| | Travel Journals Recent Comments Facebook 2009-09-26 17:03 To date I have visited 54 of the approximately 195 - 203 countries of the world and 47 of the United States
The 54 Countries I've Traveled To are in Alphabetical Order as Follows:
Aruba, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Laos, Latvia, Lithuania, Mexico, Monaco, Myanmar, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, United States Virgin Islands, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam.
And I have visited 47 of the United States, some many times, Florida for example 22 times for holidays and California 4 or 5 times, etc. The ones not included are Alaska, Louisiana, and North Dakota.
Next on the List is India / February 2009 then Finland/Estonia/Latvia/Lithuania/and Russia in August of 2009 (unless I can get there sooner '-))).
Click here for My TravBuddy Profile and / or see below for 2 Interactive Graphic Views. You can create your own Travel Map / It is Simple!!! Click here ---> travbuddy.com
Have Fun!!! Gary
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Cheers and Happy Travels!!! Gary G. Schempp
GaryGS1@yahoo.com
www.GaryGS1.com
2008-03-05 21:48 Watch the Movie here http://www.miniature-earth.com/me_english.htmor review the Stats below... Gary 100 people / 1000 people village February 29th, 2008 I receive many emails from people asking for the text we use on the Miniature Earth movie, below you’ll find the 100 people text updated by us in 2007 and the original text published by Donella Meadows in 1990. The Miniature Earth text: If we could turn the population of the earth into a small community of 100 people, keeping the same proportions we have today, it would be something like this: 61 Asians 12 Europeans 08 North Americans 05 South America and the Caribbean 13 Africans 01 Oceania 50 women 50 men 47 lives in urban area 9 are disable 33 are Christian (Catholics, Protestants, Orthodox, Anglicans and other Christians) 18 are Muslims 14 are Hindus 16 are non-religious 6 are Buddhists 13 practice other religions 43 live without basic sanitation 18 live without an improved water source 6 people own 59% of the entire wealth of the community 13 are hungry or malnourished 14 can’t read only 7 are educated at a secondary level only 12 have a computer only 3 have an internet connection 1 adult, aged 15-49, has HIV/AIDS. The village spend more than US$1.12 trillion on military expenditures UN and only US$ 100 billion on development aid If you keep your food in a refrigerator And your clothes in a closet If you have a roof over your head And have a bed to sleep in You are richer than 75% of the entire world population. If you have a bank account You’re one of the 30 wealthiest people in the world. 18 struggle to live on US$ 1.00 per day or less… 53 struggle to live on US$ 2.00 per day or less. Appreciate what you have And do your best for a better world. —————————————————— Donella Meadows text: If the world were a village of 1000 people: 584 would be Asians 123 would be Africans 95 would be East and West Europeans 84 Latin Americans 55 Soviets (still including for the moment Lithuanians, Latvians, Estonians, etc.) 52 North Americans 6 Australians and New Zealanders The people of the village would have considerable difficulty communicating: 165 people would speak Mandarin 86 would speak English 83 Hindi/Urdu 64 Spanish 58 Russian 37 Arabic That list accounts for the mother-tongues of only half the villagers. The other half speak (in descending order of frequency) Bengali, Portuguese, Indonesian, Japanese, German, French, and 200 other languages. In the village there would be: 300 Christians (183 Catholics, 84 Protestants, 33 Orthodox) 175 Moslems 128 Hindus 55 Buddhists 47 Animists 210 all other religons (including atheists) One-third (330) of the people in the village would be children. Half the children would be immunized against the preventable infectious diseases such as measles and polio. Sixty of the thousand villagers would be over the age of 65. Just under half of the married women would have access to and be using modern contraceptives. Each year 28 babies would be born. Each year 10 people would die, three of them for lack of food, one from cancer. Two of the deaths would be to babies born within the year. One person in the village would be infected with the HIV virus; that person would most likely not yet have developed a full-blown case of AIDS. With the 28 births and 10 deaths, the population of the village in the next year would be 1018. In this thousand-person community, 200 people would receive three-fourths of the income; another 200 would receive only 2% of the income. Only 70 people would own an automobile (some of them more than one automobile). About one-third would not have access to clean, safe drinking water. Of the 670 adults in the village half would be illiterate. The village would have 6 acres of land per person, 6000 