Adventures in Asia

And I Think To Myself..What a Wonderful World!

2010-02-16T15:09:00.001-05:00

After a quick “nap” (talk about a morning I did NOT want to get out of bed) the bellman and I were heading to the shuttle at 3:45am. When I had checked the United website that morning, my flight was delayed, but the Bangkok airport website said my flight was cancelled. I figured I would show up and see what happened. The line was INCREDIBLY LONG! I feel like I have flown a lot, but I have never had to stand in a line like that. I think it took me about two hours and everyone was grouchy! When I checked my bags (he didn’t laugh) but said I needed to shift things around (I just wanted to pay, but $150 did seem a bit much, ha) but I hated taking up time to rearrange my bags in front of the already ridiculously long line. However luckily I didn’t take too long.

I made it through passport control without any problems. I was hungry and thirsty so before going to my gate I stopped at Starbucks for a drink and muffin. I carried both to my gate, but before I could even get there there was ANOTHER security check. They made me toss my drink, food AND water and searched my entire bag. Really? I did NOT like the idea that I had to get on the plane without any water, but I was happy that I was even getting on a plane in the first place!

The flight to Japan was fine and I didn’t have to wait long before my next flight left (by the time I went through security, found my gate, etc). I got on skype to tell my parents my cancelled/not cancelled flight was fine and I was in Japan on my way to D.C. I also looked for some food but with no luck!

The flight from Japan to D.C. was a bit long and the plane didn’t have individual T.V.’s but that was ok. I did get up a few times to avoid Deep Vein Thrombosis.

Again, I had no problems in D.C. (I was a bit nervous as the airport had been closed all week, but I think even the standby’s got on!) It was a quick flight back to Boston! Oh Boston! I was so happy to be home! My mom greeted me with a sign and balloons and as we were walking to baggage I saw another sign and thought to myself, “Oh cool someone else has a sign!” and then realized it was ANOTHER one for me as Debbie Walker came to pick me up too! I am so lucky!

My bags came out pretty fast and we were on our way home! Dad was waiting for me and the house was decorated with balloons and signs! Am I lucky or what?

I am not really sure how to end this blog. How do you sum up four months of incredible experiences? I guess I will sum it up with the last thing I thought as I laid down in MY bed for my first night sleep at home, “What a wonderful world!”

Hugs and kisses!

Ignorance Is Bliss

2010-02-13T17:19:00.002-05:00

I did NOT sleep well at all, but I guess that’s what happens when you nap all day. I think also the fear of oversleeping didn’t help my situation. After about 3 hours of sleep (literally) I was up, checked into my flights and had all my bags downstairs!

Prachit picked me up to bring me to the airport (which was so helpful) and I loved the fact it was only about 10 minutes away. I had no problems checking in except for the fact the women legit laughed at me when she saw my bags. So I punched her in the face. Ok, no I didn’t, but she did laugh, rightfully so I guess. I didn’t think I had THAT much!

Chiang Mai airport is VERY small which was nice as it didn’t take long to find the gate. The flight was quick and I spent the time watching “World’s Funniest Videos”. I enjoyed it as there was no talking (so really anyone could enjoy it). I had no problems getting my bags and finding the shuttle to take me to the airport hotel.

The hotel is VERY nice and much better than your typical airport hotel. I checked in and quickly dropped my stuff in my room before taking a WELL NEEDED shower! I didn’t even make it THAT hot, but I loved the idea that, if I wanted to, I could make it hot!

I then hung out poolside (it was so nice) and grabbed some lunch (well, I ordered breakfast, but it was yummy) and just relaxed! I was surprised how you couldn’t really hear the planes overhead. I was a good girl and wore sun block and didn’t stay out too long! After another shower (I am addicted) I decided I would buy internet (sheesh no free wifi these days) so I could print out my boarding pass. I had done the ‘web check in’ in the morning but didn’t have a printer.

I went to hit print and United says “I’m sorry, your flight is cancelled”. Awesome United, AWESOME! Did it say, “We know you want to get home, so here’s what you need to do?” Nope, just cancelled (in red of course). Now I expected to have some issues either flying into DC or from DC home (since DC can’t handle snow) seeing as their airport has been closed for days! But this said my flight from Bangkok to Japan was cancelled. So, after telling myself to play it cool I went to the front desk. He said maybe it was a website problem (uuuh I don’t think websites randomly tell you that you no longer have a flight) and so he kept calling United (good start). He told me, as of now, it was still all set. However, he went on to say that if it is cancelled they would keep it on the down low and wait for everyone to get to the airport in the morning. He looked at me as though I should be satisfied with the answer that maybe I would never get home; I’d just have to see! Ha! So I KINDLY told him that if I missed this flight to Japan I would miss all my other flights and if it is cancelled I would rather rebook my plans tonight rather than at 5:00am (I do try to be very nice as I know what it is like to work in customer service).

He called again and this time got someone who said that the flight was still on schedule and I was booked etc. but a different leg of it was cancelled. That made me feel BETTER, but I needed some more confirmation. So after checking every free flight tracker website that exists, I determined that the flight from Japan to Chicago (the same flight that continues on and the one I almost booked) was cancelled! I felt better about the situation so I went downstairs for dinner. The hotel is VERY big and had a ton of options for dinner which was nice.

After returning to my room, the departure page for the Bangkok airport had refreshed to tell me my flight TO Japan was indeed cancelled. Before, it said the leg from Japan to Chicago was cancelled and that was it. But now, I had big red letters telling me I was not going anywhere. I had written down every United phone number possible (since I was counting on running into trouble in DC) and after 5 unsuccessful attempts (every office was conveniently closed) I finally managed to get somebody. She reassured me the flight was not cancelled; only the flight from Japan to Chicago was. However, after checking a few more websites (now all updated with the cancellation of my flight – including the United website) I called back and tried to explain how every website now said my flight was cancelled. Oh how I miss English, as all I wanted to know was why SUDDENLY my flight was cancelled.

So, I did what everyone would do. I called my mommy. Ok ok I first emailed my Dad to have him call the United number in the U.S. so they could tell me the situation from the U.S. perspective. But, next I know mom and I were skypeing. She had it on speaker phone to the representative (in the U.S.) who told us my flight was indeed cancelled and I would be able to fly out February 18th, in one week. I wish you could have seen my mom’s face. “You want me to stay here another week?” she asked the man (she was pretending to be me). Now I know, I know, getting stuck in Thailand…..BUT at this point I was ready to go home, everything was packed and I was out of money. Neither of us could believe he told me my only option was to wait a week, especially because United hadn’t even contacted me about the cancelled flight (no emails or cell phone notification) After some searching, he decided I could try to get on a Thai Airways flight to LA and then a United flight from LA to Boston, but I would leave and get in 12 hours later. I didn’t LOVE this idea, but I just wanted to come home. The problem was Thai airways wouldn’t open until after my ‘original’ flight would have left, AND when booking on another airline United couldn’t confirm for 12 hours blah blah red tape blah blah so I really had no confirmation and if I didn’t get that flight I’d have nowhere to go! So, mom & I hung up with the plan that she would call Thai and United at the appropriate hours we had been told (since it was now 11:30 PM – my time), and then she would let me know when I needed to head to the airport.

Next thing I know, my mom is calling me back on skype saying my original flight was not cancelled at ALL! (She had decided to check the United website one more time and unbelievably it was no longer saying CANCELLED in red.) After a few more calls to Thai and United (confirming and re-confirming that the flight was indeed a go) we both agreed this was great news, but I also didn’t really like taking the risk of this flight that couldn’t make up its mind. I also liked that with the Thai flight I was flying through Los Angeles (not through D.C.) so it didn’t seem like it would be as difficult to get back to Boston. Needless to say, I was exhausted and realized that if I had just printed out my boarding pass in the morning I never would have found out about all the cancellation not cancellation, etc. Ignorance is bliss, huh? (sometimes it just doesn’t pay to be proactive!!)

Since my flight is now apparently still scheduled (and I am exhausted) I have decided to just go to sleep and deal with any problems in the morning!

Hugs and kisses from a girl who has no clue when she will get home!

Peace Out Chiang Mai!

2010-02-11T17:49:00.002-05:00

My plan for today was to do a half day at the orphanage. After Beijing (where I spent my last day hanging out with people thinking it would take 2 seconds to pack at night) I realized I should NOT save packing until the last minute! While I no longer worry about weight (the weight of my bags that is) I want to pack so that everything I need for Bangkok tomorrow will be in only ONE bag. So anyway, my plan was to spend some of the day organizing so it wasn’t 2:00am and I realize I was only half done (live and learn baby).

However, that didn’t work out so well. Krista has a really bad cold and I think she’s passing it on to me! Well, she is actually really sick (I think she has what I had..but the cold version, fever, body ache, slept for 20 hours). I was EXHAUSTED and just felt blah. Luckily, it was nothing compared to what I felt like before and maybe it’s just my immune system saying, “I know we’re going home soon so I’m gonna take it easy and not fight for you!” Needless to say I did wake up to pack a little but ended up going back to sleep! I felt AWFUL about missing my last official day, but the thought of spending 30 hours traveling not feeling well made me take ANOTHER nap!

Luckily I was awake for enough of the day to pack, run some last minute errands and that’s about it! I am feeling weird about leaving (happy, sad, everything) but I am going to save that for my blog tomorrow as I need to get some sleep!

Pictures and videos are all updated!

Hugs and kisses from my last night in Chiang Mai.

Terrific Tuesday!

2010-02-10T10:57:00.001-05:00

I was a little bit of a rebel and was late for work today as I needed one last round of pancakes with the boys. I just realized, I call them “the boys” a lot. They left this morning, and I was actually really bummed to see them go! I only say actually because I really HAVE enjoyed traveling alone, but it is just so great when you meet people you click with. I also realized (as much as I tried to “put myself out there” and immerse myself in the culture), it was a blast hanging out with Americans. So after banana pancakes I had a fun filled day at the orphanage!

I had gotten together a pile of “stuff” that I didn’t want/need to take home (a lot of storage container things, extra hand soap, etc. etc. to bring with me to the orphanage to donate. Granted I don’t think they NEED any of it, but I am happy it WILL get used and not thrown in the trash somewhere.

Krista, Kristina and I have been talking about the orphanage (the lack of need in the room, financially and volunteer wise), and we are beginning to think the baby room might be more of a “show room”. All the volunteers and people who donate are brought to this room and I guess Kristina got to see another room that wasn’t in such good shape. Now, I haven’t seen this firsthand so I’m not sure, but it’s an interesting theory.

Kristina works as a physiotherapist and so after I told her “my story” of what I have been doing for 4 months she responded with, “Wow, have you experienced compassion fatigue?” Now I have NEVER heard of this before but she was saying how she works in a hospital and many people experience this. Basically, she said it’s when you are helping people a lot and you come to a point where you are “compassioned out”. Now I know that sounds awful, also because I often feel guilty -- but I am glad to know it has a name! She said how nurses often take time off to work in retail or something completely away from nursing, just for something different. Now, I am in no way comparing what I have been doing to someone who spends a lifetime doing this, but it was really interesting because I was telling her how if I had to do it again, I would volunteer for a bit, take some time to travel, and then repeat.

After a quick shower we headed off to the dance show. I know I am going to sound like a travel snob but it was exactly like the show I went to in Cambodia. I only say this because I was surprised that even the dances were very similar (if not the same). But, I am glad I went (I always enjoy the cultural things).

Also, I updated my last pictures from Chiang Mai. I wished I had taken more of the kids, but they were so difficult! They NEVER sat still and the second you pulled out your camera they attacked! But, I did manage to get a couple of good ones in!

Hugs and kisses from a terrific Tuesday!

Last Monday!

2010-02-09T10:22:00.002-05:00

Ohhh Monday’s! My last Monday as a volunteer in Asia! It was a typical day at the orphanage, holding crying babies and changing diapers (ha). There is a new volunteer here, Kristina from Australia who will be here for a week and is then spending 3 weeks traveling Thailand! I didn’t get a ton of time to talk to her, but she is a physiotherapist and was able to get time off from her job. She said she traveled the world for about 3 years (she was able to work back home for about 6 weeks to earn enough money to travel again for 3 months, so on and so on) but now has a permanent job in Australia!

I have two favorite babies, Caymen who is I think 2 (he can walk and make sounds) and he is my little porker! Today I was trying to take him for a walk and the worker said something about him not running. At first I thought he was hurt, but then I think she meant he was too fat to run! My other favorite is a little baby who’s name starts with an S but it’s so long! He’s a cutie, although today he was very cranky!

Prachit brought us back to the hostel and booked us a dinner and dancing show for tomorrow night. Krista didn’t come to the boxing match on Friday since she wanted to wait for her friend so she ended up going tonight and I think Kristina went with her!

Ely had been trekking all day, so when he got back I met the boys at their hostel to figure out a place for dinner. We decided to go back to the Riverside (where we went with Ashley before boxing) because it was so good, classy (last night out!) and the menu is about 3,985 pages long! It really is a great restaurant AND we had the same waiter. They also had a live band so we ended up staying there for a while! Since it was their last night in Chiang Mai, we decided we all had to splurge and get a massage! They opted for the Thai, and I went for oil and it was well needed!

Hugs and kisses from my last Monday!

Flowers!

2010-02-08T10:33:00.003-05:00

I was up around 8:00am --- very tired! I made my way down to the main gate of the old city to meet up with El and Beau to watch the parade. It was cool because the whole walk down was the main road of the parade so people were lining the streets!

We found a shaded area and the parade passed by around 9:30am. There were a lot of bands, flower floats and Asian woman all dressed up! It was fun and different (I don’t remember the last time I saw a parade, and never in Asia).

At 10:30am we thought the parade had ended (and we were ok with that) so we stopped to get some breakfast (SO yummy)! We all laugh because since the four of us have been hanging out (well..Ashley left today) all we do is eat American food! It’s great! Anyway we left breakfast and the parade was STILL going on! We were glad we left when we did as it was getting VERY repetitive!

The boys were going to head back to finish booking their trip south and to nap. My original plan was to head to the park of the flower festival but it was hot and the thought of a crowd didn’t appeal to me. Also, after the boys said “nap” I thought hmm that sounds perfect!

I came back and took a little nap..didn’t really fall asleep but it felt GREAT to rest! I then sprung into “social coordinator” mode for the evening. Krista has a friend visiting from home and Noriko was going to come into town. The plan was to all go out for pizza and then Noriko knew of a club that a lot of the local Thai’s go to! Randi (who I met in China) was also in Chiang Mai, so I invited her as well! I also asked Ely and Beau to come and told them I would meet them at our “usual spot” at 5:30pm. Well 5:30pm came and neither Randi nor Noriko were at the hostel so I went to pick up the boys. I then called Randi and told her I was getting some friends and we would come back to the hostel and called Noriko who said she would be about 20 minutes late as her friend was dropping her off! Luckily everyone managed to get together and we headed out to Duke’s for pizza! It was SO yummy and afterward we did a little shopping. The boys were tired so they headed back and the 5 of us went across town.

On the drive Krista mentioned something to Noriko about where she was staying tonight and Noriko replied, “Oh I thought with you!” My eyes opened wide, because Krista already had her friend, so that obviously meant she was staying with ME! Now last weekend I do remember Krista saying, “Oh you should come into town and Julie and I have big beds so you can stay with us, etc” but I never mentioned that and Noriko never asked me! So I said something to the affect of, “Noriko, what time are you leaving tomorrow because I am meeting with the boys for breakfast” (true story, they were raving about the pancakes at their hostel). She said something about how she might stay until Monday if that was ok! OH BOY! Somehow I COMPLETELY missed this whole “she’s crashing with me for the weekend”! She’s a sweet girl, but I had only met her and spoke with her for a few hours and now she was staying for the weekend?

Anyway, It was too early for the club so we stopped at a little local restaurant bar place (it was pretty)! By 11:00pm I was VERY tired but I did want to go to this club! I always like to see “if I was living here..where would I hang out”. So we went to the club and I really wasn’t that impressed as it was just like something at home! Well, it was a bit different I guess. They had three rooms (2 enclosed with different music) and the middle part had an open roof which was cool. They also had a little “pool” (not deep enough to swim) but I was laughing and saying how in the U.S. you would need to sign a waiver just to get into a club that had a pool in case someone fell in etc.

I am not really a clubber at home and didn’t come half way around the world to go to a club I could go to at home, so Randi and I decided to leave (she still had her backpack from the day)! It was about 12:30am by this point and I was exhausted since I had been at boxing the night before and up early for the parade, so I texted Noriko and said I was going to sleep. I think they came back around 3:00am and I showed her the bathroom and climbed into bed. I like to think I am good at sharing, but I honestly didn’t love the idea of her staying with me (I didn’t really know her and honestly, I like my own place).

I set my alarm since I was going to go to the boy’s hostel for breakfast. As I was getting ready, she said she would like to stay until Monday but if her host family was coming in for the flower festival she would go back with them. LUCKILY, her host family saved me and came in for the flower festival so she was going to head home! Again, I don’t mean to sound like I wanted to kick her out, but it would have been awkward as she would have been here all night and I felt like I would have had to entertain her (I don’t like having to be “on” all the time)!

I got a red truck to the boy’s hostel to try the banana pancakes! They were delicious! Ely and I then went to the internet café so I could show him the inner workings of trip advisor (I do consider myself a pro!) After helping him out I took a truck back (got ripped off but I am so over bargaining) and then decided I was going to head to the pool! This is the pool that I know I can sneak into without any problems, although it was just too hot to sit out so I came back and got ready for church!

I knew there was a shuttle that ran from the old church (the one close to my hostel) to the new church (which isn’t a bad walk, but hot in the afternoon sun/heat) so I decided to get the shuttle. I showed up around 4:10pm (church started at 4:30pm) and the woman said it wasn’t leaving until 4:30pm, which it did! I HATE being late (especially to church) and have no idea why it wasn’t on time, but alas we made it! Church was PACKED and while I didn’t enjoy the songs as much as last time I still had a good time!
I chose to walk back as I needed the exercise and the weather was beautiful! I wandered through the night market, although at this point I am really not looking for anything. I was going to meet up with Ely and Beau, although without cell phones it was just too confusing! BUT, they were able to call me using the hostel phone, so I headed back to their hostel to meet them for dinner. I can’t tell you how nice it is when you find people you just click with when traveling alone. I told them I was glad I wasn’t staying much longer as Chiang Mai wouldn’t be as fun without them. Like I said, I enjoy that the conversation is effortless (you don’t have to think and try to understand every word). And of course, sarcasm and jokes are no problem.

They were getting Indian food but I had already snacked so after eating a bit more we headed out to the Sunday market. Since they both have girlfriends (and Mom’s) I was the expert GIRL SHOPPER! Ugh I HATE being that..but tried my best! Steve, luckily I have already done my shopping for you so if you don’t like it..there is only me to blame!

I was exhausted and by 11:00pm we were about done. Their hostel was right by the Sunday market but I was across town. They asked if I was ok getting back and I said I was, and it is SO nice to be in a place where I feel safe! I obviously keep alert, but I really felt FINE walking back home by myself!

Also, I am going to change my videos soon!

Hugs and kisses from lots of flowers!

Thai Boxing

2010-02-06T18:35:00.002-05:00

It was good to see the babies again as I have really missed them a lot! They were full of energy, BUT I got lucky and got to rest a bit. There was one baby (one of my favorites..I still struggle with how to pronounce his name but it begins with an S) and he was crying and crying and crying. I sort of laid him down on me (I was sitting) and I could tell he was just tired. So then I lay down with him on my chest and rubbed his back as he fell asleep! It was adorable and reminded me of the days when I use to lie on my Dad when he watched TV (well I don’t remember, the pictures tell me).

There was a couple volunteering from Europe today as well as Krista and I so there were lots of people to help with the crying! It was a good, but pretty uneventful day. I have fallen in love with Caymen (like the islands..although that’s the English way of saying it) who is a porker..but I love it! Pictures soon I hope (it’s SO hard to take their picture as they are never still and always grab the camera).

My feet have never been as dirty as they have in Chiang Mai, which is weird because I don’t think of it as a dirty or dusty city. But every day when I come back I have a “feet washing ceremony” as my feet are literally BLACK!

I am definitely going to miss this weather when I come home. The weather here is PERFECT! China was too cold, Vietnam and Cambodia too hot, but this weather is NICE! The middle of the day is a bit hot (I try not to do my errands or anything from 11:30am-3:00pm) and the mornings and nights are cool (you need a light jacket..or at least I do!) but the late mornings and early afternoons are perfect!

After returning from the orphanage I took a quick shower and then met Ely, Beau and Ashely as we were going to a Thai boxing match! Ely was able to get tickets through his hostel, so we went to grab some dinner beforehand. The restaurant was really nice and pretty, and filled with both tourists and locals. I got breakfast because I was craving it and was pleasantly surprised. We then made our way to the boxing match and entered the stadium. It actually wasn’t THAT bad! We had “bleacher seats” and didn’t really get the best ones (it was GA) since we showed up about an hour after it officially started. There were a lot of tourists, but also a handful of locals making bets. I was hoping it would be a bit more physical (I think the ref was TOO easy) but it was still really fun!

We moved around a bit as our first seats had a huge pole in front and once we moved we met some other tourists and Ely made a bet and won 100 baht! It was funny as the betting (for us at least) was made based on their dance moves. Before they started fighting, they would do this dance thing..it was so funny! The best fight I think we saw was right when we arrived, as it was a GREAT knockout. They had some “boys” fight..we thought they couldn’t have been older than 12 and then the title match which was pretty good! We ended up moving down to more ringside since nobody seemed to care!

The title match fight was at 11:00pm and after that they have a few more fights but we decided to call it a night as the flower festival parade is in the morning and we want to be up and ready for that!

Hugs and kisses from Thai boxers!

I Love American English!

2010-02-05T11:53:00.004-05:00

I think I am the worst volunteer around. I skipped again *sigh*. I was exhausted after the meditation retreat as I think I only got about 2 hours of sleep (between waking up at 5:00am and the bed..sleep wasn’t happening).

My original plan was to let myself sleep in and go to the orphanage in the afternoon but I somehow ended up with a lot on my to-do list. I know I have said this before, but I STILL don’t understand how I have so much to do when I’m not at home. I NEEDED to do laundry and I also needed milk AND I was out of snacks (that’s what 5 days with only Thai food does to you)! Therefore, I skipped!

I slept in (well needed) and after dropping off my laundry decided to go to the Central Airport Plaza. This trip would kill about 2930 birds with one stone. 1) I wanted to check this place out. Granted I knew it would be just another “mall”, but people had said good things about it! 2) I needed to go to the ATM (hey Dad..about that…) and had read the ATM at the mall didn’t have the dreaded ATM fee! 3) The mall had a supermarket (snacks) and 4) I wanted to get my hair trimmed and knew they spoke English! Oh they ALSO had a free shuttle service, so it seemed convenient.

I called the number and the woman said the shuttle would arrive at the Dusit D2 (the hotel mom, Lorna and I stayed at) at 12:00pm. I arrived at 11:55am and double checked with the front desk. At 12:20pm I asked if maybe I missed it or if the route STARTED at 12:00pm but he said it was normally there at 12:00pm and he hadn’t seen it beforehand. I decided it wasn’t worth any more wasted time and got a tuk-tuk there (oh how I hate bargaining).

So let’s see. 1) It WAS just another mall. BUT it was a nice mall and had all the modern things you like to have in a mall. 2) I found the recommended ATM and it said nothing about a surcharge, so fingers crossed! 3) I went to the supermarket and got a box of green Nature Valley bars. 4) I got my hair trimmed for ¼ of the price I pay at home (which is why I chose to do it here). I really am not that picky about my hair..as long as they don’t dye it or make me look like a boy and this guy spoke English, so it was great!

I spent some time roaming around but didn’t buy anything as it was the same price as things in the U.S., but I did think it was a successful trip. I DID take the shuttle back as I found out when/where it was leaving!

I then got ready to meet my friends! I had made plans with Ely and Beau to meet for dinner and Ely emailed me (it is so funny to communicate without cell phones) to say they had met Ashley (from Texas) at an elephant camp they visited! The four of us went to the Sports Bar (I am an old pro) and it was SO nice and comforting as I felt like I was out with 3 friends from home. I really can’t say how nice it is to 1) speak American English and 2) tell people I am from New Hampshire and have them get it!

We had a GREAT dinner and just kept talking and sharing stories! Ashley is actually living in Shanghai, China teaching English. She studied Mandarin in college and has been there for 5 months. She has a one year contract and loves the teaching.

After quickly scanning my past blogs, I realized I sounded SO depressed after my mom and Lorna left! Boo! Haha! Now granted I was VERY sad and more homesick than I anticipated…but I am doing so much better now! I think I felt a bit guilty as I know I am experiencing the opportunity of a lifetime and all I really wanted to do was get on a plane with them! BUT I SO enjoyed their company and our adventures and now I actually don’t mind being on my own!

I also think you have different experiences traveling alone vs with others. I have met the most INCREDIBLE people and have made lifelong friendships. I think I would have been more hesitant to make those friendships if I was already traveling with someone I was comfortable with.

Even after I went through the whole “I hate traveling alone, etc. thing” I am actually enjoying myself! Now this might be because I know the end is in sight, but to be honest I have had a great time with myself these past four months. Hmm well that sounds a bit strange, BUT I really have had an incredible experience (even through the ups and downs). Anyway, my point being I am VERY happy and while I am SO very excited to be coming home soon..it is also weird to think my adventures (at least for now) are almost over!

Hugs and kisses American English speakers!

Buddha

2010-02-04T11:20:00.003-05:00

I am sore. Very, very sore.

I was a little nervous about the meditation retreat as I had NO clue what to expect and Google search did not produce any findings to help ease my nerves! It was, after all, only a night, and I can do a night!

I decided I would take the red truck to the temple where we needed to meet. I had taken the red truck before for 40 baht when the nice tuk-tuk man helped me! I knew better than to try and pick one up as it was passing, so my plan was to walk down to where my man sat at his table. I knew he would say the yellow bus wouldn’t take me there (well he doesn’t really speak English but I knew that’s what he would TRY and say) but my hope was he would show me where the red buses were that DID take me there! He told me the yellow bus was no good and I needed a taxi! BUT I didn’t want to take a taxi as it was double the price. I walked around aimlessly for a while thankful that I had left EXTRA early as I knew this was going to be a problem. I do NOT like the public transportation in Chiang Mai..I don’t get it! Finally I found a red truck and explained where I needed to go and she said 60 baht. I tried to say I went for 40 baht before, but then realized I needed to GET there so it didn’t matter WHAT it cost because I needed to pay it!

I arrived at the temple in time and luckily (since I had been before for the Monk Chat) I knew right where to go. There were some other people in the room filling out their forms etc. Now I had read on their website I needed to bring a copy of my passport and visa and while I do have those, they’re for me! Not to give away. But I did bring my passport. I also needed a recent photo. Now I may be out of the loop but do most tourists carry around recent photos? I played dumb and said, “Oh I didn’t know I needed one” but one guy didn’t have a photo or his passport and just needed to write his passport number down (which is what I did). But then these two guys behind me said they had made a photocopy right next door, so I decided to do that! I was VERY excited as I could tell they were from the U.S. (love that American English).

I found the place to make copies and she held up 2 fingers so I thanked her, gave her 20 baht and walked out as she was yelling something. I finally realized she was talking to me and turned around to see her laughing. She meant TWO baht (makes sense with the two fingers) but it just seemed so cheap (you can’t buy ANYTHING for 2 baht) that I figured she meant 20! After getting my change and regaining my pride I went back to wait for the retreat to start.

I started talking to the two boys (Ely and Beau) and said how it’s funny that in a second I can tell if people are from the U.S., Australia, England, etc. They said how they can tell accents apart too, but for Thai’s we are just lumped into “English speaking people”. Anyway Ely is Lebanese but from D.C. (do you have ANY idea how nice it was to say I am from NEW HAMPSHIRE and have someone know where that is!?) and just graduated from University of Maryland in December. He has a job (business) starting in March so is taking some time to travel now! His cousin, Beau, is from Colorado and came over to join him!

I picked up my white outfit (we all needed to wear white) and then we all went into a room for a talk. There were 12 of us. Myself, Ely, Beau, a girl from Switzerland, 2 girls from Australia, 2 girls from Germany, a man from Belgium, an older woman who came in late and a couple from England. The couple from England (Kerry ended up being my roommate) have been traveling for THREE YEARS! Well this is their third year. I couldn’t believe it when she told me! They said they have been to South America, Central America, North America, New Zealand and Australia and are about to finish up now! I tried to ask HOW they could afford to do this (without being nosey and rude) and they said they saved up and worked at a hostel for 5 months in New Zealand to make some money back. Now I LOVE to travel..but for 3 years? No thanks! That’s all I have about the people because the retreat was in silence! So once it started I couldn’t find out everyone else’s story! But there you have it!

For about 2 hours we had an ‘introduction to Buddhism and meditation’ lecture, and I am sorry to say I was bored out of my mind! The monk’s voice literally put me to sleep, I was dying! Haha! SOME of it was interesting but there was something so relaxing about his voice, but I tried SO hard to stay awake!

After the 2 hour talk we loaded into the red trucks to head off to the meditation center. I had NO idea where it was, but we ended up driving for about 45 minutes! We arrived at the center and learned it was 6 years old. There was a two floor building (looked like a motel) that houses the guests (us..up to 100 people); a place where the monks stayed; a dining hall; a meditation room; and a room for the head monk (or something).

We had to stay with someone else (a bit awkward) and men and women couldn’t stay together so Kerry and I roomed together! It just sort of happened and she seemed nice on the bus so I thought it was a good choice! The room was fine, two beds, a small little closet and a bathroom! We put our things down in the room and changed into our white clothes! We also whispered in the room (shhh don’t tell the monks)! But it was very strange to share a room with someone you can’t really talk to (or shouldn’t talk to).

Since we had some free time before dinner most of us just walked around. There wasn’t much to the retreat center but the sun was setting so you could sit out and not feel hot.

The bell rang for dinner and we entered the dining hall. Since we were a small group there was only one dish for us, some noodle thing. We all got our food and then sat down to say a “prayer” of some sort, which I found very interesting. One of the main things I took away was how we shouldn’t eat for pleasure; we should eat to fulfill our hunger and gain strength! Now, you all should know by now that I EAT FOR PLEASURE! It was very interesting to take time before a meal (I was starving and it was killing me that the food was right there) to think about why we eat, what we eat, etc. I did find it a BIT ironic as I didn’t like the meal AT ALL and really was eating because I was hungry! BUT, I am hoping to remember this as I start my diet after arriving home! They did have pineapples as well and I just LOVE the pineapples here so I was fine!

We ate in silence, which was kind of nice as you didn’t have to make small talk, but I enjoy getting to know people and it was a bit weird..12 strangers eating in silence.

We had a quick bathroom break and Kerry and I almost missed the bell (they bang this bell/gong type thing to let you know “it’s time”). We then entered the room where we would be practicing our meditation and there were mats on the floor for us and a raised platform for the monk (there was a main monk, and another one who literally said nothing the entire time).

Our first meditation “thing” was a chant. We sat on our knees (I QUICKLY learned how uncomfortable I found this..) and repeated a chant in Thai. We were awful and at one point (yes I got distracted) I looked to see Kerry’s boyfriend trying not to laugh because we were all mumbling! The monk slowed down since we were just repeating him! So we said a chant and throughout it bowed three times (to Buddha, etc) and then we could “sit comfortably”.

Our first actual meditation was with our ears. We would sit (cross legged and hands on knees..kind of like what you see in the movies minus the “hummmmmm”) and “mindfully close our eyes” and then I don’t know what the monk used but some bell thing to listen to! I enjoyed it, although I could NOT, for the life of me, clear my mind! It was crazy all these RANDOM thoughts running through it! I never really REALIZED how much my mind runs!

After the bell exercise we practiced ‘walking meditation’ outside. A few people in our group said they had practiced meditation before, but never walking. It was very interesting and different. We started out standing, and chanted, “staaannndddding, staaannndddding, staaannndddding” followed by, “intending to walk”. We would then lift up our right foot as we said “right” move it forward as we said “go” and put it back down as we said “thus”. When it was time to turn, we would say, “tuuurrrrnnnning, tuuurrrrnnnning, tuuurrrrnnnning” and then start again with “staaannndddding”. It was SO difficult because I never had to concentrate on walking! Sometimes I was too fast, sometimes too slow, sometimes I almost fell over (not just me..it wasn’t a blonde thing) but it was interesting to do something so different! It sounded like a robot and probably looked very cultish. I almost did feel like I was being brainwashed with the way the chanting went, but after a while I got used to it!

We came back inside to do meditation lying down (YES!) It actually wasn’t as comfortable as you would think, but I found it to be a much more natural position to relax! Everything was going smoothly, until someone started to snore! Oh I almost died..it was SO loud! It ended up being Beau and it was just obnoxious. Needless to say I did NOT feel very relaxed.

We were almost done for the night and ended with some more chanting in an uncomfortable position. We were rewarded, however, with tea and cookies! YUM! It was about 9:30pm and time for bed and even though I was tired I really couldn’t fall asleep! It was a bit strange because Kerry was SO sweet but we weren’t really able to talk. So we were both just kind of hanging out in the room! We both read for a bit and then tried to go to sleep! Now, I am used to hard beds, but NOTHING, NOTHING could prepare me for this bed! It was like sleeping on the floor, but it squeaked! My pillow, on the other hand, was about 3 feet tall! At 11:30pm I was still awake and told myself I would NOT look at my watch anymore. I don’t think I did until 4:00amish when I couldn’t fall back to sleep knowing I had to wake up at 5:00am!

Our monk was telling us how they only sleep a little bit each night. He was saying how they go to bed with a clear mind, so not only do they fall right asleep but they sleep soundly. Even though they wake up a few hours later they have slept peacefully, as he said. I found this very interesting as I always have trouble falling asleep because my mind is wandering.

The bell rang at 5:00am on the dot and we got ready. I HAD to have a snack as I cannot go more than 5 minutes without eating after I wake up. We all had some tea and met in the room for more meditation.

We did the same chant again and I was SO sore from the bed, pillow AND yesterday! We started off with a sitting meditation, then a walking meditation (both similar to the ones we had already done) and then a different type of sitting meditation. It is meant to be used when you are tired and don’t want to fall asleep (us newbie’s do that..after you practice and get good you don’t). Now, it looked just like the Macarena. I don’t say that to make fun, but at first I was like, really? It was a 14 count movement and we moved our hands all around and counted with our eyes closed. It wasn’t my favorite, but I can see how it would work at keeping you awake and alert.

Monks aren’t able to prepare their own meals so they go out into the community to get their food. We weren’t in an area of a community, so we gave them rice. After giving them their food we sat down and they said a “prayer” to bless us. I feel like I am talking in “Christian terms” as that is the only way I know how to relate many of the things that happened. After giving alms, the monks spoke more about how they eat to fulfill hunger, not for pleasure. So it doesn’t matter what the people give them as long as it gives them strength and energy! The monk said they are not vegetarian, but they are not meat eaters, they are whatever the people give them.

After giving food to the monks we were able to eat breakfast, which consisted of rice soup and toast. A heavy rice soup isn’t what I am use to in the morning, so I stuck with the toast! I enjoy saying the “prayer” before we eat, about not eating for pleasure, not overeating, etc. Granted I have a long way to go before I don’t eat for pleasure, I think being aware is the first step.

We then had time for discussion. We sat in a circle and each explained how the retreat was going for us, what difficulties we were facing, etc. The majority of us faced the problem of clearing our mind, but all thought that acknowledging our mind was cluttered was an improvement in itself. The monk suggested with more and more practice it becomes easier (just like anything else).

After our discussion we had a quick break before our last session of meditation. Again we did some walking and sitting meditation but we also did meditation with beads. I had never seen this before, but we held a necklace of beads, closed our eyes (mindfully of course) and counted the beads. It was the first time on the retreat I felt like I was getting somewhere. I felt VERY relaxed and didn’t feel my mind wandering as much. I think this might be something that would work for me in the future!

We had lunch (something with rice and..well I have no clue, but there was guava so I had some of that!) and then headed back. Now I am not going to come back home in love with meditation. Granted we were only there for 2 days and I know you need a lot more time to really grasp the idea, BUT, I did find that I am more aware, which I love. I am more aware of what I do, why I do it and especially of my thoughts. I had NO idea how much I think and how much my mind wanders. I KNOW it will take a while before I can clear my mind, but the fact that I am even acknowledging that my mind is working like crazy is a step in the right direction.

I have appreciated getting “away” from life in the sense that for this meditation trip and my weekend trip I didn’t have a laptop, cell phone, etc. etc. It felt very freeing not to be checking emails, facebook, etc. but I found it a bit sad that it almost stressed me out coming back to it all. I had so many emails, blogs to catch up on, etc. I guess my point being it was so nice to appreciate the simplicity of life.

Hugs and kisses from Buddha!

It’s Just Another Manic Monday (ok it wasn’t THAT crazy)!

2010-02-03T11:06:00.002-05:00

I was VERY tired when I woke up this morning as I didn’t really have any “down time” this weekend (and I think by now we all know how much I need my “down time!”) I was excited to see the kids and Krista and I headed off to take the yellow truck! It was her first time taking the truck so I tried to explain everything I had learned (like don’t think you can outsmart it and pick it up along the road). We got on with no problems and while he did forget about us, we didn’t have to walk far to get to the main gate.

I literally think I spent the entire morning changing diapers (some REALLY bad ones..I will spare you the details) and got the kids fed and down for naps. I think somehow we missed bath time because nobody seemed to need a bath! Krista really feels like we aren’t wanted there. I don’t think we are NEEDED, but nobody has done anything to me that makes me feel unwanted. Although I do agree that when we bring them to get fed and have baths etc. the staff always takes the kids and we almost have to fight for them and say, “No we can do it”! But anyway after folding lots of diapers we headed downstairs for lunch!

I had fried rice with vegetables and it was great, until about an hour later! At lunch we met Simon from England who used to volunteer here and now is back in Chiang Mai teaching English! He said he really enjoys it and the pay is fine (you can live in Thailand on the pay).

About a half hour after I ate I was NOT feeling well at ALL! I had even taken my pepto (maybe I will rethink working for them)! I don’t know what it was because all weekend I was doing well but I had to lay down. I tried to read some of my book but I had to shut my eyes because I really didn’t think I was going to be able to keep my food down!

Luckily I felt a bit better after a few hours but ugh, not ok! We spent the afternoon playing with the kids and Sally was there and brought along her friend Nimmy. Nimmy is probably in her late 50’s and is from London but has been traveling all over for the past 3 years. I think she has lived in Argentina, Croatia and Italy all for about 8 months before deciding to settle down in Chiang Mai! She said she doesn’t get bored here but was looking for something to do so Sally brought her along! It was great to have another person to talk to!

We left the orphanage around 4:30pm and got a yellow truck back. This truck was SO crowded and we got stuck in rush hour traffic so it was just not enjoyable! We made it back though and I rested a bit before heading out for dinner!

Since I had some time I thought I would walk a bit further and try out an Italian restaurant. It was too fancy for me, but I had walked out of my way to get there so I tried it! (Not worth the extra money)

I then came back to get ready for my meditation retreat! I have really wanted to do one of these. The monk chat (that I attended already) also puts on an overnight meditation retreat and this is the last one before I leave so I figured I will try it out! Wish me luck!

Hugs and kisses from a manic Monday!

A Wonderful Weekend!

2010-02-02T17:49:00.001-05:00

What a wonderful weekend! I almost don’t know where to begin! First of all, for whatever reason I really wasn’t THAT excited about the weekend! I think it was because I did not enjoy my last homestay, I had already done zip lining and elephants (so spoiled I know) and I was looking forward to doing NOTHING all weekend!

