Oh My Travels

Moving from Bangkok to Phuket

noreply@blogger.com (Rich and Erika) — Tue, 19 Apr 2016 05:52:00 +0000

When Jude was born we decided on two things.

Firstly, get a bigger car, Leaving the hospital in busy Bangkok with a little fragile human being in the back of a clapped out Nissan Sunny felt very vulnerable indeed.

Then, we decided to move to the great outdoors. Don't get me wrong, we LOVE Bangkok. It's my favourite city in the world. But something told us that Jude would prefer growing up near the ocean, where the air is cleaner and the heat isn't so suffocating. We also realised, after years of travelling, that we'd be happier nearer the sea. Luckily, we were right about Jude: he's basically a fish now.

So, in late June 2015, we said our farewells to friends and colleagues, had our last BKK BBQ, our last Bangkok rooftop bar date and our last meal at our favourite local restaurant. We had lived in Bangkok for six years and so much had happened, that we didn't realise how hard it would be to leave. It really is a special place.

Erika and Jude got a plane from BKK to Phuket, while I stayed behind to oversee the moving company. By the way, I won't mention this company as they were a massive mistake. But since moving down, we've heard nothing but good things about another company called Big Move Phuket. We wish we chose these guys! Anyway, long story short, I followed the next day in an epic 13 hour drive from Bangkok to Phuket.

Leaving Bangkok...

...13 hours later, in the pouring rain, arriving in Phuket.

Arriving at our new house, full of boxes and a rather startled toddler, it was time for a few Leos before unpacking over the next few days. But we had to get out the next day to see a beach or two. After all, apart from furthering our careers as teachers, it's one of the main reasons we moved down. We decided on going to Surin Beach, which even during low season, is pretty beautiful.

Our next post will be about Phuket's beaches, as we spent most of the next few months exploring them. I will also include tips for best beaches for kids and kid friendly hotels.

A Quick Catch Up

noreply@blogger.com (Rich and Erika) — Tue, 19 Apr 2016 00:48:00 +0000

Right. In a nutshell...

It's obvious to us by checking out Google Analytics that our blog is frequented mostly by those googling certain place names in Thailand to research their trip and couldn't give a wotsit about us. Which is fine and the main reason we write this blog. When we started researching our big move from the UK to Thailand back in 2008, personal travel blogs were our best resource for info.

But for those few who do give a wotsit...

Our son was born on April 2014. Previously we had posted about Bali and the Gili Islands, a real highlight in our travels so far. As most parents will certainly understand, working full time and changing nappies in the evening cancels out blog-writing time. However, here's a quick recap of where we went.

Xmas 2013 - South Africa

Erika was four months pregnant, so we spent our time in safe hands with her parents in Limpopo province, before heading slightly west to spend time with her sister in Kosmos. We then took a bumpy plane ride to Cape Town to visit her brother and his wife. I was starting my PGCE, so in between eating lots of braais (bbqs, for the uninitiated), touring beautiful countryside and generally being treated by my in-laws, I was studying pedagogical theory while Erika was rubbing her ever expanding stomach (and ogling at large glasses of South African wine).

February 2014 - Our 'babymoon' in Pranburi, Thailand.

Baby Moon, Pranburi, Thailand, Feb 2014 from Oh My Travels on Vimeo.

Pranburi is an hour or so south of Hua Hin, Thailand. We found a hotel with a pool in order to worship the sun and sleep before our lives of parents would begin in a couple months' time. Not much to write about, apart from it is a quiet getaway for many expat families in Bangkok. Don't expect amazing beaches, but if it's the slow life you're after with cows grazing off the quiet streets beneath coconut trees, then this is for you. There's also the Sam Roi Yot National Park which you can drive through. The park is lined with limestone karsts and many bird watchers come here too. Our Tripadvisor review for our hotel is here.

April 2014 - Our little lad, Jude, is born...

I could write a whole blog about the little fella but to be honest I've been scared off even posting pictures of him on this blog due to leaving 'digital footprints'. Needless to say, behind all our travels across the globe, he is in fact our world.