acres in all of which: 700 acres is cropland 1400 acres pasture 1900 acres woodland 2000 acres desert, tundra, pavement, and other wasteland. The woodland would be declining rapidly; the wasteland increasing; the other land categories would be roughly stable. The village would allocate 83 percent of its fertilizer to 40 percent of its cropland — that owned by the richest and best-fed 270 people. Excess fertilizer running off this land would cause pollution in lakes and wells. The remaining 60 percent of the land, with its 17 percent of the fertilizer, would produce 28 percent of the foodgrain and feed 73 percent of the people. The average grain yield on that land would be one-third the yields gotten by the richer villagers. If the world were a village of 1000 persons, there would be five soldiers, seven teachers, one doctor. Of the village’s total annual expenditures of just over $3 million per year, $181,000 would go for weapons and warfare, $159,000 for education, $132,000 for health care. The village would have buried beneath it enough explosive power in nuclear weapons to blow itself to smithereens many times over. These weapons would be under the control of just 100 of the people. The other 900 people would be watching them with deep anxiety, wondering whether the 100 can learn to get along together, and if they do, whether they might set off the weapons anyway through inattention or technical bungling, and if they ever decide to dismantle the weapons, where in the village they will dispose of the dangerous radioactive materials of which the weapons are made. *This article from The Donella Meadows Archive is available for use in research, teaching, and private study. For other uses, please contact Diana Wright, Sustainability Institute, 3 Linden Road, Hartland, VT 05048, (802) 436-1277. Posted by Lucca Filed in Miniature Earth 2007-04-05 17:09 Vaccinations and Health Care for a Thailand Trip. Yes!!! You need shots!!! Don't get sick in Thailand or the party is over!!! The US Centers for Disease Control and the Prevention (CDC) highly recommends the following vaccinations for travelers to rural areas of Thailand: -Typhoid Vaccine,,, one shot is good for two years -Hepatitis A Vaccine or immune globulin (IG) one shot is good for 10 years "CDC also recommends that all travelers be up to date with the normal childhood vaccines" -Polio -DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) -MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) You can call the CDC's International Traveler's hotline tollfree at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) 24 hours a day. It is important that your Tetanus is up to date or at a minimum, not expired!!! If you can't remember the last time you got one,,, then it is time!!! If you had an injury or some other problem (like stepping on a nail or other wound) where they might have given you a Tetanus shot than check that out buy asking for records... Most people haven't had one for a long time or since they were a kid. I found the link for you to study and it supports what I told you here!!! Depending on the region you travel to they also suggest to protect yourself from Malaria. That is done by taking malaria pills that you start before the trip and take even after you come home. I took them, others I know did not and didn't have a problem... That appears optional. See here ---> http://www.cdc.gov/travel/seasia.htm Your best bet is to make an appointment with a Virologist, and tell him where you are going and he will give you the shots...Looks like the CDC also recommends a Hep B shot too now, as I was just reviewing the CDC website. Don't wait until it's time to go!!! The Hep A shot is a two part and the 2nd shot is 6 months after the 1st shot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and you need to be complete before you go! -Take Immodium and Bismuth Tablets (can buy over the counter) for minor diarrhea problems -Take (Levaquin) anti-diarrhea pills with you for more serious problems. Your doctor can prescribe those. Protect your Health foremost!!! Without it nothing else really matters!!! Gary G. Schempp PS...I also posted this in my journal just now for future reference. 