For those who are just reading now, I am counting down my top favorite things about my holiday trip to Hong Kong and Thailand. Because itemized lists are just plain fun…
4. Jade Market
Now I told you #5 was shopping and you may think that the Jade Market would roll under that heading but this place was so much fun that it gets its own slot on the countdown. Kara called it her crack house and I tend to feel the same way. Imagine stall after stall of all kinds of jewelry: necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings, etc. many made of jade, something for every taste and style. Or I should say, many somethings for every style. I sure found plenty. The downside is–like I mentioned before, the bargaining. You have to bargain for EVERYTHING. It is expected. Kara was really good at it. In fact she stayed at a booth after I left and got the same necklace I did for 40 Hong Kong dollars cheaper. That really ticked me off. But hey, all the prices are so reasonable that I can’t feel too much pain over it. In fact, I figured that they can’t make that much money anyway so what if I pay 2 or 3 US dollars more for something? Arguing over a dollar seems silly to me when I spend that much on a pack of gum.
Anyway, the Jade Market…go there if you possibly can.
5. Thai Massage
One thing everyone should know about Thailand is that it is heaven on earth for those who enjoy a good massage. I am serious about this. For around 7 to 9 American dollars you can get an hour, yes, an HOUR long foot massage. No need to hunt for a place or make a reservation, Thai massage parlors are everywhere. On every commercial street. I saw many right next to each other. Most are open until late at night and so you really can go anytime. And we did. Three times.
The Thai style of massage is not for the faint of heart or the sensitive of foot. It hurts. It feels good too but you should know it can hurt. After the foot massage is over you also get a neck and back message which is amazing. It was pure bliss.
2. Elephants
Dude. We rode elephants.
Here is my Mom and sister Bri in their perfectly perfect elephant riding picture taken by my Dad.
Kara and I in our not-so-perfect riding picture taken by our chain smoking elephant guide.
We fed the elephants.
Bri and I laughing at our wimpy attempts to feed the elephants.
I successfully although at a safe distance fed an elephant.
We chilled with the elephants.
“Um, maybe someone should take the picture now so I can get away from the elephants who are obviously trained to suffocate uncomfortable tourists.”
We watched elephants do cool stuff.
like curtsy.
and paint pictures.
We visited baby elephants.
I am cute.
We even saw elephant gargoyles.
We are cute too.
Fun right? In case you didn’t notice, we really liked the elephants. In fact, they made our trip to Thailand. Well, the massage did too. Yea for elephants! Yea for really cheap but way better than any massage I have had in the US Thai massage! Yea for Thailand!
Now, there is really only one thing that trumps the elephants in the countdown, the number one coolest thing about my trip…and for that you will have to wait until the weekend. Can you stand it?
The following 10 comments were originally left at blogspirit:
So cool! Those elephants are awesome. Erin! Riding and ELEPHANT! Whodduh thunk it? I remember when you didn’ quite like horses. How we change. RADICAL (as kekoa said while looking at the elephants. ) Kekoa is jealous too!
What an amazing trip…you lucky girl! Thanks for sharing…I’m enjoying the pictures and stories!
I love the elephants, especially the fuzzy little baby!
cool pictures…looks like you had loads of fun. I went to thailand & Hk couple years ago and I absolutely love it. The food & shopping is just marvelous.
NO, I can’t stand it but the elephants do much up for waiting. What wonderful animals they are. How fun for you to be so close, to touch, feed and ride on them. Elephants are such grand animals.
Your list is great so far – now you’ve got me all excited to see what #1 is!
I’m loving your list–sounds like such a great trip!
I love the photo of you sitting on the elephant’s knee. They are amazing animals.
Can’t even stand it
Did someone lead you on the elephant ride? I know you said you had a guide but do they really just follow right after each other? Cutie elephants.
WOW! Amazing.
I kept replaying those “elephants stomp on their circus owners” videos in my head, but clearly you survived. Quite nicely.
Thanks for sharing these wonderful pics.