Koh Pha Ngan Thailand - Backpack Organizer

Hobo Travel Tips Newsletter: Koh Pha Ngan Thailand - Backpack Organizer
Tip: Backpack Organizer
Issue: 73
Location Published From: Koh Pha Ngan, Thailand

Issue: 72 -- Koh Pha Ngan Thailand - Beach Towel

Issue: 74 -- Full Moon Party - Thailand - Electricity - Worst Case Scenario

Letters to Editor

Hobo TRAVEL TIPS - Koh Pha Ngan Thailand - Backpack Organizer
Issue 73 Hobotraveler.com - June 25, 2002
Hobotraveler.com
A Hobo trip around the world. Year 4

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~ HOBO STEW (A Dish of Meat and Vegetables)
Location of Hobo and opinions
~ HOBOGUIDE.COM (Go this way) - Koh Pha Ngan, Thailand
A story of a good place to visit..
~ TODAY’S TIP - Backpack Organizer
~ EXTREME HOBO TRAVEL - In Wales.
Dennis & Scott Bike Around World
~ TODAY’S TIP FROM THE - “Peanut Gallery”
~ HOBO QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
~ HOBO GOSSIP and/or Jaded Remarks
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~ HOBO STEW (A Dish of Meat and Vegetables)

KOH PHA NGAN, THAILAND

Where am I?
What have you done with the world?

I am probably in a dream.
This place is definitely not real.
There is much talk and lot of noise from
the mouths of travelers. Most have to do
with the two sides of life. You have the life
of the traveler, and the real world. A traveler only
returns to the real world to work, save money, and
then return to the live as a traveler.

I am in the life of a traveler.
The world is another place. Not here.
I am in Koh Pha Ngan, Thailand

The movie the beach with Leonardo DiCaprio
based on the book by Alex Garland is
about this life. In the book they portray Thailand as
being the center of the Backpacker Universe.
Since there are no experts on that, and at
best it is just plain arrogance to believe that
you really “KNOW”. Then most of these ideas
are just vague, and unarticulated concepts that
travelers hold to, and believe in, but never really
take from the realm of abstract to concrete concepts.

I am not going to spoil my letter about the movie
the beach, but I have not read the book, and
seen the movie about 5 times. In fact they show
it every night somewhere in Koh Pha Ngan.
This was the staging point in the book and movie
where they left by boat to go to the “BEACH”.

There is a FULL MOON PARTY this week.
You can feel the tension, as there is a buildup
of travelers. People are migrating here for party
from all over Thailand. There is a shortage of room
and I am lucky that I came early to Koh Pha Ngan.
But my instincts are good, and I sensed that if I wished
to be here at the time of the party, and live a modicum
of normal life. I needed to think, plan, and be prepared.

For me... Pure voyeurism. I get to watch people be
human. Both in the best, and worst ways possible.
I am sure I will see it all at the FULL MOON PARTY.
Events like this, rock concerts, and other nefarious
situations attract a people of some undefinable
mindset.

Like a voyeur though. I need not let them know I am
watching and thinking. I will keep my thoughts, opinions
to a minimum and be like a little (Maybe gecko) mouse.
That is not easy for me normally. If I disagree with something, or
think there is an injustice. I will take a stand, and say
what I believe is correct, and let the dice land where they
land.

But I think this whole place and time is a little beyond
the need for opinions. In simple terms, this is a place
where good girls and boys, and come an be naughty.
There is no commitments. There is no one that will
know what, who, and what degree the did what they
did. What happens for the traveler is not real. Or
what happens on vacations is not real. It is vacation.
People do not hold themselves to normal values.

This is a place where people will grow up.
Choose a path. Make a decision. For some
this will be just too much, and for other they will
become enamored with a dream. And will
search for that feeling for the rest of their lives.

So... Good fun.
I can take pictures.
You can look at them.
They will think me very stupid.
And we both can debate on?
Who is stupid?
Me or them.. hehehe

I am sure I am stupid sometimes.
Maybe they will learn they are also.
Sometimes.

Look for the FULL MOON PARTY
photos in the next letter. Please tell
all your friends to subscribe. Just an side
note. This is a topless beach. More or less.
Sometimes less, sometimes more.

NOTE: All the photos are after the next section.
A bunch...

Just another day in Paradise!
PLAN YOUR ESCAPE...
Be a Hobo, and leave your mark.

X Hobotraveler.com was HERE!

Life is good.
The Hobotraveler.com

Article written by Andy the Hobotraveler.com
On year 4 of Hobo trip around the world.
Budget Travel, Jobs, and Adventure, etc
Subscribe to Free Newsletter at:
Hobotraveler.com
You may publish this article for Free
on the internet If this box stays attached.

