This first week was such a different experience with people back from home.
As much as Nikki and Elyse distract me, and make me even more happy and less alone,
we end up talking about home a lot. It makes me think about everything i have left... my family and friends..wes... my securities... in some ways its a good thing that I am able to talk about home. In other ways its just making me more homesick!
The first week has been great though.
We were taken to Singburi in airconditioned vans. We met a nineteen year old girl named Famke who was from the Netherlands. She was working in Australia all ready for six months and then doing thailand for another couple months. We met a German guy named Dominic who was going to do a temple stay with the monks for 2 months! We have met all sorts of people in our first week. Its nice to have a good group to share the experiences.
Our Accomodation that will become our home for the next four weeks, is very relaxing. We have really enjoyed being away from the big city and in a small village next to little huts and howling dogs... well maybe not enjoying the howling dogs... nikki hates it. We are surrounded with gardens. Our room is small with three bunk beds. Its supposed to fit six people but having four is plenty! Especially us girls who love to spread everything everywhere. We have a leaky sink that smells a little like sewage and geckos crawling all over our walls. We actually have one that has never left us. We called him Joe the gecko. we can tell its him because he has no tail!
The days have been full of events. We were taken into town to shop in the markets and to the pool to cool off in this absolutely boiling weather.
We have learned So much thai in our lessons. Elyse was so proud of her self when she managed to have a pretty full conversation with our cook at the Twin house. We are finding it very useful when bardering in the Tuesday market in the local village.
I must head out for dinner.. we have dinner at 5:00? its a little hard to adjust to ... we are never really hungry at 5:00!
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Meeting Nikki and Elyse in Bangkok!
I never would have thought it would have been such a relief coming back to Bangkok.
I wasnt big on the big city of Bangkok... but it has begun to be a second home. I know it. the people just seem easier to talk to.. there isnt always a language barrier.
This time coming into Bangkok was even more exiting. My friends from home were going to come for the remaining two months. Nicole and Elyse came in at about 2 in the morning. Nikki was exhausted. They were bickering with eachother. I dont blame them! They came so prepared. They had even brought me a little something from home from my parents, marni and wes.. I teared up. It was so weird having all these things suddenly reminding me of home. Mom and dad (thankyou by the way ;).. ) baught me candy that i cant get in Thailand... fun dip which i am addicted to haha and a little note. Wes gave me his journal which made me feel so much closer to home. All three of us stayed up talking until we passed out. We woke up only a few hours later and explored Bangkok. I was so surprised they didnt sleep all day! We walked through the Grande palace (my second time) and then fed pigeons (that turned out to be a scam.. i should have known better). They crashed at about 1 and fell asleep all afternoon until about 7. Nikki was feeling really homesick but Elyse seemed pretty excited.
We went onto Khao San Road and had some famous Pad Thai for supper. Afterwards, we got our hair wrapped and shopped alittle.
I wasnt big on the big city of Bangkok... but it has begun to be a second home. I know it. the people just seem easier to talk to.. there isnt always a language barrier.
This time coming into Bangkok was even more exiting. My friends from home were going to come for the remaining two months. Nicole and Elyse came in at about 2 in the morning. Nikki was exhausted. They were bickering with eachother. I dont blame them! They came so prepared. They had even brought me a little something from home from my parents, marni and wes.. I teared up. It was so weird having all these things suddenly reminding me of home. Mom and dad (thankyou by the way ;).. ) baught me candy that i cant get in Thailand... fun dip which i am addicted to haha and a little note. Wes gave me his journal which made me feel so much closer to home. All three of us stayed up talking until we passed out. We woke up only a few hours later and explored Bangkok. I was so surprised they didnt sleep all day! We walked through the Grande palace (my second time) and then fed pigeons (that turned out to be a scam.. i should have known better). They crashed at about 1 and fell asleep all afternoon until about 7. Nikki was feeling really homesick but Elyse seemed pretty excited.
We went onto Khao San Road and had some famous Pad Thai for supper. Afterwards, we got our hair wrapped and shopped alittle.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Cambodia- Siam Reap and Pnohm Pehn
Wow..
