In Bangkok

Kate here. Well, we made it to Bangkok. We're staying at the Shanti Lodge--a nice hostel that's out of the fray with a lovely restaurant surrounded by trees and food vendors. Bangkok is nuts--a huge city with lots going on. Food vendors are everywhere selling the most incredible things (Pad Thai, Green Papaya salad, fish, chicken, bugs--that's right, fried bugs for your flavorful enjoyment). This morning we went to an enormous market (15,000 vendors). Prices are so great for us that I couldn't help but buy the most fabulous cotton shirts and skirts. There was everything there: clothing, jewlers, animals, food, flowers.

The weather is extremely hot, but we're loving it. We have to stick around Bangkok until Monday (it's Saturday here) because we're applying for visas to go to Lao. We'll get it in 24 hours then take an overnight bus to the border and try and make our way to an eco-lodge that's in the middle of a national park there in the southern part of the country. Then off to the beach (bay side, don't worry). That's the plan at the moment...but we'll keep you all informed.

Cheers!

PS mom and dad--we haven't gotten the mobile hooked up yet and we haven't decided if or how we're going to do it. We have to see if it will work in Lao, but we'll stay in touch.