The Final Blog

Sorry I couldn't do my regular update late yesterday - it's been kinda a crazy 48 hours. Yesterday was packed full of meetings. We started at Far East Advertising DDB (which is an Omnicom company) and learned how to advertise to the Asian culture. We really just watched a lot of commercials. Kinda cool but we didn't get s ton of content.

Our afternoon meeting was with the Kenan Institute that is funded by the U.S. They prove aid and support in disasters (ie the Tsunami) and teach areas with poverty about business and how to make money.

No real super fantastic pictures of either of those, not really pic worthy.

Last night was a crazy night out. We took over a Karaoke bar and just had some old school club. We then went to a crazy dance club. Way different then from clubs in the states. They had a mini concert going on, so we got some Asian Jay Z and BEP. We all let loose....it's been a long trip...no pictures for that either ;)

Today we went to the Thailand Stock Exchange. Kinda interesting stuff. We did get to go onto their Money TV set and pretend we were on TV...



We then went to see Jim Thompson's house. Jim is known for revolutionizing the silk industry back in the mid 1900. He was a US citizen that feel in love with Thailand when he was stationed here with the CIA. He came back after he finished with the CIA and is responsible for our thoughts on silk today. He saw Thai people making it, knew it was amazing, and wanted other people to experience it to. He introduced silk to Vogue magazine, the Queen, and made it famous through putting it in movies. He disappeared mysteriously in the 60's while on vacation in Malaysia. No one knows what happened to him. He was way to skilled to just be lost in the woods....people speculate that he was either kidnapped or eaten by a Tiger. His house is now a museum.






So that's it. That is all I've got. This is my last blog. Thanks so much for coming along for the ride. I loved and appreciated your comments along the way. This truly has been an adventure of a lifetime.

It is currently 530pm on Friday in Bagkok and 430am on Friday in Chicago. We leave for the airport in just under 12 hours. I have a 6 hour flight to Tokyo and then a few hour layover before I have another 11 hour flight back to Chitown. Its a few hours less than the horrible flight here since our first stage is longer.

Pending everything is on time, I land back in Chicago around 230 pm on Saturday. I leave here at 4am on Saturday....so this will likely be the longest Saturday of my life....lasting somewhere around 36 hours with the time change.

I'm going to make limited phone calls when I return. I will be in desperate need of some R&R and I haven't been alone in 15 days. Im sure I'll get s chance to talk to everyone Sunday or early next week

Love you all!


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Location:Far East Advertising, Kenan Institute, Shennanegans, Jim Thompson

Super Tourist

Yesterday ay backpackers paradise was fun and interesting. We took a tuk tuk home.....scary!



Today was a super tourist day. Let me just start with the fact that it is hot here. HOT. I know you are all in freezing cold snow and Midwestern weather. But it is over 100 degrees and humid. You sweat at 7am in the shade.

Today we started with a 1.5 hour drive to the floating market. Worth it. It is literally a market on the murky water. People float up to you to sell you their products and you can stop at the vendors on the side of the river






We then grabbed some lunch and went to the Emerald Buddha. The EB dates back to the 1400's and no one know why he is green. He is located in the Kings residence. The King doesn't really live there anymore, but other VIP's will stay there when in town. You can't take pictures inside the EB, but the land around it is fantastic. You can also take pics from outside, but you are kinda far away...



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We then took a Long Boat ride which is really just a Denice tour through some canals. It really is amazing how people live




Next, we went to the Wat Po to see theReclining Buddha. He's made of gold and something like 57 feet long.



The scenery is amazing


Miss you all! Only a few days until I'm back and I can tell you all in person!!



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Location:Floating Market, The Emerald Buddha, The Grand Palace and boat tours

Meetings...

Today was spent in meetings. Not that that was a bad thing since they were both really interesting, but I can't top the elephant and tiger post from yesterday.

