All is well and I am doing fine. Thanks to Coles' and Joey's great help, wherewithall, and supervision they treated me quickly, and got me to the hospital safely, where the Thai medical staff performed superbly. I am pretty sure it is impossible in America to get to the ER and have five sutures and prescriptions filled within 30 minutes...but it worked out here.
According to former construction employee Coles the machine was a back-hoe rather than a bulldozer...one day Joey and I will learn about construction and manual labor.
Also the total for Coles' phone call was $29.09...at last check Jackie et. al. were closest, but the official winner will be announced when internet is faster/cheaper.
Not to be repetitive but again we found ourselves astonished by the pricing of things; this time a trip to the ER complete with 5 stitches and 2 prescription drugs filled (antibitotic and pain reliever). Again a to-be-determined Asian goodie is up for grabs for the closest guess to the final price.
Finally, I just wanted to thank Joey for posting yesterday's blog about the story. While I individually contacted loved ones, I asked him to give a recount for our loyal readers.
Again, all is well!!
Gideon
Saturday, June 9, 2007
Friday, June 8, 2007
Gideon's Interesting Day
Because Internet is pretty expensive on this island we are on (Koh Phangan) and Gideon is sending a few other emails, he asked me to post a little story about today to the blog.
As a preface, these events really happened and are in no way part of a ploy to win the so-called "Blogatition" with Jackie and Co.
This morning we rented mopeds from a store down the street from our hotel ($4/day) and after a quick lesson, set out to expore the island. It is pretty desolate out here and easy going, so we were confident in our ability to drive safely around. Our goal was to hit two waterfalls, climb to the highest peak on the island, and be back on the beach by mid-afternoon.
After a stop and hike at a waterfall, we headed over to the trail that would lead us to the peak. We tried several times to figure out exactly how to go, and then were led by several locals to the actual trail across a stream. On the way, we had to cross through a construction site where nothing much seemed to be going on.
About 10 minutes into the hike, we decided not to proceed to the top, because the trail was not marked well and the jungle was very hot. So, we headed back toward the entrance, through the construction site.
On our way back down, Gideon and I followed Coles the way that we came, down a high dirt mound back toward a dirt road. Coles made it down the mound safely. I followed, with my eyes on the ground, and narrowly missed hitting my head on the scoop of a bull-dozer, saying something to the effect of "Whoa, look out" back to Gideon.
I turned around after I was at the bottom to be more specific about what my "Whoa, look out" was about, and watched him come down at a pretty good speed, hit his head on the scoop, and fall to the ground.
Blood appeared after a few seconds, and Gideon moved to the shade to let us look at the cut. Coles kept his wits about him (before and during the injury), pulling out a first-aid kit (thanks, Mrs. Jennings) and cleaning Gideon's cut and getting gauze to put on it.
Once we got a look at the cut, we decided that a trip to the island hospital was in order. A local who was helping us agreed. Luckily, we had seen the hospital earlier, so we had an idea where it was. We headed down the mountain to our bikes and Gideon hopped on the back of mine "Dumb and Dumber"-style while Coles led the way. As before, we were all wearing helmets.
We got to the hospital and were directed to the emergency room. After filling out a few forms, we followed Gideon into a room where he received five stitches.
All in all, each of us was very impressed with the entire operation. It could easily have been a small American hospital. Everyone was very helpful throughout the entire process and gave specific instructions for each of Gid's next steps. He will have it re-looked at on Sunday and the stitches removed one week from now. The plan is to be in Kuala Lumpur then, which should be a good place to get them out.
So, there you go. It was quite a day, but everything is fine now. One good thing: They didn't have to shave Gideon's head.
We were back on the beach at 6pm for sunset after a belated lunch.
I know that this makes everybody nervous, but please know that we never felt unsafe or worried during the entire experience. Love to all -- we will continue to keep you updated.
Oh, and there are light-hearted stories to come. I promise. Sorry for the long post.
As a preface, these events really happened and are in no way part of a ploy to win the so-called "Blogatition" with Jackie and Co.
This morning we rented mopeds from a store down the street from our hotel ($4/day) and after a quick lesson, set out to expore the island. It is pretty desolate out here and easy going, so we were confident in our ability to drive safely around. Our goal was to hit two waterfalls, climb to the highest peak on the island, and be back on the beach by mid-afternoon.
After a stop and hike at a waterfall, we headed over to the trail that would lead us to the peak. We tried several times to figure out exactly how to go, and then were led by several locals to the actual trail across a stream. On the way, we had to cross through a construction site where nothing much seemed to be going on.