The next year's travels, through bleary eyes and vomit stained bikinis, would be short weekend breaks, mainly to Pattaya. Although it has a seedy reputation, plenty of family orientated hotels can be found here and are popular with many expat families looking for some pool time with their kids. For parents with babies and toddlers, we know you like to have rooms as near the pool as possible so you can change nappies without letting the ice in your drinks melt. We can highly recommend Bella Villa Cabana in Pattaya. They have pool access rooms and sea views.

During this time, my mother in law and my mother both stayed with us to help. We are eternally grateful. As expats, you don't have the extended family network to help you through certain events, so their presence was life saving!

By the way - we highly recommend Samitivej Srinikarin Hospital in Bangkok, where Jude was born. Our OB and nurses in the maternity ward are heroes. Erika had a 22 hour labour and they all worked so well as a team to make sure mother and baby were safe throughout. Please email us if you'd like further info on pricing, etc.

Xmas 2014 - Norfolk, UK

A special trip to introduce Jude to my family back in the UK, especially as he was going to meet his great grandfather. We learnt how long it takes to get a baby ready in cold weather, especially an 8 month old that HATES WOOLLY HATS. We were treated by my granddad who hired out a really lovely cottage in Aylesham, Norfolk, and my mum and sister made sure we were fully stocked with all the stuff we miss out here.

April 2015 - Wang Nam Kiew (east of Khao Yai National Park).

We came here for a short break to escape the heat of Bangkok during Song Kran (Thai new year) and found a little oasis. We stayed at a place called Jungle View Homestay. The view from our lodge was picture-postcard perfect, with tiered lawns overlooking rolling hills. If you want somewhere quiet with fresh air and some fantastic Swiss and Thai food to boot, this is it. Jude had just turned one, so the ability to be truly intrepid was still limited, hence choosing a place with a view.

May 2015 - Koh Samet.

Erika's sister came to visit from South Africa and I was so happy to take her to one of my favourite Thai islands that is still (thankfully) off the gap-year traveller route. Mostly frequented by older travellers and young trendy Bangkokians, you can party or you can sit and fry on a quiet beach, the choice is yours. Our favourite beach, hands down, is Ao Wai. There is only one resort here, and although service is slow, you get a beautiful beach only hours away from Bangkok.

July 2015 - We move to Phuket.

And that's a big post. Coming next.

...and we're back!

noreply@blogger.com (Rich and Erika) — Mon, 18 Apr 2016 12:01:00 +0000

Well...

September 8th 2013 was our last post from Bali....and now it's April 2016.

Since then, a lot has happened...such as having a baby (we'd just found out Erika was pregnant after my post).

So, we stopped travelling a bit due to, well, mainly our time being taken up as parents AND I forgot my password. Can't believe I've retrieved it somehow!

Logging back in, I was surprised to see that since July 2009 we've had over 83,000 visitors and are still pulling in 30 or so a day. Not bad for a site that doesn't really advertise.

Since then, I've started a website that promotes responsible sustainable travel in Thailand here. It's still being built, so please be patient.

In July last year (2015) we made the move from Bangkok to Phuket - mainly cos our readers will know we love the ocean, but also because we wanted Jude to grow up in the great outdoors. So far, it hasn't disappointed (expect some posts about living in Phuket).

This isn't really a travel blog anymore, mainly because we started this thinking we'd only be travelling for a couple years and move back to the UK. Lo and behold, Thailand has become our home. So, this is really just 'a blog' about us and about expat life. Don't worry, we are (and will be) visiting many places in Thailand and I hope you enjoy reading our experiences and keep on asking for tips. This blog also fulfils my obsessive compulsion to list everything I experience (see mynerdylists.blogspot.com).

OK. The next post will be a summary of where we've been and I suppose this blog will now focus mainly on travelling in Thailand with kids, hopefully with tips on places to stay, things to take, etc.

Ta ra for now (and thanks for being loyal).

Rich, Erika and Jude xxx

Bali and The Gili Islands

noreply@blogger.com (Rich and Erika) — Sun, 08 Sep 2013 03:32:00 +0000

So, there's Erika and I thinking we've seen it all when it comes to beaches and islands. It reminds me of our attitude before we visited India, which pretty much went along the lines of "We live in Bangkok, Delhi we can handle". As if. What I'm trying to say is, next time you meet someone who says "If you've seen one beach, you've seen them all", politely direct them to this post.

