Setting ambitions and surfing aside, Ian and I jet-set from Bali through Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and on to one of the most well-known and vibrant cities of Asia, Bangkok, Thailand.

Bangkok has been at the center of Asian history and culture for centuries, and it has become well-known in the modern world because of its connection with the United States in the Vietnam War, its infamous continuing government coups, and its ability to soar rapidly from a squalor third world city to a modern metropolis with a skyline that is beginning to resemble Manhattan. Within this myriad of commerce and culture is the home of the Thai King Rama IX, who has no real power but has been on the throne since 1946 and is the longest reigning monarch in the world. He is also one of the most revered because every Monday nearly everyone wears yellow shirts with the royal emblem in his honor, and people do not lick stamps or step on money (if dropped) because they bear the king's image and it would be considered a defilement. Also, any criticism of the king is strongly frowned upon by the Thais and one could actually be charged for "lese-majesty," which is seven years in prison.

Armed with this little bit of knowledge about the culture, Ian and I set off with a few friends that met us from the US to the infamous Khao San Road, which is a street that is literally alive at all hours of the day and is in a constant flux. In the morning the street sweepers come out like an army to clean up the revelry from the night before, while the street vendors move quickly to stake out the best location to sell their various wares. Most of the items found here are knock-off designer clothes and funny t-shirts, but fake I.D.'s, passports, student cards, international driver's licenses, and even college diplomas are also widely available. As the day rolls on, the food vendors flow in selling Pad Thai and kabobs as well as many other fried items including grasshoppers. Finally, the night falls and make-shift street bars replace most of the street vendors, while the food stalls stay out in full force till early the next morning making an interesting array of breakfast choices for the late-night westerners strolling back to their hotels.

Experiencing Khao San was much like a cleaner version of Paharganj in India, but we ventured out of this backpacker's black hole to see the Grand Palace of the King, which is exquisitely colorful and ornate and looks as though it could have been designed by Disney. We also took a ride on an old, wooden, long tail boat to cruise through the canals of the city, which used to act as the streets here, seeing an older side of Bangkok where the houses are still sitting/ sinking on old pilings, and people are still paddling around in their wooden canoes selling fruits, vegetables and other items. Finally, we immersed ourselves in the ancient are of Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) by spending a night watching round after round of the local boys of all ages fighting adeptly with high kicks, strong punches, and extreme speed.

Now, after having our fill of the city for the time being, I am splitting with Ian for about a week to go with my friend Cory from college and Kelly from home on a whirlwind tour to see one of the beaches in Thailand, Pattaya, as well as make our way to the famed temples of Angkor in Cambodia before Cory has to fly away. After this short tour, Kelly and I will re-group with Ian on the islands in southern Thailand, and then begin to make our way around the rest of Southeast Asia through Laos, Vietnam, and returning to Cambodia and Thailand. Till next time, Cheers.