Prachit and her husband picked us up on Friday morning and we were on the road by 9:30am. It took about 1.5 hours to get to Kued Chang and we spent most of the time talking about politics, life in Thailand compared to our lives in the U.S. and Holland, etc.

We arrived at the homestay around 11:00am and put our things in our room. The homestay was in a village but at the end of the road. There was the main house which had a few bedrooms and a kitchen (I didn’t see anything else) and a porch out front. Then there was a small area between that and the “guesthouse” which had a table and then the guesthouse. You could have told me it was built 40 years ago and I would have believed you but we found out it was only 2 months old! I couldn’t believe it! It wasn’t awful, but I couldn’t believe it was so new! There was a porch area with a table and a COMPUTER! The homestay father LOVES karaoke (he would sing by himself at night haha) so they had a computer just chilling outside! I couldn’t believe that either!

There were two rooms in the little cottage area. My room had a double or queen size bed which I was excited about but I had to laugh when I sat down. It was HARDER than a rock! I felt like I was sleeping on plywood! Later, Krista had said how she thought it looked so comfy and I told her it was an illusion and when we came back to the rooms I heard her laugh and yell, “You were right!!!” But the bed did have a wonderful comforter and that is one thing I have missed since I have been away, a nice comforter! My room also had a balcony which was cute and there was an ensuite bathroom (so fancy). There was a western toilet which impressed me, a “shower” and a sink. Overall, it was actually much nicer than I expected!

After putting our things away we returned to the porch to have lunch with the mother and father of the homestay as well as Prachit and her husband. I am not really sure WHAT we had but it wasn’t that good and I was so happy I brought along a lot of snacks! I also made sure to take my pepto with the meal.

After lunch Prachit’s husband said he would teach us how to ride the motorbike so we could go for a drive (the village is so small they don’t care if you have a license). I was really excited and waited for Krista to learn first! Then, it was my turn! Granted I don’t have my motorcycle license (yet), but I thought I wouldn’t be TOO bad. However, I realized it was so much easier than riding a motorcycle! There was NO clutch! You could just switch gears by pressing down and that was it!

After Krista and I became pros we decided to go out for a spin! Since I consider myself pretty good at directions I told Krista she could go first and I would pay attention so I could get us back! We were off! We drove for awhile and then stopped to get gas (the gas stations are SO funny) and made our way to an elephant camp. We wanted to check it out but I guess they let the elephants roam free so we couldn’t go in. We ended up talking to an older man at the camp (who spoke great English) about how they care for the elephants, etc.

We decided we should get back to the homestay, so I took over for the drive back. I was doing great..until we reached a hill. Now I DO understand how a standard works, but I honestly wasn’t thinking (I was so caught up in the beautiful scenery) and before I knew it we were slowing down, going uphill, in 3rd gear! I QUICKLY tried to get it back to first, but I wasn’t quick enough and we were stuck! Ha! Well not stuck but actually rolling downhill. There were a group of locals laughing at me as Krista tried to steady the bike so I could get it in first gear and we could go again! Dad, I would have embarrassed you! BUT now I will remember to pay more attention!

After returning back to where we got the gas we could either go left or straight. We had come from the left so decided we better not take our chances going straight. We laughed later when we realized the village was one huge circle. If we had gone straight we would have been back in literally 2 minutes, but instead we went all the way around and it took about 20 minutes! I had to laugh because I thought I was good with directions but we both agreed we just loved the driving!

We made it back to the homestay so our “Mom and Dad” could take us up to the top of the mountain to visit a village. They only had a truck, so Krista, the mom and I hopped in the back! It felt very “Thai Village like” to be riding in the back of a pickup truck. I actually kind of liked it until we started up the mountain on a very, VERY bumpy road. Well, I don’t even think you could call it a road. All I was thinking about was how badly I would need a massage after we were done!

At one point we tried to go up a steep hill and got stuck, a few times! I had to laugh as our wheels were spinning and dust was flying EVERYWHERE! At this point the Dad, who was driving, backed up to flat ground and turned off the car. Krista and I thought maybe we should get out (less weight) but then all of a sudden they pulled out these big sacks! I should probably mention they spoke no English. He knew a few words but she knew nothing!

So we followed along and next thing I knew we were filling up the sacks with rocks! Lots and lots of rocks! He took one of the bags and put it in a hole in the road and we put the other bags (I think 4) in the very back of the truck and we were told (well shown..) that we needed to sit on top! And we were off..and…WE MADE IT! Woo hoo! We were all cheering and then he got out and high fived us..it was great haha!

We arrived at the village about an hour later at someone’s house maybe? And she made us this GREAT sticky rice dish with sugar. We also saw these big slabs of fat (we think from a cow) that she deep fried but I did not like that at all!

We had a snack at this house or whatever it was and then we started hiking -- I think to see the sunset. I was only wearing my flip-flops and it was completely uphill and I was dying! Haha oh so out of shape! This girl was following us and I think she was obsessed with Krista and I! She didn’t speak any English (so we thought) but kept hugging us and touching us..it was so funny!

When we got to the top of the mountain it was very beautiful but it was cloudy so there wasn’t much of a sunset. We walked to another person’s house to sit on the porch overlooking the valley and again it was just beautiful! I think it was a guesthouse, maybe for monks because we saw the orange robes outside!

While we were looking at the scenery the girl with us brought us flowers and they were beautiful! It is amazing when you meet people who really don’t have much, but whatever they are able to give, they do. How different would the world be if EVERYONE was like that? I wonder...

On the walk back down Krista asked me how old I thought this girl was and I was about to say 12 when the girl said 12! Krista and I both laughed and said we now needed to be careful because she obviously did know some English!

We then walked to the school which obviously was closed but they had a small playground out front. We asked our new friend if it was her school and she said no so we were a bit confused as to who goes to school there. I had asked Prachit and she said there was a school in the village at the bottom of the mountain (where we were staying) but since it took an hour one way, the kids lived at the school. There was a school and there were girls following us who grabbed our hands and brought us out back. It was very run down and we had no CLUE where they were bringing us but next thing we knew there was a pool! Well it looked more like a tiny little lake, it did not look like a pool but then all of the kids were jumping in! If I wasn’t worried about getting some disease I would have jumped in with them, but it was a blast watching them play!

We left and met a group of people who were staying in the village for the night. I guess there are also homestays at the village and you can hike and do everything else and then sleep there too!

Krista had brought some gifts from Holland (baby clothes, bubbles, books etc.) and Prachit had thought this village could use it more than the orphanage so Krista was able to pass out her gifts which everyone loved!

Since it was getting dark we hopped back in the truck to head down to our home! When we passed the famous “hill” we stopped and Krista and I figured we were going to put the rocks back. But instead we just left the sacks of rocks, I guess for the next person who comes along and needs them!

It was SO cold after the sun set and it was the first time (in a while) that I have been FREEZING! It took us a little over an hour to get back and I was excited to take a shower. But the excitement didn’t last long as I realized there was no hot water. Now I have been complaining a little bit about how my shower in the hostel is cold, but this was the COLDEST (I repeat) the COLDEST shower I have ever taken in my entire life. It didn’t help that I was cold and it was cold outside, but I thought I was going to die. It was the kind of cold that takes your breath away, literally. I had to make strange noises JUST to get under the water. Haha oh it was AWFUL! After the quickest shower I have ever taken I didn’t really feel clean but I put on the one pair of “light” pants I had and a “light” jacket, wishing I had brought my winter clothes!

We sat outside our rooms at the table and the father put on karaoke (the music videos were hilarious) and we ate dinner. I knew I was in trouble when I looked down at my plate and saw a FISH (an entire fish) looking back at me. Now I do NOT like fish, especially when they SMELL like fish! I kept trying to convince myself I was just eating chicken, which proved to be hard when a fish head was staring at me. Luckily she served rice with it AND a soup which was delicious. So, I picked at the fish and moved it around so it looked like I ate it and every few bites I would shove the fish into the side of my mouth so I couldn’t taste it and then shove in rice and soup broth and swallow!

We had fresh fruit as well which was SO good! They grow it right in the backyard and don’t use any pesticides (as we could see from when the ants were crawling on it before she washed it) so it was really really good! I felt bad, though, as they didn’t eat with us but wanted to make sure we were all set before they ate!

After dinner we met Noriko. She is 27 and from Japan but went to school in Las Vegas and lived there from when she was 18-24! She is also at the homestay for 2 years, participating in the Japanese version of the Peace Corps! It was SO interesting to talk to her. She went to school for hotel management and decided she wanted to volunteer. Japan and Thailand’s government each pay for this and she spends 2 years (she can’t go home the first year) volunteering. She speaks Japanese and English and before she came to Thailand she spent 5 hours a day for 2 months learning Thai! She works at the local government in the tourism department. It was SO good to have her there as she could translate from Thai to English. I also loved hearing about her life and travels and her time in Thailand.

The homestay mother makes soy milk every night and sells it in the “market” in the morning so we were asked to join! First step, blend soy beans, water and some green vegetable in a blender. Then, pour it in these mesh bags and squeeze the juice so it mixes in a huge bowl of water. Do this process until it is all gone and now you have a huge bowl of liquid. Then, boil the liquid over the fire and add sugar. At one point the mother came running out to stir and Noriko said we were burning it so we all laughed! We had a great time just sitting around the fire and having “girl’s time” and just talking about life etc. After it boils you can drink it and it tastes SO good!

We called it a night around 10:00pm as it was getting VERY cold! I put on everything I brought with me (sounds familiar..Pandaville??) and climbed into my VERY hard bed! I did NOT sleep well at all and while the hard bed was a factor is was mostly the WIND! I could NOT believe how loud and windy it was! I really thought we might be in the middle of a hurricane or tornado! Luckily it didn’t shake the room TOO much but it was the loudest wind I have EVER heard!

We woke up around 6:30am and went to the market to help sell the milk! I could NOT get over how cold it was and wished I had brought more clothes! We hopped in the back of the pickup truck and headed down to the main road. I was expecting a market, but we simply pulled over to the side of the road and set up shop in the back of the truck. I just loved it! We spooned the milk into bags and tied them with rubber bands. This was the busiest I had seen this village and there was a small “store” about 2 buildings down. Most people would stop and get their groceries and then come to the truck and pick up milk for 5 baht ($.16) a bag.

We made friends with a local boy who liked running up to us and “scaring” us and he loved our camera and took lots of pictures and he also counted (in English) the bags we had.

We asked Noriko if she thought making the milk every night (which took at least 3 hours) was worth it. She said most of the people in the village lived off 3,000 ($94) baht a month and the homestay mom made 200 baht ($6.25) a day selling milk, so in a month made about 5,000 baht ($156). We were amazed by how little they need to live, but then realized they don’t NEED a lot. They grow MOST of their food and Krista asked Noriko if they had a mortgage and then she laughed because she realized of course they don’t! They just get wood from the mountain and build their house! I laughed and called her a blond (she made a couple of comments like that and I made sure to give her a hard time)!

We got to the main street around 7:00am and by 8:30am we were packing up and heading back. The dad brought us these eggo things (SO good..just like waffles at home) and this sticky rice thing (they LOVE their rice) and then we headed back to the house!

I was SO tired (and cold) so Krista and I sat in the sun and had coffee and cookies and some fruit the mom had brought out. This was plenty for me for breakfast seeing as we had already eaten and then she brought out this soup! Ugh! I LOVE breakfast but I cannot do “heavy” foods that I would normally eat for dinner and on top of that I was actually full! Krista and I felt awful but we tried to explain it was just too much for us to eat!

Around 10:00am we got ready and headed off for our hike to the waterfall. It was about a 20 minute drive to get to the base of the hike and while the road was SO bumpy it was beautiful as it was along the side of the river.

We parked at the bottom of the mountain and Krista, myself and our “dad” started up the mountain. Now I have realized I am NOT a hiker! I do love nature and I love adventure things outside, but hiking just isn’t one of them! I wanted to tell him I would have been happy if we just kept driving around! Ha! I also didn’t have great shoes and I felt like every time we ran into someone they commented on how I wasn’t wearing hiking shoes! Haha! So I will blame my lack of liking hiking on the fact that my shoes weren’t very supportive (I never FELL but I did slip a few times). I did enjoy the hike as it was very natural and undisturbed. There weren’t any built in stairs and sometimes we just hoped we picked a good place to cross the river as there was nothing marked.

Along the hike there were random homestays and it was pretty cool to think you could just hike up and sleep along the river, although I would have to pack MUCH lighter if I wanted to do this! The hike was still beautiful and peaceful and quiet. Slingshots seemed to be very popular along the way and we would stop at the homestays and try to hit plastic bottles they had tied up along the other side of the river (I wasn’t very good!)

It took us about an hour to reach the waterfall and it was beautiful! We ran into some of the people we had met the day before, at the village on the mountain, which was funny. The water was FREEZING (although Krista and I both agreed our shower was colder) but we knew we HAD to go in and I think we got at least one picture of us in the waterfall!

Our homestay parents were soo cute and the mom packed us a lunch so we had a little picnic in front of the waterfall! Pretty good deal if you ask me! As we were leaving we ran into a European couple who had been higher in the mountain camping. After hiking back to the base of the mountain we ran into them again and they hopped in our truck! I have no idea if they were with a tour group or what but their guide said they were going to go white water rafting with us!

It was so funny as we did not have to sign our life away to go rafting. We didn’t have to do anything besides put on a broken life jacket and a helmet. I wasn’t too excited about white water rafting because I had read that since it wasn’t the rainy season it was really just a lake. And that’s what it turned out to be! Haha! It was cool to think I was on a river in Thailand but there were no rapids and the entire trip was spent paddling (wow I am now realizing how LAZY I am..haha). I guess I don’t mind paddling if we are going through rapids but it isn’t nearly as fun on a still river. The water was so low that the excitement of the trip was getting stuck on rocks (about 5 times I think). I have heard the rafting is AMAZING in the rainy season (to the point they sometimes don’t let you go because it is so dangerous) but I wouldn’t recommend it if it is during the dry season.

After my arm was about to fall off we were able to ditch the raft for a ride on a bamboo raft thing, but since there were four of us (the man said no more than 3) we kept sinking! It was kind of fun since the river was VERY still and we just got to sit there but the water was freezing and we were sinking so I was sort of excited to get out! The people we passed kept saying we were a bamboo submarine.

I bought an ice cream and a picture of our group on the bamboo raft when we were done. It’s funny because I never buy pictures of rides or amusement park things in the U.S. but here I like the idea that I am helping to contribute to their life since these villages now depend on tourism. I figure it is better than giving away my money to some millionaire who owns an amusement park.

We returned to the homestay and I took a shower (I was already freezing from the water so what’s a little more cold water!) and spent some time relaxing outside with a book! I think I also fell asleep for a bit and there is nothing better than a nap in the sun, especially because the sun wasn’t burning, just warm!

The homestay mom kept bringing us out fresh fruit all afternoon and it was SO good! We ate dinner outside and it wasn’t fish tonight (woohoo)! The homestay mom was a great cook and this is coming from someone who doesn’t really like international food!

We made the soy milk again and this time Krista and I were pros! Except, Krista somehow managed to break the blender! Well, maybe she didn’t break it but it stopped working! Luckily they were prepared and just pulled out another blender so we continued on!

We brought the big pot outside to the fire and both Krista and I had to ask for jackets because it was freezing! Krista, Noriko and I enjoyed our girl time again. It was so fun that the three of us (ages 23, 27 and 33) from (U.S., Netherlands and Japan) could all have such a fun time sharing stories and laughing a lot! It really was great! We also had rice cake (the same thing we had when we went to the village on the mountain) and it was delicious and we had to sample the soy milk (really good as well)! At one point the homestay Dad was over at the computer singing his karaoke, by himself! We all laughed at him (he wasn’t very good!)

Luckily it wasn’t as windy so I slept better! Noriko said we could wake up whenever we wanted as there was no rush to get going in the morning! I loved not being part of a tour group! Our “dad” came with us everywhere and took pictures and made sure we were ok and happy. There was no set time for anything, it was always “whenever you are ready”.

So both Krista and I took advantage of that and were woken up by Noriko at 10:00am to tell us breakfast was ready! It felt so nice to sleep in! Breakfast started out with the cookies (sort of like biscuits) and this banana sticky rice thing (it looked gross but it was very good)! Now again, that would have been plenty for me, but then she brought out this rice and green bean dish AND soup with tofu in it! Ugh, now I like to eat but this was SO MUCH FOOD! Krista and I tried to eat as much as we could but I don’t think we even managed to eat half of it!

Our first stop of the day was the elephant ride and the elephants were literally in our backyard, it was so funny! I was really happy I had already done the day elephant camp as this wasn’t nearly as good. We sat on a chair on the elephants back (I could only imagine how much that hurt him) and went for a little ride! We did get to ride past our homestay which was cool! The chair wasn’t as comfortable as I thought so I was really happy I had already ridden one bareback! We did bring along bananas and our elephant LOVED to eat so he went through them in no time!

After the elephant ride we went on a little hike down to a zip line. Well, it was actually a cage you sit in and go across the river. It was kind of cool but I felt more like we were cargo getting shipped across the river but it was different!

Our homestay Dad was waiting for us and brought us back so we could have lunch! WE JUST ATE! Uggh I felt awful as I was still BEYOND full! I tried to eat a few bites and then we were off to zip lining!

I had already been zip lining as well so I wasn’t too sure what to expect! We showed up and got suited up and then had to HIKE to our first spot (we were so tired!!!) We had two guides with us (who spoke a little English) AND a woman who spoke English! It was so nice that it was just Krista and I as it went by so quickly! I am glad I got to do this zip line as it was a bit different! They hooked us in around our waists so on the long ones we could flip upside down (it was a bit scary). I also thought the scenery was a bit better on this zip line AND they had some REALLY long ones! The best was going over the river, it really was so fun!

After the zip line we went back to the homestay to pack up and wait for Prachit to pick us up! I think Krista and I both took another nap outside (it was SO beautiful) and Prachit and her husband picked us up at 5:00pm.

The whole ride home we talked about how wonderful the homestay was and how they were so sweet and we had a blast! Prachit was happy as this is relatively new (we were the first girls to go) but we said we would really recommend it! While I had an AMAZING time it was a little bit frustrating as it was NOT (by any means) the same as what it said on the WLS website, although that is more a complaint with them than with Prachit and the program! There were numerous times this weekend when I had to stop and say, “Wow, I am living a pretty sweet life”. It was SO beautiful and relaxing and just everything you picture Thailand to be!

While I was actually really sad to leave, I was excited to take a not FREEZING shower (I was still ok with cold, this shower doesn’t take my breath away). It felt SO good to get all the dirt and grime off and wash my hair! By the time we got back and I had showered it was almost 9:00pm so being the spoiled princess I am I ordered takeout! This takeout thing has come in really handy!

I have also decided when I come home I should work for Pepto-Bismol. I think I might be a spokeswoman, maybe work for their commercials. Or maybe tour the country and explain how Pepto-Bismol saved my life. Luckily I didn’t have too many issues eating only Thai food this weekend, and I owe it all to Pepto-Bismol!

Also, I am going to update new videos so check out the ones out there before I have to delete them!

Hugs and kisses from a wonderful weekend!

Why Don’t The Trucks Want Me?

2010-01-30T14:13:00.002-05:00

Getting on this new sleep schedule is hard work! I am so tired in the mornings! I met Prachit who drove Krista and me to the orphanage. I have no idea why she is driving us, but I am NOT complaining as I do not miss the yellow bus!

The kids seemed really cranky today as well, but I think a lot of them were tired as they fell RIGHT to sleep at nap time! It was the same story (hold the crying ones and change diapers) although today even holding them didn’t seem to be enough to get them to stop crying!

I enjoyed watching Barney travel around the world! They have a nice TV that was donated and they always play this same sing-along (the songs go through my head every night) but today was different and we got to watch Barney go to Paris and Barcelona!

I gave another bath today (which I actually love doing) and I had one of the older boys (maybe they saw me with the baby yesterday, ha). He could sit on his own which was great and they are all pretty good during baths! But, above the huge sink I saw a MILLION ants! It brought me back to the days of the Vietnam soup kitchen! It’s not like the orphanage is dirty or anything but I am going to go buy them some Raid because it is GROSS!

I left at lunch time and headed back to the hostel for PB&J and to rest a bit! I am feeling MUCH better and probably could have done a whole day but I am doing the Eco Tour this weekend and want to make sure I am feeling well!

I had signed up for the Eco Tour for the last 3 days before I leave Chiang Mai but Prachit thought I should do it over the weekend so I didn’t have to miss volunteering and I said that was fine. I really don’t know WHAT to expect. There is an itinerary online but Prachit explained something similar but not the same so I guess I will just show up and see! I am pretty sure the website said it was rafting and trekking, working with elephants, cooking Thai food and visiting a waterfall but then Prachit told me it was a zip line as well, so who knows!

I am excited, but I think if I had known I was already going to be zip lining and hanging out with elephants I wouldn’t have signed up for it. Ugh, I sound like I am complaining, poor me I have to spend a weekend in rural Thailand, HA! I am NOT at all, but I think it is just an elephant ride (and I was already an elephant owner for a day!) and NOTHING could beat the zip line with Mom and Lorna! But hopefully it will be a good weekend!

So with all that being said I was able to rest (and nap) this afternoon before heading out. I wanted to check out one of the two malls they have and I also read on Thursday/Friday nights they have a market. I knew I could take a red truck so I headed out to the main road to try and flag one down. I STILL don’t know WHAT I am doing wrong but they would not stop! I feel so unwanted! BUT I think one guy was trying to tell me I needed to go ahead and get him AT a stop! I don’t understand these things..they aren’t busses with set stops but they aren’t taxis that pick you up! I finally cornered one at the light and hopped in!

The mall was just okay but it did have a grocery store and my cereal was on sale so I picked up some of that! I had dinner at the Sizzler (woo hoo Western food) and checked out the market, but was NOT impressed!

It was dark out and they didn’t have lights so if you saw something you thought you might like they held up a flashlight! Ha! I also had to pee really bad so I caught a red truck (this one was stopped so it was easy) and headed back to shower and pack!

I won’t be bringing my laptop with me this weekend so you’ll have a few days off and hopefully when I return I will be full of new stories and adventures!

Hugs and kisses from trucks that don’t want me!

How Do I Get The Yellow Truck To STOP!?

2010-01-28T10:28:00.002-05:00

I actually slept somewhat good last night which is promising as I want to get back on a normal sleeping schedule! I had my breakfast, checked my email and headed downstairs!

My original plan was to sleep in a bit this morning, drop off my laundry, walk to the grocery store and go to the orphanage in the afternoon. But last night Prachit had emailed me saying she would pick us up at 9:00am. So I decided I would do the morning and have the afternoon to rest and get some errands done.

After waiting downstairs until 9:15am I finally called her --- but no answer --- so I also sent her a text. I decided I would just take the truck (no big deal) but then realized I didn’t have my sunglasses (again not a HUGE deal..this makes me sound like a diva..ok ok I am BUT I do get a headache from squinting) so I came back upstairs. I then realized that by the time I got to the orphanage it would be just about time to leave! So I decided I would just stick to my original plan and go in the afternoon!

My only guess was that I had told Krista I would meet her at the orphanage in the afternoon, so maybe she and Prachit met downstairs earlier and left, thinking I wasn’t going!

I went and dropped off my laundry so I would have clean clothes this weekend and then walked to the grocery store. I am not positive, but this may be my favorite grocery store yet. It is big, clean, has AC (all things to look for in a good grocery store) AND plays classical music so I can relax while grocery shopping. I picked up some snacks for this weekend (since I will only be eating Thai food) and also some snacks for the kids (I feel bad I am only doing half days so will hopefully make up for it with some goodies!)

I had my lunch (half of PB&J) and I was off! Now here is the scoop..I walk about 10 minutes straight down my road to catch the yellow truck. Once I get on the yellow truck it drives back up the same street and turns right before my hostel. So I thought, instead of wasting time walking all the way down, to just come back, why don’t I catch it closer to me. I don’t mind the walk but I am all about efficiently using my time, so I figured I might as well walk in the direction of where I need to go! I thought this was a really good idea, but I was proven wrong.

It took longer than I expected for the first yellow truck to come by and when it did I waved him down, but he simply waved back! I was so offended! Ha! This happened about 5 more times (yes I kept track) before I decided I was clearly missing something! I obviously was not worth them picking me up (hey I WAS worth 15 baht!) At one point a red one pulled over (I didn’t even wave him over) and I wanted to say “you are not going where I need to go” but I showed him my paper, he asked how much, I said 15 baht and he laughed as he drove away.

I walked back to find my man waiting at the table and showed him my card as he pointed to the truck I needed to be on. I wish I spoke Thai so I could ask him why nobody picked me up! But, I was thinking about it, and I realized we never stop until we get to the “halfwayish” mark where we stop for 10 minutes. So maybe that’s the first stop? I guess I will never know!

The kids seemed awfully cranky today and it was so hot in the room. I took a baby outside for a while (this was the only way he would stop crying) and there was a group of students from Chiang Mai University so there were lots of things to watch! They did a puppet show and I THINK it was the three little bears, although the puppets didn’t look like bears but they had three difference houses so that was my only guess! We stayed outside until it started pouring (I think that’s why it was so muggy) and at 4:30 Prachit picked us up!

I tried to ask what had happened this morning but since English isn’t either of their mother tongues I didn’t really understand and it wasn’t a big deal!

I came back to rest for a little bit before going out for dinner. I was craving pasta and headed to an Italian place near the markets. I spent a little bit of time looking around the market and I did buy a few more gifts AND something for myself (and my mom). It is a black and white (she likes black and white) bag with flowers on it! I think it’s pretty!

I came back very tired and after a shower I was able to skype both my mom and Kate! Oh how I love skype! Also, I added pictures and videos. Like always..I will probably delete the videos in a few days and upload new ones so check those out first!

Hugs and kisses from the yellow trucks that don’t want me!

Slippery Babies!

2010-01-27T09:38:00.001-05:00

When I woke up this morning I was able to have a skype date with Sarah! Woohoo skype! I then got ready and met Prachit and Krista and we headed off to the orphanage! Since Prachit had another meeting at the elephant camp (I have no clue what goes on up there! Ha) she said she would drop us off at the orphanage and pick us up at 4:30pm. I told her I probably was going to leave around lunch time since I didn’t think I could handle a full day (hey I could barely handle it when I was feeling FINE)!

I think this weekend I am going to do my Eco Tour so I am really excited! When I had signed up for Thailand I had also signed up for a 3 day Eco Tour (elephants, zip lining, hiking, etc.) I didn’t realize Mom and Lorna were going to be coming over and we would do most of that, but I am still excited to do it!

I thought it was set in stone for my last 3 days in Chiang Mai but Prachit thought I should do it over the weekend (I didn’t realize it was that flexible) so this weekend it is! That is another reason why I am trying to get enough rest this week so I feel 100% better to go away for the weekend!

It seems like a lot of the kids weren’t feeling too hot today. They were cranky, hot and all had runny noses! So hopefully my immune system is back in action in case something is going around!

After feeding, a lot of the kids get baths and I gave the first one by myself today! I was thinking, I don’t think I have ever given a “baby” a bath! Scott, I probably helped out when you were little, but in all my years of babysitting I have never been asked to bathe a baby (for good reason). So anyway I had a little cutie, but the problem was he couldn’t hold himself up and they didn’t have those blue plastic things I used to be bathed in! They just had a big sink with a hose (warm water which is more than I get here, ha!) So I kind of held him with one hand and washed/rinsed him with the other, which was all fine and well until he got all soapy..and SLIPPERY! Oh I thought I was going to kill the kid. Luckily he was a pretty good sport but he was sliding all over the place and I couldn’t really hold him, ha it was funny! But, he is clean..and still alive, so I consider it a job well done!

Krista and I then helped fold their clothes and diapers and put them away, along with all the other towels, sheets, etc. This orphanage is definitely well stocked and they have PLENTLY of clothes, towels and sheets! I was thinking, however, I might try and pick up some baby lotion (after their baths they have lotion but I was noticing it was all out) and they also have Vic’s Vapor rub (for when the kids have coughs) and I was noticing that was out too so I might do some shopping! They also have plenty of toys but I was thinking of trying to find some “learning” toys for the older ones! By that I mean maybe something with shapes and blocks or anything to stimulate their minds!

I came back during the lunch break and had my own PB&J! I am so happy my stomach is able to eat now! I couldn’t really tell you what I did for the majority of the afternoon but it was so nice just to rest and relax!

By late afternoon I headed out. It was sort of raining, but not hard enough that I REALLY needed an umbrella! I walked around some of the shops and watched the night market vendors set up. Some of them spend what seems like hours getting themselves set up so it is crazy to think it is worth it for them!

I had chicken fingers and French fries at an Irish Pub (I know, I know) but it was so nice to have some yummy comfort food!

I then ended up doing a little shopping (which I still find exhausting). But if I just look for one thing a night it doesn’t seem as bad! I wanted to get myself a little pillow (I think it’s 18x18) and I see them (along with table runners, etc) all over the place so I picked up a cute one and called it a night!

Hugs and kisses from a child that probably NEVER wants another bath from me!

The Sun? What’s that again?

2010-01-26T09:40:00.001-05:00

Prachit, my coordinator, emailed me last night and said that Krista, the new volunteer had arrived. Prachit said that she had to go to the elephant camp this morning but would pick us up at 1:00pm if that was ok. I told her that was great as I was only planning on doing a half day anyway.

I woke up feeling better, although still tired and just blah. BUT I think my stomach is finally back to normal..WAHOOO! I had a little cereal for breakfast and a half of PB&J for lunch before meeting Krista and Prachit.

Krista is 33 and is from Holland. She works for a software company that was able to give her 6 weeks to visit Thailand (4 of which will be for volunteering). She has never been to Thailand before but has done a fair amount of traveling!

Prachit drove us to the orphanage, which was GREAT but I thought she would show Krista how to use the public transportation. I was NOT complaining because I enjoyed the AC and comfort of her truck (which actually isn’t that comfortable but it’s all relative).

We arrived at the orphanage while the kids were still sleeping (well, crying) and I soon questioned whether or not I was ready for this. It was hot and the sound of a LOT of babies crying was giving me a headache! But, it was great to be out again as I had almost forgotten what the sun felt like.

We spent the afternoon playing with the kids which was fun as always, but I still don’t feel so hot. I felt bad because I felt like I was only “half” there, but I did the best I could to comfort the crying ones and change diapers.

We DID get to celebrate birthdays though which was fun! We took the older kids to the main dining hall to celebrate about 4 birthdays. I THINK they were celebrating the birthdays for January but I am not sure. It was great as they had a cake with candles and presents for the kids. I couldn’t believe how much food we fed them, but I was happy they got to enjoy it.

I didn’t plan on staying for long but since Prachit brought us there and it was Krista’s first day I felt weird leaving, so we didn’t end up leaving until around 5:00pm. It wasn’t even a full day but I was beyond exhausted so I think tomorrow I will just do a few hours as well.

I was so tired when I got back (I didn’t even DO that much) and I couldn’t wait to get comfy in my bed. I was a bum again and ordered take out (I have started a bad habit) haha! I know once I feel better I will go out again but there is such comfort in NOT having to leave and be able to eat in my PJ’s by myself!

I was so excited to be feeling better as it meant I got to have skype dates! I got to talk to my aunt, Manda and my mom! It really is SO nice being able to SEE people and hear their voices, especially after being sick!

Hugs and kisses from an out and about Julie.

Dear Stomach, We Might Be Able To Be Friends Again. Love, Julie

2010-01-25T10:45:00.002-05:00

I could not fall asleep last night (sound familiar) but it probably didn’t help that I have been sleeping for the past three days!

I woke up around 11:00am and made myself get up since I need to get back into SOME type of schedule! I had made it through the night without any “issues” woo hoo! I honestly am not really sure what I did most of the day. I did clean my room a bit, I showered (cold of course) and I guess that’s it!

I am still not feeling GREAT, but I am a lot better! My stomach doesn’t feel normal and I am just really tired and feel weak (you know when you stand up too fast and you go “woah!”..it’s like that!)

I did venture out this afternoon and got some pizza and ginger ale and finished watching “Grumpy Old Men” and laughed a lot which is always good when you are sick!

My BIG plan for today was to go to church. Now, I REALLY have tried every weekend to go to church, which seems like a lie because I honestly haven’t been that much. I guess I didn’t realize HOW busy I have been! But, I was excited about going to church today AND was hoping I would feel up to it!

The church isn’t too far from my hostel (good) but they are doing renovations so they are holding services at a different building (bad). I knew it was probably walkable but seeing as I hadn’t been “out” in about 3 days and with the advice from my mommy I decided to take a tuk-tuk. Now, I do NOT like having to find a ride when I am sick and am NOT willing to walk. I knew I was going to get ripped off and I knew I was too tired to even bother trying to bargain. Luckily I made it to the church without any problems and I was pleasantly surprised! It is a nondenominational church so reminded me a lot of my church at home. There were probably about 300 people there (mostly Westerners) and I knew about 70% of the songs! I wish I was feeling a BIT better but I am excited to go back because I enjoyed it so much even though I was sick!

I did make the walk back (I did NOT want to get ripped off again and figured it would be good for me to walk) and it wasn’t THAT bad but I was EXHUASTED after it all! That is enough adventure for one day!

Hugs and kisses from my (hopefully) happy tummy!

I Hate the Flu in America and I Hate it Even MORE in Thailand!

2010-01-23T12:24:00.001-05:00

This blog might be a little bit confusing because I am writing it days later (which I try never to do). So I will start off by talking about my day on Thursday.

I did not sleep well (surprise surprise) but I made myself get up. My original plan was to go for a run in the morning for two reasons. One, I would be getting up early, which would hopefully mean I would be tired enough to sleep at night and two; I would be getting fresh air and exercise!

I decided a run wasn’t the best idea. For some reason I was very nauseous, I was exhausted from not sleeping well and still sore (I am such a baby I know) so I decided I would walk instead. I was still getting up early and getting fresh air and a bit of exercise so I figured it was ok. I also decided I would stop at a grocery store since it was along my route.

It is nice and cold in the morning which is wonderful compared to exercising in Ho Chi Minh City. I found my way to the grocery store but realized I had about 15 minutes until it opened AND it looked like a good one so I thought it would be worth the wait. They did have a little bakery/café open next store and since I had 15 minutes to kill I figured I would treat myself to pancakes (I was hungry anyway).

I made my way to the grocery store and of course I loved it! I just love seeing what kinds of things they have. Things that in the U.S. I would pass by without thinking about, but here it is like..Oh yeah I forgot about those! I also like looking at the prices just to see if I would pay that back in the States. I lead a sad life..obsessed with grocery stores!

On my walk back I also found a bookstore that has good books for only $3 so I picked up a few since I have missed reading!

I made my way to the orphanage, although the bus seemed extra bad today because my tummy was rolling all around! Luckily, he didn’t forget my stop which is always a pleasant surprise these days!

I had a good couple of hours with the kids, but I knew I was NOT feeling well! My stomach was all over the place and the smell of diapers and babies spitting up was NOT helping. Every time a kid touched me it hurt and I knew I needed to get out of there.

I left and again the bus ride back was not enjoyable (not that it ever is). I figured I might be hungry and/or dehydrated so I had some PB&J and a pedialyte. But, afterwards I only felt worse. I felt like I could barely keep my food down, I was shaky, had the chills and my whole body ached! Ugh! I think I first fell asleep around 3:00pmish, woke up at 5:00pm and again at 7:00pm feeling AWFUL! I was shaking and when I had the AC off it was way too hot and when I had it on it hurt my body, ugh!

I didn’t even want to THINK about eating or checking email and that’s when I KNEW I was sick! At that point I hadn’t thrown up, but I just felt so awful! At one point I called my mommy (the best person to vent too) and spent the rest of the night in and out of sleep. I only threw up once (wahoo) and afterward I took some Pepto and Advil. I also had a black tongue, which luckily I knew NOT to freak out about! When I went to Israel I took two Peptos with every meal (to help from getting sick, and it worked) but one morning I woke up with a black tongue! I was FREAKING out expecting to die any second when my mom kindly said how she forgot to tell me that was a side effect of taking so many Pepto! Luckily, I didn’t have to learn that lesson here, by myself, thinking I was about to die! I remember at one point waking up drenched in sweat (gross I know) but I was happy because that meant my fever was breaking!

At 2:00am I felt a BIT better to at least take out my contacts and as you contact wearers know there is NOTHING worse than sticky contacts! I woke up a few more times and finally at 11:00am Friday I woke up and thought I should get out of bed!

It sort of made me laugh that all week I have been complaining about not sleeping, so my body decided sleeping for 20 hours would be a good thing to do! I am also thankful that this is really the first time I have felt THAT sick which isn’t too bad for 3 months away from home. Every winter season my immune system likes to take a break and hit me with a sinus and/or ear infection that takes at least two rounds of antibiotics to cure, so I have been trying to be very careful not to let myself get run down (hence why sometimes I am a volunteer skipper) and I am honestly really happy that it has taken me this long to get sick! I am also happy that I only got sick near the end of my trip (I kept looking at a countdown calendar I have that says “21 days until home”) and I had a great place to be sick (AC, no ants crawling on me, etc.)

I was feeling a bit better, enough to clean up the pigsty I call my room (it really was gross) AND I took a shower (a cold one of course, not ok). I then decided I should get out of my room so thought I would go drop off my laundry.

I was craving Pizza Hut breadsticks and while they are a bit garlicy I figured they were enough of a comfort food that I would be ok. It felt good to get out, although after my lunch the walk back (5 minutes maybe) seemed to take forever and I was so happy to see my bed again.

The rest of the afternoon (and night) was a blur because although I gave the flu the boot (yay for only 24 hour flu) I still felt AWFUL! Granted I didn’t have the chills or shaking, but my stomach not only wanted to throw everything up but I also had the WORST stomach pains! I spent most of my time in and out of sleep (it was really the only thing I could do) and I was able to skype Mom and Dad to complain about how yucky I felt! I was happy to have gotten rid of the flu (shaking, chills, fever, etc.) but it had been a while since my stomach had HURT so much! I tried eating a bit (I really hadn’t eaten much all day) but that didn’t go over to well as my digestive system HATED me. I switched from Pepto to Imodium (oh the joys of modern medicine) and tried to get some sleep.

I woke up on Saturday morning and didn’t feel AS bad, but still not great. After a couple more rounds of Imodium I was starting to feel a bit better and by mid afternoon I made myself go pick up my laundry.

I hated the heat, I hated the noise, and I hated the sun, haha! I was so happy to be back from my five minute walk! I was glad to not be having digestive problems (at this point it was Saturday afternoon) but I was not feeling like I was able to go back to civilization!

My stomach still hurt a lot but I was able to keep down saltines AND ginger ale and I was very hungry! So, I did something I haven’t done in a long time..I ORDERED OUT! Can you believe it? I had read about this place that will pick up for a lot of restaurants in Chiang Mai (I think they used to have something like this in Portsmouth). I knew I wanted to try it before I left, so I figured now was as good a time as any. I ordered scrambled eggs (I was craving them), pancakes and French toast! I ended up taking a bite of each and while I hated the thought of wasting all that food it was so nice to have REAL food! And delivery! I had forgotten what Styrofoam to-go boxes looked like!

I was nervous about how my stomach was going to handle the foreignness of solid, actual food, BUT so far (it’s about 10:00pm Saturday night) so good! So please, keep your fingers crossed and say your prayers..I am going stiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiir crazzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzy!

Oh and also..since I have done nothing but lay in bed for the past three days, I updated some pictures! There are still more for my trip with Mom and Lorna coming..as well as videos..so enjoy!

