China...Tibet...Nepal...India...Malaysia...Thailand...Laos.
These are the countries that I have called home for the last ten months. These are the places where I have explored, gotten lost, puked my guts out, loved, and left in the whirlwind amount of time that has lapsed since leaving the comforts of home on December 27 of last year. It was in these foreign places that new relationships blossomed, and my limits were tested.
In less than 24 hours I will be leaving the Asia that I have come to know and love behind, and heading back to America. I will forgo my backpacker ways, learn to adjust to the concept of spending more than five dollars a day on food, and eventually get sucked back into a society that I don't always agree with.
Once I get home, everything will change. My idyllic concept of time will be shattered, the familiarity of my home country will become mundane, and the friends that I left behind abroad will become figures of a past, unrecognizable life. Pictures will replace memories, and memories will fade.
But I refuse to forget the countries I traveled through and the amazing people I met along the way.
This is my last blog in Asia. This is the last of my rambling thoughts about life on the road. This is a last tribute to everything I experienced along the way.
*CHINA*
It is here that my journey began. It is in this country that I gave up the perfect life I had in Portland and dove head first into the uncertainty that moving overseas brings. I arrived alone, fresh, unknowing about what the next six months would bring.
Six months cannot be summarized in a few short sentences, or a photo album of pictures. Six months of adjusting to a new culture, a new way of living, and a new language so unlike my own cannot be described to it's fullest extent in words. The amount of time that I spent living in the industrial city of Shenyang, a city with a population of 7 million people, located in Northeastern China, has forever changed the person that I once was.
I became an English teacher. I learned as much Mandarin as I could absorb, taught by the most gentlest and greatest of teachers. I learned the public bus system, and only shopped at the local market for food. I lived in the best apartment of my life, surrounded by three of the most amazing roommates I could ask for. I lived amongst bugs, and didn't get mad when the bathroom flooded and insects invaded our homemade cookies. I spent my days with the youth of Shenyang, the smartest and most hardworking students that I have encountered anywhere. I had meaningful conversations with countless people from all different walks of life.
I spent my time getting to know my wonderful fellow American teachers, enjoying hilarious dinner parties and movie nights at each others' apartments. I celebrated my 24th birthday in great company, with the most delicious dinner and dessert, and the best present I have received in a long time. I traveled alone through China for one month, encountering numerous different cities with all new histories and ideas. I visited too many temples to count, spent whole days wandering alone and with new friends, and ate food that in my younger years I would have ran from. I spent countless hours on long train rides, and crammed in with the locals everywhere I went.
I could go on forever. China has become like a second home to me. Leaving was one of the hardest things I have done, but I know I will be back. I have a lot more of the massive country to explore, and more of the language to learn. I know I can't stay away for long.
*TIBET*
Although Tibet is not it's own country, it's hard to think of it as a part of China.
It is a place of contradictions. It is a place with such extreme beauty that is changing too fast for it's own good. It's a place full of mystery and tension, and a long line of history.
Arriving by train from Xining is the best way to enter the once forbidden city of Lhasa. This 24-hour train ride has been, by far, one of the best experiences of my life. The landscape is indescribable, the excitement floating in the air contagious, and the people amazing. I spent my time speaking only in my broken Chinese to the locals on board, and acclimating to the highest altitude that a train can reach.
My ten days in Tibet, although short, are full of great memories. The first sight of the Potala Palace (former residence of the Dali Lama), is breathtaking, and the square at night surrounding it is surreal. The German couple I traveled with were great, and our 102km ride on the bumpiest and craziest road to Mt. Everest Base Camp was a truly unforgettable experience. Waking up in the morning, your breath catching in the chilly air, to the overwhelming and cloud-less view of Mt. Everest looming right in front of you is not something that I will ever forget.
*NEPAL*
I arrived at the overland border crossing of Tibet to Nepal alone, the only single white girl not in a tour group. I had no prearranged transportation to Kathmandu, and had no idea where I would be staying once arriving. It is during this part of my travels that I realized that things always work out in Asia.
Kathmandu is a land of chaos. There are no rules of the road, the animals roam with the people, and the "modern" city is dusty and falling apart. The public transportation is hilarious. The "buses" are crammed with people, from the working class to the poorest of the poor, and no one complains when you are packed in so tight that you can't distinguish your arm from your neighbors.
It is amazing. It is surreal. It is like nothing I had experienced before. And I loved every second of it.
Apart from getting terribly sick too many times to count, my experience at Sonrisa Orphanage was amazing. The kids were great, the day trips were memorable, and the goodbye tear-jerking. I will never forget the look on the kids faces as I drove away in a taxi, and I will forever have the cards and letters they made for me on my day of my departure.
The time I spent in the touristy district of Thamel made the ending to my Nepal trip even better. Prabhat, where ever you are out there, THANK YOU. Thank for you everything. Nepal wouldn't have been the same without you. From riding on the back of your motorbike (and even falling off that one time!), to listening to your music, to meeting your friends, I can't wait till I can see you again! Miss you.
*INDIA*
India is literally a world of its own. The bustling humanity that seeps out of its pores is indescribable, and the 3 weeks that I spent there were only a glimpse into a way of life so unlike my own.
From getting ripped off in Varanasi by a conniving Indian man, to getting horribly sick in the shittiest hotel ever, the start of my trip was rough, but the ending was amazing.
The view of the Ganges River at sunrise will forever be in my mind, and the smell of cow shit forever in my nose. The adventures that I had with various travel partners are too complicated and amazing to describe, and the view of the Taj Mahal at sunset absolutely breathtaking. The train rides were interesting, especially as a single white girl traveling alone, and the rickshaw rides were entertaining (besides the one I fell off of in Delhi!) The meditation capital of Rishikesh was the highlight of the trip, and the week I spent there in the great company of Kelly and Edden was the most fun I had in India.
Except for the couple of days in Delhi with Mike.
MIKE: My dear Canadian friend, I can't wait to see you again. Our time was short, but you made an everlasting impression. I hope we will be together again soon. MISS YOU.
*MALAYSIA*
Arriving by plane into Kuala Lumpur was like being instantly transported back into a Westernized country and a modern way of living. So I did what any Asia-fiend would do: found Chinatown and tried to stay away from modernization.
