The simplest, and perhaps, most understated way to put such a milestone. Understatement aside, we couldn't be more excited for the big day and to share it with each of you. Unless, of course, if you have happened upon our blog accidentally, then you are not invited.
If this is your first time visiting the blog, you’ve probably been directed by the save-the-date. Welcome! Please curb unwanted expectations of nuanced prose, grammar, and complete sentences. If it’s not your first time visiting, you're either family or one of the few friends that actually read our Thailand Blog. Welcome back! Your expectations are right where they need to be – tempered. Furthermore, I hope you can excuse a tinge of sarcasm. I could have written it differently, but then this wouldn’t be fun for either of us.
In this day and age, it seems incomprehensible (read: inconvenient) to conduct a wedding without the accompaniment of a webpage. This, friends, is that webpage. Your one-stop-shop for all that you need to know about our big day. However, we’re taking a slightly different approach from the standard webpage – we’re writing a blog. Does that make us more interesting or edgy than your average couple? Probably not. Our edginess is primarily derived from our rebellious, live by the seat of our pants lifestyle, like Friday nights “in” and TV marathons. Back to the blog, who needs handy links, a well organized sight map, or the other accoutrements of a standard webpage, when you can write things on a running list of diary like entries? Not us.
However, friends, I promise that our lack of webpage organization is not foreshadowing a disorganized event. How can I make this proclamation? I am in charge of the blog. Angela is in charge of the wedding. What I may lack in organization, Angela does not. This is one of the many reasons that I’m getting the better deal in this union. Or, to err on the side of unity and partnership, this is one of the many reasons it’ll be a good marriage.
Other complementary qualities include:
Big vs. Small
Procrastinator vs. Diligently Prepared
Athletic vs. Theatrical
Stubborn vs., well, Stubborn (that one doesn’t work)
At any rate, the following entries should help you prepare logistics for our big day. Alternatively, you can stop reading and show up unprepared. Like my favorite childhood books, Chose Your Own Adventure, and we’ll take care of the important stuff. Keep in mind this blog will be updated as the date nears, so please check back in a couple of months.
Thanks for reading this far. I knew there was a reason we invited you; aside from your literacy, the many years of love, laughter, and friendship that we’ve shared.
See you in June,
Angela and Jon
Saturday, December 31, 2011
The Wedding Site
The wedding will take place at Angela's parent's home and almond Ranch in Denair, California. For those not familiar with the area, it’s about ½ hour south of Modesto on the 99. Also, for those not familiar with the area, the ‘L’ in almond is silent. Pronouncing the “L” is a dead giveaway that you ain’t from these parts. Just give it a try, it makes you feel authentic.
The ceremony and the reception will be taking place at the ranch, so no need to worry about mid-wedding transportation. I can feel the many silent fist pumps that just occurred…you’re welcome.
The following is the address:
4519 East Barnhart Drive
Denair, California 95316
As far as directions, start by opening Google, then type in the address. That usually does the trick. Ok, that may sound a little harsh, but you made it to the blog, didn’t you.
The ceremony and the reception will be taking place at the ranch, so no need to worry about mid-wedding transportation. I can feel the many silent fist pumps that just occurred…you’re welcome.
The following is the address:
4519 East Barnhart Drive
Denair, California 95316
As far as directions, start by opening Google, then type in the address. That usually does the trick. Ok, that may sound a little harsh, but you made it to the blog, didn’t you.
Attire
Ladies, I know this is a concern of yours, so let’s iron out some details. Gentlemen, bear with me.
Shoes: Since we will be getting married in an orchard, don’t expect paved walkways or hardwood. Rather than heels, you may consider a more grass/turf/gravel/dirt friendly option. As instructed by Angela, “flats” or “wedges” are probably the right call.
Other Attire: "Black tie" is a little too formal. Alternatively, jeans and a tank are undershooting it. If we were to define it, I guess we’d call it semi-formal, if not 3/8 formal.
Weather: The entire event will be held outside. It may be very hot during the day. It may get cold at night. I’d recommend checking the weather and being somewhat prepared. Worst case, if you forget your jacket, the bar or dance floor should be able to warm you up.
Shoes: Since we will be getting married in an orchard, don’t expect paved walkways or hardwood. Rather than heels, you may consider a more grass/turf/gravel/dirt friendly option. As instructed by Angela, “flats” or “wedges” are probably the right call.
Other Attire: "Black tie" is a little too formal. Alternatively, jeans and a tank are undershooting it. If we were to define it, I guess we’d call it semi-formal, if not 3/8 formal.
