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Khao Sok National Park

I have just completed my first tour in Thailand. It was called the “Trails of Thailand” and the itinerary was as follows. Bangkok 2 nights, Kanchanaburi 2 nights, Ayuthaya to Khao Yai National Park 2 nights, Chiang Mai 2 nights, Chiang Dao 1 night, Phuket 1 night, Khao Sok 2 nights, Phuket 1 night.

This was a great and adventurous trip. We did hiking, rafting, canoeing, elephant trekking, speed boating, bird watching and more. Of course we also did temples and museums… What’s a trip in Southeast Asia without temples!?

After working in Vietnam for 4 months, it was great to get out and have a taste of another culture for a bit. Indeed, for the past 2 weeks, I have been nearly completely disconnected from my colleagues and staff in Vietnam, as well as the rest of the world (sorry, Mom). It’s been nice to be away, and I feel as if I’ve had a vacation! Which is cool.

The tour went fantastically well, and I got great tips and survey results after.

Working in Thailand is much different from working in Vietnam.. at least in my limited perspective. In Vietnam, things happen. Hotel check-ins happen, drink orders are taken, laundry is completed on time, buses show up when they’re supposed to, etc. In Thailand, while SIGNIFICANTLY more developed and touristed than Vietnam, these things don’t always happen… But the people are so dammed friendly that it all seems ok. One must remember the Thai saying of “Mai pen rai“. Basically “It’s nothing” or “No big thing” or “No problem, dude.. chill out and have a seat”!! Ok, I get it. There are bigger things to worry about.. Like where to have dinner. And what to drink with it.

I was last in Thailand in June 2005, and it left such an impression on me that I knew I’d be back. Having been back, I still love the country. I hope to return soon.

Happy New Year! Today is the second day of the New Year on the Chinese/Lunar calendar. The Lunar New Year (Tet) is also celebrated in Vietnam and is a much larger celebration than the western New Year on 1 January. Unfortunately I missed the parties because I was in Thailand finishing up a tour on New Year’s eve. I arrived back to Vietnam yesterday, the first day of the New Year.

Yesterday and today, Hanoi has been pretty quiet. Except for the firecrackers which are exploding every couple of minutes. All the shops and markets are closed. Only a few restaurants catering to tourists are open, and a few pho (noodle soup) shops.
 
The Vietnamese take about a week off to celebrate the New Year. Traditionally, the first day of the New Year is for seeing family, the second for teachers and the third for celebrating with friends.

This is the year of the pig. Should be a good year for money, which is always good.

Separately… I was born in the year of the snake. Several Vietnamese friends have told me that I should find a woman born in the year of the pig, because the two animals are a good match. According to this plan, someone suitable with be either 24 or 36 this year (6 years younger or older than me). We’ll see.