Malaysia, Thailand, Dubai 2009 (VIDEO) Diario1 - This is the trip that we planned ... we will see the reality .. .. ehehhh! 18Gen09 This year, not having the usual three months to go to "winter" warm in the camper, as in previous years, in a few days, we've put on the web, this challenging, yet lively "little program alternative" about 1 month and 10 days. we will see 'touch for the first time from 3 to 4 Eastern countries.
premise that, do not like to stay glued to a seat of a plane to 13.12 hours, in planning this "trip" we used the same method and the camper that is to do "milestones" and especially stop where, how and when we please. ... if possible.
In fact, since I have only booked flights and some long-distance hotel on arrival, but otherwise we are a bit 'to the "fortune" (which delight ... finally!) And we will try to book in place, what more 'we please. (the program so it may be susceptible to major changes). If not found, amen ... a nice "Canadian" (meaning ehhehhh tent ..) on a beach e.. Away .. "Cul Biotti" ... .. ahahhhhh!!
(I often say to Anita, here if you do not recover the "spirit of youth" (at least that, by golly, since for the rest .... ehehhhhh! nisba !!!.... we're screwed! Ohohhhhhhh!).
then depart Jan. 18 from Milan to Frankfurt by Lufthansa and will stop at the hotel to wait for the next day, the departure of the flight to Dubai / Kuala Lumpur. We preferred to Emirates, the good of the airline sceicconi the Gulf, which allows us, think at the price of the ticket, to stop in Dubai (return) and to visit this city '/ State, compared to everyone now 'eighth wonder of the world for imposing structures arising and other expanding ... in short, and 'the case that we will stop in Duckburg .. .. ahhh!
afresh from Dubai and after about 7 hours of flight, we arrive at Kuala Lumpur,
one of the bright and prosperous capital of the Asian financial investments, which, as we Europeans, if not worse, are licking the same "injury" in which we also visit some day.
(what we know, but I'll tell later)
joints cola ', already' tempts us the idea that being Kuala, a few degrees north of the equator, we finally take off our "covert" and begin to live in clothing summer. It seems that over there ', temperatures on bypass 30/33 23/25 degrees during the day and at night .. ... ehehhhh above zero!)
After the visit of the Malaysian capital, another flight will take us' to Langkawi, beautiful Malaysian island forever, that we should stay a few days (but here 's all to see and decide on the spot)
After their stay at Langkawi, we should take some sort of ferry (we read that but more like' a ' launches "fast, almost similar to those used by pirates who boarded the ships and sailing in the narrow strait of Malacca Strait, which divides the coast of Indonesia from Malaysia, land Koh Lipe, a beautiful small island shaped like a butterfly, (we discovered on Google Earth) but belonging 'to Thailand. Here
landing should take place almost at the level of Normandy, but on a lovely beach and when you're still with feet wet, you must present your passport, where a local police officer, put the stamp of entry, giving even welcome in the land Thai! Mah! Boh! We'll see .. to be verified.
This lovely island, we should take a few days of relaxation, like Robinson Crusoe (Anita, of course, 'already' trained to be my 'Friday' "ahahhhhh! On beaches, they say, ... ... ehehhhh talcum powder! ).
When we grow tired of Koh Lipe, calling into the sea (imagine .. .. I "Fantozzi" and Anita "Filini" with suitcases, beauty cases, trolley etc.. Etc.. That "watered down, between a ferry and another God forbid ... .. the only "Bianchina" the foretaste ... ... ... ehehhhh laughter) and reach the other beautiful island of Koh Lanta, which in turn is divided in Ko Lanta Noi (in Thai "We" means "small" and Ko Lanta Yai with huge beaches.
terms of exploration (.. so to speak) Ko Lanta, continue by boat to the fabled Phi Phi Islands (also the islands with beaches to dream ..)
On Phi Phi we planned to stay 3 / 4 days (mah!! Maybe more. ... Maybe we'll see)
Then, again by sea, we reach the peninsula / Region Krabi (south of the Thai)
After staying also in Krabi area, with a bus, get to Phuket.
in Phuket, as well as stay, we would like to take a trip on the fantastic Similan Archipelago in the Andaman Sea (... tell us they are really wild and the sea tsunami, not 'the most' quiet ... but this will talk)
In Phuket we should stay or surroundings, a few days and that means 'until the day of boarding a plane of Air Asia that will take us back' in Malaysia, to begin the sad way back, but not before 'to stage aa Dubai and stay about 4 days to visit the city / state, and, weather permitting, make a "detour" and in the Musandam Peninsula nell'inaccessibile sheikhdom of Fujairah on the Indian Ocean. So the final
Dubai - Frankfurt - Milan
So .. did you know, we go to these places for the first time, we do not know anything, we have "studied" all things to the table, and other info on the PC of a friend ... and if you have the patience to follow with our / future notes / diaries .. .. we are confident that we will keep you happy.