Weather: The entire event will be held outside. It may be very hot during the day. It may get cold at night. I’d recommend checking the weather and being somewhat prepared. Worst case, if you forget your jacket, the bar or dance floor should be able to warm you up.
Accommodations
We blocked off rooms at the below hotels in Turlock. They are next door to one another, and only about 10 minutes from the wedding site. On the day of the wedding, for those that don’t wish to drive, transportation will be provided to/from the hotels to/from the almond ranch (exact location and timing of pick-ups will be provided in updates to this blog prior to the wedding). One note: in order to book rooms at the discounted rates below, you must make reservations over the phone by May 5th.
Holiday Inn Express
3001 Hotel Drive
Turlock, CA 95380
(209) 664-9999
Call for Kollerer/Martin Wedding rates: $89 a night
Fairfield Inn & Suites
3301 Countryside Drive
Turlock, CA 95380
(209) 668-3800
Call for Kollerer/Martin Wedding rates: $89-$99 a night
Holiday Inn Express
3001 Hotel Drive
Turlock, CA 95380
(209) 664-9999
Call for Kollerer/Martin Wedding rates: $89 a night
Fairfield Inn & Suites
3301 Countryside Drive
Turlock, CA 95380
(209) 668-3800
Call for Kollerer/Martin Wedding rates: $89-$99 a night
Friday, July 16, 2010
Island Time
Hi All,
It's been a while since our last post due to a lack of free internet at recent accommodations and an aversion to sitting and typing while near the beach -- you understand. That said, we've been to a number new places (mostly islands), and experienced much of Southern Thailand. "Same, Same, but Different" as they say.
As has been the norm, we'll list out some experiences via brain dump. No particular order, just as they come to mind. We think this offers the most free expression or just saves the most time.
1) As long as we used it, it should probably be explained. "Same, Same, but Different" is known as said by almost all Thai people that deal with tourists. It is most often the answer to a comparative question of degree (amount of food, cleanliness of room, effectiveness of air conditioner, safety of anything). If you were to ask: "what is the difference between taking bus trip A and bus trip B", the likely response would be "SSbD". It's exactly as unequivocal as it sounds. In fairness, it's our fault we don't know the language, and they can't articulate the differences in English. This can make decision making frustrating.
2) Southern Itinerary to date: Chiang Mai by plane to Phuket for one night. Ferry to Koh Phi Phi for two nights. Ferry and longtail boat to RaiLay (Krabi) for three nights. Longtail, pickup truck, Bus, Bus, Ferry, Minibus to Koh Samui for two nights. Ferry to Koh Tao for four nights (we are on night three now).
3) If you read #2 carefully, you might notice that the route from RaiLay to Samui was especially trying, let us succinctly elaborate (succinctly because we could go on infinitely). Thai tourism tackles the language barrier during multi connection travel by using a sticker system (said stickers are stuck on your chest). Given a particular sticker, you are meant to be passed from bus, to truck, to taxi, etc..., seamlessly by one operator to another based on your sticker. If you purchase a trip from a tourist office (which is often the easiest way to travel), they will give you a sticker and a time to show up. The remaining details will be generally passed along (very generally - "Same, Same, but Different") and you will wait for the first person to recognize the sticker at stop one. At stop two, you will then wait for another operator to see your sticker, all the time hoping he/she actually arrives. If you have any inclination for control (or have borderline control problems), this will be difficult for you. Especially when a connecting sticker recognizer is late. For more information, give us a couple drinks and an hour.
4) Koh Phi Phi Don is a great place for 18-22 yr olds to party like it's spring break (Angela is 26 and Jon is 28). Koh Phi Phi Leh (see movie: The Beach) is amazing, idealic, unreal.
5) RaiLay, somehow, is more incredible than Koh Phi Phi Leh. Inconceivably large limestone cliffs less than 1 mile apart with a beach in the middle. We stayed at an awesome place with a pool only feet from the beach. (Side note- almost gave the distance in meters there. Perhaps it's time to get back to America for some good old standard rule).
6) The south of Thailand is decidedly touristy. Pro - More English speakers including Thais. Con - Less Thai immersion. Somehow we stayed in a German destination in RaiLay and a French destination in Samui. Who's better? We sorta kept to ourselves.
7) We are currently in Koh Tao learning to scuba dive. Today was our first two ocean dives submerging to roughly 12 meters (yes, the instructor is forcing metric down our red white and blue throats). Breathing while underwater is as cool as it sounds. More to come.
