Amsterdam Red Lights. Amsterdam at Night. Simply Amsterdam!

When dusk falls in Amsterdam the city begins to buzz in a whole other light.  The working class gathers at one of Amsterdam’s many squares and enjoys a few cocktails with friends and colleges before returning to their respective homes.  The city’s subculture emerges slowly and surely.  The restaurants fill up, the pubs and street cafes get crowded and the sounds of Dutch club music begin to heighten throughout the city.

Amsterdam has something for everyone- there is no shortage of great finds and if you do enough digging there are many speakeasy’s and private clubs to indulge in.  I took Ben to visit some old haunts from the younger years.  Some were still up and running, sadly  others had been laid to rest.  Here are some great night shots from our time out in Amsterdam.

Best Food in Ko Tao, Thailand. Mr. Shi Crazy Pancake Man of Ko Tao, Thailand.

I had the true pleasure of being introduced to Mr. Shi (ch-ai) by some local dive instructors.  His pancake stand (mobile unit connected to his electric bike) is located right outside of 7-11 just behind Ban’s Dive Resort.  He is a true master of his craft, serving pancakes in Ko Tao for over 10 years.  They are great, sober or not

Ko Tao, Thailand. Travel Review on Food, Beaches, SCUBA Diving and Nightlife.

Here I find myself checking out of Ban’s Dive Resort- debating where to head out to next.  This trip has been a very stress free experience with no set agenda.  As I drop this post in, I am flipping a coin to stay one more evening or pack it up and move on…

A quick snap shot about BAN’s –It appeared to be a laid back small dive resort on Ko Tao (online), not so much the case. The resort is clean and simple but felt more like a Motel 6.  If you plan on diving on the island my suggestion is hook up with another dive company and spend the extra few dollars.  I was not impressed with the large boats full of divers, and 15 foot stride from the bow into the water. (Dangerous!)

(more…)