The train from KL to Butterworth was the nicest I have been on yet, and the ferry ride to the island of Penang relaxing. It was in the city of Georgetown that I fell in love with Malaysia and the laid back life that the locals lead. From motorbike riding around the island, to exploring national parks, beaches, and Penang Hill with truly memorable people, Malaysia was a stopover on the way to Thailand that I am truly grateful for taking.
*THAILAND*
When one mentions the city of Bangkok, most travelers immediately think of Khao San Road, the backpackers haven. A place where you can get anything you want, from clothes and crafts, to food and alcohol. From drugs and "ping pong shows." to Thai prostitutes. The countless number of hotels and run down guesthouses attracts a very interesting range of weirdos, and people watching has kept me entertained for many hours. I have been in Bangkok now 3 times, as it is a main hub for getting around SE Asia.
The islands of Koh Tao and Koh Samui were enjoyed with the great company of my sister. Having her there with me was a blessing, and I will be forever grateful (and indebted) to her for her generosity and (mostly!) positive attitude about her first trip abroad!
Traveling in Thailand is easy, and travelers are catered to like kindergartners. Everything you could possibly need is never far out of reach, and getting around the country is easy and convenient. The time I spent in Chiang Mai was amazing, and it is there that I met some colorful characters who made my time there (and in Laos), unforgettable.
Thailand feels like an old friend. A place where you can always go back to, and you know just what to expect. I have seen so many people in Bangkok from other parts of my trip, and it has been great to catch up with old friends from China and new friends from various countries.
It is out of the Bangkok airport that I will be leaving tomorrow morning. It is here that my journey will end.
*LAOS*
Before deciding to head to Laos, I didn't really know much about the country and its inhabitants. But I am so glad I got to experience it, for it is truly a wonderful and laid back country, and so unlike the other areas in Asia that I have been to.
The whole trip from Chiang Mai to the city of Luang Prabang was one of the better overland trips I have done. The two day slow boat ride was great fun, and the company of my fellow travelers kept me entertained for hours (BREE, this is for you!)
The sleepy town of Luang Prabang, with its amazing baguette sandwiches and night market was one of my favorite places, and the tubing in Vang Vieng was out of this world. The kayaking trip down to Vientiene was exciting, and many thanks go out to Aaron for being such a wonderful traveling partner, and for keeping my thoughts positive and emotions in check. (Can't wait to see you again). Leaving Laos on the overnight train, on Halloween, signified the end of my trip.
And now I am back in Bangkok, on the very familiar Khao San Rd, staying in one of the shitty guesthouses that I stayed at last time I was here. The rooms are small, the beds lumpy, and the water cold, but at least its cheap.
And in less than 24 hours I will be taking the bus to the airport. Soon I will be enjoying my half day in Portland with Mollie and Shaun, and Mollie's family (whom I can't wait to finally meet!). Thanks in advance, Mollie, for your hospitality!
Although I have tried to briefly sum up the last 10 months of my life, none of these words are enough to give credit to everywhere I have been, everything I have seen, and everyone I have met along the way. Some things just can't be described in words.
And lastly, a huge thanks goes out to my family and friends back home. If it wasn't for their never-ending support, words of wisdom, and generous ways, this trip would not have been possible.
Mom and Dad, I can't thank you enough, and I can't wait to be back at home with you in Pylesville. I have never been so excited to come home before! Without you, nothing would be the same.
Sari, thanks again for everything. I can't wait to see you and live with you in NYC!
Chris and Katie, my best and longest friends in the world. Sorry I haven't been in touch like I should. You know me. But I'll be home soon, and the phone calls will be poring in.
And one more thanks to everyone I met along the way. Everyone who has helped me, guided me, and taken care of me in one way or another. I will never forget the people who have made this trip truly memorable.
I will be home soon. Love and miss you all.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
A world of its own...
As I sit here in the town of Vang Vieng, on the side of the main road, in a small restaurant drinking the best lemon shake in Laos, I can't help but ponder the workings of this small town, and the craziness that goes on here every day.
Let me paint you a picture of it.
First, take a small, and at one time sleepy town, add busloads of eager foreigners, tons of small restaurants playing reruns of Friends and Family Guy, the usual tourist shops and guesthouses, and a beautiful river in the middle of this landlocked country.
This is what you see when you first arrive in this dusty little town, and then you go tubing, and your whole idea of this peaceful little slice of heaven is shattered in seconds.
The calm river has been taken over by makeshift bars that line the banks, and hundreds of drunk foreigners cram on wooden decks, with drinks in hand, swaying to the loud music. There are rope and bungee swings, mud wrestling, and a huge slide. It is one big party, and it goes on everyday from around noon to 6pm. Even now, as I sit here writing this, I can see the tubers getting back from a big day of drinking and drifting down the river. Skinny girls in bikinis (which would look out of place in this small town if it were not for the hundreds of Westerners wearing the same outfit), drunk tattooed guys trying to look sober, and tired tuk tuk drivers dropping them all off back in town. Mixed in with this odd sight is the locals of Laos; grandmothers with babies in their arms, young girls on bicycles, food stall owners yelling at passing tourists for their business, and a few stray dogs here and there to remind you that you really are still in Asia.
As one of the few sober people in this whole town, my day of tubing was drastically different than most. I went with a big group, and came back with the only other sober guy at the party. After a couple hours of enduring the bars and laughing with my drunk friends, I got tired of it all and spent an hour and a half tubing down the peaceful, calm river. The scenery was beautiful, the sun was setting, and the drunks were far away.
I have been here now for about four days, having come down from Luang Prabang on a car-sick inducing five hour ride in a crowded minivan, through the windy and hilly roads of Laos. And as much as I don't really fit in with the partying vibe here, I still love it. The people (locals and foreigners alike) are super friendly, and you can't help but get sucked in to the happiness that is apparant every day.
The food is delicious and cheap, the guesthouse is only dollars a day, and the town is small enough to explore by foot.