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~ HOBOGUIDE.COM GO THIS WAY !

SPRING BREAK PARADISE

I used to get in a car and drive 24 hours.
Until we was on the beach in Fort Lauderdale
Florida. Land In front of the bars called “The Button”
and the “Elbow Room” and probably something to
do with and old time Elvis Presley movie.

College students are becoming more sophisticated.
They now have the internet, cellular telephone, and
other play toys. What they need to do, to one-upmanship
their friends has reached new heights. To really
go on that special spring break from college.
I have found the place.

KOH PHA NGAN, THAILAND

Why? Lots of reasons, and most of them are not
the ones your parents want to know about?
WARNING
Parents could get cold chills, upon hearing from
their children....
“What do you think, if I went to Thailand for Spring
Break this year? It has a very different culture than ours
and I could learn a lot about the world.? Buddhist Temples,
Asian Culture, and learn how the Western Government
policies are affecting these countries. It would be
very educational.”

TRANSLATED...
“I want to go party on the island of
KOH PHA NGAN, THAILAND

WHYS? WHATNOTS? WHOEVER’S?
The many reasons.

1. COMRADERIE
There is an average age here of 20 to 24.
It is never never land.
Where Peter Pan never grows old.

2. EXOTIC
Everyone should get a handle on this word.
Or at least try. It has to do with being from
another part of this world....

3. CHEAP
A bungalow goes from 100 Baht to 800 Baht.
But most are between 150 and 300.
OR 3.50 Dollars USA and 7 Dollars USA.

5. PRIVATE ROOM
That is the cost for one bungalow. It will be
a building to yourself. Of course you can share
it with others, but most college students are
trying to figure out...
How do I get this babe to myself?

6. MOTOR BIKE
You can rent a motorcycle. By the day or week.
You can drive around. Cruise the beach. Look
at people and just plain be obnoxious on your big
toy. Cost about 4-5 Dollars USA per say.

7. MOVIES
Getting bored. Tired of laying on the beach.
The have a 3:00 5:00 7:00 9:00 shift of movies.
You can watch Mel Gibson, Leonardo DiCaprio,
or my personal favorite Demi Moore.
Just by sitting down in the restaurant.
They play these movies so you will come eat
and drink at their establishment. There are at
least 20 of these places.

8. DEEP DARK TAN
You are there.
Florida is NOT in the tropics.
Cancun is on the edge of the Tropics.
Thailand is in the middle of the Tropics.
Tropics: From 23 1/2 degree above the equator
to 23 1/2 degree below the equator. The distance
the sun revolves above and below this planet.

9. BEACH
The beach is sandy, soft white sand. The
type of water you can lay around in the shallows.
Float on a raft, and look at scenery.

10: TOPLESS
I know... I am supposed to be more whatever...
But it is good to know.

11. WORLD FASHION.
This place is international. You want to learn
what is cutting edge fashion. Here is the place.
Israel, India, England, all the MTV generation
and Bob Marley.

12. TRENDY WORLD TYPE THINGS.
You can learn to twirl batons, and swing tennis
balls with stringers. and other dreadhead, bongo
loving. Che Guevara fashions, and trends.

13. SCUBA DIVE
Koh Tao a great scuba island is only 2 hours
away by boat. You can go for day, or go
stay on the island.

14. GET LUCKY OR PAY
Unfortunately or fortunately. If you are that person
that just never meets the person of your dream.
There is enough spare women and men.
Of various ethnic backgrounds. Providing you
throw around sufficient amounts of Baht or Dollars
they will follow you home at night.

15. SPORTS
They play volleyball on the beach.
Soccer or football. Frisbee... And for you armchair
sports fans, there is always some restaurant that has
the latest and greatest sports event on the telly. (TV)

16. THAI WOMEN AND MEN
Hmmm Not to demean. Israel, England, Germany
Holland, Japan, Spain, and all other represented
countries.

17. TREKKING
Whatever you call that. Walking climbing.
You can take that adventuresome walk into
the rocky clifts, and hills on the island.

18. SHADE ON THE BEACH.
Are you a whitey? The sun had never allowed
you to get deep dark tan. A cooked lobster at
best. This beach has bars, and shade at the edge.
You can position yourself on the outer edges.
Still go to the beach, but not get fried.
I have never understood the hotels. They have
no clue on how to design swimming pools,
and their beach fronts. They just do not know
beach life. Write me? I could talk for days or
weeks on the subject.

