Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Leaving Australia / Thailand - March '08
Tuesday, March 4th ‘08
Just a couple of days ‘till I leave my sweetheart and go to Thailand. I really want to go but I don’t want to leave my baby. It’ll be soooooooooo hard to be away from him. We are not used to be apart, don’t know how we’ll react. Last weekend was our last weekend together and it was nice. David brought me ice skating and I might say that it was funny to look at us in the rink, the Canadian with her clumsy Australian boyfriend. It was really nice to be doing something a little more “Canadian”. On Saturday, we spent most of the day inside. David had planned for us to go sailing but there wasn’t much wind so we decided to wait and see if the wind would kick up on Sunday but it didn’t. David was quite upset that we didn’t get to go sailing but I don’t care, the thought was really nice and it would’ve been loads of fun, the most important thing to me is that he thought of it. He also took me to a photo booth to take pictures of us, just like in the movies. That was so tacky! He is such a Princess, my Princess (Sophia)!!!
Yesterday, we went to his Softball game as every Monday since the start of February. I like watching him play, he’s so happy on the field. He played really good, the entire team did, they came 2nd and are playing the finals which I will unfortunately be missing. When we came home after work, David gave me my going away gift which I thought was fair as I had given his weeks ago ‘cause he ruined it. Yup, he ruined it! I had gotten him Balactica (to all geeks, yes I know, it’s Battlestar Galactica) season 3 as him and his flatmate have been trying to get their hands on it. I had gotten it so he could watch it while I was gone, to help time go by. But then, he got his hands on a copy from a friend and that’s how he ruined the going away present I had for him. The thing is, I still have more instore for him. The past few weeks, I’ve been working on some picture frames to put up in his room and some notes that I’d leave around his room/car. I’ve been working hard to make sure that he has stuff for when I’m gone. I sure hope he appreciates all I’ve been doing for him. Oh yeah, back to the going away gift he got me, he went for a photo shoot and had some nice professional pictures taken of him for me to bring in Thailand and Canada. What a sweetheart!
Friday, March 7th ‘08
Last day of my visa. Same day last year, I was just arriving into Sydney airport. The year has gone fast. On a Qantas flight on my way to Sydney where I shall catch a Thai Airways flight to Thailand. Excited? Yes and No! Right now, all I can think of is my dear David that I just left at the Canberra airport. It hasn’t been an hour since I left him and I miss him so much. I just don’t want to leave him. My darling, I love you so much! I just can’t believe how hard it was for me to leave him at the airport. I just wanted to hide him in my suitcase. I’ll just have to try and think more about the fact that I’ll be seeing my mom again in 5 days. I miss her and it’ll be really nice to be with her again. Well, I’m on my flight to Bangkok! Good bye Aussie land! We’ve been thru some good times and bad times. It’s bee horrible at times and wonderful at others and most important, you gave me… love, love which I’m leaving for now but will be seeing again soon. Oh how I miss my love!
This airline is really nice, I got a menu, blanket, pillow, etc. The stuff they don’t do/give anymore in the planes (cheap airlines!). I think about David a lot. Just got to the hotel after taking their ridiculously over priced shuttle and the room is so much crappier than I expected. I’m so exhausted that I just cracked and cried. I just can’t stop crying. I miss/want David!
Saturday, March 8th ‘08
Well, first day in Bangkok! David gave me a call this morning. Really not surprising but sweet! I was so happy to talk to him. I really needed to hear his voice. I wish he was here with me.
Haven’t really prepared so I don’t know what to so. I’ll just give Lyne a call. She’s a friend of my mom’s friend. It’ll be nice to be with another French Canadian and she’ll be able to guide me. The shuttle driver last night told me that it was courtesy to tip here in Thailand but I didn’t believe him, with reason talking to Lyne. I’m really tired to be scared of being ripped off all the time. I took a cab to Lyne’s place but didn’t get ripped off as I knew about how much it would cost. Lyne was very nice and helpful. She and her flatmate left me at the river on their way to meditation we took a tuktuk. I’m right now on a boat going I don’t know where and don’t really care. I’ll get to my hotel sometime and I also need to find where the other hotel I’m transferring to tomorrow is. I just feel really weird being here and I can’t wait for my mom to come. I feel really lonely now. Having David in my life really changed my perspective on traveling.
I walked around not knowing were I was going as usual. Got myself in streets where if my men was here she would get claustrophobic. Streets are filled with marchands and people. It is really very lively. Lots of food, food I’ve never seen and would love to taste. Clothes and stuff to buy. All really very cheap. Lots of fake Disney stuff. People are poor and there’s lots of dogs. It is really interesting to be in a country with such a different culture. I try to avoid anyone who speaks to me in the streets when I can’t help it, I lie. I’m Australian, my name in Jenny, I’ve been here for a month leaving tomorrow. I’ve been here last year, I’m staying with friends, I’m engaged, etc. I avoid any tuktuk and cabs that engages me, I stop them myself if I need one. I also bargain or make sure the meter is on before I go anywhere. It is not easy but I try to do my best. I really feel lonely as I’m waiting for my mom to do anything.
I’ve got to go to the Canadian embassy on Monday to get a new passport as mine expires on Sep 29 and I need it to be valid for 6 months when I come back from Vietnam. Got back to my hotel room to use the wireless internet. I so want to webcam with my darling. The connection is so crappy, the image barely moves and we can’t hear each other so David called me on the hotel phone, it’s better but not great. I recon things I’ll be better when my mom gets here.
Sunday, March 9th ‘08
After being ripped off royally by First Hotel Bangkok (don’t ever go there, not worth the price, rooms are disgusting), I moved to Samran Hotel. It’s on the same street, just a little further. It’s cheaper and the rooms are nicer. They don’t have wireless internet tho. I went for a wonder to Samran before I checked out of First “crap” and this guy with a tuktuk offered me back and forth between hotels for 20 baht (after bargaining) but he wanted to take me somewhere on the way to look at a shop where they would give him gas coupons. It was a back alley full of taxis and tuktuks. I didn’t feel too safe but I took his license plate down. I got in the “store” where other tourists where brought made me feel better. They took us in a room full of jewelry and then another with touristic souvenirs. The employees looked like they worked at a 5 star hotel. I didn’t buy anything anyways.
Eventho it takes 30 baht to a dollar (CAD) you have to bargain, 10 baht makes a difference. I don’t really know what I will be doing today, right now, I’m in my room watching a movie on TV. I finally decided to leave the hotel room for a bit. Walked around, this is pretty dodgy but what area in Bangkok isn’t!?! Got myself a manicure and pedicure for 10$. Nice! Went back to my room and ordered room service as it isn’t expensive at all. David called and so did my mom. I miss them both and I’m very excited to see my mom in 3 days. I’m really waiting for her to do stuff.
Lundi, le 10 mars ‘08
Il pleut! Chu reste au lit jusqu'à 11:30. J’ai regarde la TV pis j’me suis rendue a l’ambassade Canadienne. J’ai besoin d’un nouveau passeport au PC. J’ai pris le BTS (metro d’ici) y’a des mini TV avec son et de la pub partout! Rendu a l’arret, ca m’a pris un boutte a trouver l’building. La section des passeports est ferme, a ferme a midi. M’a y retourner demain parce que j’ai besoin d’info.
La, j’ai honte, je suis chez McDo. C’est drole, y’a une famille Allemande qui vient de s’assir et se font servir a table. Les thailandais font vraiment tout pour etre accommodant avec les touristes. J’trouve ca ben dure de m’promener dans les rues parce que j’blend pas et ce trop evident que chu une touriste. J’me fais achalee partout surtout par les chauffeurs de tuktuk. Ye 3hpm donc 7hpm a Canberra. David doit avoir trouve l’mot que j’ai laisse dans son gant de baseball. Ya une partie de softball a soir qui a commence a 6h. J’dois etre a ma chambre pour 7h parce qu’y va m’appeler. Un mois et 2 jours cheri! Ca va passe vite! Je sais que c’est pas facile, on est pas habitue d’etre separe pour aussi longtemps. J’vais continuer a marche autour d’ici avant de retourne a ma chambre. P-E m’offrir ce massage que je veux depuis 2 jours.
Tuesday, March 11th ‘08
Today, I was going to go to the Canadian Embassy to ask some questions but then I decided to stay in bed all day. I tried, I tried real hard but by 2:30 I was going crazy and decided to leave my room. I chose to go to Victory monument ‘cause it was the only place I knew how to go by BTS. I was bothered once by a tuktuk driver and that’s pretty much it. Felt good not to be bothered too much. Got into a mall, the first I ever saw and found a Dairy Queen, I remembered telling David a couple weeks ago about Dairy Queen and how I’d love a Peanut Buster. I haven’t been really hungry; lately I have been forcing myself to eat. Food is soooooooo cheap here! I can eat well for less than 100 baht (~3,50CAD).
I’ve been trying to organize for my mom to be picked up at the airport as on the hotel’s website, they mention a shuttle they also mention a special rate for a week stay. It’s hard to be understood here as they’re not really good at English but I was able to get free transport for me to pick up my mom as they charged me regular rate for the week. I’d be better off with being reimbursed and finding my own transport but it’s just easier this way. David has been calling me every night at/around 7pm, it’s a bit hard at times for him to get connected here and sometimes we get cut off. It was a bit hard for me today being away from here. I think it’s been hard on him too. My mom’ll be here tomorrow and it’ll make things better and I’ll start to do things. I can’t wait to see her.
Wednesday, March 12th ‘08
It’s 15 to 1 and I’m still in my room. I did take a shower and cut my hair but haven’t left my room. It’s also too late to go to the Canadian embassy. I can’t wait for tonight to go pick up my mom. It’ll be great to see her. David has his first French class today and I wonder how he’s doing. I’m really excited to hear how his class went. I’ve been teaching him some French and he learns really fast. Can’t wait to bring him home, show him everything and see how he’ll be doing with his French.
Thursday, March 13th ‘08
Today, my mom and I went to the Canadian embassy as I need a new passport. My passport expires in September and my passport has to be valid for 6months after the date of entry in Thailand or else they won’t let me in. I need it because I’m going to Vietnam on the 2nd of April and coming back to Thailand on the 11th to catch my flight out on the 12th. They won’t let me in if I don’t get a new passport. We went to do some shopping and prepare a B-Day, surprise for my David.
Friday, March 14th ‘08
Today, I took my mom to take a Thai massage, she did not like it. Good thing I asked for only a half hour massage. Thai massages are quite different then what we’re used too, they move your legs and body ways you would do for stretching while applying pressure on muscles. It’s interesting but not for everyone. We went to a tailor as Bangkok has loads of them and is known to be cheap. My mom wanted a dress and I had one of my favorite tops copied. We also tasted some Thai food sold on the streets. That was really nice but still don’t know what it was else then it had a taste of ginger. We went on a tuktuk but after 2 streets, the driver wanted to take us somewhere else before our destination so we got off and took a taxi instead. When you take a taxi in Thailand, make sure they put on the meter ‘cause their “special” price is always more than the meter price. As for tuktuks, they don’t have meters you have to bargain with them and most of the time they want to take you where they want and not where you want. They are very annoying on the streets saying : “Tuktuk!” “10Baht”, if you ignore or even say no : “Where you going?” They really harass you on the streets all the time, they are everywhere.
Saturday, March 15th ‘08
My mom and I have been doing the one thing I hate, shop. There really isn’t much more to do in Bangkok. I’ve been preparing surprises for David’s B-Day and we had some clothes made but they’re not making it the way I asked, I gave a good deposit on it, I just started to cry in the taxi back to the hotel. Some things are cheap but others aren’t. We started to eat Thai food which is a good thing. I’ve tasted things I don’t know what it is or what’s in it, I don’t care, I’m just happy to taste. I’m slightly regretting being here now as I’m a bit tired of traveling. I just need a bit of a break. But, it’s ok! I’ve just booked a week of diving lessons. I’ll be at one class under dive master. It’s pretty cheap, includes hotel. We’ll see how the week goes. So leaving tomorrow night for the island of Koh Tao. Time is going by fast even with my mother driving me crazy at times. David calls me every night and it’s always nice to hear his voice and talk about our day. I had a bit of a heat stroke today. We went to the Golden Mountain, a monastery. Then, spent all of our time from one McDonalds to another because of my heat stroke. We also ended up in the fire arms district, which did not make us feel safe at all! I can’t wait to leave Bangkok I’ve been spending too much time here.
Sunday, March 16th ‘08
Well, after all the work we did to get that tailored dress for me to wear on David’s B-Day, we decided not to go back to the tailor which meant that I would lose the deposit I gave which was a fair amount. It’s just not worth my having a dress that is not what I asked for and not one that I like. Tailors aren’t good at all even the other tailor where my mom had her dress made and my top wasn’t good. I gave them my top and asked for them to make a copy, not too hard! You would think! They had to redo it completely as it was too tight and I looked like I had 2 set of breasts plus, they forgot to put on sleeves on my mom's dress. We finally did get the top and the dress but we were not satisfied with any tailored clothes whatsoever. My mom and I are really fed up of Bangkok and hate this city, we can’t wait to leave it tonight. The people here screw you up as much as they can and harass you all the time even men that aren’t selling anything harasses us.