Yesterday me and a guy I have been hanging out with since leaving Thailand, (Aaron, a New Zealander), rented a motorbike and road out to some caves not far from town. There in the pitch black, with the only light shining from our small flashlights, we explored the empty and beautiful (if not a bit creepy) caves. It was great fun, until I fell down a mudslide in one of the smaller parts of the cave. Only after regaining my footing, laughing hysterically, and finally getting pulled out by Aaron, I climbed out of the cave covered in sticky mud. Luckily I escaped unharmed.
Tomorrow me and Aaron are leaving this small town, and have chosen not to take another annoying minivan ride to the next city. Instead, we are going on a kayaking trip that will start at 9am and end at around 4pm. We will be kayaking from Vang Vieng to the capital city of Vientiene, and will have the opportunity to kayak through some small rapids, and will be able to stop for lunch and a small swim along the way. Although this option is a bit more expensive than the bus, it is definitely going to be much more fun and exciting!
We plan on staying in the capital for one night, and then taking an overnight bus back to Bangkok. It is here that my trip will end.
In less than one week I will be boarding the plane that will eventually take me back to Maryland. And as sad as I am for it all to be ending, I guess I am ready to come home, in some small way. My body sure is ready for some normalcy. My legs are covered in bug bits (one of them having become infected and disgusting in the last two days), and my eating habits change from day to day.
Adjusting to life back home will be hard though, as I have come to thoroughly enjoy the lifestyle of a backpacker. The newness that each day brings will be one of the things that I miss the most, and the new friends that I've met along the way have been amazing.
But, I'm looking forward to seeing the familiar faces of my friends and family back home, and can't wait until the second I land safely at BWI airport, where my parents and sister will be eagerly waiting for me!
For now, I'm going to enjoy my last night and the next 2 days in Laos, and the remaining time in the now familiar city of Bangkok. I will be home soon...can't wait to see you all. Miss you. Much love.
Let me paint you a picture of it.
First, take a small, and at one time sleepy town, add busloads of eager foreigners, tons of small restaurants playing reruns of Friends and Family Guy, the usual tourist shops and guesthouses, and a beautiful river in the middle of this landlocked country.
This is what you see when you first arrive in this dusty little town, and then you go tubing, and your whole idea of this peaceful little slice of heaven is shattered in seconds.
The calm river has been taken over by makeshift bars that line the banks, and hundreds of drunk foreigners cram on wooden decks, with drinks in hand, swaying to the loud music. There are rope and bungee swings, mud wrestling, and a huge slide. It is one big party, and it goes on everyday from around noon to 6pm. Even now, as I sit here writing this, I can see the tubers getting back from a big day of drinking and drifting down the river. Skinny girls in bikinis (which would look out of place in this small town if it were not for the hundreds of Westerners wearing the same outfit), drunk tattooed guys trying to look sober, and tired tuk tuk drivers dropping them all off back in town. Mixed in with this odd sight is the locals of Laos; grandmothers with babies in their arms, young girls on bicycles, food stall owners yelling at passing tourists for their business, and a few stray dogs here and there to remind you that you really are still in Asia.
As one of the few sober people in this whole town, my day of tubing was drastically different than most. I went with a big group, and came back with the only other sober guy at the party. After a couple hours of enduring the bars and laughing with my drunk friends, I got tired of it all and spent an hour and a half tubing down the peaceful, calm river. The scenery was beautiful, the sun was setting, and the drunks were far away.
I have been here now for about four days, having come down from Luang Prabang on a car-sick inducing five hour ride in a crowded minivan, through the windy and hilly roads of Laos. And as much as I don't really fit in with the partying vibe here, I still love it. The people (locals and foreigners alike) are super friendly, and you can't help but get sucked in to the happiness that is apparant every day.
The food is delicious and cheap, the guesthouse is only dollars a day, and the town is small enough to explore by foot.
Yesterday me and a guy I have been hanging out with since leaving Thailand, (Aaron, a New Zealander), rented a motorbike and road out to some caves not far from town. There in the pitch black, with the only light shining from our small flashlights, we explored the empty and beautiful (if not a bit creepy) caves. It was great fun, until I fell down a mudslide in one of the smaller parts of the cave. Only after regaining my footing, laughing hysterically, and finally getting pulled out by Aaron, I climbed out of the cave covered in sticky mud. Luckily I escaped unharmed.
Tomorrow me and Aaron are leaving this small town, and have chosen not to take another annoying minivan ride to the next city. Instead, we are going on a kayaking trip that will start at 9am and end at around 4pm. We will be kayaking from Vang Vieng to the capital city of Vientiene, and will have the opportunity to kayak through some small rapids, and will be able to stop for lunch and a small swim along the way. Although this option is a bit more expensive than the bus, it is definitely going to be much more fun and exciting!
We plan on staying in the capital for one night, and then taking an overnight bus back to Bangkok. It is here that my trip will end.
In less than one week I will be boarding the plane that will eventually take me back to Maryland. And as sad as I am for it all to be ending, I guess I am ready to come home, in some small way. My body sure is ready for some normalcy. My legs are covered in bug bits (one of them having become infected and disgusting in the last two days), and my eating habits change from day to day.
Adjusting to life back home will be hard though, as I have come to thoroughly enjoy the lifestyle of a backpacker. The newness that each day brings will be one of the things that I miss the most, and the new friends that I've met along the way have been amazing.
But, I'm looking forward to seeing the familiar faces of my friends and family back home, and can't wait until the second I land safely at BWI airport, where my parents and sister will be eagerly waiting for me!
For now, I'm going to enjoy my last night and the next 2 days in Laos, and the remaining time in the now familiar city of Bangkok. I will be home soon...can't wait to see you all. Miss you. Much love.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Along the Mekong...
As I sat on the side of the boat, my feet hanging off the edge and my hands gripping the handrail, I shared a quiet moment with two newly acquired friends of the mighty Mekong River and the lush green rolling hills surrounding it. If I reached down far enough, my bare foot could just barely skim the surface of the brown, muddy river, and that combined with the cool breeze was enough to make the most talkative girl speechless.
A couple days ago, I boarded an open-backed truck in the city of Chiang Mai (Thailand), and now, almost 3 days later, I am in the small city of Luang Prabang, Laos. A lot has happened in those 72 hours.
