Gray Line Wanderings Travel Blog

Soaked at the Songkran Festival - Photo Credit Flickr Wyndham

If you’re anywhere near Thailand this weekend, it’s advised that you leave the Sunday best in the suitcase, and perhaps grab a raincoat instead. That is, if you don’t want to get wet. Not because the forecast calls for rain, but because today marked the beginning of the annual Songkran Festival, a countrywide celebration of the Thai New Year which has evolved into the world’s biggest water fight.

What began as a tradition of sprinkling water on to one’s elders as a sign of respect has turned into a massive, multi-day party of music, dancing, and getting drenched. This weekend, nearly every city street in Thailand plays host to this good ‘clean’ fun as locals and tourists flock to the streets carrying water pistols, buckets, and high-powered Super Soakers to get a piece of the action.

The Water Festival is so massive that the Guinness World Record was just broken in Thailand last year for water pistol fights as 3,477 eager souls gathered together in Bangkok for a very wet 10-minute shootout.

Check out this video of the water fights in the city of Chiang Mai to see a glimpse of what some may call ‘blissful madness’!

Ever seen anything like it? (click here if you can’t see the Facebook comments below)

The Forbidden City in Beijing, China - Flickr user Olekvi

Photo Credit

China has lured travelers in search of adventure and exotic culture for centuries. Today, international visitors are heading in droves to this emerging economic and cultural powerhouse. A popular destination is the nation’s capital: Beijing. With almost 20 million inhabitants, Beijing is the second largest city in China and is filled with fascinating historical sights. But how much do you know about Beijing? Here are five things you might not know about Beijing.

1. Beijing used to be called Peking. The English name was changed when the Chinese adapted a different Romanized system of spelling in 1979. The city’s name is still the same in Chinese, but the English writing of “Beijing” more accurately reflects the Chinese pronunciation than Peking. In Chinese, the name means “northern capital”.

2. Beijing Airport is the second busiest airport in the world based on passenger volume. Beijing Capital International Airport sees around 70 million passengers rolling their luggage wheels through the three terminals in an average year. It is also one of the cleanest. In 2009 it was named as the World’s Best Airport by Condé Nast Traveler, receiving praise for its general cleanliness and customer service.

3. It has a Forbidden City. The Forbidden City is the name of the imperial palace occupied for 500 years by the Ming and Qing Dynasty. Conveniently located in the middle of the Beijing, the Forbidden City is one of China’s top tourist attractions. This opulent political house was the ceremonial center for the Chinese government and today it is home to the Palace Museum.

4. Beijing is the best place to eat Peking Roast Duck. If you love the Chinese delicacy of Peking Roast Duck, then you are obliged to try it in the city where it originated. Of course, every chic restaurant, hole-in-the-wall diner and street cart offers its own version of juicy slices of duck meat with crispy skin. Be sure to try them all on your own Beijing city tour!

5. Beijing battles air pollution. The Chinese government aggressively battled air pollution in the lead up to the 2008 Olympics and continues to employ a variety of tools to improve air quality. Steps include moving high pollution factories outside the city, improving efficiency to reduce the 2,500-3,000 tons of coal used daily in Beijing, working on public transportation campaigns, and other efforts to reduce the environmental impact of heavy industry, 5 million cars and 20 million people.

Were these facts no-brainers for you? Then check out this extremely challenging quiz about China.

Share your tips and tricks for other travelers to incredible Beijing in the comments below! (Having trouble viewing Facebook comments? Click here!)

“Sonja wake up, we’re going to be late!” Jory violently shook me from the best sleep I’d had since I arrived in India four days prior…

It was 5:30 am and we had one hour if we were lucky, to get through the gates to watch the sun rise behind the Taj Mahal. Everyone had expressed to us that this was the only way to experience it. They would swoon saying, “the lighting… THE LIGHTING!” I quickly threw some cold water on my face, collected my things, and ran out the door.

“Hola, Hola, Coca Cola!” greeted Omar, the rickshaw driver we had commissioned the day before. Amazed by his enthusiasm at such an early hour, we climbed in and relayed our desperate situation. The spicy, sweaty, floral scent of Agra attacked our senses as we flew through the eerily silent city. Dawn began to break and a sense of panic started to seep in, “what if we miss it?!”

