Lately I have been doing less blogging and more exploring in Thailand. It just seems really hard to sit in your hotel room and write what could be a novel on this country and what I have experienced. So night I thought I would make a top 10 list of some of my favorite things to date. That way when I get some more motivation, you can ask me the wonderful stories that follow them.
Top 10 List of Thailand as of April 29th
1. Wat Rong Khun Temple
2. Mae Fah Luang Garden
3. Countryside around Chiang Ria
4. Seeing the Special People Foundation that we have supported for the last year
5. The true beauty and spirit that the Thai people have
6. Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep Temple
7. Learning Thai Cooking
8. THE WEATHER!!!
9. Night Market in Chiang Mai
10. Meeting 10 Members that are awesome new friends
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Thailand Rant
So there is something that has been bugging me since we got to Thailand, and I have really noticed it more and more since we have gotten to Chiang Mai. My issue is the amount of older men that come to Thailand to prey on young Thai girls...
I know that it is possible for two people from other countries to fall in love with one another, but my issue is much different then that. Every night you see men 30-60 that find young women 16-25 to "spend the night with"
Now I personally do not know what happens when they leave for the night together, but one can only imagine. I find this so degrading to women everywhere. I am a firm believer in women's rights, and women standing up for yourself and for each other.
However, this seems to be the way of life here. Men come, live cheap, eat cheap, and use these women as if they are cheap. It really has been bothering me. After exploring the town some more today, I find that it is not only just in the tourist areas, but everywhere.
Hopefully this issue can get some awareness, and some attention brought to what i think is a huge issue in this beautiful country.
I know that it is possible for two people from other countries to fall in love with one another, but my issue is much different then that. Every night you see men 30-60 that find young women 16-25 to "spend the night with"
Now I personally do not know what happens when they leave for the night together, but one can only imagine. I find this so degrading to women everywhere. I am a firm believer in women's rights, and women standing up for yourself and for each other.
However, this seems to be the way of life here. Men come, live cheap, eat cheap, and use these women as if they are cheap. It really has been bothering me. After exploring the town some more today, I find that it is not only just in the tourist areas, but everywhere.
Hopefully this issue can get some awareness, and some attention brought to what i think is a huge issue in this beautiful country.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Sunday Market
Apparently Chiang Mai is known for its famous Sunday market. It runs from mid afternoon until 12:00 pm. Like the Night Market there is everything you could ever want to buy. Things seemed to be of higher quality here, and bartering is not really done.
The Sunday market I would say runs for about 3 km. The roadway is shutdown, and the streets become huge lanes of stalls. There are also many musicians and artists that come out and solicit money. Quite a few of these people were disabled, blind, or young children.
There are also lots of food stalls. The smell that comes from these areas is enough to make you sick. It takes a strong stomach to just walk through the area. Most of the stalls sell some type of meat product, or fruit. Most however, do not have their food covered with anything, and open to bugs that are flying around. We had to be really careful what we ate, and how it was prepared.
When the night time comes, and it cools off a little bit, there are huge moth type bugs that come out and are attracted to the smells and the lights of the stalls. It was so bad that we power walked out of the area, back towards our hotel.
Overall, I was disappointed from the Sunday Market. Everyone raved about it, but I think I much rather shop at the Night Market. Although the people are not as pushy and in your face at the Sunday Market, the shopping is much better at the Night.
The Sunday market I would say runs for about 3 km. The roadway is shutdown, and the streets become huge lanes of stalls. There are also many musicians and artists that come out and solicit money. Quite a few of these people were disabled, blind, or young children.
There are also lots of food stalls. The smell that comes from these areas is enough to make you sick. It takes a strong stomach to just walk through the area. Most of the stalls sell some type of meat product, or fruit. Most however, do not have their food covered with anything, and open to bugs that are flying around. We had to be really careful what we ate, and how it was prepared.
When the night time comes, and it cools off a little bit, there are huge moth type bugs that come out and are attracted to the smells and the lights of the stalls. It was so bad that we power walked out of the area, back towards our hotel.
Overall, I was disappointed from the Sunday Market. Everyone raved about it, but I think I much rather shop at the Night Market. Although the people are not as pushy and in your face at the Sunday Market, the shopping is much better at the Night.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Bartering
Tonight I had the pleasure of learning how to barter. After many tips from friends and family I thought it was about time to spend some cash.
