January, 2009
Pattaya, Thailand

This year on my trip to Thailand I made the most of Starbucks and other Western restaurants. I also made the most of my chance to enjoy the local cuisine, which is one of my favorite types of food. I fell in love with Mango Sticky Rice all over again, and had my fill of curry and pad thai. But I didn't really get into some of the other more unique foods.
                                   

One day while I was walking around the hotel with some of my friends, we came across a really big creature trying to hide on one of the trees. It was about 4+ feet long.


One night our hotel had a family carnival with games, food, karaoke, and fireworks.

One afternoon I had some free time so I went with a few friends to the "elephant village" to ride and play with the elephants.
           
          
While I was riding the elephants, the one in line behind me kept sticking his trunk up and poking us in the back. He wanted our bananas. I fought with him almost the whole ride, wrestling with his trunk and telling him "no" in my most stern voice.
                
            

Of course, there were many beautiful sunsets over the ocean during my vacation, which I always enjoy.