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The Grand Adventure
  • Helene Rimberg
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  • Helene Rimberg

The Grand Adventure

A bike trip with no end Leia mais
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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg

    A day amongst wet rice fields

    8 de setembro, Tailândia ⋅ 🌧 30 °C

    Another mixed day weather wise. Ride amongst rice, corn and sugar cane. All is pretty flooded though not sure if that is the norm for this time of year or excessive. End point chosen as there are hotels. Chose one and check-in. Apparently we could have only paid for a few hours (hence condom amongst the soap and glasses). Not many dinner options but put it together with a food stand and 7-eleven.Leia mais

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    A long climb up the wall of our villa
    Nice templeMany little swamps with pretty lotus flowers

    Travel mode

    6 de setembro, Tailândia ⋅ ☁️ 33 °C

    These are the days we put our head down and just ride. We are keeping the distance manageable yet getting delayed by rain during the day. Today it started with sun but clouded up pretty quickly. It is a nice break from the hot sun. Made it to our planned destination. Cheap lodging and grabbed some food from across the highway.Leia mais

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Fun elephant sculptures
    A monk being followed by a monkeyStorm clouds over the CheriSurrounded by rain1Sought shelter

    When it rains ….

    5 de setembro, Tailândia ⋅ ☁️ 31 °C

    Yes, it pours. We seem to be experiencing the rainy season. Though we remain dry most of the time, rain seems to be unleashed later in the day. This is what happened today and we sought shelter very close to our final destination. Fortunately they have alot of shelters along the road. Nice “villa” with a pool though didn’t utilize it. Nice, unique dinnerLeia mais

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Love these trees
    Buddha head was caught up in roots and tree grew around itWat Maha ThatSo tippyThese are 500-600 years old.What it looked likeWhat's left - Wat Ratchaburana (Temple)Buddha body parts strewn around1Elephant doesn't seem happyWat Phra Si Samphet - Royal PalaceDoug amongst headless Buddhas in Wat ChaiwatthanaramThe sharp corners are very coolThese are like Russian stacking dolls. Relics are contained in the last oneLove me some golden water glassesCute golden elephant1

    Ayutthaya

    4 de setembro, Tailândia ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    A day exploring the ruins. Ayutthaya was the capital of Thailand in olden times. It was plundered by Burmese. Bangkok became the new capital. Wandered around the various sites. Seemed a bit different than the temples we had been exploring in Bangkok.Leia mais

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    View from our lunch spot.
    One of many little bridges we crossedLittle ferry across riverNice temple along our routeShrine right by police stationSpit roasted fishThey are cooking up a storm.

    Goodbye Bangkok

    3 de setembro, Tailândia ⋅ 🌩️ 32 °C

    Pack up and ride north through the somewhat chaotic traffic. It is certainly not as bad as I had expected but still took a lot of concentration and caution. The urban sprawl continued for what felt like forever. Followed the canal and eventually traffic lessened. Very hot day! Hop on to our first ferry - no problem. Second ferry doesn’t really seem to exist. Backtrack and go over very chaotic bridge. Quickly find our hotel. Dinner, gelato and a walk through the night market.Leia mais

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    A third of a persons remains goes to their temple
    Tall BuddhaGolden BuddhaManhole cover artChinatown street artChinese templeView from top of mallNot the nicest looking river

    A few more Buddhas & river cruising

    2 de setembro, Tailândia ⋅ ☁️ 31 °C

    Our last day in Bangkok. Stop first at Wat I - home of a very large standing Buddha. Able to climb up almost to the top for a nice view. Walk to the river and board the hop on hop off ferry and travel down to Chinatown. Make out way to Wat Trai Mit - home of the golden Buddha. First learn more about Chinese history in Thailand and history of golden Buddha. It weighs 5.5 tons! Made of gold! Incredible. Wander amongst street art before boarding ferry and crossing over to huge mall with lovely deck. End up watching it get dark from there (facing wrong way for sunset). Back on the ferry for evening lights.Leia mais

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Reclining Buddha - huge!
    Mother of pear inlayUsed for prayer? A coin dropped in each4 main Chedis. One for each of first 4 King RamasAbout 80 minor Chedis.Hermits in various yoga positionsEven the cats honor the Buddhas1Veggie and flower market

    Wat Phra (part 2)

    1 de setembro, Tailândia ⋅ ☁️ 32 °C

    Couldn’t restrain myself. So many pictures.