We went to Bali last year (which you can read about in our previous posts) and fell in love with the place. How can you not? Everything a traveller in Asia wants to experience is here, be it a vibrant culture, excellent food, beautiful scenery, amazing beaches and friendly people. It's on my list of places to retire, hopefully you'll see why.

We revisited Ubud and everything it has to offer, be it restaurants on a golden rice paddy or shopping for that perfect wooden sculpture, but our real highlight was staying on the Gili Islands which is a couple hours boat ride from Bali. Any fans of evolution out there would know this stretch of water is where Alfred Wallace had his eureka moment. It's been called The Wallace Line ever since. But I digress: this was all about Bintangs on the beach and snorkeling with huge sea turtles...

Bali and Gili Islands, 2013 from Oh My Travels on Vimeo.

We stayed at Gunung Merta Bungalows, Ubud. This is the view from our room.

Our bungalow (just the ground floor).

Some local artisans creating a bas relief.

The beautiful art and architecture at AMRA Museum, Ubud.

We visited a local batik factory on the outskirts of Ubud as Erika researches her school trip to the island.

And then onto the mask museum, where character masks used in traditional Balinese dance are displayed.

The Kecak Dance, a version of the Hindu epic "Ramayana".

No, it's not photo shopped. Yes, it is that blue. This is Gili Air Island, one of three islands that dot the approach to Lombok from Bali. This was the view from the restaurant of where we stayed (Sunrise Bungalows).

One of the great things about this island, and why people come here to cure stress, is that motorised vehicles don't exist. All transport is on horse and cart.

You can walk around the island in an hour or so and it's pretty empty (apart from the main stretch near the pier and the village which is inland).

Till next time...

50,000 page views!

noreply@blogger.com (Rich and Erika) — Sun, 08 Sep 2013 03:04:00 +0000

Our four year old blog has reached 50,000 page views. Thanks to all who check us out, even if it's only for a few seconds. Keep your messages coming, we always love to help out.

Koh Mak, Thailand

noreply@blogger.com (Rich and Erika) — Sun, 30 Jun 2013 09:31:00 +0000

We bought a car! So, as we had a week off during the Easter holidays we did a road trip through Chantaburi and parked at the Long Ngop Pier in Trat. We then hopped on a speedboat to Koh Mak for a few days to brave the sandflies...and we weren't disappointed. The beaches aren't the stunning white powdery type that we got in Koh Lipe, but if you're after peace and quiet, this is the place for you. I found my new happy place. Families, this ones for you. Out of all the islands we've visited, this is the most untouched and unpolluted which is probably why they have some problems with sand flies. Don't fret: they're only about in the mornings and evenings, and if you put some Deet on before you apply your sun lotion you'll be fine. There are plenty resorts with pools if you don't want to brave it. Koh Mak is located just below the large island Koh Chang, off the Thai/Cambodian border. We stayed at Happy Days Bungalows on Ao Soun Yai, which is dominated by Koh Mak Resort. The latter have amazing white bungalows on the beach but were just out of our price range, so we stayed at the former which is a new place right at the other end. If you want a hut on the beach that overlooks the sea, this is your best bet. They don't have a website or anything, we just turned up. Anyway, you're sure to find somewhere to stay on this beach, which is arguably the best beach on Koh Mak. We took the motorbike out one day and went to every beach (the island is small) and although there were some nice little bays, this beach is the main draw.

This was the view from our porch...

And here's the hut...

Suchanaree Bungalows, in between Koh Mak Resort and Happy Days Bungalows. We couldn't sleep due to the old mattresses, so moved on. The kitchen was hardly open. Shame, these digs have so much potential.

Koh Mak has been added to the list of places titled "We'll be back".

We've found the best beach in Thailand.

noreply@blogger.com (Rich and Erika) — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 08:53:00 +0000

Yeah, that was a lie. But now we've got your attention...

So, I've noticed that for some reason Thailand doesn't have many bins on the beach. From my research I've been told that each resort looks after it's own patch which is why the amount of litter varies as you walk down one stretch of beach with multiple resorts on it. One thing I hate are the tourists that stub out their cigarettes in the sand and leave them there. These things don't break down. Neither does the plastic water bottle they left behind, along with the 6-pack plastic ring they left next to their beer cans (100 years). Yes, it's not just the tourists, the locals do it as well, but until the Thai government really get stuck in to educating their masses about pollution, the rest of us have no excuse. Litter that isn't picked up makes it's way to the sea and affects local marine life and the eco-system.

