My travel experience has taught me one thing: OPEN YOUR MIND. It's a beautiful realization, but not always the most fun lesson to learn. I would like to share some of those lessons with you.
Lesson 1: The Parisian Passport Problem
I'm talking about the time I was in Paris and lost my passport. TRAVEL TIP #1: TRUST YOUR FRIENDS WITH YOUR LIFE but NOT YOUR PASSPORT. Back then I only had a point and shoot Advantix camera. Buying that camera was like owning an Atari. Cutting edge for a hot second then technology made it obsolete. We spent our time wandering the Champs Elyse, eating gnocchi to the drone of a player piano, exploring the endless corridors of the Louvre, the cathedrals, the opera house, biking beside the Seine and drinking at pubs in and around the winding roads of Montemarte. Our hostel, inappropriately called the "Friends Hostel" was less than friendly. Yet, OUR SPIRITS REMAINED STRONG. We woke each day to crepes or pain au chocolat with cafe au lait.
As we arrived at Charles De Gaulle Aiport, the missing passport came to light. It was dramatic. Tears were shed. And so began, EVEN MORE FUN IN PARIS!!!! As it was Friday and the American Consulate was closed, we had to wait until Monday to resolve the Parisian Passport Problem. We went to Musee D'Orsay, found a friendlier hostel near Notre Dame, and explored the Latin Quarter, a real gem in the city. TRAVEL TIP #2: ROLL WITH IT.
BIKE RENTALS IN CHIANG MAI!!!!!!
Stay Tuned for Lesson 2: THE BAHAMA-VENTION
Friday, October 23, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
SEMI-Final Celebration
NEW VIDEO
We are thrilled to be SEMIFINALISTS . . . 25 days of voting is intimidating, yet OUR SPIRITS REMAIN STRONG!
TOGETHER WE'RE UNSTOPPABLE
Our odds are good when you vote periodically. Maybe every day.
Wake each morning and say"MMMMmmmm A warm cup of coffee tastes best while I vote for Greg and Phil." or "I wish laptops worked in the shower so i could vote while I wait two-minutes for my hair to condition."
Be our Enablers. Enable our WHITE WATER ADVENTURE!!!!
We are thrilled to be SEMIFINALISTS . . . 25 days of voting is intimidating, yet OUR SPIRITS REMAIN STRONG!
TOGETHER WE'RE UNSTOPPABLE
Our odds are good when you vote periodically. Maybe every day.
Wake each morning and say"MMMMmmmm A warm cup of coffee tastes best while I vote for Greg and Phil." or "I wish laptops worked in the shower so i could vote while I wait two-minutes for my hair to condition."
Be our Enablers. Enable our WHITE WATER ADVENTURE!!!!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
EARLY AM HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE!!!
I have already found our first order of operations: a HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE!!!
According to the attached itinerary, Phil and I can be done with the majestic adventure by 9AM. THAT LEAVES A WHOLE DAY OF POSSIBILITIES!!!!!!
5:30am Transfer from hotel to balloon launch site
6:00am Morning coffee or tea during passenger briefing
6:30am Flight duration: 1-1 1/2 hours flight over beautiful Northern Thailand countryside
8:00am Enjoy a luxurious breakfast at the landing sight complete with Champagne celebrations and a Flight Certificate from our Pilot.
9:00am Transfer from landing-site to hotel
A luxurious breakfast is crucial to our success as Ultimate Thailand Explorers. This is the beginning of something much larger than Phil and myself. As of today submissions have closed on applications to be the Ultimate Thailand Explorers!
EVERYTHING IS HAPPENING!!!
THATS RIGHT at least 301 people on facebook have said "YES, PHIL AND GREG CAN!!!" And of course, it's true.
Together We're Unstoppable!!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Highly Controversial Imagination Photograph
Okay, everyone, for some reason Greg didn't want everyone to see the amazing time we had on our Imagination Vacation to Chiang Mai.
I disagree.
So, here it is (click on it to see the full version)!
Now you can see for yourself the beautiful hills! The forests! The Ping River! And, don't even think about trying that yoga posture at home!
If you think the detail in this picture is astounding, wait until we take our real trip to Chiang Mai!
I disagree.
So, here it is (click on it to see the full version)!