After a rather uncomfortable overnight bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, I found myself in an over-booked, Lonely Planet-recommended guesthouse. So I walked about five minutes in the opposite direction and stayed in "Same Same Guesthouse," in a dorm room for about $3 a night. I ended up meeting some colorful, interesting characters who I spent all of my time with, and had a blast. We rented motorbikes, got stuck in a horrible rain storm, and eventually made our way out to a beautiful waterfall area and wandered around in the jungle-like woods for hours. We ate good Thai food, and gave in to our Western-food cravings two nights in a row (burgers and fries!)
But after a couple of days in the laid back city, I knew it was time to cross another border and explore another country. So me and Bree (my new Irish friend), bought a package ticket to Laos. For just under $45, the package included a 6 hour bus ride to the border of Thailand and Laos, accommodation in a hotel overnight, breakfast, and a 2-day boat ride to the city of Luang Prabang.
Soon we found ourselves in an open backed truck with 2 other travelers, and after a half hour ride, we arrived in a gas station and waited for the bus (actually a minivan) to pick us up and drive us the rest of the way to the border. The minivan was full, and as usual, pretty uncomfortable. We didn't get into the border town till about 3am, and were quickly taken to our 4-bed rooms to get some sleep. The morning started early, at 7am, with a quick breakfast at the hotel.
The next couple of hours were filled with the usual border-crossing hassles. But, after a lot of waiting, a bit of money being exchanged, and a new visa to go along with all the others in my passport, we were finally allowed to enter the "slow boat" that was to be our transport for the next two, long days. The boat sits low to the water, is open on both sides, and is full of uncomfortable, wobbly wooden benches. There are a few nice, airplane-like seats in the back, but by the time we got on the boat they were already full. So we spent the next six hours with sore butts and a lot of good laughs.
At around 6pm, the boat docked at a small town, and about seventy foreigners shuffled off the boat into the waiting hands of the hotel and shop-owners, who were practically begging for our business. After getting settled into a small, family owned hotel (a double room that I shared with Bree), our newly formed group of 9 went off in search of food and ended up getting a delicious meal at an Indian restaurant. The company was great, the food was satisfying, and the day felt complete.
We soon found ourselves back on the boat, and after arriving super early, were happily settled into the nice seats in the back in preparation for another seven hour day of traveling. The day went fairly quickly; I was able to finish an amazing book, talk to some cool people, and actually sit on the railing on the outside of the boat (something that would be forbidden in most Western countries for safety reasons).
I could tell immediately that Luang Prabang is going to be a city that I am going to thoroughly enjoy. After getting off the boat and facing the usual overwhelming amount of people trying to sell us their hotels, 7 of us headed off in search of a room for the night.
We found a great little hotel, and all 7 of us (4 British guys, 1 British girl,1 Irish girl, and me), are all sharing one big, awesome room. We have our own bathroom, and it is one of the nicer places I have stayed at on my trip (it costs about $2.50 a night, per person). The evening was spent wandering around the amazing night market, eating good (and very cheap) street food, and hanging out in a relaxing bar right on the Mekong River.
I am not sure yet how long I will stay here, but I am excited to explore more of the city during the day, and see just what this town has to offer. Then I'll head down south and visit two other cities, and will eventually re-cross the border (probably by bus) back into Thailand.
It's hard to believe, but in just under two weeks, I'll be back in Bangkok, boarding the plane that will eventually take me back to MD. After ten months of travel, ten months of the best moments of my life, it will all come to an end. Luckily, I have the best family in the world waiting for me, and good friends that I haven't seen in ages.
I've had trouble lately describing the amazing amount of feelings that are running throughout my body, and at any moment I want to either burst into tears or laugh uncontrollably. It's odd to me how I can feel so sad at something ending, and so terribly excited at the thought of what's to come.
But, that's life, I suppose.
Either way, the last couple of days have been amazing, and I know the next two weeks will be just as good. I hope everyone back home is doing well, and I miss you all. But...I'll see you soon! Much love.
A couple days ago, I boarded an open-backed truck in the city of Chiang Mai (Thailand), and now, almost 3 days later, I am in the small city of Luang Prabang, Laos. A lot has happened in those 72 hours.
After a rather uncomfortable overnight bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, I found myself in an over-booked, Lonely Planet-recommended guesthouse. So I walked about five minutes in the opposite direction and stayed in "Same Same Guesthouse," in a dorm room for about $3 a night. I ended up meeting some colorful, interesting characters who I spent all of my time with, and had a blast. We rented motorbikes, got stuck in a horrible rain storm, and eventually made our way out to a beautiful waterfall area and wandered around in the jungle-like woods for hours. We ate good Thai food, and gave in to our Western-food cravings two nights in a row (burgers and fries!)
But after a couple of days in the laid back city, I knew it was time to cross another border and explore another country. So me and Bree (my new Irish friend), bought a package ticket to Laos. For just under $45, the package included a 6 hour bus ride to the border of Thailand and Laos, accommodation in a hotel overnight, breakfast, and a 2-day boat ride to the city of Luang Prabang.
Soon we found ourselves in an open backed truck with 2 other travelers, and after a half hour ride, we arrived in a gas station and waited for the bus (actually a minivan) to pick us up and drive us the rest of the way to the border. The minivan was full, and as usual, pretty uncomfortable. We didn't get into the border town till about 3am, and were quickly taken to our 4-bed rooms to get some sleep. The morning started early, at 7am, with a quick breakfast at the hotel.
The next couple of hours were filled with the usual border-crossing hassles. But, after a lot of waiting, a bit of money being exchanged, and a new visa to go along with all the others in my passport, we were finally allowed to enter the "slow boat" that was to be our transport for the next two, long days. The boat sits low to the water, is open on both sides, and is full of uncomfortable, wobbly wooden benches. There are a few nice, airplane-like seats in the back, but by the time we got on the boat they were already full. So we spent the next six hours with sore butts and a lot of good laughs.