We arrived in Chiang Mai this afternoon, and after some food, a dip in the pool, and a few refreshing watermelon blender drinks; that will need a whole blog of their own, we were ready for the daily night market.
Our hotel is close by so we made out way to the market to find a little world of its own. There are small metal shops that get set up with anything you heart could desire. Clothing, paintings, purses, sunglasses, food, and useless souvenirs are all to be found. Some stuff is really beautiful and I will go back and purchase more.
However, I did forget a pair of sunglasses, and needed some for the extremely sunny days. I finally found a pair that I liked and asked how much dreading the answer. The lady wanted 450 Baht. I was told to start to offer about 1/2 so I told her 200. This is all done by typing a number into a calculator until you like the final price, or walk away. The lady typed back her number still to much, and I typed back 250. When she said no more, I walked away slowly to the next stall. She agreed on the price on 250 and my bartering virginity was lost.
It is a very unnatural process of how it happens, kinda fun but more scary then anything. I think I am just paranoid of walking 10 stalls down and seeing it for much less. Oh well I guess I just need to suck in up and be happy with my $3 "Channel" sunglasses!!
We arrived in Chiang Mai this afternoon, and after some food, a dip in the pool, and a few refreshing watermelon blender drinks; that will need a whole blog of their own, we were ready for the daily night market.
Our hotel is close by so we made out way to the market to find a little world of its own. There are small metal shops that get set up with anything you heart could desire. Clothing, paintings, purses, sunglasses, food, and useless souvenirs are all to be found. Some stuff is really beautiful and I will go back and purchase more.
However, I did forget a pair of sunglasses, and needed some for the extremely sunny days. I finally found a pair that I liked and asked how much dreading the answer. The lady wanted 450 Baht. I was told to start to offer about 1/2 so I told her 200. This is all done by typing a number into a calculator until you like the final price, or walk away. The lady typed back her number still to much, and I typed back 250. When she said no more, I walked away slowly to the next stall. She agreed on the price on 250 and my bartering virginity was lost.
It is a very unnatural process of how it happens, kinda fun but more scary then anything. I think I am just paranoid of walking 10 stalls down and seeing it for much less. Oh well I guess I just need to suck in up and be happy with my $3 "Channel" sunglasses!!
Friday, April 24, 2009
Thailand Day 1.75
So I have finally arrived! I thought that since everyone is eager to find out about the trip I will recap what seems like the last week, really only 1.75 days for you.
Our group all landed in Vancouver, and boarded at about 3am on Thursday morning. Everyone is super nice, really a great group. One person never showed up so we had to leave without him, but I just got word that he is reconnecting with us tomorrow morning.
Anyways... so we boarded our plane which was huge and prepared ourselves for the 13.5 hr flight to Hong Kong. I had the unfortunate pleasure of sitting next to 2 Asian women, who made my night/morning not overly fun. I had to wake up every hour to let at least one of them out of their seats. This left me for about 3-4 hours of sleep total.
When we arrived in Hong Kong, we then boarded another plane to take us to Bangkok, which is where we are now. The flight was fine this time, nice and short! We then gathered up our belongings, found our bus driver and headed to the hotel.
The hotel is really beautiful. They are super friendly, and their English is fairly good as long as you speak slowly. I forgot my one camera cord so pictures are going to have to wait till I get back.
After a nice shower, a change of clothes, and a quick check of my emails- we headed out to 2 temples. I will wait to tell you about this till I have the photo evidence to back it up. Its like they say a picture is worth a thousand words.
But its about my bedtime here, we have another big day tomorrow. We will be heading to our final destination city- Chiang Mai. Stayed tune for more followings, and I will try to use my other camera some so that I can post some pictures.
Our group all landed in Vancouver, and boarded at about 3am on Thursday morning. Everyone is super nice, really a great group. One person never showed up so we had to leave without him, but I just got word that he is reconnecting with us tomorrow morning.
Anyways... so we boarded our plane which was huge and prepared ourselves for the 13.5 hr flight to Hong Kong. I had the unfortunate pleasure of sitting next to 2 Asian women, who made my night/morning not overly fun. I had to wake up every hour to let at least one of them out of their seats. This left me for about 3-4 hours of sleep total.
When we arrived in Hong Kong, we then boarded another plane to take us to Bangkok, which is where we are now. The flight was fine this time, nice and short! We then gathered up our belongings, found our bus driver and headed to the hotel.
The hotel is really beautiful. They are super friendly, and their English is fairly good as long as you speak slowly. I forgot my one camera cord so pictures are going to have to wait till I get back.
