[Just try'n to repopulate the repots section]
Like others with personal websites - I'm not planning on re-posting past trips here - but this would certainly be a good spot to re-hash the trip!
This write-up is from a trip abroad. Essentially my first time outside of the U.S. (aside from some time in Canada and a short border hop into Mexico).
The language barrier concerned me a bit though in the end it was no great issue. Guestures go a long way or the person you're talking with (at a business - hotel, airport, etc) will know enough English for their business. Armed with Lonely Planet books I headed off...
I had a friend in Taiwan (Penghu Islands) so he lent me his Yamaha Majesty 125cc, 4-stroke, fuel injected scooter. IT WAS A BLAST TO RIDE.
Over in Thailand I rented a Honda Super 4, 400cc bike. From I-net research I was told that I should simply fly there and get ground transport from Bangkok to either Pattaya (about 3 hrs ride s/e of BKK) or to Chaing Mai (the old capital). When at Pattaya, for example, I was to walk down by the beachfront and walk up and down the road. Rental bikes would be amply available - simply parked in front of businesses. There is no advertising (also why they aren't "on the Internet") and the proprietor would come out of the crowd to talk to interested parties. It worked just as described - cool. I even went so far as to get insurance - Bank of Thailand took care of that task. I have a 1 year package so should I return soon I could rent the same bike again and still have coverage!!
Here's the main page:
www.jimwilliamson.net/motorcycle/2006-04-27-taiwan-thailand/If that report isn't quite up your sleeve - browse through my sight from the main page:
www.JimWilliamson.netEnjoy!