About 10 minutes into the hike, we decided not to proceed to the top, because the trail was not marked well and the jungle was very hot. So, we headed back toward the entrance, through the construction site.
On our way back down, Gideon and I followed Coles the way that we came, down a high dirt mound back toward a dirt road. Coles made it down the mound safely. I followed, with my eyes on the ground, and narrowly missed hitting my head on the scoop of a bull-dozer, saying something to the effect of "Whoa, look out" back to Gideon.
I turned around after I was at the bottom to be more specific about what my "Whoa, look out" was about, and watched him come down at a pretty good speed, hit his head on the scoop, and fall to the ground.
Blood appeared after a few seconds, and Gideon moved to the shade to let us look at the cut. Coles kept his wits about him (before and during the injury), pulling out a first-aid kit (thanks, Mrs. Jennings) and cleaning Gideon's cut and getting gauze to put on it.
Once we got a look at the cut, we decided that a trip to the island hospital was in order. A local who was helping us agreed. Luckily, we had seen the hospital earlier, so we had an idea where it was. We headed down the mountain to our bikes and Gideon hopped on the back of mine "Dumb and Dumber"-style while Coles led the way. As before, we were all wearing helmets.
We got to the hospital and were directed to the emergency room. After filling out a few forms, we followed Gideon into a room where he received five stitches.
All in all, each of us was very impressed with the entire operation. It could easily have been a small American hospital. Everyone was very helpful throughout the entire process and gave specific instructions for each of Gid's next steps. He will have it re-looked at on Sunday and the stitches removed one week from now. The plan is to be in Kuala Lumpur then, which should be a good place to get them out.
So, there you go. It was quite a day, but everything is fine now. One good thing: They didn't have to shave Gideon's head.
We were back on the beach at 6pm for sunset after a belated lunch.
I know that this makes everybody nervous, but please know that we never felt unsafe or worried during the entire experience. Love to all -- we will continue to keep you updated.
Oh, and there are light-hearted stories to come. I promise. Sorry for the long post.
On My Own...
Yesterday morning I set off alone to a tiny island called Koh Tao. I left the three other guys in the pre dawn hours still sleeping in their mosquito nets on Koh Pha-Ngan, and spent 700 Baht to taxi and ferry about 45 km away. The goal of my 4 day solo voyage is to cram in more dives per day than would usually be healthy; I'm off to a good start as I have spent 4.5 of the past 20 hours submerged.
I am at the Coral View Resort (www.coralview.net) on my own little beach and have the entire resort to myself because it is technically low season. If I had the ability to post pictures you all would be jealous of me.
I told Gid, Joey, and Coles I would see them on Sunday, so I will make my best effort at that time to put down my mango daquiri and roll out of my hammock to journey back south.
I am at the Coral View Resort (www.coralview.net) on my own little beach and have the entire resort to myself because it is technically low season. If I had the ability to post pictures you all would be jealous of me.
I told Gid, Joey, and Coles I would see them on Sunday, so I will make my best effort at that time to put down my mango daquiri and roll out of my hammock to journey back south.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
A contest...
Alright, here's a contest for anyone who is actually reading this thing.
We've already told you that Coles popped his credit card into a pay phone on our first day in Hong Kong and was charged "about $10."
Well, the true total just came through. I'll give you a clue: It's above $10.
If you are interested, please post your guesses for the cost of one phone call from Hong Kong to the U.S. when you pop your credit card into a pay phone on the street.
The closest guess will receive a cool Asian trinket, the details of which I will reveal when the winner is crowned.
Have fun, and good luck.
NOTE: We are not playing with "Price is Right" rules, so don't worry about overshooting. The closest absolute guess will win.
We've already told you that Coles popped his credit card into a pay phone on our first day in Hong Kong and was charged "about $10."
Well, the true total just came through. I'll give you a clue: It's above $10.
If you are interested, please post your guesses for the cost of one phone call from Hong Kong to the U.S. when you pop your credit card into a pay phone on the street.
The closest guess will receive a cool Asian trinket, the details of which I will reveal when the winner is crowned.
Have fun, and good luck.