We took a boat to Wat Arun a temple across the river. It was really nice and high we had to walk up stairs that were high and steep reminded me of Chichen Itza, Mexico. But the view was nice and it felt good to see a temple. You can’t enter a temple wearing just anything and if you don’t have suitable clothing, they will rent you some at the entrance for about 20Baht (~ 0.80CAD). On our way back to the hotel, the taxi tried to screw us up by wanting to charge us 100Baht flat rate (~ 3,50CAD) when I know that for that distance it’ll be about 50-70Baht (~ 1,80 – 2,50CAD). When I asked for the meter the guy said: “I’m trying to save you money, it’ll be 150Baht with the traffic!”. What a liar! I did not like him so when we go to destination I made sure to give him the exact amount of 69Baht (~ 2,30CAD) and he closed the meter before I paid then said: “No, 71Baht!” I had seen the price before he closed it and didn’t give him a Baht more than 69. He then said: “Fuck you!” I replied getting out of the cab: “You sure tried but it didn’t work!”
At the hotel, we asked for our luggage and it took like forever to get it. We had to catch another Taxi to the travel agency that sold us the Diving package in Koh Tao so they would take us to the bus. The taxi did not know who to get to Banglaphoo which is a well-known tourist area. It took forever for the taxi to find out how to get there. In Thailand, you don’t have to know where anything is in the city to become a Taxi drive you just need to know how to drive. Well, we got there just on time! A lady came to pick us up and took us thru busy streets to where we had to register to take the bus. My mom and I had 3 suitcases, one bag and a backpack, it was really hard to keep up with the lady that didn’t seem to give a shit that it was harder for us thru all these people and narrow streets. Got there, registered and then got to another area where we waited for the bus. My mom and I were a little nervous about taking the bus as we heard and read many horror stories about people having their things stolen, being gassed or left in the middle of nowhere. What made me feel better was that there were a bunch of guys a little worried about it as well. I had a bit of time before we got on the bus so I decided to buy a phone card and give David a call before we left.
Monday, March 17th ‘08
On our way to Koh Tao, we stopped for food. My mom and I went to the public bathrooms there which was a bit of a mistake, should have gone in the bus instead. Well, we experienced Thai bathrooms. The bowl is on the floor, there’s no TP and the way to flush is to put some water from a bucket next to it in the bowl. It was quite interesting! It’s 5:30am, we’re in Chumphon waiting for the boat to take us to the island of Koh Tao, these German decided to start drinking and putting loud boomboom music. I was not happy when I told them off, they were not happy that I called their music boomboom. Such idiots no consideration for the other people around that spent the night on a bus.
We’re finally at Ban’s diving resort in Koh Tao and we’re tired. We took a nap and spend the day relaxing. The room that comes with the deal is horrible, the bathroom selling is leaking and I’m just waiting for it to fall. I’m starting my Adventure dive classes tomorrow and I can’t wait. David and I chatted online and he just decided he’ll be coming over for Easter weekend which is next weekend. I’m soooooo happy, I can’t wait for him to get here. I really miss him very much.
Tuesday, March 18th ‘08
Well, today was my first day of my Advance diver classes. We were 3 but tomorrow we’ll be 2 which is great, I don’t like big classes. My teacher is from the Netherlands and I think he likes me. Tough! I’ve got a boyfriend plus, I don’t think he’d treat me as well as David does. We did 2 dives and saw about 8-10 sharks during our first dive, that was really cool. I really love diving. Dive classes are really cheap here, it’s about 700$ for me to take my Advance, Emergency First Response and Rescue class, includes 7 nights accommodation (I get a room and I can have my mom stay with me for free). Well, I chatted with David tonight and he booked his tickets, he’ll be here Friday morning. I’m sooooooooooo excited to see him.
Thursday, March 20th ‘08
Today, I have my EFR class in the afternoon so my mom and I went to do some exploring, we found a really nice dress which looks good on me and I’ll have the pleasure wearing for David tomorrow! I have been indoors and diving for the past few days so the sun didn’t affect me much but my mom has been burnt quite a lot. The sun is really very strong here. It’s so hot that we’re sweating without moving. Koh Tao is a diver island and used to not accept non divers, only recently have hotel started to accept customers that didn’t book dive trips or classes. So there isn’t much to do when you’re not a diver. There are lots of stray dogs around here and they are really cute when you don’t look at them from up close. They will not bug you unless you throw beer at them or something. Just like some drunk guys have done. Else, they do their own thing. I’ve heard that when you get into stores, restaurants, homes, etc you have to take your shoes off, I haven’t seen it done much in Bangkok but here in Koh Tao it’s being observed tightly.
Friday, March 21st ‘08
Well, David arrives this morning and I’m soooooooooo excited! I’ve dressed up for him and now, I’m waiting at the peer for his boat to arrive. Won’t be too long now! There he is, I can see his boat approaching. A tear of joy just came down my cheek! I’m lying, it’s more like overflowing. I’m just so happy that he’s here!
He got off the boat and I could help myself but to run to him, he ran too. We got into each others arms and kissed, David turned me around, it looked like one of those movie scenes when couples reunite. Everyone was just staring at us. Tears just couldn’t stop running down my face. I really am very happy that David’s finally arrived and that we’re together again. My poor darling was so tired; he just traveled 24hrs to get here. I took him for a swim in the pool before he took a nap. He met my mom and that went well, I knew it would be good, I was anxious for them to meet each other.
This evening, I went to get my hair done while David was sleeping. The hairdresser was bad; she dropped soap in my eye and did with my hair what I could’ve done myself. Ah well! Then, I got dressed in my new dress while my mom went to wake him up. It was good to have a nice evening “out” with David. There’s not much going out but we found a nice little “Italian” (as Italian Thai food can get!) restaurant and had a nice meal. I just want to enjoy every second, of every minute of every hour he is here with me. I just know this weekend’ll fly by and I don’t want to miss a thing.
Saturday, March 22nd
Today, David rented a moped so we can drive around the island. My poor David’s ego took quite a plunge. While David was getting the moped, I went to the ATM to get some cash out and got huge electric shocks out of it. It was really painful. He rented the moped and the lady at the shop showed him how to start and break so, he hops on and me behind him it didn’t take a half a second, we were in the bush. We’re in the bush and David tries to break but takes the moped in deeper. It was so funny! The woman comes and helps us take the moped out of the bush she then tells David that he should to a test run without me in the back. As he’s “driving” (not very stable on it), the lady tells me: “You drive, you drive!” So when David came back, I did a test run and had no problems at all. David did not take it too well, he didn’t say anything but it showed in his face.
We drove around the island from one end to another didn’t take more than 30mins total and stopped at a beach on the other side of the island. I was much more beautiful but the sand grains were bigger and the water cold, we decided we like the beach where we are better. My mom, David and I went for a walk and did a little shopping, got myself another dress. I love dresses and I’m so glad to have so many new ones. David took me out for dinner again and told me that he’ll be taking me out every time I get a new dress. Well, I might just buy myself a new one everyday in that case! I’m oh so happy that he’s here. It finally feels like a vacation, like I’m traveling and having fun, enjoying my time, not being stressed or anything. Having here with me now makes such a difference.
Sunday, March 23rd ‘08
Today, my mom and David rented some snorkeling gear as my mom has been wanting to do some. I was looking for a half day snorkeling trip but they all seem to just have full days and I think it would be too much for my mom and David besides, I’m a bit tired from diving earlier this week and will be doing some more tomorrow and Tuesday. I got to use my underwater camera case that David bought me to go with my camera. It’s really cool! It’s been a good day! We did lots of snorkeling, ate and I got to spend time with 2 people I love. I’m a bit tired of the salt water so we’re going back up to the pool.
It had to happen! David dived into the pool and I laughed at him cause it looked like a V instead of a straight line so David went back to dive again except this time not only was he in a straight line, he kept his eyes closed underwater and bumped his nose straight into one of the steps in the pool. And I saw it happen! My poor David, he was bleeding like hell, good thing I had my EFR (Emergency First Response) class on Thursday. lol! We’re back in the room now, he’s resting after I took care of him. He really didn’t miss himself it’s quite nasty.
My mom came around later to see if he was alright and we all went for a walk. My mom and I stopped at an optometrist, we found a really nice pair for her and as we walked out of the shop, we realized that it was 2 for 1 so I got a new pair of glasses as well. Nice!
I have not been really happy lately while traveling here in Thailand, feels like I need a break from traveling I’m also realizing how different things are now that David is in my life so I’ve decided that I shall leave Thailand right after my mom and go back to “Crap”berra be with David before we go to Hawaii. This also means that I won’t be going to Vietnam but I don’t care. I think it’s actually better this way as I will not be enjoying Vietnam at this time. This is the last day with David as he is leaving tomorrow morning. I knew this weekend would go by this fast.
Monday, March 24th ‘08
David is leaving today and I’m not too happy about that. I’ve got no choice! I wish he could stay. Left him at the same place I waited for him anxiously last Friday, on the pier. It was really hard for me to let him go. I was a really waterfall, just couldn’t stop crying. He boarded and went to the outside deck, I watched him go until I couldn’t see the boat again. It was just about to turn 10 when I finally took a taxi moped back to the resort as my rescue class was starting at 10.
Tuesday, March 25th ‘08
I woke up this morning with a lip the size of Russia. It was huge! Didn’t know what to do as we had to check out today and I had my last day of Rescue classes. We were going with the boat this morning at 7:30am I told my instructor about my lip and how it had a weird white line and that it hurt. Frankly, she didn’t give a shit and made me dive anyways. The salt water was burning my lip. I’m sure I got it from one of the regulators there as they don’t seem to clean them properly besides, my lip started to hurt on Friday, just didn’t think it would go this far. Well, the next person that’ll be using the regulator I was using might catch it as well. Not my problem at this point.
My mom and I went for lunch and I started to get dizzier and dizzier so we decided to go to a clinic. The 2 clinics next to the resort had people but no one there to help me at the moment: “Sorry!” Well, that’s practical! Ended up taking a taxi moped to go to the one at the end of the road as at this point, I had 30 mins before we were to take the taxi to the pier. Got to the clinic, apparently have another heat stroke from not drinking enough liquids and have herpes on my lip. Lovely!
Well, we made it on time for the taxi and the boat. The only thing is that I took my mom to the wrong pier as I thought we were taking Lamprayah but no, we were booked with Seatran. Hope it’ll go well with them. Seatran took us to a different pier but I don’t think it was in Chumphon or if it was, it was quite far from the Lamprayah pier. To get to this pier, we went thru a canal that was loaded with colorful but dirty boats. Kinda looked like rejects from Showboat! Lots of poor people living next to the pier. What a sight it was! When we got to the dock, there wasn’t enough room on their bus so they took some of us, including my mom and I on an open Thai bus ride to the center of Chumphon. It was quite something and for the first time in a looooooooooooong time, I saw my mom smile like she was happy, really happy. She loved that weird bus ride in the middle of the night to a destination unknown.
Since, Seatran didn’t have enough space in their bus, the took us to the local bus stop and got us tickets on the next bus to Bangkok leaving in 2 hours. My mom and I as well as the others, took that opportunity to go and explore the town. I tried finding an international calling card to call David but it was just darn impossible, the hotel, gas station 7/11 none of them had them. I might say that my mom and I enjoyed exploring the town. When we finally got on the bus, we couldn’t choose our seats as we had some assigned to us. What a weird way of doing things. We also had a coupon for food at the rest stop, a bottle of water and a snack. The minute we got into the bus, my mom and I wanted to sleep but they’ve put on the TV with some Thai music videos which kept me awake until they finally closed it.
Wednesday, March 26th ‘08
After an overnight bus trip, my mom and I finally got ourselves back into Bangkok. Our first stop was Samran hotel where we stayed before and had booked for our return on the 29th. We left 2 of our 3 suitcases, my backpack with my laptop and left with a suitcase and a bag. Great! 2nd stop, Canadian embassy to pick up my passport if it’s ready. Hopefully! Yes, it’s ready and I have my new passport, I now can leave the country whenever I want. 3rd stop, China airways to get a refund on my flight ticket from Bangkok to Hawaii. Well, my mom and I walk with our suitcases and bag for 30mins in the heat to get to Air China yes, I did say Air China not China Airways. David that looked up the address for me gave me the wrong address so my mom and I ended up taking a taxi to China Airways the actual airline my tickets was booked with. Spoke to the lady, she canceled my ticket and said that I have to call the branch in Vancouver to get my money back. I shall do so ASAP!
After all of this, our last stop in Bangkok was the train station. I knew the taxi we took was taking us thru detours and having us go thru all of Chinatown for noting. I was not happy tho I knew it wasn’t the direct route, I didn’t know the direct route, so I couldn’t tell him to stop taking us for a ride. I was not too happy about that! Well, we’re at the train station and the train leaves in 2 hours, 2 hours of waiting for a train and then another 4 hours ‘till we get to Kanchanaburi. Now, this is torture! I’m so tired especially after a not so good sleep in a bus from Chumphon.
After a nice train ride where I slept most of the time, we finally arrived into Kanchanaburi. We went directly to the hostel! We went to the one my mom saw in the Lonely Planet guide, Apple’s guesthouse. We got ourselves a fan room, no hot water for 350BHT! Cheapest room we got so far. We also booked a Day tour including elephant ride for 1050BHT each. We’re so exhausted, that we didn’t do anything else than eat go online and go to bed.
Back into Bangkok, passport – Air china / china airways – train to Kanchanaburi
Thursday, March 27th ‘08
I chatted with David yesterday for a bit and he booked my ticket back to Canberra as well as the one into Hawaii. The other good news is, I’ll be leaving on the 31st same day as my mom, so more time with David, yay! Now, I have to get my money back from China airways. Crossing fingers! 15 mins before the start of the tour, my mom wanted to stop for coffee and hot chocolate and I told her we didn’t have time but she didn’t listen so we had to hurry to the bus so it wouldn’t leave without us. The bus driver, drove for 35-40 mins before he told us (my mom and I, there was also another couple on the bus) to get out and that he would pick us up in 2hrs after dropping the other couple.