If you are coming to dive, please use one of the Green Fins dive operators that promote sustainable tourism:

http://www.greenfins-thailand.org/greenfins/index.php?m=member

If you're going to Koh Tao, join the Koh Exist group to help clean their beaches:

https://www.facebook.com/kohexist

And these guys seem to be trying to lobbying Asian governments to do something about it. How hard is it to pass a law to put bins and signs on all beaches??!!

http://www.cobsea.org/cleanupeas/index.html

Please share this pic.

Thanks.

Our ongoing Google Map of Bangkok

noreply@blogger.com (Rich and Erika) — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 03:41:00 +0000

Looking for a restaurant, bar or some culture in Bangkok? I've been obsessively collecting highlights on my map of Bangkok over the last few years. So, wherever you are in Bangkok, just open the link and see what's near to you. Doesn't include hotels...yet.

Check out Oh My Travel's map of Bangkok here.

(Note! There are 3 pages. For some reason, if you open the map on a laptop or macbook, you have to scroll through the pages for the icons to show up. Androids and iPhones should display all locations on one screen).

Koh Lipe, Thailand

noreply@blogger.com (Rich and Erika) — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 10:41:00 +0000

Firstly, thanks to all our regular and new readers - we've had 32,000 hits since July 2009 when we started our travels. :)

Well, what about Koh Lipe, then? Paradise, ladies and gents, paradise.

But, unfortunately, like most modern edens, it's being developed. Not quite the level of development of Koh Phi Phi, or Railay, but it'll go that way, we're pretty sure. Koh Lipe is right off the southern tip of Thailand's western coast, nestled in the Koh Tarutao national park. Erika, my mum and I arrived from our trip to Penang, Malaysia, by a couple of ferries from Georgetown. I've got to say, immigration offices (imagine a bar on a beach run by people in uniform) are much nicer by boat! We headed to Koh Lipe on the 22nd of December to meet my aunt and uncle for the Christmas period, who were travelling around Thailand's islands. Pattaya Beach (unfortunately named) is the main beach where all the long tail boats arrive and where you can find the very new Walking Street. All the other beaches are still very mellow, so there's something for everybody. We know people who travelled here 5 years ago and they can't believe that there IS a walking street. Anyway - a couple days later we found out that the quieter side of Koh Lipe is on Sunrise Beach. If you do go to Koh Lipe and want peace and quiet, go here. We stayed on Sanom Beach, which is a little bay to the west of Pattaya Beach. The bay itself is beautiful but suffers from the noise of the long tail boats taking travellers out snorkeling/diving. Either way, Koh Lipe's vibe is relaxed, the turquoise sea is stunning and you should probably get there now before property developers follow the increasing amount of intrepid travellers looking for that last bit of untouched Thailand.

Our Tripadvisor site here.

You can see all our videos here.

Koh Lipe, Thailand from Oh My Travels on Vimeo.

This is the view from the immigration 'office' on the Malaysian side, on the island of Langkawi. Not bad!

Arriving by boat onto Pattaya Beach (Koh Lipe).

Sanom Beach.

Merry Chrimbo, 2012.

View from our hut on Sanom Beach, looking over Pattaya Beach.

After the first two days of overcast weather, the dry eason finally arrived.

Sunrise Beach.

There is a village on the island and I think their school's football pitch has a pretty good view...

Yep. We'll be back.

Penang, Malaysia

noreply@blogger.com (Rich and Erika) — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 12:18:00 +0000