That's it for now. Hope every one's doing well wherever you might be. (again, not proofread)
Angela and Jon
It's been a while since our last post due to a lack of free internet at recent accommodations and an aversion to sitting and typing while near the beach -- you understand. That said, we've been to a number new places (mostly islands), and experienced much of Southern Thailand. "Same, Same, but Different" as they say.
As has been the norm, we'll list out some experiences via brain dump. No particular order, just as they come to mind. We think this offers the most free expression or just saves the most time.
1) As long as we used it, it should probably be explained. "Same, Same, but Different" is known as said by almost all Thai people that deal with tourists. It is most often the answer to a comparative question of degree (amount of food, cleanliness of room, effectiveness of air conditioner, safety of anything). If you were to ask: "what is the difference between taking bus trip A and bus trip B", the likely response would be "SSbD". It's exactly as unequivocal as it sounds. In fairness, it's our fault we don't know the language, and they can't articulate the differences in English. This can make decision making frustrating.
2) Southern Itinerary to date: Chiang Mai by plane to Phuket for one night. Ferry to Koh Phi Phi for two nights. Ferry and longtail boat to RaiLay (Krabi) for three nights. Longtail, pickup truck, Bus, Bus, Ferry, Minibus to Koh Samui for two nights. Ferry to Koh Tao for four nights (we are on night three now).
3) If you read #2 carefully, you might notice that the route from RaiLay to Samui was especially trying, let us succinctly elaborate (succinctly because we could go on infinitely). Thai tourism tackles the language barrier during multi connection travel by using a sticker system (said stickers are stuck on your chest). Given a particular sticker, you are meant to be passed from bus, to truck, to taxi, etc..., seamlessly by one operator to another based on your sticker. If you purchase a trip from a tourist office (which is often the easiest way to travel), they will give you a sticker and a time to show up. The remaining details will be generally passed along (very generally - "Same, Same, but Different") and you will wait for the first person to recognize the sticker at stop one. At stop two, you will then wait for another operator to see your sticker, all the time hoping he/she actually arrives. If you have any inclination for control (or have borderline control problems), this will be difficult for you. Especially when a connecting sticker recognizer is late. For more information, give us a couple drinks and an hour.
4) Koh Phi Phi Don is a great place for 18-22 yr olds to party like it's spring break (Angela is 26 and Jon is 28). Koh Phi Phi Leh (see movie: The Beach) is amazing, idealic, unreal.
5) RaiLay, somehow, is more incredible than Koh Phi Phi Leh. Inconceivably large limestone cliffs less than 1 mile apart with a beach in the middle. We stayed at an awesome place with a pool only feet from the beach. (Side note- almost gave the distance in meters there. Perhaps it's time to get back to America for some good old standard rule).
6) The south of Thailand is decidedly touristy. Pro - More English speakers including Thais. Con - Less Thai immersion. Somehow we stayed in a German destination in RaiLay and a French destination in Samui. Who's better? We sorta kept to ourselves.
7) We are currently in Koh Tao learning to scuba dive. Today was our first two ocean dives submerging to roughly 12 meters (yes, the instructor is forcing metric down our red white and blue throats). Breathing while underwater is as cool as it sounds. More to come.
That's it for now. Hope every one's doing well wherever you might be. (again, not proofread)
Angela and Jon
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
The Trip Continues...
We sat in Chiang Mai's TAT office (Thailand Tourism) among posters and
photo albums of tourists (all Caucasian, surely by design) Trekking, Ropes
Coarsing, Elephant Riding, Rafting, Experiencing Thailand, etc.. It all
seemed very canned and regulated - single servings of Thailand ready for
consumption. The guidebooks warned of this. Many options offered little
chance of great adventure, but also little chance getting lost or hurting
oneself. Lonely Planet was specifically weary of the "One Day
Treks," describing them as equal parts Driving, Eating, and Walking -
hardly trekking at all. That said, we decided for the obvious choice, the
road less traveled, the 2 day trek.
Said trek was sold as a 4 part adventure: 1) "Elephant trek", 2) hike to
waterfall (to play and shower), 3) hike to native hill tribe where we would
stay the night in a "5 star accommodation (for hill tribe)", and 4)
bamboo raft down a river. Given a baseline expectation of canned-ness, it
seemed that we'd chosen enough activities that something would feel
authentic, local, and adventurous. At the outset, this was more of an
adventure than expected.
Starting w/ the Elephant "trek," Thailand tourism was force fed as
expected. That said, we hadn't fully anticipated our immediate discomfort
with the whole operation. It didn't seem that the elephants were terribly
abused; however, the exploitation didn't feel right either. Had we not been
quickly shuttled out of the car straight onto the biggest elephant in the
park, and given a bit longer to think and feel, we wouldn't have taken the
tour. Definitely our biggest regret so far.
