Big Brother Pizza

How we will order a pizza in 2012. Click here

Feast on these!

We just added over 270 amazing pics from Beijing, Bankok, and Koh Samui. You will truly be missing out if you don't gape over each and every one. -or-

All Thailand pics -or- Best of Thailand, Slideshow









All China pics -or- Best of China, Slideshow

Maybe it was something in the water

-Micah-

Maybe it was something in the water. Maybe it was something we ate in China. Maybe it was the coral poisoning. Or maybe we just pushed too hard for too long, got tired of cold airports, delayed and cancelled flights, the kilometer upon kilometer of sweat drenching walking, tired of taxi drivers attempting to rip us off, tired of questioning the water; maybe it was something in the water.

I honestly don’t know what stole away our motivation to pen a few words for a few friends. It’s already been a week since our flight landed back in Korea, already been a week since I almost didn’t make it pass immigration. Hammer the Advil, kill the fever, and pray! That was my motto on the trip home from Thailand.

I keep hearing stories about outbreaks in other parts of the world, even back at home in Colorado Springs. I am sure other governments are concerned, I’m sure they are keeping a watchful eye on their immigrants, but I challenge anyone to prove there is a country bending over backwards (and not really in the friendly/positive way the term conjures up) to the extent that S. Korea is. But I am getting much too ahead of myself.

All I really wanted to do was ensure you that we have every intention of recording a few of our stories for you. We truly to want to tell you about our flight to Beijing that took 12 hours instead of the scheduled 1. We want to tell you about getting lost in a shady area in the outskirts of Beijing, with the subways already closed and no taxi driver willing take us back to our hotel. We want to tell you about a plane crash, a closed airport, a cancelled flight, more delays and then a trip to Thailand’s local Emergency Room.

We have some good stories to pen for you. Just remember patience is a virtue.

Thai Massage

-Steph-

Reflections of the sun flit in and out of my limited field of vision as the wind rustles the palm leaves overhead. Images obscure in the semi darkness (Or maybe that’s just because my eyes are closed). Island birds chirrup as the light sea breeze weaves through the oversized umbrellas. Falling into a state of deep relaxation I hear the soft lapping of the tame sea waters.

Then a sharp excruciating pain wrenches me from these pleasant thoughts as my limbs are yanked into positions only licensed contortionists should attempt. Freakishly strong “Ajuma” fists tenderize my muscles as I attempt to relax my face from its grimace. This does not feel like a normal massage where relaxation is the name of the game.

The pain subsides as she unravels my appendages from angles hitherto unexplored. And I am lulled into a false sense of security and relaxation until the next “flexibility strengthening exercise.” Hoping that this Thai woman knows what she’s doing and is not unwittingly breaking my knee caps as I hear them crunch under her well weathered fists; I push away unpleasant thoughts and think instead of the gentle breeze playing across my face. This dichotomy is a welcome distraction as she grinds her knuckles into my temples.

The hour long experience was intermixed with a sense of relaxed satisfaction and frightened panic at cracking bones, but overall it was surely more enjoyable than not. Aside from the pounding and grinding, her hands were strong and adept at ironing out those stubborn knots. On a platform under umbrellas and natural giant palms next to the turquoise sea, listening to light fluid music and bird chorus tipped the scales in favor of this unique experience even with the unorthodox Thai massage style. Admittedly, I do feel a bit more relaxed. Almost like play-dough. Maybe they do know what they’re doing. Or maybe that’s how you naturally feel after being hit with a steam roller.