Yes. That's right. We'd thought we'd try something a little off the beaten track, and even though the old ex-British colonial island is a little nugget of industry and commerce, some might say a more chilled out Singapore, nobody seems to travel through here. To be honest, our main goal was to get to Koh Lipe, an island on the very southern coast of west Thailand. But rather than spend two weeks just watching the surf, sand and blue skies, we thought we should at least try to get a bit of culture in along the way. Especially since my mum was joining us from the UK and because we can go to the beach any time we want in Thailand. Also, my aunt and uncle were to meet us there for the Xmas period after they'd island hopped around the Andaman coast. So, we flew to Penang airport and headed straight to Georgetown, the old city where Francis Light founded the colony in 1786. Interestingly enough (admittedly only for me and my family), old Francis was from Woodbridge, Suffolk, which is very near to where I grew up as a kid. From Penang, you can get two ferries that take you direct to Koh Lipe, in Thailand. This is pretty much what most people were doing: travelling from the south, up to Thailand. Penang was great, although I must disagree with it being dubbed the food capital of SE Asia. Yes, it does have a multitude of foods from Indian, Chinese and Malay cuisines...but even this can't beat Thailand's culinary delights. Sorry, Penang. Just my opinion. That aside, the food is great as are the people and it would be a great place to live, I think. We saw some really nice, affordable condos on the seafront highway. The island is small enough to drive around in one day, which makes it easy to commute. Crime rate is low too. But even with all these things, I still wouldn't actively look into visiting the island again. If you're travelling through though, here's what it's like!

<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/59633502" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe> href
="http://vimeo.com/59633502">Penang, Malaysia from href="http://vimeo.com/user8245888">Oh My Travels on href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo.

Thanks y'all...next stop, Koh Lipe...

Bali - Ubud and Pemuteran

noreply@blogger.com (Rich and Erika) — Sat, 29 Dec 2012 09:16:00 +0000

In our October half term we visited Bali. I'd been there as a 19 year old but was too young to appreciate it's culture and stunning beauty. This was Erika's first time and it's certainly left an impression on us. Only two days in we were looking into international schools here...! Hopefully, with the video and Erika's pictures, you'll see why. It wasn't just the scenery, or the Balinese culture that permeated through every joss-stick scented alley, but the people themselves that made this place special. At first we thought everyone was dressed in their traditional attire for the sake of the tourists but it became apparent that this was normal and every corner you turn, there's a religious festival going on. Bali remained Hindu after Indonesia became Muslim and it felt like they crammed as much of their tradition as they could onto this small, volcanic island. Their sense of cultural identity is so strong that it seems that they can fight against the mass development of tourism and keep Bali...well, 'Bali'.

We decided to avoid Kuta Beach (we'll leave that to the surfers and the 'yoot') and headed straight to Ubud, the cultural centre, before meeting up with my Dad in Pemuteran, northern Bali. We bumped into a few people we know back in Thailand and all were left with a feeling of bliss after visiting this stunning island.

You can read our reviews of where we stayed here.

Bali from Oh My Travels on Vimeo.

The landscape around Ubud...

The monkeys...

The people, the culture they create...

After Ubud, we took a trip to the volcanic beaches of Pemuteran...

Waking up at 5am, we rented a boat to catch a glimpse of the dolphins, off Lovina...

Next stop: Penang, Malaysia...

Koh Tao, Thailand

noreply@blogger.com (Rich and Erika) — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 05:14:00 +0000

In July this year my mum came to visit us in Thailand and we decided to head to Koh Tao, off the eastern coast of Thailand. It's the smaller neighbour of Koh Phangan and Koh Samui and a popular spot for divers and snorkelers. I think it's my new fave...enjoy.

Koh Tao, Thailand from Oh My Travels on Vimeo.

Koh Tao pier. Oh if only I had my camera to hand to film the walking dead who were returning from the full moon party on Koh Phangan the night before. Not a pretty sight.

Yep. A good book, a hammock, a beer. Much better than day-glo, bad pills and Euro trance.

New Heaven Huts on Sai Daeng Beach, our first port of call. This is the view from our hut.

Just round the corner and over the headland, about a five minute walk, is a great bay for snorkeling.

The unfortunate reality of our polluted seas...although this may be from one storm, not sure. The thing is, you do see this across Thailand and you wonder why the local hotels don't clean it up. Actually, I can guess: complacency. It will be interesting to see what the tourism industry in Thailand do when Burma opens up their untouched islands.

Our hut

After a few days on Sai Daeng beach we headed to Koh Nangyuan, an islet just off Koh Tao that connects it's 3 headlands with a white strip of sand. Hell yeah.

Me mum!

Oh my views.

Bosh.

The main snorkelling area is great, called the 'Japanese Garden'. Check out our video above for underwater action.