My mom and I ended up at what doesn’t look like but ends up being an elephant Zoo. This is not what I wanted or expected! I wanted a bit of a forest expedition on elephants. We got up some steps and climbed on a chair strapped on an elephant with a “guide” riding her neck. We pretty much crossed the road, came back, went thru a little village of small, one room houses on pillars with kids playing around got to a river, went in the water for a bit (like 5meter, water knee high for the elephant) and went back. The “guide” climbed off the elephant and asked for my camera to take pictures he also told me to get to the neck of the elephant and slightly kick her ears to make her go forward. At the end of the ride, my mom and I pet the elephant and there was tears running down her eyes so my mom started to cry. This is really not what I wanted/expected! I wouldn’t have brought my mom there as I know how sensitive she is about these things especially that the elephants are chained to the ground.
After the elephant ride, my mom and I were taken by truck to the river where we got onto a bamboo raft and were given a ride along the river. They even gave us life jackets! The river was nice and quiet and the current was pretty mild. My mom was slightly nervous at first as she isn’t a strong swimmer but hey, I’m a rescue diver now. We might not be diving at the moment but it’s still rescuing in the water! Got back to where we were first dropped off and minutes later, were picked up by the bus driver.
The bus driver then took us to a national park and told us to meet him at 2pm for lunch (as it was included in the price). We went into the park and followed the signs to the waterfalls. There are 7 stages of the waterfall and about 300-400 meters between them, going upwards. As we got close to the 3rd stage, I saw a sign that said, beware of monkeys stealing our effects. So, I started to look up in the trees for monkeys. My mom asked me: “What are you doing?” “Looking for monkeys!” “Yeah, they’ll leap right into your face!”. Well, didn’t take long that I spotted some monkeys. Where else should I be looking for monkeys? I was really happy to see monkeys in the wild. We went thru a forest ranger stop where they will not let you go on with food and water bottles are market and registered with a money deposit you only get back if you bring back the bottle. What a great idea to keep nature clean. My mom and I got ourselves to the 5th stage and it’s much harder to get there than it sounds, it’s over a K going upwards in a forest with no “actual” path but the ones formed by people going by and a couple of not so solid wooden bridges. I might say tho that it was really nice getting to each stages and that at some stages, the waterfalls are nicer that others. The 5th stage was really nice and we had time to take a bit of a swim before it was time to go back down. At all stages, the waterfalls are filled with fish and life. This was the highlight of our day.
Got back to the bus and the driver took us to a small restaurant in the car park to get some food. It was small but nice. Then, he got some train tickets, took us to a train station told us to take the train and get off 30mins later at another stop where he would be waiting for us. This stop was filled with shops and there were lots of really nice scarves, I couldn’t resist and got myself one to wear with my dresses. The station was right next to the death railways that were built during WWII by prisoners that died while building it, at lease that’s my comprehension of it. See, our bus driver is not a guide, he’s just a driver he takes us to key areas, drops us there and picks us up later but we got no idea of the history, story, nature or anything whatsoever about the places we go. There’s a temple in the mountain across the tracks with a big “gold” Buddha where people can go and gather themselves. Across the water, there were some ostriches, don’t think they were wild tho but interesting indeed. The train got there and it was filled with French tourists. The good thing is that getting on at that station; we had a good view of the tracks so we could let the others cluster to take pictures of it. The Thai couple in front of us placed their hands together and bowed to pay respect to the temple in the mountain as we passed it.
Arrived at our stop, the driver took us to our last destination The Bridge over the River Kwae made famous by the “real story” movie about the bridge. The Bridge was build by prisoners of war commanded by the Japs. On November 28th 194? Allied planes where sent to destroy the bridge. The Japs sent POWs on the bridge in a line to wave at the aircrafts that were sent to destroy the bridge. The river turned red from all the blood and the water was undrinkable for days. For those who don’t know what happened. As my mom and I as well as many tourists were walking on the bridge, a train came passing by. Yes, a train while hundreds of tourists are walking on the bridge. They have planks here and there for us to stand on while the train in passing by. I might say I was a bit surprised that they would allow that but yet again; we’re in Thailand and not Canada or Australia.
After this day, my mom and I decided to not eat at the hostel but look for somewhere else, tho our hostel has good ratings for it’s restaurant in Lonely Planet, we didn’t like it that much. As we walked the main street (with all the hostels and pubs), we saw an alley were lots of people seem to go so my mom and I decided to follow the crowd and ended up at the Jolly Frog, a hostel with restaurant. There was so many people there that we decided to eat there. Our saying is: “Go eat where there’s lots of people!”. So we did and it was really nice much better than Apple’s Guesthouse.
Friday, March 28th ‘08
Yesterday, as we were coming back from the Bridge over the River Kwae, I realized that we we’re that far from it so we decided to go back. There were a few touristic shops and we got ourselves some souvenirs, I also saw something for David but wasn’t too sure because of the price so my mom told me to sleep on it and that if I still want it tomorrow, we can come back and get it before we leave. It was such a hot sticky day and a long walk in this heat. We saw a restaurant that had 2 ostriches in their backyard, it was interesting to see them from up close but not too close. We also discovered that one of the cheapest bottles of water in a white bottle (5BHT) was the best tasting water we had.
We went to the train station to see what time was the train back to Bangkok tomorrow and this idiot American was yelling at this Thai employee because he couldn’t read the sign properly and booked a one way ticket on a tourist train thru the Bridge over the River Kwae and the death railway. On the sign, it said Kanchanaburi – something (the name of the other station) which is a one way, a return would have said Kanchanaburi – something – Kanchanaburi. He said that the guy who sold the ticket didn’t specify that it was a one way only. Well, we’re in Thailand, people don’t speak English very well and if you don’t ask they don’t know you want a round trip. The ticket was 300BHT for the tourist train including snacks and drinks. One way Bangkok – Kanchanaburi is 200BHT. It’s obviously grossly overpriced for tourists. I wanted to go defend the poor employee from this American idiot but I decided against it.
At the end of the day, my mom and I decided to return to the Jolly Frog for dinner and I got myself a massage. This time, it was a guy giving me the massage, when he asked me to turn around, he asked me if I wanted him to massage my stomach, I said no but then, I thought to myself is there such a thing as a happy ending for women? Hun? During this time, my mom took a look around the Jolly Frog’s property and found that it was much nicer than where we are staying and cheaper. It was 290BHT for an air conditioning and hot water room. I could’ve paid less and had a better room. Ah well, now you know if ever you decide to go there someday. Had a nice meal, and then went to an internet café where there was webcams available and got to webcam with my darling. It was really nice! During this time, my mom made friends with a deaf Thai. When she told him I knew sign language, I was doomed. He kept on signing to me and I didn’t understand half of what he said ‘cause I don’t know his sign language, I know Quebec sign language. He was soooo happy! I did understand certain things and he understood me but it was not easy.
Saturday, March 29th ‘08
This morning, we took a taxi moped with a “twist”, it has a “hand made side car made of metal bars with a bench to sit 2 -3 people to the shops around the Bridge over the River Kwae as I decided I did want that “thing” I found for David as I just couldn’t stop thinking about it last night and still this morning. When we go to where we saw it yesterday, they didn’t have it anymore. I was slightly sad as I really liked it. We walked around looking for souvenirs and stuff then, I spotted it somewhere else for like a 3rd of the price the other place was selling it (and they didn’t want to take it down)! I sure took it in a flash. Now I’m happy! But he won’t have it until he gets to Montreal so, shhhhhhhhhhh! ;-)
We checked out but still had 3hrs before the train to Bangkok so, I went to the hairdresser to have my hair dyed. Yesterday, we stopped by her shop to ask how much it would be to dye my hair, she said 500BHT. It’s a small hair salon with 2 chairs and you can see where she lives in the back, she’s got a gay assistant and that’s pretty much it. She was working on a woman’s hair yesterday and it looked really good so I decided to have my hair cut as well. Haven’t seen any tourists around so, she pretty much lives on local business. Well, she did such a good job on my hair and I thought she would charge me around 600-700BHT but no, she charged 500BHT for everything so I decided to give her what was a HUGE tip to her but quite regular to us hence, it cost me a total of 600BHT for color and cut (20CAD). Meanwhile, my mom got herself a manicure and pedicure for 60BHT total (reg price around Bangkok and tourist areas: 300BHT for both) and she was pretty proud of it.
Our train was late and left at 3:25 instead of 2:45pm. The idiot American was there and sat not far from us. There is no AC in the train just fans that you activate with the switch on the walls; it is cheaper to travel by train than by bus (AC included). Do bring some water and snacks don’t worry if you forget as there are people selling stuff on the train walking thru the carts they just might not have what you like and charge a bit more. The view is really nice at times and sad at others, it gives a good idea of the Thailand lifestyle. There seems to be a fair amount of fires on the lands and lots of water. Many area where people live in houses on pillars and walk on boardwalks. Getting closer to the city’s where you see all the poor people and the “houses” they live in. It is not nice at all but the children likes to wave at the passengers.
Got ourselves to Bangkok and to our hotel! As Samran hotel didn’t have any space left, they sent us to Diamond City Hotel. It was really hard to find a taxi that could read the map made by the receptionist at Samran and knew how to get us there. It’s not far from Samran but it’s in one of those Soi. A soi is like an alley that hales from a “main” street. It goes Soi1, Soi2, Soi3, ect. Samran was on Thanon Petch Buri (Thanon = road) and Diamond City Hotel was accessible from a Soi (don’t know which one for the purpose of this explanation, I’ll say Soi5) hence, the address would be Thanon Petch Buri, Soi5. Anyways, we got there and the staff was very helpful. But when we got to our room, my mom was not very happy that it didn’t have a window or a balcony. She also read the note for customers that pretty much said that they had “Lady Joiners” available at the price of 500BHT and if you “order” one or pick one of the streets yourself, she has to register at the reception and other stuff like deposit or something. My mom was really happy to know that we were in this type of hotel!
David called me but the phone kept on disconnecting after 10-15mins. That was not fun at all. I was really tired and wanted to sleep but my mom dragged me to the night bazaar. This place was filled with tourists and is apparently open 24/7. The amount of shops there is just insane. You’d have to spend 2-3 full days there to see all the shops in the 1st half. Trying to have a good deal on fake Chanel, Louis Vutons, Prada, Versace, etc bags and purses isn’t really possible anymore unless you’re ready to pay 150-200CAD. The good thing tho is that it’s the only place in Bangkok where I was able to try on clothes. But bargaining stuff down price is really hard. I think that things aren’t as cheap as they used to be because of all those stupid tourists that would shop and say: “Oh, that’s cheap, really cheap!” on the blown up price without bargaining the price down. Therefore, Thai people decided that the lowest price they would sell stuff at would be much higher. I’ve still heard tourists say that things were cheap when it’s not actually cheap but the regular price when you know how to shop at home. Meaning not at the Gap or Guess jeans. I guess it’s just that there are lots of shops on the streets with lots of choices but noting really exciting. Besides, if you’re slightly bulkier than me or more, there’s noting for you. Forget it! I had a hard time finding clothes that fit me and I had to be careful of the model. If you’re small and know what looks good on you there’s loads of choices for you, else noting. Really, FORGET it!
Got a bit hungry and went to the Italian restaurant in the area. It was not impressive at all and really the place to screw tourists. My ravioli was good but didn’t have more than 8 small pieces (still hungry afterwards) and my mom’s margarita pizza barely had any cheese. The waiters were standing no more than a meter away looking at us eat to take our plates off the instant we finished, it was annoying! The bill ended up over 600BHT for both of us which is much more than I ever paid in Thailand even when David was there it was cheaper for all 3 of us. We were not happy with that, so if you ever go to the night bazaar, do not eat in the area.
Sunday, March 30th ‘08
Well, today is officially our last day in Bangkok as we’re both leaving tomorrow. We went to a mall not far from Samran, our hotel. Yes, we went back to our hotel, finally! Platinum mall on Thanon Petch Buri near BTS (metro/subway/tube above ground) station Ratchetewi. It’s a huge mall with 5 levels plus one underground and the 6th level for food. The stores all look like kiosks and there are hundreds of them per floor. It’s really easy to get lost and confused as for where you are and where you’ve already been. I think this is perfect for Isabelle and Kristina, they would LOVE shopping there. We found really cool T-shirts and baby tees at a shop that sells them in boxes but you have to buy 3 boxes minimum. Well they had “couple” shirts and I knew David would just love them so, I got 2 different ones. Those “couple” shirts were really adorable, you had for the man a key and it said: “I’ve got the key…” and the girl’s shirt had a heart with a lock that said: “to my heart”. Another one said “So” with the o being a boy on the men’s shirt and on the girl’s shirt was written: “Cute” with the c being a girl. There were many of those! You might catch David and I wearing the ones I got sometime!
My mom has been looking for a hand bag but not just any hand bag; a pretty, sturdy, cheap but good quality, good for all 4 seasons bag, in Thailand! Yeah, all they have is slightly expensive cheap quality hand bags that wouldn’t last a day in Canadian winter. I knew that but my mom was set on looking at bags. The annoying part is that every time you stop for just a second in front of a shop, you have an annoying Thai sells man or woman harassing you. “Very cheap Madame! Very good Madame! Look Madame! What do you want Madame? What are you looking for Madame? Very cheap Madame!” Really, very annoying!! Then, she was upset about not finding what she wanted.