Once we arrived we quickly bought our tickets, fought off beggars, peddlers, and even monkeys – only to discover we were not the only ones to have this stroke of genius. The line moved slowly as the horizon began to lighten. After being searched by four different guards, a precaution taken in thanks to the attacks in Mumbai a few months prior, we finally crossed the gates as the sun kissed the sky. There she stood white marble veiled in a pale pink glow, blushing, as if someone had drawn the curtains too soon. The water in the pool guiding you to the entrance blinked as the light hit the surface. We stood in awe, and being a hopeless romantic, I began to tear up, not only because of its striking beauty but because it was built as a monument of love. After a moment of standing in silence I looked over at Jory and was relieved to see that she was just as moved by the experience as I was.

“They were right” she whispered.

I smiled and responded “the lighting…!”

What travel experiences have you had where timing really was everything? Share with us in the comments below! (if you’re having trouble viewing Facebook comments, click here)

Defame the Thai King at your peril

As if you needed further proof that the system of laws you enjoy in your home country doesn’t follow you on your jaunts across the globe, we provide this most recent example of astonishingly harsh punishment of a foreigner living in a fairly well-traveled country:

According to reports, American citizen Joe Gordon is facing a massive 15-year jail term in Thailand, accused of the heinous crime of (wait for it …) defaming Thailand’s royal family.

Seems the 55-year-old, Thai-born Gordon translated excerpts of an unflattering biography of Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej and posted it on the Internet. Unfortunately for Gordon, Thailand has perhaps the world’s strictest “lese-majesty” laws, which have been used to jail political opponents for years. Human rights advocates have protested them many times over.

That said, Gordon has been denied bail, and will reportedly plead guilty to the charges, in the hopes of winning a royal pardon.

“I want the American government to help me, because this is about freedom of expression,” London’s Daily Mail reported Gordon as saying.

Unfortunately, that particular freedom evaporated the minute Gordon stepped through Thai customs.

It's illegal in Mexico for foreigners to take part in protests.

Let this be an obvious lesson to world travelers: Know the laws of the counties in which you are a guest, and don’t push the limits. Avoid conflicts while a guest in another country. Dodge situations where legality is even minimally questionable.

Perhaps the best tip we can give is to familiarize yourself with the unique legal restrictions of every country you plan to visit. The U.S. State Department provides an excellent legal and advisory synopsis of every recognized country in the world, which you can find HERE.

Bali is an island seemingly founded on the notion that a first-quoted price should never be accepted. This rule of obligatory negotiation is most applicable when it comes to transportation. The Bali transport industry is saturated with drivers desperate to make a quick buck out of unsuspecting tourists. Being taken for a ride in Bali definitely has a double meaning, but here are some hints to avoid being taken advantage of.

Taxis

After collecting your luggage, go outside and turn toward the taxi office. Don’t stop to talk to anyone, because you could end up agreeing to things that you don’t want. In the taxi office, you will see a large display that quotes the prices for your different taxi options. You can then choose to book a vehicle from within the taxi office or leave and negotiate with a driver in the lot. Never pay more than the price displayed in the taxi office. After leaving the airport, you will no longer have the benefit of a price guideline. From this point on, the onus is on you to negotiate with taxi drivers. Every item on your itinerary should set aside some time for negotiation, because it is inevitable in Bali.

Scooter Lifts

Kuta can become very crowded and driving in a car is a terrible idea. Scooters whiz in and out of traffic and are a much better option if you want to travel over shorter distances. Simply wave down a local on a scooter and he/she will give you a ride to your desired destination. The cost of such a ride is normally only a few thousand Rupiahs and it definitely beats sitting in traffic for hours on end.

Scooter Rental

Renting a scooter in Bali is dirt cheap and you can get an even better deal if you rent one for an extended period of a week or longer. Almost every hotel in Bali offers the option of renting a scooter, but don’t rush into accepting this service. First venture onto the street and negotiate with the “scooter guys” to gauge what constitutes a decent price. After speaking to about three different individuals, you’ll be in a much better position to negotiate with the hotel staff. It is not a good idea to rent a scooter from someone on the street, because there is a risk of being scammed. Many scooter drivers will accuse you of scratching the bike when you return it. This can lead to additional charges for damage caused.

Boats

Island hopping around the Indonesian archipelago is very easy to do. The local boats consistently travel to the neighboring islands and they don’t mind a foreign stowaway hitching along for a ride. You will have to negotiate a price with the owner of the boat, but don’t expect to pay too much. Budget surfers often use this option, but it certainly isn’t for everyone. If you are a little apprehensive, there are always tour companies that offer boat trips to most of the islands close to Bali.

Unless you want to stand out like a Halloween costume at a tuxedo party, you are going to have to learn some rules of etiquette before visiting South Korea. This nation is strongly founded on the virtue of dignity and its people have consequently developed very distinct behavioral codes. Many foreigners inadvertently snub the rules of Korean etiquette by carrying their Western sensibilities with them to the East. These cultural differences often lead South Koreans to view foreigners as rude and uncouth. If you don’t want to contribute to the bad reputation of foreigners in South Korea, then follow our pointers and surprise your new friends with your politeness.