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January 25, 2009
Diario2 - Impressions and reality 'of the first stage .. Milan - Frankfurt - Dubai - Kuala Lumpur With cold and rain, we started on time with Lufthansa from Linate (a sti tedesconi. We must recognize the merits! ) and in less than an hour and 20 minutes we arrived in Frankfurt (the Alps, but we had to "stick" to the high chairs, because it "dancing" ... obviously ... the strong disturbance) and not to disprove yet, when you out ' huge and well-equipped airport "Frankfurt am Mein, (ragazzi.. so to speak, but with all due respect to our Malpensa ... .. it's ahahhhh shine your shoes!)
we did not Time to call the "shuttle" the hotel's already 'one approached and asked (his goodness in German .. azz! and I do not even smashed a comma) if I were Herr ... (when I said country, at least speak the language of Albion ... ehehhh! otherwise, we make a speech of the deaf, and then 'burst out laughing, and it' well synchronized in 15 minutes and he took us to Hotel.
of the 'later, well rested, and after a hearty breakfast of biscuits, jam, omelets, eggs, bacon, and sausage ... ... .. and it seemed that you could be missing .. we made back in the big airport, where confirms that at Linate, (and the rest of Italy?) seek to pay the connection Wi-fi waiting to leave here (and in almost all other airports in the world) you can communicate for free with your laptop and the time you need.
Right on time the plane and 'took off for Dubai.
now, and 'from the edge of this beautiful Boeing 777-300 of Emirates, which, after being served lunch (which was not bad, but the wine, made in Turkey .. gosh .. But ..) I risfoderato my nano-computerino and I'm writing this my thoughts (after all 6 hours of flight idle, but you must spend to .. or not? (now on board of various companies and you can safely use their computers (and I see that there are many who are using it) as well as handhelds games Youth electronics (Playstation etc.etc.) except for the takeoff and landing, not even the internet, but mobile phones, the no! (Apparently not been able yet to solve the interference factor, or, we think, must, to "make" the satellite on-board prices from sheiks ..?? Ehehehhhhhh! Mah!
We are sitting in comfortable seats, where we see a sufficient legroom. The plane and 'full and we think we are the only Italians on board (we believe that many Western passengers go to Dubai for work, as well as many "rich" Arabs) and beautiful very thoughtful hostess, to assist us with true professionalism. Moreover, thanks to a Portuguese steward, found to check-in in Frankfurt, who also spoke Italian, (so, "did not lose the use of language," he said) we asked for and obtained two seats and side window as I write, I throw the eye to the scenario that passes see below and left the peninsula of Crimea and the expanse of the Black Sea now that the speed of the aircraft, along with the locations, appears on the display 'of 1046 miles per hour! We fly to 11,000 feet high and out there 'a temperature of 56 degrees below zero! Now ... cases appears Trabzon (Trebizond the legendary ... for those who lost) and then the Black Sea we have already 'passed and we are on Turkey. There are still about 2 hours and 30 minutes to Dubai, where we expect to land at 23 local time (20 in Italy) and
The journey continues ... for now ... well.
Close, also because 'we are serving the "delicatessen" and re-open' on the plane that will take us' to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.
with us ... and ... but also by all the "guests" of this .. Boeing ... ehehhhh!!
a "great" and it should say "high" ... embrace the 11,000 meters in the sky of Turkey, sorry ... ... .. we are already 'flying over Iraq ... .. azz! Stringiamoci ... .. "Something" ... ahahhhh .... I hope that "those stars and stripes 'down there' is not the desire to do the shooting ... .. ehehhhhhhh pigeon!
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Dubai, namely, the closest '.. of Scrooge, we have not yet visited,' cause we will return, but already 'l' Airport says a lot about the vocation they have here.
Flying at night, the wealthy Gulf Emirates, you think that the sky is passed below the plane, with the many lights that sparkle in the distance, in the pitch dark, in the case of the hundreds (or thousands?) Of oil wells that pump gold black, then coming with flying low over the coast, a vast area of \u200b\u200bordered lights (both of them, the bill does not pay) city lights, streets and neighborhoods "open"
When he finally enters the mega-galactic Dubai Airport and 'the apotheosis color, shops, psychedelic lights, advertising 'that invades.
Nevertheless, it appears that "the Emir" is starting to have some difficulty 'to reach the last day of the "fourth week" (he also !?!?!?... the wretched ... I can not believe ... ahahhhhhhh !) (see article in "La Repubblica" on 19 January).
It is rumored that in one day has lost something like 484 million dollars ... but it still has more of .. .. 35 billion dollars ... ... .. azz!
Anyways' ... but the trip back. We therefore divided
to Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) on board an A330, III & IV (and we thought that it went in those parts few).
This flight takes 6 hours and 50 'was characterized by strong DISTURBANCES, especially coming on the Strait of Malacca, with a violent turbulence that the plane was submitted (we were flying over the area of \u200b\u200bthe monsoon and tsunami) and sudden, as fearful, air pockets, so that many passengers (including Anita) have had to resort to the "envelope". (Admittedly, however, that the .. so-called "winks" on certain occasions, inevitably goes through your mind .. but then, comfort you, telling you ... .. and 'fate ... in the meantime you're feeling a bit' ... wet. .. ehehhhhh)
Land in Kuala, with 32 degree weather (in January!) a little ... Stanchini, we took a taxi (if you do not know the airport 'at about 75 km from the city') and we had accompanied to the hotel where we are .. .. literally collapsed from sleep ... ..
This morning we are in perfect shape and in these 3 days. We will visit the cities' and then back in flight to the island of Langkawi. ... (as per our / program) located right in the Strait of Malacca ... .. but this one ... tell you about a few weeks. ... after being "sprawled "while relaxing on a soft tropical beach.