After that, we went to the Siam Center which is one BTS stop away from Ratchatewi but easily walkable. Siam Center has all the expensive regular shops that you’ll find the world over but the 3rd building has a really nice food court and it’s not that expensive not like the restaurant last night! It also has a tourist’s supermarket where you can taste lots of foods. Also has people there to help you find whatever you’re looking for. It is really nice to walk into but you do go thru a metal detector before entering the center.
Monday, March 31st ‘08
We are leaving today! I’m going back to Australia and my mother’s going back to Canada. My flight is before hers but not before 6pm so we have loads of time to kill. We went back to Platinum mall to get more of those cool T-Shirts in a box, I also got myself a new purse and a couple of Disney stuff. Thailand is the country of fake Disney stuff. Disney’s like everywhere but still really hard to find Goofy stuff. We got ready to leave then as we were on the sidewalk, we observed that most taxis had passengers and took quite a while to get one and even then, the first one didn’t want to go to the airport and the next one offered to get us there for 400BHT plus tolls, we didn’t want to wait for other taxis and decided that 400BHT was a fair price.
David had called me earlier today panicking telling me that I need a visa before I get to Australia. I had told him that if it was the case I would just purchase it at the airport. When I got at the airport, I couldn’t check in without a visa and the price of the visa was about 100AUD but only 20AUD if done online. So, I called David and he did the application for me online. I need I new visa as my Holiday – Working visa has been expired for over 3 weeks now. It didn’t take long and I go my visa. My mother’s flight isn’t until midnight so she can’t check in before 10pm and will be waiting all this time at the airport. We visited the airport for awhile and there are a few restaurants and a “spa” where she can get an affordable massage or something for her. I’m so happy to be going back to Australia and I really can’t wait to see David again! In about 12hrs from now I’ll be back in his arms.
Just a couple of days ‘till I leave my sweetheart and go to Thailand. I really want to go but I don’t want to leave my baby. It’ll be soooooooooo hard to be away from him. We are not used to be apart, don’t know how we’ll react. Last weekend was our last weekend together and it was nice. David brought me ice skating and I might say that it was funny to look at us in the rink, the Canadian with her clumsy Australian boyfriend. It was really nice to be doing something a little more “Canadian”. On Saturday, we spent most of the day inside. David had planned for us to go sailing but there wasn’t much wind so we decided to wait and see if the wind would kick up on Sunday but it didn’t. David was quite upset that we didn’t get to go sailing but I don’t care, the thought was really nice and it would’ve been loads of fun, the most important thing to me is that he thought of it. He also took me to a photo booth to take pictures of us, just like in the movies. That was so tacky! He is such a Princess, my Princess (Sophia)!!!
Yesterday, we went to his Softball game as every Monday since the start of February. I like watching him play, he’s so happy on the field. He played really good, the entire team did, they came 2nd and are playing the finals which I will unfortunately be missing. When we came home after work, David gave me my going away gift which I thought was fair as I had given his weeks ago ‘cause he ruined it. Yup, he ruined it! I had gotten him Balactica (to all geeks, yes I know, it’s Battlestar Galactica) season 3 as him and his flatmate have been trying to get their hands on it. I had gotten it so he could watch it while I was gone, to help time go by. But then, he got his hands on a copy from a friend and that’s how he ruined the going away present I had for him. The thing is, I still have more instore for him. The past few weeks, I’ve been working on some picture frames to put up in his room and some notes that I’d leave around his room/car. I’ve been working hard to make sure that he has stuff for when I’m gone. I sure hope he appreciates all I’ve been doing for him. Oh yeah, back to the going away gift he got me, he went for a photo shoot and had some nice professional pictures taken of him for me to bring in Thailand and Canada. What a sweetheart!
Friday, March 7th ‘08
Last day of my visa. Same day last year, I was just arriving into Sydney airport. The year has gone fast. On a Qantas flight on my way to Sydney where I shall catch a Thai Airways flight to Thailand. Excited? Yes and No! Right now, all I can think of is my dear David that I just left at the Canberra airport. It hasn’t been an hour since I left him and I miss him so much. I just don’t want to leave him. My darling, I love you so much! I just can’t believe how hard it was for me to leave him at the airport. I just wanted to hide him in my suitcase. I’ll just have to try and think more about the fact that I’ll be seeing my mom again in 5 days. I miss her and it’ll be really nice to be with her again. Well, I’m on my flight to Bangkok! Good bye Aussie land! We’ve been thru some good times and bad times. It’s bee horrible at times and wonderful at others and most important, you gave me… love, love which I’m leaving for now but will be seeing again soon. Oh how I miss my love!
This airline is really nice, I got a menu, blanket, pillow, etc. The stuff they don’t do/give anymore in the planes (cheap airlines!). I think about David a lot. Just got to the hotel after taking their ridiculously over priced shuttle and the room is so much crappier than I expected. I’m so exhausted that I just cracked and cried. I just can’t stop crying. I miss/want David!
Saturday, March 8th ‘08
Well, first day in Bangkok! David gave me a call this morning. Really not surprising but sweet! I was so happy to talk to him. I really needed to hear his voice. I wish he was here with me.
Haven’t really prepared so I don’t know what to so. I’ll just give Lyne a call. She’s a friend of my mom’s friend. It’ll be nice to be with another French Canadian and she’ll be able to guide me. The shuttle driver last night told me that it was courtesy to tip here in Thailand but I didn’t believe him, with reason talking to Lyne. I’m really tired to be scared of being ripped off all the time. I took a cab to Lyne’s place but didn’t get ripped off as I knew about how much it would cost. Lyne was very nice and helpful. She and her flatmate left me at the river on their way to meditation we took a tuktuk. I’m right now on a boat going I don’t know where and don’t really care. I’ll get to my hotel sometime and I also need to find where the other hotel I’m transferring to tomorrow is. I just feel really weird being here and I can’t wait for my mom to come. I feel really lonely now. Having David in my life really changed my perspective on traveling.
I walked around not knowing were I was going as usual. Got myself in streets where if my men was here she would get claustrophobic. Streets are filled with marchands and people. It is really very lively. Lots of food, food I’ve never seen and would love to taste. Clothes and stuff to buy. All really very cheap. Lots of fake Disney stuff. People are poor and there’s lots of dogs. It is really interesting to be in a country with such a different culture. I try to avoid anyone who speaks to me in the streets when I can’t help it, I lie. I’m Australian, my name in Jenny, I’ve been here for a month leaving tomorrow. I’ve been here last year, I’m staying with friends, I’m engaged, etc. I avoid any tuktuk and cabs that engages me, I stop them myself if I need one. I also bargain or make sure the meter is on before I go anywhere. It is not easy but I try to do my best. I really feel lonely as I’m waiting for my mom to do anything.
I’ve got to go to the Canadian embassy on Monday to get a new passport as mine expires on Sep 29 and I need it to be valid for 6 months when I come back from Vietnam. Got back to my hotel room to use the wireless internet. I so want to webcam with my darling. The connection is so crappy, the image barely moves and we can’t hear each other so David called me on the hotel phone, it’s better but not great. I recon things I’ll be better when my mom gets here.
Sunday, March 9th ‘08
After being ripped off royally by First Hotel Bangkok (don’t ever go there, not worth the price, rooms are disgusting), I moved to Samran Hotel. It’s on the same street, just a little further. It’s cheaper and the rooms are nicer. They don’t have wireless internet tho. I went for a wonder to Samran before I checked out of First “crap” and this guy with a tuktuk offered me back and forth between hotels for 20 baht (after bargaining) but he wanted to take me somewhere on the way to look at a shop where they would give him gas coupons. It was a back alley full of taxis and tuktuks. I didn’t feel too safe but I took his license plate down. I got in the “store” where other tourists where brought made me feel better. They took us in a room full of jewelry and then another with touristic souvenirs. The employees looked like they worked at a 5 star hotel. I didn’t buy anything anyways.
Eventho it takes 30 baht to a dollar (CAD) you have to bargain, 10 baht makes a difference. I don’t really know what I will be doing today, right now, I’m in my room watching a movie on TV. I finally decided to leave the hotel room for a bit. Walked around, this is pretty dodgy but what area in Bangkok isn’t!?! Got myself a manicure and pedicure for 10$. Nice! Went back to my room and ordered room service as it isn’t expensive at all. David called and so did my mom. I miss them both and I’m very excited to see my mom in 3 days. I’m really waiting for her to do stuff.
Lundi, le 10 mars ‘08
Il pleut! Chu reste au lit jusqu'à 11:30. J’ai regarde la TV pis j’me suis rendue a l’ambassade Canadienne. J’ai besoin d’un nouveau passeport au PC. J’ai pris le BTS (metro d’ici) y’a des mini TV avec son et de la pub partout! Rendu a l’arret, ca m’a pris un boutte a trouver l’building. La section des passeports est ferme, a ferme a midi. M’a y retourner demain parce que j’ai besoin d’info.
La, j’ai honte, je suis chez McDo. C’est drole, y’a une famille Allemande qui vient de s’assir et se font servir a table. Les thailandais font vraiment tout pour etre accommodant avec les touristes. J’trouve ca ben dure de m’promener dans les rues parce que j’blend pas et ce trop evident que chu une touriste. J’me fais achalee partout surtout par les chauffeurs de tuktuk. Ye 3hpm donc 7hpm a Canberra. David doit avoir trouve l’mot que j’ai laisse dans son gant de baseball. Ya une partie de softball a soir qui a commence a 6h. J’dois etre a ma chambre pour 7h parce qu’y va m’appeler. Un mois et 2 jours cheri! Ca va passe vite! Je sais que c’est pas facile, on est pas habitue d’etre separe pour aussi longtemps. J’vais continuer a marche autour d’ici avant de retourne a ma chambre. P-E m’offrir ce massage que je veux depuis 2 jours.
Tuesday, March 11th ‘08
Today, I was going to go to the Canadian Embassy to ask some questions but then I decided to stay in bed all day. I tried, I tried real hard but by 2:30 I was going crazy and decided to leave my room. I chose to go to Victory monument ‘cause it was the only place I knew how to go by BTS. I was bothered once by a tuktuk driver and that’s pretty much it. Felt good not to be bothered too much. Got into a mall, the first I ever saw and found a Dairy Queen, I remembered telling David a couple weeks ago about Dairy Queen and how I’d love a Peanut Buster. I haven’t been really hungry; lately I have been forcing myself to eat. Food is soooooooo cheap here! I can eat well for less than 100 baht (~3,50CAD).
I’ve been trying to organize for my mom to be picked up at the airport as on the hotel’s website, they mention a shuttle they also mention a special rate for a week stay. It’s hard to be understood here as they’re not really good at English but I was able to get free transport for me to pick up my mom as they charged me regular rate for the week. I’d be better off with being reimbursed and finding my own transport but it’s just easier this way. David has been calling me every night at/around 7pm, it’s a bit hard at times for him to get connected here and sometimes we get cut off. It was a bit hard for me today being away from here. I think it’s been hard on him too. My mom’ll be here tomorrow and it’ll make things better and I’ll start to do things. I can’t wait to see her.
Wednesday, March 12th ‘08
It’s 15 to 1 and I’m still in my room. I did take a shower and cut my hair but haven’t left my room. It’s also too late to go to the Canadian embassy. I can’t wait for tonight to go pick up my mom. It’ll be great to see her. David has his first French class today and I wonder how he’s doing. I’m really excited to hear how his class went. I’ve been teaching him some French and he learns really fast. Can’t wait to bring him home, show him everything and see how he’ll be doing with his French.
Thursday, March 13th ‘08
Today, my mom and I went to the Canadian embassy as I need a new passport. My passport expires in September and my passport has to be valid for 6months after the date of entry in Thailand or else they won’t let me in. I need it because I’m going to Vietnam on the 2nd of April and coming back to Thailand on the 11th to catch my flight out on the 12th. They won’t let me in if I don’t get a new passport. We went to do some shopping and prepare a B-Day, surprise for my David.
Friday, March 14th ‘08
Today, I took my mom to take a Thai massage, she did not like it. Good thing I asked for only a half hour massage. Thai massages are quite different then what we’re used too, they move your legs and body ways you would do for stretching while applying pressure on muscles. It’s interesting but not for everyone. We went to a tailor as Bangkok has loads of them and is known to be cheap. My mom wanted a dress and I had one of my favorite tops copied. We also tasted some Thai food sold on the streets. That was really nice but still don’t know what it was else then it had a taste of ginger. We went on a tuktuk but after 2 streets, the driver wanted to take us somewhere else before our destination so we got off and took a taxi instead. When you take a taxi in Thailand, make sure they put on the meter ‘cause their “special” price is always more than the meter price. As for tuktuks, they don’t have meters you have to bargain with them and most of the time they want to take you where they want and not where you want. They are very annoying on the streets saying : “Tuktuk!” “10Baht”, if you ignore or even say no : “Where you going?” They really harass you on the streets all the time, they are everywhere.