2007-03-21 12:53 Worldwide Tipping Guide Did you know that tipping can be insulting in Japan? Were you aware that many European hotels and restaurants add the tip to your bill? Tipping can be a puzzling experience for overseas travelers. It’s commonplace in some countries, in others it’s expected only in major cities, and in some it simply isn’t done. The rules are also in a constant state of change, so what was appropriate the last time you visited your favorite foreign destination may be completely inappropriate the next time you go. Our Worldwide Tipping Guide is designed to advise travelers of common tipping practices in over 70 countries. Please remember, however, that it is only a guide – tipping is a reward for good service, and in the end the value is up to you. Country Restaurants Porters Taxis Argentina 10% $1 Round up taxi fare or small tip. Armenia 10% 50 cents - $1 per bag None Australia 10% in fine restaurants only $2 per bag Round Up Austria 5% above service charge $1 - $2 per bag Round Up Azerbaijan 10% 50 cents - $1 per bag None Bahamas 10% $1 per bag 10% Bahrain 10% $1 - $2 per bag 10% Belgium 10% if no service charge $1 per bag Round Up Bolivia 10% 75 cents per bag 10% Brazil 10 - 15% $1 per bag 10% Brunei None None None Bulgaria 10% $1 per bag Round Up Canada 15% $1 - $2 per bag 10% Cayman Isles 15% if no service chrg $1 per bag 10% Chile 10% in addition to service chg $1 per bag None China 3% in major cities $1 - $2 total None Colombia 10% 75 cents per bag None Costa Rica None $1 per bag 10% Cuba $1 for special service $1 for special service $1 for special service Czech Rep 5 - 10% $1 per bag Round Up Denmark None $1 per bag Round Up Ecuador 10% if no service charge 75 cents per bag None Egypt 5-10% + service charge $1 per bag Round Up England 10% if no service charge $1 per bag 15% Fiji None None Round Up Finland 10% if no service charge $1 per bag Round Up France 5-10% $1 per bag Round Up Germany 5-10% $1 per bag Round Up Greece 5-10% in addition to service charge $1 per bag Round Up Guatemala 10% in addition to service charge $1 per bag 10% Holland 5-10% $1 per bag Round Up Hong Kong 10% in addition to service charge $1 per bag Round Up Hungary 10% if no service charge None Round Up Iceland 10% if no service charge $1 per bag Round Up India 10% if no service charge $1 per bag Round Up Indonesia 10% 50 cents total Round Up Ireland 10 - 15% $1 per bag Round Up Israel 12 - 15% if no service charge $1 per bag 12 - 15% Italy 10% in addition to service charge $1 per bag Round Up Japan Tipping is perceived as insulting None None Kenya 5% if no service charge 50 cents per bag None Luxembourg 5-10% $1 per bag Round Up Macao 10% in addition to service charge $1 per bag Round Up Madagascar 10% 50 cents per bag Round Up Malaysia None None None Mexico 10-15% $1 50 cents Morocco Leave loose change 50 cents per bag Round Up New Zealand None None None Nicaragua 10% for special service $1 per bag 10% Norway 10% if no service charge $1 per bag Round Up Oman None None None Paraguay 10% 75 cents per bag 10% Peru Up to 10% for special service 75 cents per bag None Philippines 10% 50 cents - $1 per bag Round Up Poland 10% $1 per bag Round Up Portugal 10 - 15% if no service charge $1 per bag Round Up Romania Round Up $1 per bag Round Up Russia 10 - 15% $1 per bag Round Up Samoa None None None Saudi Arabia 10-15% $1 - $2 per bag 10% Scotland 10-15% if no service charge $1 per bag Round Up Singapore None None None South Africa 10% if no service charge 50 cents total 10% South Korea None None None Spain 7 - 10% in addition to service charge $1 per bag 10% Sweden 10% if no service charge $1 per bag Round Up Switzerland Round up $1 per bag Round Up Taiwan 10% if no service charge $1 per bag None Tanzania 10% None None Thailand None None None Turkey Round Up $1 per bag Round Up Ukraine 10% $1 per bag Round Up United Arab Emirates None None None United States 15-20% $1 - $2 per bag 10 - 15% Venezuela 10% 75 cents per bag 10% Vietnam None None None Wales 10% if no service charge $1 per bag 10% 2007-03-21 18:08 AFRIKAANS - gelukkige nuwejaar ALBANIAN - Gëzuar vitin e ri ALSATIAN - e glëckliches nëies / güets nëies johr ARABIC - aam saiid / sana saiida ARMENIAN - shnorhavor nor tari AZERI - yeni iliniz mubarek BAMBARA - bonne année BASQUE - urte berri on BELARUSIAN - Z novym hodam BENGALI - subho nababarsho BERBER - asgwas amegas BETI - mbembe mbu BOBO - bonne année BOSNIAN - sretna nova godina BRETON - bloavezh mat / bloavez mad BULGARIAN - chestita nova godina BURMESE - hnit thit ku mingalar pa CANTONESE - kung hé fat tsoi CATALAN - bon any nou CHINESE - xin nian kuai le / xin nian hao CORSICAN - pace e salute CROAT - sretna nova godina CZECH - štastný nový rok DANISH - godt nytår DUTCH - gelukkig Nieuwjaar ESPERANTO - felicxan novan jaron ESTONIAN - head uut aastat FAROESE - gott nýggjár FINNISH - onnellista uutta vuotta FLEMISH - gelukkig Nieuwjaar FRENCH - bonne année FRIULAN - bon an GALICIAN - feliz aninovo GEORGIAN - gilotsavt aral tsels GERMAN - ein gutes neues Jahr / prost Neujahr GREEK - kali chronia / kali xronia GUARANÍ - rogüerohory año nuévo-re HAITIAN CREOLE - bònn ané HAWAIIAN - hauoli makahiki hou HEBREW - shana tova HINDI - nav varsh ki subhkamna HMONG - nyob zoo xyoo tshiab HUNGARIAN - boldog új évet ICELANDIC - farsælt komandi ár INDONESIAN - selamat tahun baru IRISH GAELIC - ath bhliain faoi mhaise ITALIAN - felice anno nuovo, buon anno JAPANESE - akemashite omedetô JIVE- Yo, Biitch, 'sup? Chillin 0-7 homee -- b kewl KABYLIAN - asseguèsse-ameguèsse KANNADA - hosa varshada shubhaashayagalu KHMER - sur sdei chhnam thmei KIRUNDI - umwaka mwiza