Retroactive blogging - the best of the best

Due to exhorberant internet prices on the islands and a packed schedule in Bangkok and Chaing Mai, I've lagged quite far behind in my blogging in the past two weeks. Though I have tons of stories to tell, I know that an abbreviated version my adventures might be appreciated in this case. So, here is the best of the best of Thailand (so far)....

Best shark spotting site: Chumphon Pinnacle, a dive spot off of Koh Tao; considering it was my first time to see an actual shark while diving, I did well and managed not to pee in my wetsuit or bolt to the surface (and it was a big one, Phil says 6 ft, I say at least 8)

Best high life: With tons of bolted routes in the cliffs that rise from massive boulder in the bay, the Perhentian Islands can't be beat for an afternoon of rock climbing - blisters, sweat, and trembling muscles are rewarded by breathtaking views of the ocean from the top (that's me in the pic!)

Best "master cleanse" resort: The Sanctuary, Koh Phan Ngan; if your ultimate vacation includes seaweed shakes and daily colonics, this is the place for you; i decided against deep cleaning my bowels and instead spent each afternoon on a floating hut anchored in the bay, swinging in a hammock with the waves

Best temple adornments: Wat Arun differs greatly from the other eye-scaldingly gold temples in Bangkok - its 60 meter facade is decorated with old pieces of colorful lacquerware donated by anyone willing to give up an extra plate or saucer

Best place to strip down: Surrender yourself to experienced hands at Saija, one of the best places in Chaing Mai to get a Thai herbal oil massage; one hour of bliss is enough to get scarily friendly with your masseuse, and at a price of six dollars it's available to even the most frugal budget traveller

Best "budget" resort: Cocohut, Koh Phan Ngan; complete with infinity pool overlooking the ocean; as long as you're willing to share the bathroom with thirty other people, the price is very very nice

Best sunset vista: Wat Mae Som is a buddhist temple set high in the hills surrounding Pai and seems to be made exclusively for watching gorgeous sunsets that fall over the valley

Best use of sleeping pills: Overnight bus from Bangkok to Chaing Mai - though only 200 B ($5), this turned into a hellish trip as I struggled to use one small blanket to cover both my body in the freezing cold bus as well as my nose to block out the horrendous stench coming from the onboard bathroom

Best football game: England vs. Ecuador - we watched this nighttime game projected on a huge screen in Hat Rin along with hundreds of brits; lets just say that it's a good thing England came out on top (best comment from the crowd: Come on Rooney, you fat cow!)

Best comment in the hostel: "Honey, will you throw me the umbrella so that I can use the toilet?" When checking out our new pad, we were pleasantly surprised that the bathroom seemed quite bright and free of the usual smells that plague hostel toilets. However, had we glanced up, we would've noticed the absence of a ceiling, which technically wasn't a problem at all, well....until the rain started

Best classroom experience: Baan Thai Cooking School. After graduating from college, the last thing I wanted to hear about is more class; however, the cooking classes here are out of this world, complete with market shopping lessons and instructions for making curries, pat thai, sweet and sour veggies, and cashew nut chicken (those of you who make the trip to nashville to visit me next year may be rewarded with a dish or two!)