We started today by going to the Robinson Department Store. The company owned a ton of businesses and franchises, so it was an interesting speech. We then got to shop :)

Our afternoon was spent in meetings with the staff of the 5 star hotel we are staying at - the Dusit Thani. If any of you paid attention to the riots that took place here in Thailand earlier this year, it was this hotel that was featured a ton. They were attacked by a rocket launched grenade. It was very interesting to hear first hand what they went through and how they dealt with it from a PR perspective. It could have ruined the brand since they were often featured on sites like CNN about being right in the center of the action, but they marketed themselves wisely and came out in an even better position. Google the hotel and red shirts or check out CNN for web clips.

We are now heading to dinner near backpackers paradise which is apparently the best place for backpackers in the world since it is cheap and fun. Dinner will be there.

Tomorrow we are doing all of the traditional touristy stuff...the big Budda, Wat Po, etc

Sorry, no pics today. I took some pics, but nothing worth uploading since I only have limited broadband. I'll make up for it tomorrow, promise :)


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Location:Robinson Department Store & Dusit Thani Hotel

Phase 3

So that brings us here to present tense. Today I started phase 3 of this trip and our final destination. I'm trying to soak in every second I can and not think about the fact that this experience is slowly coming to an end. Today was an amazing day (do I sound like a broken record yet?)

We started bright and early an 630 am when we hopped on a boat to leave the beautiful island of Ko Samet. Absolute paradise. We were heading to Bangkok...but whoa...there just enough time to play with some safari animals. I rode an elephant and fed a tiger. For those of you that know how much I love animals, this was a super special treat for me






We the headed to Gemopolis which is this mini economy supported by the government which is the leading gem and jewel production facility in the world. They represent jewels demo over 20 countries because the government allows them some tax breaks.

Okay, let me break it down to something most of you can relate to. The Pandora charm bracelet company stared here with 5 people over 10 years ago. We got a 3 hour tour of the facility and it was quite an experience. Everything that comes out of that factory is hand made and quality checked numerous times - I know, I watched it happen. No huge production machines. It was really quite an interesting tour. Sorry, no photos allowed. Also, no charms for any of you - they are 100% export. They don't sell at all in Thailand. I also learned how to tell if your charm is a fake for those that were wondering....

We then checked into to our 5 star hotel. Ahhhhh....bliss. Such a change from the camping we've been doing for the past weekend. We the. Went to dinner at one of the nicest restaurants in the city. On the 59th floor of a super fancy hotel. I tried to get some night shots, but it's super hard. Flash or no flash, those pictures just never do the view justice...we ate on an old heli-pad...





Tomorrow is our first full day here. We will spend the day meeting a department store and then the executives of this hotel. Miss you all!!

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Location:Bangkok, Thailand

Nothing

Today, I did nothing. But let me briefly take you back to last night. Last night was another fantastic dinner on the beach. I had the most amazing green curry I've ever had in my life. We then sat on these low tables and little pillows and drank some beers and played cards.



Oh, for those of you that know what I'm talking about, someone got iced...




Today, I did nothing and loved every second of it. How often do you get to sit in amazing weather, stare at a beautiful beach and just relax? I spent my day lounging around, napping, eating, and enjoying my last Thai massage. I loved today.








Tomorrow we leave Ko Samet quite early and head back to Bangkok. On our way, we stop at Gemopolis, the Pandora factory and we get to ride elephants (a personal trip highlight for me I hope!)

We then check into our 5 star hotel - which will be a nice change of pace from the camping-esq living we are currently doing.

I know the days are quickly passing, and I'm trying to hold on to them as much as I can. I just don't want this experience to end!!

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Location:Last day in Ko Samet, Thailand

Island hopping

So last night was tons of fun. Dinner on the beach was amazing and delicious. I heart seafood!



And that's not even all of it. They serve feasts here. I didn't make it out last night to see the Thai boxing and to go to the disco. I got a sore throat and now have my infamous laryngitis. Don't worry mom, I'm fine. Nothing a little tea can't fix. I feel perfectly fine outside of barely being able to speak.