Now you can see for yourself the beautiful hills! The forests! The Ping River! And, don't even think about trying that yoga posture at home!
If you think the detail in this picture is astounding, wait until we take our real trip to Chiang Mai!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
IMAGINATION VACATION!!!!
It snowed this week in MN. Minnesotans are not sure whether they are shoveling or raking. Yesterday, the balmy 27 degree (Fahrenheit) weather smelt like bad coffee and felt like it. Even the heater stank of burning carpet.
AND YET our spirits remain strong! TOGETHER WE'RE UNSTOPPABLE!
It's at these times that Phil and I, more than ever, need an "imagination vacation." With eyes shut tight, we both embarked on a journey of infinite possibilities!
Narration heretofore . . .
GREG: Look around you Phil. What a beautiful day in Chiang Mai! The sun is shining bright, the sky is wide and blue. I love this crisp and fresh December air.
PHIL: It tastes like candy to my lung-place. This city is buzzing with adventure. Let's hop in that tuk-tuk and drop by the market for some breakfast!
[Later at the market]
GREG: I feel lost in this whirlwind of sight and sound. My brain feels like an internet and that is not at all a problem!
PHIL: Chiang Mai-Goodness! Our tuk-tuk turned into a grinning elephant. It has ears like Dumbo and it flies over the beautiful skyline.
GREG: Look down at that temple it reminds me of a metaphor! LET'S GO!!
PHIL: The peace here stills and soothes my soul. These prayer flags make me feel like rainbows and starshine!
GREG: Exactly! Look the spiritual resonance of this sacred place has taught me a fascinating yoga posture never practiced until this very instant.
PHIL: You are walking on water . . . i think. (CLICK)
[Phil has taken an "imagination photograph" which is strictly against the protocol of this imagination vacation]
GREG: Why did you have to take a photo Phil? Why can't you just appreciate this moment.
. . . That totally ruined the vacation for me, and Phil continues to apologize. I refuse to accept in hopes that it never happens again.
MORE IMAGINATION VACATION TO COME!!
AND YET our spirits remain strong! TOGETHER WE'RE UNSTOPPABLE!
It's at these times that Phil and I, more than ever, need an "imagination vacation." With eyes shut tight, we both embarked on a journey of infinite possibilities!
Narration heretofore . . .
GREG: Look around you Phil. What a beautiful day in Chiang Mai! The sun is shining bright, the sky is wide and blue. I love this crisp and fresh December air.
PHIL: It tastes like candy to my lung-place. This city is buzzing with adventure. Let's hop in that tuk-tuk and drop by the market for some breakfast!
[Later at the market]
GREG: I feel lost in this whirlwind of sight and sound. My brain feels like an internet and that is not at all a problem!
PHIL: Chiang Mai-Goodness! Our tuk-tuk turned into a grinning elephant. It has ears like Dumbo and it flies over the beautiful skyline.
GREG: Look down at that temple it reminds me of a metaphor! LET'S GO!!
PHIL: The peace here stills and soothes my soul. These prayer flags make me feel like rainbows and starshine!
GREG: Exactly! Look the spiritual resonance of this sacred place has taught me a fascinating yoga posture never practiced until this very instant.
PHIL: You are walking on water . . . i think. (CLICK)
[Phil has taken an "imagination photograph" which is strictly against the protocol of this imagination vacation]
GREG: Why did you have to take a photo Phil? Why can't you just appreciate this moment.
. . . That totally ruined the vacation for me, and Phil continues to apologize. I refuse to accept in hopes that it never happens again.
MORE IMAGINATION VACATION TO COME!!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Eco-Travel + Chiang Mai = Dream Vacation
It's no secret Greg and I are kind of hippies--we practice yoga, are on-again/off-again vegetarians, have a strong affinity for tea tree oil, and try to be all-around responsible citizens of the Earth.
One of the things that excites us most about Chiang Mai is the eco-travel opportunities. It turns out "eco-travel" is synonymous with "gorgeous-informative-adrenaline-pumping good time."
Just looking into our options boggles our minds and swoons our hearts:
Zip-line Tours Through the Rain Forest!
(I'm not going to lie; this terrifies me a little. Just look at that person dangling from the tree. Well, the dangling part isn't so scary because there's a harness, but look at that little, railess platform. Don't get me wrong, I'm 100% excited to do this, but jeez!)
