Hi Drew and Emi - looks like things continue to go well. That is definitely a rubber plantation and the local boy looks to be starting a fire. I'm glad to see the weather finally dried out a bit for you in Thailand and nice to see you made it to Rei Lei. Were you able to jump on any ropes and get some climbing in? Things are well here. Be good and safe! Mark

Hi Drew and Emi! I think they are rubber trees. You gave way too big of a hint for the siren. It is part of a tsunami alert system. The aborigine is cutting the piece of wood in half? (I feel least confident about that last guess)

OK, Tisha is on the right track regarding the trees - it is the tree sap that is being collected, BUT we are looking for the TYPE of tree/sap - HINT: it's used to make products which everyone uses or comes in contact with on a daily basis.
Additionally, we'll give a hint on the tall structure at the beach. We had a couple answers that are also on the right track - Kelly mentioned about a siren, BUT again we are looking for more specifics. Remember a significant event about 1 year ago.
That's it for now!

Is the tree an hardwood of some kind? The bowl might hold sap or maybe it attracks bugs so it won't eat the tree( can't think of anything else). The villager is either making or playing a game or making a weapon! The beach pole is a look out or a radio tower. I know-silly answers but I at least tried!!!! Again enjoyed all your pictures and your comments about each one. After the rats I would have been out of there!!! I'm scared of a little mouse. Keep those messages and pictures coming. Keep save. Love, Tisha

OK, there have been a couple good guesses to recent quiz questions, but there are still 3 questions that have not been answered correctly. The tall structure on the beach is not a lighthouse or a sound system. Then there's the trees with cups on them - What kind of trees are they and what is being collected?? The last unanswered question is the one related to the Aboriginee - what exactly is he doing in the picture?? C'mon people, we are waiting.....are the questions too hard or is it just lack of focus in the New Year? Oh BTW, we are at the airport on our way to the Borneo side of Malaysia for a week or so. Bye for now.

Looks like a light house..got a be what that is. You guys are awesome! Love you both an dknow you'll be just fine. Are you guys going to write a book about your travels...You should...

I believe the answer to your latest question is - the structure is one of about 15 soundsystems along Haad Rin beach.

looks like i just missed answering the first question!! my dad flew a helicoptor for the filming of that bond movie and was mooned by bond himself! so i grew up looking at picures of that area when people would come over. as for the other ones, i have no idea what's going on in the forest, is it some kind of bug collecting?... and the thing on the beach i will guess is a light house/ siren.
and have you guys decided on what your plans will be in S.America yet!??

Our first experience of the New Year....JUNGLE TREKKING. A brief summary follows:
It started with a crazy boat ride - a small boat with a tiny motor and sides not more than 4 inches above the water level attempting to go upstream thru sections of rapids with waves that are 1-2 feet high...do the math! It is the rainy season afterall, and the river is higher than normal with strong currents. After going to shore and walking a couple of the bigger rapids, they decided to unload, do the trail in reverse and boat down the river after we finish trekking...a wise decision, we thought! Then came the river crossings (approx. 10 - but we lost count after 5) - no one mentioned that we should pack everything in water proof bags because we have to swim across rivers with water depths over our head. Luckily there was a 6'7" guy from Holland who carried our bags over his head even though his head was under water at times. That night we slept in a cave with aggressive rats that actually crawled on top of the others while they "tried" to sleep. Oh, and did I mention all of the leeches?...those little suckers can be VERY annoying! Day 2 was a little better (no swimming necessary), but some serious bushwacking was required to navigate the fallen trees & overgrown trail...oh, and MORE mud & leeches. Then we stayed in an Aboriginal village and learned some good survival skills just in case we get lost in the jungle. The boat ride downstream thru the rapids was actually kind of fun - the waves crashing over us were refreshing at that point. Overall, a great experience...one we will certainly remember!

Hey ALL,
Thanks for the Holiday wishes. We are finishing our recovery (from jungle trekking - see next message) at a resort near Kuantan (along Penisular Malaysia's East Coast). There are some new picture albums posted as well as a few new quiz questions. I notice that Gaylord has already answered one of them correctly - the unique rock formation pictured with Emi in the Thailand for the Holidays album is indeed called James Bond Island, named so ever since its rise in popularity from The Man With The Golden Gun.
Anyway, we will be heading to Kuala Lumpur tomorrow (1/13). We will explore the city a bit and then move to the surrounding areas for more culture, fireflies and beaches. We may then fly to the Borneo side of Malaysia in order to climb Mt. Kinabalu (not yet decided) before heading south to Singapore. Take care.

Quiz #1 - I got it - I think so - well maybe. James Bond Island - "The Man with the Golden Gun".

Very interesting two questions you recently posted. I have no idea what the answer may be o question #1. However, question number two certainly begs for an answer. After much thought I believe: There's a place in the middle of the jungle where people from different groups and tribes met 5 years ago to talk about the future of the forests. Each group (including different villages, Buddhists from the nearby forest monestaries, Christians from the city, and city officials representing the king) gave its promise to protect these forests. Some of the trees, like this one you pictured, have been ordained as holy trees in order to protect them from harm.