Elephants aside (we'd rather not dwell on that either), the rest of the
trek was an adventure to say the least. A clear reminder that we weren't in
Kansas anymore, or the USA, or the Western World. It seems that the tour
guides are bound to few rules or safety standards (Not sure, but it doesn't
seem that lawsuits are common here). This was both refreshing, and at times,
a bit scary. It's fun to go on a guided hike that doesn't feel like
you're in the latest disneyland adventure park, but you don't want it to
feel like a horror flick either. For example: paths shouldn't be fitted with
guard rails and lighted walkways, we want to push ourselves and have a bit
of fun; however, guard rails on bridges are fun.
In order to speed things up, I'm just going to give some of the highlights,
we can tie the full story line together when we get back:
1) Although not indicated by the TAT salesperson, the hike on day one was
strenuous and directly up hill for the first 2 hours or so. There was a
point that I didn't think our Canadian counterparts (two other girls on the
same trek, one with asthma) would get through the first hour. All told, our
first day hike was about 3.5 hours and 12k or so.
2) The waterfall was cool, despite spurring mostly brown water. The rivers
are pretty muddy. The waterfall also marked a turning point in the trip -
Angela slipped and banged up her foot and knee pretty bad. Turning point,
because our guide didn't speak English and we were concerned that we would
need to get her out early. (This was 5 days ago now and Angela is just fine
- we didn't go home early)
3) In actuality, our "5 star accommodations" should not have been judged in
stars at all. We stayed in a shared hut with 5 other "trekkers", on
dreadfully stained mattresses, with questionably clean blankets, and unclean
pillows. The mosquito nets were ok, but that's all it had going. The toilet
was "squat only" - the kind you step on.
4) Our fellow trekkers were truly the highlight. 3 Canadians and 2 Brits. The
2 Brits were especially warm, hilarious, and generous with there medical
supplies for Angela's fresh cuts.
5) The tribes people were very nice; however, as the night wore on, they got
extremely drunk off of "Thai Water" (local moonshine). They had fire for us
(despite the heat and humidity), sang songs, and drank. Then they drank
more. This was fun, authentic, and a little sketchy. Our group called it a
night at 9pm when it seemed that the wheels were close to coming off.
6) Didn't do the bamboo raft - we didn't think Angela's foot would like it
very much.
7) Hiked through some awesome looking mountain side rice farms.
8) Per above, we crossed somewhere in the neighborhood of 8 bridges, most very
short. Perhaps one had a shaky hand rail. When necessary, Angela scooted
across on her but.
There is more to tell, but we want to get back to having fun. We're
currently in Ko Phi Phi and enjoying the beach. We barely proof read, so
don't be too harsh. There was much learned and experienced above. While we
may not chose to do something like that again, I don't think we trade the
experience either.
photo albums of tourists (all Caucasian, surely by design) Trekking, Ropes
Coarsing, Elephant Riding, Rafting, Experiencing Thailand, etc.. It all
seemed very canned and regulated - single servings of Thailand ready for
consumption. The guidebooks warned of this. Many options offered little
chance of great adventure, but also little chance getting lost or hurting
oneself. Lonely Planet was specifically weary of the "One Day
Treks," describing them as equal parts Driving, Eating, and Walking -
hardly trekking at all. That said, we decided for the obvious choice, the
road less traveled, the 2 day trek.
Said trek was sold as a 4 part adventure: 1) "Elephant trek", 2) hike to
waterfall (to play and shower), 3) hike to native hill tribe where we would
stay the night in a "5 star accommodation (for hill tribe)", and 4)
bamboo raft down a river. Given a baseline expectation of canned-ness, it
seemed that we'd chosen enough activities that something would feel
authentic, local, and adventurous. At the outset, this was more of an
adventure than expected.
Starting w/ the Elephant "trek," Thailand tourism was force fed as
expected. That said, we hadn't fully anticipated our immediate discomfort
with the whole operation. It didn't seem that the elephants were terribly
abused; however, the exploitation didn't feel right either. Had we not been
quickly shuttled out of the car straight onto the biggest elephant in the
park, and given a bit longer to think and feel, we wouldn't have taken the
tour. Definitely our biggest regret so far.
Elephants aside (we'd rather not dwell on that either), the rest of the
trek was an adventure to say the least. A clear reminder that we weren't in
Kansas anymore, or the USA, or the Western World. It seems that the tour
guides are bound to few rules or safety standards (Not sure, but it doesn't
seem that lawsuits are common here). This was both refreshing, and at times,
a bit scary. It's fun to go on a guided hike that doesn't feel like
you're in the latest disneyland adventure park, but you don't want it to
feel like a horror flick either. For example: paths shouldn't be fitted with
guard rails and lighted walkways, we want to push ourselves and have a bit
of fun; however, guard rails on bridges are fun.