After a nice shower, a change of clothes, and a quick check of my emails- we headed out to 2 temples. I will wait to tell you about this till I have the photo evidence to back it up. Its like they say a picture is worth a thousand words.
But its about my bedtime here, we have another big day tomorrow. We will be heading to our final destination city- Chiang Mai. Stayed tune for more followings, and I will try to use my other camera some so that I can post some pictures.
Friday, April 17, 2009
The Search is Over...
For the last few months I have been trying to find a new hair salon. Those those men reading, you cannot begin to understand the importance of a good hair cut, colour, and pampering that a salon and hairdresser can offer.
My previous hairstylist crossed way to many boundaries, and even though we worked magic with my hair, I just could not stomach him touching my hair, let alone me any longer!
This week I finally decided on a new salon, and booked an appointment. I found if very difficult to find a salon that was fairly priced, offered high end services, and that was not totally out of my way.
I decided to book with Mousy Brown Salon. It is one of the top salons in Edmonton, right across from my office, and while it is a little expensive, it is my treat to myself every 6 weeks or so.
I am going to give it a try, see how if goes.... who knows in 6 weeks I may be back on the search for a new stylist...
My previous hairstylist crossed way to many boundaries, and even though we worked magic with my hair, I just could not stomach him touching my hair, let alone me any longer!
This week I finally decided on a new salon, and booked an appointment. I found if very difficult to find a salon that was fairly priced, offered high end services, and that was not totally out of my way.
I decided to book with Mousy Brown Salon. It is one of the top salons in Edmonton, right across from my office, and while it is a little expensive, it is my treat to myself every 6 weeks or so.
I am going to give it a try, see how if goes.... who knows in 6 weeks I may be back on the search for a new stylist...
Preparing for Thailand
As my trip to Thailand is a only 4 days aways, I am realizing all of the things I need to get done before I take off.
The office staff wanted to make sure that I would not waste away while there, as they steered me away from even trying to order a steak. They were shocked to hear that I had never tried Thai food, and so we made a trip to a small restaurant just of Jasper Ave for lunch yesterday.
I am not a fan of spicy foods, i tend to stay away from them, as I can not handle the hotness of them. However, with 4 good friends they managed to pick out 7 dishes that I should try.
Let me tell you... if you have never had Thai food, GO!! It was the most flavourful, tasteful food I have had for a long time. You are able to order your food to the spicy level that suits you as well, which was a bonus for me. My favorite dish was the Pai Thai, a noodle, and meat dish that is amazing. The coconut rice was also a big hit. I would suggest staying away from the salad rolls, unless you like the pallet of slimy uncooked rice wraps.
Overall the experience was fantastic, I would give Thai food at Bua Thai a solid 4/5 stars. Not a meal I want everyday, but a great treat a few times a month!
Pai Thai
Salad Rolls
The office staff wanted to make sure that I would not waste away while there, as they steered me away from even trying to order a steak. They were shocked to hear that I had never tried Thai food, and so we made a trip to a small restaurant just of Jasper Ave for lunch yesterday.
I am not a fan of spicy foods, i tend to stay away from them, as I can not handle the hotness of them. However, with 4 good friends they managed to pick out 7 dishes that I should try.
Let me tell you... if you have never had Thai food, GO!! It was the most flavourful, tasteful food I have had for a long time. You are able to order your food to the spicy level that suits you as well, which was a bonus for me. My favorite dish was the Pai Thai, a noodle, and meat dish that is amazing. The coconut rice was also a big hit. I would suggest staying away from the salad rolls, unless you like the pallet of slimy uncooked rice wraps.
Overall the experience was fantastic, I would give Thai food at Bua Thai a solid 4/5 stars. Not a meal I want everyday, but a great treat a few times a month!
Pai Thai
Salad RollsWednesday, April 15, 2009
1 Year and Counting
And so the milestone has come, or milestone for me anyways...
Today marks the day that my boyfriend and I have been together for 1 year. Although many people look as this as no big deal, this is a huge feat for me, as I have not been known to be a relationship person.
Prior to Stuart and I dating, 3 months was a long relationship for me, and by that 3 months I was so bored of you that I never wanted to see you again. Hence, why today is a milestone in my books!
Many friends, family, co-workers, etc. laugh at me saying that it is impossible to make a relationship like ours work, that it was doomed from the beginning, or that we just live to far apart to even bother. I like to think that we have proved those people wrong. Dont get me wrong it is hard, and even trying at times. But the good days far out weigh the difficult ones...