Bowing

Bowing is an important part of the greeting process. Do not exaggerate your bow, because this could be construed as a mocking gesture. In the Far East, bowing does not imply subservience – it is a simple sign of respect akin to a handshake or a kiss (sometimes three) on the cheek.

Chopsticks

You should never leave your chopsticks sticking out of the rice bowl. This would be similar to stabbing your fork into a steak and leaving it upright when you aren’t eating. You should always place your chopsticks on the table or across the top of a bowl.

Accepting Drinks

If you are offered an alcoholic beverage by an older person, you should always accept it with two hands. It is sufficient to accept the beverage with your free hand supporting the receiving hand. Korean dinners often involve soju and your elders will invariably insist on you imbibing a few too many.

Probing Questions

Do not be surprised if you are asked about your weight, marital status or income. These are all ordinary questions in the Korean context. It might feel uncomfortable to divulge this information, but it is simply a Korean attempt to break the ice.

Buses and Subways

It is essential to keep quiet on public transport. Unless you want to get the evil eye from a person who has about 20 years of Taekwondo experience, it is best to abide by this simple rule. Koreans find noisiness very rude and it’s best to hold onto your riveting tale until you disembark.

Politeness

As with any travel destination, simple polite gestures go a long way. If you behave in a respectable manner, the people will warm to you and you will have a fascinating time. Remember that you are visiting their country – the onus is on you to adapt, not them!

Every surfer, no matter how amateur, dreams of warm water, good waves and cheap post-surf grub. Few places in the world offer even one of these fantasies, and surfers are usually forced to compromise. There is, however, a place where all three surfing essentials can be found in abundance–a place where your only obligation is to apply sunscreen–a place where surfers are not required to sacrifice surf dreams. This place is called South East Asia.

At a Glance  

Surfers generally battle to explain the urge that drives them toward the ocean, but it is succinctly captured by the image of a person on a diet, who is surrounded by nothing but chocolate. When I say nothing but chocolate, I mean it in the literal sense–chocolate houses, chocolate keyboards, chocolate Blackberries, even chocolate puppies! The surfer’s craving is an unabated and ever-present itch, which is carried with the surfer like a heavy school bag on the shoulder of a reluctant elementary school student. To surfers, South East Asia is a destination that satiates this overpowering hunger. It is the wonder pill that gives surfers relief from their burdensome craving.

When surfers glance at the archipelagos strewn throughout the Indian Ocean, they witness an unrivaled expanse of surfing opportunity – and for good reason. Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia and even Thailand all feature surf spots that send a goosebump chill over the burnt, wrinkled skin of the average surfer.

The Destinations   

The three most popular surfing destinations in South East Asia are Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand. Diverse is the best way to describe each of these areas, in that they feature a broad range of surfing opportunities for people of all skill levels. Each of these destinations has a reputable surfing scene and many locals make a living through the surf industry by offering lessons or selling surf brands.

Indonesia – Widely regarded as a surfing mecca, the quality and consistency of surf breaks in Indonesia are rivaled only by Hawaii. Every year, thousands of surfers make the pilgrimage to Indo to surf the perfect reef breaks on offer. From Sumatra to Bali, every surfer, no matter how picky, can find a perfect spot.

The Philippines – The surfing scene has mushroomed in the Philippines over the last few years. The Indonesian crowds have driven many surfers north and this has resulted in the “discovery” of various surf spots along the Eastern Samar coastline. Of these spots, Cloud 9, with its board-snapping barrels, is undoubtedly the most famous…or notorious.

Thailand – The Thai surfing scene has been slower to expand, because the waves aren’t as consistent as those in Indonesia and the Philippines. However, Kata Beach features an annual surfing competition and the local groms have been known to rip in the small conditions. If you’re a beginner, then you should definitely think about picking up a board on your next visit to Thailand.

Safe Surfing

Surfing in a new place comes with hazards and it is important to be aware of these before departing. If you are looking into tours in South East Asia, then it is important to research the area and take the necessary precautions to avoid harm. An adventure in Indonesia, Thailand or the Philippines isn’t about exposing yourself to danger–it’s about having a memorable experience, which is shared with friends and family once you return home.

No matter where you go, at some point you will be struck by the uneasy curiosity that begs the question, “What the hell are they eating?” Travelers, when confronted by this concern, are easily divided into two groups: those who are willing to try anything, and those who turn their noses up when the meal isn’t comprised of a Quarter Pounder or a KFC Rounder. This article is dedicated to the former group, and the interesting flavors that tickle their tongues during a vacation.

