I Feel Like I'm in the Circus (Bangkok, Thailand)
This leg of the Race, Andy & Tommy are the first to head out at 10:07am - they get the clue to travel by local transportation up the river to get their next clue. They have to take a local taxi which looks like a little pick up truck converted into a double-decker... little pick up truck - once at the river they will travel by elephant (that is so cool!) until they reach the next clue.
-Andy & Tommy tell us how their faith in God is very important to them - they have scripture verses on their packs reminding them to be joyful and pray always... (Hey, whatever floats your boat - they are joyful and fun - can't deny that.)
-They get on the elephant, riding along over some rough terrain when the driver slides down the front of the elephant - whoa, where ya going? - He's directing from the ground and Tommy slides forward to drive from behind the elephant's head. Andy says he's going to get an elephant when he gets home - you can do some serious 4-wheeling. (Could you imagine how much those things eat? Good luck with that.)
-Fighting Siblings, Justin & Jennifer head out at 11:01, Jeremy & Sandy, Zac & Laurence are off at 11:44 and 11:45am respectively. Laurence says he's proud of what Zac's accomplished at such a young age but he's the Dad and Zac will have to listen to him (as long as you read the clue, it'll be no problem.)
-Andy is now driving the elephant - "Look ma, no hands."
-Jennifer & Justin get on their elephant and she's waving, "Hello. I feel like I'm in the circus." [parade] apparently.
-Ernie & Cindy are the next out at 11:52am - they grew up in very different environments - he was a B student (that's an Asian F), not pushed like her - he wants to prove himself worthy of her in the Race... (I'm thinking she has some pretty traditional parents - good luck to you sir.)
-Amani & Marcus are next to leave at 11:53am.
-Andy & Tommy get to the bucket with the clue and it's the ROADBLOCK: Who wants to hear some Water Music? They must follow the sound of music to a waterfall and a traditional Thai flautist, then search the pool he's standing beside for their next clue.
-Ro-sham-bo and scissors cut paper - Andy is doing the Roadblock. He dives right in but the water is really murky and he doesn't know what he's looking for - takes a minute and decides it's probably right below the flutist - goes back down and of course, there it is - wrapped bundle. He unwraps it and it's a ceramic koi fish that says break me - he takes it back to Tommy and they smash it and inside is their next clue. Disassemble a Spirit House: they must travel by the taxi-thingy to a local shop where they have to disassemble a model shrine called a spirit house - then they must transport the pieces to the temple to get their next clue. Back on the elephant they go.
-Bill & Cathi are just starting out at 12:22pm - seems like so much has happened...
-Justin & Jennifer get to the Roadblock and he's heading to the pool. Yeah, no swimming there - he's just walking through the water - I don't see it.
-Jeremy & Sandy and Laurence & Zac get on the elephants - she says she loves her Dumbo - Jeremy says it's definitely not the fastest form of transportation (and there you have the personalities of these two in a nutshell.)
-Justin stumbles over his 'clue' bundle - and they are off to disassemble a spirit house.
-Ernie & Cindy and Marcus & Amani are riding the elephants - Marcus says it's a little scary for him, he is a large man - their seat does seem to be leaning over a bit to his side... eek. (Aw, baby elephants bathing in the river - aww.)
-Andy & Tommy arrive at the Spirit House shop and Andy says they should take mental note of how it looks assembled in case they have to put it back together (smart man my bearded friend.) They get down to disassemblage and are back in the pick up/cab lickety-split.
-Justin & Jennifer's elephant has to divert into the river to get around Sandy & Jeremy and Zac & Laurence. Justin says good luck to them and all of sudden Sandy is scared...? (She needs to stop over thinking things.)
-Andy & Tommy get to the temple and the clue is another ROADBLOCK - requires one team member to reassemble the Spirit House exactly how they found it, on the grounds of the temple. Once they get it exact, the monk will give them their next clue. SURPRISE - if you did the water Roadblock, your partner must do this one. (oooh, that could be interesting for some.)
-So, Tommy is doing the reassemble and says it's been interesting as Christians doing these tasks at the Buddhist temples - but they know the one true God and he's greater than the temples (really? You can't respect other people's beliefs? Don't make me not like my Snowboarders.)