At around 6pm, the boat docked at a small town, and about seventy foreigners shuffled off the boat into the waiting hands of the hotel and shop-owners, who were practically begging for our business. After getting settled into a small, family owned hotel (a double room that I shared with Bree), our newly formed group of 9 went off in search of food and ended up getting a delicious meal at an Indian restaurant. The company was great, the food was satisfying, and the day felt complete.
We soon found ourselves back on the boat, and after arriving super early, were happily settled into the nice seats in the back in preparation for another seven hour day of traveling. The day went fairly quickly; I was able to finish an amazing book, talk to some cool people, and actually sit on the railing on the outside of the boat (something that would be forbidden in most Western countries for safety reasons).
I could tell immediately that Luang Prabang is going to be a city that I am going to thoroughly enjoy. After getting off the boat and facing the usual overwhelming amount of people trying to sell us their hotels, 7 of us headed off in search of a room for the night.
We found a great little hotel, and all 7 of us (4 British guys, 1 British girl,1 Irish girl, and me), are all sharing one big, awesome room. We have our own bathroom, and it is one of the nicer places I have stayed at on my trip (it costs about $2.50 a night, per person). The evening was spent wandering around the amazing night market, eating good (and very cheap) street food, and hanging out in a relaxing bar right on the Mekong River.
I am not sure yet how long I will stay here, but I am excited to explore more of the city during the day, and see just what this town has to offer. Then I'll head down south and visit two other cities, and will eventually re-cross the border (probably by bus) back into Thailand.
It's hard to believe, but in just under two weeks, I'll be back in Bangkok, boarding the plane that will eventually take me back to MD. After ten months of travel, ten months of the best moments of my life, it will all come to an end. Luckily, I have the best family in the world waiting for me, and good friends that I haven't seen in ages.
I've had trouble lately describing the amazing amount of feelings that are running throughout my body, and at any moment I want to either burst into tears or laugh uncontrollably. It's odd to me how I can feel so sad at something ending, and so terribly excited at the thought of what's to come.
But, that's life, I suppose.
Either way, the last couple of days have been amazing, and I know the next two weeks will be just as good. I hope everyone back home is doing well, and I miss you all. But...I'll see you soon! Much love.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
The beginning of the end...
I can't seem to find the right words to describe the last two weeks and the feelings I am currently feeling. It is something between complete happiness from the amazing time that I had with my sister, to utter joy at the next 2 1/2 weeks of unexplored territory that I am about to enter, indescribable excitement at the thought of being home safe in the loving arms of my parents, and extreme sadness that in less than three weeks all of this will be over.
Me and Sarah had a truly memorable time on the islands of Ko Tao and Ko Samui over the last 2 weeks. In Ko Tao we took a snorkeling trip around the entire island, saw ladyboys perform their hilarious cabaret show (twice!), relaxed on the beach, and splurged on good food. We took a somewhat rough and seasick-causing ferry ride and ended up at an awesome hotel on the best beach in Ko Samui. We made friends with the local staff (the nicest people I have met in Thailand so far), survived the adventure of renting motorbikes (me driving with Sarah on the back), saw rocks shaped like male and female genitals (the female one was amazing -- very lifelike!), visited waterfalls that barely had any water flowing (due to lack of rain), and took a very fun ride on an awesome elephant named Leena! We spent a whole day and a half just laying on the beach and swimming in the clear, calm water just steps from our hotel, and dined at a very nice Italian restaurant that I could have never afforded on my own!
But, like all good experiences, it had to end eventually. And after what only seemed like days together, me and Sarah found ourselves in a speeding, bumpy taxi on the way to the ferry terminal in preparation for our return trip to Bangkok. The ferry ride turned out to be quite pleasant, and after a short hour and a half ride, and another bus ride of the same length, we finally reached the train station in the city of Surat Thani. After a couple of rounds of cards and a light dinner, me and Sarah went to bed early, in expectation of our scheduled 6am arrival in Bangkok.
The next day, by 11am, when we still hadn't reached Bangkok, we were both starting to get a little antsy (or, rather, Sarah started getting whiny and complaining that she wanted to get off!). But, despite the hassles, we finally made it back to our hotel in Bangkok, just in time for a very late breakfast!
So, after some last minute shopping and good food, me and Sarah boarded the public bus to the airport. And now, while sitting in an awesome restaurant with wifi that was recommended to me by a friend that I miss like crazy, I am alone again.
Luckily, I know a couple cool people here in the city of Bangkok, and my last couple days here won't be completely lonely. Plus, my good friends Mollie and Shaun are coming into town tonite and I am super excited to catch up with them and spend the day hanging around the city!
In a day or two I am going to head up north to a city called Chiang Mai (which is still in Thailand), and then will eventually cross the border into Laos. I don't have exact plans just yet, but I want to stay in Laos until right before my flight home, which is leaving from Bangkok. I'm very excited to be crossing the border of one more country before heading home in a couple of weeks.
It truly is the beginning of the end...
I can't wait to see everyone again back home, and catch up on all the lives and moments that I've been missing. See you soon, much love. Miss you all.
Me and Sarah had a truly memorable time on the islands of Ko Tao and Ko Samui over the last 2 weeks. In Ko Tao we took a snorkeling trip around the entire island, saw ladyboys perform their hilarious cabaret show (twice!), relaxed on the beach, and splurged on good food. We took a somewhat rough and seasick-causing ferry ride and ended up at an awesome hotel on the best beach in Ko Samui. We made friends with the local staff (the nicest people I have met in Thailand so far), survived the adventure of renting motorbikes (me driving with Sarah on the back), saw rocks shaped like male and female genitals (the female one was amazing -- very lifelike!), visited waterfalls that barely had any water flowing (due to lack of rain), and took a very fun ride on an awesome elephant named Leena! We spent a whole day and a half just laying on the beach and swimming in the clear, calm water just steps from our hotel, and dined at a very nice Italian restaurant that I could have never afforded on my own!
But, like all good experiences, it had to end eventually. And after what only seemed like days together, me and Sarah found ourselves in a speeding, bumpy taxi on the way to the ferry terminal in preparation for our return trip to Bangkok. The ferry ride turned out to be quite pleasant, and after a short hour and a half ride, and another bus ride of the same length, we finally reached the train station in the city of Surat Thani. After a couple of rounds of cards and a light dinner, me and Sarah went to bed early, in expectation of our scheduled 6am arrival in Bangkok.
