"Let me tell you about a little something called operation Koh Samui!"

We've just landed in Phuket but we are flying out early tomorrow morning to catch a plane to Indonesia but more on that later.

After Bangkok we flew to Chang Mai which has more of Thailands natural beauty. After the cooking class wee thought it would be a good idea to take one of those all day tours. It included riding elephants which we later regretted. Animals are not well treated. I saw one of the trainers pull out a machete show it to the baby elephant and place it right between his eyes with his free hand about to jab in. Kristen shrieked and I couldn't believe it. It's a good thing these animals don't understand sarcasm or threats and I'm sure PETA would have a field day here. We made the most out of it and after words took a relaxing swim near a waterfall.

After the waterfall we had quite a few shenanigans on a bamboo boat ride down river. Our guide let Kristen and I captain the raft where I managed to drive us right into a big boulder. I went straight into the water and survived with a few bruises and a bunch of laughs. After that I went cliff jumping into the river with the guid and that's where my wedding ring came right off. I didn't notice it until we were half way home so there was no sense in looking for it. All I know is that it's somewhere in that river.

After the craziness of Chang Mai we flew to the small southern island of koh Samui. Once there we needed some inch needed relaxation. There is the hustle and bustle of island street and nightlife and in stark contrast the absolute calm of the resorts and hotels. We participated in both but preferred our down time.

Yes Thailand is a place of two worlds. One of luxury and people that cater to the the tourist willing to pay for gawky t shirts and plastic gods. There is. Also the condition of how simply he people live. Where a metal roof and some bamboo is what the locals call home. It's humbling but I'm sure to the people who have been here longer Thailand has many layers and sides to it that would take a lifetime to uncover.

If there is any link to cycling or skills, it would have to be our rental of our scooter. Traffic laws are a suggestion and it's pretty much thunderdome out there. After a lengthy trip I'm more wiped out than an actual ride that involves pedaling. Getting gas is also an adventure as most people sell in the bottle and put it straight in the tank. Efficient but not the safest!

The weather has not been working out well. There is quite a bit of gloom as it is the low season and also quite a bit of rain. We've been caught out a few times but have learned to take an umbrella wherever we go. Our hotel is also a treat as we spent a few days at one of the nicer ones where they give you fruit and lemongrass washcloths. Such a treat!

It is kind of cool being American tourists in this part of the world. Most are Australian followed by British and then German. We've been mistaken for all. In fact there have been about four total american tourists we've encountered. Some people can't believe my darker skin as most couples here are the opposite of Kristen and me. It's common to see much older guys with Thai women half their age. In fact there is even a book on how to specifically pick up Thai women at the local book store!

Koh Samui is quite the party island with many people here for the full moon party where thousands of people basically get drunk on the beach until the next day. We've stayed clear of that and found our own adventures. It is a real estate developers dream as many parts of the beach are over developed. That means that if you go inland a few yards than it might as well be the gaslamp and if you want to be near the beach and experience it as nature intended than you have to pay. All we need is a time machine!

After koh Samui we took a quick forty minute flight on a twin prop and smelly plane to Phuket and in the twenty four hours or so we like it so far. Plenty of tasty street food and we managed to catch an awesomeLive act that took some of Kristen's requests. Jason Mraz is priceless sung in a Thai accent! In the morning we fly about 1700 miles to Bali Indonesia where many surfing adventures await! Till then.