-Tommy: "I have no idea where this guy goes." (Uh oh, that could be bad, you have to get the figurines in the right places. He's going to think God's forsaken him because it's a Buddhist shrine!)
-Back at the Water Music - Sandy and Laurence wade in looking for the clue. He is the first one to find it - so she soon follows.
-Tommy can't remember how the Spirit House is supposed to look - they focused on opposite sides when they took it apart - he decides he's got to go back to the shop and take another look - off they go.
-Elephant traffic jam - as Sandy & Jeremy and Zac & Laurence are trying to turn their animals around - Marcus & Amani and Ernie & Cindy come up on them... "Lovely day for riding an elephant, eh?" (That was Laurence, it sounded so proper in his accent too.)
-Back at the shop, Tommy makes himself some notes on the placement of things and heads back.
-Ma & Pa are finally on the elephants and...
-Liz & Marie are finally heading out at 1:35pm... and they also have a speed bump they'll have to face at the elephants. They are still smiling because their Dad taught them to go going, be positive and you'll be successful - they're trying to live by that. They are thankful they got $135 for this leg of the race because they never changed their Indonesian money so they haven't had Thai money for this leg of the Race.
-Marcus and Cindy head to the pool and are looking for the clue.
-Tommy completes the Spirit House correctly and gets the thumbs up and the clue to travel 550 miles by bus to Bangkok. Once there they must make their way to the Bangkok Noi canal and feed the fish to receive their next clue.
-Justin & Jennifer get to the shop and figure they're going to have to put the thing back together, borrow the cab drivers cell phone to take a picture (huh, I guess they can do that.)
-Back at the waterfall, Marcus finds his 'clue' and just has to reach down and pick it up - Cindy has to dive under the water (haha.) They all head off for the Spirit House shop.
-At the temple, Jennifer has to do the re-assemble for them - the parts are heavy and she's complaining. (Surprise.) She says, "Even though this is not the same religion as mine it warrants the same respect." (Exactly - and now I like Jennifer more.) She gets a No - runs and looks at the phone and realizes she forgot the cups of water - she gets the clue and head off for the bus depot.
-At the shop, Jeremy and Sandy take notes on where everything is situated on the Spirit House figuring they'll have to put it back together.
-Zac says we should take notes and Laurence, "No, no, we just have to take the thing apart." (Oh yeah, "I'm the voice of wisdom, he has to listen to me." Poor kid.) He's just focused on passing Jeremy & Sandy - they take off and Zac says again - we didn't take any notes. Dad - Don't worry.
-Liz & Marie get to the elephants and they're dying - Oh my god - baby elephants - they're may favourite animal (oh, they're so young.)
-At the Temple Zac finds out he has to put the Spirit house back together - great. Thanks a lot Pop.
-Jeremy is fine with his notes.
-Ma & Pa have reached the first Roadblock and she heads into the pool - and falls down (do I need to start Cathi fall counter part II?)
-Poor Zac is screwed - he gets a no. He's thinking he's going to have to go back and take notes.
-Jeremy gets it right and they head out for the bus station.
-Zac runs to the cab and says he should have taken notes, Laurence says, "Don't blame me." and is mad Zac couldn't do it - We're losing time - this is something I could have knocked out quickly I think. (Really? You have a photographic memory do you? Jerk!)
-Cathi finds their clue so they are heading back to do the Spirit Houses.
-Liz & Marie have to do their Speed Bump and they are squealing like little girls about the baby elephants - then they find out they have to wash and clean up after (yes, that means shovels of poop) the elephants before they can carry on riding one. They say it doesn't smell and they're happy to do it because elephants are (one of their) favourite animals. (Uh, right.)
-Zac is taking notes - Laurence stayed behind at the temple in a snit - he heads back.
-Marcus & Amani arrive at the shop and she's taking notes - Ernie & Cindy get there at the same time and they just start stripping the thing... uh oh. She says she wants to take a good look at one of the other ones and he says "Why, it doesn't say we have to re-assemble it." (Oh buddy, listen to the smart one.)
-Zac gets the set up correct and they didn't lose their spot - they get the clue and head off for the bus terminal. (Do you think Dad learned anything from not taking the time to make notes - no, he thinks he could have done it - it's Zac's fault.)
-Amani and Ernie now have to reassemble the Spirit Houses - you should have seen Cindy's face when she read that clue and knew she now had to rely on Ernie to complete this part... He says he thinks he remembers how it goes. But he has no idea.