Hanging out with the Local Hill Tribes!
Hiking!
White Water Rafting!
The most mind-blowing part is the affordability of these adventures. The question is never "How am I going to afford this?!" it's "How am I going to find time to do it all?!" (We'll show you how to do it all, if you vote for us to be your guides.)
One of the things that excites us most about Chiang Mai is the eco-travel opportunities. It turns out "eco-travel" is synonymous with "gorgeous-informative-adrenaline-pumping good time."
Just looking into our options boggles our minds and swoons our hearts:
Zip-line Tours Through the Rain Forest!
(I'm not going to lie; this terrifies me a little. Just look at that person dangling from the tree. Well, the dangling part isn't so scary because there's a harness, but look at that little, railess platform. Don't get me wrong, I'm 100% excited to do this, but jeez!)
Hanging out with the Local Hill Tribes!
Hiking!
White Water Rafting!The most mind-blowing part is the affordability of these adventures. The question is never "How am I going to afford this?!" it's "How am I going to find time to do it all?!" (We'll show you how to do it all, if you vote for us to be your guides.)
Monday, September 28, 2009
All About Elephant Rides
I know you must have watched our video about a million times and have thought, "Man, how did those guys get everything perfect on the first take?!" Well, truth be told, we didn't. Here's an example of some uncut footage.
Tuk-Tuk Video Montage: I GUARANTEE IT!
There is very little I need to say about Tuk-tuks. The three-wheeled Thai-style taxis speak on their own behalf. It's just fun to say: tuk-tuk.
I see one and recall when I first met a SMART Car in Europe. "Why don't we have these in America?" Phil and I eagerly await our opportunity to cruise through Chiang Mai. The open air! That Thai breeze blowing through Phil's beard! I google image searched tuk-tuks and found the following exciting photos:
Send Phil and Greg to Thailand to guarantee a TUK-TUK MONTAGE VIDEO on you-tube!!!!!
I see one and recall when I first met a SMART Car in Europe. "Why don't we have these in America?" Phil and I eagerly await our opportunity to cruise through Chiang Mai. The open air! That Thai breeze blowing through Phil's beard! I google image searched tuk-tuks and found the following exciting photos:
Send Phil and Greg to Thailand to guarantee a TUK-TUK MONTAGE VIDEO on you-tube!!!!!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Phil gets interrogated by the Internet Vol. 2
Internet: On to Question #2. Why Chiang Mai?
Now, this is something I have no problem talking about. I can say that I"ll be the perfect guide to Chiang Mai without feeling like I'm being an arrogant jerk.
Here are a handful of reasons why:
1. The Buddhist Temples. I know I seem like a silly guy, Internet. And, you're right, I am. But, there's a very serious, spiritual side of me that people rarely get to see. I've always loved learning about Buddhism and practice meditation regularly. Although this side is normally private, I'm excited to share it with you.
2. The nightlife: night safaris; huge night bazaars; posh bars; dance clubs. What's not to love? I'm not sure when Greg and I will sleep. Oh, I hear Chiang Mai and I both LOVE karaoke. It's safe to say at least one Karaoke video will be posted. I realize this can never be un-posted, but I'm okay with that (and I think you will be, too).
3. The area around Chiang Mai offers amazing hiking and rafting opportunities that I can't wait to explore. I always like to mix a bit of adventure with my travel. In the past I've done the world's second largest bungee jump in New Zealand and have hit up some of the white water rapids in Australia. I can't wait to add to that list.
4. The food. I've read that the best food is the street food. I've only experienced Thai cuisine here and it's one of my favorites. I apologize in advance for making you hungry (but, it's going to happen).
5. The elephants. If we decided to take an elephant ride or view them in a sanctuary, I can't wait to spend time with these amazing animals.
Now, this is something I have no problem talking about. I can say that I"ll be the perfect guide to Chiang Mai without feeling like I'm being an arrogant jerk.
Here are a handful of reasons why:
1. The Buddhist Temples. I know I seem like a silly guy, Internet. And, you're right, I am. But, there's a very serious, spiritual side of me that people rarely get to see. I've always loved learning about Buddhism and practice meditation regularly. Although this side is normally private, I'm excited to share it with you.