Saturday, March 15th ‘08
My mom and I have been doing the one thing I hate, shop. There really isn’t much more to do in Bangkok. I’ve been preparing surprises for David’s B-Day and we had some clothes made but they’re not making it the way I asked, I gave a good deposit on it, I just started to cry in the taxi back to the hotel. Some things are cheap but others aren’t. We started to eat Thai food which is a good thing. I’ve tasted things I don’t know what it is or what’s in it, I don’t care, I’m just happy to taste. I’m slightly regretting being here now as I’m a bit tired of traveling. I just need a bit of a break. But, it’s ok! I’ve just booked a week of diving lessons. I’ll be at one class under dive master. It’s pretty cheap, includes hotel. We’ll see how the week goes. So leaving tomorrow night for the island of Koh Tao. Time is going by fast even with my mother driving me crazy at times. David calls me every night and it’s always nice to hear his voice and talk about our day. I had a bit of a heat stroke today. We went to the Golden Mountain, a monastery. Then, spent all of our time from one McDonalds to another because of my heat stroke. We also ended up in the fire arms district, which did not make us feel safe at all! I can’t wait to leave Bangkok I’ve been spending too much time here.
Sunday, March 16th ‘08
Well, after all the work we did to get that tailored dress for me to wear on David’s B-Day, we decided not to go back to the tailor which meant that I would lose the deposit I gave which was a fair amount. It’s just not worth my having a dress that is not what I asked for and not one that I like. Tailors aren’t good at all even the other tailor where my mom had her dress made and my top wasn’t good. I gave them my top and asked for them to make a copy, not too hard! You would think! They had to redo it completely as it was too tight and I looked like I had 2 set of breasts plus, they forgot to put on sleeves on my mom's dress. We finally did get the top and the dress but we were not satisfied with any tailored clothes whatsoever. My mom and I are really fed up of Bangkok and hate this city, we can’t wait to leave it tonight. The people here screw you up as much as they can and harass you all the time even men that aren’t selling anything harasses us.
We took a boat to Wat Arun a temple across the river. It was really nice and high we had to walk up stairs that were high and steep reminded me of Chichen Itza, Mexico. But the view was nice and it felt good to see a temple. You can’t enter a temple wearing just anything and if you don’t have suitable clothing, they will rent you some at the entrance for about 20Baht (~ 0.80CAD). On our way back to the hotel, the taxi tried to screw us up by wanting to charge us 100Baht flat rate (~ 3,50CAD) when I know that for that distance it’ll be about 50-70Baht (~ 1,80 – 2,50CAD). When I asked for the meter the guy said: “I’m trying to save you money, it’ll be 150Baht with the traffic!”. What a liar! I did not like him so when we go to destination I made sure to give him the exact amount of 69Baht (~ 2,30CAD) and he closed the meter before I paid then said: “No, 71Baht!” I had seen the price before he closed it and didn’t give him a Baht more than 69. He then said: “Fuck you!” I replied getting out of the cab: “You sure tried but it didn’t work!”
At the hotel, we asked for our luggage and it took like forever to get it. We had to catch another Taxi to the travel agency that sold us the Diving package in Koh Tao so they would take us to the bus. The taxi did not know who to get to Banglaphoo which is a well-known tourist area. It took forever for the taxi to find out how to get there. In Thailand, you don’t have to know where anything is in the city to become a Taxi drive you just need to know how to drive. Well, we got there just on time! A lady came to pick us up and took us thru busy streets to where we had to register to take the bus. My mom and I had 3 suitcases, one bag and a backpack, it was really hard to keep up with the lady that didn’t seem to give a shit that it was harder for us thru all these people and narrow streets. Got there, registered and then got to another area where we waited for the bus. My mom and I were a little nervous about taking the bus as we heard and read many horror stories about people having their things stolen, being gassed or left in the middle of nowhere. What made me feel better was that there were a bunch of guys a little worried about it as well. I had a bit of time before we got on the bus so I decided to buy a phone card and give David a call before we left.
Monday, March 17th ‘08
On our way to Koh Tao, we stopped for food. My mom and I went to the public bathrooms there which was a bit of a mistake, should have gone in the bus instead. Well, we experienced Thai bathrooms. The bowl is on the floor, there’s no TP and the way to flush is to put some water from a bucket next to it in the bowl. It was quite interesting! It’s 5:30am, we’re in Chumphon waiting for the boat to take us to the island of Koh Tao, these German decided to start drinking and putting loud boomboom music. I was not happy when I told them off, they were not happy that I called their music boomboom. Such idiots no consideration for the other people around that spent the night on a bus.
We’re finally at Ban’s diving resort in Koh Tao and we’re tired. We took a nap and spend the day relaxing. The room that comes with the deal is horrible, the bathroom selling is leaking and I’m just waiting for it to fall. I’m starting my Adventure dive classes tomorrow and I can’t wait. David and I chatted online and he just decided he’ll be coming over for Easter weekend which is next weekend. I’m soooooo happy, I can’t wait for him to get here. I really miss him very much.
Tuesday, March 18th ‘08
Well, today was my first day of my Advance diver classes. We were 3 but tomorrow we’ll be 2 which is great, I don’t like big classes. My teacher is from the Netherlands and I think he likes me. Tough! I’ve got a boyfriend plus, I don’t think he’d treat me as well as David does. We did 2 dives and saw about 8-10 sharks during our first dive, that was really cool. I really love diving. Dive classes are really cheap here, it’s about 700$ for me to take my Advance, Emergency First Response and Rescue class, includes 7 nights accommodation (I get a room and I can have my mom stay with me for free). Well, I chatted with David tonight and he booked his tickets, he’ll be here Friday morning. I’m sooooooooooo excited to see him.
Thursday, March 20th ‘08
Today, I have my EFR class in the afternoon so my mom and I went to do some exploring, we found a really nice dress which looks good on me and I’ll have the pleasure wearing for David tomorrow! I have been indoors and diving for the past few days so the sun didn’t affect me much but my mom has been burnt quite a lot. The sun is really very strong here. It’s so hot that we’re sweating without moving. Koh Tao is a diver island and used to not accept non divers, only recently have hotel started to accept customers that didn’t book dive trips or classes. So there isn’t much to do when you’re not a diver. There are lots of stray dogs around here and they are really cute when you don’t look at them from up close. They will not bug you unless you throw beer at them or something. Just like some drunk guys have done. Else, they do their own thing. I’ve heard that when you get into stores, restaurants, homes, etc you have to take your shoes off, I haven’t seen it done much in Bangkok but here in Koh Tao it’s being observed tightly.
Friday, March 21st ‘08
Well, David arrives this morning and I’m soooooooooo excited! I’ve dressed up for him and now, I’m waiting at the peer for his boat to arrive. Won’t be too long now! There he is, I can see his boat approaching. A tear of joy just came down my cheek! I’m lying, it’s more like overflowing. I’m just so happy that he’s here!
He got off the boat and I could help myself but to run to him, he ran too. We got into each others arms and kissed, David turned me around, it looked like one of those movie scenes when couples reunite. Everyone was just staring at us. Tears just couldn’t stop running down my face. I really am very happy that David’s finally arrived and that we’re together again. My poor darling was so tired; he just traveled 24hrs to get here. I took him for a swim in the pool before he took a nap. He met my mom and that went well, I knew it would be good, I was anxious for them to meet each other.
This evening, I went to get my hair done while David was sleeping. The hairdresser was bad; she dropped soap in my eye and did with my hair what I could’ve done myself. Ah well! Then, I got dressed in my new dress while my mom went to wake him up. It was good to have a nice evening “out” with David. There’s not much going out but we found a nice little “Italian” (as Italian Thai food can get!) restaurant and had a nice meal. I just want to enjoy every second, of every minute of every hour he is here with me. I just know this weekend’ll fly by and I don’t want to miss a thing.
Saturday, March 22nd
Today, David rented a moped so we can drive around the island. My poor David’s ego took quite a plunge. While David was getting the moped, I went to the ATM to get some cash out and got huge electric shocks out of it. It was really painful. He rented the moped and the lady at the shop showed him how to start and break so, he hops on and me behind him it didn’t take a half a second, we were in the bush. We’re in the bush and David tries to break but takes the moped in deeper. It was so funny! The woman comes and helps us take the moped out of the bush she then tells David that he should to a test run without me in the back. As he’s “driving” (not very stable on it), the lady tells me: “You drive, you drive!” So when David came back, I did a test run and had no problems at all. David did not take it too well, he didn’t say anything but it showed in his face.
We drove around the island from one end to another didn’t take more than 30mins total and stopped at a beach on the other side of the island. I was much more beautiful but the sand grains were bigger and the water cold, we decided we like the beach where we are better. My mom, David and I went for a walk and did a little shopping, got myself another dress. I love dresses and I’m so glad to have so many new ones. David took me out for dinner again and told me that he’ll be taking me out every time I get a new dress. Well, I might just buy myself a new one everyday in that case! I’m oh so happy that he’s here. It finally feels like a vacation, like I’m traveling and having fun, enjoying my time, not being stressed or anything. Having here with me now makes such a difference.
Sunday, March 23rd ‘08
Today, my mom and David rented some snorkeling gear as my mom has been wanting to do some. I was looking for a half day snorkeling trip but they all seem to just have full days and I think it would be too much for my mom and David besides, I’m a bit tired from diving earlier this week and will be doing some more tomorrow and Tuesday. I got to use my underwater camera case that David bought me to go with my camera. It’s really cool! It’s been a good day! We did lots of snorkeling, ate and I got to spend time with 2 people I love. I’m a bit tired of the salt water so we’re going back up to the pool.
It had to happen! David dived into the pool and I laughed at him cause it looked like a V instead of a straight line so David went back to dive again except this time not only was he in a straight line, he kept his eyes closed underwater and bumped his nose straight into one of the steps in the pool. And I saw it happen! My poor David, he was bleeding like hell, good thing I had my EFR (Emergency First Response) class on Thursday. lol! We’re back in the room now, he’s resting after I took care of him. He really didn’t miss himself it’s quite nasty.
My mom came around later to see if he was alright and we all went for a walk. My mom and I stopped at an optometrist, we found a really nice pair for her and as we walked out of the shop, we realized that it was 2 for 1 so I got a new pair of glasses as well. Nice!
I have not been really happy lately while traveling here in Thailand, feels like I need a break from traveling I’m also realizing how different things are now that David is in my life so I’ve decided that I shall leave Thailand right after my mom and go back to “Crap”berra be with David before we go to Hawaii. This also means that I won’t be going to Vietnam but I don’t care. I think it’s actually better this way as I will not be enjoying Vietnam at this time. This is the last day with David as he is leaving tomorrow morning. I knew this weekend would go by this fast.
Monday, March 24th ‘08
David is leaving today and I’m not too happy about that. I’ve got no choice! I wish he could stay. Left him at the same place I waited for him anxiously last Friday, on the pier. It was really hard for me to let him go. I was a really waterfall, just couldn’t stop crying. He boarded and went to the outside deck, I watched him go until I couldn’t see the boat again. It was just about to turn 10 when I finally took a taxi moped back to the resort as my rescue class was starting at 10.
Tuesday, March 25th ‘08
I woke up this morning with a lip the size of Russia. It was huge! Didn’t know what to do as we had to check out today and I had my last day of Rescue classes. We were going with the boat this morning at 7:30am I told my instructor about my lip and how it had a weird white line and that it hurt. Frankly, she didn’t give a shit and made me dive anyways. The salt water was burning my lip. I’m sure I got it from one of the regulators there as they don’t seem to clean them properly besides, my lip started to hurt on Friday, just didn’t think it would go this far. Well, the next person that’ll be using the regulator I was using might catch it as well. Not my problem at this point.
My mom and I went for lunch and I started to get dizzier and dizzier so we decided to go to a clinic. The 2 clinics next to the resort had people but no one there to help me at the moment: “Sorry!” Well, that’s practical! Ended up taking a taxi moped to go to the one at the end of the road as at this point, I had 30 mins before we were to take the taxi to the pier. Got to the clinic, apparently have another heat stroke from not drinking enough liquids and have herpes on my lip. Lovely!
Well, we made it on time for the taxi and the boat. The only thing is that I took my mom to the wrong pier as I thought we were taking Lamprayah but no, we were booked with Seatran. Hope it’ll go well with them. Seatran took us to a different pier but I don’t think it was in Chumphon or if it was, it was quite far from the Lamprayah pier. To get to this pier, we went thru a canal that was loaded with colorful but dirty boats. Kinda looked like rejects from Showboat! Lots of poor people living next to the pier. What a sight it was! When we got to the dock, there wasn’t enough room on their bus so they took some of us, including my mom and I on an open Thai bus ride to the center of Chumphon. It was quite something and for the first time in a looooooooooooong time, I saw my mom smile like she was happy, really happy. She loved that weird bus ride in the middle of the night to a destination unknown.
Since, Seatran didn’t have enough space in their bus, the took us to the local bus stop and got us tickets on the next bus to Bangkok leaving in 2 hours. My mom and I as well as the others, took that opportunity to go and explore the town. I tried finding an international calling card to call David but it was just darn impossible, the hotel, gas station 7/11 none of them had them. I might say that my mom and I enjoyed exploring the town. When we finally got on the bus, we couldn’t choose our seats as we had some assigned to us. What a weird way of doing things. We also had a coupon for food at the rest stop, a bottle of water and a snack. The minute we got into the bus, my mom and I wanted to sleep but they’ve put on the TV with some Thai music videos which kept me awake until they finally closed it.
