Valentine’s day is just around the corner, so we’re gonna do something special this year. We realize not everyone is down with V-day, so this contest is for romantics and v-day haters alike.

Some people enjoy sharing life with a partner, and for them, Feb 14th is a day full of roses, chocolates, and bedtime stories. Others prefer to fly solo and enjoy the fruits of freedom, and V-day is a great occasion to sit shirtless on the couch, eat an entire roasted chicken, and make noises that aren’t acceptable in public. Hey, we’re not judging.

As most classic Facebook showdowns go, there will be a series of challenges, where “likes” decides who moves on to the finals. On Valentine’s day, 3 winners (1 couple and 1 single) will receive goods including new spring 2012 shades from Spy, undergarments courtesy of MyPakage, and $150 BT travel vouchers.

It all starts today on our Facebook page. Get on it... >>

The first step in any addiction is admitting you have a problem. My name is Carter, and I am addicted to temples. The past two days have been nothing but a haze of pagodas, stupas and Buddhas, and I think it’s only getting worse. Take a look at what I put my last travel group through today.

It started off as a harmless day trip to Ayutthaya, the old capital of Thailand. Then things started getting weird.

Just a couple of wannabe-Buddhas showing off for the camera, right? Then these two ladies decided it would be a good idea to explore the new frontier of human flight in front of a 700-year-old pagoda.

I think this is where the contagiousness of my condition became evident. Eventually the entire group started displaying classic signs of wat (temple) obsession.

Look at them, they’re delirious! They didn’t stand a chance. I only fueled the fire by dragging them to the top of this ancient pile of brick and mortar called Wat Lokayasutharam.

Always the responsible tour guide and setting a good example, sanity was then completely lost and a vertical journey up the side of Wat Phu Khao Thong ensued.

There's me, trippin'....

~Carter Buan, Beach Travellers Thailand adventure travel guide

A couple times a year, the BT Edmonton crew escapes the cold, throws on bathing attire, and ventures inside to enjoy a balmy party at the West Edmonton Mall Waterpark.  The party combines DJ's, a wave-pool, surfing, cold drinks, and most importantly, +26 degree heat.  Friends come out from all over the city to catch up, enjoy a few cold ones, and get weird. Here are some pics from last weekend's event:

Of course, Gonzo has to show up and crash the party... what a bum.

Hey, it's Mr.Ben!

We'll be back Edmonton!

If you were there (or not) - feel free to post comments below.