I think its been a little too long since my last blog.
Unfortunately i donot have a lot of time to write this.
Cambodia was beautiful
I feel that this country gave me the most culture shock though. As we entered the country in our big air conditioned local bus, i was fixed at looking out the window. I must have just starred out the window for hours as we waited for a ferry that wasnt even a kilometer distance across a little river. There were trucks carrying all sorts of interesting things in the back of them.. Pigs, cows, monkeys... you name it. It was sad seeing the monkeys tied up witha chain on their foot. Maybe they were selling them, I am not too sure.
The people were fantastic. When we arrived at the small hotel down a narrow road in the capital city of Pnohm Pehn, we went out to get milkshakes... Honestly, you end up craving cold fuit shakes ALL the time. There were kids that bombarded us with books in baskets. They must have been no older than 8 and they broke your heart just looking at them. We told them we were from Canada and they were smart! they started talking in French. But being the terrible canadian that i am.. i didnt even understand.
The Heat was almost unbearable. The moment we walked outside of our airconditioned hotel room, we were sweating. I carried a big bottle of water as i ended up getting dehydrated so quickly.
Going to the prison from the Khmer Rouge was extremely emotional. The prison was originally built as a school. But in 1970, the classrooms were turned into torture chambers and prison cells.
Each room on the main floor had a single wirey bed frame with a little metal box and prison chains for the prisoners feet. The people who were taken here was anyone educated or consisting of the middle or upper class. If anyone doesnt know what happened during this period, it was very similar to the Nazi regime. The ideals of the Khmere Rouge were to bring Cambodia to its original existence and to execute a class system where everyone become equal. The cambodians were all to work in farms and they were killed if they disobeyed the laws. It was absolutely discusting what they did to poeple. The regime that lasted five years caused the death of over 2 million cambodians. It was so sad seeing the ways in which they were tortured. It was so inhumane.
It was really hard walking amungst the killing fields where so many were buried.. some even buried alive.
There were mass graves and their bones were stilll scattered on thepaths we walked on. I ran upon a tiny jaw belonging to a child and it was overwhelming. You really do feel helpless. Even now, 50 percent of the population is under 18 as most of the older people that lived through the 70's were exterminated.
We flew to Siam Reap where we saw the amazing ancient ruins. The trees were my favourite part...they grew amungst it the roots like tendrils from an octopus rapping around the crumbled walls.
I even got to see the very spot that angelina ran in the movie Tomb Raider!!
I will remember one night forever when we went for supper at a womans home. There were children everywhere from nearby village homes and after an amazing feast we danced for hours. My hair became soaked with sweat but i continued to dance. The children showed us traditional Cambodian dancing and then we jived all night. Ill never forget their faces, smiles and laughter.
Overall, Cambodia was one of my favourite places. The thing i will remember most are the people. They were so open and friendly.
I think its been a little too long since my last blog.
Unfortunately i donot have a lot of time to write this.
Cambodia was beautiful
I feel that this country gave me the most culture shock though. As we entered the country in our big air conditioned local bus, i was fixed at looking out the window. I must have just starred out the window for hours as we waited for a ferry that wasnt even a kilometer distance across a little river. There were trucks carrying all sorts of interesting things in the back of them.. Pigs, cows, monkeys... you name it. It was sad seeing the monkeys tied up witha chain on their foot. Maybe they were selling them, I am not too sure.
The people were fantastic. When we arrived at the small hotel down a narrow road in the capital city of Pnohm Pehn, we went out to get milkshakes... Honestly, you end up craving cold fuit shakes ALL the time. There were kids that bombarded us with books in baskets. They must have been no older than 8 and they broke your heart just looking at them. We told them we were from Canada and they were smart! they started talking in French. But being the terrible canadian that i am.. i didnt even understand.
The Heat was almost unbearable. The moment we walked outside of our airconditioned hotel room, we were sweating. I carried a big bottle of water as i ended up getting dehydrated so quickly.
Going to the prison from the Khmer Rouge was extremely emotional. The prison was originally built as a school. But in 1970, the classrooms were turned into torture chambers and prison cells.