After two days there, we headed to a sandy beach called Shark Bay. Apparently the reef sharks appear just offshore but unfortunately we didn't see any. Still, this is now one of our favourite beaches. It's chilled out and has that Robinson Crusoe feel. Apart from the upper mid range hotel that dominates it. We stayed at Rocky Resort on the right side, highly recommended. Cheapest option, no frills, but clean and has a restaurant that overlooks the bay.

View from out 1000 baht a night wooden hut.

We're off to Bali in October! Until then... xxx

Ping!

noreply@blogger.com (Rich and Erika) — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 01:03:00 +0000

Hyper Smash

Royal Crematorium for Princess Bejaratana

noreply@blogger.com (Rich and Erika) — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 00:58:00 +0000

Back in April, Erika and I visited the temporary royal crematorium that is traditionally erected at Sanam Luang Park, near Wat Pho. A rare occurrence, so we thought we'd visit...we don't normally visit crematoriums! Princess Bejaratana was the only daughter of King Vajiravudh who ruled Thailand from 1910 to 1925. A lot of Thais not only came to pay their respect but to look at the beautiful architecture that only sees the light of day a few times every century.

Dolphin Bay and Sam Roi Yot National Park, Thailand

noreply@blogger.com (Rich and Erika) — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 12:13:00 +0000

In April we went down the east coast of Thailand and spent a week at Dolphin Bay, within the Sam Roi Yot National Park. It's main town is Pranburi, which is only an hour or so south of popular Hua Hin. We fell in love with the place - it's the kind of place you'd think about buying a holiday home. Either way, it's a slow paced part of the world which is popular with families from Bangkok who come here to chill out. The beach isn't the best in Thailand but the surrounding karst mountains that tower over a sprinkling of temples is a welcome getaway from the noise and pollution of Bangkok. It's the kind of place that is developed just enough to make your stay comfortable but not overdeveloped enough to attract the back packing crowd. The coast is still populated by fishermen and inland is mainly coconut and prawn farms. There's lots to visit, such as caves, temples and you can take a boat trip down the river. The area is also famous for bird watching, so if you're a Twitcher, you should give this place a go.

Camillian Home for Children Living With Disabilities

noreply@blogger.com (Rich and Erika) — Sat, 21 Jul 2012 14:38:00 +0000

Hi all,

Our posts about India ended in April when I pretty much ran out of decent video images to load! We DID visit the Taj Mahal and will post these up pretty soon. Ranthambore National Park was a disappointment after our experiences in South Africa (can't compare) but we did go there on an 'off' day...I digress.

We've lived in Thailand now for 3 years. What started off as a very keen and regularly updated blog has now become more of a list of our holidays of sorts! How do you separate holiday from travel? Most people would rather not hear about your holidays. I remember older generations mocking those who would get out the slide projector, dim the lights and start a two hour visual odyssey of their life changing trip to Blackpool. I suppose we're those people now...although in this day and age, with the internet acting as the best tool of narcissism since, well, a mirror, it's quite hard not to post about your lives as long as it has some sort of purpose. When you travel a lot you discover and become part of a huge support network and it's hard to tear yourself away from it, especially when you're doing research yourself. There's almost a feeling of responsibility to keep a blog going. We've had about 16,000 hits since 2009, averaging about 500 a month and we're regularly contacted by people looking to either move to Asia or just travellers enquiring about the best places to stay. I keep kicking myself for not writing more about our life here - but then, I didn't do that in the UK, so why should I do it now? Well, I suppose as long as you're 'the other', the temptation to record your experiences is sometimes overwhelming and this is what this post is about; my experiences at a brilliant orphanage in Bangkok called Camillian Home.

A few months ago Erika's school went on a trip to the orphanage and she told me there was a blind boy living with HIV that played guitar. Maybe I would be up for teaching him every couple weeks? I was looking for some volunteer work and decided to go for it. To be honest, I should have started volunteering somewhere from day one; we westerners live a privileged life in SE Asia.

The student's nickname is 'Rat' and is a gifted guitarist - it's been a challenge for me to teach someone without sight and I've had to come up with certain methods to explain to him how to play certain things but luckily he's developed a knack of finding the right notes by ear. He's a great kid and it breaks my heart to hear his life story. For someone to go through what he's suffered in the first 14 years on this earth and still hold a positive outlook on life makes you realise that your problems are minute in comparison.