In order to speed things up, I'm just going to give some of the highlights,
we can tie the full story line together when we get back:
1) Although not indicated by the TAT salesperson, the hike on day one was
strenuous and directly up hill for the first 2 hours or so. There was a
point that I didn't think our Canadian counterparts (two other girls on the
same trek, one with asthma) would get through the first hour. All told, our
first day hike was about 3.5 hours and 12k or so.
2) The waterfall was cool, despite spurring mostly brown water. The rivers
are pretty muddy. The waterfall also marked a turning point in the trip -
Angela slipped and banged up her foot and knee pretty bad. Turning point,
because our guide didn't speak English and we were concerned that we would
need to get her out early. (This was 5 days ago now and Angela is just fine
- we didn't go home early)
3) In actuality, our "5 star accommodations" should not have been judged in
stars at all. We stayed in a shared hut with 5 other "trekkers", on
dreadfully stained mattresses, with questionably clean blankets, and unclean
pillows. The mosquito nets were ok, but that's all it had going. The toilet
was "squat only" - the kind you step on.
4) Our fellow trekkers were truly the highlight. 3 Canadians and 2 Brits. The
2 Brits were especially warm, hilarious, and generous with there medical
supplies for Angela's fresh cuts.
5) The tribes people were very nice; however, as the night wore on, they got
extremely drunk off of "Thai Water" (local moonshine). They had fire for us
(despite the heat and humidity), sang songs, and drank. Then they drank
more. This was fun, authentic, and a little sketchy. Our group called it a
night at 9pm when it seemed that the wheels were close to coming off.
6) Didn't do the bamboo raft - we didn't think Angela's foot would like it
very much.
7) Hiked through some awesome looking mountain side rice farms.
8) Per above, we crossed somewhere in the neighborhood of 8 bridges, most very
short. Perhaps one had a shaky hand rail. When necessary, Angela scooted
across on her but.
There is more to tell, but we want to get back to having fun. We're
currently in Ko Phi Phi and enjoying the beach. We barely proof read, so
don't be too harsh. There was much learned and experienced above. While we
may not chose to do something like that again, I don't think we trade the
experience either.
A Glimpse of Our Trip......
We finally figured out uploading pics. We had to save them as smaller images...apologies if they are a bit pixelated.
Day of Firsts -- First day in Bangkok, first Chang beer (of many) and first watermelon shake (which Angela now drinks daily).
"Lucky Buddha" -- deamed by the Tuk Tuk
Full day of touring Bangkok via Tuk Tuk
GrandPalace in Bangkok
"Big Budhha"
Another part of the Grand Palace
Cooking class group in Chiang Mai -- "A taste of Thai"
First Day on Jungle Trek -- riding the Elephants (we really did not like it...poor elephant)
Waterfall in Chiang Mai Jungle (site of Angela's accident)
Jungle Trek Group -- at our dining/drinking table
Late night village partying with the locals -- yes they are walking around a fire singing songs in Thai -- it was amazing.
Jungle Trekking
Post-trek (and injury) relaxed at BEAUTIFUL resort in Chiang Mai for some healing
.JPG)
On our way to Ko Phi Phi Don
.JPG)
.JPG)
That is all for now....will share more soon. Hope all is well and love ya!
Day of Firsts -- First day in Bangkok, first Chang beer (of many) and first watermelon shake (which Angela now drinks daily).
"Lucky Buddha" -- deamed by the Tuk Tuk
Full day of touring Bangkok via Tuk Tuk
GrandPalace in Bangkok
"Big Budhha"
Another part of the Grand Palace
Now in Chiang Mai touring temples.....
Cooking class group in Chiang Mai -- "A taste of Thai"
First Day on Jungle Trek -- riding the Elephants (we really did not like it...poor elephant)
Waterfall in Chiang Mai Jungle (site of Angela's accident)
Jungle Trek Group -- at our dining/drinking table
Late night village partying with the locals -- yes they are walking around a fire singing songs in Thai -- it was amazing.
Jungle Trekking
Post-trek (and injury) relaxed at BEAUTIFUL resort in Chiang Mai for some healing
.JPG)
On our way to Ko Phi Phi Don
.JPG)
Lookout point at Ko Phi Phi Don....paradise
.JPG)
That is all for now....will share more soon. Hope all is well and love ya!
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