-Amani has her notes and is glad of it.
-The twins finish shoveling sh*t and are ecstatic they get to now scrub an elephant (okay, you're weird). When they finish and then get to ride an elephant Marie (I think) says this is the best day of her life, "No Joke."
-The Snowboarders get to the bus station and the taxi ride costs them almost all their money - they buy bus tickets to Bankok - leaves at 4:30pm, arrives 6am (thirteen hours on a bus... smelling like elephant ;)
-Justin & Jennifer and Sandy & Jeremy get tickets on the same bus.
-Zac & Laurence get tickets on another bus leaving at 4:30 - it's a first class bus - Zac, "Do you think that will be a problem?" Laurence, "No, not at all." (Really? This guy is such an idiot, doesn't learn.)
-Ernie has to go back to the shop to take another look at the Spirit Houses - "It's another bad day for team Cindy & Ernie and they all seem to be my fault." (Aw... but yes, they do. Haha.)
-Amani gets hers right and they get the clue to head for the bus station.
-The Twins get to the Water Music and get their clue rather quickly - off they go for the Spirit Houses.
-Ma & Pa get to the Spirit House shop and they know to write down where the pieces go.
-Ernie gets his notes down and heads back to the Temple - he says he thinks he has it now - "And if I don't, I think Cindy's going to kill me." (It's funny cause it's true!)
-Zac finally gets his Dad to see reason - reminds him they're not supposed to take First Class transport, "We can't afford another penalty"- they get the driver to let them off the bus and they have to make their way back and get the proper bus. Laurence, on the side of the road, "We're screwed now." "Yup."
-Ernie gets back and makes some adjustments and he gets the clue - he says he screwed up again but she's comforting him - (they are pretty cute together.)
-Laurence and Zac are jogging back to the bus station - hopefully they have money for more tickets.
-Liz & Marie get to the Spirit House shop and they bet they have to reassemble it - they take notes.
-Pa gets the shrine together correctly and they head out for the bus station.
-Liz & Marie get to the Temple and Liz has to reassemble the house but she took notes.
-Amani & Marcus get to the bus station and get tickets on the 5:30pm bus. Ma & Pa also get on the 5:30 bus.
-Ernie & Cindy get to the bus station and they don't have 4500 baht to pay the cab driver - they shove $100 US dollars at him and take off to buy bus tickets. The driver comes after them (4500 baht is $150) - some woman starts arguing for the cab driver and Ernie & Cindy play the ugly Americans - "Why are you doing this to us, you were a terrible driver..." (So you don't have to pay him? Ugh. - Cindy does say in their interview after that it was not their finest hour, that behaviour was not acceptable but the race is so stressful.)
-Ernie & Cindy get on their (first class?) bus - Marcus & Amani and Ma & Pa are on another bus and they start heading out at 5:30pm as Zac & Laurence come running back into the station. Marcus, "And they look beat."
-Zac & Laurence find out the next bus they can catch is an 8:00pm bus. They do not look happy hanging out at the bus station.
-Liz gets her Spirit House together and they head for the Bus terminal.
-Zac & Laurence get on the 8:00pm bus and they look like wrung out dishrags - and there is a screaming baby on the bus (nice.)
-Liz & Marie don't have enough money to pay their cab driver - they buy tickets for the 8:00pm bus which is leaving-right-now! But they still owe the cabbie $40 more dollars that they don't have. The bus pulls out and now they don't have money for more bus tickets either. (Still the best day of your life Marie?) They get a reprieve though - the cab driver agrees to accept the money they have and they stop the bus for them and he drives them to the bus... (Ah, the power of being young and pretty.)
BANGKOK
-Ernie & Cindy's bus is the first one to arrive - (Express bus? First class?) They have to go feed the fish. They have been to Bankok before but they don't think it will help them unless they have to find some lady-boys, "we know where those are." (Oh really?)
-2nd bus arrives with Tommy & Andy, Sandy & Jeremy and Justin & Jennifer - their bus made a lot of stops. They have no idea where any other teams are.
-3rd bus arrives with Marcus & Amani and Ma & Pa.
-They all hop in cabs and head for Bangkok Noi canal.