Hugs and kisses from the soon to be healthy Julie Marie Wilson!

Monks!

2010-01-22T09:32:00.002-05:00

I had a decent night sleep and was thinking about exercising this morning. I actually set my alarm and did get up and started to get ready, but my body was telling me otherwise. Kudos to those of you who have multiple young ones, I don’t know how you do it!

I decided to skip out on exercise since my body was hurting anyway AND I knew I was going to be spending some time walking around this morning.

I had read about this market (not really touristy, mostly locals) that I wanted to check out. Last night I went, but by 5:00pm everything closes down, so I knew I would have to go during the day. Since I enjoy the afternoons better at the orphanage I decided I would go to the market in the morning and spend my afternoon at the orphanage.

The market definitely wasn’t touristy and I got stared at a lot! I had forgotten what that felt like (luckily it hasn’t happen recently) but I will NOT miss that when I go home! I also could tell the market wasn’t touristy because it was, well, gross. It was a mixture of clothes and food, and by food I mean meat left out in the open and FISH! Ugh, nothing is worse than a hot market and the smell of FISH! Needless to say I didn’t spend much time there but explored some of the other places!

I was on the hunt for a KNIFE and had no idea how hard it would be to find one! I can’t make PB&J without a knife and I found spoons and forks but no knife! So I knew I couldn’t have that for lunch today, but hopefully I will find one soon!

I came back picked up my laundry and took a well needed shower to get off the smell of fish (gross) and it was the coldest one YET (awful!)

Since I didn’t have a knife I was forced to eat out again and since I didn’t have a ton of time I chose the Coffee Bug. I got the fruit again and a coffee cake, it was ok but if I can help it I don’t think I will go back!

I made my way to the bus stop and was a bit confused as to WHO I should show my card to! There are always a couple of guys hanging around but I handed it to the guy AT the desk. I have no idea what his job is..I can’t imagine it’s just to sit there and tell people which yellow truck they should get on, but hey it’s Thailand. He pointed and off we went!

Since I am at the beginning of the line it’s just me for a while, until we stop at that one place for a bit and then everyone hops on. I stick close to the back to get some fresh air but oh man I hate those trucks!

I kept my eyes peeled and it’s a good thing I did because I saw the Vieng Ping Children’s home come and go as we passed it at about 50mph. I pressed the button and luckily the guy pulled over and let me off! I think sometimes if my driver is standing by the guy I hand my card to he knows, but I guess if not I need to press the button. So maybe this thing IS more like a taxi than a bus because (minus that one stop) I don’t think we stop anywhere else unless someone needs to get on or off. It sorta makes me laugh because it’s so different from the public transportation in other countries.

I remember in Vietnam we were on the bus (which does NOT stop for anything) and Khaly was translating that the bus driver and ticket taker were giving this girl a hard time because she missed “the stop” but needed to get off and he wouldn’t let her (he COULD have pulled over I think..maybe he was being a jerk) but anyway he commented that this was a bus not a taxi!

ANYWAY luckily I didn’t have to walk TOO far to get back to the orphanage. I was a little bit early for the afternoon shift but as I got close to the baby house I could already hear them crying! Both Sally and Mahena were there which made it nice to talk to people besides the babies (yesterday I was asking one baby where I should go to dinner, etc.)

It was the typical afternoon of trying to decide which crying baby I should hold. I ended up getting stuck (well not STUCK but) with one who I could NOT put down (I had to be standing or he would cry!) Holy moly was I sore! Mom and Dad you do NOT have to worry as I will not be having kids for a while!!!

It was another good, crazy, tiring time and I left to come back to go to the Monk Chat! I had read about a temple where you could go chat with monks. They would practice their English and I could learn about..well..anything!

I am a blonde, a TRUE blonde and let me tell you why! So I bought those new orphanage “appropriate” pants the other night and they have been working out okay. They are grey (goes with anything) and fit pretty well, except for the waist! They have a drawstring but it is just one big piece of string, so the first time I tied them they were falling down ALL day! I then had to take a fair amount of time to pull them really tight, attempt a knot and then pull the knot really close (if that makes any sense). I had to REALLY plan ahead when I had to pee as it would take at LEAST five minutes to undo the knot. So anyway, I just had to pee and I am writing this and was a bit frustrated because it was taking so long and my fingers were hurting. All of a sudden, a light bulb went off..why don’t I cut the string so I can make it like a NORMAL drawstring! Now I LOVE these pants..sometimes I just amaze myself! (Mom and Dad please don’t be embarrassed by me..I did figure it out..sometimes it just takes me a bit longer, HA!)

I started walking to try and find a tuk-tuk and of COURSE I had to walk for what felt like miles before I saw one (why do they always hunt me down when I am 2 minutes from the hostel!)

I showed him where I wanted to go and he told me 80 baht which was probably reasonable for the distance, but I only wanted to pay around 50 baht so I told him 40 baht. He sort of laughed and then told me (well I figured out) I should take the red truck for 40 baht. And THEN (I still can’t believe it) he helped me flag them down! The first one wasn’t going there but the second one was. I wanted to ask him why he was so nice and helping me! I have learned that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is and should be avoided in Asia. BUT I figured I was in a truck full of people, it was still light out and I felt comfortable enough so I went with it! Before I knew it he was dropping me off at the temple for 40 baht. I really will never know why that man was so kind to help me, but it was great!

I made my way to the monk chat and it was pretty crowded. After signing in I was put at a table with THREE monks! I felt so, weird! I was thinking it was one-on-one and then another one sat down so it was me and FOUR monks! At one point there were SIX of them at my table but I think maybe there were so many because it wasn’t so busy? It was kind of funny but a little much! I can’t remember EVERYTHING we talked about, but I learned a little bit more about Buddhism. Most of the monks were from Burma and you can be a monk and then leave if you want (you leave when you are no longer happy being a monk). They get up at 5:00am and spend their day in meditation (there is no set time..) and they all go to university (they study 10 subjects). Their robe colors have no meaning besides the fact they like it and they believe in cause and effect. Mom, I did explain how you accidentally bumped into a monk on the crowded ferry and they said that was ok because the monk didn’t intentionally touch you (they talked a lot about intentions). The monk just has to confess to the higher monk but it doesn’t sound like that’s a big deal. They can’t eat after 12:00pm (yeahhh that wouldn’t work for me) and they also spoke about being reborn and how you are reborn until you can live like Buddha (basically, without sin). I am sure there was a lot more but it was really interesting and a great way for them to practice their English and for me to learn more! Oh yeah I did ask (because two guys did NOT want to talk) and they are SUPPOSE to attend these, some are just more motivated (or confident) to practice their English!

I was there for a little over an hour and then left to find some dinner (sorry monks, I gotta eat!) I knew I was somewhat close to another “main” area of Chiang Mai so I decided to head there, I just didn’t realize HOW long a walk it was! But, I had read on my map about this place that sounded like it had good steak so that’s where I went! I realized that it was on the same street Mom, Lorna and I went to the spa (one of the reasons I LOVED having time to explore Chiang Mai with them) so it was cool to know where I was!

The place looked beautiful and I checked the menu for some steak (I don’t know how you vegetarians do it!) I was brought inside to a table and that’s when I realized I had entered, HEAVEN! It was a buffet and Julie Bulie LOVES buffets (a little too much!) It was honestly so AMAZING! The food, well just everything was wonderful! And granted I had my fair share of sweets, I actually REALLY enjoyed the veggies as it has been FAR too long since I have had veggies!

I was disgustingly full and after my chat with the monks I have decided in my next life I want to be a camel. I know, I do NOT like the heat and get very grumpy, so maybe I won’t have a lot of camel friends, BUT I love the idea of storing food (I think they store food AND water..maybe just water..but if I am a camel I am going to store both). I realize I eat so much because I don’t want to be hungry later! Who knows when I am going to eat again, so I just like to eat a lot in the hopes that when I get hungry later I can just eat what’s already in my stomach! The monks did say you can be reborn as an animal..so I am thinking, camel. Oh AND I like the pyramids as well, so I am thinking an Egyptian camel.

Anyway, since I was in another part of town I decided to check it out a little bit, but I think I was too late as most things were closed. I will definitely head back to that area again.

I wasn’t quite sure how to get home but I figured I would attempt the red truck. I flagged one down, showed him the card Prachit had given me and off we went! About 5 minutes into the drive I realized we weren’t really going the way I thought we should go. I didn’t say anything because we weren’t going in the opposite direction, just more of a roundabout way and there was a woman in the front so I figured maybe he had to drop her off first. But, when he pulled over and just stopped, I knew I would somehow have to explain to him we weren’t where I wanted to be. Ironically enough, we had stopped at the place the yellow truck always stops in the morning and tries to peer pressure people to get on! I did have to laugh at that. I got out, showed him my card AND showed him another card from the hostel. The one Prachit gave me was in Thai but the hostel one was in English so I was hoping he could figure it out.

I think he said something about not reading the whole thing (part of it is in parenthesis) but we were off again and this time we ended up where I needed to be. I wondered if he was going to rip me off (I was the only one in the truck at this point and granted it wasn’t my fault we got lost as he did drive out of the way) but he said 40 baht, I paid, and we were all set!

I am going to be changing out my videos this weekend, so make sure to check them out!

Hugs and kisses from my new monk friends!

Why Doesn’t Sleep Like Me?

2010-01-21T08:53:00.002-05:00

Another 3:00am nighter. I don’t know WHAT is up with this as I have never had THIS much trouble sleeping. I was especially exhausted yesterday after my day with the kids and incredibly sore (which may have been part of the reason for my lack of sleeping). After only a couple of hours of rest I woke up with a headache, got dressed, had my breakfast and decided I really needed to sleep some more. I hate skipping out on volunteering, but I knew I would show up half dead with an awful headache (the kind you get from not sleeping) so I figured it would be better for me to rest and go in for the afternoon. Also, this seemed to make sense because I had no idea what I was going to do for lunch/the two hour nap time.

After a few more hours of sleep I woke up without the headache convinced I had made the right choice. I dropped off my laundry and headed to the Coffee Bug (across the street) for some brunch. It is a bit of a hole in the wall type of place, but it wasn’t too bad. I then headed off to the bus stop and explored that area a bit.

I was a bit confused where to find the bus (well, truck) because I had come in a different way, but I showed a man my little direction note card Prachit gave me and he pointed to a truck and I hopped on! In the beginning it was just me (which was actually nice) and then about half way through we stopped at this one place for a really long time (no idea why). It is sort of different because the drover tries to get people to join us! It reminds me of the tuk-tuk drivers, but he is a bus driver! Sometimes I will be walking around and (mostly the red buses) will wave me down, very strange. I am assuming they all work for the same company, but maybe they get to keep what they earn so they try to make the most!

Anyway, luckily he didn’t forget my stop. I don’t know if there are actual stops because I usually just see people press the button and then he pulls over and lets them off. But I kept my eyes peeled in case he did miss it!

I showed up in the baby room ready for action and they were ready for me! Most of the older kids (the ones who can walk) play with each other and the staff is really good about playing with them too. So I decided to spend time with the babies! I enjoy it because the language barrier isn’t a problem!

At least three kids are always crying so I have my pick of who to hold. I tried to take time with every baby there and hold them and kiss them and rock them and anything to comfort them and show them love (since obviously they don’t get a lot of individual attention). They are adorable and I really love being with them. A few of them were ok when I put them down again but there was one that would start bawling when I put him down so he was spoiled most of the afternoon as I catered to him. Most of my time was spent changing diapers (it goes right through so it’s EASY to tell when they need to be changed as your hand is wet) and playing with crying babies! I have yet to find a comfortable way to do this (have I mentioned how SORE I am) so I am still working on that!

I left around 4:15pm and while it doesn’t SEEM like much, I thought it was the perfect amount of time! I tried to do a better job today of pacing myself but I had a lot of fun and it didn’t get to the point I was ready to pull my hair out!

The highway was a little tricky to cross today and I had to wait a bit for a yellow truck but I made it ok. Have I mentioned how much I dislike the transportation? I try to close my eyes and relax but something was poking my back and people are climbing all over you! Ugh!

On the way back to the hostel I stopped at a western grocery store to get some PB&J! Now I never thought I’d say this, but I am SO tired of eating out! My family doesn’t cook (my mom freely admits this so I am not going to hurt her feelings) so we eat out a lot! I have grown up eating out. But eating out for 3 months straight, ugh! I think it’s also the fact I don’t have the OPTION of eating in and I am just so tired of it! So I figured this way I can have a sandwich for lunch or something!

I came back, rested for a bit and then went to a place just down the street for some dinner! I got chicken fingers and French fries (so healthy I know) but I honestly haven’t had that in forever and it tasted really good! I then hit up the night market to do a little shopping (gifts..sadly not for me) and I realized something. I am SO tired of shopping in Asia and I am SO over bargaining! All I wanted to do was to get some nice gifts for friends and family. I didn’t want to spend hours over something making sure I didn’t get ripped off! I find myself now looking for places with set prices (they have to be reasonable of course) just so I don’t have to waste time bargaining! I don’t have trouble finding something I like, but then it takes 10 minutes to get a good price.

I did my best bargaining in Beijing. It was new, it was exciting and I enjoyed it! Now, I decide what I want to pay for it (even if I MIGHT be able to get it lower) and just go for it. If they don’t like it, I walk away and start again. I also find myself getting VERY offended in some instances. For example, I was looking at something and someone quoted me 250 baht. I went to the next place and he started at 450 baht! I didn’t even want to bargain with him because I was offended he started so high and was trying to rip me off! Ugh! haha! I definitely will enjoy coming home and going into a store and just PAYING for it! This bargaining business is TOO much work!

But anyway, after a somewhat successful night of shopping I came back ready for a wonderful cold shower and bed!

Hugs and kisses from a girl who needs to fall asleep at night!

First Day of Volunteering in Thailand!

2010-01-20T10:55:00.003-05:00

I slept better last night (with the help of some Tylenol PM) and was up at 7:00am and downstairs to meet Prachit at 8:00am. At 8:10am she still wasn’t there so I called and then texted her to see if I got the time right. We ended up leaving at 8:15am and walking the 10ish minutes to the bus stop.

The bus is nothing more than a pickup truck. The bed of the truck is covered and has benches on either side and if that’s full you have to stand on the back and hold on (like a fireman!) I think I am at the beginning of the route because I have to show the man a card with where I am going and he points to the correct bus. Oh and it has to be yellow! I take the yellow trucks!

It took about 35 minutes to get to my stop and I am NOT a fan of the bus. It’s hot, you’re sitting at an awkward angle and you can’t really see out (which I do not like).

Once we got dropped off it was about another 10 minute walk to the orphanage! I don’t HATE the commute, but I do hate that I will be spending 2 hours a day traveling when I feel like it could be better spent. But, I am thankful that my hostel is in a good location so I think the commute is worth it!

When we arrived at the Vieng Ping Children’s home I had to hand in my application and passport! Talk about well run! I have never had to do either in all the places I have volunteered! The application asked all about where I was from, what qualifications I have, passport and visa info and references (I forget who I put but if they call you say nice things!) They also made a copy of my passport and visa and I had to sign both!

The home is HUGE and is actually more like a campus (it probably takes 15 to 20 minutes to walk the whole thing). The children start in the baby rooms and continue on to different rooms all the way up until they are about 7 and then they get moved to girls homes and boys homes (I saw rooms but they are actually all different buildings).

Prachit said I would be working in the baby room where there are 25 kids from newborns to about 2. Since it was the morning they were outside in these..well they were big carts and at first it made me laugh but then it made sense as they couldn’t have all the kids running off!

It reminded me a lot of the Home of Joy..picking up the crying ones and trying to console them. I had a long talk with John who I think is in his 50’s and is from Australia although has been living in Chiang Mai for the past 10 years. I have no idea what he used to do for work but now he spends a lot of time with NGO’s helping out with adoption. He said most of the children here have parents but they either can’t afford them, had unwanted pregnancies, drug problems etc. He said about 40% are adoptable (although he mentioned he didn’t know of any who were adopted from the U.S.) He then said how he has been volunteering here for about 10 years now and he told me he didn’t think they were taken care of very well (although I disagree). He said how the Buddhist belief is that “orphans” are being punished for something bad they did in their past life. He didn’t think the staff gave them much love, etc.

Anyway I then went to the lunch room to help three kids practice eating on their own. Pretty soon these kids will leave the baby room and move on to a big kid room so they have them practice feeding themselves.

I then went back to the feeding room to help feed the babies, although I think they are the hardest ones yet! They don’t seem to want to eat and are just squirming all around. Between 11:00am-11:30am they try to finish eating and put them down for naps (sometimes a bath as well). Prachit stayed with me which I thought was GREAT (none of my other coordinators have done that).

It was then diaper folding time (which I have never done before) although at most of the orphanages I have been at they do all use cloth diapers.

At this point I was starving so we headed outside to get some food (which ended up being a tiny little stand). The food was cheap (good) but I did not like it (bad). Here is the thing..I TRY anything and I TRY to like it..but I just DON’T! Prachit said I could eat there every day, but in my opinion life is too short to spend 5 days a week eating a lunch I don’t even like! So I will have to figure out something..either bring my own lunch or eat somewhere else. But there aren’t a lot of options in the area and if I eat there it’ll be by myself (the staff doesn’t really speak English).

After lunch it was rest time. Now I am ALL about resting, especially with these kids, but it was awkward. Prachit said the normal schedule was volunteering from 9:00am-11:30am, have lunch and nap and volunteer again from 2:00-4:30. Now I don’t MIND long days BUT I liked it better when I could switch it up. The kids are GREAT and cute, but I feel like I need a little break (am I complaining too much?) The thing I liked about Cambodia was I had long days (like this) but I had time to relax by myself at lunch and I did two different things so I felt like I was changing it up enough to stay fresh.

She said I could take a nap upstairs, which ended up being this mat (not too comfy) on the floor in the play room that the kids throw up, pee and poop on. Sorry but it’s true. I felt sort of awkward (the room is HUGE and it was so bright out) so I don’t think that’s going to work out. I appreciate the fact they give me time to rest (the staff rests too but I think somewhere else) but it just feels awkward. I couldn’t fall asleep because it was just weird. Prachit said the staff sometimes rests in the room with the kids or they just relax and chat which is great, but since we don’t speak the same language it really is just me!

So that, combined with lunch, makes me think I might not stick around during that time. That is the one thing that has been hard about ALL my placements is there is a huge chunk of time for lunch and naps. BUT since I am so far away it doesn’t really make sense for me to go back to the hostel and then come back, but it also doesn’t make sense for me to stay and literally do NOTHING for 2 hours. I don’t know, I will play it by ear and see what happens.

After our “nap” the kids were awake and we got to play with them in the room, which was fun! There was more to do than in the morning when I was playing with them outside.

I was pleasantly surprised with how great the staff is (so I am confused as to what John was saying). They give the kids lots of attention and love and are always playing with them. I also see they check diapers regularly, etc. so that was great to see and I think they are being treated well.

A nurse in training came to visit, Mahena from France. She is in her final year of school (she seems a little older than me) and I don’t think she is exactly doing nursing things at the orphanage (she was just playing with the kids like me) but she has been here for two weeks and will leave in another two.

I also met Sally who is from the U.S. but has been living in Germany for the past 10 years. She said how she was here last year for 4 months and is now here until June. I have no idea what she does for a living (if anything..she seems in her 50’s) that she can take that time off. I asked her if she was working here or just volunteering and she said last year she did both but this year she is just volunteering because she is also taking Thai language classes. Oh and she has a furnished apartment here!

Around 4:30pm Prachit and I headed out and I was exhausted. I could already tell my back was going to be sore since most of the day was spent holding kids etc. We walked and had to cross a highway (no joke) so we could pick up the bus going in the other direction. Since it was the end of the day there was more traffic and I already know I am going to hate the commutes on this bus!

I was SO happy to get back to the hostel to rest and could have stayed there all night. But I ventured out to find some dinner and just ended up at some no name place and then the fun began. Prachit told me there is a dress code at the orphanage (nope, never had that either). She said I couldn’t wear anything above my knees (and this is when I was wearing the special capris I bought to wear at the orphanage) and she asked if I had pants. I told her I had one pair (the purple ones I bought for zip lining and elephants) so I wore those today. She said something about how there are boys there, but I didn’t see any boys over the age of 2! Who knows, maybe they start early in Thailand! I am tempted to wear the longest pair of capris I own tomorrow, but I thought tonight I would pick up another pair of pants so I don’t break the rules.

Now I HATE shopping in Asia when I need something. I was exhausted and just wanted to take a shower but I was out pant hunting. It took me a while to find something because my original hope was to get something I would actually wear again (didn’t happen). I was in NO mood for bargaining so when I found a sign that said 99 baht for pants (I wasn’t willing to pay more than 100 baht) I bought them and left! Sheeesh this orphanage is a lot of work!

Hugs and kisses from my first day of volunteering in Thailand!

The Pool Hopper

2010-01-19T08:21:00.003-05:00

I could NOT fall asleep AGAIN last night! Up until at least 3:00am! I am hoping to start exercising a bit and spending more time outside to hopefully help me sleep at night!

My first stop this morning was going to be breakfast. Since I ate awful yesterday I was going to go to a place across the street but it ended up being closed! So then I picked up my laundry. I LOVE having clean clothes, especially because I literally had nothing left (I had to wear my PJ’s just to GET my clothes).

I dropped my laundry off at the hostel and then headed out to find some breakfast. I was hoping to take myself to a NICE place, but by the time I reached my second Starbucks I decided a muffin would have to do!

My goal for this afternoon was to do some pool hopping! I realized I am SCREWED when I get home, seeing as I have spent the past three months in 80 degree weather! My Dad kindly reminds me every time I talk to him what will be waiting for me come mid February so I thought I would spend some time outside today.

I had done a little research as to what pools in the area would be good and my first stop was a bit of a walk but the pictures on the website looked beautiful. The pool was EXACTLY what I was looking for and it wasn’t too hard to find (the key is to walk into lobby with confidence like you are staying at the hotel). However, I ran into a problem when I sat down and a woman came over with a towel (good!) and a guest sign in sheet (bad!). I kindly asked where the restroom was and BOOKED it outta there! I may have been able to say I just wanted to visit, but I didn’t want to have to pay and it wasn’t worth the effort! So I crossed that one off the list.

My next stop I think has potential. There are two pools (small and I couldn’t find a chair in the sun), but it didn’t seem like the hotel staff would bother me so I may try that sometime.

I was getting a bit thirsty (and hungry) so I stopped at a cute breakfast place to have some yogurt and fruit (and boy was it good!)

My next stop has potential as well, although I don’t know WHO designed the layout. It seems as though the pool wasn’t getting any sun because the hotel was blocking it! Granted, it wasn’t really a sunny day but it seemed like it would NEVER be a sunny day at the pool. There was a desk (when you get off the elevator) handing out towels etc. but the woman at the desk didn’t say anything to me, so who knows.

I didn’t really get caught at my next stop, and maybe it was because I was creepily looking at the pool but the man at the desk asked if I needed help. I told him I was all set and moved on (probably won’t be going back there!)

At that point I decided I would call it a day as far as pool hopping goes! I came back to rest, catch up on blogging, unpack a bit more and shower (still cold). I then headed out to walk to the Sunday market. When we went last Sunday it was SO crowded (too many people) and it was only AFTER we left that Lorna informed us she had read to go early (around 4:00pm when they are just setting up). I checked out two more pools along the way (nothing great) and made it to the market before it got crowded.

I didn’t really like it any better than I did a week ago but I did enjoy the fact that there were less people! I decided to stop and get spaghetti at the place my mom and I ate since she said it was so good and it was DELICIOUS! I was about ready to head back but it was still early (5:30pm) and I wanted to stay in the area until 6:00pm because I had read that everyone stops and they play the national anthem.

So, (since I had nothing to do) I went to the Chocolate Fact and got fondue! Hey, I mean I had to kill time, what was I suppose to do!!! It was SO GOOD!

6:00pm came and went and NOTHING happened so I was sort of bummed I had stayed out for nothing, although the chocolate fondue was worth it!

I was SO sore from yesterday (sitting in the car) and today (I did a lot of walking) so I treated myself to a massage (so spoiled I know) and came back to the hostel!

Hugs and kisses from a pool hopping Julie!

Eleven hours in a car = not ok!

2010-01-18T23:26:00.004-05:00

I could NOT (for the LIFE of me) fall asleep last night! I think the last time I looked at the clock it was 3:30am and knowing I had to wake up at 7:00am did NOT make me happy. I think maybe it was just because it was my first night in a new place and I was a bit anxious about today because I had no idea what to expect!

I was up at 7:00am and exhausted, but got ready for the day. I am already missing the luxury of staying in an actual hotel as my shower this morning was cold. Well, I shouldn’t say cold, but it definitely was not warm. Luckily, I have not met any ants in my bathroom OR my bed which really is a win in itself so cold showers aren’t the end of the world. After eating breakfast, I called my mom who was JUST arriving home (and freezing)! SUCKER!

I met Prachit in the lobby at 8:00am and she told me we were waiting for Stephen (the volunteer who is leaving) so we could drop him off at the airport. I was actually kind of bummed he was leaving. Even though we only spoke for about 10 minutes he seemed nice and it would have been fun to have a travel buddy! But anyway, Tako was also with him and I am STILL confused about his story. He is a student from Japan and I don’t think he is through WLS but he knows Prachit and is traveling but doing a little volunteer work. I think we were supposed to take Tako to his hostel but Prachit invited him along for the day and he decided he wanted to come!

The Chiang Mai airport is literally 10 minutes away which is awesome! We dropped Stephen off and I hopped in the front (anything I can do to help prevent carsickness) and we were off (I had also taken Bonine). It was a little over 3 hours to Chiang Rai and when we arrived Prachit took us to a temple. I actually didn’t mind seeing another because this one was beautiful (it almost looked like a princess castle!)

We left the temple and Prachit suggested a place for lunch because we were all starving. Little did I know it was a half hour away! Sheesh! It was pretty good except my meal was SO spicy! I wish it wasn’t because I REALLY liked it but my mouth was on fire, my lips were burning, it was really painful!

We left lunch to head to the Myanmar border which I thought was pretty cool but again it was about another half hour away. It is really just a bridge to cross (we didn’t because it would affect our visas) and Prachit said people go back and forth all the time.

The whole reason we went to Chiang Rai was because Prachit had to check on her coffee (farm?). She said she and her husband bought the land about 2 years ago and are planning to build a house in Chiang Rai soon! So we started driving and before I knew it we were going down this crazy dirt road on the side of a mountain! When we finally got to the coffee area (it just looked like the side of a mountain to me) it was beautiful and reminded me a lot of Italy! It was so peaceful and quiet and I loved breathing fresh, clean air. She met with the workers and then we were off! The drive there and back into civilization was two hours total and while it was pretty, it wasn’t really worth the drive.

At this point we had been driving for six hours and I was about done with the car. But, Prachit wanted to bring us to the Golden Triangle which is where Thailand, Myanmar and Laos all meet! The IDEA of it was cool, but all you did was look to the left (Myanmar) and look across the river (Laos) and there you have it! It wasn’t worth another hour of driving! Hint: Myanmar looked like Thailand and Laos looked like Thailand. In theory it is cool to think I was looking at two different countries, but I guess it really didn’t do anything for me.

By this point ALL I wanted to do was go back! I was SO grateful that Prachit offered to take me and thought it was so nice of her, but it was too much driving and I was sore and just tired! So we started the four hour drive back.

We drove and we drove and we drove and we drove! I thought I was going to go crazy! We were somewhat close to being back (although it all seems relative) when we came to a dead stop. Prachit told us it was because the Royal Family was driving by so we all had to stop and wait. We started talking about “politics” if you will and it was so interesting. She was saying how about 70% of the people don’t like the King (he only helps the wealthy) but if you say anything bad you will go to jail. She also said (this was random) the King’s son is married to a famous Thai porn star (both are in their 50’s). She continued to say that if she is born again she hopes not in Thailand and I asked her why and she said she doesn’t like how she can’t speak her mind. It really made me appreciate the U.S. and my freedom of speech that so many people have fought (and died) to protect!

I was thankful to be back and grateful that I was able to see another part of Thailand, but think if I had to do it again I wouldn’t make it a day trip! Also, I updated all my pictures from Cambodia although the second half of pictures are the ones from my cheap camera. The quality is so funny to compare to an actual digital camera, but hey they are pictures! They are in no order so I tried to label them to help. All my videos are updated but I will be changing them in a few days so check these ones out!

Hugs and kisses from a girl who doesn’t want to see a car for a long time!

My Last New Start in Asia!

2010-01-15T08:59:00.003-05:00

It was VERY lonely last night going to sleep. While I was SO grateful mom splurged to get us a nice BIG room..it was TOO big to be alone! But I slept pretty well and was up at 10:00am to get breakfast! I finished packing, checked out and waited for my coordinator, Prachit, to pick me up at 11:30am. She was right on time (imagine that) and did make a comment about my bags by saying, “BOTH of these are yours?” She was VERY sweet and gave me a WLS t-shirt! I explained I had never gotten one before and she said she made them for her volunteers! She also gave me an apron to wear at the orphanage! So far (and granted it has only been a day) she is my favorite coordinator, because she actually cares and tries to help! She had her truck so we drove to the hostel and she was telling me how she use to put volunteers closer to the orphanage but there was NOTHING to do at night so that’s why she picked this new hostel (and I am very glad). My room wasn’t ready, so she suggested we take a drive to see Wat Doi Suthep. I wanted to tell her I was all templed out..AND I knew I had read that this temple (popular with tourists) had a ton of stairs and my legs (after the elephants) were in NO shape to walk up stairs. But, I very much appreciated the fact that she was being an actual COORDINATOR so off we went!

Wat Doi Suthep is 3,000ft above sea level and is Chiang Mai's most famous temple. The drive was VERY windy up a mountain. I read after that the road is 7.5 miles up the mountain. And then I saw the stairs! It wasn’t AS bad as I thought and the temple was just another temple, but it did have a nice view of the city. Unfortunately it was VERY hazy but it was still cool to see..especially to see how close the airport is (Mom said it took about 10 minutes from our hotel).

After the temple she suggested we stop by the orphanage so I could get paperwork to bring in on Monday. Like I said, I think this orphanage is VERY well run and the fact that I have to fill out an application makes me think so even more! The application is thorough (I need copies of my passport and visa, contact information, etc.) which I think is GREAT, but I will have to see if I really feel NEEDED there.

We left the orphanage and I asked her if we could stop somewhere so I could get some soap and add more minutes to my phone. She brought me to a Carrefour which was 10 times better than SUPER Wal-Mart’s! I am not kidding! Granted it wasn’t just a Carrefour but rather a mall! It had a lot of places to eat (KFC, Pizza Hut and McD’s) but we ate in the food court and she ordered me something Thai. It was alright, but nothing great. I had a field day in the Carrefour and wished she wasn’t waiting for me because I felt like I could spend DAYS wandering around! But I was able to get everything I needed, and granted it isn’t close to where I am staying, it is comforting to know that if need be I can go there and get whatever I need. I was also able to add money to my phone and I was SO grateful Prachit was kind enough to help me with my “errands”. I wanted to be like, “WHERE WERE YOU THE PAST THREE MONTHS?” I was going to be fine with having a coordinator who did nothing since I already knew where I would be staying, where I would be volunteering and the area, but it is great she is actually helping me!

As we were driving back to the hostel Prachit asked if I had anything going on tomorrow. I didn’t know HOW to answer..”it depends” didn’t seem appropriate, so I told her I didn’t think I did. She told me she had to drive Stephen (the volunteer who is leaving tomorrow..I haven’t met him) to the airport and was then going to Chiang Ria for the day and asked if I wanted to join her. It is a 3 hour drive each way and I have NO clue why she is going (something about coffee I think..) but I said I would love to join her. I figured I will probably never make it to Chiang Ria and I will have a free guide, so granted I am not really excited about it (especially the 6 hours of driving) I think I will be glad I did it!

We left and came back to the hostel so I could check in. It is probably the nicest hostel I have stayed in. I am on the 4th floor but it has an ELEVATOR! Crazy! My PLAN is to ALWAYS walk down and once my legs aren’t sore anymore I will TRY and walk up and not use the elevator. We shall see!

Prachit asked about laundry and they said they could do it for 40 baht/kilo but the place down the street can do it for 30 baht/kilo so I will be going there! The hostel also has wireless (woo hoo) but it is a bit weak (since I am on the 4th floor) so if need be I can always go to the lobby.

In my room (414) I have a big bed, a closet and a stand with a TV! The bathroom is also nice and I have a bathtub which is good, but the shower head is SO low I feel like I am going to have a hard time! But the room is fine (minus the iron imprints someone left on the floor)!

I headed out to drop off my laundry (which will be ready tomorrow afternoon) and then thought I would head to Starbucks with my laptop! I was a bit hungry (since I didn’t really like lunch) so thought I would get a cool drink and do some blogging. I saw they had a wifi sign so I ordered my drink and asked for the password which is when she told me it cost money! Ridiculous! So I drank it on the way back to the hostel!

I spent some time catching up on my interneting (I have fallen very far behind) and then headed out to grab some dinner. I was lazy and went back to Duke’s Steakhouse and got the exact same meal. I didn’t even DO much today, but I just wanted to go somewhere and get something I knew I would like. It’s about a 5-10 minute walk to the hotel we stayed at and the main strip which I LOVE! I could NOT have been more lucky (when mom booked the hotel she didn’t know where I would be staying) since I already know and feel comfortable with the area. Regardless I am happy the hostel is in a good location (lots of shopping, places to eat, etc).

I am going to have to figure out the safest way to walk back, although Prachit said it was all very safe (but probably not by myself at 2:00am so I will have to refrain from all my late night partying..boo!)

When I got back I had a LOT of unpacking to do, but I enjoy taking my time to get organized. Whenever my friends have seen my room they always say, “Wow it is so homey!” So now, I am off to make my new room a little bit MORE homey!

Hugs and kisses from the beginning of the end!

Girl’s Day!

2010-01-15T08:51:00.003-05:00

Oh sleeping in! I feel like for the past two weeks I either get to sleep in or am up before the sun! There seems to be no in between! Anyway last night we watched the videos from the elephants and we laughed so hard our tummies hurt. I can’t wait to post them!

We set our alarm for 10:00am so we wouldn’t miss breakfast..AND we all brought baggies today so we could have some snacks for later. We had decided we wanted to have a girl’s day and go to the spa to get pampered. The trouble was finding a place that wasn’t so expensive, but was clean! We found one and yesterday Lorna called to make us reservations.

Our taxi arrived, but the bellman at the hotel was trying to explain to us our spa was closed but the taxi would bring us to another one. It sounded VERY sketchy but this is when I was SO thankful we were staying at a NICE hotel that wouldn’t scam us. I think he said it was just a different BRANCH of the spa, so off we went!

We arrived at the spa (a completely different name) but maybe they worked with the other spa? And I still don’t understand why the first spa just didn’t tell us they would be closed..but ANYWAY it looked very nice and we were the only ones there. We were brought to a main room so mom and Lorna could get foot massages and I could get a manicure and pedicure! After my pedicure, mom and Lorna were done so they left to go get full body massages and I got my manicure! Then, I went to get a full body massage and I honestly don’t think I have EVER had one as good as this. I was SO sore from the elephants and it felt so nice to get pampered! I was only done about 5 minutes before Lorna and mom (they also got a facial) and we all felt GREAT afterward (we could get use to this sort of thing). We had passed the Chocolate Fact (well another branch) which is the dessert place mom and I had tried to go to the other night. But, we didn’t really see anything we liked, so we decided to get a tuk-tuk to the other side of the river to go to Love at First Bite.

I showed him on the map where we wanted to go but we all knew he had no clue. Thankfully, God gave me a sense of direction and I knew after one turn we weren’t going to end up where we wanted. He brought us to the boat pier of the river and I explained we needed to cross the river. My guess is he understood me say river (I told him we wanted to go to the other side of the river) and just brought us there instead! But, with a little help he managed to get us there!

Love at First Bite was very beautiful and had a nice little outside seating area. Our dessert was our lunch and it was VERY good! Since we weren’t too far away from our hotel we were able to walk back which was nice. Mom and Lorna finished up their packing and I attempted to catch up on blogs!

We decided we needed to go somewhere close for dinner since mom and Lorna needed to catch the shuttle to the airport at 6:45pm. We looked at the hotel menu but it was a bit too fancy so we opted for Pizza Hut instead! I know, I know, but hey it was the closest thing beside the Sports Bar which we had already gone to TWICE! It was delicious but I will admit I might be taking a little hiatus from Pizza Hut for a while (ok ok probably just a few days).

After getting back to the hotel, mom and Lorna headed downstairs to get their shuttle. The doorman seemed VERY confused by the fact that they needed a ride to the airport but we weren’t checking out until tomorrow. Mom had decided to keep the room for another night so we could have the room for the FULL day (so they didn’t have to pack up and be homeless for the day) and so I could spend the night there before moving to my hostel!

We had TRIPLE checked with the concierge to make sure they understood the situation (because they SEEMED confused..and granted it probably wasn’t normal to take an airport shuttle the DAY before you check out) but they obviously still didn’t understand because at 6:50pm there wasn’t a car for mom and Lorna. However, a bellman came over (about the third one) to ask about the situation and next thing I knew he was loading up their bags into a car and then he hopped in the front seat to drive them to the airport! It was kind of funny..but it was nice that at least they made the situation better!

I was actually VERY sad to see them go and I say actually because I knew I would be sad, I just didn’t realize HOW sad! Granted I have been having an AMAZING time, but I will be ready to go home. It is very tiring traveling alone in Asia. I realized that even if we weren’t doing anything or even if I wasn’t talking to my mom or Lorna, I loved HAVING them there!

Surprisingly, I really don’t like traveling alone. I thought I would because I love BEING alone (no I am not a loser..) I like being alone when I am home, I liked being alone when I was at Stonehill and I like being alone here. I remember in Vietnam I looked forward to the nights when I could spend time reflecting through blogging etc. Being introverted, I need my “me” time to rejuvenate. But, even though I enjoy my alone time, I’ve found that I would much rather TRAVEL with other people. Lorna asked how I could eat meals by myself every day, and it’s not that part I mind, but rather sharing the experiences with someone. I am able to share my experiences through blogging, but while mom and Lorna were here I loved talking about our days at dinner and saying, “wasn’t that so fun!”

I am not complaining at all, I just surprised myself by the fact that I love to travel, but I love it even more when I can share my experiences with others!

Also..I updated my pictures and videos! I have pictures from my first week in Siem Reap (more to come) and some new videos as well!

Hugs and kisses from a wonderful two with my two favorite girls!

Elephant Keeper for a Day!!

2010-01-14T10:57:00.002-05:00

Oh I was looking forward to breakfast this morning! And it was delicious! We left a little extra time so we could relax before we got picked up at 7:45am to be an elephant keeper for a day!

Ben was our driver and there were two girls from France (one who didn’t speak English) already in the van. We then stopped to pick up someone else and were stopped on the side of the road for literally 20 minutes while Ben was picking up someone. FINALLY this Australian guy showed up. We had no idea what took him so long but they we were off!

It took about 45 minutes to get to the elephant farm and we met up with another couple from England. Ben took some time to explain a little bit about what we were doing during the day although his English was very hard to understand.

We then started walking through the fields to go find our elephants and the scenery was so beautiful! We stopped at a little hut to put on sunscreen, bug spray, etc and we also put on these shirts (the same ones that trainers wore so the elephants would be ok with us) and walked over to meet our elephants. Ben picked me first and matched me up with the only male elephant since apparently he only likes working with females (smart elephant)! However, he didn’t seem very responsive to me, so we waited and Ben showed mom and Lorna to their elephants! Finally, I went back to mine and once he saw the food he was ok with me. It was hard to feed him though because he had massive tusks and he was just whipping them around with no regard to my head!