Mangosteen

Not to be confused with the mango, the mangosteen is a small fruit that can be purchased on the street corners of various South East Asian countries. When the reddish outer rind is peeled away, a sweet fragrance is released. The edible flesh of the fruit, which is white and segmented, tastes rather tangy and can be sour when it hasn’t ripened fully.

Starfruit

The starfruit’s name is somewhat of a misnomer in that it does not resemble a star until it has been peeled. It may have a confusing name, but the flavor of this fruit has left a stellar (sigh) impression on countless tourists. It is commonly served as juice and it tastes like a combination of citrus fruits and apples. The refreshing qualities of this fruit provide the perfect antidote to the overbearing humidity of South East Asia, especially when enjoyed on the beach.

Durian

Commonly called the King of Fruits, the Durian been honored with a giant Singaporean structure built in its likeness. Few fruits have such a divisive effect on opinion and this is largely attributable to the fact that the durian smells like Charlie Sheen after a two week binge. It might be drenched in cologne d’carrion, but the durian has a flavor that cannot be rivaled in terms of uniqueness. The British naturalist, Alfred Russell Wallace, provided a ludicrous (albeit oft-quoted) description of the Durian’s flavor, which ranged from custard to sherry wine. Now, I’m not sure whether Mr. Wallace drank sherry before eating custard, but I’m pretty confident that the two don’t have a comparable taste. Effectively, this means that you should take Wallace’s description with a grain of salt and have the courage to taste the durian.

Langsat

This small yellowish fruit is the perfect compliment to a summer chill session on a Southeast Asian holiday. When the skin is peeled away, the fruit closely resembles a lychee due to its color and texture. The flavor of langsat is comparable to that of the grapefruit, without the bitterness. It is best not to bite into the seeds because they release a very acidic taste, which can ruin the enjoyable experience of trying this odd fruit.

Final Note

Next time you visit one of the markets in Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand or Indonesia don’t shy away from the foods that seem unfamiliar – a bit of curiosity could lead you to some great flavors!

The street corners of South East Asian towns are inundated with smiling locals that seem to offer friendship. But behind these grins we often find deceptive ulterior motives, bent on extracting as much money out of tourists as possible. Over time, these motives have evolved into shrewd scams that outsmart even well-traveled vacationers. This does not imply that you should stay in your hotel for the entire duration of your vacation – it just means that you need to know when to walk away.

Money exchange: The infamous money exchange scam is common throughout South East Asia. Walking around Bali, you will see a wide variety of vendors advertising exchange rates that are much higher than what any bank would offer. The catch is that these rates do not mention the commission that is charged per transaction – an amount that renders any exchange rate gain irrelevant. If you are fortunate enough to find a vendor that doesn’t charge a commission, then his nimble fingers will undoubtedly rip you off. Indonesian exchange office employees have garnered a notorious reputation for miscounting money or substituting smaller denominations for higher ones. Be sure to check out how similar the 10 000 and 100 000 Rupiah bills look before going to Indonesia.

Avoiding this Scam: This Indonesian scam is most easily avoided by using your credit card at an ATM. MasterCard, Visa and American Express can be used in almost any country.

Scooter Rental: Renting a scooter in South East Asia is generally cheap, but it comes with some very risky terms and conditions. If you get into an accident, be prepared to pay an exorbitant fee for repairs. Even if you avoid a crash on the busy roads, the scooter guy might accuse you of scratching the bike. He will then demand extra money for the damages, most often resulting in a harsh exchange of words. Arguing with a scooter guy generally leads nowhere and simply worsens the hostility of the situation.

Avoiding this Scam: By hiring a scooter through your hotel, you can avoid the risk of being cheated by an unscrupulous person on the street. The hotel offers a form protection that is absent when you are negotiating alone.

Ping-Pong Show Scam: This Thai scam normally starts on the streets of Bangkok or Phuket with a dodgy local offering a free ping-pong show. If you agree, you will be taken into a shady alley and guided to a small hole in the wall, where you will be offered a menu and told that you have to buy a drink. Upon perusing the drinks prices, you will realize that you were duped. $30 dollars for a glass of house wine might seem reasonable at a high end hotel, but in a dingy Thai bar – not so much.

Avoiding this Scam: You have two options in this case: walk out or negotiate. If you stand up and attempt to walk out, you will be stopped at the door and the negotiation will commence. If you can’t negotiate a decent price, then it’s best to skip the ping-pong show and find something else to do.