KOREAN - seh heh bok mani bat uh seyo KURDE - sala we ya nû pîroz be LAO - sabai di pi mai LATIN - felix sit annus novus LATVIAN - laimigu Jauno gadu LINGALA - bonana / mbula ya sika elamu na tonbeli yo LITHUANIAN - laimingu Naujuju Metu LOW SAXON - gelükkig nyjaar LUXEMBOURGEOIS - e gudd neit Joër MACEDONIAN - srekna nova godina MALAGASY - arahaba tratry ny taona MALAY - selamat tahun baru MALTESE - sena gdida mimlija risq MAORI - kia hari te tau hou MONGOLIAN - shine jiliin bayariin mend hurgeye MORÉ - wênd na kô-d yuum-songo NORWEGIAN - godt nytt år OCCITAN - bon annada PERSIAN - sâle no mobârak POLISH - szczesliwego nowego roku PORTUGUESE - feliz ano novo ROMANI - bangi vasilica baxt ROMANIAN - un an nou fericit / la multi ani RUSSIAN - S novim godom SAMOAN - ia manuia le tausaga fou SANGO - nzoni fini ngou SARDINIAN - bonu annu nou SCOTTISH GAELIC - bliadhna mhath ur SERBIAN - srecna nova godina SHONA - goredzwa rakanaka SINDHI - nain saal joon wadhayoon SINHALA - suba aluth avuruddak vewa SLOVAK - stastlivy novy rok SLOVENIAN - srecno novo leto SOBOTA - dobir leto SPANISH - feliz año nuevo SRANAN - wan bun nyun yari SWAHILI - mwaka mzuri SWEDISH - gott nytt år SWISS-GERMAN - es guets Nöis TAGALOG - manigong bagong taon TAHITIAN - ia orana i te matahiti api TAMIL - iniya puthandu nalVazhthukkal TATAR - yana yel belen TELUGU - nuthana samvathsara subhakankshalu THAI - sawatdii pimaï TIBETAN - tashi délek TURKISH - yeni yiliniz kutlu olsun UDMURT - Vyl Aren UKRAINIAN - Z novym rokom URDU - naya saal mubarik UZBEK - yangi yilingiz qutlug' bo'lsin VIETNAMESE - Cung Chúc Tân Niên / Cung Chúc Tân Xuân WALOON - bone annéye / bone annéye èt bone santéye WELSH - blwyddyn newydd dda WEST INDIAN CREOLE - bon lanné YIDDISH - a gut yohr 2006-02-28 0:10 32 hours later and I am home!!! WOW,,, what a trip... my head is delerious from mega imput...and a long trip home. Bangkok, Thailand plane to Tokyo, Japan 7 hours Tokyo, Japan to Detroit, USA 13 hours Flight in Detroit CANCELLED... no flight crew '-) sleep in airport / 4 hour layover to catch 1.5 hour flight to Philadelphia. Overnight at Ed and Anita's. Up at 5AM drive home 1.5 hours. 6:45AM Tuesday,,, HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 15 minutes to shower / and in office at 7:10 to open the office and start the day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now Tuesday after work,,, digest it all... check mails... to many to respond for now,,, sorry,, all in time... My three week adventure in SouthEast Asia took me to Cambodia, Thailand, with brief visits in Myanmar (Burma) and Laos. Thailand is definately the "Land of Smiles" I have never seen anything like it... (When I got home I noticed how many shopkeepers and clerks here are so grumpy) GEEEEEE,,, I like it there,,, Will plan a trip to Vietman next year,,, maybe go solo unless I can talk my son into going with me... That would be great... Thankyou to those who have joined in and added so much fun to my little adventure... I read every comment and enjoyed each one... Thanks Gary 2006-02-26 1:57 Firtst of all... thanks to everyone that I see has left a note or message here, or in Guestbook or photo comments,,, That's really fun... It is impossible by now you know,,, to respond to those messages as time is always terribly short when traveling,,, but I do see and read everyones and appreciate your efforts... thanks so much... soooooooo... SouthEast Asia for about 3 weeks has been awesome... Most of the time was spent touring Thailand but the 3 day visit to Cambodia to see the Temple of Angkor Wat (full complex is 16 square miles) and other temples and sites there as well as one day trips to Myanmar (Burma) and Laos were stunning. We rode the local overnight train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok last night (700 miles) arived at 6:30 to start our last day in Bangkok... The Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand is mind boggling... pix later. Now it's time to wind down, do some postcards, get a massage (a one hour Thai massage can be got for between 4 and 8 dollars / and a 2 hour oil massage can be had for about 12 to 16 USD) have a dinner with the group and get about 2 hours sleep before getting up at 2AM to get started with the departure process. Plane leaves for Japan at 6AM... Full flight and layover time is about 30 hours... Some highlights were the Elephant trek, the home hosted dinner, the school visit, rafting, massages (so cheap - can do every day) PS,,, one hour foot massage is about 100 Baht or $2.50 USD) Touring factories and seeing the sweatshops for learning experiences, The bridge over the river Kwai,,, Hellfire Pass and Museum and of course all the people that I had the good fortune to pass by... Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh,,, the river markets with all the local people seling foods, textiles and wares from their little boats was like out of a movie... Dozens of colorfull boats and people all jamming the waterway for your business... What a sight... Bye for now... going postcard shopping... Thanks for checking in... Gary 2006-02-25 0:33 Today we take a train back to Bangkok for a flight home early Monday morning... Chiang Mai,,, the temples, elephant camp, river rafting, visiting the Hilltribe people of Northern Thailand and enjoying all the Smiles has certainly been some highlights of the trip,,, But I am a little delerious from non-stop exploring... It's been a powerfull 3 weeks... and I certainly plan on a re-visit taking in Vietnam as well next time. For those of you that joined in and left comments,,, I just want to say that I really appreciate it... Talk to your soon,,, Thanks... Gary PS,,, It's Saturday at 2:30PM. I leave in 1 hour to catch the train back to Bangkok,,, it's a night train,,, will leave at 4:40 PM and arrive at 6 AM Sunday... one day in Bangkok then fly home Monday AM and get home same day 4:49 PM (about 27 hours in the air and with layovers) 2006-02-23 0:14 Geeeeeeeeeee,,, the adventure continues,,, and I am amazed... I RODE MY FIRST ELEPHANT!!! Wow, was that awesome... wish there were time to post the pictures '-( but there is too much to do... Like ride river rafts and visit the night Bazaar where you can see or buy ANYTHING... Still up everyday at about 5:55 and crash around 11:00 to 1 or 2 in the morning... Now we are leaving for a trip to a Buddist Temple in the mountains of Chaing Mai and then to have a talk with a buddins monk... Gotta Go!!! Gary 2006-02-21 0:40 Dear Diary!!! Sa wa dee... The pace is excellerating,,, if that is possible... Two days ago we arrived in Chiang Rai (in Northern Thailand) by bus and am currently residing near the border of Myanmar (Burma) and Laos... Yesterday I visited both,,, Burma by walking across the border in the morning and touring around for 1/2 day and then Laos in the PM by renting a small boat to cross the river... truely amazing... I bought one of those little birds in a basket for 20 Thai Baht (about 50 cents) and let it free with a wish... When I asked how they catch it again I found out that they fly back on their own only to be sold again '-) So cool,,, we need to do that with termites and fleas '-) Temp is cooler here in the North... Day temp is down to mid 80's and nights are 70's... really perfect... Sunny, no rain, no wind,,, and smiles,,, lots and lots of smiles... Today we load up and move on to Chiang Mai where we will visit an elephant camp among other things... Yes, I will get a pix of me on an elephant... Cheers from the "Land of Smiles" Gary 2006-02-19 12:09 Thankyou Erin, Peter, Susi, Steve (your comedy is unmatched-thanks for the humor) John, Cath, Irene, Myra, Viviane, Stein, Anita, Adriana, Peter W and others,,, I see your comments this Sunday night at midnight (thanks) as Geccos (little lizzards) run around this hotel lobby room ceiling eating mosquitoes and chirping every now and then,,, it's about 90 here at midnight and I love it!!! It's winter here now,,, summer gets to 114 F!!! With even more humidity... I am having a very difficult time with finding not only time for internet but internet that WORKS!!! Very frustrating... But here I am in the Middle of Phrae, Thailand working my way North towards Myanmar (Burma)... amazed at what wonderfull people I am having the good fortune to meet... and the sights, smells, tastes, and treasures that I am picking up along the way,,, like irreplaceable memories... The pace is FAST,,, wow,,, not a minute is wasted,,, I get up at 5:45 to 6 AM,,, go all day till about 1 or 2 in the morning,,, sleep like a log for 4 or 5 hours and go again!!! Thailand is AWESOME!!! Like Vid said "Land of Smiles" Thanks for checking in... Bye for now,,, Gary 2006-02-13 20:41 Hi!!! It's Tuesday 8:45 AM... WOW,,, my first full night sleep...after the flight 1 hour flight back to Bangkok. 7 FULL hours of unconsiousness... It was great!!! Cambodia for 3 days was awesome... very poor but it is amazing how cheerfull all the people seem to be from kids to adults. We could all learn a lesson from that. You will see for yourself when I get a chance to post some more photos,,, (but when- no time'-) We visited the "Killing Fields" location and the memorial... where the POL POT regime killed 3 million people in the last 20 years. Mostly educated people so as to reduce the threat to the regime... more on that later... Most kids families were wiped out... Unbelievable... If you give a kid 1 US dollar, its enough to eat for a couple of days. Just about everyone lives in shacks or wherever there is some shelter... Yet they survive and flourish... The human spirit is truely amazing... You will see. So now with that part of the adventure behind me in travels (but not forgotten) I will esplore this HUGE cith of Bangoko... Here for 3 days... Stay tuned!!! Thanks!!! Cheers!!! Gary 2006-02-12 19:42 