19. DRUGS AND MUSHROOMS
They have something called a Mushroom Shake.
I am not sure what type of mushroom
But there is fair share of Euro Type drug
culture here. And a few exotic type ways.
Brought from Asia or India. A truly international
flavor.

20. BRAGGING RIGHTS.
I went to Florida?
I went to Cancun?
I went to Thailand?
Who had the better brag? Huh...

20. SHAGGING
I am learning some slang... England
and Europe. This term has something
to do with hanging around with a person
of the opposite sex. I do not think it implies
love.

21. HAIR - HATS - TATTOOS - PIERCED
You can let down your hair.
Put braids, or dreads, or color it.
There is nothing here that will look out of place.
Whether you want to shave you head.
Grow a ponytail of dreads.
Pretend you are Bob Marley.
Anything is normal here.
Get a Tattoo.
Pierce some extra part of your body.
Decorate as needed.

All in all.
There is NO COVER CHARGE.
That should make up for the plane fare
and extra cost incurred?
Whatever “Juicy Rationalization” you need
to make the excuse to come here.
Now is the time to start using them.

PHOTOS
http://www.hobotraveler.com/073springbreak01.shtml
http://www.hobotraveler.com/073springbreak02.shtml
http://www.hobotraveler.com/073springbreak03.shtml
http://www.hobotraveler.com/073springbreak03.shtml

Just another day in Paradise!
PLAN YOUR ESCAPE...
Be a Hobo, and leave your mark.

X Hobotraveler.com was HERE!

Life is good.
The Hobotraveler.com

Article written by Andy the Hobotraveler.com
On year 4 of Hobo trip around the world.
Budget Travel, Jobs, and Adventure, etc
Subscribe to Free Newsletter at:
Hobotraveler.com
You may publish this article for Free
on the internet If this box stays attached.

-------------------------------------------------------------

~ TODAY’S TRAVEL TIPS

BACKPACK ORGANIZER

I found the answer?
I live in one room. My life is inside my hotel
room, and my house is decorated with stuff I pull
out of my backpack.

FUNNY... I do not know why. But in the minus
One Star Hotels (-1) I stay in, they do not have
closets, shelves, drawers, or anywhere to put my
clothes, and other miscellaneous items I collect.
The actual Hostel with dorm beds are even worse.
No locker half the time, and no security.

OK...The tradeoff is, I live cheap, but I am lacking
a few of the 5 Star services and such. I can live approximately
30 days in a country for the price of one night in a 5 Star Hotel.

But, you ask?
Where do you put your clothes?
Where do you sit things if you do not have shelves?
Where will I lay this, and lay that?

THE ANSWER IS
THE FLOOR OR THE BED

You can leave your stuff always in your backpack
or suitcase. If I do have a closet. It has no hangers
or maybe only 3. I have stuff strewn from end to end
in the room. Walking on thing. Falling on thing.
I get to sleep with more THINGS, and I am not
even sure these things like me, or are female.

On the floor. The Sink. Hanging 5 pieces of clothing
on one hook. Not unpacking, because where would
I put the stuff. My life is defined by my stuff.
It is my stuff, and I want to play and use my stuff.
But living in a -1 Star Hotel can be more convenient.

I have tried various solutions. Lot of small bags.
Less clothes. Looking for better room. Nothing
is really good.

EUREKA! I FOUND THE ANSWER

I had to invent the perfect solution.
If necessity is the Mother of invention.
Frustration is the Father.

My frustration has led me to the answer.

I NEED:

1. Something that I can hang on 1 hook,
2. Something I can use when I have no hooks.
3. Something that will store easily and unpack easily
in my backpack.
4. Something that is lightweight and not extra kilos,
or pounds.
5. Washable
6. It convenient, and does not require that I hunt
for hours to find something. To leave things in
my backpack, means I have to open. look. Repack
everytime I want something.
8. Something that does not allow things to fall out
and tumble around, or out of my backpack.
9. Cheap... I am a hobo still.
10. Something I can make myself, or buy.
Made out of normal. Off the shelf materials.
Purchased anywhere in the world.

TWO SOLUTIONS
1. MAKE IT
2. BUY IT

WHAT IS IT?
Oops. Still do not know what the @%!$% I am
talking about?