Each room on the main floor had a single wirey bed frame with a little metal box and prison chains for the prisoners feet. The people who were taken here was anyone educated or consisting of the middle or upper class. If anyone doesnt know what happened during this period, it was very similar to the Nazi regime. The ideals of the Khmere Rouge were to bring Cambodia to its original existence and to execute a class system where everyone become equal. The cambodians were all to work in farms and they were killed if they disobeyed the laws. It was absolutely discusting what they did to poeple. The regime that lasted five years caused the death of over 2 million cambodians. It was so sad seeing the ways in which they were tortured. It was so inhumane.
It was really hard walking amungst the killing fields where so many were buried.. some even buried alive.
There were mass graves and their bones were stilll scattered on thepaths we walked on. I ran upon a tiny jaw belonging to a child and it was overwhelming. You really do feel helpless. Even now, 50 percent of the population is under 18 as most of the older people that lived through the 70's were exterminated.
We flew to Siam Reap where we saw the amazing ancient ruins. The trees were my favourite part...they grew amungst it the roots like tendrils from an octopus rapping around the crumbled walls.
I even got to see the very spot that angelina ran in the movie Tomb Raider!!
I will remember one night forever when we went for supper at a womans home. There were children everywhere from nearby village homes and after an amazing feast we danced for hours. My hair became soaked with sweat but i continued to dance. The children showed us traditional Cambodian dancing and then we jived all night. Ill never forget their faces, smiles and laughter.
Overall, Cambodia was one of my favourite places. The thing i will remember most are the people. They were so open and friendly.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Hoi An, Vietnam
We stayed in Hue for on night before reaching Hoi An and it was refreshing.
We had stayed in Hanoi for two nights and were ready to move on. It was so busy and the people were very overbearing. Hue was a nice change. We took an over night train over .. which i zonked myself out with two gravol.. allowing me to sleep the full 12 hours. When i arrived in Hue, we took a trip with motorbike guides and they took us all sorts of places. My Guides name was Do and he has such a sweet face. We stopped by an old woman with red lipstick and leathered wrinkled skin who would tell our fortune for a dollar. I didnt but a lot of the group did. She was so sweet and spoke pretty good english!
So i have spent the last three days in Hoi An.
Its beautiful.
I rented a motorbike yesterday with my group and we drove around the country side. For about a dollar you get two letres which got us through most of the day. We drove to Marble mountain and of course bought a souvenier. I got alittle candle holder/ insence holder for six bucks which isnt too bad considering the beautiful designs on them.
Later on, i took a ride as the sun was going down. I ended up running into a water buffalo an a quiet street by the river! it took me off gaurd and i was definitly afraid so i booked it the other direction!
I must be quick.. as i have to meet up for supper in an hour. But i suntanned by the beach today and finally got a little color! no burn.. TAN! very exiting for me.. as i barely tan ever.
I rented a bicycle for a dollar and went to the beach and it was great. when it was time to come back, i really ddidnt want to put my pants on as they were really sandy.. so i just put my towel on. Two times the towel flew off and all the 13 year old vietnamese boys yelled and whistled out when i got off with just my little bottom bathing suite. the woman gauked and the bikes passing by turned their heads haha. stupid me.
We had stayed in Hanoi for two nights and were ready to move on. It was so busy and the people were very overbearing. Hue was a nice change. We took an over night train over .. which i zonked myself out with two gravol.. allowing me to sleep the full 12 hours. When i arrived in Hue, we took a trip with motorbike guides and they took us all sorts of places. My Guides name was Do and he has such a sweet face. We stopped by an old woman with red lipstick and leathered wrinkled skin who would tell our fortune for a dollar. I didnt but a lot of the group did. She was so sweet and spoke pretty good english!
So i have spent the last three days in Hoi An.
Its beautiful.
I rented a motorbike yesterday with my group and we drove around the country side. For about a dollar you get two letres which got us through most of the day. We drove to Marble mountain and of course bought a souvenier. I got alittle candle holder/ insence holder for six bucks which isnt too bad considering the beautiful designs on them.