After we fed them we had to check and make sure they were healthy! First, we had to make sure they were happy. If they were happy, they would be swinging their tails and moving their ears! Next, we had to make sure they had slept by checking their sleeping marks. They sleep on their side for about 30 minutes and then stand up for 10 minutes and sleep again on the other side for about 30 minutes. They only sleep for 4 hours a night! After that, we had to make sure they were getting enough exercise by looking to see if they were sweating under their nails. Last, but NOT least, we had to check their poop! They made us squeeze it (no gloves, I thought that was gross) to make sure they were drinking enough and we had to make sure it didn’t smell foul or have a funny shape or anything.

Thankfully we moved on to cleaning the elephants. The first step was to hit them with a bouquet of leaves (that’s really what it was) to get all the dirt off. The top of their bodies was the hardest since they cover themselves in dirt as sunscreen/fly protection. The dirt would fly all over us and still seemed to stay on the elephant. It was actually really hard work and my arms were SO sore at the end! At that point we were only half way done cleaning our elephant. We then brought them into the river to really wash them! We had buckets and we would throw water on them and then take a brush to really wash them. Ben told us how it was like a massage for them, so I tried to do the best for my elephant since I love massages so much! But this was even HARDER work! We all laughed because sometimes we would throw the water and it wouldn’t even hit the elephant and I think our elephant guides kept yelling at us because we weren’t very good at washing them! Oh well we tried!

We had a small break so our elephant could eat and we could have a snack since our next step was riding our elephant! Lorna went first and the elephant put out its foot so we could kind of step on and then we would hoist ourselves up and over (with the help of the trainers on either side). Mom, I hate to do this to you, but I have HAVE to tell your story! I know she was really nervous about getting on the elephant and LUCKILY we have a video to really show exactly what happened (blackmail..hey Mom I really could use some more money..haha). The first time she tried her pants were tied too tight at the bottom so she fixed that. Then, the elephant lifted its leg too fast so she kind of stepped down. At that point I think Ben stepped in to try and help. The next time she tried, the elephant moved too fast and she kind of fell backwards. It FINALLY worked (sort of) but as she had gotten herself up the elephant dropped its leg and she started sliding down the side of the elephant! We were DYING laughing! She finally did make it up and I was very proud of her!

We took about a 45 minute hike to the waterfall. It was awesome to ride an elephant bareback, but it REALLY worked our legs. We sat right behind its ears and sort of had to squeeze our thighs together to hold on. There was a rope behind us, but it was a bit hard/awkward to hold on to while riding the elephant.

When we got to the waterfall the elephants went for a swim and we got to join them. It was a blast (but kind of scary). The elephants were just hanging out and didn’t seem to mind if we were hanging on them, but they would just roll around and a few times I thought I might get stuck under them and drown! There is another video (sorry mom I can’t help it) of us on an elephant and the thing just throwing us off (I think mom got thrown under water)! We had a lot of fun though!

We then had a picnic lunch in a little bamboo hut overlooking the river (it felt VERY Thai). The food was just ok (it was all common Thai food and then fried chicken) but they also had dragon fruit which is my favorite!

We left lunch and the waterfall and took a trek back through the woods and our elephants amazed us all! The path was SO skinny and steep and the elephants were so surefooted we were astonished! It was really a beautiful hike!

We stopped so our elephants could eat and we learned a little bit more about the history of the elephants in Thailand and about the elephants at this camp. We then got on our elephants again for the LAST ride of the day and got to ride them with our legs hanging over the front of their face! Mom and Lorna chickened out and went back to the other way (I don’t blame them as it was sort of scary) but I tried it out. It felt like there was no support; you were kind of just hanging out on an elephant and hoping he wouldn’t throw you off!

We said goodbye to our elephants and headed back to Chiang Mai. It was only suppose to be a 30 minute drive, but turned into something much longer. First of all, we came back during rush hour and granted Chiang Mai isn’t a HUGE city there was still a lot of people out and about. Second of all (I still have NO clue WHY they do this) but when Ben dropped people off THAT’S when they paid! So people would be rummaging through their backpack (while everyone else was waiting in the car) and then they would need change, etc. so long story short it took us about an hour and a half to get home. I know I was a little grumpy as I was tired, hungry and in need of a shower!

After we had showered off elephant it was about 7:00pm. We were starving and too tired to go anywhere in a taxi. So we headed back to the Sports Bar! It was walkable, we knew they had decent food AND we liked the atmosphere!

After dinner we walked down the street a bit and I got an ice cream and then we all came back so my mom and Lorna could pack (noooo don’t leave me!) and so we could all crash!

Hugs and kisses from our elephants!

Zip line baby!

2010-01-14T10:56:00.000-05:00

Even though we had to wake up early today..we had a good reason! We were up at 5:45am to get ready for zip lining through the Thailand rain forest! We missed breakfast (it started at 6:30am) BUT I thought ahead and brought a plastic baggie with us downstairs hoping the buffet had set up early. And it had! Woo hoo! So (like the old woman I am) I stuffed some muffins and pastries in my plastic baggie and we were off!

We were in a big van and met the 6 other people who would be in our group. There was a man from Germany, a man from Sweden, a couple from Denmark and a couple from New Zealand. It took about an hour to get to the starting point and the ride was SO bumpy and windy! Luckily, I had taken some Bonine because otherwise I probably would have been very carsick.

We arrived at the Flight of the Gibbon to sign our life away and get harnessed in. We took a short 5 minute drive to the start of the zip line and we were off! It was so fun and there were 15 platforms in all. One by one we would do the zip line and then get unharnessed, harnessed to the tree and then unharnessed and back on the zip line! Luckily they did all the hard work for us! We had a LOT of fun and took a lot of pictures! It wasn’t as physically challenging as we though (you really only had to sit there and they would guide you) but it was a blast!

After the final ride we went back to the main place to pick up our backpacks and then headed to an area to see a waterfall. We had no idea what to expect, but nobody warned us that it was going to be SO physical! There were carved out stairs, but MAN it was a hike! Our legs were all shaking by the time we were done! Lorna fell once (it was SO slippery) but sadly I was in front of her and wasn’t able to witness it! It was very beautiful but I don’t think it was worth the hike!

We left the waterfall for the short drive back to the main area for lunch! It was almost like a Thai village neighborhood and I am not sure which huts the zip line place owned verses where people lived! Lunch was actually pretty good. We had rice, potatoes, chicken in a spicy broth (Lorna thought it was TOO spicy) and non spicy chicken and veggies. We ALSO had fruit for dessert. Overall, I was very impressed!

Since we had signed up for the early morning trip we got back around 2:00pm which was VERY nice! I think we all enjoyed the fact that we did zip lining in the morning (before it got too hot) and that we would still have the afternoon free!

We all came back and took well needed showers AND naps since we were exhausted! It was one of those “we could have kept sleeping all through the night” naps, but we did wake up and head out! Lorna wasn’t feeling well (she had a headache) so mom and I had a date and went a delicious Italian place for dinner. It had a really cute courtyard and was very good. We then walked to a place called Chocolate Fact for dessert only to find out it was closed! The hotel concierge LIED to us about the hours! Oh well, we just treated ourselves at Häagen-Dazs instead!

Hugs and kisses from the zip lining girls!

Inmates and Scamming Taxi Drivers!

2010-01-13T10:54:00.000-05:00

We were able to sleep in today! Wahoo! Well, we did have to set an alarm since we didn’t want to miss breakfast! We were up around 10:00am and went downstairs for the breakfast (we have missed having breakfast included). We were impressed (they had a lot of options) but they did not have any pancakes, waffles or French toast! I think they made up for it with their banana chocolate chip muffins!

After a well needed breakfast we came upstairs to “rest” seeing as we had already had a rough day! After showering and getting ready we headed out to find my hostel! Luckily, our hotel is within walking distance! It looks very cute and seems like it will be one of the better ones! We looked in one of the rooms which had an ensuite bathroom and closet so I hope I get one of those! I also think I found the closest place to do laundry (I HATE finding a place to do laundry) and a mini mart so I feel much more comfortable already! We then headed to The Dukes for lunch and it was excellent! Mom sorta found this place (with the help of the concierge) so we think she redeemed herself from the AWFUL hole in the wall place.

We came back from The Dukes to see if we could get a taxi to the orphanage where I will spend my time volunteering! The concierge said the taxi was 250 baht for one hour and it would take about 20 minutes (one way) to the orphanage so we got the taxi at about 2:00pm and off we went! When we arrived at the orphanage it seemed like it was about 5 or 6 different buildings (almost like a campus). We stopped at the “office” and I tried to explain that I was going to be volunteering next week and I wanted to show my mom and Lorna the place. I don’t think the woman completely understood (although she did speak English) because she started explaining the application process, but nonetheless we asked for a tour!

The orphanage was probably the best I have seen. I think I will really enjoy volunteering there, although part of me wishes I had been put somewhere in more need (in terms of physical help and financial help). All the kids had clothes, toys AND shoes (which is HUGE) but I will see how next week goes! It was GREAT to be able to share it with mom and Lorna so now they can picture where I am!

Next stop was the women’s prison! I had read in my guidebook that you could get a massage at the women’s prison! Strange I know! The inmates that are due to be released within 6 months learn skills (massage, sewing, crafts, etc) so that when they are released they can find meaningful work. The profit they make off the massage goes to the women who gave the massage so she will have money to start a life after her release. I think the program is very interesting and there is also a massage shop that hires the woman after they have been released.

Anyway, we arrived at the prison at about 3:15pm and told the taxi driver we were all set for the day and we would find a different way home (there was no point in her waiting an hour for us). However, she seemed VERY confused and explained that we had booked her for a minimum of 3 hours. I explained (I sat in the front) that the hotel told us 250 baht for one hour (they said NOTHING about a minimum) and we had used her for a little more so we would give her extra if she told us how much. Then she started talking about how since we went 20 minutes outside of the city (to the orphanage) it was extra and we owed her 500 baht. NONE of this was making sense and I again told her what the hotel told us so I thought she said she was calling them. But I think she ended up calling her boss, so I started calling the hotel. I explained the situation and they spoke with her. By then it was about 3:30pm so I told mom we should give her an hour and a half’s pay and not waste any more time. When she got off the phone with our hotel she said she was confused and didn’t understand why the hotel would tell us that. I said I didn’t understand either but gave her the money for the hour and a half (20 minutes of which was spent sitting in her car!), thanked her and left! I do feel bad if what she is saying IS true and the hotel messed up (although two different people told us 250 baht and NOTHING about a minimum) but I figured if she felt the need she could sort it out with the hotel since we paid her what we were told.

Enough of that! Anyway we entered the massage place and the receptionist was VERY rude and told us we would wait about 20 minutes for a foot massage (NONE of us like Thai massages!) We waited and then the three of us sat down in the massage room. Mom and I went first because Lorna’s masseuse was finishing up a Thai massage, but soon into the massage Lorna said the smell of the oil they used (it was like Vic’s vapor rub) was giving her a headache (I didn’t blame her!) so she was going to go for a walk.

The massage was pretty good, although I find the “leg” rub painful and it reminds me of the physical therapy I use to get on my shin splints! Not ok! But overall it was pretty good AND the inmates didn’t murder any of us (ok ok, not funny).

We left and took a tuk-tuk back to our hotel for a quick rest! We checked out the free food we get since my mom is the BEST and booked us a room on the club level floor! Although, we aren’t THAT impressed with the food (it’s some weird stuff) but we always enjoy checking it out!

Our plan was to do some shopping, eat around the hotel and do some more shopping. BUT we showed up at the night market and it wasn’t really open yet. It was like a ghost town! So instead we stopped at a restaurant right by our hotel (I think it was called The Sports Bar) which was excellent and had a great view of the night market below.

We left dinner and started shopping! We were actually VERY successful! I can’t tell you what I got (Stephen McGunnigal Valentine’s Day..) but we were all very successful and I thought mom and Lorna did an EXCELLENT job bargaining!

The most fun we had bargaining was a purse that Lorna wanted that was VERY overpriced and mom and I double teamed the man and got it (probably still overpriced but Lorna is happy!)

The BEST snag of the night were these HOT sweatpant type things we got for zip lining and elephant riding. Both activities recommend we wear pants, but the only pants we brought are heavy jeans (and that isn’t going to work). So the three of us have matching pants and I can’t wait to post pictures!

We ended our night with the pants (because obviously we could NOT top that) and came back to the hotel to pack for zip lining tomorrow! Woo hoo!

Hugs and kisses from Chiang Mai inmates and scamming taxi drivers.

Hello Home For The Next Month!

2010-01-11T10:39:00.001-05:00

We were up pretty early (7:00am) but hey we have had a lot worse! We checked out and said goodbye to Phuket. This driver took a MUCH better road and I did not feel carsick at all which was great!

There was a HUGE line to get into the airport. Before even entering the check in area you had to scan your bags and go through a metal detector and there were two lines for the entire airport. Luckily we made it through with no problems and checked in. This time we were only THREE kilos over..woo hoo! Getting lighter by the day!

The airport was very old and confusing because there were TWO flights at the same gate. Luckily we got on the bus to take us to the airplane going to Chiang Mai and not Bangkok, but I have no idea why they double booked a gate! The flight was fine and we were picked up by the hotel when we landed in Chiang Mai.

The hotel is VERY modern but it’s really VERY nice. We were all STARVING and there is a Pizza Hut literally right next store (I LOVE it) so we stopped there for lunch!

We came back because we were ALL exhausted and Lorna and I took a WELL needed nap! My mom could NOT fall asleep but I did hear her take a shower so I was happy about that! She woke us up at 5:30pm and Lorna and I couldn’t believe we had slept that long!

We headed out to the Sunday Night Market and stopped for dinner on the way. We weren’t in a very busy area so we stopped at one of the first restaurants we saw. We also had a map that said this restaurant had western food (a plus!). However, we were ALL disappointed! The highlight was that a transvestite waited on us. We all got breakfast (pancakes and French toast) and it was really just gross. We vow (from now on) to RESEARCH before we leave for dinner.

We ended up at the Sunday night market and it was PACKED. There were so many people that you could barely move. We couldn’t even wake at our own pace but rather just moving as the crowd moved. We didn’t really see anything we liked and I don’t think we enjoyed the crowds so we decided to head back to the hotel!

Hugs and kisses from my home for the next month!

Poolside

2010-01-10T10:05:00.002-05:00

I don’t think I woke up until 11:00am and it was a BEAUTIFUL THING! I honestly don’t think I have slept in that late in three months and if you know me you KNOW I love sleeping in!

We all had some breakfast and spent the day poolside (as every day should be). It was VERY hot in the sun so I think I dipped in the pool about every 5 minutes! Lorna had brought me over the latest magazines so it was GREAT to catch up on everything I was missing in the U.S!

We were all relaxing by the pool when all of a sudden these two couples get in a HUGE argument (I think they had British accents). One couple was mad at the other for taking their pool chairs (they were all vacationing together) but I think one couple had upgraded to our wing and the other couple was at the regular hotel (and they aren’t suppose to use our pool) and it was SO awkward to witness! It made me really appreciate my friends and how they wouldn’t start yelling at me because I stole their pool chair! Mom saw them later on all hanging out so luckily they moved on but it was really sad.

Lorna and I also tried the swim up bar and got banana smoothies but I did not enjoy it! Well the smoothie was ok (I wanted strawberry but they didn’t have any) but the bar stools were very uncomfortable (not soft at all) and too far away from the bar! I had always wanted to stay in a place with a swim up bar but I was not that impressed!

As it became late afternoon Lorna and I went to do some laundry and our quarters worked again! Wahoo! Luckily between the three of us we had enough quarters to do the three loads we needed to!

We all showered and debated about whether or not to go to sunset, but decided against it! We would have to get a cab and it was a bit of a drive to the place everyone recommended (about 45 minutes) and we were looking forward to a relaxing night. We decided we would go to the Hard Rock Café (I think it is my mom’s new mission to go to a Hard Rock café everywhere we go!) It was nice to have a good meal! We left to head to the mall area to walk around for a bit and ended up at Swenson’s for an ice cream. The last time we had gone to Swenson’s (our first night in Bangkok) Lorna had been half asleep so this time was much better!

We then came back to the hotel so I could get ready for my hot skype date with Steve! Mom and Lorna got to wave to him which was nice! We finished packing so we can go to Chiang Mai tomorrow! Woo hoo!

Hugs and kisses from our last day in Phuket!

Scuba Fun!

2010-01-10T09:55:00.000-05:00

I was actually very nervous when I woke up this morning! I think my nervousness had to do more with the unexpected. While I had been diving before, I had never been on a diving “trip” and really had no idea what it would be like!

I was up around 6:30am and got myself ready while my two lazy guests got to keep sleeping! I was picked up around 7:30ish by the diving van filled with other divers. We made two more stops before driving to the pier. I was VERY tired so fell in and out of sleep but I think the pier was about 30-45 minutes away!

When we arrived at the pier we got on this little bus thing that took us to the end of the pier (which was quite long) and then got on our boat! The first floor of the boat had two bathrooms, a room that was the “dry” room (it was closed off) and the scuba diving part (where we would get ready and jump). The top floor had a place for us to sit and a little area that served food.

When we got there we all sat up top and met who we would be diving with! I was diving with Eric (very cute..but don’t worry Steve he was married) from Sweden! I told him how I was very nervous and he reassured me it would be fine! We went over the first dive site and hand signals etc. and then I had the rest of the 2.5 hour boat ride to relax. They did serve breakfast although it wasn’t too much so I was glad I had brought a lot of snacks!

I think I fell asleep for a bit because Eric asked if I had a nice sleep and said I should start getting ready. It was SO nice to have someone do ALL the work for me (I really am such a princess!) I knew scuba diving would be like skiing (SO much work but so worth it when you are doing it) but he had prepared everything. I remember when I was getting certified I hated figure out the dive beforehand (how deep we could go, how long we could stay down there, etc.) AND carrying all the equipment (weight belts and tanks were the WORST!)

I got on my wetsuit which was SO nice compared to the full length ones (with booties and a head covering) I had to use at home! This one just kept my core warm! Next thing I knew I was jumping in the water! I had never done the “stride walk” off the boat but I managed to end up in the water in one piece so I consider it successful!

I was VERY nervous about breathing with the regulator since I struggled with that the MOST in scuba class. When I was in scuba class we were in 4 feet of water practicing breathing with the regular and I would always stand up coughing because it was such a weird feeling. I think the best scuba divers are the ones who DON’T swim because it doesn’t feel so foreign. Luckily after a few breaths I felt comfortable, but what I did struggle with was equalizing my ears. My mom is a scuba dropout because she could never clear her ears (how embarrassing!) We started our descent but I had to tell him right away I was experiencing A LOT of pain (luckily I remember the signal) so we came up a bit to start it again. Now I know I really need to take my descent slow and stop a lot to equalize my ears.

The dive was awesome and I loved it! I expected the water to be a lot clearer but since Phuket had so much rain yesterday they did say it affected the visibility. I also was talking to other divers who said Australia has VERY clear water but not a lot of marine life while Thailand has GREAT marine life but not the clearest water! It was still amazing and so cool to see all the fish! My favorite part was seeing the “Nemo” fish. They looked JUST like the ones in finding Nemo and lived in the same type of plant as the movie.

After the first dive we had a little bit of time to rest and eat some fresh fruit before the second dive. It was very similar to the first but I was definitely feeling more comfortable diving.

We then had a bit of a break as we headed back to Phuket for a third and final dive. We had time for lunch and a rest. I thought lunch was pretty good and reminded me of the food I had in China. But, I made the mistake of eating something WAY too hot. I had to run downstairs with my mouth on fire and eyes burning and stuff a granola bar in my mouth. OUCH it hurt!

It was nice to talk to Eric about life and the world and cultural differences. I have met amazing people and I really enjoy learning about the world. He was telling me how the first baseball hat he owned (in Sweden) was the Boston Bruins which made me laugh!

I explained to him the rivalry between the Sox and Yankees, how diving in Boston is AWFUL and things like that. I also had some time to meet other people on the boat. There was a family from Denmark, a couple from Australia, a couple from Arizona and a father and son from Australia. It was a nice small group so we had plenty of room!

I would have been happy with two dives but I did enjoy the third dive because I was becoming much more comfortable! The third dive was different in that it was a wall dive so we swam next to everything rather than over it. Throughout our dives we saw a lot of fish, sea snakes and a shark (harmless) which was awesome!

The only time I was scared was on this wall dive. It seemed like we were swimming up to the “end of the world” which ended up being a cave, but it was PITCH black and I couldn’t find Eric (he ended up being right above me but in my blind spot). Other than that I felt very comfortable and I was SO happy I had a private guide. It was nice to be able to take my time descending (I still had trouble equalizing but was able to take my time) AND take my time diving! Unfortunately, I have picked up another expensive hobby! I am already wanting to research the next place I might want to dive!

I was exhausted when we were finished! We got off the boat and took the little bus back to our diving bus and then back to the hotel. I took a WELL needed shower and then we headed out to dinner. I had told mom and Lorna I didn’t care WHERE we ate..I just didn’t want to be responsible for getting us there. And where did they take me? PIZZA HUT! Aren’t they the best? I have now been to a Pizza Hut in China, Vietnam and Thailand. Quite an accomplishment if you ask me! It was delicious!

We then decided we were going to stay up late to check out the party scene. I had been talking to my new scuba friends who said how they heard Bangla Road (the road with all the bars) didn’t start happening until at least 12:00am. So needless to say we had a lot of time to kill! We walked around the big mall complex and ended up at the little market area downstairs. Lorna and mom got foot massages and I got a pedicure!

Afterward we came back to the hotel and my initial plan was to blog but I ended up falling asleep! I was SO exhausted and sore from diving! I felt silly taking a “nap” from 11:00pm-12:00am but hey I couldn’t help it!

We left our hotel around 12:15am and walked about 10 minutes to Bangla Road. Everywhere was happening and it seemed like the whole island was hanging out here! We walked through the bars and there were a lot of girls dancing on them, but I wasn’t ALL that impressed. I was hoping to show them what I saw in Siem Reap but we didn’t really see any of that!

I thought our people watching was a bust and I was bummed because I had missed out on some good SLEEPING! Oh well it was worth a shot!

Hugs and kisses from a scuba diving Julie!

Rain Rain Go Away!

2010-01-09T06:14:00.001-05:00

Oh sleeping in..how I have missed you! I woke up to some chatter about how it was RAINING OUT! What a bummer! And it was POURING! I think this is really my FIRST rainy day on this trip..imagine THAT!

We had a slow morning which I think we ALL enjoyed and ate breakfast and just hung out. Both mom and I went to the fitness center but they only had a couple of machines so I did the treadmill and just did a speed walk thing. It was hard to judge how much I actually did since all the measurements were different!

After showering and getting ready we headed BACK to Mo Mo Café (the restaurant in the Marriot) for lunch. Well, Lorna and I were craving breakfast and their menu online said breakfast all day so we went back! Nothing like having a “go to” restaurant. Sadly though, they were out of both waffles and pancakes, but I got eggs which were just as good!

We came back to the hotel to relax. It had stopped raining but it was still cloudy. Lorna spent some time out by the pool but it wasn’t really sunny so mom and I stayed inside and I caught up on blogs (woohoo!) I think I ended up falling asleep because I remember Lorna and mom saying they were going to the mini mart (right at the hotel). When they came back they said they had snacks but I had to close my eyes. I WILL have everyone know I went 2 for 2 and guessed right (Oreos and Pepperidge Farm Nantucket’s). Aren’t you so proud of me Dad?

We then headed out for the evening and the first stop was booking me a scuba dive! In 2007 Scott and I got our PADI certification for scuba diving. No, we did NOT get certified so we could dive in FREEZING New England water with zero visibility (which we had to do four times to get our license) We got our license so we could dive in TROPICAL water! So I knew I wanted to dive but was SO nervous (Scott I missed you..although if I remember correctly you could never figure out how to share your oxygen with me if I needed some..). I did NOT feel confident at ALL in my diving abilities since it had been so long.

I know how Thailand has amazing diving (but none in the north where I will be volunteering) so I decided I wanted to dive here in Phuket! I researched and researched (since there are a MILLION options) and had been back and forth with a couple of companies. I finally decided on one because they go to the Phi Phi Islands on Friday and that’s where I wanted to dive. My mom kept asking if I REALLY wanted to do this..and I DO! But I am VERY nervous. I haven’t been diving in years and while I HOPE it’s just like riding a bike I am nervous I will forget what to do.

I also don’t LOVE the idea of diving alone..well not alone but not with a “friend”. But I showed up at the shop and explained I would love to dive but was nervous because I had only done four dives TWO years ago. Luckily the guy was VERY helpful (and kinda cute..sorry Steve but a little eye candy never hurts!!!) He explained that I could have a dive master JUST for me (for a little extra of course) but I LOVED that idea..as did my mom since it would make her more comfortable.

I realized this would DEFINITELY be worth the extra money. That way I could have someone always with me and wouldn’t feel pressure to do ANYTHING. I could dive at the pace I wanted and I would have someone that was only responsible for me if something went wrong. I am still a little nervous for tomorrow but feel MUCH more comfortable!

We then walked to dinner at a steakhouse down a street we had never been on but was VERY cute! Our meals were all very good and I am getting used to nice meals now so I will be very disappointed with my guests leave and I am back to the “backpackers” restaurants!

After dinner we came back to the hotel for a quick rest before heading out to the transvestite show! I had read (in guidebooks and trip advisor) that it was a MUST SEE show while in Phuket. It was a bit of a walk and a VERY interesting show! There were both “lady boys” and men and the costumes were beautiful and very ornate! They mostly did lip syncs and dancing and I wouldn’t say it is a MUST SEE but it was definitely entertaining!

Hugs and kisses from a rainy Phuket!

Hello Phuket!

2010-01-09T06:13:00.000-05:00

I think this was the earliest morning YET! 5:00am baby! We were pretty much packed the night before so we really only had to get our stuff together and head out! The taxi only took 30 minutes (someone told us it could take an hour and a half) so we were NICE and early to the airport. Although now, after my experience getting to the airport in Hanoi, it is NEVER too early to arrive at the airport. We checked our bags (yes, I had to pay a bit more) and then we struggled trying to find the entrance to the terminals. We found the international entrance but knew we didn’t want that, so the woman directed us further down. I walked right in, but all of a sudden Lorna was calling my name. The woman told her this was another international entrance and we couldn’t enter. The domestic departures were on the OTHER side! Sheesh! We did finally make it though and check in was fine!

We ended up each having our own row on the plane which was well needed after only a couple hours of sleep! It was VERY bumpy so I don’t think any of us fell asleep but it was nice to rest.

We were picked up at the airport by the shuttle bus from the hotel and we were off. The island looks like any of the island you see in the Caribbean (very poor until you get to the resort area). We were on a main road for a while and then he took the BACK ROADS! This guy was flooring it, slamming on the breaks, whipping around corners..it was crazy! Our backpacks were literally sliding around the floor. He was passing on yellow lines and around corners like it was no big deal! I tend to get carsick and I was NOT feeling well. The ride to the hotel was about an hour and when we arrived ALL I wanted to do was lay down!

Even though we were a bit early our room was ready! It is very beautiful and has a very nice view of the pool. Lorna especially likes the shower head (it’s huge and square and makes it seem like it’s raining on you).

We decided to spend some time exploring the hotel and made our way to the other side of the resort to get some lunch. The place looked like it was closed (we were literally the only ones) but they said it was open and we sat down for a great lunch!

We then went off property to walk around the area and got hassled by tuk-tuks and everyone selling everything you can imagine. EVERYONE kept thinking we were from Australia although we have noticed most of the tourists have an Australian accent.

I then NEEDED to do laundry (I literally had no clothes left) and had read the hotel had self serve laundry (in addition to the VERY expensive laundry they will do for you). We are staying in a newer wing of the hotel (it has the BEST pool) but it is a bit of a walk to the main building. It was an even FURTHER walk to the upstairs laundry area. We had to buy these special coins to put in the machine (it was a bit expensive) and then we started the wash and left.

I had read in the “welcome packet” that they had free head, neck and shoulder massages at the spa today at 2:30pm. It said you needed to register a day in advance but I called anyway to say we were interested. They told me that nobody had signed up so it was cancelled, but they would see what they could do. The man called me back and said the three of us could do it! We showed up at the spa for a VERY quick (but FREE) massage and it felt wonderful! We spent a little bit of time lying by the pool since it wasn’t as hot in the afternoon.

My mom and I then went to change the laundry from the washer to the dryer, but this time we were on a mission. We had spent a little over $3 for one of the special coins you had to put in the machine. But, we had read the machine and saw it was like the ones you find in the U.S. and just had a sign that said 25 cents on it. SO my mom (being the smart woman she is) thought we should bring quarters and see if they worked. AND THEY DID! We tricked the system! So instead of paying over $6 for laundry we paid 50 cents! I have turned into a rebel on this trip..stealing wireless and paying less for laundry! And now you know I get it from my mom! Anyway we were so excited that it worked and now we know we can do laundry and it won’t be THAT expensive!

We all came back to shower and get ready. I went first and while the shower was cold I didn’t have any problems. LORNA on the other hand caused it to clog! My goodness! So we had to call the front desk to get them to come and unclog the shower!

We decided to try the steakhouse in the hotel for dinner but since we didn’t have reservations we couldn’t go! Who knew it would be so busy? We decided we would just start walking off property and see what we found! Across the street was a Marriot with a restaurant so we went there! It was DELICIOUS! Honestly, the best meal I have had since I have been here! I got a steak with mashed potatoes and vegetables and it NEVER tasted so good! I realized I haven’t had a GOOD piece of meat in about 3 months (and I am a steak kind of girl!)

We left and spent some time walking around, specifically to a market across the street. It was the kind of market I was hoping we could go to, but since Phuket is SO touristy we spent time looking rather than buying.

Our plan was to go down to the “main road” that has the bars, transvestites, you know! On our way though we saw a Hagan Dais and HAD to stop! The ice creams we got were DELICIOUS as they should have been for about $10 each! Oh well we are on vacation right?

We then found our way to this street and MAN was it happening. It looked like spring break central with more bars than you could imagine. We also saw a lot of transvestites walking around and girls pole dancing etc. We are hoping to go back a bit later tomorrow night to REALLY see the action.

It was only about a 10 minute walk from our hotel but EVERYONE was out so it took us a bit longer to get back as the sidewalks were packed. We did enjoy more people watching as that it always fun!

Hugs and kisses from Phuket!

Ouch! My legs, feet, back, etc. hurt!

2010-01-08T13:26:00.000-05:00

Oh another early morning! The alarm went off at 6:00am and all I wanted to do was SLEEP! We were, however, off to work out with the locals! We took a cab to the local park and saw lots of groups exercising. It reminded me a lot of Beijing and Ho Chi Minh City, except for the fact that these people had uniforms!!! The different groups wore collared shirts and black pants. We noticed that a popular color was pink, even with the men!

We joined two different groups (one was more of Tai Chi and one was more aerobics) and then spent some time walking around the park. It was so nice to feel like we were out of the city even though we were still in the middle of it!

We had read (and heard from Nook) that we could go to a temple to visit monks! Apparently, people show up in the morning and bring monks food and we could go see it. We decided to walk from the park back to the hotel since the Temple was along the way. We went inside, but the monks were nowhere to be found!!! We looked and looked but it seemed like the majority of the Temple was being restored so who knows where the monks actually were. At that point (it wasn’t even 8am yet) we were starving so we headed back to the hotel for a yummy breakfast!

We then spent a bit of time resting (hey we had a tough morning) and figuring out our plans for the day. We wanted to go exchange our money and then do some shopping. With the help of trip advisor, we found the best exchange rate and wanted to walk to the bank and then to the markets. I had read online the bank opened at 10:00am but when I asked the front desk they said 9:00am (and at this point it was 9:00am) so we headed out! On the way we passed the Temple and saw the monks bringing out the trash! Who knows where they were this morning, but at least we knew they were alive.

We made it to the bank (which was in a mallish area) to exchange our money and surprise surprise they weren’t open until 10:00am. So I got something to drink (I was SO thirsty) and we walked around for a bit! We returned to exchange our money so it is good to have that all done (it is a pain to use a difference currency..). We feel like it has NO value. It is funny how much value we put in a PIECE OF PAPER (since really that is all it is) and I feel like it’s so interesting to use a different currency because it doesn’t have any worth and feels like monopoly money.

We had read about two different markets (right across from each other) so we tried the first one. And it was GROSS! It was old and smelly and just felt DEAD. None of us got a good vibe and none of us saw anything we wanted so we left! Across the street was a new and modern shopping area so we went there. It was more like a mall but each vendor had their own area. It was somewhere in between a mall and a market. Lorna also found a Dunkin Donut but can NOT find a coffee colada anywhere! Oh well we shall keep looking!

First stop at the mall/market was to get me some capris. One of mine ripped and the girls at ODA spilled nail polish on the other so I only have 2 pairs left (which is a problem with the laundry situation). LUCKILY I found a pair to fit me (I think you can fit three Asian woman in my capris) and we were off! We stopped to have another coffee break and looked around a bit but I wasn’t all that impressed. I was hoping we would go to a market and not so much a mall but I am not sure they have them here. For instance, in both China and Vietnam they had markets but they were clean, etc. and I don’t think we have found that here!

We were going to take a cab back but the traffic was so awful we decided to walk! We all had a good rest (we were already sore from all the walking) and a shower and then we headed poolside for a quick lunch.

Our next stop was going to be bargaining at MBK! While it is a mall there is a “market” section so we all wanted to do some souvenir shopping! We actually didn’t have a TON of luck but we were able to pick up a few things. At that point I think we were ALL exhausted (physically..shopping here really IS draining) so we came back to the hotel for ANOTHER rest. Nothing makes you feel better than a comfy bed and AC!

We were missing the ease of American delivery (we are so spoiled) but we managed to drag ourselves out to get dinner at an Italian restaurant, Pomedoro, which was pretty good!

We then went back to the hotel to figure out a ride for the morning. We needed a taxi, but an extra large one (we have big butts AND bags) and we kept getting different answers as to what time we should leave and how long it takes to get to the airport. We decided on 5:30am and booked our extra large taxi! My mom and I made a quick trip to D&D for some donuts (since we would be missing breakfast in the morning) and we came back to pack up and hit the sack! We laughed at how the entire day we would be saying, “My legs hurt, how about you?” “Oh it’s more of my lower back that hurts..etc.” Hopefully we will be in good shape after all this walking!

Also..I will be updating new videos soon! Woo hoo! So check the other one’s out before I delete these! I also have a cell phone and to call from the U.S. I believe it is 011-66-832-689-865!

Hugs and kisses from our sore bodies!

Temples, Temples and MORE Temples!

2010-01-06T22:37:00.000-05:00

Oh what a glorious night sleep I had. I had ALMOST forgotten what it felt like to go to bed in a room with AC, a soft bed and a blanket that actually covered my body! When the alarm went off at 6:30am I did NOT want to get up. But, I got myself in the shower, dressed and the three of us were off to breakfast!

Breakfast was delicious! I had ALSO almost forgotten how much I missed hotel breakfast buffets. My stomach didn’t forget though as it was READY for action (and this was noted by Lorna AND my mom although I didn’t think I ate THAT much).

We were ready in the hotel lobby at 7:30am to meet our guide for the day, Nook! I had recommended we get a guide because I have found them SO useful while traveling. Traveling in Asia is enough work it itself and trying to navigate sightseeing WITHOUT getting ripped off is almost impossible. SO I find it well worth the money to have a guide to do all the tough work!

We took a taxi to Wat Pho, the temple of the Reclining Buddha. We walked around the grounds for a bit before entering the Temple and honestly it was really cool. It was a HUGE Buddha and he was lying down on his side (hence the name). It was just VERY different from anything I had seen so I think we liked that.

Our next stop was a massage! There was a massage training school on the grounds so we stopped for a well needed break! We each got a 30 minute massage and it wasn’t the BEST I have had but Lorna and my Mom liked it. They do a lot more “pressure” points than anything else, but the one place I enjoy that (my upper back) she didn’t really do! Anyway I think we were all ready to fall asleep and it was a great way to start the morning!

When then took a tuk-tuk to our next stop, the Grand Palace! However, I think I like the tuk-tuk’s in Cambodia better (imagine that..something I enjoyed in Cambodia) but it was fun to take a ride! We arrived at the Grand Palace and this is when I was VERY glad we had a guide! There are so many people around trying to scam you and we would have had NO idea what to look at and what we were looking at!

Since we were all wearing capris we had to bring long pants and change before we entered the Temple. However, I thought as long as we were covering our knees we would be ok and we saw plenty of tourists in capris, but we were TRULY respecting the Temple (and sweating a lot) by wearing pants!

The main thing to see at the Grand Palace is Wat Phra Kaew, which houses the Emerald Buddha and is considered the most important temple in Thailand. The actual Buddha was small and not that impressive, but the Temple was beautiful. We also saw a replica of Angkor Wat (please! I had just seen the REAL thing! Ha) which made me laugh! We were very hot and tired at that point, so we made our way to the exit AND to change our pants. I appreciate capris a LOT more after wearing jeans for an hour!

We then made our way to the river to take a boat ride. I wouldn’t say it was beautiful (very city like and industrial) but we went to this place where we could feed fish bread so that was kinda of cool!

On our way back we stopped at Wat Arun, Temple of the Dawn. It was very beautiful AND we even got our exercise by walking to the top! These stairs were SO steep! LUCKILY nobody tripped or died and it was a beautiful view from the top!

We were very hungry by that point so Nook took us to one of her favorite places for lunch. She picked it because it was a local Thai place that ALSO had AC! Can’t beat that! Lorna got fried spring rolls, mom got some soup and I got some meat and rice that was SO SPICY! Ugh it was painful! I knew I was in trouble when I could see the chill peppers! It was really good minus the spiciness. I had to chase it was a granola bar to stop myself from chocking. Oh man I was NOT use to that food! But we were really happy to have Nook there to order for us and to show us some local cuisine.

We then made our way to 7-11 so I could get a sim card for my phone. And MAN I am glad she was there! I would have been SO lost trying to do it on my own! She was going to buy one brand but then switched to another because they had a great promotion for international calls (perfect!) but then she had to dial all these numbers but finally..it worked! Woo hoo!

By that time it was mid afternoon and we were exhausted. We had seen pretty much everything we had wanted to see so we were happy with calling it a day. We took a water taxi back to the sky train (we were all about different modes of transportation today!) The water taxi was one of the boats you read about in the newspaper. You would see our pictures, people saying how beautiful and wonderful we were and they can’t believe we died on a capsized ferry boat in Thailand. LUCKILY, we lived to tell about it!

We then took the skytrain (which is just an elevated subway) back to our hotel. My mom did an EXCELLENT job (although that should come as no surprise) finding a hotel with a GREAT location as we can walk to everything!

We took about an hour to rest and shower as both were well needed! Then, we set off for our adventures for the night. I wanted to find a place that I could get film developed from my old school camera in Cambodia. The first place we found (Fuji) didn’t really speak too much English. Long story short (after going back and forth with the prices) it didn’t sound like they could have it done in time so I thanked them and left.

We then decided, instead of being TOO full for ice cream, we would START with ice cream (this was my mom’s idea..can’t you see why I love her so much?) so we made a well needed DQ stop before finding another camera place. As I opened my bag to show him the film, I hadn’t even gotten past, “Hello, I am ..” when he burst out laughing (no joke) and said he didn’t do film. How embarrassing! SHEEESH! I decided I would give up and try again in Phuket!

