Lori- Hi! Siem Reap portion is coming up soon!
Day 3 in Bangkok is now posted and included walks through Pat Klong Talat and Bang Rak Markets, Wat Prayoon, and many bowls of noodle soup. Also dinner at Taling Pling.
http://www.wired2theworld.com/Cam2007BangkokDay3.html
Cruisinred-Those shoes are Champion brand from Payless of all places! Cute, eh? I bought them about 3 months ago, so I don't know if they still have them. They were very comfortable.
I can't tell you how many times I was glad I was NOT wearing sandals on this trip. I tripped and stubbed my toes on uneven pavement (or tree roots in Siem Reap) so many times! I probably would have broken something if I'd been wearing sandals.
Lori- Hi!
Siem Reap portion is coming up soon!
Dec 12th, 2007, 05:22 PM
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HI Kristina,
I'm loving your posts. Don't worry about souding "harse". I don't take offense at all. I want honest opinions. Actually, I have scheduled two full days in the temples and then a third day to go into the countryside (I'm hoping to convince dh to go to Ponheary's school) and to Tonle Sap. So in MY plan we would have two full temple days plus another one to do other things. And I have booked Ponheary for all three. It's the brother-in-law who says we can do the temples in one day. I didn't believe him either, so I'm gathering ammunition to stick to MY itinerary based on all of you wonderful people here. So thanks for the ammunition! And keep the postings on your website coming!
I'm loving your posts. Don't worry about souding "harse". I don't take offense at all. I want honest opinions. Actually, I have scheduled two full days in the temples and then a third day to go into the countryside (I'm hoping to convince dh to go to Ponheary's school) and to Tonle Sap. So in MY plan we would have two full temple days plus another one to do other things. And I have booked Ponheary for all three. It's the brother-in-law who says we can do the temples in one day. I didn't believe him either, so I'm gathering ammunition to stick to MY itinerary based on all of you wonderful people here. So thanks for the ammunition
! And keep the postings on your website coming!
Dec 12th, 2007, 09:03 PM
#52
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Ok, the first half of Siem Reap Day 1 is now posted.
This includes the new Bangkok airport and the Victoria Angkor Hotel. The temples will have to wait until tomorrow. I'm tired.
http://www.wired2theworld.com/Cam2007SiemReapDay1.html
This includes the new Bangkok airport and the Victoria Angkor Hotel. The temples will have to wait until tomorrow. I'm tired.
http://www.wired2theworld.com/Cam2007SiemReapDay1.html
Dec 14th, 2007, 08:22 AM
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What are you complaing about - you just got back from there ! What about the rest of us who are having to deal with the entire winter (and spring for that matter) before getting to Thailand? lol Guess I shouldn't complain too much since most of the storms so far have been pretty tame in Chicago compared to other parts of the country. Curious to see how much snow the coast of Maine got when we get there on the 25th.
! What about the rest of us who are having to deal with the entire winter (and spring for that matter) before getting to Thailand? lol Guess I shouldn't complain too much since most of the storms so far have been pretty tame in Chicago compared to other parts of the country. Curious to see how much snow the coast of Maine got when we get there on the 25th.
Dec 14th, 2007, 08:28 AM
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Just read your Siem Reap report, Kris and am a bit concerned about your comments about the Bangkok terminal. How soon before your flight did you actually go through security? We have a significant layover there on our way home and I REALLY don't want to have to deal with being in an area with no food or water for hours.
Dec 14th, 2007, 09:07 AM
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jcascale-there is a large area with lots of food and water before you pass through the last security. The last security is just before the gate. Hang out in the otherv area and go to your gate with enough time to clear security. If your concerned, just take a look at the line for the last security and estimate the time to get through. This has never been a problem for us.
Dec 14th, 2007, 09:32 AM
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Thanks, gpanda. I figured there had to be something for people with layovers but wanted to check. If I don't eat on a regular basis, it's not a pretty sight! DH says I turn into Linda Blair and he's not far off the mark !
!
Dec 14th, 2007, 06:33 PM
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Gpanda is right-the security is the last step, right before the gates.
I only noticed that there was nothing there because I was thirsty after eating some fairly salty wonton soup while waiting for my plane home.
There are bathrooms and a water fountain at the gate, but I was wary of drinking from it.
Another thing; Thai airways has secondary security even after sending bags through xray etc. We got wanded and patted down right before walking to the gate.
A man, visably annoyed at this, said "Do you do this to everyone??". He appeared to be of middle eastern decent and I think he was implying that he was being "profiled".
I looked at him and said "apparantly so", gesturing to myself whose bag was being searched at the time, and the line of people waiting behind us. He did not look sufficiently sheepish for my taste even after that. ;-)
I only noticed that there was nothing there because I was thirsty after eating some fairly salty wonton soup while waiting for my plane home.
There are bathrooms and a water fountain at the gate, but I was wary of drinking from it.
Another thing; Thai airways has secondary security even after sending bags through xray etc. We got wanded and patted down right before walking to the gate.
A man, visably annoyed at this, said "Do you do this to everyone??". He appeared to be of middle eastern decent and I think he was implying that he was being "profiled".
I looked at him and said "apparantly so", gesturing to myself whose bag was being searched at the time, and the line of people waiting behind us. He did not look sufficiently sheepish for my taste even after that. ;-)