Later on, i took a ride as the sun was going down. I ended up running into a water buffalo an a quiet street by the river! it took me off gaurd and i was definitly afraid so i booked it the other direction!
I must be quick.. as i have to meet up for supper in an hour. But i suntanned by the beach today and finally got a little color! no burn.. TAN! very exiting for me.. as i barely tan ever.
I rented a bicycle for a dollar and went to the beach and it was great. when it was time to come back, i really ddidnt want to put my pants on as they were really sandy.. so i just put my towel on. Two times the towel flew off and all the 13 year old vietnamese boys yelled and whistled out when i got off with just my little bottom bathing suite. the woman gauked and the bikes passing by turned their heads haha. stupid me.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Hanoi, Vietnam
So I arrived in Hanoi, Vietnam yesterday and we are staying in a little hotel thats sourounded by markets and alleyways. It is so easy to get lost here.. The group leader even told us that we SHOULD get lost because thats the only way you will really get to know the city. I got lost yesterday with Michelle and Leanne two of my fellow travelers. We wanted to get to the clothe market but it took us about 2 and half hours when it should have taken twenty minutes. But like Simon, our group leader said, we did end up having an adventure!
We started walking and the people just gock at you from every street and corner. If you are lucky they wont speack out and only stare and smile. Their heads most of the time turn and stare as they walk the opposite direction and the rest of the time they shout out things. God only knows what they say... i thought i wanted to know at first what they were saying in Vietnamese, but as i talk to more people from here, I realize i dont. They sometimes say "Oychauyoy!" which means in general translation: Oh my gosh! andother times a group of men will start giggling and laughing some will shout out things in Vietnamese. A couple men tried to grope Michelle on her ass!
I think the biggest thing that sticks out about Vietnam so far are the people and the traffic. The honking of vehicles will forever be engraved in my ears.
We started walking and the people just gock at you from every street and corner. If you are lucky they wont speack out and only stare and smile. Their heads most of the time turn and stare as they walk the opposite direction and the rest of the time they shout out things. God only knows what they say... i thought i wanted to know at first what they were saying in Vietnamese, but as i talk to more people from here, I realize i dont. They sometimes say "Oychauyoy!" which means in general translation: Oh my gosh! andother times a group of men will start giggling and laughing some will shout out things in Vietnamese. A couple men tried to grope Michelle on her ass!
I think the biggest thing that sticks out about Vietnam so far are the people and the traffic. The honking of vehicles will forever be engraved in my ears.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Laos and Border to Vietnam
So Laos has been an amazing adventure.
I have LOVED the people and the serenity and peace of it all.
Our Group went to a disco the other night.. the sign actually wrote "Dosco" which was quite funny. We watched as the Locals danced their traditional moves. It was so interesting to see how much they have been able to perserve their culture. Claire (my room mate) and I went dancing with them and they all welcomed us on the dance floor. Some took pictures with us and touched my hair and giggling.
Even I felt like an oversized woman.. although i am about 5'6. There were quite a few lady boys. We were all so surprised as they looked so beautiful! Surely they werent men! But as soon as the opened their mouths and spoke, we knew the answer--men! Everyone is so small, its very hard to tell. Even in the markets. You cant try the clothes on but you always have to buy a size higher than you normally would at home.
I have grown attatched to these small cheap internet places. I am addicted to checking up on how everyone is doing! But last night we were in a Homestay in a village off theMekong River. The people were wonderful but very very shy. There were so many children who were begging to have their pictures taken--and i gladly took them. They were fascinated with the video camera! they loved that they could hear themselves talk. They would be rolling on the ground with their faces red laughing so hard. The sleep was a different story. Very unco0mfortable. Not like the last homestay in Thailand with Marni. Although i had a mosquito net, I could feel millions of bugs crolling all over my body. They were up my nose buzzing in my ear... then 4 am rolled around and we heard this thumping sound. I was too tired to find out what it was. The roosters were crowing our ears off. So i effecntially rolled out of bed at about 5 30 am. The thudding was the woman making sticky rice... at 4 am! haha its a totally different world.
