Yes, yes, y'all.

Doing as I do best.

Okay, Bangkok isn't exactly Hell. It's actually a pretty happening city, but after spending two weeks in paradise (Ton Sai) climbing, basking in the sun's golden rays, and swimming in the bright blue sea, I'm not too keen on it right now. Oh well, make the best of it, I suppose. Today, my friend Noi, who lives here in Bangkok, took me on a half-day tour of some of the places I had been a little curious to see. Our first stop was Chinatown, which I had hurried through about three months ago on my way to the train station. We then payed a visit to the famous Wat Po, a spectacular temple famous for its Thai massage school. Finally, we strolled through the flower market, where Noi works, and were surrounded by a dizzying array of beautiful floral arrangements.

Noi, contemplating what to have for lunch.

The gigantic reclining Buddha statue at Wat Po...well, its big, fat head anyway.

Three beautiful stupas at Wat Po.

Some lovely little flower arrangements with their proud creators.

Before arriving in Bangkok, I spent two days and one night in the town of Krabi, at the request of my friend, Ah. As you may recall, Ah is the bright fellow who gave me latest tattoo. His permanent residence is in a large building that his family owns in Krabi. Nothing spectacular happened, although we did have a terrific feast and later I got to crack up the three Austrians that came along with my limited German-speaking skills. Seems like I mostly know only the dirty words/phrases, but that's okay, it makes it fun.

Wee's Climbing School at Ton Sai also boasts a heck of happenin' watering hole.

My last days at Ton Sai were just as radical as all the others I spent there. My tattoo healed up extraordinarily quickly and I got back to bouldering and climbing with Anita post haste. I really learned a lot from climbig with Anita as her technique is really excellent. If I couldn't muscle my way through a tough move, I would just watch her try the problem, paying close attention to her graceful technique. Good technique makes such a difference. One day, we rented a rope and went to Phra-Nang beach (about a 30 minute walk away) for some rope climbing. It was great! My endurance sucked though, and I had to get a couple climbs in before I fell into any sort of groove. I am determined to climb throughout the summer back in the States and take it seriously; I want to come back to Ton Sai and finish some of the hard routes they have there.

Anita in the cave at Ton Sai.

Me on the same problem...the one that I have to return to and finish before too long. I think Al named it The Orax.

Besides great climbing routes and boulder problems, Phra-Nang beach also has its two famous caves...caves full of big wooden dicks. It's pretty funny to me, wooden jimmies piled up and worshipped by the Thai folk who visit. Also, ever afternoon on Phra-Nang, a very large group of monkeys heads to the trash cans to scavenge for fruit and vegetables. There are about two dozen specimens of all ages. They're pretty cute, but very possessive and pissy as well.

Anita leading a route called Up the Baboon's Assor some such shite.

Pumped!!!

Bouldering on Phra-Nang beach. The bright blue sea is only about 10 seconds away, which is great for cooling off after putting yourself through this.

Heh, the cave o' dicks.

Working your body requires regular rest days. On our last rest day in Ton Sai, Anita and I rented a 2-person sea kayak and paddled about an hour across the Andaman Sea to Poda Island. Really great place with excellent views, crystal clear water, and silky white sand. It was great to see Ton Sai from a new angle.

Anita propelling our mighty vessel while I relax and take pictures.

A shot of an unknown island from Poda's beach.

Aw yeah, before leaving for Bangkok en route to Italy, Stefano also got some ink done by my man, Ah (AHFX). I think the piece looks great, don't you?

Stefano getting stabbed repeatedly by the madman, Ah. I was hoping we would start cursing in Italian at some point.

The Italian Stallion and self-proclaimed "Pussy Hunter" displaying his fresh ink.

Looks like my next stop is definitely the Philippines. I purchased a round-trip ticket today, good for 45 days and open-ended, so we'll see what happens over there. I know for fact that there is great climbing/bouldering as well as great surfing and diving. I'd like to take part in all of those activities, but most importantly, I want to see the place that my Mom came from, meet some relatives, and learn about Filipino culture. That is that.

We do lots of reading out here! I am re-reading Stephen King's It, which I read when I was twelve. I love this book.

"I'd rather be dead and cool than alive and uncool."
Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man (one of the worst lines from one of the worst movies ever made!)