Today we island hopped. We were picked up by a speedboat and taken to the various islands in the area. Some we took pictures at, some we snorkeled and some we just laid on the beach and were lazy. We visited 4 and all were amazing. Just to give you and idea of where I am, I could be in Cambodia in 3 hours by speedboat.








We then walked back through town. I got another amazing Thai massage for $7 (I told you I was in heaven). And we are now showering and getting ready for another dinner on the beach. Tomorrow is one more free day and then back to Bangkok for more meetings.

I can't believe I have been here for a week and I still have a week left. I don't want this experience to end!!

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Location:Many islands of Thailand

I'm in a Corona commercial

I'm seriously in a corona commercial



So last night was a little crazy. We got in at 3am and the rooms....well...let's just say that you need to pour water into the toilet to flush it. Have I mentioned that we are remote??



The rooms are so bare and old school I had no idea what was going on. We were told to lock our windows to protect our stuff...eek!

And then I woke up this morning. Holy shit, I'm seriously in paradise. No wonder the rooms are so crappy (which is the standard here btw)....who stays in the room when you have white sand beaches, 85 degree weather, parasailing, jet skiing, hiking, a village...and have i mentioned $7 hour long massages right on the beach? Amazing



They also have vendors that walk along the beach and you can buy fresh fruit that they cut and prepare for you on the spot



We are showering and getting ready for a group dinner on the beach. Then out to the disco! There are hundreds of vacationers on the island and it's a Thai holiday, so word on the street is that it is going to be quite an experience.



Tomorrow we are going snorkeling and to a fish viewing place on a boat. More fun in the sun adventure.

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Location:The beach - Ko Samet, Thailand

Remote

Remote does not describe where I am right now. I started in HK and took a taxi to the train to a plane to a bus to a speed boat (with our luggage sitting on it) to the white sand beaches of this island.

I am on the southwest tip of Thailand accessible only by a 30 minute boat ride it's 3am and we just arrived (we left HK at 8pm).

Our speedboat dropped us off in water...Where we had to carry out luggage onto the beach



I had to write this down. I am in complete awe of this situation and where I am right now. I cant believe I am experiencing this and know that I will most likely never be anywhere quite like this again. I love this trip


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Location:Ko Samet, Thailand

Leaving on a jet plane....

Sorry I missed a day, it's been a crazy 48 hours and I literally had not a single second to log on.

So let me pick up where I left off. We had another great night out on Tuesday night.


We found some fun Chinese men that wanted to join in the dance party and then I smoked my first hookah (sorry mom, when in Rome....). That was the earliest night I've been home yet....before 2am!

Wednesday was a free day. By free I mean still tons of things planned. We started the day with a hike down Bowen Road which has great views and lots of interesting things to see.








We then went back to the hotel and went to Kowloon, which is a peninsula off of HK. This street has tons of shopping and LOTS of stuff to see. It is more of what you think of when you stereotype China. We checked out some fancy hotels, ate, and then walked to the Taylor Street market which is where you can bargain and find lots of stuff to buy. Sorry, no good knock off purses.

We then returned out for the evening. They cook food outside...so weird.



Another night out last night. There are lots of Brits here and we met tons of fun people. People are crazy here....insane....






Today we went to Polytechnic University and listened to a speaker teach us about the culture of Chinese people and, in turn, how to market to them. One example is that they like to do everything in groups. So, if there are two lines and one is completely empty, they will wait in the other line so that they can all go through it together. Really interesting stuff

I am now at the airport waiting to leave Hong Kong (sad) and head to Bangkok (yeah!). When we get to Bangkok we are going to a remote island called Ko Samet. We will spend the weekend there sunning, snorkeling, hiking and relaxing. The weather in HK has been amazing - 70's and sunny and not a lot of smog. Thailand is hot...90's every day. I better get a tan!