-Zac & Laurence and Liz & Marie - are still on their buses - they both took 8pm buses but weren't on the same one.
-Liz & Marie have no money now so they won't be able to cab to the canal to feed the fish - Marie hates fish.
-Ernie & Cindy feed the fish with the fish food they got at the temple with the last clue. They then receive the clue for the Pit Stop - M.R. Kukrit Heritage Home - last team to arrive may be eliminated - their cab driver is phoning a friend to find out where they need to go. hmm.
-The 2nd bus team's cabs are stuck in Bankok traffic snarl - one block in 20 minutes - ugh.
-Ma & Pa and Marcus & Amani's drivers took a short cut and they are the next teams to feed the fishes and to get the clue to the Pit Stop.
-Laurence & Zac's bus arrives and they hop in a cab for the canal.
-The twins bus arrives and they ask someone how far the Bankok Noi is- they're told it's 3 blocks so they start hoofing it - hoping it's within walking distance.
-Cindy & Ernie's cab gets stuck in traffic and they are worried not to be moving so they pay up and hop out of the cab. (Where are you going?)
-Ma & Pa and Marcus & Amani apparently have the best cab drivers ever - they are heading to the Pit Stop and know it's going to be a foot race. Marcus, "They may look like Ma & Pa but don't let that fool you, they can run."
-Cindy & Ernie are walking and she's so p*ssed they got out of the cab (I guess so.)
-Liz & Marie ask another guy where Bankok Noi is and he tells them it would take them 5 hours to walk there. They feel they have no choice, they feel way too guilty to ask people for money.
-The Snowboarders and Jeremy & Sandy are feeding the fish and both get the clue to the Pit Stop - the snowboarders are told the Pit Stop house is right across the water so they take off running. Jeremy & Sandy hop in a moto-cab.
-Justin & Jennifer feed the fish and jump in their cab.
-Liz & Marie are tired of walking and decide to beg a cab driver to take them - they say they have no money, will you take us? He laughs - and agrees. "Never underestimate the generosity of people." (I guess not.)
-The Snowboarders stop to ask directions at a school - the lady they ask takes off with their clue - tells them to wait there - and she doesn't come back. Another woman comes out and tells them she's teaching and they'll have to wait - (WHAT?) They say it was God's will... (Oh, my...) Then a man comes out and shows them on a map where they need to go and they jump in a cab. Finally!
-Zac & Laurence feed the fish and head for the Pit Stop.
-Jeremy & Sandy are dropped off somewhere and they take off on foot - hopefully in the right place.
-Liz & Marie get to feed the fish and get the clue for the Pit Stop - have to go try and beg another ride. (And you can tell it's hot - the camera lens is all steamy.) They bat their eyes and get another free cab ride. (I hope this doesn't corrupt these nice young girls - I can get things for free if only I ask sweetly and bat my eyes.)
-Jeremy & Sandy are lost walking around and finally realize they need to get in a cab - they hope this isn't the end for them... but they are proud of each other.
Here's How they Finished:
1) Marcus & Amani - Team #1, now that is some celebration - they win a trip for two to Bali (ahh, nice.)
2) Bill & Cathi (Ma & Pa) - hug M&A and are very happy with 2nd.
3) Ernie & Cindy - Team #3 - however? No, I guess they were just lucky and got an express bus.
4) Justin & Jennifer - find out they're team number 4 and he says - We were hoping for first place (looking at Phil like it's his fault) but we'll take 4th. (Yes you will, and you'll be happy about it!)
5) Andy & Tommy - alright
6) Laurence & Zac - Phil tells them that the No First Class travel rule only applies to air travel and they would have been okay on the first class bus - (Arghh! So many rules.) I think Laurence wanted to throttle someone but I don't blame Zac for second guessing him at this point.
7) Jeremy & Sandy - Phil plays with them a little - gets her crying that it was a rough day - then tells them they are still in the Race - that really gets her going - "I can eliminate you if you want." "No!"
8) Liz & Marie - Last team to arrive - ELIMINATED - cry talking that they were doing this for their Dad and wanted to show him they'd never give up. He's be proud of them.
And with the Twins: Kevin & Elaine, Krista H, Janine S and Denise R are out of the pools - and there goes the last all-girl team too.
Next week - they are heading to Africa - moving bundles of tobacco and bed frames...