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Guardian
    Mosaic glass tiles1Black Buddha in foregroundNasty looking creaturesThey "recycled" Chinese porcelain that broke to create artworkEmerald Buddha made of jade. 66 cms. Has 3 outfits - one for each season. The king dresses himCorn cob spireMany guardiansUsed for banquets and holds royal ashesThrone hall - where the royals are laid in state

    The Grand Palace & Wat Phra

    1 de setembro, Tailândia ⋅ ☁️ 32 °C

    Although our intent was to get to the Grand Palace by 8:30, that didn’t quite happen. Thus the day was already hot and crowds had arrived by the time we got there. Entered the palace grounds and quickly became dazzled by the beauty. Waited for a tour to try and learn along the way. Though the King now lives elsewhere, the palace buildings are used mostly for ceremonies, housing royal ashes and to house the “Emerald Buddha”. I really have never seen anything so lavish and immense. Afterwards walked to see reclining Buddha in Wat Phra - another huge and ornate complex. Did a bit more meandering afterwards and then back to hotel to cool down and rest. Took a break from Thai with Israeli food for dinner.Leia mais

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Just like Venice?!
    Royal Boulevard leading to palaceFor wishes or prayersHeading up to templeA mantra for everydayBuddha sitting on NagaHow a king gets aroundUnless they ride an elephant

    Wat Saket and National Museum

    31 de agosto, Tailândia ⋅ 🌧 30 °C

    Wake up quite late thus adjust plans accordingly. Breakfast first (pancakes!) and then walk along canal to Wat Saket - a temple built into a hill. Quite impressive and a nice city view at the top. From there go to
    National Museum. Get a nice overview of prehistoric and ancient times and the lives of the royalty. Rain comes down in buckets while inside. Back to hotel and out for ok dinner.    Leia mais

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Fancy it's not
    2The white structures honor the deadLots of canals in this cityOne of a few fortsBridge across Chao Phraya riverThere were 180 of them. Maybe people interred? Have placards for each family memberVery fancy tuk tuksFerry across the riverVery crazy nightlife

    Onto Bangkok

    30 de agosto, Tailândia ⋅ ☁️ 33 °C

    Early morning rise to catch the 8:25 train. Manage to figure out what we need and where we wait. Cost - $4 each (with bikes). Train is late. Ultimately have to take packs off to get them through narrow door (though mine gets shoved through the window). Sit up front with them. Luxurious it isn’t but we quickly get to Bangkok. Opt to ride to get closer to main city. Not too bad or unsafe. Await check-in. Meander out with no real destination. Fortunately there are interesting sights everywhere. Get 6 miles in. Meet our new Italian friend Stefano for dinner (met on the way to Koh Tao).Leia mais

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Safe way to cross highwayThe tracks we have followed for many miles

    Rice fields and dogs

    29 de agosto, Tailândia ⋅ ☁️ 33 °C

    Take care of a few errands before leaving. Ratchaburi and the train is our destination. Very flat riding, thankfully, as it’s very hot. Rice fields and marshes dominate the landscape. Side roads are great but full of dogs who seem particularly aggressive. They generally go away after you yell at them. But still …. Stop for a smoothie and finish our ride. Ensure we can take our bikes to Bangkok and find a hotel. Check out Ratchaburi at night.Leia mais

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg

    Goodbye Gulf of Thailand

    28 de agosto, Tailândia ⋅ ☁️ 31 °C

    Made our way out of Hua Hin and road a quiet road near the coast (couldn’t see the water but could see high rise resorts). Finally stopped at quiet beach and had final swim in the warm water. Began our journey inland as rain began to fall. Did find ourselves on a proper cycle lane for about 10 miles. Very flat riding and managed to stay pretty dry as entered big town of Phetchaburi . Found our nice room by the river. Walked amongst one of the large temples before having a very good dinner.Leia mais