We then walked around the MASSIVE mall and ended up at a place for dinner called The Pizza Company. So American I know, but I had read the people who live in Bangkok love it and it was actually very good! Although, we could tell Lorna had jetlag as I don’t think she spoke ONE word at dinner!

On the way back to the hotel we walked through MBK (this stands for some LONG Thai word) which is the MASSIVE mall with over 2,500 stalls. It is less fancy than the other malls (we could actually afford these stores) and we enjoyed walking round for a bit!

We were all exhausted..so we headed back to the hotel for a good night sleep!

Hugs and kisses from lots of Temples!

Hello Bangkok!

2010-01-04T09:24:00.003-05:00

I did not sleep well last night because I was so excited to see my mom and Lorna in Thailand! I felt like a little kid before Christmas! While Cambodia ended up being ok, I am ready to leave. I didn’t really enjoy the homestay (besides the wedding) as it was so remote. I didn’t like being the only volunteer and missed being able to meet people (through volunteering or through the hostel or guesthouse). I am glad I booked two weeks as I feel like two weeks was JUST enough time!

I STILL didn’t have any water this morning so I basically just packed, had some breakfast and then hit the road! Sun Same (my guide) picked me (and my VERY heavy bags) up and we were off to the airport. The airport is so nice because it is only about 10 to 15 minutes away from the center of town. But he was saying how they are going to expand and build a new one that will be an hour outside of town and the current one will be used for domestic flights. Looks like I came JUST in time for the not too long ride into town!

I didn’t have any trouble checking in (although got charged for my bags again..BOOO!!!) and THEN I got a small blizzard at Dairy Queen. Alexis and Andrew had told me how there was a DQ so I made sure to allot extra time for an ice cream stop! I actually didn’t end up having too much time before my flight.

The flight was short and sweet, especially since I spent half the time eating the meal I got (a MEAL on a one hour flight..I love it!) and filling out custom forms. I also didn’t have any trouble getting through customs in Thailand and while my bags weren’t out right away..I didn’t have to wait TOO long! I exited the terminal SO excited..and was greeted by..NOBODY! Boo! I knew I was exiting at B so I walked down to C and still didn’t have any luck! Luckily after turning around to walk the OTHER way..I FOUND THEM! Wahooo!

We had to get a taxi to the hotel, so we needed to go down a level to the pickup area. We had a cart that had Lorna’s and my Mom’s bag as well as our backpacks on top. I was carrying (well dragging..) my two bags! The only way to get down to the lower level was by a moving walkway. It was like a tiered moving walkway. It went down, then straightened out and then down again. As we were approaching the second level of the decent we all commented on how “strange” it was. That’s when it happened! The cart started rolling straight at me and I remember yelling, “MY COMPUTER!” Mom tried to reach around all the luggage to grab it and she did, but Lorna was manning the cart and I was carrying my two bags so she was on her own! This very nice woman behind them helped hold everything in place and when we got to the bottom the “attendant” helped us as well, but I am SURE we were quite a scene!

We got a taxi and we were off to the hotel! Well, it really wasn't that quick. We had to wait for a BIG taxi since we had so much luggage. I can't blame it on mom and Lorna since every time I come through an airport at least one of my bags gets labeled as 'heavy'!! And, after waiting patiently for our BIG taxi, some older gentlemen tried to jump in front of us and steal it. But we weren't having any of that. Remember my dad told me not to take any crap from anyone. We politely, but firmly, told them this was OUR taxi...they quickly backed off...we hopped in and off we went.

The hotel is VERY nice but apparently NOT as nice as the one (same brand) they stayed at by the airport in Bangkok. Who knew? However, I think staying in a hotel is AMAZING and I couldn’t be happier! We checked into our room and did a bit of unpacking before we headed out to explore. We are in a GREAT location with a TON of shopping around. One of the FIVE or so malls has over 2,500 stores! Please keep working hard Dad ok? Mom and I might spend a little money here!

We ended up having dinner at the Hard Rock Café (so American) but we were all craving a good solid meal and I had steak for the first time since I have BEEN here! It was so delicious! I also enjoyed the company at dinner and not eating along..oh so sad! Haha!

We walked around a bit more, but the majority of the malls are just like the typical malls you would find in the U.S.

We were all exhausted so did a quick ice cream stop (well Mom and I did..Lorna was good) before heading back to the hotel! We all took well needed showers and got ready to settle in for the night. Everything was going well, until Mom had to show us this fancy new doodad she bought so we could plug in our myriad of electronics and charge them at once. As she plugged it in, sparks flew and the room went dark - see ya lights, see ya AC. Oops, not good. Sheeesh I can’t take her anywhere! Upon calling the front desk they told us to put the room key in the gadget by the front door (we KNEW that), so I had to try and explain the problem was bigger than that. We were scrambling for flashlights as the the man arrived at our front door with a step ladder. He had to go up in the crawl space above our room to reset the power. He was very nice and he tried to see if he could get it to work, but the power blew again. So we know we won’t be using that!

Lorna was the first one to go to sleep (just like at Stonehill!) but we were all exhausted and decided to call it a night! I was SO excited to have a real blanket and a SOFT bed! Oh the joys of being spoiled by my mommy!

Hugs and kisses from Bangkok!

Goodbye Home of Joy and ODA!

2010-01-02T09:14:00.001-05:00

I was VERY tired when I woke up this morning. After a shower and breakfast (and a quick Raid spray) I road my bike to do my last load of laundry in Cambodia. I had a TON to wash (no pun intended) included my two pairs of sneakers as they were COVERED in dirt from the Temples and streets of Cambodia.

When I arrived at HOJ Ginny was already teaching Maria English so I got to play with the kids. When it was time for them to eat I did try and take some time with Maria and explain, “eating, bowl, spoon” and anything else I could think of that might be helpful!

It was so weird that it was my last day and I felt like I had just arrived! But I am glad to know the Home of Joy always has volunteers and financial support so the kids are in good hands.

I came back to the homestay for a nap and a quick lunch before heading downtown! While I am really enjoying ODA in the afternoon, the transportation is always a little iffy. It is SO nice of them to come pick me up (I know it’s extra time for them) but it seems as though there is never a set time (even though I say I will be ready at 1:00pm every day). It doesn’t matter to me WHEN I get picked up but I usually end up sitting outside in the sun in the hottest part of the day and that’s the only thing I don’t enjoy. But anyway I was picked up around 1:20 by Bo and Sokmaly and we were off to do some shopping! I didn’t fall off the motorbike either!

The first stop was the market, where I got toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, body wash and laundry detergent. We then made a LOT of stops at the fruit market and managed to get EVERYTHING on the list! I don’t know how we managed to fit the three of us AND all the bags on the motorbike (without tipping over) but hey it worked!

I was so excited to share everything with the kids and they loved it! The fruit was devoured in 2 minutes (and we got a LOT) and they were also excited about their new hygiene products. We spent the afternoon just hanging out (which I enjoy more than a structured lesson) and I still end up teaching them because I speak English to them. The girls have actually grown on me and aren’t so giddy. Today I brought my nail polish and we painted our nails! They boys actually loved it too (they are SO cute) and most of them did multicolored nails! The girls also love playing with my hair (because it is so light) so they did some braid thing and we just chatted.

I really will miss the kids at ODA and I feel like I was just starting to “bond” with them. The first day I MADE myself learn all their names which I think really made a difference and it wasn’t TOO bad with only 10ish kids!

I got dropped off downtown and checked my email before going to the night market. I wanted to watch a documentary on the Khmer Rouge that was playing in a little theater at the market. It was very interesting. I am STILL a bit confused on the history but I enjoyed learning a bit more.

I then made my way to the Butterfly Garden, a place I had wanted to try for dinner. I had read that on Friday night they had a traditional dance show @ 7:30pm but when I got there I realized it was the exact same show I had seen at the theater (just not as good!) I still enjoyed dinner and the show but I think I would have preferred to go during the day when you can see the butterflies!

Afterwards, I got a tuk-tuk to take me to pick up my laundry before heading back to the homestay. For some reason I don’t have as much trouble picking up a tuk-tuk in town (for $2) but when I am outside of the main strip (like tonight) they always say $3 and sometimes I have to walk away! LUCKILY there is not a shortage of tuk-tuk’s and I can quickly find another!

When I got back I started to do a little bit of organization so I can start packing for Bangkok on Sunday! Woo hoo I am SO EXCITED!

I FINALLY updated my pictures! All of my pictures from Ho Chi Minh City are now uploaded..so check them out! I also updated some more videos which I will change out next week so please look at those as well!

Hugs and kisses from my last day of volunteering in Cambodia!

Happy New Year From Cambodia!

2010-01-01T23:01:00.002-05:00

Since nobody would be at Home of Joy today I got to sleep in! Woohoo! I woke up to shower and eat and then headed into town! My first stop was the internet café so I could skype my wonderful parents before my mom leaves to come visit me! Yay! I then had to go to the bank since I have spent so much money on all this camera business! Ugh this one better work or else I’m going to go broke! I also quickly stopped by the cell phone place to top off my phone!

I then decided I should go back to the fish pedicure place to get another one since I didn’t have any pictures of the first one. Tough life I know! But to be honest, I didn’t LOVE IT and I would have MUCH rather it be the case that I had eaten the biggest brownies sundae in Siem Reap and needed to go back and do it again for the pictures! BUT it was definitely cool and this time I have PICTURES to prove it!

I can NEVER decide what to get for lunch because it is always so hot! Pizza, pasta and the tradition Khmer food is always hot too so I never feel like that! I usually end up somewhere that has some type of breakfast (yogurt and fruit) since it is cool!

After I ate, I met Sokmaly and Bo at the Blue Pumpkin and told Bo how proud I was of her! She laughed and said how funny it was when she looked out and saw me in the crowd! I told them I wanted to stop and buy them fruit and off we went! I didn’t fall off or lose a flip flop on the ride, but I came close to doing both! We stopped and got mangos and grapes and the grapes were so expensive! Mom, I know how much you love frozen grapes but you would go BROKE if you wanted to buy them in either Cambodia or Vietnam!

We then headed off to ODA and when I arrived they were so excited to eat the goodies I brought. Leng wasn’t there which I actually enjoy because I feel like it’s less pressure on me. Sokmaly cut and washed the mangos and then we all sat around and ate. They were so sweet and put some aside for the kids who were still at school!

After that we had a relaxing afternoon. We played some cards, although I didn’t understand the game. It was a BIT like Crazy Eights but they would randomly throw in other rules I didn’t understand.

Chea (the older boy who speaks English very well) asked me some questions from his book and we spent some time going over the fruit book. I sort of turned it into, “What do you want me to bring tomorrow?” and they went through and told me what they liked and what they hoped I would bring.

It was then time to go and Bo could bring me back. I tried to explain to her I wanted to go back to the homestay and not downtown. The main reason being that Cambodia is a lot more expensive than I expected! I know part of the reason is because I am using U.S. dollars BUT it is also the cost of transportation that is so expensive! It costs me $1 to go anywhere on a motorbike and $2 to go anywhere on a tuk-tuk whereas I spent $.30 in Beijing for a subway ride and $.17 in Ho Chi Minh for a bus ride! I guess for some reason when I thought of Cambodia I thought of cheap! I think the problem also is that in both Beijing and Ho Chi Minh I could WALK pretty much everywhere but here I have to get a ride if I want to go ANYWHERE. So I thought it would save me some money if she could drop me off at the homestay instead of downtown (where I would then have to find a ride back) but when I tried to explain this to her she seemed confused and said we were going to her home.

And that is exactly where we went! She said she needed to pick up her makeup for the dance show tonight and I actually was happy I was along for the ride! We went down dirt roads and I taught her the word BUMPY! Well actually..VERY bumpy because that’s what the roads were! It was cool to see Siem Reap “behind the scenes” and how the local people live. They aren’t the poorest of the poor but it still wasn’t much. I met her sister who could introduce herself in English and another guy (maybe her brother) and then went out back to meet her mother and some woman with a baby! I felt awful (once again..) that I couldn’t communicate and Bo’s English isn’t strong enough that she can translate..so I just smiled a lot! I could tell though that they were SO welcoming..which I found also with Qing’s family in China and Long’s family in Vietnam!

We left her house and continued down MORE back roads into a neighborhood to pick up her friend who is also a dancer! They then dropped me off downtown!

I found a ride back to the homestay and took a well needed nap and shower! Then, I met Payal and one of the brothers and we went downtown for dinner. We also met up with Payal’s boss from the organization I was supposed to be at in the afternoon (but the kids are on vacation).

I was VERY happy when they ordered spaghetti because that was the only thing that looked appetizing! We ended up staying there for the majority of the night because they had a live band. It was also a GREAT place to people watch on Pub Street which we knew would be happening for New Years! The street was FILLED with people and every little section had a dance party going on. We headed down around 11:30pm to join in on the madness!

They had these “fireworks” you could buy that were a handheld long tube and little fireworks exploded (maybe about 30 feet in the air). I thought I might die! People were drunk and just shooting them off in ANY direction and we were all covered in ash! I even saw one explode on someone (they were ok though!).

There wasn’t any big countdown or anything cool like New York City but it was definitely a different way to ring in the New Year..shorts and a t-shirt dancing in the streets of Cambodia!

Like the old lady I am, I was outta there by 12:30am and home to shower off the ash!

Hugs and kisses and Happy New Year from Cambodia!

Camera Problems, Camera Problems and MORE Camera Problems!

2010-01-01T04:30:00.002-05:00

After writing my blog last night I did my usual nightly routine. Besides the typical “getting ready for bed stuff” I also clean out my backpack, reorganize and recharge all my electronics. As I was going through everything, I couldn’t seem to find my camera. I keep all of my valuables in the second pocket of my backpack which is always locked! But, it wasn’t there. I PULLED apart my backpack and then my room and it was NOWHERE to be found. I replayed the day in my head and knew I had it at dinner (I took pictures of the Amok) and was 99% sure I had it after at the market. But, that is the last I remember of it. I was SO upset. I did what anyone does when they are upset (or at least what they WANT to do) and called my mommy! Ugh I was not a happy camper and she can vouch for that!

I have tried SO hard to be so careful and cautious on this trip. I always make sure I have everything with me, that what needs to be locked up is locked up, that I am not leaving anything behind, etc. and I failed! Ugh! I was also upset because I keep LOSING EVERTHING. I have become the dumb blond (Steve..don’t read on..and if you do..remember how cute I am and how much you love me!) Before I left for this trip my mom and I went to visit my brother in NC and I lost my iPod! NO idea where it went. Then as I was packing for this trip, I couldn’t find our international cell phone! My mom made me a list of things I need to make sure I had before I leave anywhere (the plane or a country) and the last thing on the list is MY HEAD! And it is SO true! Now don’t anyone make any dumb blond jokes because honestly I am so sad. My mom had to remind me it was just a THING (so true) but it was more the fact that I wasn’t careful enough. I went to the restaurant today and they didn’t have it and I really am positive I had it at the market so my GUESS is it got (stolen) there. I wouldn’t have put it DOWN at the market..and I THOUGHT I put it back in my locked compartment..but maybe I didn’t. Anyway I was in a VERY bad mood but luckily my mom was sweet enough to call me back and console me. We talked about how I was still alive, I was still healthy (mostly) and I didn’t lose my passport or ATM card. We ALSO played the game of somebody who really needs it found it.

When I was in 4th grade I had an experience that forever changed my youth. My family had gone camping and for reasons that would take another ENTIRE blog to explain we ended up leaving in the middle of the night. When I got home I realized my pillow had fallen off the roof of the car (we had tied things up there). Now the pillow..ehh..not a big deal. But..(are you ready for this?) there were BEANIE BABIES IN THERE! UGH! It hurts me even writing about this now! I WAS DEVASTATED! My parents told me that there was some little girl who didn’t have the money to have a beanie baby and now she had them.

SO my mom and I decided there is a Cambodian grandmother dying and she needs food and now someone can sell my camera and make money to give Grandma some food! I am also looking on the bright side and saying..1) I only lost a couple of days worth of pictures..not ALL of Cambodia! 2) The camera was actually breaking in half anyway (no joke) and 3) My mom is coming on Sunday so I will have a photographer! WAHOO! So yes it could be MUCH worse..but there ya have it!

I didn’t sleep too much because I woke up BRIGHT and early (4:30am) for sunrise at the Temples! Wahoo! Sun Same (the same guide I had on Sunday) picked me up (yes he was early but I didn’t hear his phone ringing outside my room) and we were off! I knew the most popular place to see sunrise was Angkor Wat but I had read of another place that was less popular! I asked him if we could get a disposable camera and he said places weren’t open yet but the Temples would sell them. We arrived at Sras Srang which overlooks a lake for sunrise. It was VERY cool to see the world come alive and very peaceful UNTIL this guy (he looked Cambodia and was by himself) started playing music on his phone, WESTERN music! Now I liked all the songs he played..but HELLO? We are here to enjoy sunrise not listen to your music! Geeze I feel like all I am doing is complaining..haha I think the traveling is wearing me down! It was still beautiful but I just thought he was a bit rude as it took away from the majestic nature of sunrise over a lake.

It was cloudy, so it wasn’t a GREAT sunrise anyway. We stopped by a couple of the tourist shops to find a camera but it sounded like they were going to go to another place to get them (the type of thing that they tell you 5 minutes and after 10 minutes you want to leave but feel like you have wasted too much time waiting..you know the deal). Sun Same knew there would be more at the next place so we moved on!

It was about a 30 minute drive to Banteay Srey and it was cool because since we were there so early there were only about 5 other people! Sun Same got something for breakfast (noodles) and then we headed off to find a camera! There were two options: a typical disposable and a Kodak that you put film in. Film? What’s that? I know, I know, I had to remember how to use it! I decided the Kodak seemed good as I could “refill it”. She started at $30 and I paid $15 (which was still TOO much but hey I was desperate) and off we went!

The Temple is like the others but a little more detailed so I am glad we went to see it. Also, to get there one has to drive through the country side which I enjoyed. We saw kids walking to school and it amazed me they have no shoes. Sometimes kids have to walk miles to and from school and it amazes me to think about how kids at home complain about how much they hate school etc. as they get picked up at their house and dropped off at the school door. I am not preaching by ANY means but it is just amazing to see how EASY I had it growing up.

I also found it interesting to talk with Sun Same about the corruption in Cambodia. He explained how you can do anything with money. You can skip school and pay the teacher not to get you in trouble, get a licenses, pass a test, anything at all! It really is so sad.

On the way back from the Temple we stopped at the Mine Museum (which was actually on my list but I didn’t think we would have time). It was very small but it was so interesting (and so sad) to learn more about the Khmer Ruge and the Killing Fields. I asked Sun Same if his parents ever spoke about it and he said no that people don’t talk about it. I have found it so sad that in every country I go to I visit something about a war/mass murders, etc.

We continued on to Banteay Samre which was much smaller and nothing overly impressive. Our last stop of the morning was East Mebon which again wasn’t anything too special. I was VERY tired and said it was ok if we went back into town to rest. I knew I was also “Temple’d out” and they were all starting to look like rocks so I was happy ending it there! I saw A LOT in my days of touring so I was satisfied.

He brought me back into town and I asked if we could stop to get film and I bought two more rolls. Then, I decided I would have him drop me in town since I had some “errands” to run! It still amazes me how there are “things to do”. My first stop (and most important) was BREAKFAST! I was starving seeing as I had already been up for about 6 hours. I got a banana pancake and unlike the one in Hanoi this was actually a pancake(ish) with sliced bananas! Not too bad! I also got fruit salad and yogurt which is my favorite! While in Asia, I have fallen in love with fruit salad and yogurt, dragonberry (a type of fruit), cheeseburgers and tea! I know, I know, nothing besides the dragonberry is Asian.

After breakfast I decided to hit up the market as I was trying to find a good deal on batteries and film! They didn’t have either! Sheesh! I then stopped by the cyber café to catch up on emails. It always makes me laugh when during the middle of the day I will be checking email and it will say I have a new message! I always think, “Who the heck is up in the middle of the night sending me an email!” and I always laugh when I check and it is some type of spam. Well not spam, but some company (Walmart, Brookstone, etc) emailing me and telling me about their promotions. So when all of you wake up and have those silly emails..I am awake while they are being sent! It’s kind of like I get a head start on the deals!

I also decided I would treat myself to a FISH PEDICURE! I don’t know if you have seen them on TV or anything, but you put your feet in a pool of fish that eat your dead skin! Gross I know but I HAD to try it out! When I first put my feet in I JUMPED because it tickled so much! It was such a strangle feeling..it didn’t feel great but it didn’t hurt. It almost felt like pins and needles a bit. Anyway the woman said they come from Turkey and I THINK she said they die every day (although that doesn’t make sense) and they enjoy dead skin! I also got a little back massage with it as well (I knew this place did massage as well which is why I picked it) and it was great! My feet felt a bit smoother but I don’t know if I will be going back every day!

While I was having the fish pedicure I was taking some pictures (couldn’t forget this) but it seemed like nothing was happening. I couldn’t wind up the film; I couldn’t take a picture, nothing! It was a Kodak camera and I knew there was a Kodak store SOMEWHERE so I went out to find it! I finally did and THESE are the times I get the most frustrated with the language barrier. Not at the people, but just at the situation. I tried to explain it wasn’t working etc. and they finally said it wasn’t working because of the film and they needed to take it out (no, it wasn’t that simple and quick but I am giving you the spark notes version). I knew this meant I was probably going to lose all my pictures seeing as the film would be exposed (see I do remember a thing or two about film) but it sounded like there was no other option! Oh another day of losing pictures! He took out the film and put the new film in and NOTHING happened. I couldn’t quite understand WHY it was broken but from what I could tell the thing that made the film spin (so technical I know) was broken. Oh wow another camera problem!

I asked them if they had any type of disposable cameras and they did! Since I had already bought all the film I decided it really only made sense to get another one that took film. So I am now the proud owner of camera number three, which I shall call, “THE BEAST!” Not only is this thing about the size of my head, but it makes the sweet film sound when it takes a picture. So in case anyone is wondering, “Does that girl REALLY have a camera with film?” the sound will confirm it! I am HOPING third time is a charm because I NEED this baby to work!

I got a ride back to the homestay (no crazy story there..just the typical “$3”, “No $2”, “Oh so far”, , “Ok ok ok”, “Take a left, go straight till the end, now a right”) and I only had a little bit until Sun Same was picking me up again.

He was 10 minutes early this time (I was ready) and we were off to the lake! I didn’t really know WHAT to expect but he had recommended we check out this lake. It was about 20 minutes away from Siem Reap (in a direction I had never gone which I thought was cool) and it was so different! The area was a fishing village and all the houses were built on stilts (I could NOT tell you how they were still standing). He was saying how they use to be VERY poor (they still are..) but that tourism by the lake has greatly improved their economic situation.

I still didn’t know what to expect because he was telling me the boat was a bit expensive as I was a single tourists. We arrived at the pier and there were lots of tourists around (this was a good sign) and I paid my money and we were off! Since he was a guide he could come for free so we hoped on this little boat and LEFT! Now I understood what he meant…we were literally the only ones on the boat! I don’t know how to describe the boat but it had a roof and maybe 10 moveable chairs. It was myself and Sun Same, the driver and the dock pusher oar kid (who made sure we didn’t crash into anything). The boat was old and if it had lifejackets I sure didn’t see them (yes mom I looked!) Fortunately I figured my swimming lessons from Pierce Island pool would come in handy if need be!

I really was still in shock that they take a boat out with two people! What a waste of gas and pollution! I have NO clue why they don’t have set times it leaves or SOMETHING! Most of the boats (and these are decent size) had no more than 3 people. But THEN there were the boats with Korean tourists packed to the MAX! I have nothing against Koreans but I always laugh when I see about 10 tuk-tuks in a row because I KNOW they are filled with Koreans (always with face masks as well!)

Anyway, we traveled along the river and through the villages and it was amazing. I could not believe people lived here! They had little “house boats” and many were fishing or lying on hammocks or I don’t even KNOW what else. I was trying to understand what EXACLY they do all day but it sounds like they fish and drive boats! There was one area (on land) that floods every year (during the Monsoon season) so they literally have to move their house! SO CRAZY! It felt so Cambodia and the type of thing you would see in the movies. I had to remind myself I was on a river in Cambodia looking at REAL people!

We made our way out to the “lake” which looked JUST like the ocean..it was HUGE! We continued on and stopped at a little touristy place with some history on the village etc. We then continued back through another village (past a school and a Catholic church..how cool!) and made it back to the pier! I am actually REALLY glad I did it. It was a nice break from the Temples and it was really beautiful and interesting to see!

I was exhausted and came home to the homestay for a rest. I got caught up on blogs (I can NEVER seem to catch up) and rested before heading out to the Apsara show! I found a motorbike along the road and of course he had NO clue where I wanted to go! But the problem was, I didn’t have a clue either! So I had to do the no hands/reading a map thing but we managed to get there!

I had made myself reservations at a place that served dinner and had the Apsara dance which is a cultural dance. I had heard the show was awesome but the food…not so much. I STILL went even though I didn’t think I would enjoy the food..Imagine that! The “theater” if you will, was beautiful! There were three long tables to sit at and the stage was in front. I was ushered to my seat and soon met a man (his name was too hard to pronounce) from Switzerland! Since it was just a long table (probably sat about 40 people) we started talking. He said how he left a wife and 4 kids (age 12-19) at home to come here! I thought that was so different as you don’t hear about that a lot! But he said he just enjoys traveling alone and not having to worry about anyone.

I asked if he could take my pictures and that’s when I had to take out..THE BEAST! He sort of laughed and made some comment about how he didn’t remember the last time he saw something like this and I explained my whole camera story! He then laughed even more when he heard the noise it made (the sound of the film winding) when he took the picture. We had a good laugh but I told him he couldn’t make fun of me anymore as I was sensitive about the camera. Sadly, I guess they put him in the wrong seat so he got booted and a group from France sat down.

But then I started talking with a couple on the other side of me. They were older and from the Netherlands and we spoke a lot! They are a retired couple who purchased “around the world” plane tickets so they could travel the world! They started in Thailand and now Cambodia before moving on to Vietnam and other parts of Southeast Asia! They will then be in New Zealand for a month before going to California to pick up their daughter and her husband so the four of them can travel to South America! What a life huh? Mine aint too shabby either! Haha! Anyway they were very nice and I enjoyed talking with them.

The show was actually really good and I enjoyed it a lot! One of the dances involved some of the dancers wearing a mask. Afterward, they took off their masks to take a bow. When I looked at one of the girls I thought, “Wow she looks very familiar” and then I saw her look at me and her eyes opened wide! It was BO FROM ODA!!! She is the dance teacher and she dances here! I LOVED IT! I was in Cambodia at a traditional dance show and I KNEW one of the dancers!!! How cool am I? I didn’t get to talk to her after (I’m not sure where they go) but I can’t wait to see her tomorrow and tell her how proud I am!

Sadly, I had run out of pictures on the roll of film so I decided I would discreetly try to change it during the show. The boy had showed me some button and made it seem like I should definitely be pressing that so I did and it made SUCH a loud noise! I soon realized this is what I had to do to roll the film back into the canister before removing in! People literally turned around to see what the noise was. Ugh I was SO embarrassed! So while I DO have pictures from the show..it’s only the first half! Haha!

I left the show to walk downtown. Payal had texted me and said how she was going to a bar on Pub Street with the three brothers from the homestay. I was exhausted since I had been up since 4:30am, but since I don’t really enjoy the homestay I am trying to find the positives..like hanging out with the brothers. Since I was still hungry (the food wasn’t that good) I decided I could go and get some food with them.

As I was walking there I got asked if I wanted a ride on a motorbike and I smiled and said no and this one guy said, “Why, so you don’t get STOLEN?” but he said stolen in this REALLY creepy voice! I wanted to turn around and tell him he was the SCARIEST man I have ever seen (he really was)! I can’t believe he said that to me! Luckily I was in a pretty well lit area!

I showed up at one of the main restaurants/bars on Pub St. and it was AWFUL! First of all it was like any American club. But I sort of felt like, I can do this in America..why would I come to one of these in Cambodia? It was SO loud, there were lights flashing everywhere..haha I feel like an old lady complaining but I think I AM an old lady because I did not like it. Anyway I decided to get a fruit salad with yogurt (my NEW favorite thing) so I went to the bar to order it and that’s when I started people watching.

AWFUL AND DISGUSTING. Ugh I feel dirty even WRITING about this but the whole place was filled with local girls wearing next to nothing (literally..it was like a convention of woman plumbers if you get my drift..) and a lot of older unattractive Western men. The girls were ALL over them and you could TELL they don’t get any woman back wherever they call home. Payal said how most of the “woman” were transvestites and how Thailand is worse! I could not stop watching; it was like a train wreck but the kind that would make my grandparents roll over in their grave. I almost rolled over in my grave and I’m not even dead! Ugh no words or pictures or videos or ANYTHING could describe this, but I ate my fruit QUICKLY so I could get out of there!

I really like the three brothers and I really try hard to interact with them since I feel like that is the only benefit of the homestay (that and the Cambodia wedding ceremony). But the problem is..there is really only one who speaks English. I enjoyed the first conversation I had with him..just learning more about the culture. But I CANNOT understand the other two and they seem to get frustrated when we can’t communicate (not that I blame them). I am not complaining..but I spend my whole day trying to understand people and so I feel bad but usually at night I am so tired that it feels like even more work to try and talk to them. I wish we could communicate better because I feel like that would be a benefit to the homestay but since we can’t it’s just like we awkwardly sit there. BUT the Cambodian wedding ceremony was definitely worth it!

P.S. – I am hoping to upload more videos (and if I can..pictures) this weekend..so please check out the videos before I have to delete them!

Hugs and kisses from my THIRD camera!

Amok? A..yuck!

2009-12-30T16:44:00.001-05:00

I didn’t have too much trouble falling asleep last night..but MAN was I tried this morning! Before leaving for Home of Joy I did a MAJOR Raid spray! I have had enough of ants EVERYWHERE..especially in my bed (Steve you better watch out..they are making their move!) So I sprayed everywhere and they booked it!

I walked to the Home of Joy because I knew I wouldn’t have time to return my bike this afternoon. I didn’t really enjoy the walk (I like biking MUCH better) and kept getting asked “Motorbike? Tuk-tuk?”

When I arrived at the orphanage I found Jenny (the woman I met yesterday) already teaching Maria English! I couldn’t believe my luck! She apologized (like she needed to!) but she said she had to stop by early anyway so thought she would teach. I was happy and knew Jenny had taught a lot, but I also felt a bit of guilt. Here I was dreading this and somehow I found the experience, humbling? I was complaining and complaining and not looking forward to it..and then I just didn’t have to do it. I felt guilty for NOT wanting to do it in the first place.

I was able to hang out with the kids which I like doing. And by hanging out, I mean consoling whoever is crying. The nuns do a great job with loving them, so they need to be held and coddled etc. The boy that I feed struggled a bit today as he gets very distracted when the fruit comes out! They bring fruit out after the meal (as a dessert type thing) and he always wants it before he is done!

The FLIES are awful here! I haven’t (knock on wood) had any major problems with mosquitoes but it’s the flies! At the Home of Joy (which really is VERY clean) I feel like I spend most of my time swatting flies from myself and the kids (in between the crying of course)!

As I was leaving I told the sister I wouldn’t be there tomorrow (Wednesday) but I would see her on Thursday. She said something which I didn’t understand so I kept trying to figure out what she needed me to know. I finally realized it might have something to do with Thursday. There is a sign outside the orphanage that has the visiting hours but says no visitors on Thursday. When I was talking to Payal (the girl who used to volunteer here) she had mentioned how she didn’t go on Thursdays. But I went last Thursday and didn’t even think about it. I don’t know, however, if that was special because of Christmas Eve Day (and the little party we had with the mother and daughter). I finally asked the nun if I could come on Thursday and she very kindly (no really she was sweet) said no, I think because they weren’t going to be there. I do remember someone telling me that the children are able to visit their families, so I wonder if they do this on Thursdays. Anyway I felt bad because if I had known I would have planned my last day to see the Temples on Thursday. Oh well now I know!

After Home of Joy I went to the cyber café to have a “final chat” with my mom about Thailand! Woo hoo! I THINK she is all set and ready to roll! I CANNOT wait!

My next stop was the Pavillion d’Orient. I had emailed some of the nicer hotels in Siem Reap (rumor has it one of the hotels is $2,000 a NIGHT) and explained how I was volunteering. I had asked if they would be able to donate any unused toiletries, towels, etc. Most of the hotels said they already partnered with an NGO (which I figured) but the Pavillion (relatively new) said they would love to! I wasn’t quite sure WHERE it was and it didn’t have a set address either (weird I know). Once I found a tuk-tuk I had to sort of explain where I needed to go (I knew the general direction) and then negotiate the price (which I find so tiring). One we had agreed, I showed up and met the manager who was so kind. He gave me three HUGE bags mostly with towels (he said they don’t keep them over a year), a couple of mosquito nets and some soap. I was SO grateful but soon realized this would NOT fit on a motorbike. I had to think fast about what I was going to do, but luckily I had the tuk-tuk ride back into town to do that. I KNEW I had to stop at the bank seeing as I had NO $1 bills left (which made transportation impossible) so that was my first stop. I am sure I was QUITE a scene stumbling into the bank. I then realized I needed to eat at the FIRST place I found since I was walking as fast as a snail. And the first place I found was…A PIZZA PLACE! Imagine that! I wasn’t even in the mood for pizza or pasta because I was sweating SO much from carrying everything. I decided on French toast and yogurt. The French toast was burnt and I laughed when I thought about how if I was in the U.S. (well first they wouldn’t even SERVE me that…) and then if they did I would definitely send it back. I managed to eat some bites as I waited for my yogurt. I finally asked what was taking so long and they said they had to go to the market to buy it! Oh Cambodia!

While I was waiting I stopped next store to get some toys for the kids…badminton and some soft bouncy ball things (a little smaller than soccer balls). I had called Leng to tell him I couldn’t take a motorbike and asked for a suggestion on how to get there and he said he could pick me up! So he showed up and off we went!

The kids all help unload the trunk and I showed them the new toys and they were really, really excited! We played games for awhile and then I could tell Leng wanted me to teach so off I went! I started with the alphabet and numbers game again, partly because I find it so hard to teach when I have ages 10-17. They are ALL at different levels so it’s a bit hard to find a middle ground. After the game started to get boring I asked which book they wanted to go over. They decided on animals..so off we went! Like in China, I showed them the picture, said the animal and then did a motion or a sound! After a while I would only say the animal (they had to do the sound) or vice versa. I then had them play charades in teams..but some of the younger ones forgot which animals they were. I think they still had fun and if nothing else I had a good laugh watching them act it out.

I find I get VERY tired and hot in mid-afternoon so when it seems like they are tired as well I call it a day! I spent a little bit more time playing with them and then I hit the road.

I came back to the homestay for a little bit of “downtime”. (By now you should be able to tell how much I enjoy and NEED time by myself!!!) I wanted to go into town for dinner and to check out the night market so I started walking! This time, a “passerby” motorbike picked me up. I told him I wanted to go to the Sugar Palm which was recommended by Alexis and Andrew and also got good reviews from what I had read. I told him the name and showed him on the map, but I could tell he had no clue. This was the first time I realized maybe some of the drivers can’t read maps! So, being the motorbike pro I am..I had to have my map out and give him directions as we drove. The cool kids don’t hold on when riding a motorbike..they read maps!! I had an IDEA of where it was, but since it wasn’t on the main strip I was a bit clueless as well. I finally had him just drop me off and went to find it myself!

It was very beautiful and I ordered the Amok, which is the staple dish of Cambodia. Most of the time it is like a coconut curry soup thing with fish, but I also read you could get chicken. However, all they had was tofu, so I ordered that. I knew I would have to wait 40 minutes (that’s why people said it was so good here) and I was ready when it came out! It was like a soupy substance in a hollowed out coconut shell with rice on the side. I got out my little article about “what to eat in Cambodia” and it said it is sometimes served with rice, so off I went! Ok now take a guess..did I like it?

NOPE! Surprise surprise I know! I SHOULD have known not to order the tofu because I don’t like the texture of tofu ANYWAY! I tried to eat a bit..but decided my granola bar would have to do. I did manage to cover it up nicely with my napkin so nobody noticed. I got the bill and realized I was charged another dollar for the rice. For some reason this kinda got to me. I didn’t ORDER the rice and when they brought it out I figured it was just included. Now, it wasn’t a big deal at ALL (the rice was the only part I liked) and it was only one dollar. But, I would love to see somebody’s reaction at BG’s if I brought them a baked potato with a main course and didn’t say anything and then CHARGED them for it! I think it’s just more that while I love the culture because it is so different, I also hate the culture because it is so different! I get tired of having to make sure I am not getting ripped off or scammed. The bill came to $6.50 so I gave the waiter a $10. He came back and asked if I could have the change in Riel. Now again, was it a huge deal…ehh (it is a bit much to have in Riel). The only thing I EVER use Riel for is the internet and even then I USUALLY use dollars (better exchange rate). The only time I use Riel is to get RID of them (anything less than a dollar you will get back in Riel..). He told me they were all out of small bills. Now, I was at a popular tourist restaurant (all Westerners around me) so I somehow doubted they were out. I kindly asked him if he could go check again and I think magic happened because he came back with $1 bills! Again maybe his motives weren’t bad but I hate always feeling like someone is trying to take advantage of me and scam me!

I left the Sugar Palm and headed for the night market! I had read there were two night markets (right next to each other) and wanted to check them out! I was actually really impressed! They were both very big and sold all the typical tourist things (every booth had the same thing!) There was also a really cool tiki bar type thing and a couple of restaurants (more or less). I knew I was too tired to actually LOOK for anything but I enjoyed the people watching and the crowds!

Hugs and kisses from the Cambodian dish Amok.

The Christmas That Never Ends!

2009-12-30T10:26:00.001-05:00

After about 5 hours of sleep (I had another 3am nighter) I woke up and my legs killed! I didn’t think I did THAT much walking and hiking yesterday at the Temples..but my legs tell me otherwise! I am so glad I was not doing another day of Temples because my legs would NOT have been able to handle it!

I have decided that any experience is different for everyone, so there will be no more SHOULDS for me. I am here because God put me here and instead of worrying if I am doing enough, if I am doing what’s right, if I am gaining enough from the experience, I am going to work on just “being”.

I dropped off my laundry (I seem to be flying through my clothes) and made my way to the Home of Joy. I saw a LOT of shoes outside so I was ready for a big crowd! And I found one! I ALSO found Santa Claus! It is like the Christmas that never ends! I found out the group was from Singapore and have been here since Christmas. They are affiliated with the Catholic Church so have been “touring” with them and seeing other villages. The man I spoke with said there were 37 of them, ranging from 14 to 96! The 96 year old woman was adorable! They were singing Christmas songs and hanging out with the kids. I gave “Santa” credit as I cannot imagine how hot it must have been in his suit!

The man also told me about a woman from Colorado so I went over to introduce myself. Jenny is in her late 50’s and is traveling all over Southeast Asia writing a book about being a solo female traveler. I was SO intrigued (I made sure to give her my email). She has been a widow for 13 years and has 3 daughters. She spends a lot of time traveling so she decided to write a book! I asked her lots of questions about what she does, how she does it and she said really she just shows up somewhere. She starts walking around and finds people very helpful (in Temples and Churches etc.) and takes it from there! She spends a lot of time teaching English to kids and meeting with the locals. I found her so interesting and I really enjoyed listening to her stories.