I crossed the border today. I got a rough start. I was puking for the first couple hours of the trip. The bus had to keep stopping for me to puke out on the side of the road. It was horrific. Luckily, there is a nurse in our group that helped me. Everyone was very nice and willing to help. The twelve hour drive went by fast once i fell asleep and read my book. We crossed the border and it was a whole new culture shock. It was incredible.
We entered into the first Vietnam town, and the drivers are loonatics! I thought Thailand and Laos was bad... we were all TERRIFIED for our lives the entire time. I couldnt believe the way they had no respect for the middle of the road. cars and buses would just drive wherever they pleased. Every driver seemed to just drive 80 km/hour and be within a meter of a bus infront of them coming head on. Our bus driver at one point was pissed off at this van that had cut him off so he spead up drove infront of them and slammed on thebreaks sending all of our group flying forward hitting the seat in front of us.
Laos and Vietnam are polar opposites i have decided. Laos was incredibly laid back. i walked at night alone without a worry in the world. Every where you went was whispers and hushed voices and a lot of the time silence. Everyone walked leasurely down the sidewalk. Vietnam is a totally different ball game. The people are loud and obnoxouis. i just had dinner in a place and our group couldnt barely speak over the loud voices. I am now in an internet cafe and i can barely hear myself think! everyone is screaming and yelling and cackeling. Its insane. The people ARE insane here haha. But maybe its good to pick up some pace.
I have LOVED the people and the serenity and peace of it all.
Our Group went to a disco the other night.. the sign actually wrote "Dosco" which was quite funny. We watched as the Locals danced their traditional moves. It was so interesting to see how much they have been able to perserve their culture. Claire (my room mate) and I went dancing with them and they all welcomed us on the dance floor. Some took pictures with us and touched my hair and giggling.
Even I felt like an oversized woman.. although i am about 5'6. There were quite a few lady boys. We were all so surprised as they looked so beautiful! Surely they werent men! But as soon as the opened their mouths and spoke, we knew the answer--men! Everyone is so small, its very hard to tell. Even in the markets. You cant try the clothes on but you always have to buy a size higher than you normally would at home.
I have grown attatched to these small cheap internet places. I am addicted to checking up on how everyone is doing! But last night we were in a Homestay in a village off theMekong River. The people were wonderful but very very shy. There were so many children who were begging to have their pictures taken--and i gladly took them. They were fascinated with the video camera! they loved that they could hear themselves talk. They would be rolling on the ground with their faces red laughing so hard. The sleep was a different story. Very unco0mfortable. Not like the last homestay in Thailand with Marni. Although i had a mosquito net, I could feel millions of bugs crolling all over my body. They were up my nose buzzing in my ear... then 4 am rolled around and we heard this thumping sound. I was too tired to find out what it was. The roosters were crowing our ears off. So i effecntially rolled out of bed at about 5 30 am. The thudding was the woman making sticky rice... at 4 am! haha its a totally different world.
I crossed the border today. I got a rough start. I was puking for the first couple hours of the trip. The bus had to keep stopping for me to puke out on the side of the road. It was horrific. Luckily, there is a nurse in our group that helped me. Everyone was very nice and willing to help. The twelve hour drive went by fast once i fell asleep and read my book. We crossed the border and it was a whole new culture shock. It was incredible.
We entered into the first Vietnam town, and the drivers are loonatics! I thought Thailand and Laos was bad... we were all TERRIFIED for our lives the entire time. I couldnt believe the way they had no respect for the middle of the road. cars and buses would just drive wherever they pleased. Every driver seemed to just drive 80 km/hour and be within a meter of a bus infront of them coming head on. Our bus driver at one point was pissed off at this van that had cut him off so he spead up drove infront of them and slammed on thebreaks sending all of our group flying forward hitting the seat in front of us.