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Quietly watching us1Houston we have a problem. Had to turn around1Hmmm. Why is Buddha in pieces3What happens when a stalagmite meets a stalactiteCould have saved some walking by taking boatVolcanic rock stepsWho would think to do this1

    From quiet beauty to chaos

    27 de agosto, Tailândia ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    Another late start as tire needs to be fixed again. Short ride to Khao Sam Roi Yot National
    Park. Stop at the headquarters and notice very aggressive monkeys that the workers fight off with sling shots. Do a little walk amongst mangroves and monkeys. Stop to investigate Porcupine Cave. As seems to be the norm, round a corner and see a temple and golden Buddha. Detour to Phraya Nakhon cave. Steep walk up to amazing caverns, with skylights and a temple in the middle. Push on along through quiet resort villages before arriving in the chaotic resort city of Hua Hin. Check in, do some laundry and cringe at all the white people on holiday in the western bars. Are we still in Thailand?Leia mais

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Just another temple by the side of the road
    Monkeys love templesA real bike path

    Another tiny coastal village

    26 de agosto, Tailândia ⋅ 🌧 29 °C

    Day started with a flat tire. Fortunately hadn’t left hotel. Late start but short day planned. Arrive quickly into the largish town of Prachuap Kiri Khan. A few stops to pick up some needed items. Find myself in the Thail version of Costco. Not quite what you need on a bike. Head along the coast in the drizzle. Arrive at our chosen destination and find a nice little hotel. Check out local beach and then local seafood restaurant. Back to no English on menus but we did fine.Leia mais

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Our beach in morning sun
    Figuring out water filter machineSo many fruitPineapples!Temple on the hilltopAfternoon market

    Continuing along the coastline

    25 de agosto, Tailândia ⋅ 🌧 29 °C

    Continue our journey northward. Sun is out for a bit which is a nice change. Get stopped on the road by the police; all of whom take out their phones to video us. Ride a bit to get breakfast and coffee. But do find one of our favorite “rest areas”. They have bathrooms, coffee shop and at least one store - all of which is quite handy. Continue on and make our way to giant golden Buddha looking out to sea. So ornate. Clouds roll in. Stay on small roads until very end. Stop at small village outside of Prachua Khiri Khan. Water is a bit rough and too late for a swim. Nice dinner at nearby resort.Leia mais

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    3Nice little cafe with pastries in middle of nowhere
    He is huge!1Quite the guardiansSo big!Love the colorsDidn't know we were dangerousOur beachBusy crabs

    Back to Thailand Riviera

    24 de agosto, Tailândia ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    Early start but stop almost immediately for coffee. Day is overcast and quiet as we take small roads to return to the coast. Find ourselves on the Thailand Riviera again - apparently a project to create a 900 km route from south west coast up to Bangkok. Loose it a few times on our ride but stay on fine roads anyway. Stumble upon huge sleeping Buddha! Rain comes and goes but light and keeps us cool. Make it to tiny seaside village of Bang Saiphon Noi. Nice bungalow by the sea. Quick dip before dinner.Leia mais

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg

    Goodbye Koh Tao

    23 de agosto, Tailândia ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    A lovely sunny morning. Walk back to shark bay and get a nice bit of snorkeling in. Just love the big coral gardens. Pack up and hang at the beach before riding back to the pier to catch our ferry. Much quicker ride back to the mainland; though a late departure didn’t leave us with much daylight to ride very far. End up right across from the night ferry port Eat at same restaurant as when we leftLeia mais