Hopefully today makes the first of many anniversary's for the two of us, and that all of you will be there along the way to help us celebrate!
Stuart & I at Lloyd Bulls sale in March
Today marks the day that my boyfriend and I have been together for 1 year. Although many people look as this as no big deal, this is a huge feat for me, as I have not been known to be a relationship person.
Prior to Stuart and I dating, 3 months was a long relationship for me, and by that 3 months I was so bored of you that I never wanted to see you again. Hence, why today is a milestone in my books!
Many friends, family, co-workers, etc. laugh at me saying that it is impossible to make a relationship like ours work, that it was doomed from the beginning, or that we just live to far apart to even bother. I like to think that we have proved those people wrong. Dont get me wrong it is hard, and even trying at times. But the good days far out weigh the difficult ones...
Hopefully today makes the first of many anniversary's for the two of us, and that all of you will be there along the way to help us celebrate!
Stuart & I at Lloyd Bulls sale in MarchWednesday, April 8, 2009
Beware All Fashionistas
I'm what I can only imagine was my sisters less then productive day (from all the emails, texts, and websites she sent me) I was thrown a gem of a link. This website is a member only site that offers huge discounts on designer clothing. I have a very week spot for designer clothing... especially Christian Louboutin shoes!
I was able to register for the site, but I am on a waiting list to get in :( as they only take so many new members each day. However, Crystal was able to get in and sent me her password so that I could look around.
It took everything in me not to buy the perfect Christian Louboutin boot that regular were $1500 for a measly $650.00 today only. If only money grew on trees. I hope that everyone else has as much fun shopping and dreaming on this site as I did today. Let me know if you buy anything! The Link is below
www.gilt.com
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Spring Conference
This past weekend I finished planning my 2nd conference. I was extremely time consuming, but each conference I have more fun planning it, and even more fun seeing everyone experience it.
This past conference we had about 160 delegates that furthered their education and skills in Sports Massage and Rehab courses. It is nice to see of the the delegates that you talk to on the phone for months before and put faces to the names that come across your desk.
It is also great to hear the stories and experiences that both the delegates and speakers bring to the conference. We had one speaker that did a keynote speech on Working with Elite Athletes at Olympic Games. It was really neat to see all of the pictures and hear the stories that went along with them.
Our next conference will be in October, and planning is already well on its way. I'm sure in the next few months I will have some fun details to share with everyone!
This past conference we had about 160 delegates that furthered their education and skills in Sports Massage and Rehab courses. It is nice to see of the the delegates that you talk to on the phone for months before and put faces to the names that come across your desk.
It is also great to hear the stories and experiences that both the delegates and speakers bring to the conference. We had one speaker that did a keynote speech on Working with Elite Athletes at Olympic Games. It was really neat to see all of the pictures and hear the stories that went along with them.
Our next conference will be in October, and planning is already well on its way. I'm sure in the next few months I will have some fun details to share with everyone!
Oh Britney...
Last night my roommate and myself finally had the chance to see Britney Spears in concert. We had bought the tickets what seemed like years ago, and waited for April 6th to come. The Pussycat Dolls opened the concert up in a super high energy, fun, crazy good dance performace opening act. The costumes were awesome, the dancing was great, and I would definetly go and see them again! I have some videos below from the concert, just so each one of you can feel like you were there too!
In between PCD and Britney, there was a circus performance. This was great, they had everything from stilt walkers, to midets, to illusionists. It was great! Brett and I both are super excited for Vegas in about 6 weeks now.
Then it was finally time for Britney. Although she lip synced most of the evening, it was well worth the wait. It was super high energy, and insainly entertaining. She played songs from the past, that were all remixed to be 2009 hits. We also got to hear some songs that are off the Circus album, that have not been released onto radio yet.
Enough talking though and I will let the videos speak for themselfs, they really are amazing.
In between PCD and Britney, there was a circus performance. This was great, they had everything from stilt walkers, to midets, to illusionists. It was great! Brett and I both are super excited for Vegas in about 6 weeks now.
Then it was finally time for Britney. Although she lip synced most of the evening, it was well worth the wait. It was super high energy, and insainly entertaining. She played songs from the past, that were all remixed to be 2009 hits. We also got to hear some songs that are off the Circus album, that have not been released onto radio yet.
Enough talking though and I will let the videos speak for themselfs, they really are amazing.
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