Sister Nazarene came over and asked me if I was staying for the week. I said I was and she asked if I could teach English to Maria, the woman who brought me the list of words last week. UGH! Obviously I had to say yes but inside I was dying. I know I have written about how guilty I feel for not wanting to teach English. The one thing I really enjoyed about Home of Joy was that I could just BE with the kids and I didn’t have to teach. Now, I will be spending my mornings teaching English to Maria and my afternoons teaching English at ODA. As awful as I feel for saying this..I am actually sort of bummed. Granted the kids wear me out, but I love hanging out with them in the morning. I think I am a little worn out (in general) but also worn out of always being asked to teach English, practice English, etc. I am trying to stay positive! I came here with an open mind and an open heart so God could put me where I am needed. And I will do my best to teach English with a smile, but I really just don’t enjoy it at all and will miss my time with the kids. I am also trying to remind myself I am only here for another week. I guess I just feel like ALL I have done for the past couple of months is teach English. When people see me they just FLOCK to learn English. I admire that and admire their willingness to learn but it’s just not something I am comfortable doing. I would really appreciate your continued prayers and support especially during this week.

I think if I was staying for more than another week I might ask to go somewhere else rather than the Home of Joy. I think because they are run by the Catholic Church there isn’t much need. Having the church behind them makes a HUGE difference. I also think they have a TON of volunteers and financial support (because of the church). I have been looking to see if there are ways I could contribute financially..but every couple of days there are groups of volunteers coming in with supplies and money etc. I am enjoying my time there but part of me feels my time and effort could be of better use elsewhere.

I left Home of Joy and road my bike back to homestay and it was HOT! I had PB&J and enjoyed a little downtime before heading into town. My man wasn’t sitting on his motorbike in front of his house, but I knew around the corner there would be a group of them waiting! However, I hadn’t gotten that far before one was driving past and asked me. I hopped on and said, “Blue Pumkpkin, Old Market” and it was OBVIOUS he had no clue. Most of the time I don’t have to help THAT much with getting into town..but I think the only English word this guy knew was, “Motorbike?” Luckily I feel pretty comfortable with directions so when he started going down this road I had never seen before I figured I could get us there. At one point I wanted him to go right at the lights and he just pulled over and stopped! Oh what a hassle to get into town!

As I walked up to the Blue Pumpkin I saw Sokmaly, the very outgoing girl and another girl I couldn’t remember (I soon realized she was the dancing teacher). I was sort of confused why there were two of them there to pick me up and then I realized that meant THREE of us had to ride a motorbike. Now these motorbikes were made for two..maybe THREE people if you are little..but it was NOT made for two girls and a Grady butt (Mom and Auntie Kathy you KNOW what I am talking about!) I spent the entire ride PRAYING I wouldn’t slip off as my butt was literally hanging off the edge.

The English lesson started as we left with them asking what things were in English, etc. I think they must be used to talking with the wind but I find it SO difficult and am constantly saying, “What? Huh? I can’t hear you!”

We arrived at ODA and again the group was small (which I like..I think). I went over to talk to Leng (the head guy) because I had some questions etc. but he was very weird and kind of rude. He just kind of brushed me off and said, “Yeah you teach and we talk later”. I am hoping he was just in a bad mood or something. There were six people in class today since the other half was at school! Bo is the older girl who I think is there to teach dancing. Her English is pretty good..except I can’t tell if she is 17 or 23..but I think 23 like me! Sokmaly is 17 (I think) and she talks a lot and gets very involved. Pharly is a cute little girl who is 10 and doesn’t say much. Tea is my FAVORITE! I think he is 7 or 8 (they don’t seem to know their ages) and he is just the CUTEST little thing. Lot and Pek are my two “boys” and Pek actually speaks English well and always wins when we have games.

I started off with the letters and numbers game since they still have trouble with letters. I soon realized I was VERY tired. I still don’t think I am used to the heat and I find it hard to be teaching in the afternoon when it is so hot. I am always talking and standing so I also find I get more tired that way. We continued on to introductions. We didn’t spend much time on that and I just had them say a couple of things out loud. I have NO idea if I am expected to teach for 2 hours straight but there is NO way I can do that when I don’t have a clue what to do (the kids get tired as well). I really wanted to stop at that point but I continued on to fruits. I went over the names and then had them each be a fruit. When I said their fruit they had to stand up! Then I had them partner up and one of the partners would come up to me. I would whisper the name of a fruit and they had to go back and tell their partner. Then, their partner had to find the fruit in the book and show me. To finish the day, I had one person stand outside the group and play “telephone” and then the last person had to say what they had heard to the person outside of the group and that person had to show everyone the picture in the book.

I think I am finding that I am a bit drained. I think my body is tired (I can’t seem to shake this cold..I feel like I can never sleep enough and just the wear and tear of travel) and my mind and heart are tired if that makes ANY sense. I find the traveling alone to be tiring..the always having to be on guard..learning a new place, area, language, customs, etc. I also find that I am “exhausted” by seeing such poverty and sadness. I guess by that I mean it gets exhausting seeing how others live, with disabilities or with a lack of resources. I am NOT in the least bit complaining. I love every second I spend helping people, but I guess what I am saying is I am really looking forward to next week with my mom and Lorna. I feel physically and mentally drained and I think it will be good for me to rejuvenated before volunteering in Thailand. I am hoping after my little break I can come back refreshed!

Leng had been gone for awhile..but luckily a few of the kids could speak enough English that I didn’t feel completely abandoned. One of the boys who had driven me once showed up and I finally was able to understand he could bring me back. I actually enjoy the boys more than the girls (I know that sounds bad..) but the girls are very giddy and giggly but I feel like I can “hang” more with the boys. They were asking me if I could sing and dance (I told them they didn’t wanna hear me sing or see me dance) but that I would charge my iPod so we could listen to some music tomorrow. I also asked if I could bring them some fruit (they were very excited) so Veasnu (I THINK that’s my “sometimes” drivers’ name) said tomorrow he could pick me up and bring me to a market! Hopefully that goes smoothly!

I came back to the homestay to drop off my stuff and get my laptop to head downtown. My man next door was waiting and luckily I don’t have to say too much since he now knows where I go. I made myself comfortable at the Blue Pumpkin and I somehow managed to pass the time uploading photos, answering emails, etc. I then made my way to a pizza place for dinner. I was exhausted, hot and cranky and just wanted something quick as I still had to get my laundry and get back.

I found a tuk-tuk, showed him where I needed to go, and waited for the “Oh so far..$3!” The novelty of bargaining has DEFINITELY worn off as I now reply, “$2” and start walking away. They don’t waste ANY time and yell ok as I hop in.

I find trying to get home every night exhausting. The tuk-tuk drivers want to charge more because it’s so far away (like I need to be reminded I am in the middle of nowhere) and since they never know where they are going I can’t really relax because I need to make sure we are heading in the right direction!

I did manage to get my laundry AND get home for $2 without getting lost!

Hugs and kisses from Christmas part two!

Moving Day!

2009-12-29T09:53:00.002-05:00

I moved today! Woo hoo! Well first of all I slept in this morning which was WONDERFUL! I then tried to figure out the best way to move. Like I said I have no wiggle room in my suitcases (yes..plural) so it didn’t really make sense to pack everything up to move a couple of doors down. So I carried everything! It actually took a while seeing as I only have two hands..but I made it work!

I then spent some time relaxing, catching up on blogs (I have fallen SO far behind) and just enjoying a morning and early afternoon doing NOTHING. Sometimes I feel guilty when I take time to stay inside and chill because I think, “Ugh I am in (fill in the blank) and I am inside!” BUT I know that I need a break and a rest and I will appreciate where I am a lot more after having rested up!

I think before I moved into this new room, a city of bugs lived here. Yes, a city! I think I have counted about 7 daddy long legs and I HATE those. I feel as though I spend most of my time killing bugs, especially when they crawl on me in my bed. NOT OK! Ants, spiders, things that crawl and then decide to FLY! I try not to think about it too much but ugh sometimes it just grosses me out!

I took a nice warm shower and it was wonderful! I had forgotten how much I miss hot water! It also made up for all the moving I had to do. I had a nice PB&J sandwich for lunch and then got ready for my afternoon tour. My Temple pass is good for any three days until next Friday. Apparently, they just changed the rule because you use to have to use it three days in a ROW! Talk about being Temple’d out! So I decided I would do a full day tour on Saturday, a half day tour on Sunday and then I would pick a day next week to do some touring. I do want to see all Angkor has to offer, but I also know myself well enough to know three full days is too much!

I found a different guide through trip advisor to use for Sunday afternoon and Wednesday. The plan was to meet at the homestay at 3:00pm but I realize I had a missed call from him at 2:35pm. I figured he was lost..like everyone else when they try to find this place! When I called back (about 5 minutes later) I heard a phone ring outside my room. “No way..” I thought. He said he was here and he thought he was outside my room. I told him I would be right there and scrambled to get ready!

He had a car as well and I can’t decide if I like the car idea. The AC is great and you go a lot faster..but there is something traditional about the tuk-tuk. I think though for me the car is a good idea because I can see a lot more and I do feel safer than hiring a tuk-tuk for the day since I am alone.

Sun Same is 27 and is from Siem Reap. He drove me to the Roluos Group which is a group of Temples about 20 minutes from town. We first saw Bakong, the biggest one and it was pretty. I was so glad we waited until the afternoon because the sun wasn’t as strong. We then went to Preah Ko and finally Lolei (there wasn’t much to see there). I wasn’t overly impressed, but I knew I wanted to do the big temples my first day to make SURE I saw them and then do little ones.

I enjoy having a guide since I have NO idea what I am looking at and I also enjoy having someone to talk to. He told me more about how corrupt Cambodia is (he has to pay a “corruption” fee to get his tour license) and just things about life in Cambodia.

He then took me to Phnom Bakheng for sunset. This is the place KNOWN for sunset so I was ready for the crowds and they were there to greet me! It was actually a hike up to the top. The temple itself wasn’t anything amazing AND the stairs to get up to the top were CRAZY! Each stair must have been about 2 feet tall and the width of the stair was about 6 inches so there was no room to miscalculate your step! I didn’t see anyone fall, nor did I fall which really is a feat in itself!

Unfortunately, the sunset was not impressive. More so because there were clouds so as the sun started to set it was just covered by clouds. I was glad I did sunset last night so I did get to see a true sunset.

Coming down the stairs was a completely CRAZIER time and there was a line of people backed up. Again I did not fall so I was very proud!

I made my way back down the path to find Sun Same to head back to town. We got stuck in the “sunset traffic” but made it back so he could drop me off at the Temple Balcony so I could eat dinner and watch a show.

I had read that you could eat dinner and watch traditional Khmer dancing at this restaurant from 7:30pm-9:30pm. I decided to get there at 7:00pm as I knew a lot of the tour groups would have reserved seating and I might have trouble finding a place to sit. My table was ok, not the best view but I could see (more or less). I got spaghetti and waited for the show to start. I really wasn’t that impressed at all. It might have been because I couldn’t really see well..I am not sure. I am definitely glad I went to see it, but I don’t think I will be running back to see this show again anytime soon. The service was so slow so it took forever for me to get my check and when I did I was ready to hit the road!

I DID upload new videos (pictures are still coming) so make sure to check them out as I will have to delete ones to add NEW ones by the end of this week!

Hugs and kisses from my new room!

Angkor Wat

2009-12-28T10:46:00.001-05:00

I was excited about touring the Temples when I woke up this morning, but part of me KNEW how tired I would be at the end of the day.

I am NOT a museum/temple/pagoda/history buff type of girl. So, I spoiled myself and hired a guide. I LOVED having my guide in Beijing..(there was SO much to see so I did about half on my own and half with her) and I loved my FREE guide (Mr. Long) in Vietnam! I am finding that traveling alone is EXHAUSTING so I reward myself by having a guide who will do all the hard work (getting me from place to place) and tell me everything I need to know. Also, I feel a lot more comfortable and safe and know I won’t be taken advantage of (I kinda stick out being a blond American).

I used trip advisor (obviously) to find a guide who was highly recommended. He picked me up with a driver and car at 7:30am. For whatever reason it is a law that tour guides can’t drive and drivers can’t give tours. Honestly, I felt a little too spoiled in a car. I haven’t been traveling in anything enclosed in over a week and it felt strange! It was definitely nice and I welcomed the AC..but it was almost like it was too much (yes, this is coming from the princess).

We headed off and made our first stop at Angkor Wat, the biggest and most well known of all the temples. We worked our way from back to front and it really was beautiful. It had only been about 5 minutes into the tour when I realized I was SO glad to have a tour guide! I probably could have brought a guide book with me but 1) I would have had NO clue what to look at/where to go, etc. 2) I would have given up after an hour and 3) I would have gotten HASSLED by people selling things.

Dara, my guide, was great. Personally, he gave too much history etc. but I know that’s just how I am and could have done everything in half a day. He was worth it just for the PICTURES! He knew exactly where to go, how to stand etc. to take the best pictures! Sometimes I felt like a model..it was awesome! I was also glad to have him because he pushed me, in the sense that I really wanted to see EVERYTHING I had on the list for the day, but if I didn’t know what I was looking at I would have gotten bored. Some of the stories were actually interesting (a lot were not haha!) but he was great for his knowledge of the temples and his knowledge of where to go and what to see! I also saw other people (without guides) get hounded by everyone trying to sell things. While they asked me as well, they weren’t as bad which was a WELL needed break!

As we were leaving Angkor Wat we passed a number of wedding parties having their pictures taken. Just like the reception I went to the woman wore beautiful clothing and lots of makeup. McGunnigal family..I think you should also start saving for flights over to Angkor Wat for wedding pictures. Just giving you a heads up!

From there we took the car to Palilay Temple and to be honest I think I actually would have preferred a tuk-tuk! It felt way too formal to be in a CAR of all things..but I didn’t REALLY complain because the AC felt great.

:Side note: as I have been typing this three different types of bugs have walked across my computer screen and now I kill them with one hand. CRAZY!

Continuing on..Palilay was alright, but it was very small and a bit remote which in a way was very nice. It was quiet and peaceful but nothing special.

We continued back to Angkor Thom which has the faces of Bayon. There are a ton of faces all throughout the temple and most of them are smiling. It really is a happy place with all these faces smiling at you (in a creepy way I guess!)

:Side note: Just killed bug numero four!

After Angkor Thom and Bayon I was definitely ready for the morning to be over. It was SO hot and I was sweating like crazy and everything was starting to look like ROCKS (which I knew would happen). I made sure I was drinking lots of water and stuffing my face with snacks so Dara wouldn’t see the, “I am hot, tired and hungry” Julie..which really..nobody should EVER have to see.

At the end he asked if I wanted to see more in Angkor Thom or if I was ok leaving and I said I thought I was all set. I am SURE he has tourists who want to fill up EVERY minute..I’m just not one of them!

The normal schedule for touring the Temples is to do some in the morning and then leave to take a break, rest, recharge your camera and have lunch. From about 11:00am-2:00pm the heat, sun and humidity is AWFUL! If it were up to me I would change that time from 9:00am-4:00pm but the general consensus is 11:00am-2:00pm. I came back to the homestay for a WELL needed nap! I was exhausted! Between the heat and the walking and the climbing I passed out! I woke up to have a quick lunch and then we were back at it!

We want to Bantaey Kdei which again wasn’t anything special but it was near ODA (where I volunteer in the afternoons) so it was cool to see something nearby.

After that we did the last of the three major Temples (Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom) Ta Prohm. This one is best known for the trees that are growing out of the rocks and because it was featured in Tomb Raider, which I have never seen but feel I should after having been there. I, like everyone else, had my picture taken in front of the door where the one and only Angelina stood! The trees were really cool at this temples and it was AMAZING how the trees and rocks have become one and the same!

Dara kept saying how we had plenty of time, seeing as this was the last big Temple of the day before sunset, and I think I did a pretty good job filling up the time until we left. From Ta Prohm we drove to Pre Rup, the last stop of the day. The temple wasn’t much but it was supposed to be a great spot for sunset. We had a little extra time before the sun dropped enough that it wasn’t going to be hot so we sat at the bottom of the temple. A young girl (in her school uniform) came up to me selling things. I was about to give my rehearsed response of, “No thank you” until she said something about Christmas! She was holding these little 3D fishes made out of paper that were “ornaments” for Christmas trees! I can’t remember if I mentioned this but I collect Christmas ornaments everywhere I travel. This way, when I have my own Christmas tree I will able to decorate it and remember all my past adventures! (I shouldn’t take credit for this idea as it was my mom’s) but I really think it’s a cool way to collect things from traveling. Anyway, I didn’t have anything from Cambodia yet, and granted this fish isn’t very “Cambodian”, but I knew I would think of this little girl. So I bought one and had my picture with her and of course I then got flooded with everyone else trying to sell me things. I hope that every Christmas I will look at that ornament and think of this little girl and my Christmas spent in Cambodia.

We climbed to the top (it was NOT an easy climb) for sunset. The sunset was beautiful and it reminded me of something you might see in Africa (I don’t know why I thought of that). It wasn’t that I was disappointed, but I think maybe I was expecting more. I think tomorrow night I might see sunset from an area that sets over the Temples. This was just a sunset over the fields which was still very beautiful but I didn’t think it was very unique.

After that my day was over and I was so tired! I came back to the homestay and my plan was to shower and head downtown for dinner and my skype date with my boyfriend! However, Dara said he and the driver would wait for me since I was so far away from town. I thought that was really sweet that he went out of his way to make sure I would get into town safely.

I didn’t have a ton of time before my date so I stopped at a pizza place (I knew it would be fast). Surprisingly this was my first pizza stop in Cambodia..and sadly it was just ok. I then went to the internet café to have a well needed skype date with Steve! Granted he just had a webcam so we could only look at each other and then type..we think this is great practice for when we are old and can’t hear each other anyway.

After that I headed back to the homestay as I was exhausted! I am however, so excited to sleep in tomorrow. After that my plan is to switch rooms! Woo hoo!

Hugs and kisses from Angkor Wat!

I’ll Be Home For Christmas..If Only In My Dreams!

2009-12-27T21:23:00.001-05:00

I did NOT sleep well last night. I feel like I start every blog saying this, but last night I was still up at 3:00am..NOT OK! I thought maybe the little kid in me was just so excited for Christmas!

My aunt called me this morning to wish me a Merry Christmas and it was a great way to start my day! I rode my bike to the Home of Joy and only found a few kids! None of the nuns were there either and since the staff doesn’t speak much English I assumed they were all at Mass! I thought I heard the Priest say the Mass was at 8:30am (Mom and Dad aren’t you proud that I listened!) and since the Christmas Eve Mass went about 2 hours I told them I would come back at 10:30am.

I road my bike downtown and it was HOT! I added money to my phone for my Christmas calls and then I knew I needed a cool drink and to cool down because I was cranky! I stopped at the Blue Pumpkin because I knew they had good drinks and it really is the only place with AC (it’s their “cool” season..imagine that)!

I rode my bike back to the orphanage (yes my butt still hurts) and when I got there the mother and daughter were handing out presents! They had brought wrapped presents from Singapore so every child got a present and a bag of candy! Yum! They were so cute and I went around helping them untie and unwrap their presents. Most of them were ones that moved (battery operated) and one was a dog that walked. The kids were TERRIFIED of it and I had a good laugh. They would run up behind me so the dog didn’t get them!

I really was SO happy to be spending my Christmas with them! I wore my FLASHING Santa hat I bought yesterday and they loved the lights. I was also happy with my decision to do laundry seeing as I was also wearing my red shirt!

I was happy the nuns were letting the kids eat as MUCH candy as they wanted. It was EVERYWHERE! We listened to Christmas songs and played with their toys and I felt like I spent most of the morning FIXING toys. I had to be the battery putter backer AND Nurse Julie as a doll’s leg got amputated! Don’t worry, I managed to perform surgery and had her back to good!

The kids went down for their nap and I asked what time I should come back in the afternoon and Sister Nazarene said 2:30pm. I left and came back to the homestay for a little lunch and a nap myself! I only allowed myself 45 minutes to nap because I am too afraid I won’t be able to sleep tonight! Although even the other day I only napped for an hour. Oh well wish me luck tonight!

I decided I wanted to watch the Christmas movie Elf..but my computer kept saying it knew I wasn’t in the U.S. and it only worked in the U.S! You crazy computer how do you know where I am (I wasn’t even connected to the internet). It was too much work to try and tell it YES I was in Cambodia but my laptop was setup in the U.S. so Elf will have to wait until NEXT Christmas. Actually who am I kidding I will watch that movie during any season!

I rode my bike back to the orphanage and saw everyone outside playing games! The nuns crack me up! They are TOO funny! Christmas music was playing, candy was being eaten and games of musical chairs and sack races were being played. What a way to spend Christmas, huh? If I could bring everyone I love with me..I would choose to spend every Christmas with kids in an underdeveloped country.

I hope someday my kids will be as excited as these kids were with their one gift. I don’t want to go on and on about how I had this revelation about how Christmas isn’t about the gifts, but I really do hope for years to come I can remember this Christmas – the simplicity of it, the joy of a small gift and spending time with others.

We played this one game where we had to dance and when the music stopped we couldn’t move. The nuns would come around and make funny faces to try and make us move (this was mostly just the older kids and the staff). I was DYING and lost every time. Oh these nuns, I just love them!

The kids had really been munching on their snacks all day and I wasn’t helping the matter as I brought them some sweet bread! They were ready for more and before long I had a trail of little ones eagerly awaiting another piece of bread!

We had a great afternoon of eating lots of food, playing games and listening to Christmas music. They actually did still have a structured meal, so after feeding I left and came back to the homestay!

My new motorbike man (who I think lives next store) was sitting outside his house so I hopped on and he took me downtown. I can’t imagine he does this for a living seeing as there are about 10 people on this street, but who knows.

I got comfortable at the Blue Pumpkin with its wonderful air conditioning! I wanted to do some emailing and uploading pictures AND I had to get ready for my skype dates with my family later!

I actually wasn’t as sad as I thought I was going to be this Christmas. I feel like the weeks leading up to it were harder than the day. I couldn’t listen to Christmas music or watch Christmas movies because I would get too homesick! I was almost dreading the day in a sense because I had no idea what to expect. I missed being home with my family, I missed helping out with gift wrapping at the mall and ringing the bells for the Salvation Army. I missed decorating the tree and Christmas movies on TV! And I especially missed baking with my mom!

But, luckily, I wasn’t too sad on Christmas. I had an AMAZING day with the kids and had so much fun hanging out with them. I thought it was a great way to spend Christmas day as Christmas really should be spent. I didn’t get caught up in gifts or presents or if the food was ready on time or if I spent enough or if someone liked their gift etc.

I got a quick call from Steve so we could wish each other Merry Christmas on my Christmas night and his Christmas morning. As much as I love him anyway, it really is so nice to have someone to talk to that is experiencing somewhat of the same things (being away from home on Christmas, etc.)

I then got situated with my Santa hat to skype my aunt! She LOVED my Santa hat (who wouldn’t) and it was great to catch up since I haven’t been able to skype since I got here!

After that I skyped my family so we could have Christmas! And what a Christmas it was! It first started off with me talking to my parents in our den. But then, Scott was calling me so I was all confused and they said we should all move to the family room (where Scott’s laptop was) since the presents were in there! So I got to open one first, a new shirt! Woo hoo! Then Mom, Dad and Scott opened the presents I had gotten them (yes, I was done my Christmas shopping AND wrapping in September!) and it was so fun because I felt like I was there! I then got to open another Christmas present..a Life is Good Peanut Butter & Jelly tshirt! I LOVE IT because it really is perfect for me! Nothing like Christmas morning with skype! I am so thankful for computers and the internet and webcams. I felt like most of “Christmas morning” was spent with “Can you move the camera a bit I can’t see”. I really can’t say ENOUGH how special it was to me and how much it meant! I stayed along watching until everyone had opened their presents and held them up to the camera so I could see. I felt like I was there celebrating Christmas with my family. It was absolutely wonderful!

I then was able to quickly skype my other aunt and she loved my Santa hat as well! The three of us (my aunt, my family and me) tried to do a three way call so the three of us could talk, but at that point the Blue Pumpkin was closing and the wireless outside wasn’t very strong so I kept disconnecting.

Before I got a ride home I checked out “Pub Street” as they had a couple of bands playing. There was also a truck with people in the back playing Christmas music and just driving around! I have no clue who they were though!

I got a ride back and was a little nervous because I had never come back so late. Luckily, since it was a weekend, the main roads were still pretty busy. When I got back I ran into one of the brothers of the family who was explaining Room One now has hot water and I get to move there! I told him that was GREAT and exciting, but I was actually okay in my room.

Imagine that..turning down hot water! Haha the thing is, I don’t enjoy the cold showers and I miss hot water a lot, but I am sort of into a routine here. I have my little “run in before you change your mind” dance and even though I don’t enjoy the showers, they are fine. AND I am all settled in and decorated so I thanked him and said I was fine. Then, he insisted on showing me how it worked. So we went in and checked it out. I then told him that maybe I could just use the room to take my showers.

I stopped by the dining room area to say goodnight to the other two brothers (who also came to the wedding) and then the first guy was back asking when I could move. I thanked them again and said I really was FINE in my room, but then he responded with, “Well we need your room to fix that one too”. Oooooh so now I got it! They needed me out! The other brother chimed in (I think he realized I really didn’t want to move) and said that if I didn’t want to I didn’t have to move but then the first brother started speaking in Khmer so my guess is he was saying, “She needs to move..we need the room!” So I told them it was late tonight (it was 12am) and I was touring the Temples all day tomorrow but I would move on Sunday! The hot water will be VERY nice..but I really am all settled in and comfortable so it will take awhile to move.

I am really missing Thuong and Cho con today and it makes me a bit sad. Even if I could just give them a hug and a kiss and a present I would be happy..but I hate not knowing how they are doing. If anyone is interested..I am going to start saving to go back to Vietnam so feel free to join!

For my first Christmas spent away from home and by myself I actually had a great day. I really enjoyed my time with the kids..playing games and listening to Christmas music!

Hugs and kisses and Merry Christmas from Cambodia!

Merry Christmas Eve!

2009-12-26T17:20:00.001-05:00

When we came back from the wedding and tour of the city last night, my neighbor Mrs. Richards called me to say she was thinking of me and Merry Christmas! I feel like I am doing shout-outs or ads for people..haha..but it was so sweet and I really appreciated the thought!

I took a quick shower and KNEW I needed to sleep right away. I realized I was sick and there was a problem when I had to turn off my fan and put on a sweatshirt, sweatpants and heavy socks. Friendly reminder, I am in Cambodia with no AC! I really felt like I was coming down with the flu..I was just so achy and felt awful. It took me a while to get to sleep and I was bundled up in all my clothes and blankets.

I woke up feeling a bit better but knew something was wrong since I felt the need for all those clothes in 80 degree weather. I didn’t really want to skip Home of Joy and I had a lot of errands to do, so I figured I would try the morning and see how it went.

As I was finishing up breakfast my phone rang! Woo hoo I love phone calls! It was Steve’s sister Mary and his mom! (Steve and Christine..still waiting for a phone call from you..) They were calling to say hello and wish me a Merry Christmas as well! I was LOVING this -- everyone calling me thing! I really could get use to all these phone calls! It is SO nice to hear peoples voice and know they are thinking of me. I really can’t express how much it means!

I rode my bike to the laundry (so I can wear red tomorrow for Christmas) and then to the Home of Joy! I feel like my time spent there is holding crying kids who usually stop once they are held! I can’t tell you how sore I am from doing this..haha! Mom’s out there..I give you props!

I always make sure to check in with the two disabled kids since I feel more comfortable with the disabled after my experiences in Vietnam. The older girl can walk on her own but I usually dance with her and I take the boy out of his crib and move his legs and arms (I think he likes this!)

I felt awful but I had another frustrating English time. One of the workers there is from Vietnam (I think her name is Maria) and she brought out a list of English words to have me say them to her. Again, I realize they are trying to learn to make a better life for themselves, but I think I am worn out from teaching English. Also, one of the reasons I love Home of Joy is because I DON’T have to teach English. I tried to be patient with her, but the other problem I run into is that they just can’t make the same sounds. It’s just like me trying to speak an Asian language..I can try but I won’t ever sound like them. So I never know how much to repeat it before moving on. I really try to be patient but I just felt like I am there to play and help the kids, not to teach English. Ok enough of me complaining about that.

10:00am came and went and I had no clue why we weren’t feeding, but I just waited to see what happened. A little later a mother and daughter from Singapore arrived. I guess we were waiting for them to arrive as we were having a small party. I found out more later, but they are from Singapore and I believe they are church partners with the one here so they have been to the Home of Joy a number of times to donate and help out. They brought party hats for the kids, which were cute, and some sweets! We all hung out and there was music playing.

I guess some of the kids were hungry because then we just had feeding time in the small little gathering room! The mother and daughter also brought a blow up Santa but it only had a foot pump and was taking forever to blow up. By that time it was around noon (I usually leave at 11:00am) so I decided I would take off. I still wasn’t feeling great so I called Leng to let him know I wasn’t feeling well and wouldn’t make it in this afternoon.

I had to go to the bank, but the first one I stopped at didn’t have an ATM. I found another one, went to the ATM and then needed to change it into smaller bills. The place was PACKED! I think you needed to get a number, but I had no idea where to find them and it seemed like it would take forever. The first bank I stopped at wasn’t busy so I went back there. However, once I got there she said they don’t give out smaller bills. “WHAT? YOU ARE A BANK!” I yelled at her. Ok ok, I didn’t say that but rather “thank you” and left..but come on isn’t that what banks do? I then went BACK past the other bank (I was just doing laps up and down this one road) and found a REAL bank that gave me smaller bills!

I then got a call from the BIRTHDAY GIRL (my mom’s friend Deb) which was SO nice. I was so spoiled with phone calls today! We had a great chat and I was already feeling better.

Before I rode my bike back to the homestay I wanted to stop at the grocery store to pick up some snacks for the kids tomorrow for Christmas. I got some doughnut type things and some candy canes so I hope they like them!

I made myself PB&J for lunch and took a well needed nap! As bad as I felt about missing the afternoon volunteering, I also knew I NEEDED to rest and catch up on sleep before I got any worse.

After some well needed rest I got to be LAZY. I had taken about 2 steps on the road outside the homestay when I got a “motorbike?” I hopped on and did a quick email check before grabbing dinner. I just got pasta (easy on the stomach) but it took FOREVER. The woman seemed very confused that I wanted dinner and then insisted the only menu was the one on display. I guess this could be true but it was a western place so who knows.

I knew I wouldn’t be able to make it to Christmas Eve Mass in time so I took a motorbike there. It’s so funny when I say yes I want a ride and then try to explain where I want to go. I don’t think ONCE someone has known where I wanted to go and tonight the Catholic Church was no exception. Once I started talking, all the other drivers SWARMED in. This always happens and I don’t know if they are trying to help their friend in making sure he knows where he is going. I would love to have someone with me who could understand what they are saying. I pointed in the direction, said I would show him the way and off we went!

I wore my Sunday best seeing as I had already embarrassed myself at the wedding reception. I still had on flip flops (but the nicest ones I have with me!) and I wore my fancier khaki capri’s and the one nice shirt I brought with me!

The church was happening! It was an older, wooden-looking building and the actual church was on the second floor. It was beautiful in a Cambodian way. I ran into Sister Nazarene and said hello and then took off my shoes and left them outside. There were mats on the floor and everyone was sitting on mats, so I found a seat. It was such a different way to celebrate Christmas Eve. The church was full with Westerners as it was the only Christmas Mass in English.

There were three Priests, a local one, one from Indonesia and one from France. They introduced themselves and then there was a small Christmas “play”. It wasn’t in English, and I don’t think it was EXACTLY the Christmas story, but something like that! It was put on by local children and most of them looked like they were between 8 and 15. The lights went off a few times so it was fun to sit in the dark, but luckily it didn’t last long so the show could continue!

After the play the Priests each spoke and then we sang a few more songs. The Mass was a bit long for me..almost 2 hours, but I was so happy I went. It was a GREAT and different way to celebrate Christmas Eve!

Afterwards they had some refreshments in the lower level of the church so of course I had to check them out! The hard boiled eggs were a big hit with the locals, but I stuck to the sweets!

I headed off to pick up my laundry (a clean red shirt..wahooo!) and quickly checked my email before returning back to the homestay. Since I now feel comfortable with the area, I do feel safer at night. Normally I have to take the closest tuk-tuk or motorbike driver so I just tell them I will show them where to go. I always have my money ready and my key out so once we arrive I can pay them and leave. Although, sometimes the gate is shut and it takes a couple tries to open, so I don’t like that. Even though I am more comfortable I still don’t like coming home alone after dark, but it’s not as bad as the first couple of days.

I took a shower to make sure my hair would be clean on Christmas and then I had some tea with Payal and two of the brothers. I actually really enjoyed talking with one of them since I was asking lots of questions. Again, while I don’t really ENJOY the homestay (being so remote..not being able to come back during the day..not feeling safe at night) it is nice to have a local family to talk to.

I asked every question I could think of (if anyone has more let me know). He has never left the country. It isn’t TOO expensive to get a passport (the more you pay the quicker you get it) but it’s expensive to travel so most people can’t afford it. There are public schools and if you are smart enough and have enough money you can continue to college, but most people don’t have the money so they get a job. The richest people here are businessmen who have branches in Phnom Penh.

The wedding we went to wasn’t a love match. The groom was about 30 and the bride 21. SOME girls get married at 16 or 17! Holy moly! The groom has to bring his parents to meet the bride’s parents and if everyone agrees the groom’s family has to pay the bride’s family money and then the bride’s family decides how to allocate the money for the wedding. McGunnigal family..start saving up because I aint cheap!

I asked if that was a typical wedding and he more or less said that couple had a lot of money so it was one of the nicer ones.

I asked a little bit about hospitals and he said a lot of the doctors aren’t good and lie so they can take your money. The Government doesn’t seem to do much either but I didn’t push that topic too much.

Overall I had a really nice Christmas Eve and I am excited to celebrate Christmas tomorrow in a very different way with the kids at the Home of Joy!

Hugs and kisses and Merry Christmas Eve from Cambodia!

The Benefits of a Homestay..?

2009-12-25T00:03:00.002-05:00

Cambodian Wedding Reception. Please read on!

I haven’t been sleeping GREAT here. It isn’t ungodly hot without AC but it’s a bit toasty. The bed isn’t too comfortable, nor the blanket. It sounds like I am complaining, I really am not..but I think part of the reason I wake UP tired is because I don’t sleep well.

As I was getting ready to leave I walked past one of the guys in the family that lives here and some tuk tuk people (maybe his friends I don’t know) and he asked if I was busy tonight. I said I wasn’t sure (the safe answer..) and waited for him to respond. He said there was a wedding tonight and asked if I wanted to go (it took a few tries until I understood this much). I said I wasn’t sure (I was very confused) and asked what time. He said 6:00pm and mentioned something about Payal going (which made me feel better). So I texted her and she said her and Ashley were going and I should be at the homestay around 6:00pm. We shall see what tonight brings.

I was off (with my bike again) to the laundry shop first because they didn’t give me back my laundry bag. Sound familiar? Now I will know that wasn’t just a Vietnamese thing and I will have to make sure I get it next time. I did a quick stop at the internet place and made it to the Home of Joy by 9:00am.

I got to the Home of Joy and was there in time for dancing! They were adorable. They always seem to have music playing on a CD player which I think is really nice and a lot of the kids were dancing. There are signs everywhere that say no pictures, but I am hoping next week (after the nuns know me better) I can sneak some.

The kids are adorable but they wear me out! Really they do! The girls were cute and sat behind me and kept taking my hair out and putting it back in a pony tail. Kinda hurt but hey it kept them busy! So I was happy when a nun brought over one of the two disabled boys and put him in my lap because then I got to rest, well sort of. I think she said he is paralyzed, but I think he has whatever it is that a lot of the kids in Vietnam have. His joints are stiff and he can’t really bend. I held him for a while and tried to dance with him when the music was playing. I felt awful because (this happened twice) other kids would drop something and it would make a loud noise and his WHOLE body would tense up. I tried to rock him and rub his head to calm him down. I finally figured out he loved when I bounced his legs to the music. At least, I think he liked it, I am pretty sure I saw him smile!

It was then feeding time and I am still trying to watch to see what the routine is. I was handed a bowl for the boy I continue to feed and love him because he is a GREAT eater! I also helped a girl who was pretty good on her own but sometimes needed an extra push. So after their food they get a piece of fruit, then water, then they are wiped and then they are off!

After my boy was done another worker gave me a little baby (well she could sit up on her own) to feed. It is so funny because the workers there call me Sister! Sorry Steve, I don’t know if I am available anymore.

This girl was TOUGH. She had baby food and she did NOT want to eat. I couldn’t get her to open her mouth or anything. When I did, the food would just come back out! I tried for a while with no luck. I was getting frustrated more so because of the FLIES! They are awful here. I don’t really worry about mosquitoes, it’s the flies! It’s kind of gross; I counted about 5 flying around me when I was trying to feed. It’s not as if the orphanage isn’t clean (it’s actually nice) but rather that flies just love Cambodia!

After feeding they lay down for a nap so I went around and rubbed some heads and backs and hit the road! I biked around a little more (since I know I won’t have my bike every day) and then stopped at a place for lunch that I could also check email quickly. I got a tuna sandwich which was really good!

I came back to the homestay to drop off my bike and then back out to find a motorbike to downtown. I have NO idea who these guys are but they always hang out at this one corner. All the motorbike and tuk-tuk guys wave at you even if you are MILES away..they are CRAZY! I can’t imagine these guys do this for a living because there are no tourists that come down that road and all the locals have their own transportation. But maybe they are just resting and hanging out until they see me and then spring into action.

I got a ride downtown to meet someone who was going to take me to ODA. At 1:15pm I called Leng who said his student was there, but then when I asked again, he said he would be 20 minutes. I told him it was fine they weren’t there but I just wanted to know what time. He seemed very confused, so I just sat to wait.

Earlier when I was walking around a young girl came up to me to try and sell something. I said no thank you and when she asked where I was from I just kept walking. I felt awful after thinking, “Yes, maybe she is trying to sell me something but she is still just a kid”. So while I was waiting for my ride another girl came up to me. I still said no thank you but this time I didn’t end the conversation. I already knew her next question so I responded with, “The States!” I asked her why she wasn’t in school and she said she had been in the morning. Which is true because when I go to ODA in the afternoon sometimes half the kids are in school and half already went in the morning. We chatted for a bit..she likes singing in school and does this after school to make money. I told her if I saw her tomorrow I would buy her an ice cream. Who knows what I have started.

When I was done talking to her this young guy was awkwardly staring at me so I figured he was my ride. I forget what his name was but he is 20 and brought me out to ODA. As we were on his motorbike I was so thankful I didn’t have to bike it. My butt hurts so much from just riding my bike in the morning (which is no more than an hour) never mind in the afternoon. I still do feel a bit guilty when I hear about other people who do it and kids who ride into town from the orphanage. BUT God gave me special talents to share with these people and bike riding isn’t one of them.

We got stop by the guards for a little bit. It wasn’t a scary situation, but they just needed to confirm (I don’t know how) that I was a volunteer and not going to the Temples.
When I arrived at ODA Leng was showing some people around so I went to the school area where there were about 7 kids hanging out. I just started talking to them and then brought out my books. They LOVED them and I was so excited! I think it was sensory overload (I gave them each 4 books) and I knew I didn’t want to go over them today but had to bring them ALL since I never go back to the homestay during the day.

I then decided it was most important for them to be able to start a conversation. Most of them are pretty good because Westerners stop by ALL the time but I wanted to make sure. I started off with hello/answer, How are you?/answer, What’s your name?/answer, How old are you?/answer. I could tell some of the boys were bored, but with a class that ranges in age from 6-15 it was hard to find common ground! I also thought this was a good way for me to see who needs more help and who can carry on a conversation.