Well, after all those flights to get here I got a few hours of hotel rest (about 6) and then it was time to get back to the Airport in Bangkok for my flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia for a few days. Cambodia is quite a place... People are really friendly, the food is great and things are pretty cheap. The ancient city of Angkor Wat is definately the big attraction and is really quite unbelievable but I also saw amazing sites at Angkor Bo (another Temple) our home hosted lunch with a Cambodian family, a Cultural Dinner Show with traditionl dance and music, local beer (Angkor - what else?) We even went to a dinner puppet show put on by local kids,,, quite amaxing, especially being able to go backstage and photograph them. Today there is a boat ride and we visit the "Killing Fields" before the 7:30 PM flight back to Bangkok. Cambodia is really awesome, and hot, but I like it hot!!! I would come back here in a heartbeat,,, Cheers, Gary 2006-02-10 20:00 Hello Everyone!!! Geeeeeeeee,,, 30 hours to get here!!! But I made it,,, and it's great, and HOT but that's what I wanted!!! Be carefull what you wish for '-) It's gonna be great I can tell... Thanks to Erin for taking care of things while I am gone and for making all this possible!!! You're the BEST!!! Thanks to Eddie and Anita for taking me to the Phila. airport at 6:45AM on Thursday!!! We got our traditional farewell pictures!!! And thanks to all my Family and Friend for your support, interest and enthusiam. Phila to Detroit 2 hours planeride 3 hour layover. Detroit to Tokyo 13 hours planeride 2 hour layover. Toyko to Bangkog 7 hours planeride 2 hours in customs!!! Time difference is 12 hours later than Eastern Standard Time (6 hours difference than Europe) 30 hours is a LONG TIME!!! Anyway,,, All went smooth and got to the Bangkok airport at Saturday at 12:30 midnight... Customs was 2 hours so I finally got to the hotel at 2:30 AM,,, and met some of the group in the courtesy shuttle... The bus driver and the tour guide had to push the bus to jump start it!!! But that's another story!!! WOW,,, that shower at 3 AM felt great!!! Got up at 6:15 for breadfast and to be the first at 7:30 on this hotel internet computer. Now we leave at 9AM for a 1 hour flight to Cambodia where our TOUR BEGINS!!! So with all of that out of the way,,, it's time to explore!!! Next stop "Angkor Wat" Cambodia... Thanks for checking in!!! I will see your comments (and love them) but I may not be able to respond very well,,, sorry!!! Bye Bye for now!!! Gotta go see Monkeys and Temples!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Gary 2006-02-09 6:42 Well,,, it's Thur Feb 9th already!!! 6:40 AM Time to leave for the Philadelphia Airport... I fly to Detroit,,, wait 2 hours,,, fly to Narita airport in Tokyo, Japan and then fly to Bangkok, Thailand. Arrive SATURDAY at noon... More later... thanks for checking in!!! Cheers!!! Gary 2006-02-05 0:55 Dear Family and Friends!!! Adventure keeps calling me... (Mr. Can't sit still '-) I leave for Cambodia, Thailand and Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) for three weeks starting on Feb. 9th, 2006. (All thumbnails are active links / use your back button to return) I was very happy with, and will be using the same adventure travel company that I used for <a href=" http://public.fotki.com/GaryGS1/travel_albums/costa_rica_dec_2004/">Costa Rica </a>last Dec/Jan 2005-6, which was <a href=" http://oattravel.com/">Overseas Adventure Travel</a> My Folders and Starter Albums are all ready set up<a href=" http://public.fotki.com/GaryGS1/travel_albums/southeast_asia/"> Here</a> I will add "Road Pix" from internet cafe's whenever I can. As Always '-) I look forward to your comments and support (that's always a highlight- seeing your comments!!!) PS,,, here is a glance of the <a href=" http://www.oattravel.com/gcc/general/default.aspx?oid=118206">TRIP</a>I will be doing the pre-tour Cambodia gig but not the Vietnam post-tour so it totals out to 19 days. PS2,,, If you ever want to use this company I have <a href=" http://public.fotki.com/GaryGS1/travel_albums/southeast_asia/preparations_for_a-1/overseas_adventure/overseas_adventure-17.html">Discount Travel Referral Coupons</a> '-) Diaw joe kan na' (See you soon in Thai) !!! '-)Gary 2006-02-03 11:35 Thai language uses long & short tones, high tones & low tones to describe a word, a word such as (Ma) has more than 3 meanings, depending on the tone its spoken with. eg: Ma = Horse, Dog & Come Most Thai language books I have read are very confusing and the correct pronunciation of simple words can still be quite a challenge. eg: The word "thank you" is spelt "Khurp" in most language books. For an English speaking person, this word sounds the same as "Cup" . The words I have listed below have been written as you would pronounce it in English, I have not used any variations of tones as this will only confuse