Laos and Vietnam are polar opposites i have decided. Laos was incredibly laid back. i walked at night alone without a worry in the world. Every where you went was whispers and hushed voices and a lot of the time silence. Everyone walked leasurely down the sidewalk. Vietnam is a totally different ball game. The people are loud and obnoxouis. i just had dinner in a place and our group couldnt barely speak over the loud voices. I am now in an internet cafe and i can barely hear myself think! everyone is screaming and yelling and cackeling. Its insane. The people ARE insane here haha. But maybe its good to pick up some pace.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Laos
Well.. the computers are not up to snap in Laos as they are in Thailand but i shall survive. I have already lost two blogs.. and all pictures i have uploaded on this computer. i have wasted an hour! But Patience is the key.. i must stay patient.. as it won't ever be like Canada and its all in the experience.
So i dont even know where to start! as I dont remember what i have actually posted and what i haven't.. but i guess from the beginning when enterring Laos.
We took a 5 hour bus to the border. for 42 dollars we could cross and the only way to was by a little boat. "immigration" was very interesting as it was jsut a little stall with a only a few workers. We stayed the night in a small town.. it might have even been a village. It was cute non the less and our hotel was nice and basic. Cold showers and a bed. The bathrooms so far have been a shower right next to the toilet with no tub or shower curtain just a small efficient bathroom. So when you have a shower you get the entire bathroom wet haha.
We spent two days floating down the Mekong River. Its absolutely beautiful as you get to see the country side and laotians everyday life. No busy streets or markets, just villages with playful children and leathered skin adults fishing and embroidering.
I got to visit a village and the childrenran up to the boat and squeeled when they saw my hair. They gigled when i shook it in front of them and they touched it with huge curiouse smiles.
they kept looking at the bracelettes that i had bought from the Chiang Mai Village children so i gave them to the kids. I will never forget their faces.
We arrived at our beautiful bangalows. Simon, our group leader had told us that the accomodations were going to be like your own "person discovery channel" and said the bathrooms were shared and rooms very basic. But turns out hes a liar! and the rooms were spectacular.
We have stayed in Luang Prabang for two nights.
It is New years next week for south east asia and their tradition is to throw water on anything anyone and everyone. That means cars, trucks with open backs (where most people travel in the back as its a taxi for most of us tourists) , bicycles and motorbikes and pedestrians. We were soaked yesterday coming home from the waterfalls. Children would be waiting at every corner with a bucket and would throw it in our direction.
I am so glad i managed to catch an internet cafe.. as an hour later it began to hail and rain so hard that a couple girls from our group are now fully soaked!
So i dont even know where to start! as I dont remember what i have actually posted and what i haven't.. but i guess from the beginning when enterring Laos.
We took a 5 hour bus to the border. for 42 dollars we could cross and the only way to was by a little boat. "immigration" was very interesting as it was jsut a little stall with a only a few workers. We stayed the night in a small town.. it might have even been a village. It was cute non the less and our hotel was nice and basic. Cold showers and a bed. The bathrooms so far have been a shower right next to the toilet with no tub or shower curtain just a small efficient bathroom. So when you have a shower you get the entire bathroom wet haha.
We spent two days floating down the Mekong River. Its absolutely beautiful as you get to see the country side and laotians everyday life. No busy streets or markets, just villages with playful children and leathered skin adults fishing and embroidering.
I got to visit a village and the childrenran up to the boat and squeeled when they saw my hair. They gigled when i shook it in front of them and they touched it with huge curiouse smiles.
they kept looking at the bracelettes that i had bought from the Chiang Mai Village children so i gave them to the kids. I will never forget their faces.
We arrived at our beautiful bangalows. Simon, our group leader had told us that the accomodations were going to be like your own "person discovery channel" and said the bathrooms were shared and rooms very basic. But turns out hes a liar! and the rooms were spectacular.
We have stayed in Luang Prabang for two nights.
It is New years next week for south east asia and their tradition is to throw water on anything anyone and everyone. That means cars, trucks with open backs (where most people travel in the back as its a taxi for most of us tourists) , bicycles and motorbikes and pedestrians. We were soaked yesterday coming home from the waterfalls. Children would be waiting at every corner with a bucket and would throw it in our direction.
I am so glad i managed to catch an internet cafe.. as an hour later it began to hail and rain so hard that a couple girls from our group are now fully soaked!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