People kept stopping by to see ODA which I thought was great! At first I was under the impression they REALLY need help but now I am not so sure. Well, I shouldn’t say that. I think a lot of people stop by as they are touring the Temples but maybe don’t stay to REALLY help or buy the things they need. it makes it hard for a structured lesson but I don’t really mind because it gives me a nice break when they stop by.

By the time we got to ages I realized they were struggling a bit with numbers and letters. Now I am not one to emphasize writing. If I had more time I would..but if there is one thing I have learned about language when traveling..it only matters if you can SPEAK it! Khaly could really only speak Vietnamese and did everything fine. If she didn’t know, she just told someone (in Vietnamese) she couldn’t read it and then they would say it to her. So for the children I know it’s important they learn how to read and write but I think first they should know how to have a conversation.

They do write in their books as I write on the board so I decided it was game time! Two teams and we had races. I would say a letter or number and whoever got it first -- won! Woo hoo! THEN I got tricky and would say something like, “5B” so they had to do both. I think they really enjoyed it.

I was exhausted and I think there’s only so much these kids can do without getting bored so I decided to call it a class (there doesn’t seem to be a set time). I was then just hanging out with them but these two older people kept asking me to pronounce words in the books. They might have been more or less around my age and I found out later one of them is the dance instructor. A past volunteer paid for a few months of cultural dance lessons for the kids.

I know how awful this is going to sound (these are the times I find it hard to write openly) BUT I am just tired of teaching English. The kids are adorable and I did have fun with them, but it’s more of the older people who come up to me and just ask me to read words for them. I know how bad that sounds, they are just trying to learn, but saying English words over and over gets old and I do it in EVERY country over and over and over. I can’t tell you how many times people just want to talk to practice. Again, I TRY hard because I know they want to learn, but I think I am getting a bit fatigued. Granted I have only been in Cambodia for a few days, I have been volunteering for over 2 months now so I think that aspect is becoming more tiring.

They asked me to stay for their dancing class and I felt awful but I said I needed to go. I knew I needed to go back into town to grab dinner and make it back to the homestay for this wedding thing. I told them hopefully another day I would stay!

Some guy from ODA brought me back on his ghetto bike. I felt awful because the mirrors were falling off (he had to hold them) and I didn’t have any foot things so I had to hold my legs. I was worried because I was wearing flip flops and on the turns my feet hit the bottom, but I still have two legs to show for it..although they were sore legs when we got back into town!

We stopped for gas along the way and I paid and then I will pay Leng for the transportation since it is much easier than me trying to find another way out there.

Once I was back in town, I quickly stopped to buy some dry erase markers for the school since all of theirs were running out and then did another quick internet run to check my email.

I had dinner at a place Angelina frequented often while in Siem Reap to film Tomb Raider. Her picture was everywhere and they had a drink named after her. It was cute but a bit overkill.

I wasn’t feeling great so I decided on eggs and fruit salad with yogurt and it was DELICIOUS. Scrambled eggs are another comfort food for me and I knew it would be easy to get down. I ALWAYS love a good fruit salad with yogurt so that was good as well! I can’t seem to find good orange juice here as it is always mixed with orange soda..yuck!

I found a new tuk-tuk driver to take me to get some milk (the kind I had was VERY spoiled..I had to dump out my cereal this morning) and take me back.

I had just gotten back and I ran into Payal and asked her if I should wear anything special or bring anything. She laughed and said it was cute that I asked so many questions!..and said whatever was fine! I still didn’t know what we were going to but decided I would go along and not ask questions.

We got in the family’s tuk-tuk and off we went. It was myself, Ashley, Payal and three family members. As we were driving there I was yawning (I was so tired) and Payal said something about me being tired. I figured that was a good time to throw in a question about how late this went and she said around 11:30pm. WOW! I was glad I didn’t know that beforehand! I still wasn’t feeling great and did NOT want to stay out that late but reminded myself this was pretty cool so I wanted to enjoy it!

I had NO idea what to expect until we arrived at a banquet hall just like in the States. Some people were outside and the women all looked beautiful. They had a lot of makeup on and all had either traditional dresses or traditional tops on with a skirt. Some looked like they were going to prom! It was great! The guys weren’t as dressed up, but I felt like the BIGGEST bum! I REALLY should have thought this out more..but I had no clue where we were even going! I had on sneakers, capri’s and a t-shirt! I hadn’t even showered or washed my face! Oh it was so awful. Nobody seemed to notice or care which was nice..but I just felt so under dressed.

We got in line to enter through the front door where we were greeted by the bride and groom in a sort of receiving line. I am not quite sure who the other people in the line were but the bride and groom were definitely there. They handed out their little party favors (a small notebook with hearts) and we continued inside.

Everything was pink. I mean EVERYTHING was Pepto-Bismol pink. Steve, I LOVE pink but you don’t have to worry about me wanting a wedding with THIS much pink!

It was set up like a typical western wedding reception. There was a dance floor in the middle, a live band on stage and tables set up on either side. We found a table and sat down. There were already drinks on the table and servers came out with food. I had already eaten dinner (I had no idea what to expect at this thing..) and since my stomach is still adjusting I tried a few things but didn’t go crazy.

Payal said the dance floor was set up like an Indian wedding since there were flowers in the middle and people danced around it. The first dance we went up to was a typical Khmer dance. Everyone kind of danced around in a circle and moved their hands..it’s hard to explain but I will upload videos soon. We did a loop and then sat back down for dinner.

After we had eaten they brought over the dessert tray but I would NOT call that dessert. If there is one thing I will splurge on for my wedding it will be the FOOD. Start saving Daddy..I have expensive tastes! It was some jello/custard thing and there were also envelopes with it. We found out that instead of gifts you bring money to put in the envelope and then give it to the bride and groom.

There was no head table because the bride and groom literally just took pictures all night! At one point we went back outside to take our picture with them. It reminded me of Disney..we got in a line, had our picture with them and then left. I also saw them through the night roaming around and having pictures taken!

After we had eaten this guy came up to me and asked me to dance! Woo hoo! It was again that typical Cambodian dance and he was trying to show me the moves, BUT like at every wedding there are always those drunk guys! One was behind me and I think he kept showing me the wrong moves to make fun of me. Even though they did speak English (well..I THINK they did) I couldn’t understand them but this woman kept hitting the man so it’s my guess he was being annoying.

They were getting a little too obnoxious for me so I decided to call it quits with dancing. To be honest..I don’t even like dancing anyway (thanks Mom and Dad!)

I was EXHAUSTED and felt bad because I kept yawning, but I felt very sick. My head was throbbing, I was all stuffy, and my throat felt like it was being stabbed with knives. We were almost the LAST ones to leave the wedding and as much as I was enjoying the opportunity I really didn’t feel well and just wanted to be in bed.

When we left, the brothers of the family wanted to drive us around which was sweet of them so we went through the downtown and out by the Temples. It was beautiful out by the Temples because there was nobody there and it was SO quiet and dark. I have NEVER seen so many stars!

Hugs and kisses from a Cambodian wedding reception!

Siem Reap

2009-12-24T10:09:00.001-05:00

After another rough night I had a GREAT talk with my mom. Isn’t she the best? If anyone is looking for a life coach..she’s the one! We talked a lot about why I was struggling here..and a lot about “shoulds”. I felt like I was getting very caught up in what I SHOULD be doing..instead of just doing what comes naturally. We talked about how if I didn’t feel comfortable at the homestay, I could stay somewhere in town. If I didn’t feel comfortable at my placements, I could ask to go somewhere else. If I didn’t want to bike 10 miles a day, I shouldn’t have to. I felt a LOT better after (thanks Mom) and it was a friendly reminder as to WHY I am here. I am here to help. I am here to volunteer. I am here to give the gifts that God gave me to help influence others in a positive way.

With all that being said, I woke up with a better attitude this morning. I decided I wasn’t going to do the 10 mile bike ride. For some reason, I got caught up in this, ‘I have to do it’ thing. It seems it was almost expected of me to do it, and if you can’t already tell, I hate letting people down. I hate being weak (which is why I often struggle with being completely open and honest with the blog/journal because I am not always the person I wish I was) but anyway, I decided I didn’t NEED to do a 10 mile bike ride. I didn’t NEED to prove it to myself or anyone else. COULD I have done it? Eventually, sure I could have. Would I have enjoyed it? HECK NO! God gave me some wondeful gifts that I hope to share with the Cambodians, but bike riding isn’t one of them. So instead of wasting my energy on that, I decided I would ask if I could get a ride so I would be fresh when I arrived! (I did however read a blog by a guy who road there every day for the kids and felt a bit guilty..oh well..I am doing the best I can).

Ok well let me back up..so I woke up did my morning thing and road my bike to the Home of Joy. I first stopped at the laundry place since I am running low and she said it would be ready at 7:00pm. I did a quick stop at the internet shop next store to try and book some tour things! It was there (of all places) I realized I might be having a long day seeing as I was experiencing some “intestinal problems”. These problems have been keeping me company since I arrived, but it was strange because my body was normal the whole time in Vietnam. And I haven’t eaten anything crazy here because I was having issues. Ok enough about that..hopefully it will take care of itself!

Moving on..I then arrived at the Home of Joy and today it was just me! A little overwhelming to say the least! I played with the kids for a bit (they are SO active) and then I helped peel oranges for their meal!

Then it was feeding time, and I quickly bee-lined it to the same boy I had yesterday (he is easy!) There are a fair amount of kids who sit at the tables and feed themselves and then I think the youngest ones are on the floor so we (the nuns and I) help them!

I started talking to the nun (the Fr. Paul looking one..) and found out more about the kids. They are from the surrounding area and the Home of Joy takes them in (maybe for a few months to a year) because they come from such poor families! She said hygiene is really bad (no clean water, no food, etc) so they take them in..feed them A LOT (they eat 6 times a day!!!) and make sure they are healthy before sending them back home. It is actually pretty cool because I had never heard of that before.
The nun I spoke with (I am going to have her write down her name tomorrow) is from India and has been here almost a year. Before Siem Reap she was in Phnom Penh, Cambodia for seven years and then Hong Kong for seven years. She is a bit hard to understand but hey I will take ANY English.

After they eat they nap..well at least they are suppose to. So I offered to wipe down the tables and sweep the room. It actually was quite a process because I tried to figure out how to get under the tables and benches. I know it isn’t rocket science, but honestly it was tricky. After that they asked if I would sweep the main room, which was a TON of work because I had to go under all the cribs. I am SO happy to help and I hate sounding like I am complaining (I really am NOT) but they have those awkward short brooms (EVERYONE in Asia has these)..so I felt like a hunched over old lady!

After that, most of the kids were in their cribs, so I asked if there was anything else (there wasn’t) and I headed out! I checked out the Catholic Church down the street because I am going to go to Christmas Eve Mass there! I am really excited (it’s the only one in English) so that’s something to look forward to!

I also asked if I could bring anything on Christmas for the kids..but she was no help! Haha! I think she said maybe a sweet or something as a treat for them..so I, as Ms. Clause, will have to start looking!

I called Leng (the head guy at ODA) to tell him I wasn’t comfortable biking and asked him if someone could pick me up. I thought he spoke good English but he did NOT understand so I called Maureen who said she would call him and someone would pick me up in front of the Blue Pumpkin at 1:00pm. Since I had my bike with me I did bike around a little bit (it was cool to see the more local area) and then headed to a small café back on the “main strip”. I just got a strawberry smoothie (I figured it would go do easy) and was able to quickly check email.

I stopped at what was called a Mall but really had NOTHING in it! I was looking for flashcards and knew they had a bookstore but I think it was a FRENCH bookstore (and THAT doesn’t help me!) I think the mall JUST opened a few weeks ago so I am sure it will be nice in the future, just needs some time. I shouldn’t call it a mall because there are a few stores on the first floor and should be more on the second, but it’s called the Museum Mall.

By then I wanted to head back because I needed to drop off my bike. I really enjoyed riding the bike this morning, although I was VERY content with my decision about the afternoon. The bike is like a banana seat bike and is NOT made for long distances. It was probably a 15 minute ride there and back and my butt is KILLING ME! This butt was not made for riding bikes!

I would love to bike every morning but it kind of becomes a problem. I don’t think I will come back to the homestay during the day because it is so out of the way. So if I take my bike to the Home of Joy and then downtown for lunch I could park it there while I am at ODA. Then I will be dropped off downtown to have some time to look around, internet, get things done and then have dinner. BUT by that time it is dark and I just don’t think I feel comfortable riding home. ESPECIALLY because it is SO bumpy and dark.

So my plan was to come back and drop of my bike and then get a ride into town. I was able to ride a little bit down the street and it is like REAL life Cambodia. It is cool to be able to see this (this definitely isn’t a tourist route) and to see how people live day to day. There really wasn’t anything that I would ride back for (although they do have stands selling snacks etc.) but I enjoyed seeing it.

Since my tummy wasn’t up to par I relied on good old PB&J to do the trick! Nothing like some comfort food! It was actually really good!

I then was a bit rushed for time since I needed to get back into town to pick up a ride for ODA. Of course NOBODY ever asks me if I need a ride when I DO (like last night with my groceries!) FINALLY a guy on a bike kind of looked at me so I waved him down. It is so funny how you just hop on the back of someone’s bike and give them money to take you somewhere. Obviously the tuk-tuk drivers do it for a living but I have no clue if some of these guys just randomly decide to make some extra money or what!

He dropped me off and I had JUST a few minutes to pop in the bookstore. I knew I had seen some English “workbooks” but thought they were a bit pricey. Since I had NOTHING else (they don’t seem to have flashcards here) I decided I would get the alphabet, fruits, vegetables, and animals books. I couldn’t remember how many kids were in the class, but there were only eight fruit books, so I decided I would get eight of each. I would have one, so the class could share seven other books.

Now I am NOT a teacher nor do I really enjoy it. I have the UPMOST respect for those who teach (Steve, Lorna, Emily you know I love you guys!) but it’s just not my thing. SO props make me feel A LOT more comfortable. I also already knew how much they would ENJOY brand new books and I thought future volunteers could use them as well! They were VERY heavy (even more of a reason not to bike 10 miles..like I needed another excuse) so I waited outside for my ride.

At 1:15pm I called Leng who STILL seemed very confused. We decided he would just pick me up tomorrow instead. So I had the afternoon FREE! Woo hoo! But now I had all these heavy books. I decided I would get a tuk-tuk back, drop off my books, get my laptop and spend the afternoon relaxing in town.

I found a new tuk-tuk driver (and thanks to Payal) I knew I SHOULD be able to negotiate a ride to and back for $3. He said $4 (it’s usually $2 each way) but I told him I usually get it for $3 (usually meaning I have never done it before but heard it could be done) and it was no problem. He was great except that he was SO talkative! I was ready to enjoy a nice peaceful ride but I was with chatty Kathy! At some points he would even turn around to talk to me but I thought I would just be wasting energy if I told him to WATCH THE ROAD!

When we got back into town he gave me his card which will be nice because I have someone else to call, IF I am in the mood to talk!

I went to the Blue Pumpkin, my comfort zone! It was nice to have my laptop because I needed to check banking and all that jazz but never do that on a public computer. I also downloaded more pictures (STILL coming) since I have to have my laptop to do that. I somehow passed most of the afternoon (with tea of course..my cough doesn’t want to leave) just relaxing, emailing, and I spent a lot of time trying to figure out what I want to do before I leave Siem Reap!

I had texted Payal to see if she and her friend from Korea were around for dinner and they were meeting at 6:30pm so I met them for dinner! Her friend, Ashley is from Korea and is visiting Siem Reap until Monday. They both met at some homestay in Sydney. Payal told me they were going to an Indian restaurant if that was ok and I sort of laughed because that was the LAST thing my stomach needed. I reassured her I would just get some bread or something plain.

Payal and I started talking about our WLS experience and we both HATE THE PROGRAM! I tried to say it was ok, blah blah blah, but when she said she hated it I was like, “AHHH ME TOO!” We had a GREAT time venting about it (how we both feel like they take our money and then leave us to figure it out on our own) etc. Poor Ashley who had to listen to all of it! But she said she already knew the disappointments from Payal.

I just got some garlic bread for dinner and ginger ale it was GREAT! I REALLY miss having friends to hang out with and talk to etc. They are doing a lot of sightseeing this week and traveling but I am hoping if they are in town I can join them for dinner!

I then texted Tay, my original tuk-tuk man, to see if he could bring me to get my laundry first and then home. Texting is SO much easier because he is always confused on the phone. He said ok, and then called me so I told him I would meet him in 5 minutes.
On my walk to meet him Maureen called to apologize. I guess she had never gotten a hold of Leng and then had forgotten, which is why he was SO confused when I called again!

Tay brought me to get my laundry (woo hoo clean clothes) and then I was home sweet home!

Hugs and kisses from Siem Reap!

Struggles

2009-12-23T13:53:00.001-05:00

I was actually really nervous about today and it took me a while to get to sleep last night. Something about this country makes me nervous..and maybe it’s just because it’s Cambodia and I feel like there is such a stigma that comes with that.

I woke up around 8:00am and took a FREEZING shower to wash my hair (sort of). I have a feeling I am never going to feel clean until I can take a lukewarm shower again! As I was walking to get my milk I ran into Songim who said something about how SHE was taking me to the Home of Joy at 8:00am? The one thing that has already frustrated me about Cambodia, as far as the coordinators go, is the lack of communication (even between Maureen and Tom!) I told her Tom told me 8:45am since I started around 9:00am and I would be ready then. I also asked her if she knew anything about what I was supposed to do this afternoon (and she didn’t).

I called Tom who responded with, “You’re going back to Home of Joy aren’t you?” I told him that wasn’t what Maureen told me but I would call him later. Songim brought me to the Home of Joy (it isn’t THAT far away..maybe a 25 minute walk). When I got there there were a ton of volunteers in blue shirts. Songim introduced me to Sister Nazarene (who spoke some English..wahooo!) who “showed me around”.

There is a main room with cribs, an office type area where I put my bag, a kitchen, an eating area, a bathroom/washing area, something out back, a playroom and then the out front area (which also has a small playground). Although, I think she only got through the main room before she had to help some child. The kids are young for the most part (I would say less than 3 or 4) but there are a few who are older and one who is mentally challenged.

I am STILL confused about their situation, but I think they have families so I am not positive why they are here, but maybe some have families and some don’t, or they do have families who can’t take care of them.

It is a Christian run organization (the nuns) and I think two speak some English which is really nice. For you Stonehill people..one looks like the female version of Father Paul..actually she just LOOKS like Father Paul so that made me smile!

I found out the other volunteers are from Korea and they are still in college but part of a volunteer group. They were only at the Home of Joy for the day, but walking around I could see their group has been here a lot! All of the murals had their group name and different dates, so it sounds like it’s an annual thing for them (but obviously with different students). They didn’t really speak English, but it was a relief to have other people there (I have NO idea what I am going to do when it’s only me!)

My first thought was, “WHAT have I gotten myself into?” I reminded myself how I have felt this way the first day of EVERY project and that it would only get better. I found one boy who was crying unless he was held so I --- made the mistake of --- picking him up. I was carrying him around for a bit, but MAN he got heavy! I need to practice that “kid on my hip thing”. I couldn’t even sit down and hold him or else he would start to cry..I needed to be standing up. EVENTUALLY I got him to fall asleep, but then I was in an awkward position and MY legs were falling asleep.

The Korean group put on some music and did some dances which were fun to watch. One was to “Santa Clause is Coming to Town!” and I actually got a bit sad. I feel like I picked the worst places to be for my birthday, Christmas and New Year! By that I only mean they are very desolate and a bit lonely. I don’t want to forget about Christmas as it is the basis of my faith, but in a way I sort of want to pretend it isn’t happening. WHY do I have to have amazing people in my life that I miss so very much, especially on Christmas?

I digress. Then, it was time for feeding. They have a small room with two “picnic style” tables. Most of the kids sit there and can more or less feed themselves. But as I put my boy down he started to sob. So I picked him up and some of the kids were on the floor being fed (I think the ones that needed more of a pureed food). But, after I was handed the bowl he continued to cry and move his head so that NO food could go in! GREAT first day and I get the tough one! A staff person (not a nun though) took him from me and gave me another! Woo hoo! This one was GREAT and was gulping it down! After some water and part of a second helping (which made him the last one done) I brought him back out to that main room. I was handed the crying boy again who I continued to carry around.

I thought around 11:00am they were suppose to nap (that’s when I was told I should leave..) but I think since the Korean volunteers were still there they were up for a bit. The Koreans were all wondering why I was there, etc. etc. and it was cute because 3 of them would get together and try and figure out how to ask me. They knew basic English and between of few of them I think we worked it out. I retained my celebrity status and had my picture taken with them!

They got on their bus and left and I was alone with about 10 kids outside. I knew it was ok they were there but I didn’t really know what to do (and nobody really told me). Finally around 11:20am I went inside and said I had to leave!

Since I really didn’t know WHAT the plan was, I figured I would make my way downtown and check out some things along the way. My first planned stop was a laundry place my peeps on trip advisor recommended. I managed to find it and it is a bit expensive (more than double what I paid in Vietnam) BUT I think it is same day pickup and I can more or less drop it off before the Home of Joy.

I continued walking around and just found some different things and FINALLY made my way to the downtown area. I honestly don’t know how long it took me because I was weaving in and out of roads and stopped along the way, but MAN I was hot!

I stopped at Tell for lunch. It was in my guidebooks and Alexis and Andrew (my friends from the Halong Bay Cruise) said it was good. I was the ONLY one there..but I knew it was early for lunch (especially because the lunch rush are the tourists coming back from the Temples..so it’s later anyway). I was actually thinking about trying something authentic (really I was) but my stomach has been somewhat iffy lately.

They had a lunch deal, a salad and pasta, so I decided on that. It was fine, nothing special but it was good. I then decided I would check my email quickly at an internet shop. I hate using them..I missed my laptop and I feel so much pressure because I am paying for every second! So I just did a quick email read and then I called Maureen to see what the plan was. She told me Tom would pick me up at 1:10pm in front of the Blue Pumpkin to take me to the Orphans & Disabled Arts Association (ODA). I spent a bit of time wandering and found the other laundry shop, but I think I like the new one better (it seemed more like a laundry shop whereas this one seemed like someone’s house).

I met Tom and we were off! He said he would show me how to get there so I could bike tomorrow (yeah..about that..) I had been wearing my pink Boston Red Sox hat (yeah Boston!)..like I need any more reasons to stick out. BUT since all the transportation here isn’t covered, I wanted to wear a hat. Anyway, bad idea because it went FLYING off! Ooops! Luckily I told him quick enough so we could stop and I could grab it. The road seemed to go on FOREVER (and I wasn’t even BIKING) and when we got to gate he showed the brochure so we didn’t have to pay the $20. I am a little nervous that this will be a problem but I have everyone’s number so I can always call if I get stuck.

It really is beautiful once you get into the Temple area because it is just woodsy and more quiet. He said he would take me around the big loop to give me a sneak peak at the Temples and then someone at the organization would bring me home the normal way so I could know the way for tomorrow. By the time we got to the part where normally I would go right but we went left is was 6km which is 3.72 miles. Not ok, not ok.

It was AWESOME to see the Temples and I am definitely excited for when I tour them, but I am just NOT a Temple girl! I don’t know if it is because I am a travel snob and really have been blessed to see a lot of the world, but I am just not into that (although I am not a museum girl either). It was pretty cool though (huge) and he brought me down some other roads to show me other temples. Although at one point he said something about how we had to avoid the police because we really shouldn’t be there. BUT I guess once you’re in the gate it’s fine, you just can’t go IN to the temples without a pass.

Tom was telling me just how corrupt the Cambodian government is..and how they think if NGO’s want to come and help, let them, because they aren’t going to do anything to help. The whole situation of the country seems very sad.

We were literally off-roading on his motorbike, although I was happy I was getting a bit of a free tour. But motorbikes are NOT comfortable. There really isn’t a ton of space to sit and I have to hold on to the bar below my butt so I don’t fall off (even though I felt like I was going to..A LOT!)

He kept saying how this and that would be great to explore on bike and I would be safe at night..but I don’t know. I DEFINITELY would not be riding around there after dark..and I think it would be AWESOME to bike around once in the Temples, but after a 4 mile bike ride to GET there I feel like I would be dead! Of course I didn’t tell him this; I just smiled and thanked him for the advice.

We arrived at ODA which is literally on the side of the road and sort of in between Temples. There are about 50 Temples in the whole complex, so it’s HUGE. When I got there there were a group of girls (seemed about my age) watching the kids do some dance thing. I was met by Leng who runs the program. He introduced me to them as the “English Teacher” and that’s when I panicked.

The girls were leaving so I sort of just stood there as they said their goodbyes. I found out they are from California and out of school but took about 3 weeks to come over and travel (they are going to Ho Chi Minh and Halong Bay after this!) I guess they had met someone selling artwork in the Temples who recommended ODA and so they stopped by to hang out with the kids. It was really cool they were just tourists who visited for the afternoon.

The orphanage isn’t much. It has two bedrooms (one for boys and one for girls) a kitchen area, eating area, “schooling” area and an area where they sell their artwork. I think this is the organization that focuses a lot on artwork that they then sell as a fundraiser.

Anyway after they left I didn’t know what to do so I was kinda hanging out with some kid playing with a truck. When I walked back over the school area Leng said, “Ok teach!” Wait a second..where have I heard this before..

I told him I didn’t know I was supposed to be teaching today and didn’t have anything prepared. He handed me a book that had what past volunteers had taught (which I thought was GREAT but I literally just glanced at it). I started with body parts and attempted Simon Says but man international kids just DON’T get it! So then it just turned into “Touch your..” EVERYTHING I did in Beijing completely escaped me, but luckily he saved the day and said he needed to go into town to check on a child in the hospital so I needed to go then (or else I would be walking home!) I was relieved!

So basically what I found out on the ride back was there are about 20 orphans who live there. It sounds like they do artwork to make money for the orphanage. They aren’t disabled, although there is one boy who is 17 and speaks pretty good English and he was my helper/translator..but I also think he is blind in one eye.

I explained to Leng that I would bike tomorrow (although he took me on a DIFFERENT way back..and I think it’s going to be about a 5 to 6 mile bike ride ONE WAY) but said I don’t think I could do that every day. First of all, I know after tomorrow I won’t be able to WALK and my butt is going to kill. But I just wanna do it to prove to myself I can. Also..it is going to take me FOREVER to get there and back. Again I would LOVE to bike around the Temple area, but if I am already biking at least 10 miles there and back, I am just not in good enough biking shape to then bike around the area. I think he said that tomorrow maybe we could figure out how someone could pick me up in town and bring me out. The problem is because it’s the Temples any form of transportation would be about $8 one way. So wish me luck tomorrow..I am going to NEED IT!

On the way back he also asked me about what countries I was visiting and I told him. He told me how lucky I was to be able to travel. This made me uncomfortable because what was I suppose to say to that? I told him I was very blessed for this opportunity and he said how nobody in Cambodia can travel (I think he said because they just don’t have enough money). But he said how he doesn’t like living here because everything is so corrupt and the government does nothing for the people and the children. It really made me sad and uncomfortable because I had NO clue what to say. I also feel SO privileged to live in the U.S. and have the opportunities I do have.

He dropped me off downtown and I looked for a bookstore to find SOMETHING to use tomorrow. No such luck! Oh well..better luck NEXT time! Guess I will have to get creative! The classroom at the orphanage is cool because there is just a hanging board and some benches but it’s all outside. It feels so Cambodian, but sort of in a sad way when I think of classrooms in America with computers and LCD projector screens etc.

I was trying to figure out what to do with my night. I was exhausted and hated that I hadn’t been able to really “rest” all day. I don’t mind the homestay (although I miss warm water and AC) but the thing I really dislike is how far away it is! I would have loved to just lie down for 5 minutes during the day to relax!

Anyway, I decided I would try ANOTHER supermarket, have dinner and call it an earlier night. I walked about 10 minutes to the other supermarket and fell in LOVE. It had EVERYTHING, including the red raspberry preserve jam I like for my PB&J! I picked some up so now it is nice to know I can always have a sandwich at home in case I don’t feel like going into town (since it really is a hassle) and I picked up a lot of other snacks..seeing as I spent $40 on groceries! Ugh I HATE using American money! BUT besides water and milk I really won’t have to do any other grocery shopping while I am here, which was my goal. It was sort of early for dinner but I knew I should eat something so I went to this burger place. I know, I know, but honestly it was the ONLY place in this mall and since I had all my bags I couldn’t really venture out! Hamburger and french-fries, YUM!

I then called Tay my new Tuk-Tuk friend to see if he could bring me back. He said he was busy but could bring me back at 6:30pm (it was about 5:30pm). I said that was fine and read a little of my tour book. I was outside at 6:25pm and when he didn’t show up by 6:35pm I called him and he said another 10 minutes. This was sort of my fear, but I also didn’t love the idea of having someone random take me home (since NOBODY knows where this place is!) Finally at 6:45pm I texted him (SO much easier than trying to understand him on the phone) and told him I had to get home so I would call him another time. I started walking and it took FAR too long until a tuk-tuk came along! Where are they when you need them? My bags were heavy and I didn’t really feel comfortable in the area I was at so I was happy to take a tuk-tuk back.

After showing him the address he had NO clue (surprise surprise) so I told him I would show him. I was MORE than half way there (and TIRED) so it didn’t take long. When we got there I asked him how much (it’s $2 from town..unless they try and rip you off..so I thought I should pay $1 but wouldn’t argue seeing as we were in a dark dirt road) and he sorta laughed and said, “How much do you think?” I told him $1 since I was half way there and asked for his number for the future..although I think he thought I wanted to go to the Temples.

Ugh this is what I really don’t like about where I am staying. I hate having to rely on finding a tuk-tuk or motorbike and I hate having to worry about it. Will I be safe? Will they get lost? Will I get ripped off? I like the IDEA of a homestay (and getting the true feel) but being by myself I just don’t feel completely comfortable and it seems like more work (and worry) than what I am gaining from it.

I am finding I am having trouble just “being present”. I remember feeling this way in Beijing, but not in Vietnam. Maybe I didn’t feel this way in Vietnam because I was with other volunteers (Khaly and Ken) so kinda felt like we were all doing it together? I am not sure. But I find myself worrying, “Am I doing enough? Will I leave here and regret something? Am I pushing myself enough out of my comfort zone?” and I am just not sure. When I think about it, I come up with answers, but are they answers or excuses? Am I trying to absorb as much of the culture as I can? Well, I have been to mostly touristy places because that’s where I have felt comfortable (and all my stomach can handle). I haven’t felt ready to experience the local food yet, but hopefully I will. The bike rides..I am not looking forward to the LONG one tomorrow..but is this an excuse? Yes I talk about the time, the heat, the sun, etc. but am I going to miss out on something? Like I said I would LOVE to bike around the Temples, but I don’t think I would enjoy it after the 5 mile ride to get there (and knowing I have to return home). But am I just saying this to make myself feel better about not wanting to do it? Am I making the most of my homestay? No I don’t really like it..I don’t like having to worry about how to get back every night..I don’t like feeling a little bit uneasy about the location, the remoteness, the darkness, but are these excuses..am I going to be missing out on something? I haven’t really met anyone (there are no other volunteers) but have I really PUT myself out there to meet people? Ugh I don’t know..for some reason this is really bothering me as I write this. Am I playing it too safe? I mean no, not in a safety sense..I won’t do anything because I feel like I should if I think I am going to be unsafe..but am I making the most of this experience..am I giving it everything I’ve got?

Hugs and kisses from a struggling Julie.

Finding Comfort!

2009-12-22T08:57:00.002-05:00

I made myself sleep in until 10:00am today. MADE myself! Can you believe it? This is coming from the girl who doesn’t think the day starts before 11:00am! I kept waking up but I wanted to sleep so I was well rested and so I didn’t spend the day doing nothing.

I decided I would feel better if I unpacked, so I spent a fair amount of time in the morning doing just that. I turned on my computer and listened to music which was very comforting.

I then decided I would go into town for the day. My plan was to spend the afternoon at the Blue Pumpkin (the Starbucks of Siem Reap). I knew here I could get a good meal, speak English and use wifi, which is exactly what I felt like doing. I called Maureen to ask her how I should get into town and where I could do laundry. She told me I could do laundry here (well they do it for me). I am pretty sure she said 50 cents an “item” but I think she said they do it outside. I am not against hand washing clothes, but I could do that myself. My problem is, since it is so hot I always seem to be changing clothes and by the time they air dry I am out of clothes! So anyway then she told me that I should call one of the three numbers she gave me for tuk-tuks. Well, one rang and rang and the others just didn’t work. I figured I would start walking and see what happened.

It wasn’t far into my walk that I got a “motorbike madam?” Now maybe this wasn’t the smartest idea, but I told the guy where I wanted to go and he said $1 (which is what it should have been). I also knew the direction we should go, it was light out and there were enough people around that my instincts were telling me it was fine. And it was! He didn’t EXACTLY know where it was but like I have said I do have confidence in my ability with directions so I felt comfortable telling him the way.
I went to the upstairs section of the Blue Pumpkin because it has AC. Oh my dear, dear AC how I have missed you! They have these really comfy sofa/bed things so I got one of those. The downside is there are no plugs so I knew my time was limited. But I got a tea for my cough (ehh it’s still ok) and a cheeseburger! So strange but since I have been in Asia I have fallen in love with cheeseburgers! If I get nothing else out of this experience at least I won’t feel awkward at cookouts anymore!

I spent some time blogging, uploading pictures (I managed to get about 20..oh Cambodian wifi) sending emails, etc. It felt so comforting to be connected to the internet, as silly as that sounds. I was enjoying the AC, the English, the food, the comfort.

My computer was starting to die so I had to move downstairs which didn’t have AC so it was very hot but I was still enjoying the wifi. I decided though I should take a walk around town before it got too dark. My first stop was the cell phone shop to add some more money to my phone, since I used up most of it crying to my parents last night..oops! and because I will have to use my phone a lot (just to call coordinators..tuk-tuk’s etc.) I felt much better after adding money. I spent some time walking around and doing a couple of circles and it definitely looks better in the light. There are a ton of restaurants and bars (a whole street called Pub Street).

I was on the lookout for laundry and saw a sign that said “Laundry”. Perfect, I thought, but then I remember reading about a bar that was called Laundry! And that’s where I ended up. Seeing as I didn’t want my clothes washed in beer, I moved on. Almost right next to it was another sign that said laundry, so I thought I’d check it out. It was a bit down this alley and there was a big sign out front that said, “Open at 7:00pm” so I figured it was part of the bar or something like that, until this couple came along. They said something about clothes so I jumped right in and asked them if this place washed clothes. They probably thought I was an idiot (DUH! It says laundry) but hopefully they knew there was a bar next store called Laundry! They said yes so I am excited, but will have to figure out how to get my clothes there, when to get my clothes there, etc.

I wasn’t too hungry (I had a very late lunch) but knew I wanted to finish up on the internet and I had to eat something. I checked out a couple of menus, but I either didn’t like it or they didn’t have wifi so I went back to Blue Pumpkin. It was my safe haven for the day. I got fruit with yogurt (SO GOOD) and I actually didn’t spend too long because I was nervous about how to get home.

I called the one number Maureen gave me that worked, but I think he said he was busy. So I went downstairs and showed the address to the first guy who said, “Tuk-tuk Madam?” He seemed confused so I had him call the homestay but nobody picked up. I then called Maureen who told me Tom was in the area (at this juice bar they own) so I should stop by and have him help me!

I found him (woo hoo for learning my way around) and Songim was with him as well so they tried a few numbers but they didn’t work. The three of us went to ask the tuk-tuk’s and the first one wanted $3 but I guess I shouldn’t pay more than $2! So Songim found me one and I also wanted to stop at a grocery store so he said he would do that as well!

We were on our way and he actually spoke enough English that I could understand him. We stopped at the grocery store so I could get some water, milk and cereal for the morning! I was trying to gauge if this was a bike ride I could do by myself and the answer is, NO WAY! Granted I do try to look for an excuse not to exercise, but I don’t think this is an excuse. I MIGHT be able to do it during the day, although it would be a bit far and it would just depend on the heat/sun.

As much as I complain, I DO like exercising (ok well I don’t -- but I know it’s good for me) but I also don’t want to pass out because I am working out in this heat. Anyway it is definitely not a bike ride or walk I would do alone at night. After you get out of the town it is still a main road but there’s not much around. Then you turn on to that “once paved road now rock road” and again, really nothing, no street lights and locals just hanging out. Maybe they are fine and harmless but I am not going to find out. THEN you turn on to the dirt road which NEVER sees tourists (except me of course) and that makes me nervous even WITH a tuk-tuk driver! So at least I am figuring out when I need one.

It amazes me how even little kids are driving motorbikes. Tom was telling me that you don’t need a license and I see these 12 year old boys just motoring around! Crazy! And I realize now why a cab didn’t pick me up..THERE ARE NONE! I think there might be a few but it’s ALL motorbikes and tuk-tuks.

So my guy got a little lost but I was fine with telling him where to go. Since he now knew the way I asked for his number (it felt like a date) so that I can hopefully use him in the future! I also couldn’t figure out how to get in the gate (because it was pitch black) so he helped me with that as well. He texted me five minutes later asking “Who is this?” and I explained who I was and he said, “Oh yes well have a good night.” It was funny! So hopefully he will be my new friend and I can call him whenever.

When I got back I went to put my milk in the refrigerator. There is a common area in the courtyard which I think is the family’s dining room. I ran into Payal who was volunteering here, but is now just here. Long story short, she is 23 as well and goes to “Uni” (college) in Sydney. She is from Kenya and has been here for about 2 weeks. She was volunteering but has a friend from Korea coming tomorrow so I think they are going to travel together. She had been to the orphanage I am going to in the morning and said it was ok, but she liked her afternoon placement better so spent her time there. I was going to do the same afternoon placement as her but I guess the kids are on vacation so that’s why I am doing the Temple tomorrow.

I was telling her how I volunteered in Vietnam and she goes, “Wait with Hang?” I guess she had left volunteering in Vietnam about a week before I arrived! So that was funny and somewhat nice to know we had kind of experienced the same thing.

I came back to my room and took a COLD shower. Oh man it was a quick one! I realized they don’t have hot water because it’s HOT here..and I don’t want to take a HOT shower..but freezing showers are tough!

I then used the tape I bought to put up my pictures. It really makes my room very homey and comforting.

Also..I am working on updating pictures in the Ho Chi Minh album, more to come soon! I will be updating videos SOON (I know it’s crazy busy with Christmas but make sure to check them out before I have to delete them!)

I am definitely nervous for tomorrow..more so than at my other placements, so we shall see how it goes!

Hugs and kisses from Cambodia.

Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day!

2009-12-21T14:38:00.002-05:00

I did not sleep well last night. I was actually nervous (or maybe anxious) about moving on! I have made GREAT friends here and have fallen in love with the orphanage. I also had trouble sleeping because I am really sad about leaving Thuong. It’s frustrating that there is no way to keep in touch with him or see how he is doing. I didn’t even attempt saying goodbye to him because I knew he wouldn’t understand. So I also sort of feel like I just abandoned him. Anyway, I also didn’t sleep well because I knew I had stuff to do and I was STILL worried that I would oversleep, even though I didn’t have to leave for the airport until 1:30pm!

I woke up around 8:00am and got ready. I did a little bit more packing and then I brought my sheets and other things to Ken to bring to the orphanage. I am happy they will hopefully get some use from them!

I picked up my backpack (all clean..wahoo!) and met Khaly for breakfast at Bobby Brewer’s! We picked it because it has a nice Western feel and most importantly, it has Eggs Benedict! She has been looking for this the ENTIRE month we have been in Vietnam! So when we came last night and she saw it, we decided this would be the place for breakfast!

