More thoughts on Thailand

So the rumors you've heard we're true; Southeast Asia really is fantastically cheap to visit. The only thing you'll pay for that's expensive is the plane ticket, and even that only cost about $1,200 one way.

My room is about $8 a night, and the only way you're going to get ripped off here is by the taxis, which strictly speaking aren't even necessary as long as you're capable of ambulating distances of a mile or so.

If you prefer, and have a group of 3 or less, you can rent a motorbike for pennies on the dollar. The streets are lined with people cooking food for sale or people renting motorbikes, so you never have to walk far. Most places charge about 150-200 baht a day, which is only about $4-5, and if you getting one for a length measuring in weeks, some will take the payment off for a day or two; just shop around.

I was told to avoid prices at the mall by trying to shop at street vendors, but it seems to me to be on more of a case by case basis. I've found some things that were cheaper at vendors, and some that were cheaper at the mall. Again, it really just comes down to shopping around; simple stuff.

The night before last, Maria and I ate at an Italian restaurant at the mall, which cost 889 baht, or just under $30, and the portions were large enough that he couldn't finish hers.

Last night she was in the mood for genuine Thai food, as was I. It was, of course, quite easy to find: there was a decent looking little place right around the corner. Unfortunately, the staff spoke neither Russian nor English, and I'm not quite positive that we received what we actually ordered. The name of the game last night was "What on Earth is this? I have no clue... Let's try it..." But it ended up working out and was all delicious ... though we still don't know what it was. The bill for 4 dishes, tea for us both, and a bottled water came out to 520 baht (about $17) and was way more than we could eat.

We met up yesterday with a Thai girl named Orasa that Maria had met on an international pen pals website (she was the one that took us to the mall on her motorbike). She was fantastically lovely and we've discussed with her where to go dancing. It's always best to ask a local ;) She's taking us to a party Sunday night, so we're both quite looking forward to that.

Today we're planning to spend some time at the beach. I've heard mixed reports about it being terribly over-crowded, but from the hotel it hasn't looked that bad.. So we'll see what happens.

Final note regarding included pictures.. Shameless theft of Chic-Fil-A cow amused me at the Shwarma place in the mall.. and the power lines are possibly the most ridiculous electrical monstrosity that I've ever seen... if anything goes wrong with one it must take weeks to figure out which is which... and by the way... what the hell? Does each house have its own direct connection to the power company? Seriously strange...

Will check back in in a day or two! See you soon)