2. The nightlife: night safaris; huge night bazaars; posh bars; dance clubs. What's not to love? I'm not sure when Greg and I will sleep. Oh, I hear Chiang Mai and I both LOVE karaoke. It's safe to say at least one Karaoke video will be posted. I realize this can never be un-posted, but I'm okay with that (and I think you will be, too).
3. The area around Chiang Mai offers amazing hiking and rafting opportunities that I can't wait to explore. I always like to mix a bit of adventure with my travel. In the past I've done the world's second largest bungee jump in New Zealand and have hit up some of the white water rapids in Australia. I can't wait to add to that list.
4. The food. I've read that the best food is the street food. I've only experienced Thai cuisine here and it's one of my favorites. I apologize in advance for making you hungry (but, it's going to happen).
5. The elephants. If we decided to take an elephant ride or view them in a sanctuary, I can't wait to spend time with these amazing animals.
Phil gets interrogated by the Internet Vol. 1
So, Internet, I hear you have a couple of questions about my entry into the Ultimate Thailand Explorers competition.
The Internet: You better believe I do. My first question Why You?
Who me?
The Internet: Yes, you.
Oh, geez, wow, Internet. I thought we were closer than this. I thought when I said I would be perfect for this competition you would just take me at my word. I guess not. Man, you think you know a computer network consisting of a worldwide network of computer networks that use the TCP/IP network protocols to facilitate data transmission and then something like this happens.
Give me a moment to get over this staggering blow.
...
There, all better. You should know, though, that talking about myself makes me feel weird. But, for you, I'll get over it. As far as my qualifications, I have a master's degree in Internet Communications (full disclosure: it's not finished yet, but it will be by the time we leave for Chiang Mai), so, I understand social networks and the Internet works. I'm reasonably well-traveled; I've been all over the USA, have been to Europe, and lived in Australia for 6 months. I require very little sleep to be obnoxiously cheerful, which seems helpful in this situation. Also, I want to squeeze the most out of every moment of my life.
Those qualifications are all well and good, but I think the reason I'll be a great Ultimate Thailand Explorer is because I'm a great storyteller. When I add captions to my trip photos, people tell me they feel like they're right there with me, smiling. And, if you're watching a video of me, I promise to keep you engaged. For example, I have absolutely no control over my eyebrows--they bounce and gesture and dance. So, if you don't care what I'm saying, mute the sound and just watch my eyebrows. Hours of fun. (But, seriously, don't turn the sound off.)
I have a lot more reasons, but I think the best way to get to know me is to get to know me. So, come back here often and look at our videos and pictures and blogs. Watch us beg for your votes and get ridiculously excited about trip planning. I can pretty much guarantee you'll be planning your own trip to Thailand before Greg and I even leave.
The Internet: You better believe I do. My first question Why You?
Who me?
The Internet: Yes, you.
Oh, geez, wow, Internet. I thought we were closer than this. I thought when I said I would be perfect for this competition you would just take me at my word. I guess not. Man, you think you know a computer network consisting of a worldwide network of computer networks that use the TCP/IP network protocols to facilitate data transmission and then something like this happens.
Give me a moment to get over this staggering blow.
...
There, all better. You should know, though, that talking about myself makes me feel weird. But, for you, I'll get over it. As far as my qualifications, I have a master's degree in Internet Communications (full disclosure: it's not finished yet, but it will be by the time we leave for Chiang Mai), so, I understand social networks and the Internet works. I'm reasonably well-traveled; I've been all over the USA, have been to Europe, and lived in Australia for 6 months. I require very little sleep to be obnoxiously cheerful, which seems helpful in this situation. Also, I want to squeeze the most out of every moment of my life.
Those qualifications are all well and good, but I think the reason I'll be a great Ultimate Thailand Explorer is because I'm a great storyteller. When I add captions to my trip photos, people tell me they feel like they're right there with me, smiling. And, if you're watching a video of me, I promise to keep you engaged. For example, I have absolutely no control over my eyebrows--they bounce and gesture and dance. So, if you don't care what I'm saying, mute the sound and just watch my eyebrows. Hours of fun. (But, seriously, don't turn the sound off.)