Wednesday, March 26th ‘08
After an overnight bus trip, my mom and I finally got ourselves back into Bangkok. Our first stop was Samran hotel where we stayed before and had booked for our return on the 29th. We left 2 of our 3 suitcases, my backpack with my laptop and left with a suitcase and a bag. Great! 2nd stop, Canadian embassy to pick up my passport if it’s ready. Hopefully! Yes, it’s ready and I have my new passport, I now can leave the country whenever I want. 3rd stop, China airways to get a refund on my flight ticket from Bangkok to Hawaii. Well, my mom and I walk with our suitcases and bag for 30mins in the heat to get to Air China yes, I did say Air China not China Airways. David that looked up the address for me gave me the wrong address so my mom and I ended up taking a taxi to China Airways the actual airline my tickets was booked with. Spoke to the lady, she canceled my ticket and said that I have to call the branch in Vancouver to get my money back. I shall do so ASAP!
After all of this, our last stop in Bangkok was the train station. I knew the taxi we took was taking us thru detours and having us go thru all of Chinatown for noting. I was not happy tho I knew it wasn’t the direct route, I didn’t know the direct route, so I couldn’t tell him to stop taking us for a ride. I was not too happy about that! Well, we’re at the train station and the train leaves in 2 hours, 2 hours of waiting for a train and then another 4 hours ‘till we get to Kanchanaburi. Now, this is torture! I’m so tired especially after a not so good sleep in a bus from Chumphon.
After a nice train ride where I slept most of the time, we finally arrived into Kanchanaburi. We went directly to the hostel! We went to the one my mom saw in the Lonely Planet guide, Apple’s guesthouse. We got ourselves a fan room, no hot water for 350BHT! Cheapest room we got so far. We also booked a Day tour including elephant ride for 1050BHT each. We’re so exhausted, that we didn’t do anything else than eat go online and go to bed.
Back into Bangkok, passport – Air china / china airways – train to Kanchanaburi
Thursday, March 27th ‘08
I chatted with David yesterday for a bit and he booked my ticket back to Canberra as well as the one into Hawaii. The other good news is, I’ll be leaving on the 31st same day as my mom, so more time with David, yay! Now, I have to get my money back from China airways. Crossing fingers! 15 mins before the start of the tour, my mom wanted to stop for coffee and hot chocolate and I told her we didn’t have time but she didn’t listen so we had to hurry to the bus so it wouldn’t leave without us. The bus driver, drove for 35-40 mins before he told us (my mom and I, there was also another couple on the bus) to get out and that he would pick us up in 2hrs after dropping the other couple.
My mom and I ended up at what doesn’t look like but ends up being an elephant Zoo. This is not what I wanted or expected! I wanted a bit of a forest expedition on elephants. We got up some steps and climbed on a chair strapped on an elephant with a “guide” riding her neck. We pretty much crossed the road, came back, went thru a little village of small, one room houses on pillars with kids playing around got to a river, went in the water for a bit (like 5meter, water knee high for the elephant) and went back. The “guide” climbed off the elephant and asked for my camera to take pictures he also told me to get to the neck of the elephant and slightly kick her ears to make her go forward. At the end of the ride, my mom and I pet the elephant and there was tears running down her eyes so my mom started to cry. This is really not what I wanted/expected! I wouldn’t have brought my mom there as I know how sensitive she is about these things especially that the elephants are chained to the ground.
After the elephant ride, my mom and I were taken by truck to the river where we got onto a bamboo raft and were given a ride along the river. They even gave us life jackets! The river was nice and quiet and the current was pretty mild. My mom was slightly nervous at first as she isn’t a strong swimmer but hey, I’m a rescue diver now. We might not be diving at the moment but it’s still rescuing in the water! Got back to where we were first dropped off and minutes later, were picked up by the bus driver.
The bus driver then took us to a national park and told us to meet him at 2pm for lunch (as it was included in the price). We went into the park and followed the signs to the waterfalls. There are 7 stages of the waterfall and about 300-400 meters between them, going upwards. As we got close to the 3rd stage, I saw a sign that said, beware of monkeys stealing our effects. So, I started to look up in the trees for monkeys. My mom asked me: “What are you doing?” “Looking for monkeys!” “Yeah, they’ll leap right into your face!”. Well, didn’t take long that I spotted some monkeys. Where else should I be looking for monkeys? I was really happy to see monkeys in the wild. We went thru a forest ranger stop where they will not let you go on with food and water bottles are market and registered with a money deposit you only get back if you bring back the bottle. What a great idea to keep nature clean. My mom and I got ourselves to the 5th stage and it’s much harder to get there than it sounds, it’s over a K going upwards in a forest with no “actual” path but the ones formed by people going by and a couple of not so solid wooden bridges. I might say tho that it was really nice getting to each stages and that at some stages, the waterfalls are nicer that others. The 5th stage was really nice and we had time to take a bit of a swim before it was time to go back down. At all stages, the waterfalls are filled with fish and life. This was the highlight of our day.
Got back to the bus and the driver took us to a small restaurant in the car park to get some food. It was small but nice. Then, he got some train tickets, took us to a train station told us to take the train and get off 30mins later at another stop where he would be waiting for us. This stop was filled with shops and there were lots of really nice scarves, I couldn’t resist and got myself one to wear with my dresses. The station was right next to the death railways that were built during WWII by prisoners that died while building it, at lease that’s my comprehension of it. See, our bus driver is not a guide, he’s just a driver he takes us to key areas, drops us there and picks us up later but we got no idea of the history, story, nature or anything whatsoever about the places we go. There’s a temple in the mountain across the tracks with a big “gold” Buddha where people can go and gather themselves. Across the water, there were some ostriches, don’t think they were wild tho but interesting indeed. The train got there and it was filled with French tourists. The good thing is that getting on at that station; we had a good view of the tracks so we could let the others cluster to take pictures of it. The Thai couple in front of us placed their hands together and bowed to pay respect to the temple in the mountain as we passed it.
Arrived at our stop, the driver took us to our last destination The Bridge over the River Kwae made famous by the “real story” movie about the bridge. The Bridge was build by prisoners of war commanded by the Japs. On November 28th 194? Allied planes where sent to destroy the bridge. The Japs sent POWs on the bridge in a line to wave at the aircrafts that were sent to destroy the bridge. The river turned red from all the blood and the water was undrinkable for days. For those who don’t know what happened. As my mom and I as well as many tourists were walking on the bridge, a train came passing by. Yes, a train while hundreds of tourists are walking on the bridge. They have planks here and there for us to stand on while the train in passing by. I might say I was a bit surprised that they would allow that but yet again; we’re in Thailand and not Canada or Australia.
After this day, my mom and I decided to not eat at the hostel but look for somewhere else, tho our hostel has good ratings for it’s restaurant in Lonely Planet, we didn’t like it that much. As we walked the main street (with all the hostels and pubs), we saw an alley were lots of people seem to go so my mom and I decided to follow the crowd and ended up at the Jolly Frog, a hostel with restaurant. There was so many people there that we decided to eat there. Our saying is: “Go eat where there’s lots of people!”. So we did and it was really nice much better than Apple’s Guesthouse.
Friday, March 28th ‘08
Yesterday, as we were coming back from the Bridge over the River Kwae, I realized that we we’re that far from it so we decided to go back. There were a few touristic shops and we got ourselves some souvenirs, I also saw something for David but wasn’t too sure because of the price so my mom told me to sleep on it and that if I still want it tomorrow, we can come back and get it before we leave. It was such a hot sticky day and a long walk in this heat. We saw a restaurant that had 2 ostriches in their backyard, it was interesting to see them from up close but not too close. We also discovered that one of the cheapest bottles of water in a white bottle (5BHT) was the best tasting water we had.
We went to the train station to see what time was the train back to Bangkok tomorrow and this idiot American was yelling at this Thai employee because he couldn’t read the sign properly and booked a one way ticket on a tourist train thru the Bridge over the River Kwae and the death railway. On the sign, it said Kanchanaburi – something (the name of the other station) which is a one way, a return would have said Kanchanaburi – something – Kanchanaburi. He said that the guy who sold the ticket didn’t specify that it was a one way only. Well, we’re in Thailand, people don’t speak English very well and if you don’t ask they don’t know you want a round trip. The ticket was 300BHT for the tourist train including snacks and drinks. One way Bangkok – Kanchanaburi is 200BHT. It’s obviously grossly overpriced for tourists. I wanted to go defend the poor employee from this American idiot but I decided against it.
At the end of the day, my mom and I decided to return to the Jolly Frog for dinner and I got myself a massage. This time, it was a guy giving me the massage, when he asked me to turn around, he asked me if I wanted him to massage my stomach, I said no but then, I thought to myself is there such a thing as a happy ending for women? Hun? During this time, my mom took a look around the Jolly Frog’s property and found that it was much nicer than where we are staying and cheaper. It was 290BHT for an air conditioning and hot water room. I could’ve paid less and had a better room. Ah well, now you know if ever you decide to go there someday. Had a nice meal, and then went to an internet café where there was webcams available and got to webcam with my darling. It was really nice! During this time, my mom made friends with a deaf Thai. When she told him I knew sign language, I was doomed. He kept on signing to me and I didn’t understand half of what he said ‘cause I don’t know his sign language, I know Quebec sign language. He was soooo happy! I did understand certain things and he understood me but it was not easy.
Saturday, March 29th ‘08
This morning, we took a taxi moped with a “twist”, it has a “hand made side car made of metal bars with a bench to sit 2 -3 people to the shops around the Bridge over the River Kwae as I decided I did want that “thing” I found for David as I just couldn’t stop thinking about it last night and still this morning. When we go to where we saw it yesterday, they didn’t have it anymore. I was slightly sad as I really liked it. We walked around looking for souvenirs and stuff then, I spotted it somewhere else for like a 3rd of the price the other place was selling it (and they didn’t want to take it down)! I sure took it in a flash. Now I’m happy! But he won’t have it until he gets to Montreal so, shhhhhhhhhhh! ;-)
We checked out but still had 3hrs before the train to Bangkok so, I went to the hairdresser to have my hair dyed. Yesterday, we stopped by her shop to ask how much it would be to dye my hair, she said 500BHT. It’s a small hair salon with 2 chairs and you can see where she lives in the back, she’s got a gay assistant and that’s pretty much it. She was working on a woman’s hair yesterday and it looked really good so I decided to have my hair cut as well. Haven’t seen any tourists around so, she pretty much lives on local business. Well, she did such a good job on my hair and I thought she would charge me around 600-700BHT but no, she charged 500BHT for everything so I decided to give her what was a HUGE tip to her but quite regular to us hence, it cost me a total of 600BHT for color and cut (20CAD). Meanwhile, my mom got herself a manicure and pedicure for 60BHT total (reg price around Bangkok and tourist areas: 300BHT for both) and she was pretty proud of it.
Our train was late and left at 3:25 instead of 2:45pm. The idiot American was there and sat not far from us. There is no AC in the train just fans that you activate with the switch on the walls; it is cheaper to travel by train than by bus (AC included). Do bring some water and snacks don’t worry if you forget as there are people selling stuff on the train walking thru the carts they just might not have what you like and charge a bit more. The view is really nice at times and sad at others, it gives a good idea of the Thailand lifestyle. There seems to be a fair amount of fires on the lands and lots of water. Many area where people live in houses on pillars and walk on boardwalks. Getting closer to the city’s where you see all the poor people and the “houses” they live in. It is not nice at all but the children likes to wave at the passengers.
Got ourselves to Bangkok and to our hotel! As Samran hotel didn’t have any space left, they sent us to Diamond City Hotel. It was really hard to find a taxi that could read the map made by the receptionist at Samran and knew how to get us there. It’s not far from Samran but it’s in one of those Soi. A soi is like an alley that hales from a “main” street. It goes Soi1, Soi2, Soi3, ect. Samran was on Thanon Petch Buri (Thanon = road) and Diamond City Hotel was accessible from a Soi (don’t know which one for the purpose of this explanation, I’ll say Soi5) hence, the address would be Thanon Petch Buri, Soi5. Anyways, we got there and the staff was very helpful. But when we got to our room, my mom was not very happy that it didn’t have a window or a balcony. She also read the note for customers that pretty much said that they had “Lady Joiners” available at the price of 500BHT and if you “order” one or pick one of the streets yourself, she has to register at the reception and other stuff like deposit or something. My mom was really happy to know that we were in this type of hotel!
David called me but the phone kept on disconnecting after 10-15mins. That was not fun at all. I was really tired and wanted to sleep but my mom dragged me to the night bazaar. This place was filled with tourists and is apparently open 24/7. The amount of shops there is just insane. You’d have to spend 2-3 full days there to see all the shops in the 1st half. Trying to have a good deal on fake Chanel, Louis Vutons, Prada, Versace, etc bags and purses isn’t really possible anymore unless you’re ready to pay 150-200CAD. The good thing tho is that it’s the only place in Bangkok where I was able to try on clothes. But bargaining stuff down price is really hard. I think that things aren’t as cheap as they used to be because of all those stupid tourists that would shop and say: “Oh, that’s cheap, really cheap!” on the blown up price without bargaining the price down. Therefore, Thai people decided that the lowest price they would sell stuff at would be much higher. I’ve still heard tourists say that things were cheap when it’s not actually cheap but the regular price when you know how to shop at home. Meaning not at the Gap or Guess jeans. I guess it’s just that there are lots of shops on the streets with lots of choices but noting really exciting. Besides, if you’re slightly bulkier than me or more, there’s noting for you. Forget it! I had a hard time finding clothes that fit me and I had to be careful of the model. If you’re small and know what looks good on you there’s loads of choices for you, else noting. Really, FORGET it!