Fai, on the left, and Rat.

Further on down the line, I've now developed relationships with a few kids there that simply enjoy watching Rat and I play, and the immediate impression I get is the yearning for these kids for human touch. On the first day alone I had to struggle to walk to the classroom as they were all wrapping their arms around me - it shows that their needs can be quite simple; just someone being there makes a difference. Along the way I met a German couple who lived and volunteered at the orphanage for a month during their travels. On asking them about their experiences they said it's one of the best things they've ever done as the rewards are tremendous.

The greeting party...

Most of these kids have been abandoned because they have some sort of disability, whether it be Down Syndrome, blindness, HIV or the other disabilities that Camillian Home care for. There is still a very negative stigma attached to children with disabilities in Thailand, especially in the poorer areas where education about issues such as HIV is either ignored or simply not given. I've heard that a lot of Buddhists believe that those born with disabilities are experiencing deserved Karma and are therefore suffering from vices from their previous lives. Although the Thai constitution states that people living with disabilities should not be discriminated against, the reality on the ground is somewhat different. Employers are reluctant to employ people with disabilities and most schools don't provide proper facilities to enable attendance. Financial support from the government is minimal and those lucky enough to be funded receive their help from charities only. Most people living with disabilities get all their care from their families, although the children at Camillian House don't have that anymore and it's thanks to places like this that these kids have a chance in life. 96% of their funds are generated by donations and the other 4% is from a government grant. What they need the most is someone who can commit long term and, to be honest, once you meet these kids and form a relationship with them, I can't imagine not volunteering here for as long as we stay in Thailand.

Everyday at 7pm they get given their medication - just one of the many things Camillian Home needs funding for.

Please could you take a few minutes and have a look at their website below which tells you how to volunteer and/or donate. The staff at Camillian, who are excellent and have a passion to help these kids, tirelessly spread the word and toil to raise the funds needed for the home. Please help spread the word to those who are about to travel Asia!

http://www.camillianhomelatkrabang.org/

For those of you reading this in Thailand, I am hosting a special open mic night on September 6th to raise funds at The Blue Monkey Bar in Ramkhamhaeng. My student, 'Rat', will of course be performing! If you wish to come or to perform, please email me at laetolisteps (at) gmail dot com.

Thanks y'all, look out for our next posts about Pranburi and Koh Tao, Thailand.

Rich and Erika

India, Xmas 2011. Part Five: Bundi

noreply@blogger.com (Rich and Erika) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 12:05:00 +0000

Walking around the Taragargh Fort...

The fulltime residents kicked us out. You can rent a stick. Highly advised.

The daughter and niece of Mr Man Jee at his Haveli Maan Jee, where we stayed.

Erika getting some henna done by Danesh's wife, Versha.

Next stop, Ranthambore National Park where we hope to meet a tiger...!

India, Xmas 2011. Part Four: Udaipur.

noreply@blogger.com (Rich and Erika) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 03:15:00 +0000

Udaipur, a beautiful city surrounded by lakes, made famous by the James Bond movie 'Octopussy'.

Next stop, Bundi.

India, Xmas 2011. Part Three: Camel safari in the Thar Desert

noreply@blogger.com (Rich and Erika) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 06:51:00 +0000

The highlight of our trip. If you want to contact the farm directly, call Mr. Ram on 9460662807. We met them at Osian bus station, just outside Jodhpur.

Next stop, Udaipur.

India, Xmas 2011. Part Two: Jodhpur

noreply@blogger.com (Rich and Erika) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 06:51:00 +0000

Jodhpur, 'The Blue City', in and around the Mehranghar Fort.

Next stop: Camel Safari in the Thar Desert.

Erika's photo's can all be seen here: ohmypictures.wordpress.com

India, Xmas 2011...

noreply@blogger.com (Rich and Erika) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 16:02:00 +0000

...first of many videos. Here's Delhi. Don't ask us to explain India. It's impossible...

We only had one day in Delhi, so we headed to the Red Fort.

We loved the fact that some adverts are painted on to the walls.

Next stop, Jodhpur.