Have a great week everyone,
Coleen
This leg of the Race, Andy & Tommy are the first to head out at 10:07am - they get the clue to travel by local transportation up the river to get their next clue. They have to take a local taxi which looks like a little pick up truck converted into a double-decker... little pick up truck - once at the river they will travel by elephant (that is so cool!) until they reach the next clue.
-Andy & Tommy tell us how their faith in God is very important to them - they have scripture verses on their packs reminding them to be joyful and pray always... (Hey, whatever floats your boat - they are joyful and fun - can't deny that.)
-They get on the elephant, riding along over some rough terrain when the driver slides down the front of the elephant - whoa, where ya going? - He's directing from the ground and Tommy slides forward to drive from behind the elephant's head. Andy says he's going to get an elephant when he gets home - you can do some serious 4-wheeling. (Could you imagine how much those things eat? Good luck with that.)
-Fighting Siblings, Justin & Jennifer head out at 11:01, Jeremy & Sandy, Zac & Laurence are off at 11:44 and 11:45am respectively. Laurence says he's proud of what Zac's accomplished at such a young age but he's the Dad and Zac will have to listen to him (as long as you read the clue, it'll be no problem.)
-Andy is now driving the elephant - "Look ma, no hands."
-Jennifer & Justin get on their elephant and she's waving, "Hello. I feel like I'm in the circus." [parade] apparently.
-Ernie & Cindy are the next out at 11:52am - they grew up in very different environments - he was a B student (that's an Asian F), not pushed like her - he wants to prove himself worthy of her in the Race... (I'm thinking she has some pretty traditional parents - good luck to you sir.)
-Amani & Marcus are next to leave at 11:53am.
-Andy & Tommy get to the bucket with the clue and it's the ROADBLOCK: Who wants to hear some Water Music? They must follow the sound of music to a waterfall and a traditional Thai flautist, then search the pool he's standing beside for their next clue.
-Ro-sham-bo and scissors cut paper - Andy is doing the Roadblock. He dives right in but the water is really murky and he doesn't know what he's looking for - takes a minute and decides it's probably right below the flutist - goes back down and of course, there it is - wrapped bundle. He unwraps it and it's a ceramic koi fish that says break me - he takes it back to Tommy and they smash it and inside is their next clue. Disassemble a Spirit House: they must travel by the taxi-thingy to a local shop where they have to disassemble a model shrine called a spirit house - then they must transport the pieces to the temple to get their next clue. Back on the elephant they go.
-Bill & Cathi are just starting out at 12:22pm - seems like so much has happened...
-Justin & Jennifer get to the Roadblock and he's heading to the pool. Yeah, no swimming there - he's just walking through the water - I don't see it.
-Jeremy & Sandy and Laurence & Zac get on the elephants - she says she loves her Dumbo - Jeremy says it's definitely not the fastest form of transportation (and there you have the personalities of these two in a nutshell.)
-Justin stumbles over his 'clue' bundle - and they are off to disassemble a spirit house.
-Ernie & Cindy and Marcus & Amani are riding the elephants - Marcus says it's a little scary for him, he is a large man - their seat does seem to be leaning over a bit to his side... eek. (Aw, baby elephants bathing in the river - aww.)
-Andy & Tommy arrive at the Spirit House shop and Andy says they should take mental note of how it looks assembled in case they have to put it back together (smart man my bearded friend.) They get down to disassemblage and are back in the pick up/cab lickety-split.
-Justin & Jennifer's elephant has to divert into the river to get around Sandy & Jeremy and Zac & Laurence. Justin says good luck to them and all of sudden Sandy is scared...? (She needs to stop over thinking things.)
-Andy & Tommy get to the temple and the clue is another ROADBLOCK - requires one team member to reassemble the Spirit House exactly how they found it, on the grounds of the temple. Once they get it exact, the monk will give them their next clue. SURPRISE - if you did the water Roadblock, your partner must do this one. (oooh, that could be interesting for some.)
-So, Tommy is doing the reassemble and says it's been interesting as Christians doing these tasks at the Buddhist temples - but they know the one true God and he's greater than the temples (really? You can't respect other people's beliefs? Don't make me not like my Snowboarders.)
-Tommy: "I have no idea where this guy goes." (Uh oh, that could be bad, you have to get the figurines in the right places. He's going to think God's forsaken him because it's a Buddhist shrine!)