We aren't sure if Ko Samet has internet service, but the consensus is that it most likely won't, so this may be my last post until late Monday night. Ill still keep track of what I'm doing so i can fill you in on my return. I can't believe this trip isn't even halfway done. I'm savoring every moment and I don't want This experience to end!! I do miss you all though....

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Location:Bowen Road, Kolwoon, Night Market, Poly Tech U

Fashion Forward

Alright, so I left off last night heading to dinner. Man was that a fun night out. We started with Chinese and wine. I must say that I have yet to experience amazing Chinese food here. We then went out for a couple of drinks and lots of dancing



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As mentioned, today was fashion day. We stared at Li and Fung, which is the worlds largest supply chain company in the world. It was really interesting. Did you know that "Made in China" really means assembled in China? The materials for the items we use are really sourced all over - not necessarily just from China. They work with tons of brands that you've heard of (Dior, Chanel, Express). We then Saw their showrooms which is like tons of mini stores set up so that vendors can see their product in it's environment. Sorry, no pictures - we weren't allowed.

We then took the subway (much larger, cleaner, and nicer than Chicago btw)


And had lunch and met with Moiselle, another fashion company. Our speech was from the owners son and quite interesting.

The streets here are crazy and crowded - and just amazing to look at



And some fun random pics for you...



Tomorrow is going to be a hike and possibly some shopping. I'll hopefully have some more scenery pics for you!

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Location:Li and Fung/Moiselle

Amusement Day

So today was a great day. Have I mentioned that I love it here? We started the day with a trip to Stanley market which is a bunch of small shops with trinkets, T-shirts, and cheap junk. I didn't buy you anything from there (don't get too excited, I think Thailand is a better place to buy the junk).

We then continued on to Ocean Park - which is a theme park similar to Disney. We rode some amazing rides that were on the side of a cliff






We then had out first business meeting with Paul Pei, who is the sales and marketing executive. He got his start in the states in the hotel industry - so it was interesting to hear him speak. We then finished our tour of the park by checking out the giant pandas. Dinner is next on the agenda and then a night out. Tomorrow is the fashion meetings, so it should be a great day!




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Location:Stanley Market and Ocean Park

Jubilee Street

Jubilee street....I saw it and it just worked. I LOVE it here. It is truly an amazing place - I love the night life, I love the colors, I love the friendly people, I love the hilly streets...I just can not get enough.

So we went to dinner at 12:30 last night after checking into the hotel. We went to this street that was insane...full of bars and clubs. Everyone is outside dancing, drinking, making friends. There are tons of tourists and expats here - more than I would have thought. We stayed out until 4am enjoying our vacation. Oh. All the music is American. Although the street was crazy (maybe comparable to Bourbon Street) I could have uprooted everyone to the US and no one would have known the difference.

This morning we got an early start and just spent some time walking through the zoo, botanical gardens and then parts of the city Everything is hilly and the shops are so unique.


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We then we to "The Peak" which has some incredible views of the city. We took a funicular up, which is almost like a trolley ski lift. There were shops, we ate lunch and just took everything in. Oh-the weather here is amazing. It was about 77 and sunny all day.




We then hiked down the mountain and some amazing greenery. It was probably a few miles and walking downhill at a 45 degree angle is harder than you think after a while.







We then walked to Aberdeen which is close by and went to the water to take a somewhat scary boat ride.






This is a restaurant that we boated by. Not the one we ate at, but still super cool. You can only get to it by boat.



We then took a bus back to the city and then took a bus/boat to a seafood restaurant called Rainbow on Llama Island. We had Lobster, shrimp, Groupa (not grouper) and more it was some of those places where you could choose your exact fish if you wanted



Sorry....the skyline was amazing, but it is hard to take pics from a moving boat.






Okay, thats all for now. I'm beat. Tomorrow we are going to the market in the morning and then Ocean Park, which is an amusement park, in the afternoon. We will have our first business meeting there and then we get to stay and ride the rides. I'm excited to see if I can still handle roller coasters like I used to!!

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Location:All over Hong Kong