HOBO BACKPACK ORGANIZER
That still means nothing
Look at it, then come back please
CLICK HERE TO SEE PHOTO
http://www.hobotraveler.com/forsalebackpackorganizer.php

BENEFITS

1. 10 Pockets.
2. Each pocket will hold 3 T-shirts
or one pair of pants.
3. Rolls up like a sleeping bag.
4. Straps to tie it shut.
5. If needed you can tie it on the outside
of the bag when you run out of space.
6. Secure and safe. No robber can get their
hands into the roll when secured and tied up.
7. Quick to pack and unpack.
8. Has a Hook to hang up in closet.
9. Has a Velcro flap to hang over a bar.
10. Has a eyelet screw so when you do not
have a hook. Make you own.
12. The straps are long enough. You can
tie it to tree limbs, or big objects.
13. One will hold all your clothes.
14. Two of them will probably hold everything
in your backpack.
15. The same width as normal backpack.
16. Flexible so you can push and stuff into tight
places.
17. Keeps all things in space as wide as one
chair.
18. You can store you clean cloths at the top
and you dirty at the bottom.
19. Everything is easy to find.
20. Tried and tested by me.. hehehe
21. White cloth. So colors do not bleed
on you clothes if it gets wet.
22. Make by Peruvian Indigenous people and
helps underdeveloped country.
23. Make you own, and I will send you a
HoboTraveler.com Label. You will need to send
one USA dollar in self address stamped envelope.

CHEAP

TWO SOLUTIONS
1. BUY IT - 28 Dollars USA
2. MAKE IT -7 Dollars USA

Either way. Look at the pictures on the buy page.
You will know how to make better.

HOW TO BUY?
http://www.hobotraveler.com/forsalebackpackorganizer.php

HOW TO MAKE?
http://www.hobotraveler.com/forsalebackpackorganizerdesign.php

Just another day in Paradise!
PLAN YOUR ESCAPE...
Be a Hobo, and leave your mark.

X Hobotraveler.com was HERE!

Life is good.
The Hobotraveler.com

As always, these are suggestions. Please realize I am
giving guidance, and there are always other opinions.
“One mans paradise, is another mans hell”
This way we do not all go to the same place.

Article written by Andy the Hobotraveler.com
On year 4 of Hobo trip around the world.
Budget Travel, Jobs, and Adventure, etc
Subscribe to Free Newsletter at:
Hobotraveler.com
You may publish this article for Free
on the internet If this box stays attached.

-------------------------------------------------------------
~ EXTREME HOBO TRAVEL

DENNIS & SCOTT BIKE AROUND THE WORLD
Wales watching the world cup.
http://www.theargonauts.com/argonauts/dennis_scott/archive.shtml

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TODAY’S TIP FROM THE
“Peanut Gallery”
Fun tips - Here's a little tip from me, to you,
as an experienced traveler.

Mosquito Nets can keep cockroaches out also

CLICK HERE FOR CARTOONS AND JOKES
http://www.hobotraveler.com/viralvistingfriend.htm
http://www.hobotraveler.com/viralcheaperairfaresawoff.htm
http://www.hobotraveler.com/virallookingfortravelagent.htm
-------------------------------------------------------------

~ HOBO QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Just hit reply to this e-mail and you can send a question
directly to me... Andy the HoboTraveler.com

QUESTION: HI I am new to hobo and have only seen it last few months.
Do you have this out in paperback yrs 1 2 3? or do you have archive
files that can be pulled up by date or similar experience? I really
enjoy GETTING AWAY and have become too old to do all that you do for
sure. I have been using the word enjoy a lot and that is the only word
that says it unless you could say fulfills a need I have had. Maybe
thats better language but when you give enjoyment from your writing I
think that is all you can ask and I do think you have become very
accomplished at it form what I have seen. Yes I have told all my E
MAIL friends about it and not had much response but they must enjoy
reading or they would not be on my E mail list long. You truly are
leading some of our dreams of what it would be like to really get away
and not have to endure all the hazards of travel, but without that you
would not have all the adventure but it is still hazardous and is
getting more so in my opinion. Its been nice to send you this message
and hope it finds you in the best of health , spirit and comfort
wherever you may happen to be when you read this. Best of luck and
gods speed Russ Williams

ANSWER: Thank You,
I do not have this out in paperback.
Write a book? hmmm
Frankly. I am just confused.
I think the adventure of writing is almost
as great an adventure as the travel.
To publish a book.
To have a complete thought.
That would be a challenge, and maybe
arrogance. I like to write this newsletter,
but I suppose I feel insecure some days as
to whether my readers like to read it.
I have about 2700 subscribers now.
Growing a little faster all the time.
But the world is larger than my life,
and at the end of the day.
I am just some hobo, wanting other
hobo’s to come out and play.
Sit down, stop, and listen to each other.
Share some stories.
That is all I am doing.

As for being too old....
I attempt to explain, that a person can travel to
almost anywhere in the world if they prepare and
are not silly. Living within their abilities. There are
activities that do become hazardous as we grow older
like mountain climbing. But to just go and enjoy the
culture and sights of a country are available to all
that have a few dollars.