-Back at the Water Music - Sandy and Laurence wade in looking for the clue. He is the first one to find it - so she soon follows.
-Tommy can't remember how the Spirit House is supposed to look - they focused on opposite sides when they took it apart - he decides he's got to go back to the shop and take another look - off they go.
-Elephant traffic jam - as Sandy & Jeremy and Zac & Laurence are trying to turn their animals around - Marcus & Amani and Ernie & Cindy come up on them... "Lovely day for riding an elephant, eh?" (That was Laurence, it sounded so proper in his accent too.)
-Back at the shop, Tommy makes himself some notes on the placement of things and heads back.
-Ma & Pa are finally on the elephants and...
-Liz & Marie are finally heading out at 1:35pm... and they also have a speed bump they'll have to face at the elephants. They are still smiling because their Dad taught them to go going, be positive and you'll be successful - they're trying to live by that. They are thankful they got $135 for this leg of the race because they never changed their Indonesian money so they haven't had Thai money for this leg of the Race.
-Marcus and Cindy head to the pool and are looking for the clue.
-Tommy completes the Spirit House correctly and gets the thumbs up and the clue to travel 550 miles by bus to Bangkok. Once there they must make their way to the Bangkok Noi canal and feed the fish to receive their next clue.
-Justin & Jennifer get to the shop and figure they're going to have to put the thing back together, borrow the cab drivers cell phone to take a picture (huh, I guess they can do that.)
-Back at the waterfall, Marcus finds his 'clue' and just has to reach down and pick it up - Cindy has to dive under the water (haha.) They all head off for the Spirit House shop.
-At the temple, Jennifer has to do the re-assemble for them - the parts are heavy and she's complaining. (Surprise.) She says, "Even though this is not the same religion as mine it warrants the same respect." (Exactly - and now I like Jennifer more.) She gets a No - runs and looks at the phone and realizes she forgot the cups of water - she gets the clue and head off for the bus depot.
-At the shop, Jeremy and Sandy take notes on where everything is situated on the Spirit House figuring they'll have to put it back together.
-Zac says we should take notes and Laurence, "No, no, we just have to take the thing apart." (Oh yeah, "I'm the voice of wisdom, he has to listen to me." Poor kid.) He's just focused on passing Jeremy & Sandy - they take off and Zac says again - we didn't take any notes. Dad - Don't worry.
-Liz & Marie get to the elephants and they're dying - Oh my god - baby elephants - they're may favourite animal (oh, they're so young.)
-At the Temple Zac finds out he has to put the Spirit house back together - great. Thanks a lot Pop.
-Jeremy is fine with his notes.
-Ma & Pa have reached the first Roadblock and she heads into the pool - and falls down (do I need to start Cathi fall counter part II?)
-Poor Zac is screwed - he gets a no. He's thinking he's going to have to go back and take notes.
-Jeremy gets it right and they head out for the bus station.
-Zac runs to the cab and says he should have taken notes, Laurence says, "Don't blame me." and is mad Zac couldn't do it - We're losing time - this is something I could have knocked out quickly I think. (Really? You have a photographic memory do you? Jerk!)
-Cathi finds their clue so they are heading back to do the Spirit Houses.
-Liz & Marie have to do their Speed Bump and they are squealing like little girls about the baby elephants - then they find out they have to wash and clean up after (yes, that means shovels of poop) the elephants before they can carry on riding one. They say it doesn't smell and they're happy to do it because elephants are (one of their) favourite animals. (Uh, right.)
-Zac is taking notes - Laurence stayed behind at the temple in a snit - he heads back.
-Marcus & Amani arrive at the shop and she's taking notes - Ernie & Cindy get there at the same time and they just start stripping the thing... uh oh. She says she wants to take a good look at one of the other ones and he says "Why, it doesn't say we have to re-assemble it." (Oh buddy, listen to the smart one.)
-Zac gets the set up correct and they didn't lose their spot - they get the clue and head off for the bus terminal. (Do you think Dad learned anything from not taking the time to make notes - no, he thinks he could have done it - it's Zac's fault.)
-Amani and Ernie now have to reassemble the Spirit Houses - you should have seen Cindy's face when she read that clue and knew she now had to rely on Ernie to complete this part... He says he thinks he remembers how it goes. But he has no idea.