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Diary 3 - Kuala Lumpur - Langkawi (Malaysia) - Koh Lipe (Thailand) Three days of intense visit, we like and that means' elevated monorail that runs through a good chunk of the city, in practice their subway that travels about 40 meters high (and perhaps' ugly, but it 'funzionalissimo, which is cheap and ... view !!!), public bus, taxi (which cost as little) but mostly a.. feet, made us discover the warm hospitality 'of the Malays and their capital, while not boasting of famous temples, such as Cambodians, Burmese or Thai, has created the "temples" as the modern twin towers, better known as Petronas'
two imposing buildings of concrete and steel steel, no less than 452 meters in height (yes. ... no expense spared) and 'the case to say .. .. the power of oil, in fact they were made by the company' Malaysian state oil, the " Petronas, in fact, in practice our ENI, and whose floors are occupied by offices, these two towers were until recently the tallest tower 'highest in the world, (beat first hour from Dubai, which seems to exceed 800 meters high) on which we wanted to climb (the ticket and 'free, but registration required) from this city to contemplate' fullest and especially a lot of other skyscrapers, lots of green and that there 'seemed to have been built in a jungle.
Malaysia, it grows between 3 and 7 ° N latitude, with a musket from 'Equator and the vegetation and' so lush and varied approaches that note ... .. the jungle.
We visited the National Museum Negara, history of habits and behavior of the Malaysian people and at night the bustling district of distinctive and "China Town". In this period and for two weeks the Chinese New Year is celebrated around the neighborhood ... and in fact, 'been a real bottle of odors, perfume (and also smells!) Gas barbecues, stalls .. in short, everything and more' . A spree indescribable .... With such a long procession led by the famous Chinese dragon , Several meters long which was waved in right and left in all the streets and we joined the procession which we, filming and photographing the various choreographies .... And say a little .. This year we also made two New Year's ... well ehehhhh! But this time ... missed the turkey !!!!!
We also went to attend a wonderful event with music and dance in costume represented by the various states comprising the Federation of Malaysia.
We admired and appreciated in particular the songs and customs of the natives of Sabah and Sarawak regions of the still mysterious and wild Borneo today (who deserves a nice trip ... we'll see ad hoc)
(Click here
dances to see some of Borneo and the festivities of Chinese New Year in Kuala Lumpur)
We have not seen "the old Indian temple" an ancient temple where she goes to pray to the community in India '(Malaysia and' mainly consists of Malay, Islamic, but there are 2 large community, the Chinese and Indian as well as Vietnamese, Cambodian, Japanese, Indonesian etc. etc. in short, a melting pot of races and religions that until now, apparently living in apparent harmony, (but taxi drivers during the various movements of the various ethnic groups, some of our information (most 'know that much about life in a kaleidoscope of people), spoke ill of others, even David, a Malay Christian (which are few here) railed against the Prime Minister and another Chinese taxi driver, had it in for Muslims all over the world ... and 'country.
dawn of the third day, we left the Dynasty Hotel and we had accompanied to the airport LCCC (Kuala it has 2, and the other 'the KLIA, that' the main one) to board the flight for Air Asia the island of Langkawi. Waiting for take-off taking advantage of Wi-Fi, using the ns / pc, we made a reservation on the fly for a Thai hotel on the island of Koh Lipe, that within 10 minutes gave us the confirmation. Marvel of technology.
We are therefore regularly taken off the island, (not before having filed in a "Storage" of the airport, all the heavy winter clothing, which amounted to about 10 kg to recover in a month or so, returning from Thailand)
landing after about an hour on this lush island, we went to the local tourist office to ask of available hotels (here we had a reservation) and with great surprise .. the hotel on the island were nearly all filled.
The reason was just the Chinese New Year, whose citizens go on vacation for nearly two weeks on this island of Langkawi. Ah, ah, ah ... we were told.
We were almost ready to think that the ns / prophecy sleep on the beach under a Canadian could come true, when the nice lady in the tourist, tells us that the rooms were free, and only 3 for 3 days. to the Berjaya Beach Resort & Hotels (along with Mutiara, one of the most 'exclusive island) of course we said OK.
Half an hour later we were "sacrificing" (forced eh, we had no choice!) In the shower of Berjaya. (By taxi I told Anita to get ready to go in to wash the kitchen ... ... .... To pay the "bill" .... Ehehhhhh!)
The island of Langkawi and 'considered "free port" and we were told that within the "duty free" you could buy a lot of technology products at competitive prices. It 's not true at all! The products are, for the more 'dated' but they cost more than buying them in Italy. (Also in Dubai, 'the same thing and now, with so-called globalization is not' so 'convenient to buy in Asian capitals). When I pointed to some seller that the product in Italy, it was cheaper, clutching his back and to justify I replied that in Italy, on those products there are many taxes that heresy ... azz ... .. not imagine that we are the country more 'ill-treated ... In a "free port" which costs more' that we ... Mah!!
Beyond 'of this, the beauty of the beaches of Langkawi and there has not wowed suggest spending a long vacation. E 'on it only for those who (like us) want to reach the islands of southern Thailand (Koh Lipe) without passing through Bangkok and that' more 'distant.
Once the 3 days at Berjaya, (great resort, plenty of green, always mo 'of the jungle, with lots of monkeys that if you leave the door open you would find in the room), made the ticket for the voyage on the boat fast, we made to accompany Thelaga Harbour to go to Thailand. Without the Malaysian customs, we boarded, along with 16 others, (English, German, Swedish, and a Frenchman) on this "motoscafone" about 15 meters, with four engines with a monstrous power (over 900 horses = 4x225). As soon as a crew on board has ordered everyone to wear a life jacket. ... Azz! I thought .. want to see that here this morning, the sea of \u200b\u200bthe Strait of Malacca, and is' "up 'a bit rough and will make us' see the green ... mice??