Koh Lanta and Railay Beach, November 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Rich and Erika) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 06:42:00 +0000

The floods came, or threatened to come, for weeks. After Koh Samet, Schools remained shut, our furniture was moved upstairs, tension was in the air...so we decided to head to the Andaman Coast!

We visited Bamboo Bay on Koh Lanta (an island off the western coast of Thailand) and then re-visited my favourite place in the world, Railay Beach, Krabi. Here's the video below, followed by some selected pics.

Don't forget to check out our Tripadvisor reviews for a rundown of where we stayed and visit our videos page to see our movies.

On the way to Koh Lanta Island...

We stayed at Bamboo Bay Resort, fantastic place.

The beach at Bamboo Bay Resort

One day we hired a motorbike and explored the island. The roads are good quality tarmac which made it easier.

Koh Hah island during our snorkelling trip.

Time to say goodbye to Koh Lanta, Next stop Railay Beach, Krabi...

Our hut...plus monkey.

East Railay...

On the way to the most beautiful beach in the world...

Phra Nang Beach, Railay, Krabi.

West Railay, the main beach where you can watch the sunset and where most people arrive. Unfortunately the noise of the long tail boats is getting worse, echoing off the cliff faces - I tried contacting a few places to see if the beach had a central committee to discuss this issue but to no avail. I am currently thinking of ways to get tourists to donate money towards engine mufflers!

Not a bad place to read inspiring poetry by Bill.

Next stop, India....!

xxx

Koh Samet, October 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Rich and Erika) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 16:04:00 +0000

To escape the oncoming floods in Bangkok, we went to Koh Samet island and stayed at Samet Ville resort...oh, and we tested out Erika's underwater camera! Sweeeeet. Full write up of Samet Ville on our Trip Advisor page here, video below and some pics.

Escaping the floods...

On the ferry directly to Samet Ville.

Samet Ville beach - arguably the best beach on the island (if you like peace and quiet).

The view from our hut. The cheapest option at about 1,200 Baht (24 quid) a night. You get your own tiny bay with a swing.

Up next, Koh Lanta and Railay Beach...

Trips around Thailand, July 2011.

noreply@blogger.com (Rich and Erika) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 16:14:00 +0000

*UPDATE APRIL 2016 - WE HAVE SINCE REALISED THAT RIDING ELEPHANTS AND VISITING TIGER TEMPLES/KINGDOMS IS A BIG NO-NO. SEE OUR AFFILIATED SITE FOR DETAILS AT WWW.SUSTAINABLESIAM.COM*

Erika's parents came to Thailand for the first time in July - here is the result! We re-visited Kanchanaburi, Koh Phangan, Chiang Mai, Chiang Dao and parts of Bangkok. Videos below and some great pics too. Enjoy...

Part One:

Part Two:

Part Three:

Part Four:

Part Five:

Part Six:

Part Seven:

Than Sadet, Koh Phangan

Reclining Buddha and Wat Pho, Bangkok.

Chiang Mai.

This artist creates miniature paintings using the trees from the Bodhhi Tree.

Some school kids take a break feeding the catfish.

One of many exits from a tuk tuk!

Chiang Mai's teak temple.

Monks hang their orange robes to dry in the sun.

From one cat..

To another at Chiang Mai's Tiger Kingdom.

Spot the snakehead camouflage on this butterfly...

My biggest fear.

An orchid mantis.

Off to the elephant farm...

On the way to find the hill tribes to take wedding presents back home for my sis!

Found!

Now that is one woman that likes chewing betel nut.

Thanks y'all.

A picture is worth a thousand words...

noreply@blogger.com (Rich and Erika) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 09:33:00 +0000

...and for that reason, fellow loyal readers, I'm having to take a break from writing blogs and will upload travel videos instead. Just don't have the time. Erika will also try to get around posting her photo's when she can. So essentially, this will evolve into a photo blog with occasional videos. Hopefully sometime in the future I'll get writing again but it just takes too dang looooooooooong.

We have a dedicated site for our videos HERE and will be busy grading the places we stay on Trip Advisor HERE.

In the meantime, check out our next video-post about the recent 4 week trip across Thailand with Erika's parents. There are 7 parts to the 1hr30 mins video - I'll be gradually posting each part.

Thanks y'all!

Rich and Erika.