I have a lot more reasons, but I think the best way to get to know me is to get to know me. So, come back here often and look at our videos and pictures and blogs. Watch us beg for your votes and get ridiculously excited about trip planning. I can pretty much guarantee you'll be planning your own trip to Thailand before Greg and I even leave.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Three Letter Acronyms & Our Twitter @UTEOMG
Before creating a Twitter account, Phil and I began thinking that the number of characters used by "Ultimate Thailand Explorers" is laughable. Like ROTFL laughable. Our characters are valuable!
What will they call us on the World Wide Web where time is money and abbreviations save time?
WE NEED AN ACRONYM!
In light of this pressing dilemma, let's consider the nature of a few TLA's (Three-Letter-Acronyms):
1. OMG
OMG means "Oh My God," but you don't have to believe in a god to use it. OMG is versatile. For example, OMG, I'm going to Thailand or OMG, my Thai Yoga Massage felt like torture. See! I could be happy or in severe pain. What matters here is context!
2. LOL
LOL is a TLA used for instant messaging and social networks globally. It means "Laugh Out Loud" and implies you actually used your vocal chords or thought about doing so. Many websites find the acronym relevant to pictures of ridiculous cats, dogs, babies, and robots that inspire chuckles with some consistency. I myself find the following image to be worthy of a guttural HA.
From LOLCats.com
3. VIP
This acronym is a proper noun. It means Very Important Person. For example, I can't get into the VIP sections of clubs or concerts. This is tricky, because I am not unimportant. Rather, I and most of the other folks sweating in general admission are unworthy of a superlative like VERY. This acronym suggests most people are just typically important. Privileges granted to VIP's include backstage views, comfortable seats, free champagne and/or open bar.
4. TLC
Tender, Love and Care // Tasty, Light and Creamy (Skim Milk Brand I used to buy) // T-Boz, Left-Eye and Chili (Popular Girl Group in the 90's) // The Learning Channel (Cable TV for Students of Life) // Thin Layer Chromatography //
These are just three of many TLA's used in daily conversation. Be assured that in Phil and my mind, YOU ARE A VIP, OMG! Send us to Thailand! We will be the GREATEST UTE's (Ultimate Thailand Explorer's) in the history of Thailand.
FIND US ON TWITTER @UTEOMG. SEND YOUR FAVORITE TLA's!!!!!!
What will they call us on the World Wide Web where time is money and abbreviations save time?
WE NEED AN ACRONYM!
In light of this pressing dilemma, let's consider the nature of a few TLA's (Three-Letter-Acronyms):
1. OMG
OMG means "Oh My God," but you don't have to believe in a god to use it. OMG is versatile. For example, OMG, I'm going to Thailand or OMG, my Thai Yoga Massage felt like torture. See! I could be happy or in severe pain. What matters here is context!
2. LOL
LOL is a TLA used for instant messaging and social networks globally. It means "Laugh Out Loud" and implies you actually used your vocal chords or thought about doing so. Many websites find the acronym relevant to pictures of ridiculous cats, dogs, babies, and robots that inspire chuckles with some consistency. I myself find the following image to be worthy of a guttural HA.
From LOLCats.com
3. VIP
This acronym is a proper noun. It means Very Important Person. For example, I can't get into the VIP sections of clubs or concerts. This is tricky, because I am not unimportant. Rather, I and most of the other folks sweating in general admission are unworthy of a superlative like VERY. This acronym suggests most people are just typically important. Privileges granted to VIP's include backstage views, comfortable seats, free champagne and/or open bar.
4. TLC
Tender, Love and Care // Tasty, Light and Creamy (Skim Milk Brand I used to buy) // T-Boz, Left-Eye and Chili (Popular Girl Group in the 90's) // The Learning Channel (Cable TV for Students of Life) // Thin Layer Chromatography //
These are just three of many TLA's used in daily conversation. Be assured that in Phil and my mind, YOU ARE A VIP, OMG! Send us to Thailand! We will be the GREATEST UTE's (Ultimate Thailand Explorer's) in the history of Thailand.
FIND US ON TWITTER @UTEOMG. SEND YOUR FAVORITE TLA's!!!!!!
Friday, September 18, 2009
Tastes Like Thai Peanut Stir-Fry with Extra Lame Sauce
This is how we felt when construction thwarted our plans to eat at Chaing Mai Thai Restaurant:
And there's more videos where that came from!
And there's more videos where that came from!
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