Holiday - Part 2 (Full Moon Party)

Once on the overnight bus to Koh Phangnan, we girls made friends (of course). We arrrived at the port the following morning, and then ferried over to the island. We got settled in a cute Bungalow on a private beach - about a 15 minute walk to the full moon beach (Hat Rin). We headed into town for some food, full moon shopping, and exploring. There was still some sun, so we spent some time at the beach laying around and enjoying the water.

Then it was back to the Bungalow to get ready for a night out. We met our neighbors, and then we went back to the beach for the pre-full moon party, which we stayed at till the early morning.

Wednesday - THE DAY OF THE FULL MOON!!! We started off the day with some beach time, and laid on the sand for HOURS. Then we headed back to get ready for the main event. The reason so many tourists flock to the island - THE FULL MOON PARTY! We got ready, and then the neighbors came over and we all got our bodies painted up. We have a few drinks, took some photos, then made our way to the beach. Once at the beach, we had to pay to get on the sand. This was DEF a change from the last full moon party I had been to. But, once on the beach we set up shop! We headed to our bucket man from the night before (Leo) and grabbed some buckets to start off with. Then we met a few groups of people and hung out with them for a while. We headed to the other end of the beach, and ran into some of the guys from the bus. Then, I met a group of British guys and gals, and we headed up to Mellow Mountain. We ended up dancing there (we had met the DJ earlier, in the tuk tuk) and once I realized the sun would be up soon, we headed back down to the beach to dance on the beach stages. Once back on the beach, we stage hopped, and before I knew it, the sun was coming up! MY FAVORITE PART OF THE PARTY! Once the sun is up, I love to see the people that are still up and partying. The stages were still full of people, the "humiliation area" was full of people who passed out early, and tons of people were still hanging out on the sand. I ended up seeing all my mates from Bangkok once the sun came up, and then I danced on the stage with an Aussie while the British group jumped the fire rope.

...and THEN, the BACKYARD PARTY! At about 7am, we headed off the beach, and a few of us headed up into the mountain for the next party. It's usually the best part of the party scene on the island, but this year it was a little disappointing. We stayed about 30 minutes, and when it didn't pick up - we know it was time to head back. On the walk back through the beach, the stages were still full, and the buckets were still being mixed up. As I walked home, I ran into one of my neighbors, and we walked back together. Once back at my bungalow, I passed right out, HARD!

The following day was just spent relaxing and we didn't make it out of the bungalow until dinnertime, where we went back into town and then watched some of the fire shows on the beach before heading to bed. We were out early the next morning for our next destinations.

Sawasdee Kha,
Apes

Holiday - Part 1 (Bangkok)

After 2 months of living in Mandalay, it was time to head off to a new teaching destination. This time - VIETNAM! But first, a Holiday!

Once I left Myanmar, I settled in Bangkok for a few days with 2 of my friends from Mandalay (Clare and Ryan) and Clare's friend Nina (from South Africa). We spent Saturday just relaxing, shopping, and EATING STREET FOOD!! It was SO great to eat flavorful food again. Then we went out for drinks, and danced until morning. All things I couldn't do in Myanmar!

Sunday we spent the day spoiling ourselves. Getting our hair did, manicures, etc. I even got to meet up with some of my Bangkok family for some ice cream. Then it was dinner (with a magic show!) and a little earlier of a night, because Monday was a big day.

Monday Ryan and I got up SUPER early and headed to Wat Ban Phra, for new tattoos. Why at this place? Because it's a big thing in the Thai culture. You get to the temple (Wat), and give your offering (flowers, cigarettes) to the head monk, then wait your turn. When it's your turn, you sit in front of the monk, and he decides on your tattoo and location. So, when it was my turn, I sat in front, and (since he can't touch women) he positioned my body using a stick. He handled me a little rough, throwing my arms and head around until he had positioned me to how he wanted. Then, it was time to start. I sat in the most uncomfortable position for abot 25 min, my legs fell asleep, and I had NO idea what design he was giving me. But finally, he was done! He cleaned off the ink, and then said a Khmeric prayer over the tattoo. And FINALLY, I got to see what it was! And here it is....

So, in case you are wondering about what my "Sak Yant" means, here ya go:

It's 5 rows and each row represents something different:

1. First row prevents unjust punishment and leans in your favor when the area is grey, cleans out unwanted spirits and protects the place you live in.
2. Second row reverses and protects against bad horoscope constellations and bad luck.
3. Third row protects you from the use of black magic and anyone who tries to put a curse on you.
4. Fourth row energizes your good luck, success and fortune in your future ambitions and life style.
5. Fifth row is to gain charisma and attraction to the opposite sex. It is also is a boost to the fourth row.

After the tattoos were done, it was time to head back...because us girls were off to KOH PHANGNAN for the FULL MOON PARTY!

Sawasdee Kha,
Apes