you. Just say the word as if it was English language & you will be understood by most of the Thai locals. Basic Words & Greetings in Thai language Hello = Sawa dee Thank you = Spoken by males = cup / Females = Ka Thank you very much = Ka poon cup/ ka poon Ka (Thank you) Cup / Ka, can be said at the end of any sentiance, it is a sign of respect to whom you are speaking with and is regarded as being polite. How are you? = Coon Sabbi dee may I am fine thanks = Pom Sabbi dee cup / Ka I am good thanks how are you ? = Pom Sabbi dee cup, coon sabbi dee may Your Welcome = Yin dee cu / ka Wait = Cooy Waiting long time = Cooy nun lowel The wordLowal= past tense - it has happened already. The word is used at the end of the sentance to say "past tense". Come = Ma Come from = Ma Ja I have come from Australia = Pom Ma Ja Australia Has come/ Arrived = Ma Lowel Go = Pie Gone already = Pie Lowel Go Where = Pie Nay Go soon = Pie Dell Nee Eat = Gin Drink = Durn Food = Aharn Snack food = Ka Nom Have eaten already = Gin Lowel Rice = cow I am Hungry = Pom Hue Are you Hungry = Coon hue may Tasty = Aroy I have eaten already thanks = gin lowel cup / ka I am full thank you = Imm lowel cup Understand = Cow J Don't Understand = May Cow J I dont Know = May Roo Want = Owl Don't Want = May Owl Now = Don nee Today = Wan nee To night = Coon nee This morning = Chow nee Tomorrow = Prong nee Yesterday = More wan What is the time = Gee mong lowal Water = Nam Ice = Nam kang Hot Water = Nam Ron Cold Water = Nam Yen Water Fall = Nam dock Rain = Fon Raining = Fon dock Water Fall = Nam Dock Shower = Up Narm May be / Perhaps = Bung T Play = Len Speak = Port Funny = Snook I know = Pom roo I don't know = Pom may roo Every thing = Took Sing Large = Yaa Small = leck Fast = Rewel Slow= cha Crazy = Baa You are Crazy = Coon Baa lowel You are Very Crazy = Coon Baa Mark Stupid = Ting Tong You are stupid = Coon Ting Tong lowel Have = Me I have = Pom me I Don't have = Pom may me You have = Coon me You don't have = Coon may me Can not hear you= May dar yin Coon I can hear you = Pom dar yin coon Work = Tam yarn I want = Pom Don gun I Think = Pom Kitt waar Why = Tum mi I am sick = Pom mezza bi Happy = Quarm sook or Sabbi dee I am Happy = Pom me quarm sook or Pom me sabbi I am not Happy = Pom me may sabbi I am Sad = Pom me Sour J I am Sorry = Pom me Sair J I am Confused = Pom me Sap som Never mind = May pen rye A lot / Very = Mark Hurt / Pain = Jep I am full = Imm lowals I forget = Pom leum lowel Where is = U T Nay Over their = T non Here = T nee When = Mar rye Friend = Pern Problem = Parn ha I have a problem = Pom me parn ha Afraid = Glue A Frightend / Scare = Jock J Smells bad= Men (Hmmm.. . I think the Thai language was written by a female) Good = Dee Very Good = Dee mark Bad = Leeoo or May Dee Hot Day = Dad lon Cold wind = Lom yen Strong wind = Lom lang Bathroom / Toilet = Hung Nam Shower = Up nam Look = Doo See = Hen Again = Eek Tell a Lie = Port Go Hok Talking Shit/ lies alot = Port Key Mong Promise= Sanya Sorry = Car Tort Boxing = Muay Thai Boxer = Nuck Muay Warrior = Nuk Soo Pratice Muaythai = Som Muay Elbow = Fun Sock Punch = Chalk Kick = Dek Left Punch = Chalk Sigh Right Kick= Dek Quar Front Kick = Tep Grapple= Grum Win = Chana Win Victorious = Me Chi Good Luck = Chalk dee A Few Simple Tips: When you use the word May @ the end of a sentence, it means you are asking a question. eg: Are you hungry ? = Coon Hue may Are you happy ? = Coon sabbi dee may Do you have a boy friend ? = Coon me fan may To use the word May in front of a word means = no / don't. eg: I don't understand = May Cow J No thanks = May cup I don't know = May roo I don't like it = Pom may chop Handy Thai Phrases When Flirting Eyes = Dar Pretty = Null ark Beautiful = Sway Hansome = Law Breasts = Nom Kiss = Joop Like = Chop You are very beautiful = Coon sway mark You are very pretty = Coon null ark mark What is your name ? = Coon chew alie You have a beautiful smile = Coon me yim sway Happy to meet you = Quam sook T die pop coon See you again = Pop Gun Do you have a boy friend ? = Coon me fan may I like you = Pom chop coon You have big breasts = Coon me nom yaa You have small breasts = Coon me nom leck What are you thinking ? = Coon Kitt alie I am Shy = Pom key eye You look good = Coon doo dee I love you long time = Pom Rak coon nun lowel Numbers Currency: (THB) Thai baht (1) = Nin (2) = Song (3)= Sam (4) = See (5) = Ha (6)= Hok (7) = Jet (8) = Pad (9) = Cow (10) = Sip (11) = Sip ett (12) = Sip song (13) = Sip sam (14) = Sip see (15) = Sip ha (20) = Yee sip (21) = Yee sip ett (22) = Yee sip song (23) = Yee sip sam (24) = Yee sip see (25) = Yee sip ha (30) = Sam sip (40) = See sip (50) = Hok sip (60) = Jet sip (100) = Nin roy (150) = Nin roy ha sip (500) = Ha roy ( 1000) = Nin pun ( 1500) = Nin pun ha roy (2000) = See pun (5000) = Ha pun Time in Thai Language 2 am = D song 3 am = D sam 4 am = D see 5 am = D ha 6 am = Hok mong chow 7 am = Jet mong chow 8 am = Pad mong chow 9 am = Cow mong chow 10 am = Sep mong chow 11 am = Sip ett mong Mid day = Thung 1 pm = Bi nin 2 pm = Bi song 3 pm = Bi Sam 4 pm = See mong yen 5 pm = Ha mong ye 6 pm = Hok mong yen 7 pm = Nin toom 8 pm = Song toom 9 pm = Sam toom 10 pm = See toom 11 pm = Ha toom Mid night = Thung coon Thanks to this very resourcefull website ---> <a href=" www.rawaimuaythai.com</a>" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.rawaimuaythai.com/"> www.rawaimuaythai.com</a> 2005-11-29 22:02 A wonderfull 4 day get-away to Montreal, Canada. Thankyou Erin!!! Wandering the streets and relaxing... Gary 2005-10-15 20:02 Rick Steves' 2005 Tours Your Name: Gary G. Schempp Your City/State: Cape May Court House, NJ Date Tour Began: Sep 12, 2005 Name of Tour: Best of Turkey in 13 Days Name of Lead Guide or Bus Plus Escort: Tan Aran Name of Assistant Guide: Drew Dickson 1. What were the most important factors in choosing this tour (length, season, price, destination, village aspect, friend's recommendation)? .........Answer: I had visited much of Europe on my own happily and successfully using Rick Steves guidebooks but had not been to Turkey. The price was right and the itineraries looked interesting. Figured a tour there might be better than travel on my own and this would be a good oportunity to find out about a Rick Steves tour firsthand. 2. Do you have a favorite "wow!" moment or magic memory from your trip? Tell us about it. .........Answer: I probably was amazed most by our 3 hour hike in Cappadocia. But our accommodations, the sites and the history lessons from our tour leader "Tan" were all excellent... 3. Are there any hotels, meals or other experiences that stand out in your mind as particularly good or bad? Why? .........Answer: Of course the home hosted lunch was my favorite,,, you can always get "buffet" food... But these events are always special... Good idea to fit it in!!! Bad,,, no nothing bad,,, everyone but me seemed to get sick for a couple of days in the middle of the trip... Perhaps someone should take a closer look at the food sources during this time??? (It followed Cappadocia) 4. Could we have used your tour time more efficiently? If so, how? .........Answer: In my opinion, all time was used efficiently,,, Tan and Drew did a superb job of educating us while we traveled via bus and during site visits... 5. Could our office have better oriented and prepared you for your tour? If so, how? .........Answer: It would have been more efficient to have a completely prepared list of all tour members filled out before orientation. We had lots of blank spaces and name guessing for some days but that's not a big deal. I would have liked to had some formal introduction bewteen all the tour members right from the beginning during the first orientation. Perhaps just a few minutes for parties to tell about themselves briefly. Overall preparations were more than adequate. 6. If you were misled in any way in the advertisement of your tour, please explain. .........Answer: No, not misled,,, perhaps understated '-) but thanks for asking!!! 7. Comments on the Tour Leader? .........Answer: Tan was a true leader,,, under control at every turn. Knowledgable of history and current affairs in all aspects of tour related information,,, You could not tell that his native language was Turkish as he spoke English so well and very clear, which is important on a tour. Thanks to Tan for a very successfull journey thru Turkey... 8. Comments on the performance of your assistant guide? .........Answer: Drew was great!!! Very knowledgable, knew several languages and history of the region, easy to get along with, and made the perfect assistant!!! Good luck to Drew,,, 9. Comments on the performance of your driver? .........Answer: Our Driver (Mesut) was excellent) well, except for the one morning he overslept??? He was obviously a very professional driver, polite and helpful. I liked him. 10. Do you have any more comments about your tour? .........Answer: I would highly recommend a Rick Steves tour if your destination is Europe. Excellent guidebooks, excellent staff, and excellent tours... I have found all aspects of the Rick Steves Travel Company very professional, enthusiastic, responsive, dedicated and committed to excellence in Travel. Great tour experience,,, Gary G. Schempp <p><a href="mailto: GaryGS1@yahoo.com"> GaryGS1@yahoo.com</a></p> and <a href= http://www.garygs1.com//>http://www.garygs1.com/</a>PS... due to formatting problems in copying the evaluation form not all comment boxes were copied... and some information was revised here post submission. Gary The Picture below is a link to our Turkey Tour Group!!! Post a comment!!! Cheers!!! Gary [photo id=tfksbwwfkkksss link=custom href= http://public.fotki.com/GaryGS1/travel_albums/turkey_-_greece/turkey_sept_2005/our_group/] | | |
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