Last Post

The last leg of our trip was pretty much devoted to rest, reading and relaxation. We spent two weeks on Ko Phangon in the Gulf of Thailand where we ended our last trip five years ago. We rented a Suzuki 125 cc automatic for the duration and toured the island again, staying at various locations and accommodations. Lots of swimming and snorkelling (although visibilities don't compare well to the Andaman coast or to Indonesia). Didn't swim at beautiful Hat Rin Beach because of all the puking and peeing that Joan had witnessed during the full moon party when we arrived. Even at high season one can find good accommodation, a basic bungalow (fan, bathroom, shower) on the beach or with an ocean view costs about 400-600 Baht.($12-18 Cdn).

Took the overnight train to Bangkok and then bus to Pattaya where we rented an apartment for five days in Gerry's condo building that, amazingly, turned out to be right next door to Gerry's (his condo building has 15 floors and 600 apts). One fridge for food, one for beer. We had a great time around Pattyaya with Gerry, his brother and sister Al and Rose, his aunt Jean and friends Paul and Doug. Spent the last few days in Bangkok shopping and touring some of the sights.
Took China Eastern to Shanghai. With a seven hour layover we had time to take the Mag Lev Train downtown for a few hours. Magnetic levitation raises the train very slightly into the air so there is no ground contact or friction. Travelled the 30 kms in 8 minutes with a top speed of 435 km\hr; A Genuine Rush!

Looking back, there are too many highlights to list and the low lights aren't worth the mention. Both of us having good health throughout, and me not having to contend with serious food allergies is one thing that set this trip apart. My allergies have mysteriously disappeared over the last year, after a ten year plague. In general, Joan and I agree that this kind of extended travel has a value beyond the quick getaway holiday. or any media studies one might undertake on travels around the old planet. The gradual distance one achieves from the routines and fundamentals of a day to day North American existence gives rise to new personal perspectives and insights one would not otherwise experience. But a discussion of those is not for this summary. The other thing we'll value is the tremendous range of human contact and acquaintances we have experienced and the friendships we have developed.
Thanks to Ted Green for transferring these ramblings to our blog and for posting photos to the sight. Check out the more recent photos on our blog (I will be adding more on our return home to a high speed sight) . Go to blogger.com and search lostinbigchang
This is our last post and we hope you enjoyed the emails.