I had never thought ... rounded the headland and just beginning to move away from the coast, the sea had enough "frothy" with ondazze so 'formed by putting "thoughts" and, moreover, the pilot of the boat, instead of continuing to speed ' moderate, has seen fit to unleash the full power of 900 horses on board ... just imagine .. we held a miracle, splashing water ... but I say ... ... buckets of water coming from the side ... in front ... I looked at Anita and I saw more and more 'wet .. the boat that simply flew over the waves with big bulging .. all of us who were trying to shelter and video cameras .. (hoping for the skin you think someone else .. ehehhh!) and the pilot, unable keep your eyes open for so much water that reached him .. has seen fit not to slow down ... .. but to make us laugh .. putting the motorcycle helmet complete with visor down (Sic!) A scene that is tragic and 'turned into a comedy ... because, given the unprecedented speed' that he, with that insisted on keeping the sea, for the continuous jolts, the wretched hit your head on under the hood . To let you all soon .. in the midst of understandable concern, but also to loud laughter ... better that way '.. and rough seas, in less than 50 minutes (well 35 miles), all wet, we were finally in Thailand, away in the enchanting bay of Pattaya the beautiful island of Koh Lipe. (We all thought the pilot .. that morning, had done "a pear." Mah! (We were told that the trip normally lasted one hour and 15! )
we approached the shore, we expected that at least Koh Lipe had chess .. '... .. a marina a dock .. a trunk in the water ... to facilitate the landing. ... macaroni '.. Koh Lipe to go down .. like those have landed in Normandy ... ... yes, you read well ... just like that .. you should throw in about 40 cm of water and reach the water's edge ... but not 'over .... no one takes you to pack and you have just unloaded from the shoulders .... .... In Koh Lipe you arrive (and party) in this way. So if today you really want a holiday in a beautiful island (Koh Lipe and with its vast archipelago, the e ') not yet "attacked" by the tourism mass .. well! some "inconveniences" you must take into account.
But it's really worth, and this island 'in the early days of tourism (until?), In fact it has no' cars, motorcycles and a few bikes .. it just 'cause there are no roads!! But there are only 3 major breathtaking beaches (Pattaya, Sunrise and Sunset) talcum powder sand and turquoise water. We eat on the beach (yes, the evening the tables on the sand unit) and eat almost exclusively. ... Fish! Lobsters, squid, skipjack from the barracuda to sneepers barbecued ... all and all for less than 10 € each!! ... Just the vacation that you dream ... or not? Now after 3
days spent on this enchanting island, beneath a sunny mid-August (yesterday scored less than 35 degrees here!) more water that 'there is no warm', tropical beaches of powder-white sand almost ... ... we means. . ... browned. (we had to cream, with a factor of 35 to 50), we are going to make some pleasant excursion in the archipelago with the characteristic long tail of Asia.
(Ah.. Forgot to mention that here, on the basis of our and / or program, we had to stay there only 3 / 4 days. ... Well .. I'm already 'become 6 and lengthen ... who knows ... maybe we'll see ... Boh!)
But
... and now 'to the rest later ... when we pleasantly life ... ...
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Diario4 - from island to island from Koh Lipe - Koh Lanta - Phi Phi Islands ... in the warm Andaman Sea .. After six intense days, pleasantly lived in nature, we dare say, almost primordial island of Koh Lipe, (but then, unfortunately, begins flowing tourism ...) between endless bathrooms warm, clear waters in contexts from ... board, snorkel over coral reefs rich with marine life, some underwater video, packed lunches on fabulous beaches as on the stunning Koh Rawi and Danang, on which we made some wonderful trips and where we learned about a small community 'of "sea gypsies", also called "Moken" in Burmese, and "Chaw lay" in Thai, nomads and animist / fetish (love the totem) that inhabit the various islands of the Tarutao and the group is said to come from, today from the still mysterious and inaccessible, an archipelago of Myeik Myanmar,
includes over 800 islands located south of Burma (now Myanmar) in the Andaman Sea.
E 'then is time to say goodbye to Koh Lipe and take the sea route to the island of Koh Lanta in three hours of fast sailing Sea Tsunami .. in the northwest.
We can not yet make comparisons with other realities' in Thailand, because 'this is the first island we visit, they' do it with other travel in different contexts, but some reflections on what we've seen so far, we can anticipate them.
The citizens of this island, more 'facial features to neighboring Malaysia, having discovered that there' to make money with tourism, will give a great deal to do in building (alas!) New resort, starting to spoil the 'island (there are not much for the thin and the state and' present only two military gunboats off .. sob !!!!) with prices for rooms "comfortable" on average more 'expensive compared to most islands 'exploited and the standard Thai.
(Let it be clear, there are also rooms from 30 € per night and even less. (Sic!) .. But for those looking for a holiday "Decent" and have some "comfort" in piu ', should be avoided. (At least for us).
The cost of lunch and 'really ridiculous, from 8 to 10 euro per person for grilled fish .. calamari, mussels, vongoloni
, (as well as lobsters, spider crab ... .. very good and full of crab meat, stews and main , which we have plenty
and fed daily, always asking them not to "paint" the fish on the grill with their spices a bit '..
spicy), served with baked potatoes and / or rice, another local product that and us' and liked 'was the "vegetable tempura, cooked vegetables in
practice in batter or wet (looks a bit' to ns / soup, but very tasty) prices in almost constant
all restaurants (even in this area, whole families (ex - fishermen, we assume), have "invented"
restaurateurs and equip tables on the long beach of Pattaya and at night it becomes almost the main artery of 'island (that we traveled
barefoot for 24 hours for 6 consecutive days ... that Goduria !!!... but that pain, when we put the
ehehhhh .. .. shoes!) with large grids made of cans cut in half '. Three months ago they paved .. sorry ... cemented
(width about 3 meters) the "path" of sand that connected the three beaches with shops on either side ... so to speak .. some ,
hovels still used to shopping ... but .. almost all being renovated.