The next day, by 11am, when we still hadn't reached Bangkok, we were both starting to get a little antsy (or, rather, Sarah started getting whiny and complaining that she wanted to get off!). But, despite the hassles, we finally made it back to our hotel in Bangkok, just in time for a very late breakfast!
So, after some last minute shopping and good food, me and Sarah boarded the public bus to the airport. And now, while sitting in an awesome restaurant with wifi that was recommended to me by a friend that I miss like crazy, I am alone again.
Luckily, I know a couple cool people here in the city of Bangkok, and my last couple days here won't be completely lonely. Plus, my good friends Mollie and Shaun are coming into town tonite and I am super excited to catch up with them and spend the day hanging around the city!
In a day or two I am going to head up north to a city called Chiang Mai (which is still in Thailand), and then will eventually cross the border into Laos. I don't have exact plans just yet, but I want to stay in Laos until right before my flight home, which is leaving from Bangkok. I'm very excited to be crossing the border of one more country before heading home in a couple of weeks.
It truly is the beginning of the end...
I can't wait to see everyone again back home, and catch up on all the lives and moments that I've been missing. See you soon, much love. Miss you all.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Oh, Thailand...
As I sit on the wooden porch of our small bungalow on the island of Ko Tao, in the country of Thailand, I can't help but wonder how I got here. It has taken me nine and a half months, a lot of hard work, a lot of money (most of which I couldn't afford to spend), and a fondness of travel that will most likely never end.
My journeys have taken me through China/Tibet, Nepal, India, Malaysia, and finally here to the traveler's paradise of Thailand. I have endured hardship, loneliness, extreme sickness, and the best, most indescribable moments of my life. I have met (and said goodbye to) the most amazing people from all corners of the globe, and now have friends all over the world. I have seen things that most people will only ever see in movies or on tv, and slept in places that some Americans would never even set foot inside. I have ate food that should have made me sick, and got sick on food that I figured would be safe.
And up until now, I have been alone. I have always been able to meet people once settled into a new city or country, but I have always arrived alone. Until now.
A couple days ago in the congested and crazy city of Bangkok, I took a public bus to the airport in preparation for my sister's arrival. As she walked by me through the exits, oblivious to my presence behind her, I jumped on her out of sheer excitement. As we laughed and hugged hello, I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of relief and pure joy at her arrival. Finally I would have someone else close to me to share a little piece of my travels with.
Since Sarah's arrival on October 2nd, things have been great. We spent a couple days in Bangkok, checking out the city, and got toted around by a tuk tuk driver who took us to two separate Buddha statues and temples. We ate good food, met up with some friends of mine, and wandered over to Bangkok's huge weekend market (which is an amazingly large market full of food and shopping).
Things were nice and calm at first, and I was starting to think that maybe Sarah would be lucky enough to escape the wrath of Asia, but then the hassles started.
To make a long and very frustrating story short, we didn't find out until a half hour before our train was scheduled to leave that it got canceled due to a bad accident. So, after a half hour of struggling to have a normal conversation with a Thai lady whose English was less than perfect (and getting yelled at because she thought I was mad at her), we finally paid more money and got on a night bus that eventually took us to the ferry to get to the island of Ko Tao. It wasn't nearly as comfortable as the train, and I got super mad that we had to pay more money (we got partially refunded for the train ticket and should get the rest back in Bangkok), but I am just incredibly glad that we got here this morning.
Today, despite our sleepiness from the long and restless night, we have been enjoying this beautiful island, and wandering around on the beach and throughout the town. I am so happy to have Sarah with me to share in this beauty, and in a couple days we will take another ferry to the bigger island of Ko Samui, a little further south. Then it's back to Bangkok for Sarah's flight back to NYC, and my last two and a half weeks of my trip. Not sure yet what I'm going to do, there's plenty of time to figure it out!
For now, we are going to relax, enjoy our cozy and rustic bungalow, and take in all the sights of the islands. Tomorrow we are going on an all day snorkeling trip!
I will update again soon -- hope everyone back home is doing great, see you soon.
Miss you all, much love!
My journeys have taken me through China/Tibet, Nepal, India, Malaysia, and finally here to the traveler's paradise of Thailand. I have endured hardship, loneliness, extreme sickness, and the best, most indescribable moments of my life. I have met (and said goodbye to) the most amazing people from all corners of the globe, and now have friends all over the world. I have seen things that most people will only ever see in movies or on tv, and slept in places that some Americans would never even set foot inside. I have ate food that should have made me sick, and got sick on food that I figured would be safe.
And up until now, I have been alone. I have always been able to meet people once settled into a new city or country, but I have always arrived alone. Until now.
A couple days ago in the congested and crazy city of Bangkok, I took a public bus to the airport in preparation for my sister's arrival. As she walked by me through the exits, oblivious to my presence behind her, I jumped on her out of sheer excitement. As we laughed and hugged hello, I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of relief and pure joy at her arrival. Finally I would have someone else close to me to share a little piece of my travels with.
Since Sarah's arrival on October 2nd, things have been great. We spent a couple days in Bangkok, checking out the city, and got toted around by a tuk tuk driver who took us to two separate Buddha statues and temples. We ate good food, met up with some friends of mine, and wandered over to Bangkok's huge weekend market (which is an amazingly large market full of food and shopping).
Things were nice and calm at first, and I was starting to think that maybe Sarah would be lucky enough to escape the wrath of Asia, but then the hassles started.
To make a long and very frustrating story short, we didn't find out until a half hour before our train was scheduled to leave that it got canceled due to a bad accident. So, after a half hour of struggling to have a normal conversation with a Thai lady whose English was less than perfect (and getting yelled at because she thought I was mad at her), we finally paid more money and got on a night bus that eventually took us to the ferry to get to the island of Ko Tao. It wasn't nearly as comfortable as the train, and I got super mad that we had to pay more money (we got partially refunded for the train ticket and should get the rest back in Bangkok), but I am just incredibly glad that we got here this morning.