I suppose I have a need.
Although I am not clear on why, or what it is.
There seem to be something in all of us that
want to live “A Life Less Normal”.
I have those words at the top of my
HoboTraveler.com page.
Thanks Russ
Gods Speed

QUESTION: Hi Andy,
It is a delight to read about your life on the road!
Thanks for sharing. My question is about your kind of
laptop, if any, you use. Do you have to find a phonejack
where ever you go or do you have one of those satellite
cards in it? They have them for the USA and when I
inquired about world wide, these people were not sure.
But the ladies who did the crossing of the Antarctica had
one. So... anyway, you get my drift, I am sure. Have a
continuously super time, in between the occasional icky
stuff. Many of us envy you! Warm regards, Renee.

ANSWER: have a Compaq Presario 1215. Four years old with
Windows 95. 180 Mgh 1.6 Gig. Works very good, but is
slowly falling apart. I have to use a separate keyboard and
mouse because they are broken. Hope to buy new one in
Asia here, or have Compaq sponsor me with one.
CONNECTIONS - I never connect my computer to the internet.
I use a FTP that I carry on 3.5 disk to publish my page in the
internet cafes. I read my mail on Yahoo because they are more
stable than my server, and works better. I keep a copy of
my e-mails on my server than forward copy to my yahoo account.
I have not found universal internet access. The ones that I have
found require me to call long distance to have access. I lived
in a 5 star hotel this would be possible. But I would spend 15-20
dollars a day for this type of connection. I spend about 1-2 dollars
with my method. In the end though. The connections is not
the hard thing to get. It is very difficult to get a telephone line.

SATELLITE - I have been out of the country for most of the last
4-5 years. My monitoring of the Satellite connections is lacking.
I think this is my answer in the long run. I could have the SAME
connection all the time. Changing locations and changing dial-in
numbers and such is very complicated and does not work
good. They say it does.... But give me a break.
I have a need for speed, and a life. (Connect Quickly,
Internet Cafe’s are convenient and easy) The satellite connection
seems the best answer to all problems. I even think the cost
would be less than using a telephone line in the long run.
It would take less time to setup and breakdown, and I would
not have to hunt for telephone lines, telephone jacks, or
a dialup telephone number. I would use the same all the
time. Still extremely expensive. If a reader can tell me
from A-Z and not talk in an “you should already know tone”
I would love to learn. I think those Reporters on CNN talking
and communicating from Afghanistan are on the right
track. I usually wait until something is obviously the norm before
jumping on the bandwagon. But again. Like Compaq.
The can sponsor me, and make me their guinea pig.

QUESTION:
Have you read The Hitch-hiker's Guide to the Galaxy (by Douglas Adams)?
Excellent book, with some entertaining views on the importance of
bringing a towel with you. (I always thought he was just trying to be
funny - interesting to hear an actual traveller agreeing with
him...)Mairead.

ANSWER:
No although I have heard about it, or had other travelers tell me too.
There is an abundance of books here in Thailand in English. I will
try to get a copy.

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~ HOBO GOSSIP and/or Jaded Remarks
NO HAMMOCK - My bungalow does not have a hammock.
My neighbor recommended I ask for a discount. Seems like
my neighbor is definitely a tourist. Very petty.
Sort of normal here.

SPEAKS ENGLAND ENGLISH - The (Foreign) girl that lives
next door speaks a very British type English, I remarked.
She said, “Thank God.” I told myself, “Thank God also”,
She has no idea that I would not want (Foreign) speaking
USA English. Better this way.

INTERNET EXPENSIVE - On the islands the internet
is more expensive than the cost of a room. One hour
is about 3 dollars.

TOPLESS - I do not know if you know. But Koh Pha Ngan
is a topless beach. Israel and British mostly.

LOL MEXICO LOSES - Mexico loses to the USA in
the world cup Football or Soccer.
They will be drunk for a week.
(LOL = Laugh Out Loud )

DENGUE FEVER on Koh Pha Ngan Island
It had over 100 cases of Dengue Fever last month.
Carried by Mosquitoes.
But no preventive smoggings, spraying.
No warnings. Probably would hurt with tourism.

-------------------------------------------------------------

"Thank you, Lord, for thinkin'
'bout me. I'm alive and doin' fine."
I’m alive and doing fine.‘
Song by: Five Man Electrical Band

Issue: 72 -- Koh Pha Ngan Thailand - Beach Towel

Issue: 74 -- Full Moon Party - Thailand - Electricity - Worst Case Scenario