The "shop" more 'on the island?? Diving and Internet Point 3 BHT per minute, that 'Bht 180 per hour, and almost 4euro
means, if you're using a PC, you only pay little more' than I was 2) and Federica
Milko, a very nice couple ; Piacenza friends who come from more 'years and ethnic items imported from Thailand, we have reported that this year, this country, has accused 30 to 50% travel less, because of the global crisis.
For those who want more information where to stay, we have chosen Bundhaya Beach Resort in Pattaya, nice bungalows with small garden, a few meters from the beach, at 90 € per night with full breakfast included.
Well, now it is restarted. The only problem .. or if you want the most 'random, and' due to the state of the sea.
Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe is over 100 nautical miles, (pretty much '182 km) in the Andaman Sea perilous, and it takes longer to get there' .. 3 hours of navigation on a similar "fireball" water from 700 or 900 horses ... power that reaches speeds
'simply monstrous (and security ???.. But here .. this and' secondary ...)
it must rely on luck to find the sea quite calm ... ... which in our opinion, and it ' rarely. After greeting a very nice
couple of friends in Milan, met on the island, Richard and Patricia, with whom we have spent together, days and excursions on foot and roam the island, we walked barefoot along the beach, plus fours, bags on shoulders immersed up to his knees to get on the long tail that has led us on a platform at sea, where then transshipped on the "fireball", because of the low tide.
For the state of the sea, we were lucky in the middle '. In the first hour of sailing, the sea has created some problems for some passengers
(especially a girl) who have used the famous "envelope" (Anita this vote was in dazzling form
ehheeheh .. .. and after you think ... different days relaxing on an island dream ... with "no-nonchalance and sea incacchiato" she
ahahhhhh !!!!), listening to music ... but after about 35/40 miles, past the island Koh bolt, the wind and 'was gradually attenuated
and navigation' continued pretty quiet ..
000,000 ------- -------
At this time, to spend more 'fast shipping time, while the "splinter" row
to almost 40 knots, (it would seem that there are only the propellers in the water ... wow!) on a sea that, in the meantime, and 'became oil, I turned on my
computerino to write some impressioni.A are about 18 passengers on board, of which six Italians, but just us as a couple, the others, all men alone. (As you know, Thailand and 'a favorite of our compatriots, above all "single").
Now the boat approached on a beautiful beach of Koh Muk to drop a couple of English .. that is clear .... It will always mo 'landing in Normandy. ... So' and '.... continue the navigation ... now approaching a long tail of the island of Koh Ngai (very nice too) in order to bring more tourists .. .. well you have understood that this boat is also a bit 'by' bus. "
Now I turn and we will feel after Koh Lanta Koh Lanta ...
Once in the harbor of this island, we soon realized that the music had changed and the crowds of tourists who disembarked from the various ferries ... we confirmed that we were in front of the so-called mass tourism (although Koh Lanta island is considered
quiet and not 'preferred by the Italians).
As we travel without reservations, we have noted, among the many signs of hotels, which swayed by way 'pallet, in the hands of a myriad of people to "take" tourists, Lanta Nice Beach Resort, a newlywed couple
Italian Stefano and Daniela di Riccione, we had recommended as an excellent resort for value for 'money, that "little man", happy to bring to his boss, new customers, "no booking", made us get up Toyota
a comfortable and took us to the reception at about 25 km from the port of Long Beach on the beach ... ah .. forgot, in Thai, many locals' have a beach that is called "Long Beach ... in fact could not be otherwise ... the beaches are really long sometimes hundreds of meters .. ehehhh!)
Having "snatched" a good price for 3 days, choosing a nice bungalow right on the beach with all services including, internet room and well on the beach and even free breakfast included, we also rented a scooter (a little more 'than 5 € per day) and we set to explore the island.
Koh Lanta and' island where priority is given to a family holidays, pretty quiet with an abundance of good deals
Resort at very competitive prices. What makes the difference and 'lack of depth and beauty of the sand more' dark this long and wide beach.
is not very attractive if not a pseudo national park in the south of the island that we visited
and that has nothing special. Three days are more 'than enough to visit it, but' in Ko Kay Restaurant eats really well and the Bar-Restaurant "The Monaco" (run by a friendly German who claims to make the best Italian food ... gosh .. . there is no 'more' religion ... ehehhhh) drink a good espresso.
finished, we went to Phi Phi Islands considered here (after Phuket) in Thailand to Ibiza. After the tsunami four years ago which destroyed and caused about 3000 casualties, and 'was entirely rebuilt, and we are told, almost "disfigured" or, if you will, "devastated by the tsunami re-construction."
In practice, a "chaos" indescribable tourists and new hotels.
We then sought on the basis of appropriate information, go to find accommodation in hotels of the "Long Beach",
without doubt the most 'beautiful and accessible beach of Phi Phi, but especially the area more' quiet, away from the deafening " noise "in nightclubs and bars at full volume. In the evening, in fact, if you want to go downtown to Phi Phi, you must take the boat. Maybe romantic, but also a bit 'scomodino. Initially we were
all'Andaman Beach Resort for three days (good hotel, but lacking in ns / notice of certain services), and then we moved directly on the beautiful beach of Paradise Pearl Resort, where we occupied a
beautiful bungalow in front sea.