Today, despite our sleepiness from the long and restless night, we have been enjoying this beautiful island, and wandering around on the beach and throughout the town. I am so happy to have Sarah with me to share in this beauty, and in a couple days we will take another ferry to the bigger island of Ko Samui, a little further south. Then it's back to Bangkok for Sarah's flight back to NYC, and my last two and a half weeks of my trip. Not sure yet what I'm going to do, there's plenty of time to figure it out!
For now, we are going to relax, enjoy our cozy and rustic bungalow, and take in all the sights of the islands. Tomorrow we are going on an all day snorkeling trip!
I will update again soon -- hope everyone back home is doing great, see you soon.
Miss you all, much love!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
From Malaysia to Thailand...
I don't know where to begin...
The last couple weeks have been great. I have been spending my time with new friends, exploring new countries, and eating good food.
After leaving Kuala Lumpur, on the nicest train I have been on since I left America over nine months ago, I landed in a city called Butterworth, in the north of Malaysia. After lugging my bags and my tired body to the ferry terminal nearby, I eventually ended up a hostel located in the city of Georgetown, on the island of Penang. It was early, only around 6am, so I booked a dorm room, threw down my bags, and slept for hours.
My first day was similar to other first days alone in a new city, which usually consists of wandering aimlessly around with map in hand, eating all the street food I can find, and trying not to give in to the endless amount of shopping that is practically thrown in my face. I ended up meeting a cool French guy that night at the hostel, and at around noon the next day we headed over to a nearby shop to rent motorbikes for the day.
The day was awesome . We manuevered through the traffic of the city, and eventually made it out to the coast, where the view was beautiful. We stopped at a national park, wandered around, took loads of photos, and ate at small roadside food stalls. We accidentally got seperated at a congested street, got terribly lost, and after an hour or so met back at the hostel, miraculously finding our way back alone.
The French guy left that night, but I ended up meeting a couple other people at the hostel that made my week long stay in Georgetown a very memorable one.
A bunch of us went to a dancing lion festival show (a bit hard to explain, but it was a competition where guys play drums, and 2 guys are dressed like a big lion and they dance and run around on these tall stilt things...you just had to be there in person for it to make sense!) After the show we got on a public bus and made our way over to Penang Hill, which takes about half an hour on an old railroad that goes straight into the hill at a very steep angle. It's a great ride, and the view from the top of the hill is amazing. Me and another French guy that I became friends with ended up wandering around and getting lost for an hour or two, and were able to see the view from the hill at night, when the lights of Georgetown and the surrounding areas make the view even more breathtaking. We eventually made our way down and took the public bus back to the hostel.
My last day in Georgetown was the best. Me and 3 of my new friends headed to the national park and hiked 3km each way to a quiet and empty beach. We spent most of the day wading around in a small river area, eating sandwiches that we packed with us, and lounging around on the beach enjoying each others company.
I didn't notice it until much later in the day, but I ended up with the worst sunburn on my legs that I have ever had in my whole life.
I ended up taking a train 20+ hours from the city of Butterworth all the way to Bangkok the next day, with another guy (Jason) that I met at the hostel in Georgetown. It was nice to have company, and even now, as I write this, we are sharing a small double room in a shitty little hotel just off of the famous Khao San Rd in Bangkok. The room doesn't have a bathroom, and the showers and toilets outside the room aren't the greatest (and we don't seem to have a sink anywhere), but it's cheap and in a great location, and that's all I need!
But, my wonderful sister is arriving tomorrow, and we will be moving into a nicer hotel (it even has it's own bathroom and hot water!!). It will be the nicest hotel that I will have stayed at since leaving America 9 months ago (and it only costs around $15!)
My two days in Bangkok so far have been spent wandering the streets and eating the great cheap food that is very plentiful on Khao San Rd. Me and Jason hopped on a public bus today and made our way to a huge shopping mall and saw an American movie at the cinema, it was even in English! (It was called The Proposal, not sure if that's been out for a while in America, but it was hilarious!) It was a nice change from the crazy streets of Asia.
At around this time tomorrow night I will be at the airport waiting for Sarah to land in Bangkok. I have never been more excited in my life!!
Not quite sure where we will go after Bangkok, but we have a lot of exploring to do, and I'll update again soon!
For now, I hope everyone is well, and I miss you all. I will be home in about a month and a week, I can't believe it!! LOVE YOU ALL!
The last couple weeks have been great. I have been spending my time with new friends, exploring new countries, and eating good food.
After leaving Kuala Lumpur, on the nicest train I have been on since I left America over nine months ago, I landed in a city called Butterworth, in the north of Malaysia. After lugging my bags and my tired body to the ferry terminal nearby, I eventually ended up a hostel located in the city of Georgetown, on the island of Penang. It was early, only around 6am, so I booked a dorm room, threw down my bags, and slept for hours.
My first day was similar to other first days alone in a new city, which usually consists of wandering aimlessly around with map in hand, eating all the street food I can find, and trying not to give in to the endless amount of shopping that is practically thrown in my face. I ended up meeting a cool French guy that night at the hostel, and at around noon the next day we headed over to a nearby shop to rent motorbikes for the day.
The day was awesome . We manuevered through the traffic of the city, and eventually made it out to the coast, where the view was beautiful. We stopped at a national park, wandered around, took loads of photos, and ate at small roadside food stalls. We accidentally got seperated at a congested street, got terribly lost, and after an hour or so met back at the hostel, miraculously finding our way back alone.
The French guy left that night, but I ended up meeting a couple other people at the hostel that made my week long stay in Georgetown a very memorable one.
A bunch of us went to a dancing lion festival show (a bit hard to explain, but it was a competition where guys play drums, and 2 guys are dressed like a big lion and they dance and run around on these tall stilt things...you just had to be there in person for it to make sense!) After the show we got on a public bus and made our way over to Penang Hill, which takes about half an hour on an old railroad that goes straight into the hill at a very steep angle. It's a great ride, and the view from the top of the hill is amazing. Me and another French guy that I became friends with ended up wandering around and getting lost for an hour or two, and were able to see the view from the hill at night, when the lights of Georgetown and the surrounding areas make the view even more breathtaking. We eventually made our way down and took the public bus back to the hostel.