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    1

    A snorkel adventure

    22 de agosto, Tailândia ⋅ 🌧 28 °C

    Cloudy skies and windy conditions has us dithering all morning about whether to go on a snorkel cruise around the island (we seem to be dithering a lot lately). Opt to go. Picked up and taken to the other side of the island and the boat. Short trip to first stop - a lovely little island off our island. Though crowded, manage to snorkel away from others. Great coral formations and big fish. Back in the boat for lunch Stop at two more snorkel locals (both quite nice) and then the skies open up. Tad bit chilly as we head off into the wind and waves. Opt to sit out the next two stops as too cold to go in. Battle rough seas back to dock and return to our bungalow. Out for Spanish tapas and gelato.Leia mais

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    We stole its bed. Reclaimed ASAP

    A coastal hike

    21 de agosto, Tailândia ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    Sleep in and awake to overcast skies and rain. Make our way to our breakfast buffet. Afterwards ponder our options over cappuccinos by the sea. Decide to hike along the coast. A bit rough at times but very pretty. Stop and snorkel a bit on quiet little beach. Enter busy port town, get gelato and high speed ferry tickets for our return journey. Walk back along busy road (lots of motor bikes). Out for ok pizza dinner.Leia mais

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg

    Koh Tao

    20 de agosto, Tailândia ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    A smooth, yet noisy crossing. Dock at 3:00 am but can stay on the boat and sleep. Finally disembark at 6:00 and find an
    open coffee shop. Very short ride to the south side of the island and try to check in. Too early so go hang on the beach
    for awhile. After checking in, walk to the next bay over - shark bay - and do a bit of snorkeling. Relax on a quieter beach before returning to our bungalow. Nice dinner up on the hillside.    Leia mais

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Breakfast companion
    "Beware. Broken bridge"Very small rural roadOur ferry1WTF?Yes they are hoisting my bike up to top deck

    To the ferry we go

    19 de agosto, Tailândia ⋅ ☁️ 32 °C

    Another late morning for some reason. Continue our northward journey along the “Thailand Riviera”. Very nice quiet road along the water. One bit of amusement - it is common to “employ” monkeys to help with coconut and palm kernel picking. We see them hanging ion to the trucks coming and going from work sites. Cross a sketchy bridge and deal with a few rain drops but not too bad. Pass a number of temples and a very large Buddha before finding the ferry dock. Quick dinner before boarding our night ferry. Each get a bunk.Leia mais

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Our route took us right through marketOne of many temples along the wayRoad to ourselves

    The Gulf of Thailand

    18 de agosto, Tailândia ⋅ ☁️ 32 °C

    With a long day ahead of us and hot weather predicted, opt to get breakfast at the cafe. Nice choice. Leave before 9 - early for us. Rather quickly spot a large cobra crossing the road. Stay vigilant after that. Make good time on quiet rural roads. Quick lunch and then reach the Gulf. Stop for a swim - very warm water. Opt to continue to a larger town. Check in to hotel and out for a very good dinner - soft shelled crabs and red meat.Leia mais

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg

    A two pool day

    17 de agosto, Tailândia ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C

    Wake up mostly recovered from yesterday’s adventures. Walk across the road to the local swim hole. Beautiful, cool water. Pack up and continue eastward towards the Gulf of Thailand. Roads remain relatively quiet. Decide to go a bit farther to a riverside resort with a pool. Nice bungalows and cool salt water pool. Eat dinner by the pool.Leia mais

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg

    I hate mud

    16 de agosto, Tailândia ⋅ 🌧 27 °C

    After our morning showers set off, heading east towards the other coast and hopefully dryer weather. Make good time on the big roads but are glad to get onto quieter ones. After a turn, road is no longer paved and muddy from the rains. Continue on. And then it becomes thick and like clay. And we are stuck. Literally- having to clear tires and crevices so that the bikes will move. HORRIBLE! After about 2 hours and maybe 2 miles land back on gravel. But we are spent. Roll along the hills and amazingly enough come to a tiny car wash. Doug hoses us down. Late lunch and return to big road. Make our destination of Bang Sawan and find a hotel a bit outside of town. Fortunately they have a restaurant. Unfortunately it’s closed. Walk back to night market. Our first one. Manage to find some dinner (not bugs) and return to room.Leia mais

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