Welcome to the Jungle

It's the Patong Gong Show. What a crazy place. Sensory overload. Over stimulation of the senses is guaranteed. Bangla street is a mix of Bourbon street and Vegas with the grime and brashness of south east Asia. Strip clubs, trashy bars, and massage girls that grab your arm abound. It's a trip but like Vegas, after a couple days it gets old.

The crescent shaped beach is pretty and packed with Russian tourists turning beat red in the harsh sun. I payed the extra few bucks to get an umbrella and still got fried. I can't imagine what they look like today? Probably in the hospital.

The food has been good but not amazing. I'm looking forward to a, "Wow, that's amazing" taste experience but haven't had it yet. I tried some Pad Thai in an outdoor food court (which had a gun range stall nearby!), grilled snapper, and some Thai green curry. The street food is very basic here. I tried some wonderful fried chicken for only a dollar. One of the best things I've tried so far.

I think I'm still a bit spaced out from the time-zone difference, jet lag, and too much sun. I think Patong was a good place to start.

On one of my first moments lying on the beach I recognized a familiar smell that brought back pleasant memories of Bali. It's a smell that I had forgotten. I'm have no idea what it is but it could be a mix of tropical flowers and scooter fumes. It's better than it sounds!