My last day in Georgetown was the best. Me and 3 of my new friends headed to the national park and hiked 3km each way to a quiet and empty beach. We spent most of the day wading around in a small river area, eating sandwiches that we packed with us, and lounging around on the beach enjoying each others company.
I didn't notice it until much later in the day, but I ended up with the worst sunburn on my legs that I have ever had in my whole life.
I ended up taking a train 20+ hours from the city of Butterworth all the way to Bangkok the next day, with another guy (Jason) that I met at the hostel in Georgetown. It was nice to have company, and even now, as I write this, we are sharing a small double room in a shitty little hotel just off of the famous Khao San Rd in Bangkok. The room doesn't have a bathroom, and the showers and toilets outside the room aren't the greatest (and we don't seem to have a sink anywhere), but it's cheap and in a great location, and that's all I need!
But, my wonderful sister is arriving tomorrow, and we will be moving into a nicer hotel (it even has it's own bathroom and hot water!!). It will be the nicest hotel that I will have stayed at since leaving America 9 months ago (and it only costs around $15!)
My two days in Bangkok so far have been spent wandering the streets and eating the great cheap food that is very plentiful on Khao San Rd. Me and Jason hopped on a public bus today and made our way to a huge shopping mall and saw an American movie at the cinema, it was even in English! (It was called The Proposal, not sure if that's been out for a while in America, but it was hilarious!) It was a nice change from the crazy streets of Asia.
At around this time tomorrow night I will be at the airport waiting for Sarah to land in Bangkok. I have never been more excited in my life!!
Not quite sure where we will go after Bangkok, but we have a lot of exploring to do, and I'll update again soon!
For now, I hope everyone is well, and I miss you all. I will be home in about a month and a week, I can't believe it!! LOVE YOU ALL!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Where have the cows gone?
I am in a whole new world.
A world devoid of cows, monkeys, and begging barefoot children. A world where modern amenities are at your fingertips and everyone does not seem out to get you, to rip you off for all you're worth. In just one short 3 1/2 hour plane ride I was whisked in the utmost comfort from the backwards land of India to the orderly streets of Kuala Lumpur.
I arrived early yesterday morning, hopped on a spotlessly clean and efficient train that briskly zipped me through the city and into the central train station, where I then effortlessly jumped in a cab and got dropped off in front of my hostel. No rickshaw drivers trying to convince me to go to another hotel (a ploy so they can get commission), no taxi drivers following me and fighting for my business, no half dressed begging man asking me for a couple rupees. It was all so easy.
Since yesterday I have been enjoying the easiness of this city, spending my time walking around and watching the bustling city go by, and eating a ton of good street food. My hostel is located in the Chinatown area, and I couldn't ask for a better location. Awesome and cheap food is at my fingertips, and at night a huge market comes alive with tons of people, restaurants, and every type of shopping imaginable. It's great fun to just wander around for hours with no direction or goal in mind.
Although this city is not as expensive as some, it is definitely a huge change from China, Nepal, and India. I have to be careful with my money, and am on a pretty tight budget for food. Plus, everytime I turn around there's a ton of shopping markets with goods that are begging to be bought! Today I went down to the train station and booked a ticket leaving tomorrow evening to a city 8 hours north called Butterworth. From there I'll take a short ferry across the water to an island called Penang. There is a city on this island called Georgetown that's supposed to be pretty nice, and that's where I'll spend the next couple days until I cross the border into Thailand.
Although it's a relief to be in the comfort of a more Westernized city, I definitely miss the craziness of Nepal and India, and of course I miss China more than anything. Despite the pain and hassles that cannot be avoided, there is a certain magic and unexplainable feeling that these countries bring about, and it is not something that I will ever forget.
For now, I'm counting down the days till I see my sister. I cannot wait, and I know our 2 weeks in Thailand together will be amazing!
It's hard to believe that I'm coming to the end of my trip. The end of this long, solo journey that has been more than I could have ever imagined.
I'll be home soon -- I miss you all. Much love.
A world devoid of cows, monkeys, and begging barefoot children. A world where modern amenities are at your fingertips and everyone does not seem out to get you, to rip you off for all you're worth. In just one short 3 1/2 hour plane ride I was whisked in the utmost comfort from the backwards land of India to the orderly streets of Kuala Lumpur.
I arrived early yesterday morning, hopped on a spotlessly clean and efficient train that briskly zipped me through the city and into the central train station, where I then effortlessly jumped in a cab and got dropped off in front of my hostel. No rickshaw drivers trying to convince me to go to another hotel (a ploy so they can get commission), no taxi drivers following me and fighting for my business, no half dressed begging man asking me for a couple rupees. It was all so easy.
Since yesterday I have been enjoying the easiness of this city, spending my time walking around and watching the bustling city go by, and eating a ton of good street food. My hostel is located in the Chinatown area, and I couldn't ask for a better location. Awesome and cheap food is at my fingertips, and at night a huge market comes alive with tons of people, restaurants, and every type of shopping imaginable. It's great fun to just wander around for hours with no direction or goal in mind.
Although this city is not as expensive as some, it is definitely a huge change from China, Nepal, and India. I have to be careful with my money, and am on a pretty tight budget for food. Plus, everytime I turn around there's a ton of shopping markets with goods that are begging to be bought! Today I went down to the train station and booked a ticket leaving tomorrow evening to a city 8 hours north called Butterworth. From there I'll take a short ferry across the water to an island called Penang. There is a city on this island called Georgetown that's supposed to be pretty nice, and that's where I'll spend the next couple days until I cross the border into Thailand.
Although it's a relief to be in the comfort of a more Westernized city, I definitely miss the craziness of Nepal and India, and of course I miss China more than anything. Despite the pain and hassles that cannot be avoided, there is a certain magic and unexplainable feeling that these countries bring about, and it is not something that I will ever forget.
For now, I'm counting down the days till I see my sister. I cannot wait, and I know our 2 weeks in Thailand together will be amazing!
It's hard to believe that I'm coming to the end of my trip. The end of this long, solo journey that has been more than I could have ever imagined.
I'll be home soon -- I miss you all. Much love.
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