Hello Everyone, its has been a while since the last post. Jolene and I had an amazing trip around Southeast Asia during the past three months. There were stories to tell and perhaps I will one day write them in a book. But for now, I will provide proof of travel and current proof of life as we have yet to see many of our friends since arriving back in the states. The following is short story about our time in Bali (the first of the 7 countries we visited). Enjoy the photos and the text. We are excited to see you all and can't wait to re-start life in the states.
Indonesia:
We arrived in Jakarta, Indonesia during the first week of March. We two Islands while we were there, including the famed island of Bali, went scuba diving, body surfing, temple gazing, mountain climbing and trekking. Two unique experiences include: Understanding first hand the difference between Muslim and Hindu cultures and being locked in our hotel for 24 hours during the celebration of Nyepi.
Singapore:
Thanks to my generous parents, Jolene and I stayed at the Hilton for two nights making our trip to Singapore the most comfortable of all the countries we stayed in. Highlights include: Singapore Zoo and Night Safari, Sintosa Island, Amazing Food and the Merlion.
Malaysia
A quick visit to Kuala Lumpur with the Dufour's saw us going to the Little India night market and China Town. Afterwards, Jolene and I took five days on an Island gearing up for Thailand. Highlights: Riding Double on a Yamaha 150 discovering hidden beaches and secluded coves.
Thailand
We spent three weeks in Thailand soaking up the gorgeous island beaches, sunken reefs, amazing food and vacation atmosphere that lives up to its legend. Highlights: Scuba Diving in Koh Tao, Snorkling the Similans, Ko Raya and Ko Phi Phi, Witnessing the Bangkok Riots, Five-day water fight (Songkran) in Chiang Mai.
Laos
A 15-hour bus trip from Thailand landed us in Laung Prabang, a French Colonial haven in a severely impoverished country. We kayaked down the Mekong, rode elephants and toured some old Buddist caves. Highlights: Exploring the rural areas of Laos and shopping in the Tribal Night Market (Elephant tusks and Tiger's teeth).
Vietnam
Vietnam was the most interesting country during our travels. From culture to communism to chaos Vietnam was never dull. Highlights include: Two days on a boat in Halong Bay, Old town of Hanoi, DMZ in Hue, Shopping in Hoi An, Motorcycle charade in Ho Chi Minn, and the tour of the Mekong Delta.
Cambodia
Our final stop, Cambodia, was a treasure unique to itself. With gisly images of the war scared on many of the local people a sense of compassion is overwhelming. Yet equally overwhelming is the sight of what this poor nation use to be exemplified by the truly epic temples of Ankor. Highlights: Sunset at Pre Rup and touring Ankor Thom on our bicycles. Also the German friends we met and traveled with there.