-Amani has her notes and is glad of it.
-The twins finish shoveling sh*t and are ecstatic they get to now scrub an elephant (okay, you're weird). When they finish and then get to ride an elephant Marie (I think) says this is the best day of her life, "No Joke."
-The Snowboarders get to the bus station and the taxi ride costs them almost all their money - they buy bus tickets to Bankok - leaves at 4:30pm, arrives 6am (thirteen hours on a bus... smelling like elephant ;)
-Justin & Jennifer and Sandy & Jeremy get tickets on the same bus.
-Zac & Laurence get tickets on another bus leaving at 4:30 - it's a first class bus - Zac, "Do you think that will be a problem?" Laurence, "No, not at all." (Really? This guy is such an idiot, doesn't learn.)
-Ernie has to go back to the shop to take another look at the Spirit Houses - "It's another bad day for team Cindy & Ernie and they all seem to be my fault." (Aw... but yes, they do. Haha.)
-Amani gets hers right and they get the clue to head for the bus station.
-The Twins get to the Water Music and get their clue rather quickly - off they go for the Spirit Houses.
-Ma & Pa get to the Spirit House shop and they know to write down where the pieces go.
-Ernie gets his notes down and heads back to the Temple - he says he thinks he has it now - "And if I don't, I think Cindy's going to kill me." (It's funny cause it's true!)
-Zac finally gets his Dad to see reason - reminds him they're not supposed to take First Class transport, "We can't afford another penalty"- they get the driver to let them off the bus and they have to make their way back and get the proper bus. Laurence, on the side of the road, "We're screwed now." "Yup."
-Ernie gets back and makes some adjustments and he gets the clue - he says he screwed up again but she's comforting him - (they are pretty cute together.)
-Laurence and Zac are jogging back to the bus station - hopefully they have money for more tickets.
-Liz & Marie get to the Spirit House shop and they bet they have to reassemble it - they take notes.
-Pa gets the shrine together correctly and they head out for the bus station.
-Liz & Marie get to the Temple and Liz has to reassemble the house but she took notes.
-Amani & Marcus get to the bus station and get tickets on the 5:30pm bus. Ma & Pa also get on the 5:30 bus.
-Ernie & Cindy get to the bus station and they don't have 4500 baht to pay the cab driver - they shove $100 US dollars at him and take off to buy bus tickets. The driver comes after them (4500 baht is $150) - some woman starts arguing for the cab driver and Ernie & Cindy play the ugly Americans - "Why are you doing this to us, you were a terrible driver..." (So you don't have to pay him? Ugh. - Cindy does say in their interview after that it was not their finest hour, that behaviour was not acceptable but the race is so stressful.)
-Ernie & Cindy get on their (first class?) bus - Marcus & Amani and Ma & Pa are on another bus and they start heading out at 5:30pm as Zac & Laurence come running back into the station. Marcus, "And they look beat."
-Zac & Laurence find out the next bus they can catch is an 8:00pm bus. They do not look happy hanging out at the bus station.
-Liz gets her Spirit House together and they head for the Bus terminal.
-Zac & Laurence get on the 8:00pm bus and they look like wrung out dishrags - and there is a screaming baby on the bus (nice.)
-Liz & Marie don't have enough money to pay their cab driver - they buy tickets for the 8:00pm bus which is leaving-right-now! But they still owe the cabbie $40 more dollars that they don't have. The bus pulls out and now they don't have money for more bus tickets either. (Still the best day of your life Marie?) They get a reprieve though - the cab driver agrees to accept the money they have and they stop the bus for them and he drives them to the bus... (Ah, the power of being young and pretty.)
BANGKOK
-Ernie & Cindy's bus is the first one to arrive - (Express bus? First class?) They have to go feed the fish. They have been to Bankok before but they don't think it will help them unless they have to find some lady-boys, "we know where those are." (Oh really?)
-2nd bus arrives with Tommy & Andy, Sandy & Jeremy and Justin & Jennifer - their bus made a lot of stops. They have no idea where any other teams are.
-3rd bus arrives with Marcus & Amani and Ma & Pa.
-They all hop in cabs and head for Bangkok Noi canal.
-Zac & Laurence and Liz & Marie - are still on their buses - they both took 8pm buses but weren't on the same one.
