Ko Phi Phi - Muay Thai Kickoff!

It's been one week in Asia and finally time for my first post! It's been a smooth transition from the Americas to Asia. I arrived at the Singapore airport to hugs from Lindsay and Jared. The two of them had already had some time to figure out Singapore and made the first couple days feel like home - minus the foreign language, great high tech metro and squeaky clean roads.

Lindsay and I made our way up to Ko Phi Phi with no time to waste. The island was a perfect kick off to Thailand. Quite touristy, but the beaches were stunning, the food excellent and the night life entertaining. We took a tour on a long boat to Maya bay - the setting for the movie "The Beach". We snorkeled, hung out with some monkeys, soaked up the sun and beautiful scenery, watched the sun set and ended the trip getting tossed around by the stormy sea washing over our long boat - and even catching a couple waves in the long boat.

At night we checked off a few items on our "to do list" for Thailand. Lindsay and I got in the amateur Muay Thai kick boxing ring for a match. Luckily we were well padded and neither of us broke a nose. (although Lindsay's foot is now twice it's original size!) After our 5 minutes of fame we became the spectators for some incredible fire throwing, my favorite act being performed by a Thai boy who looked to be about 14.


There have been many things to get used to in Asia.
Long travel days - 12 hours on a crowded bus.
It's a rare surprise to find a toilet and an even more pleasing surprise to find toilet paper here. I am still trying to master the squatter.
I love the food but it's an adjustment - most places have no peanut butter, milk or fresh brewed coffee. So far my fav meals have been Pad Thai, Thai pancakes (even better than the ones back home) red curry and all the fresh fruit.
I need to start working on my bartering skills. I have trouble talking down the street vendors and taxi drivers when everything already seems so cheap.

I have found that the Thai people are all about having fun, they work incredibly hard for their money, and are great hosts for the farangs (tourists)


Here's a few pics from Ko Phi Phi











The sun sets behind a long boat




Where's Leo? (Maya Bay)














Gearing up to kick some Muay Thai butt!













Hangin with our Thai waiter











We are staying in Bangkok for a couple days before moving on to Cambodia. Stay posted for more adventures. I miss everyone and look forward to hearing updates on life where you are.