Got a bit hungry and went to the Italian restaurant in the area. It was not impressive at all and really the place to screw tourists. My ravioli was good but didn’t have more than 8 small pieces (still hungry afterwards) and my mom’s margarita pizza barely had any cheese. The waiters were standing no more than a meter away looking at us eat to take our plates off the instant we finished, it was annoying! The bill ended up over 600BHT for both of us which is much more than I ever paid in Thailand even when David was there it was cheaper for all 3 of us. We were not happy with that, so if you ever go to the night bazaar, do not eat in the area.
Sunday, March 30th ‘08
Well, today is officially our last day in Bangkok as we’re both leaving tomorrow. We went to a mall not far from Samran, our hotel. Yes, we went back to our hotel, finally! Platinum mall on Thanon Petch Buri near BTS (metro/subway/tube above ground) station Ratchetewi. It’s a huge mall with 5 levels plus one underground and the 6th level for food. The stores all look like kiosks and there are hundreds of them per floor. It’s really easy to get lost and confused as for where you are and where you’ve already been. I think this is perfect for Isabelle and Kristina, they would LOVE shopping there. We found really cool T-shirts and baby tees at a shop that sells them in boxes but you have to buy 3 boxes minimum. Well they had “couple” shirts and I knew David would just love them so, I got 2 different ones. Those “couple” shirts were really adorable, you had for the man a key and it said: “I’ve got the key…” and the girl’s shirt had a heart with a lock that said: “to my heart”. Another one said “So” with the o being a boy on the men’s shirt and on the girl’s shirt was written: “Cute” with the c being a girl. There were many of those! You might catch David and I wearing the ones I got sometime!
My mom has been looking for a hand bag but not just any hand bag; a pretty, sturdy, cheap but good quality, good for all 4 seasons bag, in Thailand! Yeah, all they have is slightly expensive cheap quality hand bags that wouldn’t last a day in Canadian winter. I knew that but my mom was set on looking at bags. The annoying part is that every time you stop for just a second in front of a shop, you have an annoying Thai sells man or woman harassing you. “Very cheap Madame! Very good Madame! Look Madame! What do you want Madame? What are you looking for Madame? Very cheap Madame!” Really, very annoying!! Then, she was upset about not finding what she wanted.
After that, we went to the Siam Center which is one BTS stop away from Ratchatewi but easily walkable. Siam Center has all the expensive regular shops that you’ll find the world over but the 3rd building has a really nice food court and it’s not that expensive not like the restaurant last night! It also has a tourist’s supermarket where you can taste lots of foods. Also has people there to help you find whatever you’re looking for. It is really nice to walk into but you do go thru a metal detector before entering the center.
Monday, March 31st ‘08
We are leaving today! I’m going back to Australia and my mother’s going back to Canada. My flight is before hers but not before 6pm so we have loads of time to kill. We went back to Platinum mall to get more of those cool T-Shirts in a box, I also got myself a new purse and a couple of Disney stuff. Thailand is the country of fake Disney stuff. Disney’s like everywhere but still really hard to find Goofy stuff. We got ready to leave then as we were on the sidewalk, we observed that most taxis had passengers and took quite a while to get one and even then, the first one didn’t want to go to the airport and the next one offered to get us there for 400BHT plus tolls, we didn’t want to wait for other taxis and decided that 400BHT was a fair price.
David had called me earlier today panicking telling me that I need a visa before I get to Australia. I had told him that if it was the case I would just purchase it at the airport. When I got at the airport, I couldn’t check in without a visa and the price of the visa was about 100AUD but only 20AUD if done online. So, I called David and he did the application for me online. I need I new visa as my Holiday – Working visa has been expired for over 3 weeks now. It didn’t take long and I go my visa. My mother’s flight isn’t until midnight so she can’t check in before 10pm and will be waiting all this time at the airport. We visited the airport for awhile and there are a few restaurants and a “spa” where she can get an affordable massage or something for her. I’m so happy to be going back to Australia and I really can’t wait to see David again! In about 12hrs from now I’ll be back in his arms.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Canberra, February '08
Saturday, February 2nd ‘08
We drove down to Geelong yesterday and stayed at his dad’s place where Dora likes to keep it “G” rated so we slept in different beds and rooms. It was quite “special” to say the least. Today, we bored his brother Brett and David’s old car to get to his storage and get rid of his ex-wife’s stuff we also took the opportunity to get some trash out and make a nice donation to salvo’s. The worse part of it all is that David had me go all the way to Bellarat (2-3 hours away) to bring his ex-wife’s stuff to her day, which was not up to him to do that, if she wanted her stuff she would’ve come and get it herself 2 years ago when they divorced. Anyways, let’s just say that this was definitely not my favorite day of my life.
Sunday, February 10th ‘08
David’s off to his friend playing video games and Richard’s away for the weekend so I have the car as well as the apartment to myself. I’ve decided to have a surprise Valentine’s dinner for David. Drove to the city (first time driving his car alone!) to get some stuff. There was things going on but I didn’t have time to stop and check it out. Went home and prepared everything. On the menu: sushi and chocolate fondue with a bit of me for desert. It was really nice! I recon David enjoyed it. We also watched An Affair to Remember and The Shop Around the Corner. I was glad and happy to do this for him.
Monday, February 11th ‘08
Last week at work! I might say it’s quite a relief. I also have less than a month left before I have to leave and I might say that I’m not very happy about the idea of leaving David. It’ll be only 3 months that we’d been together but we lived together for 2 of those. We booked my ticket for Thailand last week and I’m waiting for David to get his week off so we can book the rest of my trip and his ticket. As last weekend, we didn’t have much of a weekend, it felt really good to have one now. Next weekend, we plan to go to Sydney as he wants to introduce me to his sister, I’ll also take the opportunity to get that dress I saw at the Wintersun and absolutely loved! Though I really don’t like Canberra, I got used to my life here but I think that being with David makes the difference.
Wednesday, February 13th ‘08
David and I booked our flights. My trip is now definite. I’m leaving for Bangkok on the 7th of March mom is meeting me on the 12th leaving on the 31st. I should be going to Vietnam ‘till I catch my flight from Bangkok to Hawaii on the 12th of April where I will be meeting with David and celebrate his B-Day then, get back to Montreal on the 20th as he goes back to Canberra. So yes! I’ll be back home after being gone for over a year 14 months to be more precise. It’ll be good to be back after spending all that time in Canberra. I just don’t know how David and I will cope with being apart for so long. We have only been apart for 8 non-consecutive days since we meet. It feels really good to be with someone that loves me just as much if not more than I love him. I want to do this trip but I don’t want to be away from him. I really love David but I hate living in Canberra. It’s a very crappy city!
Thursday, February 14th ‘08
Valentine’s Day! My very first non-single Valentine’s Day. David insisted so much on us celebrating out 1st Valentine’s together. I went to the hairdresser during my lunch break as I suspected he would be taking me out. Well, he did but only after giving me a long pearl necklace and matching earrings. We got dressed and went to our 9:30pm restaurant reservation and found we were the most dressed up people there. I might say, I didn’t care, I was just happy to be with my baby. When we got back, David had more instore for me, he had a crystal Goofy. I just could not believe he got me that. It was really nice but at the end, nothing could beat just being with him.
Wednesday, February 20th ‘08
I’m not working anymore as I quit my job, doesn’t mean that I’ve got nothing to do! Last weekend, David took me to Sydney which was nice as it’s been almost a year since I’ve been and I got to meet one of his older sisters. I got to dance on Friday night, went shopping and to Bondi Beach on Saturday ended with a stroll on Sunday. I didn't get the dress I wanted as they didn't have my size anymore but I got myself a really nice skirt and top. It was a very nice weekend and loved spending that time with David!
Since the beginning of the week, I’ve been driving David to work and picking him up, I might say that I now feel much more comfortable driving his car. There’s 2 weeks and 2 days left before I leave for Thailand and so much for me to do that it drives me crazy. I don’t know where my head’s at some times it’s really not easy.
Tuesday, February 26th ‘08
Last weekend, David and I went to Melbourne (yet again!) but this time was for his mom’s 60th B-Day party. I’m so tired of all that driving. It’s like 8hrs each way. We got to Geelong (his home town) Friday night and stayed at a hotel, it was so nice to finally sleep in a double bed as opposed to the single bed we’ve been sharing at his place. Saturday, we went horseback ridding and it was really nice. The stables were near the Great Ocean Road so there was a very nice view. We then had dinner with his friend Raf that he has been wanting for me to meet for awhile now. It was a nice dinner and Raf seemed to be a good guy.
On Sunday, it was Maureen’s B-Day party and we got there early as we had to check out of the hotel by 10:30am. I finally got to meet his other older sister and her boyfriend, that makes the entire family on his mother’s side. After running around like crazy trying to find his mother gifts it was nice to see her un-wrap them. I think this party was more of a photo session than anything else. Each children and their partners, Maureen and the children, just the children, Maureen, the children and their partners, just the brothers, just the sisters, ect. It was a never ending show of flashes and smiles. We finally got around to some food and a cake before we had to say goodbye and hit the road for another dreadful 8hrs.
Today, David asked to have the car which didn’t make me suspicious at all… uhun. He wore a suit to work today which is quite unusual, I’m suspecting a photo shoot or something of the kind but could be anything. I can’t wait to know what it is. So now, I’m confined to the apartment for the day. I texted Tess and she finishes work at 3 and she’ll pick me up so we can spend some time together. I only have a week and a half left. Time passes by so fast, I sure hope that time passes just as fast if not faster when I’ll be away from my man. I will miss him so much!
We drove down to Geelong yesterday and stayed at his dad’s place where Dora likes to keep it “G” rated so we slept in different beds and rooms. It was quite “special” to say the least. Today, we bored his brother Brett and David’s old car to get to his storage and get rid of his ex-wife’s stuff we also took the opportunity to get some trash out and make a nice donation to salvo’s. The worse part of it all is that David had me go all the way to Bellarat (2-3 hours away) to bring his ex-wife’s stuff to her day, which was not up to him to do that, if she wanted her stuff she would’ve come and get it herself 2 years ago when they divorced. Anyways, let’s just say that this was definitely not my favorite day of my life.
Sunday, February 10th ‘08
David’s off to his friend playing video games and Richard’s away for the weekend so I have the car as well as the apartment to myself. I’ve decided to have a surprise Valentine’s dinner for David. Drove to the city (first time driving his car alone!) to get some stuff. There was things going on but I didn’t have time to stop and check it out. Went home and prepared everything. On the menu: sushi and chocolate fondue with a bit of me for desert. It was really nice! I recon David enjoyed it. We also watched An Affair to Remember and The Shop Around the Corner. I was glad and happy to do this for him.
Monday, February 11th ‘08
Last week at work! I might say it’s quite a relief. I also have less than a month left before I have to leave and I might say that I’m not very happy about the idea of leaving David. It’ll be only 3 months that we’d been together but we lived together for 2 of those. We booked my ticket for Thailand last week and I’m waiting for David to get his week off so we can book the rest of my trip and his ticket. As last weekend, we didn’t have much of a weekend, it felt really good to have one now. Next weekend, we plan to go to Sydney as he wants to introduce me to his sister, I’ll also take the opportunity to get that dress I saw at the Wintersun and absolutely loved! Though I really don’t like Canberra, I got used to my life here but I think that being with David makes the difference.
Wednesday, February 13th ‘08
David and I booked our flights. My trip is now definite. I’m leaving for Bangkok on the 7th of March mom is meeting me on the 12th leaving on the 31st. I should be going to Vietnam ‘till I catch my flight from Bangkok to Hawaii on the 12th of April where I will be meeting with David and celebrate his B-Day then, get back to Montreal on the 20th as he goes back to Canberra. So yes! I’ll be back home after being gone for over a year 14 months to be more precise. It’ll be good to be back after spending all that time in Canberra. I just don’t know how David and I will cope with being apart for so long. We have only been apart for 8 non-consecutive days since we meet. It feels really good to be with someone that loves me just as much if not more than I love him. I want to do this trip but I don’t want to be away from him. I really love David but I hate living in Canberra. It’s a very crappy city!
Thursday, February 14th ‘08
Valentine’s Day! My very first non-single Valentine’s Day. David insisted so much on us celebrating out 1st Valentine’s together. I went to the hairdresser during my lunch break as I suspected he would be taking me out. Well, he did but only after giving me a long pearl necklace and matching earrings. We got dressed and went to our 9:30pm restaurant reservation and found we were the most dressed up people there. I might say, I didn’t care, I was just happy to be with my baby. When we got back, David had more instore for me, he had a crystal Goofy. I just could not believe he got me that. It was really nice but at the end, nothing could beat just being with him.
Wednesday, February 20th ‘08
I’m not working anymore as I quit my job, doesn’t mean that I’ve got nothing to do! Last weekend, David took me to Sydney which was nice as it’s been almost a year since I’ve been and I got to meet one of his older sisters. I got to dance on Friday night, went shopping and to Bondi Beach on Saturday ended with a stroll on Sunday. I didn't get the dress I wanted as they didn't have my size anymore but I got myself a really nice skirt and top. It was a very nice weekend and loved spending that time with David!
Since the beginning of the week, I’ve been driving David to work and picking him up, I might say that I now feel much more comfortable driving his car. There’s 2 weeks and 2 days left before I leave for Thailand and so much for me to do that it drives me crazy. I don’t know where my head’s at some times it’s really not easy.
Tuesday, February 26th ‘08
Last weekend, David and I went to Melbourne (yet again!) but this time was for his mom’s 60th B-Day party. I’m so tired of all that driving. It’s like 8hrs each way. We got to Geelong (his home town) Friday night and stayed at a hotel, it was so nice to finally sleep in a double bed as opposed to the single bed we’ve been sharing at his place. Saturday, we went horseback ridding and it was really nice. The stables were near the Great Ocean Road so there was a very nice view. We then had dinner with his friend Raf that he has been wanting for me to meet for awhile now. It was a nice dinner and Raf seemed to be a good guy.