-Liz & Marie have no money now so they won't be able to cab to the canal to feed the fish - Marie hates fish.
-Ernie & Cindy feed the fish with the fish food they got at the temple with the last clue. They then receive the clue for the Pit Stop - M.R. Kukrit Heritage Home - last team to arrive may be eliminated - their cab driver is phoning a friend to find out where they need to go. hmm.
-The 2nd bus team's cabs are stuck in Bankok traffic snarl - one block in 20 minutes - ugh.
-Ma & Pa and Marcus & Amani's drivers took a short cut and they are the next teams to feed the fishes and to get the clue to the Pit Stop.
-Laurence & Zac's bus arrives and they hop in a cab for the canal.
-The twins bus arrives and they ask someone how far the Bankok Noi is- they're told it's 3 blocks so they start hoofing it - hoping it's within walking distance.
-Cindy & Ernie's cab gets stuck in traffic and they are worried not to be moving so they pay up and hop out of the cab. (Where are you going?)
-Ma & Pa and Marcus & Amani apparently have the best cab drivers ever - they are heading to the Pit Stop and know it's going to be a foot race. Marcus, "They may look like Ma & Pa but don't let that fool you, they can run."
-Cindy & Ernie are walking and she's so p*ssed they got out of the cab (I guess so.)
-Liz & Marie ask another guy where Bankok Noi is and he tells them it would take them 5 hours to walk there. They feel they have no choice, they feel way too guilty to ask people for money.
-The Snowboarders and Jeremy & Sandy are feeding the fish and both get the clue to the Pit Stop - the snowboarders are told the Pit Stop house is right across the water so they take off running. Jeremy & Sandy hop in a moto-cab.
-Justin & Jennifer feed the fish and jump in their cab.
-Liz & Marie are tired of walking and decide to beg a cab driver to take them - they say they have no money, will you take us? He laughs - and agrees. "Never underestimate the generosity of people." (I guess not.)
-The Snowboarders stop to ask directions at a school - the lady they ask takes off with their clue - tells them to wait there - and she doesn't come back. Another woman comes out and tells them she's teaching and they'll have to wait - (WHAT?) They say it was God's will... (Oh, my...) Then a man comes out and shows them on a map where they need to go and they jump in a cab. Finally!
-Zac & Laurence feed the fish and head for the Pit Stop.
-Jeremy & Sandy are dropped off somewhere and they take off on foot - hopefully in the right place.
-Liz & Marie get to feed the fish and get the clue for the Pit Stop - have to go try and beg another ride. (And you can tell it's hot - the camera lens is all steamy.) They bat their eyes and get another free cab ride. (I hope this doesn't corrupt these nice young girls - I can get things for free if only I ask sweetly and bat my eyes.)
-Jeremy & Sandy are lost walking around and finally realize they need to get in a cab - they hope this isn't the end for them... but they are proud of each other.
Here's How they Finished:
1) Marcus & Amani - Team #1, now that is some celebration - they win a trip for two to Bali (ahh, nice.)
2) Bill & Cathi (Ma & Pa) - hug M&A and are very happy with 2nd.
3) Ernie & Cindy - Team #3 - however? No, I guess they were just lucky and got an express bus.
4) Justin & Jennifer - find out they're team number 4 and he says - We were hoping for first place (looking at Phil like it's his fault) but we'll take 4th. (Yes you will, and you'll be happy about it!)
5) Andy & Tommy - alright
6) Laurence & Zac - Phil tells them that the No First Class travel rule only applies to air travel and they would have been okay on the first class bus - (Arghh! So many rules.) I think Laurence wanted to throttle someone but I don't blame Zac for second guessing him at this point.
7) Jeremy & Sandy - Phil plays with them a little - gets her crying that it was a rough day - then tells them they are still in the Race - that really gets her going - "I can eliminate you if you want." "No!"
8) Liz & Marie - Last team to arrive - ELIMINATED - cry talking that they were doing this for their Dad and wanted to show him they'd never give up. He's be proud of them.
And with the Twins: Kevin & Elaine, Krista H, Janine S and Denise R are out of the pools - and there goes the last all-girl team too.
Next week - they are heading to Africa - moving bundles of tobacco and bed frames...
Have a great week everyone,
Coleen
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