NOTE: We are not playing with "Price is Right" rules, so don't worry about overshooting. The closest absolute guess will win.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
A few more thoughts
I apologize for the abrupt ending yesterday, but my 20 minutes of internet time ran out. A few thoughts I didn't discuss:
The boulevard of broken backsides: Part of the trip from Siem Riep, Cambodia (Angkor Wat) to Bangkok included a 3.5 hour journey to the Cambodia border, where a total of 8 minutes was spent on paved roads. No joke we bounced around for 3.25 hours swerving between lanes that did not exist avoiding cattle, chickens, etc. We got out of the car with our brains scrambled and shaky bones. Rumor has it that the airlines pay the Cambodia government to keep the roads in such bad condition to increase air traffic...if only we had more money
The infrastructure/ability to make change/amount of time "chilling" theorem...I have developed a theory based on the countries we have visited, that the more infrastructure a country has, the greater their ability to make change. All jokes aside, it was impossible to use large bills in Vietnam and Cambodia because no one had change. Now that we have arrived in Thailand, where there is much more infrastructure, everyone can make change for us, who would have thought?? At the same time the number of locals "chilling", i.e. not working, is inversely related to the amount of infrastructure and ability to make change. This may be my big chance to make a name for myself...possibly more insights and research to come.
Joseph and I purchased custom tailored tuxedos today...quality to be determined...
Gideon
The boulevard of broken backsides: Part of the trip from Siem Riep, Cambodia (Angkor Wat) to Bangkok included a 3.5 hour journey to the Cambodia border, where a total of 8 minutes was spent on paved roads. No joke we bounced around for 3.25 hours swerving between lanes that did not exist avoiding cattle, chickens, etc. We got out of the car with our brains scrambled and shaky bones. Rumor has it that the airlines pay the Cambodia government to keep the roads in such bad condition to increase air traffic...if only we had more money
The infrastructure/ability to make change/amount of time "chilling" theorem...I have developed a theory based on the countries we have visited, that the more infrastructure a country has, the greater their ability to make change. All jokes aside, it was impossible to use large bills in Vietnam and Cambodia because no one had change. Now that we have arrived in Thailand, where there is much more infrastructure, everyone can make change for us, who would have thought?? At the same time the number of locals "chilling", i.e. not working, is inversely related to the amount of infrastructure and ability to make change. This may be my big chance to make a name for myself...possibly more insights and research to come.
Joseph and I purchased custom tailored tuxedos today...quality to be determined...
Gideon
Monday, June 4, 2007
Some more thghouts...
Following up on Coles' post regarding phrases and terminology, I thought a few more were needed:
Cambodian traffic jam - Such a traffic jam can be caused by a number of factors, including flooding, construction (reshuffling of the dirt mounds), any number of animals in the road (cows more prevalent, but dogs, chickens, water buffalo have all been causes), mopeds that have fallen over in the mud, two busses trying to pass at once (insert any rediculously unlikely event inlcuding water, animals, no traffic rules, etc.). Truly unbelievable stuff...
'Squid' Pototao - Dont get me wrong, there are a number of words and phrases mispronounced by the locals, but this one stuck out and has become used by the group. Originally encountered in Vietnam, we were offered Squid Potato chips while boating on the Mekong River. Evan decided to smell it the chip, as he was weary of such a flavor. Turns out it was really sweet potato...with a simple mispronounciation. We have encountered the same mispronounciation many times, and have incorporated 'squid' to mean sweet in our daily diction.
Finally, as my internet time runs out, Evan wanted to me to let the readers know that he will post again - however because he must prewrite his blogs, and post later - he has not had a chance to orchestrate such preparation. He will post shortly to fulfill the needs of his unsatisfied readers.
Cambodian traffic jam - Such a traffic jam can be caused by a number of factors, including flooding, construction (reshuffling of the dirt mounds), any number of animals in the road (cows more prevalent, but dogs, chickens, water buffalo have all been causes), mopeds that have fallen over in the mud, two busses trying to pass at once (insert any rediculously unlikely event inlcuding water, animals, no traffic rules, etc.). Truly unbelievable stuff...
'Squid' Pototao - Dont get me wrong, there are a number of words and phrases mispronounced by the locals, but this one stuck out and has become used by the group. Originally encountered in Vietnam, we were offered Squid Potato chips while boating on the Mekong River. Evan decided to smell it the chip, as he was weary of such a flavor. Turns out it was really sweet potato...with a simple mispronounciation. We have encountered the same mispronounciation many times, and have incorporated 'squid' to mean sweet in our daily diction.
Finally, as my internet time runs out, Evan wanted to me to let the readers know that he will post again - however because he must prewrite his blogs, and post later - he has not had a chance to orchestrate such preparation. He will post shortly to fulfill the needs of his unsatisfied readers.
Thailand
Everyone (our mothers) can breathe easy(er) now: We've made it to Bangkok, Thailand. More to come soon.
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