The prices for food, in Phi Phi are almost twice as Ko Lipe and Ko Lanta, but there 'a greater variety'.
There are also several excursions to the islands' close and since we have reached ns / Milanese friends Richard and Patricia, we booked a long tail to ourselves, to accompany us on the various islands off the coast of Phi Phi.
We have reached the now famous May Bay beach on the small Phi Phi, where Leonardo DiCaprio filmed.
beach, water and scenery from 7 star, but an indescribable mess of boats, barges and tourists, plus where to put your footprints on the soft sand, you have to open the purse ... .. because it 's a "Park" (true mess!) and from which, after getting off, paid and took some photos, we told the Bee good, our boatman, put off the bow quell'affollamento and bring us a good backdrop where you can make video recordings diving. Bee did not betray the expectations and we have admired for about 3 hours, full of bottom fish and filmed for about an hour. At 17 we came back.
up early tomorrow for another trip to "Bamboo Island, another island, we are told with so many exceptional highly transparent waters, hoping to shoot underwater for something more 'interesting.
It 's late ... a warm hug to all and a good night .. from Thailand. Michael & Anita
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Diario5 - Phi Phi, Phuket and the fantastic Similan Archipelago Our stay at Phi Phi Don and is' continued for several days, staying at Paradise Pearl Resort, an excellent hotel with bungalows in the countryside and sea views on the beautiful beach of Long Beach.
In truth ', On arrival, our intention 'was to go back again to the south, the archipelago of Tarutao, but considering that we visited Thailand for the first time, it seemed more' right to stay and visit other islands and beaches around, accomplice, not only the fact that our two friends back to Milan, Richard and Patricia, with whom we spent wonderful days of hiking in Koh Lipe, it had now reached, and that, unfortunately for them, being bound by rigid booking made and paid in Italy could not leave, but know that while our long holiday tour about a month and a half, we had planned well 3 if not 4 countries (Malaysia - Thailand, Dubai and likely, but not sure, extension in Oman) was necessary for us more rest.
Being free of reservations and also traveling "at will" were in the right 'to change the route, preferring to opt for the archipelago of the Similan National Park, sacrificing Krabi, a region we visit next time.
with his friend Richard, a great lover of the sea, in planning some excursions, we focused on waters rich in fish, to see the good snorkeling and diving to capture some images of important species. In reality 'we have seen and even tried to shoot some eels in their habitat and other wildlife, but the sea is a bit 'rough and consequently not excellent water clarity, has allowed us to be partially satisfied.
Tomorrow, after saying goodbye to Ric and Pat falling in Italy, will depart from Long Beach to get, see (and, we suggest, possibly to escape ..) Phuket, or rather, since we already have so many 'and explained that 'equal, if not worse than Phi Phi, with its chaos, and' very likely that we will choose some local 'more' to the north, such as Khao Lak and the surrounding area, (for now we do not know) as a temporary stop, but more importantly, what the departure terminal and arriving at the Similan archipelago before returning back to Phuket to visit 2 days and embark on the flight to Malaysia.
After the stay, we would like to make some reflection for those who wish to visit Phi Phi Islands. The two islands have 3 beautiful beaches, Maya Bay, (Le) Long Beach and Monkey, the one where there are monkeys .. (by Don).
Phi Phi, 'Centre' and 'instead (we do not want to be ungenerous) a place characterized by narrow streets, not at all clean, super-crowded with tourists, clubs or bars with decibels paddle into the night, which drains often give off unhealthy miasma and move freely in an excessive number of stray cats (as in all of Thailand) that the law of compensation, say, hiding as many well-fed sewer rats .. ehehhh !!!), which cats, not simply having to hunt down the enemy preferred, occasionally, round, jumping on the tables of restaurants and naughty, eating and drinking pasciutamente dishes exposed ... then, perhaps inadvertently be well served to .. ehehhhh tourists!) (all seen with our engineers. eyes).
The restaurant where, again ns / alert, eat better and 'the Ton Sai.
If however you want to visit the Phi Phi and 'preferred to stay, away from the so-called "Centro" or capital, better still, in Long Beach, where there is a beautiful beach and great Resort. The only difficulty 'and' what the evening, if you want to go the "rub" in the Centre, you must use the longtail.
This morning, at the end of breakfast, after we had sleeveless risalutare Ric and Pat for the ferry which was passing off in the direction of Krabi we took from the port to accompany us also at a time of Phuket, but definitely without a clear idea of \u200b\u200bwhere go.
(or even 2 hours on the internet, spent waiting for the ferry helped us to choose where and what to do)
(provided that this time we chose to travel without the Lonely Planet, the so-called bibles of travelers, so we must make do to ask and to use much internet .. and until now, we have not had any problems and we think we have not even in ... followed in other states)
Once in Phuket, we chose a solution previously thought and detail while browsing.
