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!!!!!

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.

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.

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!!!!!!

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!