On Sunday, it was Maureen’s B-Day party and we got there early as we had to check out of the hotel by 10:30am. I finally got to meet his other older sister and her boyfriend, that makes the entire family on his mother’s side. After running around like crazy trying to find his mother gifts it was nice to see her un-wrap them. I think this party was more of a photo session than anything else. Each children and their partners, Maureen and the children, just the children, Maureen, the children and their partners, just the brothers, just the sisters, ect. It was a never ending show of flashes and smiles. We finally got around to some food and a cake before we had to say goodbye and hit the road for another dreadful 8hrs.
Today, David asked to have the car which didn’t make me suspicious at all… uhun. He wore a suit to work today which is quite unusual, I’m suspecting a photo shoot or something of the kind but could be anything. I can’t wait to know what it is. So now, I’m confined to the apartment for the day. I texted Tess and she finishes work at 3 and she’ll pick me up so we can spend some time together. I only have a week and a half left. Time passes by so fast, I sure hope that time passes just as fast if not faster when I’ll be away from my man. I will miss him so much!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Canberra January '08
Tuesday, January 1st ‘08
Well, it the first day of the new year and we have to leave Brad’s house, the only refuge we found is David’s mom’s place. Not the my first choice but it’s ok. Before going to Anglesea we stopped by Michael and Daniel’s place to say hi and to see Daniel before he leaves for Egypt, I knew I chose the wrong boyfriend ;-).
Wednesday, January 2nd ‘08
David’s taking me to the Great Ocean Road today and it’ll be great! Yes, we drove the Great Ocean Road in his convertible with the top down. It was great! We went to some waterfalls and stopped for food along the way before heading to the 12 Apostles that are more like 8 or 9 now as they’re all falling. It was long but a great drive. Got a bit of a headache but it wasn’t to bad with the top down, it got worse on the way back. When we got back to his mom’s, David asked me to move in with him on Saturday. I was bit surprised as we have just met but it was also the only way we could stay together as I’m running out of money, place to stay and don’t have work so, I accepted.
Thursday, January 3rd ‘08
Today, we spend all freaking day in his storage room in Geelong looking for his passport. It is such a mess in there. He has stuff that belongs to his ex-wife in there that should be in the trash by now! I will have to make him get rid of all that crap next time or ASAP. He does remind me of myself in some ways as he keeps everything and has a hard time getting rid of stuff.
Saturday, January 5th ‘08
Today, we have an 8 hour drive to Canberra, Capital – boring- city of Australia. I did get to drive his car for 3 hours. I’m still nervous driving his BMW manual convertible. I did it for 3 hours and gave him a French Canadian lesson he now know what Steak, Ble d’Inde Patate means. ;-)
Sunday, January 6th ‘08
We spend the entire day cleaning up his room today so they’d be space for my stuff. His room is sooooooo messy! It took us all day and it’s still not all done. That was my very "exciting" more like boring day.
Monday, January 7th ‘08
Well, today I looked for work and got an interview tomorrow at an IGA. It'll be something to do. I'm feeling very bored alone in this apartment and I'm really not sure if moving in with David was a good idea I only just met him a month ago. I really need a job 'cause I'll be bored out of my mind and I need to have financial independence. He'd pay everything for me if I'd ask him but I really don't want that.
Tuesday, January 8th ‘08
Well, I went for the interview at IGA and got the job. I’ll be working 8:30 ‘till 5 Monday to Friday. The good thing is that David’ll be able to drive me to work every morning and pick me up almost every day so I won’t have to take 3 busses back and forth. I’m meeting David for lunch so we can buy some storage stuff to put my stuff in. As we were shopping for storage stuff, it occurred to me that we were shopping for furniture together when I told him, he was like: “Yeah!”. This is noting to him, he ‘s been married. I have not, I’ve never ever just lived with a boyfriend nor spent the holidays with a boyfriend’s family before. Our relationship is moving so fast and it feels weird. I’m really not used to this.
Wednesday, January 9th ‘08
First day at work! David drove me to work this morning as he will for the next couple of weeks until I feel comfortable enough to drive his car then I’ll be driving him to work and picking him up afterwards. Tess came around to say hi. T’was very nice to see her. She’s gonna come around to see me often which is good. This job seems ok, we’ll see how things goes from here. I just can’t believe I’m living life as a couple making food for 2, not having my own room, having to take someone else under consideration when I do stuff. Just living in an actual relationship, sharing my life. It’s been hard at times with all the changes. Most of the time, our relationship seems so simple but at times, it feels like the hardest thing. We don’t have it easy with my visa, my being away from my mom and friends. I know people here but I wouldn’t qualify them as friends. I’m still alone! Don’t have anyone to confide in else then David but to whom shall I confide about my relationship with David.
Thursday, January 10th ‘08
I have been feeling a bit concerned lately, things just don’t feel “normal” or “great”. For starters, I don’t feel at home at Richard and David’s apartment, it feels like I’m squatting at their place doesn’t feel like my room or our room but his room, my job is ok but it doesn’t make me feel happy, I look at the time too often, I don’t feel free or more like independent, I don’t have friends or know anyone (else than Tess). Right now, the only thing that makes me happy is David but everything else is not. Tess is picking me up after work but I just feel like being alone. It’ll be good to spend time with her, away from David. It annoys me that I depend on him here as he’s the one driving me to work and picking me up, I can take the bus but I’d have to take 3 and it would take me an hour/hour and a half each way.
Well, just spent time with Tess which felt really good. It was nice to have someone to talk to about my relationship with David. We went for a drink, did some grocery shopping, get to her place met her daughter and brother, ate and went back to David’s where she met Richard and David as they were watching some geek series. When she left, I went into David’s room and stayed there, took a shower went online and in bad. He joined me 5 mins later. While we were in bed he said thanks for letting him spend the evening with his friend Richard. He shouldn’t! He should just do what he wants and spend time with whom he wants.
Wednesday, January 16th ‘08
I’m not very happy with my work and I’m gonna start looking for something else. We also started to look into my getting a visa extension so I can stay another year. Things with David are going fine. We’re getting ourselves into a bit of a routine but that’s ok. His room’s starting to feel like ours and I’m spending some time with Tess meeting swing dancers, it is making a difference. I’ve started to teach David some French and he wants to take swing dance classes. I’m thinking about tango lessons for me but we’ll have to see. I have to switch backs as the back I’m with, don’t have a branch here or outside of Queensland for that matter, so I can’t deposit my money as I’m being paid cash and ATM’s don’t take deposits. Canberra is really very boring! There’s noting to do or see.
Monday, January 21st ‘08
I’ve been really missing Montreal lately. I miss my friends, miss my mom, miss going out as much as I used too. As time goes by, I miss home more and more. David and I have been looking into extending my visa and other options if it doesn’t work. One of them is my going to Asia for a month or so and come back on a tourist visa and move back to Montreal in June when his contract ends. I might just get back a bit earlier. I may say that I’d prefer doing it that way. I’d get to go to Asia like I’ve been wanting too. I could leave on the 7th of March and come back for the 15th of April (David’s B-Day) then, I’d have 2 months living at David’s without working before going back home. And he’d get a 2 year working holiday visa to stay in Montreal with me. At the end all that counts to me is that we are together. He makes me so happy. I love him!
Well, it the first day of the new year and we have to leave Brad’s house, the only refuge we found is David’s mom’s place. Not the my first choice but it’s ok. Before going to Anglesea we stopped by Michael and Daniel’s place to say hi and to see Daniel before he leaves for Egypt, I knew I chose the wrong boyfriend ;-).
Wednesday, January 2nd ‘08
David’s taking me to the Great Ocean Road today and it’ll be great! Yes, we drove the Great Ocean Road in his convertible with the top down. It was great! We went to some waterfalls and stopped for food along the way before heading to the 12 Apostles that are more like 8 or 9 now as they’re all falling. It was long but a great drive. Got a bit of a headache but it wasn’t to bad with the top down, it got worse on the way back. When we got back to his mom’s, David asked me to move in with him on Saturday. I was bit surprised as we have just met but it was also the only way we could stay together as I’m running out of money, place to stay and don’t have work so, I accepted.
Thursday, January 3rd ‘08
Today, we spend all freaking day in his storage room in Geelong looking for his passport. It is such a mess in there. He has stuff that belongs to his ex-wife in there that should be in the trash by now! I will have to make him get rid of all that crap next time or ASAP. He does remind me of myself in some ways as he keeps everything and has a hard time getting rid of stuff.
Saturday, January 5th ‘08
Today, we have an 8 hour drive to Canberra, Capital – boring- city of Australia. I did get to drive his car for 3 hours. I’m still nervous driving his BMW manual convertible. I did it for 3 hours and gave him a French Canadian lesson he now know what Steak, Ble d’Inde Patate means. ;-)
Sunday, January 6th ‘08
We spend the entire day cleaning up his room today so they’d be space for my stuff. His room is sooooooo messy! It took us all day and it’s still not all done. That was my very "exciting" more like boring day.
Monday, January 7th ‘08
Well, today I looked for work and got an interview tomorrow at an IGA. It'll be something to do. I'm feeling very bored alone in this apartment and I'm really not sure if moving in with David was a good idea I only just met him a month ago. I really need a job 'cause I'll be bored out of my mind and I need to have financial independence. He'd pay everything for me if I'd ask him but I really don't want that.
Tuesday, January 8th ‘08
Well, I went for the interview at IGA and got the job. I’ll be working 8:30 ‘till 5 Monday to Friday. The good thing is that David’ll be able to drive me to work every morning and pick me up almost every day so I won’t have to take 3 busses back and forth. I’m meeting David for lunch so we can buy some storage stuff to put my stuff in. As we were shopping for storage stuff, it occurred to me that we were shopping for furniture together when I told him, he was like: “Yeah!”. This is noting to him, he ‘s been married. I have not, I’ve never ever just lived with a boyfriend nor spent the holidays with a boyfriend’s family before. Our relationship is moving so fast and it feels weird. I’m really not used to this.
Wednesday, January 9th ‘08
First day at work! David drove me to work this morning as he will for the next couple of weeks until I feel comfortable enough to drive his car then I’ll be driving him to work and picking him up afterwards. Tess came around to say hi. T’was very nice to see her. She’s gonna come around to see me often which is good. This job seems ok, we’ll see how things goes from here. I just can’t believe I’m living life as a couple making food for 2, not having my own room, having to take someone else under consideration when I do stuff. Just living in an actual relationship, sharing my life. It’s been hard at times with all the changes. Most of the time, our relationship seems so simple but at times, it feels like the hardest thing. We don’t have it easy with my visa, my being away from my mom and friends. I know people here but I wouldn’t qualify them as friends. I’m still alone! Don’t have anyone to confide in else then David but to whom shall I confide about my relationship with David.
Thursday, January 10th ‘08
I have been feeling a bit concerned lately, things just don’t feel “normal” or “great”. For starters, I don’t feel at home at Richard and David’s apartment, it feels like I’m squatting at their place doesn’t feel like my room or our room but his room, my job is ok but it doesn’t make me feel happy, I look at the time too often, I don’t feel free or more like independent, I don’t have friends or know anyone (else than Tess). Right now, the only thing that makes me happy is David but everything else is not. Tess is picking me up after work but I just feel like being alone. It’ll be good to spend time with her, away from David. It annoys me that I depend on him here as he’s the one driving me to work and picking me up, I can take the bus but I’d have to take 3 and it would take me an hour/hour and a half each way.
Well, just spent time with Tess which felt really good. It was nice to have someone to talk to about my relationship with David. We went for a drink, did some grocery shopping, get to her place met her daughter and brother, ate and went back to David’s where she met Richard and David as they were watching some geek series. When she left, I went into David’s room and stayed there, took a shower went online and in bad. He joined me 5 mins later. While we were in bed he said thanks for letting him spend the evening with his friend Richard. He shouldn’t! He should just do what he wants and spend time with whom he wants.
Wednesday, January 16th ‘08
I’m not very happy with my work and I’m gonna start looking for something else. We also started to look into my getting a visa extension so I can stay another year. Things with David are going fine. We’re getting ourselves into a bit of a routine but that’s ok. His room’s starting to feel like ours and I’m spending some time with Tess meeting swing dancers, it is making a difference. I’ve started to teach David some French and he wants to take swing dance classes. I’m thinking about tango lessons for me but we’ll have to see. I have to switch backs as the back I’m with, don’t have a branch here or outside of Queensland for that matter, so I can’t deposit my money as I’m being paid cash and ATM’s don’t take deposits. Canberra is really very boring! There’s noting to do or see.
Monday, January 21st ‘08
I’ve been really missing Montreal lately. I miss my friends, miss my mom, miss going out as much as I used too. As time goes by, I miss home more and more. David and I have been looking into extending my visa and other options if it doesn’t work. One of them is my going to Asia for a month or so and come back on a tourist visa and move back to Montreal in June when his contract ends. I might just get back a bit earlier. I may say that I’d prefer doing it that way. I’d get to go to Asia like I’ve been wanting too. I could leave on the 7th of March and come back for the 15th of April (David’s B-Day) then, I’d have 2 months living at David’s without working before going back home. And he’d get a 2 year working holiday visa to stay in Montreal with me. At the end all that counts to me is that we are together. He makes me so happy. I love him!
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