We had to be accompanied by a taxi at the bus station and took a bus, with air conditioning to Tap Lamu, location 'to over 100 km north of Phuket and the port where there are excursions to the Similan, we reached after 2 hours (fare = 90 Bht almost € 2 (This is the best way we think and what we preferred to travel around the world, where it has the chance 'also to socialize with the locals, see, speak, understand. (Think about that on our bus that makes the line every day Phuket - Bangkok (more ' 800 km) to the various stops, rose women selling a few baht, dall'ananas mango papaya, fresh, already 'peeled, only to eat, and more)
At the junction of Tap Lamu, we are declined to take a taxi to take us to the port .. 5 km away. With the bags below, so we asked a passerby where we could find a taxi and he calmly, a simple hand gesture, he did get two motorcycles, led by a man and a woman. 2 / 2
arrival of these "public" for the truth, 'a little' embarrassed, we tried to make him understand that we, more than 'two suitcases full-bodied, more' Anita's purse, more 'my bag with tools, video cameras, perhaps finds it difficult' to carry us well in the 5 km, these two "atypical" means .. "No problem" she told us, here and 'normal and then there' s just this, take it or leave it, and then actually believe that there were no other alternatives, with a little 'hard work, Anita took place on the seat behind the Madam, your bags are loaded ready-to 'better in the arms of the wires (sic!), I straddled behind the other (it seemed to go on the donkey, his feet dangling) with shoulder bags, After a few sbandatella to start, we finally started with Anita that he laughed and I told her that fucked up ... if you see us ... as we are reduced ahahhhhhh ..! (Not even admit that there young ... 'happened) Pero' want to put the fun ... .. ehehhhh at sixty!
Once in Tap Lamu "harbor" and let us escape before you pay what we offered the transport market, I asked the two "motorcycle taxi" to wait around to ask if there are hotels where to stay. Yes, I answered a distinguished gentleman who I was facing, here you can 'just to stay in barracks .... How? I replied, thinking he had got it right. Yes, I countered the guy, and since here ' an area of \u200b\u200bthe Thai Navy, the station provides excellent air-conditioned apartments, mainly used by military families themselves about 600 baht per night (that 'a little more' than 13 euro per night per apartment! !) Azz! I thought this trip as well as pleasant and 'also full of surprises guests at the barracks as well ..) Well, I said, we look at the apartments (Anita sly nod and began to intrigue more and more')
We present ourselves to this huge and well-kept barracks, where there is a meeting of military service (say the officer of the guard, with others, with the band with the inscription MP (military Police) on the arm, which opens us and accompany us to see the flats .. Large, well actually four rooms on two floors, great, parquet floor, clean, well maintained and all facilities, hot shower, air conditioning, bathroom with separate shower and very large. Wow
say, let's orderly room ... to pay ehehhhh! Said and done! (They even wanted to see passports, but tell us that breakfast is not 'included, (goodness' .. with their € 13 breakfast .. we wanted too ..) but we can go to the bar, them' close, consume)
And tomorrow we sail to the Similan ....
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Similan Archipelago We got up at 7 am, made breakfast (came free with the tour operator of travel), at 9 o'clock we sailed with 2 racing cars of the sea and with a deluge of tourists that have since arrived from Phuket and other places, getting up at 5. About an hour journey by sea is not just quiet.
Archipelago and 'made up of nine islands which also have a name, but not here to complicate your life, have very prosaically numbered. 1 to 9. The point
1, 2 and 3 is not 'possible to visit during this period (January, February)' cause every night the turtles return to lay their eggs.
First stop for snorkeling, and island No 4, sea slightly moved bolide and that made us fall in water not quite low (8 to 15 meters). 45 minutes of snorkeling without any of about 35 tourists, has seen nothing important .. for example .. turtles, sharks, moray eels, barracuda, etc.. etc.. only fish of small and medium size (though we were assured before the departure that it was impossible not to see them. ... maybe the union had held strike ahahhhhh fish!!
off again for lunch on a beach far from postcard ... sand and talcum powder from white to turquoise waters. At least one above the water does not disappoint. Let's say we have done an excellent lunch. At 14, 30, you depart for the second and final No. 7 on the island snorkeling, sea always moved , high waters and large fish .. always strike. We leave to land on the island n.8 (the island with its characteristic large boulder balanced on a rock at the top, and 'was adopted as a symbol of Similan. Last tub on the beach and this other fabulous 15.45 we took the way back.
Moral: those who go to the Similan filming underwater encounters significant, it must just be lucky, but those who want to see outstanding water, sand and powder .. breathtaking beaches, there will be 'disappointed.
Tonight, last night in the barracks ... .... ehehhhh! and tomorrow, return to Phuket to spend his last days in Thai land. Where are we going to stay? As usual, we do not know, but as always it will decide by way or on arrival.
(By the way ... already 'know that tomorrow morning, here at Tap Lamu, we reingaggiare a 2 "sciammannati! With scooters which use to take a taxi to get us back to accompany Fantozzi, at the junction of the" main road "the main road, where he passed the bus from Bangkok .. but the fact is' we do not know the transit times of the bus ... .... we hope to not have to wait several hours on the street corner as they do regularly see the locals ... cmq never despair ... ... ... .. even smile. and all 'holiday .. and what a nice vacation)
(.... On the Internet ... we always read that in Italy the heat late in coming ... we hope to bring us in early March. ... ..)
A warm hug to all and good night. ... Thailand ...
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Diario6 (last) - Phuket (Thailand) to Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) Dubai home. The departure from Tap Lamu in the direction of the "main road", the main road to catch the bus and get to Phuket, contrary arrival made "motorcycle taxi", we carried out with a luxury pickup, free messoci available by the excellent and more 'old company Thailand, the MedSye, with which we went to Similan. Maybe they wanted to reward our courage to venture there alone and have reached this remote place ', without being entrusted to specialized agencies or tour operators normally .. how did all ... mah! Valleys to understand .... The fact remains that have been especially kind.
Anyways' ... .. took the bus coming from Bangkok, after having bought on board, fresh mango and pineapple and have integrated the breakfast (although with an unexpected spicy base, due to the fact that the envelope of large fruit, There was an envelope with powder inside a light brown color, similar to sugar cane Anita Veva also tasted before spreading it on a piece of fruit purchased. ... well, sti ... damn ... the bottom of the bag were mixed with the sugar a little 'hot pepper (I'll shove .. everywhere! azz!) and we leave you to imagine that we were ... uhaooooooo mouths!! to end ... besides the fruit, we also have to drink like camels ... .. ah! ah! ha!).
Along the way, so we decided to go and spend the last 3 days (since too many!) Kata Beach (all, considered one of the best beaches in Phuket .. sic! Not that it is broad, People who like that kind of beach, in some ways, even better, but we confirmed that some parts of Thailand so battered by mass tourism (and those Italians ... .. a sea seemed to be on the Adriatic Coast ehehhhh! think, we met pairs of Italian pensioners over 70 years 'coming to Phuket for 16 years) for us who prefer a kind of vacation traveling, we find it hard to adapt). There were in fact reserved for Phuket, just 3 days, synchronized with the departure of the plane to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and coincident with that for Dubai.
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We arrived in Dubai at 3, 30 at night and having done the usual "booking" for a hotel, the airport of Kuala Lumpur, before embarking on arrival we were pleasantly surprised to find the hotel to wait for a luxury car (with the Lord trumpeting an exit sign with our names .., wow, I joked with Anita, want to see that here we also welcome with the town band ... eh! eh! eh! However, that organization!
In less than a quarter of an hour, we arrived at the hotel and after a few formalities 'at the reception desk, a few minutes later, we were already' in the arms of Morpheus .
Dubai today ... It 's impossible to tell WHAT' Dubai today. that we had visited, very briefly, more than 15 years ago, we have not recognized to .. start by the imposing international airport.
's true. Here the crisis, apparently, does not seem to exist, to observe how many countless buildings and construction cranes still stand in the sky of Dubai and we have seen many jobs go ahead. From
expensive underground monorail that extends for tens of kilometers and is expected to be completed in 2015, the skyscraper more 'top of the world "Burj al Dubai" of 800 meters in height, unfinished in the outer finishing, but already 'arrived at the final ... the huge new Mall of Dubai "(opened a few days ago) a colossal shopping mall that has already' beaten rebound, the other known and great "Mall of the Emirates" simply unimaginable in Europe and I think even in America. There have, however, 'said all the projects already' funded by hundreds of billions of U.S. Dollars, will (or should be taken) to completion because 'there would be money.
The crisis is seen instead, apartments and villas nabobs, already 'built, for example in the famous "Palm Jumerija of" the artificial peninsula built on the sea, shaped like palm trees. This wonder where they built houses from 5 to 20 million dollars, sold to players and captains around the world now find difficulty 'to sell the remainder, but the fact is 'that the person who bought at these prices, is now half the assets, because' prices have slumped by 50%. (Azz! But they are always so many!)
In fact, the more crazy plans to build even the "Earth" (in a form, would be seen only from space) in the sea, 4 km from the mainland in the Gulf Persico, formed by hundreds of islands that would have sold more than $ 100 million each, now seems to be finding the greatest difficulty 'for continuation.
(but already 'have made it much!)
All the above information, together with a decrease of over 30% of tourism is causing the Biblical return home of the poor workers to 300 Dirhams (think 70 euro per month) of Pakistani, Indian, Bangladesh, Philippines .. a real tragedy for these poor wretches who are treated badly here, too, must also give money to those poor in his country will not have a real tragedy .. 'cause the first victims of the crisis are always the most' weak .. as in all the world ..
Now the annual revenue of the Government of Dubai, 'formed only by 7% from oil (Dubai wells are being phased out, while Abu Dhabi, occupying almost 70% of the territory of the United Arab Emirates, pump more gold black)
Precisely for this reason, the sheiks of Dubai, has diversified its oil revenues, pointing sugl'investimenti capital, real estate, tourism and trade taxes and without a standard of super luxury. (They plan another 30 hotels to 5 star!)
In these 4 days in this paradise for shopping, we visited a lot of things and we think that even if there 'crisis, this city' and 'to visit at least once if you want to see things never seen before ....
We also did the sea, the beach fee of Jumerijah Beach, which at this time in February, has a nice water, even if a little 'chilly, while the air temperature is closer to 25/26 degrees.
Beyond 'of some particular' typical Islamic (such as For example, the apartheid that there 'on public transport between men and women (one in front, separated from the men behind) or severe enough to ban the use of cameras on the beach, the rest does not seem to live in a country Arabic.
Now our vacation is coming near the end .. tired but happy, although I made friends with the Vietnamese, Saudi Arabia, Malay, Thai, the Japanese, Yemen, and many others who do not remember now.
hug you all and see you next trip ... ..
Anita & Michele
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here to see a brief presentation of the trip.
Culture . The term has Latin etymology, and then, a long history. Coleraine, agriculture farming, but also to honor, pay tribute a deity. The first to guess the use that would make was the modern Cicero: "A field can be fertile as you want - write in Tuscolane II, 13 - but if it is grown does not bear fruit: and the same soul, if not to educate you. " Quasi-religious idea of \u200b\u200bintellectual self-care, which would have penetrated to the point where the imagery and language from the West indicate that they do not mean everything and nothing. From cultural anthropology, sociology of culture, the most recent cultural studies, to use the generic term to define any activity deemed worth edifying. Despite the ancient origin, in Actually, the first to speak of culture in the modern sense was the poet Matthew Arnold in early nineteenth century, and the first to codify the critical sense was, in 1870 the British anthropologist Edward Taylor. What is the reason, then, a fortune so sudden and new? 