I ordered a tea (for my cough) and Khaly got a cappuccino. But when the waitress came back she had some iced latté thing (I am not a coffee person so I really don’t know). Khaly explained she didn’t order this. The waitress said how it was her fault and she was sorry but Khaly needed to drink it. It amazes me how costumer service is SO different over here. I would LOVE to see the faces of my costumers at BG’s if I said to them, “Yes I messed up but sorry you have to eat it AND pay for it!” Khaly nicely said she just didn’t want that (it wasn’t even close to what she had ordered) and finally the waitress left. She came back a few minutes later saying that Khaly really should just drink it. I think at this point we were both just tired of the culture, AND the fact we were at a place that catered to Westerners. Khaly told her again (nicely) she just couldn’t drink it and finally she came back with the right drink.

We then ordered our breakfast and I got fruit and pancakes and Khaly got her Eggs Benedict! My fruit came out first along with Khaly’s meal, which was NOT Eggs Benedict. I think they were fried eggs, I can’t remember, but Khaly laughed and we couldn’t believe she had gotten it wrong again (I swore she wrote it all down). Khaly apologized but said she really didn’t want it (the whole meal was COMPLETELY different). The waitress kept saying how Khaly needed to eat it or she (the waitress) would have to pay for it. We both felt awful that she would have to pay for it..and Khaly said if it was something she could eat she would have, but it wasn’t even close to what she ordered! Another waiter came over and (in Vietnamese) told the waitress that it wasn’t even close to what Khaly had ordered. She continued to try and get Khaly to eat it until we both had to say we were sorry but she should get the meal she ordered. It was hard because granted we were in Asia, but we were in a Western place and she really shouldn’t have to pay for a meal that wasn’t close to what she ordered!

With all this fiasco breakfast took a little more than an hour and a half. When we went back to the hostel Khaly was getting ready to check out and I brought my first (of TWO) bags downstairs. We both had big heavy bags and I guess we got yelled at because they were banging down the stairs so the guy came to help us. The hostel woman speaks VERY little English (just hello, goodbye, etc.) so Khaly helped me figure out my own checkout. I guess the woman was saying how she wanted me out now so she could clean the room. I understood..but half the place was empty and I only had one bag packed so I had Khaly tell her I would pack as quickly as I could. She also asked if I wanted her to get me a taxi. There are always taxis around the area but I thought this was good since that meant they would help me with my luggage as well. She said it would be 130,000VND and I had to pay her. I thought this was strange (it usually cost about 100,000VND AND the fact I had to pay her). I was just too tired to deal with everything so I told her that was fine and she said I would have a taxi at 1:30pm. I had to say goodbye to Khaly (not fun) and then I went back up to pack!

I was downstairs by 1:15pm and she said the taxi was there and I was good to go. As expected, she pocketed the 30,000VND and gave 100,000VND to the taxi driver. I think it was just the taxi that was out front (in the area where there is always a taxi) so needless to say that was frustrating. One thing I miss about home is not having to always be aware that people are trying to scam me and get money from me etc. It’s exhausting! Oh well now I know! When I got to the airport it was 96,000VND so I should have just listened to my instincts but hey hindsight is 20/20.

I had plenty of time because I was at the airport at about 1:50pm for a 4:30pm flight. Although after our experience in Hanoi I wasn’t complaining about being early. I went to check in and this time got caught with my bags! UGH! $96 for my bags and I was bummed! Since I booked this flight a while ago I don’t think I checked to see how much it would cost (when I have been booking flights in Thailand I have been checking). I mean my bags have to get there, but I was just bummed. The thing is (and yes, I do feel the need to defend myself) I know I am not a light packer but honestly I don’t have ANYTHING that I haven’t used. I have my winter and summer clothes which is just a lot and then I have medicine etc. but all of that has come in handy! It is what it is.

Since it was only 2:00pm I decided to check out the shops and restaurants. But my peeps (trip advisor) had told me the airport had NOTHING, and what food it did have was so overpriced. They weren’t kidding! I saw what looked like a chocolate munchkin..$2!!! Crazy!

I decided I might as well just go to my gate. First stop was customs! I handed him my passport and ticket and he asked me for some other form. I looked at him and said I didn’t have that (and started to panic). He told me that when I arrived in Vietnam they stamped something and I needed that. Now I am sure he is right, but I honestly don’t remember this at ALL. I know when I was leaving China I had some card that I had kept with me the whole time and then they had stacks available at customs. Maybe with all the traveling I just thought it was another piece of paper? Although I think I am usually pretty good with staying organized and knowing what I need. He kept telling me this and I told him I understood but I was sorry I didn’t have it. He even waited until another guy came through with the form to show me. Again, I told him I was very sorry but didn’t have it. Oh the things that went through my head!!! I thought about Trinh and how she got brought to an interrogation room until she gave them money to let her go. I thought that would be ok..I didn’t have that much on me and I would give it to them right away if they let me go. I also wondered who I could call for help as it seems I have heard/read a lot of people in Vietnam are corrupt. I just kept saying I was sorry I didn’t have it and prayed that because I was from the U.S. he wouldn’t give me a hard time. FINALLY he stamped it and said he would just do it this once. I thanked him and BOOKED it out of there. Ugh I did NOT like that feeling. Granted I am sure it was my fault and I should have had this paper. I hated thinking of what might have happened. I am very thankful that it was fine and he let me go without any problems.

My flight was fine and SHORT especially since I felt like I spent most of the time filling out forms (which I will make sure NOT to lose!) I think we were only in the air for about 30 minutes!

Getting off the plane was crazy! It was just one of those things where you walk down the stairs but I honestly thought I was at Disney World! The airport was beautiful and looked like a Temple. But everyone was just kinda hanging out, roaming around and taking pictures! Some people were having their picture taken out in front of the plane and some people had theirs in front of the airport. People were just..chilling! I have never seen anything like it before. MAYBE there was some order, but I felt like I could have just hung out and walked around and nobody would have cared. I had no problems going through customs or getting my bags and the custom lady stapled the paper I need to leave in my passport so I don’t have to worry about that either! Woo hoo!

As I left the airport (it was very small) I did NOT see anyone with my name. UGH not ok! I sort of looked around and hoped someone would spot me..but I knew what my coordinator looked like (Maureen from Australia) and I definitely didn’t see her. So I waited for a bit, but then everyone was GONE! All of the people with signs had picked up their passengers and they were off. I was left, alone, with the Cambodia taxi people. There was a small place to get food and they had some chairs so I sat down there. The man came over to me and asked if I was alone/by myself (NOT OK!) Ugh these are the types of things I feared. I forget exactly what I said, but something about how I was waiting for my friend in the airport AND my friend was picking me up. I figured this covered both bases..I had someone else with me and I did not need a ride. Then, a man from either the airport or the taxi station (I was a bit confused) came over and asked if I was still waiting for my friend. I have no idea how he knew, but he said something about how I have two bags, so I said yes I was still waiting for my friend. This is when I just wanted to burst out in tears. It was about 6:15pm by this point and I had been waiting for 45 minutes..30 of which were just me and these random guys. My American cell phone didn’t work and since I didn’t have a Cambodian sim card yet my other phone didn’t work either. I had asked my creepy man who worked at the little shop if there was a phone I could use but he just laughed and said they didn’t have public phones.

As uncomfortable as I was, I figured I would be FINE (well this is what I kept telling myself). I had the name of where I was going and I would just get myself there. I booted up my computer to get the address and I thought I would see if by ANY chance they had wireless that I could connect to. God was looking out for me (isn’t He great?) They did have wireless so I connected and then got on Skype. I had the phone number for my coordinator so I figured out how to buy credits on Skype (which you can do to call actual land lines and cell phones) and it WORKED. I tried to play it cool and not let my voice show how aggravated I was. As I am SURE you can tell by now I have been BEYOND disappointed with the organization I came through because they basically take all my money for themselves and leave me on my own. Once again, if I wanted to find my way around Cambodia by myself I wouldn’t have booked through a group who said there would be people to help me! So Maureen had me talk to her husband who said someone should be on their way. GREAT..well at least someone was picking me up but it wasn’t my coordinator.

She finally showed up and was a young girl named Songim. She came on a Tuk-tuk (a small three-wheeled transportation thing), so me, her and my MASSIVE bags loaded on to go to the homestay. I still would have liked to be picked up by my coordinator (AND on time!) but I figured this was ok. I tried to find out more about her and why she was picking me up and I found out that she knows Tom and Maureen because she works at the Singing Tree Café, a place they just recently took over. Definitely sounds interesting and this is the link to their site. http://www.singingtreecafe.com/

The tuk-tuk was cool, but I would rather not have done it with all my bags! For a while we were on a main road and I thought, “Ok this is fine I can do this..” but then it all changed! We left the main road (paved) and went down this long road that I think might have been paved once but now was just rocks. We then turned off that road to a dirt road with really nothing around and no lights. I panicked. We pulled into her house and she explained her house was in the front and the homestay part was out back. This is when I found out it is her family that runs the homestay. So now it all made a little bit more sense. Although I had asked her if she lived with her family (she said yes) and I asked if she lived in town or on the outskirts and she said in town..this was DEFINITELY not in town! They brought me out back to my room (number 3) and I literally just dropped my bags and we were off again.

We took the tuk-tuk to the Singing Tree Café so I could meet Maureen and Tom. It was probably about a 10 minute ride and was near the center of the city (I think about a 4 minute walk). I was happy to see civilization again, but dreading the fact that I really was staying in the middle of nowhere.

We arrived at the Singing Tree Café and I met Maureen and Tom and ordered some spaghetti. Maureen was sweet and she and Tom (her husband) have been in Cambodia for 4 years now. She told me a bit about what I might be doing for volunteering. In the morning I will be at the Home of Joy which I think is an orphanage. I am not positive what I will be doing, but she said it was about a 10 to 15 minute bike ride from the homestay. I figured a bike ride would be good since there is definitely no park nearby to work out in the morning. But, it is just SO hot here that I think it might almost be TOO much. We shall see.

Then she told me about another project I could do in the afternoon. But, it sounds like it is run by an American and past volunteers have felt they haven’t been needed because it is run so well. So she mentioned another project and called the woman to see if I was needed there. When she was on the phone I heard her say how I could teach English. Now I had told her about Beijing, but I had in no way said I enjoyed it. The other project is at Angkor Wat, the massive temple, which I think might be cool. BUT it is a 45 minute bike ride (one way). Now again, I don’t MIND riding a bike, but I am not sure how I feel about an hour and a half bike ride to this project. For one, I know my butt will be sore. Haha! BUT I am just not sure about the heat, ESPECIALLY because I will be there smack dab in the afternoon. So I will try it tomorrow and see what I think!

I said how I wanted to go to the ATM and buy a phone card so she said Tom could take me on his bike to the downtown area. She gave me a sim card (that they pass around to all the volunteers) so that was nice that I didn’t have to buy one, only add money to it! It was about 8:20pm and they suggested that I could hang out in that area and walk around and then Songim would pick me up and bring me back to the homestay. Tom dropped me off at an ATM but when I asked about also getting money for my phone he said I could just buy one at any shop. I was too tired to argue and ask that he HELP me with it since this is what I was paying for..HELP!

It made me smile when the ATM gave me US Dollars! I knew that the Cambodia currency was the Riel but US Dollars were just as common. While it was comforting to see something familiar, I hated that I was no longer using “monopoly” money! Oh well I guess I will try and be more careful with my spending now since it doesn’t feel like fake money anymore!

I spent some time walking around and I am already annoyed with “Tuk-tuk madam? Where you go?” I thought I was DONE with that in Vietnam but now instead of motorbikes it’s Tuk-tuks! I made my way to the Blue Pumpkin which I had read about as a bakery/food with wifi. I asked if they knew where I could add money to my phone and he pointed across the street. The woman spoke English but was asking me about when I bought the sim card etc. and I tried to explain it was given to me (this seemed to confuse her A LOT!) We finally figured it out and I was able to add some money (which was SO comforting!)

I then went back to the Blue Pumpkin. I had walked around a bit but I was too tired and overwhelmed to do any more and I just wanted to call home. I tried, for what seemed like FOREVER, to call the U.S. EVERY way I could think of I tried but to no avail. I finally asked the staff if they knew and a waiter said he did but that still didn’t work. FINALLY I figured it out (it was something different, maybe because of my sim card). It was SO nice to hear my Mom’s voice so I asked if she could get on Skype (it is SO expensive to call the U.S. from Cambodia) I got online and got on Skype and I tried to be strong, I did, but after seeing my parents darling faces I broke down. There was NOWHERE else I wanted to be but in my safe home with them! Here I was in the middle of this café (which was busy) crying while talking to the computer. People probably thought I was crazy, but hey maybe I am!

My parents were wonderful (as always) and said I didn’t need to worry..it was OBVIOUS I had a crazy, busy, stressful day and my body was just exhausted from having to do everything on my own! I also arrived at night so it was dark (which always makes it more difficult) and I have been away for 2 months on my own so it’s about time I had a good cry (surprisingly, this is only really the second time since I have been away!) They did make me feel better in reassuring me that it was only for 2 weeks and after that I would have my mommy with me who would spoil me rotten (you did say that, right Mom?)

It was almost 9:30pm so I shut down my computer and went to meet Songim and she said Tom was going to take her to the Singing Tree Café to get her motorbike and then she would bring me home.

We arrived back (in the middle of nowhere) and I met some of her family (although now I can’t remember ANYONES names) and then I said that I was tired and wanted to call it a night.

The homestay is set up like a motel with about 5 rooms in a row. The door from the outside leads right to my room. My room is huge..but most of the space seems “wasted”. I have a double bed which is very nice! There aren’t any drawers or closets which I really miss since there’s really nowhere to put my stuff, except in the empty open space. Since this was the first time I had seen my room, the first thing I looked for was an AC (it was SO hot). However, there is no AC. Now I realize this isn’t the end of the world (most of the world lives without AC and Steve, I know you don’t have AC so I should toughen up), BUT I was told there would be AC (oh wow another time I was deceived by my program). Needless to say I really felt out of place, isolated and alone.

I checked out the bathroom which has a western toilet (woo hoo) a sink and shower head (like all the showers here it is in the middle of the bathroom). I decided to take a shower, but quickly realized no hot water. GREAT! Now again, maybe if I didn’t have the day I had I wouldn’t think it was that bad. AND I was so hot because there was no AC, but it wasn’t like this was tepid water, it was FREEZING. Ugh! So needless to say my hair did not get washed.

I know this will be good for me. I am so spoiled and this will put me in my place. And I know it’s only for 2 weeks. But uuuuuuuuuugh I am already anxiously awaiting Thailand with my mom and Lorna.

I decided I had had enough of this day and just needed to go to sleep. As I was getting ready to shut off the lights I saw a decent size bug on the floor. I realized there was about an inch between the bottom of the door and the ground. Nothing like roughing it! Now I had no ill feelings towards this creature but I did want him out of my room. So I took the little mat to shoo him out under the door. That’s when he starting FLYING! “Oh no you don’t!” I told him as I stepped on him. I know, I know I am an awful person. But after my day I was NOT in the mood to have some big bug flying around my room.

My mom sent this along in case anyone wants to call me (DO IT!!!)
011 (Us exit code) 855 (Cambodia country code) 92 177 120
You had a zero before the 92...but we don't use it.
So, 011 855 92 177 120

Hugs and kisses from my Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day!

Goodbye Vietnam!

2009-12-20T13:47:00.001-05:00

I didn’t sleep too well last night..I think because I spent yesterday afternoon napping! After a typical morning routine I headed out to do my LAST load of laundry here! Wahoo! I also wanted to wash my backpack (it is DISGUSTING) so I had to go to TWO different places. Oh and good news I got ALL my laundry back last night. It was more expensive but hey I had NOTHING else to wear. So anyway the guy said my backpack wouldn’t be ready until 4:00pm tomorrow, but I said I needed it in the morning -- so 9:00am it better be ready!

Cell phones amaze me. Since I have been volunteering by myself this week I have been using the 45 minute bus ride to make some phone calls! It is just so CRAZY to me that I can be on a bus in Vietnam and quickly talk to my parents in New Hampshire, my brother in North Carolina and my boyfriend in Ecuador! I just love it!

Anyway I got to the orphanage but since I had to walk extra this morning for laundry I didn’t think I had enough time to clean up Thuong’s knees and take him outside before eating. So I just cleaned his knees. I was happy to see he had definitely taken a shower since yesterday (you never know at these places) and he still had one Band-Aid on. His cuts weren’t open anymore but starting to scab over. So nurse Wilson went to work! I took off his old Band-Aid and cleaned both his knees with antiseptic pads. Then (this was his favorite) I put Neosporin on all his cuts. He LOVED it and wanted in on the action. So I put some on his finger so he could help. To top it off I put three Band-Aids on his knees (he helped) AND he sprung for a fourth one! I don’t know if he thought they looked cool or wanted his knees to be equal (I don’t blame him) but we put a Band-Aid on skin with no cuts!

By then it was almost time to eat and today I fed Carrot..the little chubby girl. She is adorable and while it took some time I managed to get her to eat everything!

Normally after lunch they are supposed to nap, but I was a rebel and took Thuong outside. I helped him get on his sandals and then explained to him about the Ace bandage. I had to cut it in half and I used it to wrap up his knees (I think the staff was laughing at me) and off we went! We spent a lot of time near the little man-made ponds at the Temple. He found a fishing pole and loved putting it in the water and watching the fish and turtles swim by. It AMAZES me how mentally he is completely there. I love watching him watch the world go by with such wonder and amazement. When we were walking back (I knew I couldn’t keep him out too long) he did fall..but no broken skin! Woo hoo I was so happy!

It was heartbreaking to have to bring him back, mostly because I knew he just wanted to stay outside. But I knew I couldn’t keep him away from nap time forever.

It was really hard leaving, mostly because I know I won’t have any way to keep in touch with him. Nobody there speaks English so there isn’t a way of calling to check in and I don’t think they have email access. I guess the best I can do is keep him in my prayers.

I spent the afternoon starting to “clean out” this place! It is amazing how much stuff I have accumulated in just a month! I also started to organize my bags a bit. I have NO wiggle room..and I try to have them weigh about the same, but honestly it is TOO much work..and exhausting! Hopefully I won’t have any trouble checking my bags in at the airport!

Somehow I managed to pass the afternoon and then it was time for dinner. I think I have mentioned Bobby Brewers, the place that shows movies and all you have to do is buy something for a ticket. I saw they were playing; “Shrek the Halls” so I thought it would be fun to go! Khaly and I showed up and ordered dinner, but within 20 minutes it was over! I couldn’t believe it..we hadn’t even finished eating yet! Haha! It was a cute Shrek Christmas movie, but it was literally like watching TV! We did enjoy it though!

I picked up some more laundry and came back here to pack! Sometimes I really wonder WHAT I have in these bags! Oh well..I am off to pack!

Hugs and kisses from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam!

Pizza Hut!

2009-12-19T15:33:00.003-05:00

As I went to turn off my phone alarm this morning, I realized the only reason my phone was going off was because someone was calling me (this is my American phone I am talking about)! I picked up my phone to have the American Red Cross ask if I could donate blood. I politely told them I was in Asia but would be back in February.

It was that awkward amount of time that I really couldn’t go back to sleep but was up early enough before my alarm that I cursed the Red Cross for making me lose sleep! Haha!

After showering and eating breakfast, I ventured out to do my massive load of laundry and of course the place was closed! Ugh it has never been closed before. I was meeting Jemma and Trinh at the bus station so I didn’t have a ton of time..and EVERYONE kept saying, “Laundry, laundry??” as I walked passed, but I finally decided on a place that said laundry out front but was probably someone’s house or something. Of course I have NO slip or anything..so let’s hope my laundry is there when I go to pick it up!

I met Jemma and Trinh and we were off to the orphanage! We took the kids out for a walk and it was a blast, although it was VERY hot and we were all sweaty! Thuong seemed VERY tired (I am assuming he doesn’t get out a ton to walk) so by the end he was tripping a lot and scraping up his knees (I felt awful) but he still had a smile on his face!

Jemma and Trinh were going to Chinatown to get a few things (shopping). As tired as I was I figured I should check it out. We had to take a bus back to where we started and then get on another for Chinatown. When we got there, I realized it was..are you ready? JUST LIKE CHINA! Only hotter! When people say Chinatown here they mean a massive market just like the ones in China. But here it is SO hot and so many people..ugh it was not fun. I GUESS I am glad I went to say I have seen it, but after about 10 minutes I said I had to leave because I had the WORST headache.

It took me FOREVER to find my way out (and I think I am good at maps and directions!) and when I finally did I ran into Jemma and Trinh again because they said they needed to leave as well! We were at the bus stop waiting for bus number 1 when another one came along and said it was going where we needed to go. Well it was, but the long way around! There was so much traffic and no AC and I was not happy since I already had my head cold and now a headache from the heat and noise. At one point the bus just stopped to chat with someone walking by, like everyone on the bus had all the time in the world to wait.

I was VERY happy to make it home and blasted the AC and took a cold shower. I knew I had the type of headache that wouldn’t leave unless I napped, so I passed out! I had slept for maybe 45 minutes and woke up STILL with a throbbing headache. I hated “wasting time”, not that a nap is a waste, but there really were a MILLION other things I needed to do. Luckily, I knew myself well enough to go BACK to sleep and when I woke up again my headache was gone! But, by then it was time for dinner!

Jemma had invited us to Diamond Plaza (I KNEW they had a Pizza Hut) since it was her last night here. I am hoping to be able to meet up with her in Thailand, but we aren’t really sure if we’ll be near each other.

Khaly and I walked there and it was actually a bit further than we expected, but I got my Pizza Hut! Just like home..YUM! I also tried to do a little shopping for Thuong. His knees are really bad, so tomorrow I am going to try and clean them up (I know it’s gonna hurt and he’s gonna be mad!) But I also bought some new Band-Aids and Neosporin so hopefully they won’t get infected. I wanted to buy him knee pads (hopefully he won’t notice if the other kids make fun of him) but they only had adult and this would take up his ENTIRE leg. So I called my Dad (the sports man..AND he’s creative) to get some advice on how to make it work. I got some ace bandage tape, so I think my plan for tomorrow is to clean up his knees (hope he doesn’t hate me when it hurts) and then wrap them so at least if he falls it shouldn’t tear the skin. I hold his hand when we walk, but it’s almost like he’s so weak I don’t even have time to catch him when he falls -- if that makes any sense.

Hugs and kisses from Pizza Hut!

Achoo!

2009-12-18T12:39:00.002-05:00

Last night on the way home from the airport I did NOT feel good. My head felt like it was going to explode! Alexis (my new friend on the boat) had an awful cold, and I think maybe I caught it. Or it’s a mixture of that and back to the oh so clean Ho Chi Minh City air!

I woke up this morning not able to breathe out of my nose, my head throbbing and a sore throat. After sneezing about 3,248 times, I figured it was not a good idea to go to the orphanage.

I slept in for a bit, which isn’t like sleeping in at home, but it still felt nice. I spent the morning just lounging around and taking lots of medicine. I did manage to get myself in the shower before I headed out.

I walked around a bit and bought a few things, but as much as I dislike the city in general, it is WORSE with a head cold. Every noise seems to be exaggerated!

I came back to my QUIET room to have PB&J for lunch..my comfort food! I then went back to sleep for a bit on and off..but it was one of those disturbed sleeps with strange dreams that make you all confused!

I managed to drag myself out again to go mail my postcards AND go to a grocery store! My goal was to find orange juice. I found a refrigerated bottle that I bought so I could drink and walk and some juice box versions of OJ. The bottle was GROSS. It was a mixture between orange soda and orange juice. Not ok.

I met Jemma, Trinh, Khaly and Matt at a market place for dinner and ordered OJ there..but of course they came over with the same thing with a PILE of sugar at the bottom. Ugh I tried! Dinner was fine (although I made sure to take pepto with it..) but it was SO hot out and that combined with the heat of the stoves was not pleasant.

The boy from the bus (when I was sightseeing with Long) still texts me and has called me a few times. He also texted one of Long’s friends and told him how beautiful I am! What am I going to do when I come home and don’t have 17 year old boys falling in love with me? Anyway I had to break his heart and tell him I was off to Cambodia!

I was thinking today about how I am a little worried to come home and experience the reverse culture shock. Beijing wasn’t awful. Very westernized and granted the area by the school wasn’t wealthy by any means, but the kids had clothes and food and an education. But, Vietnam is so different, especially seeing these kids at the orphanage. The lack of..everything..medicine, dentist, doctors etc. I feel like I will never complain again about going to the dentist because these kids have never even seen one (and if I do complain..kindly remind me how lucky I am to have that privilege). I just think about all the petty things I complain about and I have NO idea how most of the world lives. Now I am NOT, by any means, trying to guilt trip anyone or make it seem like I have this new found knowledge that I am trying to impose, but I just really have been thinking about how blessed I am! I hear people complaining about a root canal and now I think..well at least you can have it done! Most people in the world would have to deal with the pain until their tooth falls out. Or I just think about all the things “Americans” (yes I know I shouldn’t generalize..) complain about..or aren’t happy with and I feel like when I go home this is going to drive me insane. I feel like I will want to yell out, “YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT I HAVE SEEN..YOU DON’T KNOW HOW MOST OF THE WORLD LIVES.” I find myself feeling almost guilty..like what did I do to be able to enjoy the lifestyle I do? I don’t know..I guess I am babbling on..but I really have been thinking a lot about how my life will be after this experience and how it will change me. Part of me is worried I will come home and fall back into my “normal routine” but I truly hope that doesn’t happen. Honestly, that would be easier for me and more comfortable, because I know when I am back home it will be hard to remember how my little boys are still here..living the same day over and over again. But I hope I will carry them in my hearts and think about them and all these people day to day.

So I apologize because I already uploaded new videos! I actually wasn’t planning on doing it THAT soon..but I messed up when trying to figure out how to add new ones and I deleted the old ones!

Pictures are STILL coming! I am assuming the wireless is only going to be worse in Cambodia..but it literally takes a day to load 10! I’ll work on it though!

Hugs and kisses from a sick Julie!

Sua Sua!

2009-12-17T20:01:00.001-05:00

Khaly and I did NOT want to get out of bed this morning. Not that we ever really do, but this bed was worth spending the day in! We both showered and I grabbed some pastries before Tai Chi on the deck. We realized Tai Chi is too slow for us..or at least too slow when we just woke up! We enjoyed doing it (hey, we were doing Tai Chi on a boat in Halong Bay in Vietnam..pretty cool!) but I don’t think we would sign up for a class any time soon!

We had to take a little boat to Surprise Cave, our stop for the morning. While we were waiting on this little boat, these women (in their own rowboats) rowed up to us with a little convenience store on their boat (Oreos, Pringles, Ritz, etc.)

The situation made me uncomfortable because it was a time where I felt guilty for the amount of money I have. Now this cruise wasn’t cheap, but Khaly and I both felt it was worth the splurge (and it was). But I was looking at these women (just trying to make a living) who were probably looking at me and thinking how unfathomable it is that I would pay so much to go on this nice boat.

I guess to a degree I have felt this throughout my trip (seeing how everyone here lives day to day) but I had never felt so transparent (someone seeing how I could afford something).

We arrived at Surprise Cave and started walking up the stairs. The whole cave was pretty cool and HUGE (we walked through about 3 different sections) but it was lit up in a way that almost made it look like Disney). We were joking that soon it will be a ride that you sit in a miner’s car as it takes you through the cave.

We left the cave to go back to the boat to finish packing and check out of our rooms! We then brought our bags with us to breakfast, which was again another buffet! Oh I was so happy! They did have pancakes (which I loved) and a lot of fruit and yogurt (which I loved as well) so I was a happy camper!

We then had about 1.5 hours as we were sailing back to the dock. We were able to sit upstairs on the sundeck which was very nice and comfortable!

When we arrived back at the dock, we sat in the “waiting” room again to wait for our transportation. Myself, Khaly, Alexis and Andrew all got in and off we went! We joked about how we did NOT miss 'train tracks' boy, but karma soon found us! We stopped again at a different dock and we all crossed our fingers, until we saw him! UGH! Oh well. We started the drive and it was SO bumpy we couldn’t even rest. The driver was playing with the radio, texting, swirling in and out of cars (literally) so needless to say it was not a time to relax.

When we finally arrived at our hotel (about 4 hours later) I was so antsy and could not wait to get out! Khaly and I were both hungry so we asked where to get food and luckily we could order from a restaurant and have it delivered to the hotel. It was a bit expensive (I just got spaghetti) but totally worth the convenience before catching our flight.

We had booked transportation through the hotel and I had told them our flight was leaving at 7:00pm when we had checked in. She told me she would book the car for 5:00pm. This made me a little nervous (it was at least 45 minutes to the airport) so I explained about rush hour etc. BUT she assured me 5:00pm would be fine. I then had Khaly speak to her in Vietnamese but she said the same thing. She also thought we wouldn’t be back from the cruise until 5:00pm anyway (although we were back around 4:00).

We got in the car (very nice) and our driver sped off! He was saying something (in English) about a 5 car accident..and we were moving slow, but I tried not to worry. When he got some free space this guy TOOK off..weaving in and out of traffic. I wasn’t complaining because I was nervous about time, but Mom you would NOT have liked it!

We were getting on an on ramp, when all of a sudden we came to a DEAD stop. I could see ahead on the high way, and everyone had turned off their car to just hang out outside. He said this was the 5 car accident! I wanted to ask him why we came this way if he knew the traffic literally wasn’t moving! I understand maybe this was the only way there, but wasn’t there a back road? Or even still, now the car was in the middle of the traffic jam and there was no turning back.

He kept telling us, “What time your flight? I worry, I worry!” Yes buddy I worry too! Haha! It was VERY obvious we would not be moving for hours. I realize this wasn’t the hotel’s fault (the accident) but this is why I wanted to leave earlier and really should have been more persistent. Our driver told us we should take a cyclo to get there on time, but said it would be 600,000VND ($33). I was a little confused because we had already booked this car, so if cyclo was the only way then we would have to do it, but shouldn’t pay for the car as well.

He then got on the phone with the hotel (as I was on the phone with Jetstar asking about other flights and how much it would cost to change it). The hotel was SO kind and said they would get a cyclo for us and they would pay for it.

I was still on the phone with Jetstar (getting nowhere because I could not understand her)! I am sure it was a combination of our languages and the noise from the street, but when Khaly asked if I wanted her to try I gladly handed over the phone.

We were still trying to figure out which future flights we could get on (there were some, for a fee of about $22 which isn’t that bad), when our driver started waving at us to follow him. So we grabbed all of our things (we each had a backpack STUFFED and a purse..stuffed as well!) We began running up the ramp, in between the parked cars and our driver pointed at a man and had Khaly jump on the back of his bike. I THINK (although this was all such a blur) there was like, a house or a restaurant or SOMETHING because there were people sitting around. Anyway, before I knew it the guy pointed at ME to get on another guys bike. He literally was driving away and threw me my helmet. I tried to put it on (and balance my bags and myself) as he drove along the rocky edge of the highway. There was like, massive construction or something going on because there were huge piles of rocks. He must have tried to go around them because next thing I knew we were falling! Luckily (having been on a motorcycle before..thanks Dad!!!) I was ready to brace myself, but with the weight of my backpack I kinda flung myself around. I do remember Khaly yelling, “Are you ok?” but I was too busy getting myself and my luggage back on the bike. This is the same time when I realized my helmet was nowhere NEAR my size.

Anyway next thing I knew we were going down this little dirt path to the on ramp. Why we were going that way I have no clue. But we were leading the way and there was nowhere to go! All of a sudden my guy started yelling, “SUA, SUA”! I learned VERY quickly that meant, “Get off!” so I did and he turned the bike around and that was the LAST I saw of Khaly. The quote “Absence makes the heart grow fonder” never rang truer (Sorry Steve!)

I was now on my own with some random Vietnamese man driving me somewhere (I could only hope the airport). We then got to the other side of the on ramp but I realized he wanted to cross over to go down the ramp! So WE had to lift his bike over so we could be going the opposite way.

After we did that we were back on his bike and off we went! I had lost ALL sense of direction (as well as Khaly) but hoped he was actually taking me to the airport. We were on back roads (scary) and then on a highway (even scarier). As we entered the highway I saw a MASSIVE 18 wheeler that he decided we should pull out in front of. I could hear its loud horn the entire time we were pulling out and I really do remember thinking, I may very well die here.

We were on the highway for a bit and he kept saying things to me (it is amazing how they think nothing of turning around to talk) but I kept replying, “I don’t speak Vietnamese, airport please!” I cannot tell you how I felt when I saw an airplane ahead!

We DID make it to the airport and I was so excited! I had wanted to go on a motorbike..but not like this! I quickly hopped off (but was worried he would ask for money) and thanked him! All of a sudden he was yelling at me..because I still had my helmet on! I would like to blame that on the fact we were in a HUGE rush and not the fact that I am blond.

Once I got inside I sprinted to the check in (it was about 6:40 at this point..) and called Khaley. Out of breath, I asked the lady if we were too late (the NEXT flight was already up on the board). She nonchalantly took the ticket and my passport like we had all the time in the world! I kept calling Khaly and telling her to RUN, which she did! We checked in and were off!

So we are idiots. When we flew to Hanoi we had a ton of liquid and they didn’t care at all. On the boat, we got a couple bottles of water..so we decided to bring those back (hey..buying them all the time adds up!) However, after going through security she stopped us to say, “2 water, 2 water, 2 water!” as she pointed to each of our bags. We had to laugh, but we did think, “What were we thinking”?

We managed to get on the plane without any problems and we had to get Khaly ice because she had burnt her leg when getting off the cyclo! Luckily it didn’t look THAT bad (we didn’t need to go to the hospital or anything) but I could tell she was in pain.

I was SO happy when we landed in Ho Chi Minh..I felt like I was home! We took a cab back to the hostel and even the people, the noise, the everything felt familiar.

Also..videos are updated but I am going to change them (hopefully) before I leave for Cambodia..so definitely check those out! Pictures are coming soon!

Hugs and kisses from my cyclo man telling me “SUA SUA”!

The Sound of Silence

2009-12-17T09:47:00.003-05:00

Khaly and I were workout skippers and it felt SO good to sleep in! The bed at the hotel was amazing and soft and I realized how much I miss my down comforter at home. We dragged ourselves out of bed to shower and enjoy breakfast at the hotel. We were picked up around 7:45am on a tour bus for Indochina Sails. There was a couple already on the bus (Alexis and Andrew from Chicago) and we went to pick up two more groups. One was a family from Singapore with a 4 or 5 year old son (why you would bring a child on this trip I have no idea). We also picked up a couple from Mexico and off we went.

It wasn’t long into the trip when I realized this kid was going to drive me crazy! If spending 4 hours on a bus in crazy Vietnam with an annoying kid isn’t good birth control, I don’t know WHAT is! He wasn’t crying (so it could have been worse) but he was non-stop talking, singing, etc. His parents didn’t seem to even notice that the entire little bus was trying to sleep. At every bump and every turn he kept saying, “Train tracks? Train tracks?” I felt bad that this kid was driving me crazy, but Khaly and I booked this trip to relax and get away for the weekend. However, I didn’t feel as guilty when we got there, dropped his family off first, and EVERYONE was talking about how annoying he was! We all laughed that he was going to be sad that there were no train tracks where he was going. We were, however, all relieved he was NOT on our boat!

We waited in the little “waiting” room for the boat to be ready and at about noon we made our way on! It was beautiful! Khaly and I were in room 104 and it was amazing. It had two twin beds, a mini refrigerator and bathroom with a shower. It really was very elegant and we were happy to know the pictures were not deceiving.

The staff was already eager to speak to Khaly in Vietnamese! Once again, I couldn’t get away from feeling “invisible” and just sitting there while she had a conversation.

We were able to unpack a few things before we went back to the dining room for lunch. The lunch was a set menu which I didn’t enjoy too much because there was a lot of fish! Luckily, I had thought ahead and brought my snacks so I knew I wouldn’t go hungry!

After lunch we arrived at our first stop, Titop Island. We had to take a small boat to the island, and walk the 430 stairs (like I need to be reminded I am not in shape..) to the top! It was very beautiful and worth the walk for the incredible pictures we were able to take! We had some extra time at the bottom again so I was able to sit on the beach. However, the beach was nothing special (and neither was the water) so it wasn’t worth a swim.

The weather was comfortable..but a little hot for hiking and a little cool for swimming. We then came back to the boat and had a little over 30 minutes while we traveled to our next destination.

Since we did have some time, I could NOT resist the urge to take a nap! I think since this was really the second day since being in Vietnam I haven’t done much, my body was taking advantage of it! This bed was SO comfortable and fluffy (unlike all the beds in Asia) so we both rested for a bit before our next stop, Bat Cave!

We decided we wanted to kayak (and the kayaking was really the only reason we both wanted to go on this trip). The spot we anchored was BEAUTIFUL. We were completely surrounded by huge limestone rock/mountain type things.

Khaly and I were the last ones to get our kayaks, and the main tour guide man was talking to Khaly in Vietnamese. She said something to me about how he was going with her and I would have a guide as well. I thought Khaly and I were going to go together, and was surprised that every person had a guide with them! Alexis and Andrew (our new friends) were in front of us and they were going together, so I told Khaly I was confused. Turns out the guy just wanted to go with her and was going to put me with his friend. NICE TRY BUDDY! Khaly and I couldn’t tell if he was hitting on her (he does have a family, etc) or really just liked the idea there was someone on the boat who spoke Vietnamese. We both politely told him we would like to go together.

Sadly, we weren’t very good kayakers. It took us a while to get into a rhythm (without feeling like we were going to tip) AND we were surprised how quickly our arms were sore!

Being on the water was the most beautiful and peaceful experience I have felt in a while. At one point I turned to Khaly and said, “Do you hear that?” She looked at me puzzled and said, “Hear what?” and I replied, “My point exactly!” No horns, no garbage, no smells, no dirt, no ants, no dust, no “Motor bike? Where you go?”, just silence! THIS is what we needed and why we decided to take this trip. The scenery was beautiful and we kayaked around for about 45 minutes and through a cave before returning back to the boat. While we were sad that experience was over, our arms told us it was about time to stop.

We both showered off the salty water (and I had to change pants..apparently I am an aggressive paddler and soaked my pants!) and rested for a bit. There was still a bit more time before dinner so I took that time to do some reading and write postcards. I was so enjoying the peacefulness and quietness of the boat.

We arrived at dinner and I was so happy to see it was a buffet! They had a LOT of options, although you know me, I didn’t like most of them. I did, however, try crab leg (I really will try anything) and it was ok! Tasted just like lobster but without the melted butter (which is, of course, the best part). They had an AMAZING rich chocolate mousse for dessert..BUT only enough for everyone to have one..BOOO! I really enjoyed the fruit so that was the bulk of my dinner. Oh yeah, and rolls, they were good too!

They had some evening activities to do (some movie..board games and the bar was open) but Khaly and I were content to take a shower, read a bit and hit the sack!

Hugs and kisses from a place filled with silence.

Hello Hanoi!

2009-12-16T22:15:00.001-05:00

Khaly and I were up early this morning, but not to run! Our flight to Hanoi was scheduled to leave at 7:30am so my plan was to wake up at 5:00am, finish packing and catch a taxi at 5:45. However, I was awoken at 5:30am by a noise, and panicked! I have no idea why my alarm didn’t go off, but I didn’t have the time to find out. I quickly rushed through my bathroom routine, tossed some stuff in my bag, shoveled food in my mouth, and was more or less ready by the time Khaly knocked on my door at 5:45am. We caught a cab and since there was no traffic we made it to the airport by 6:15am. Check-in was so easy (I think every one of my pockets had about 10oz of liquid, but hey, it’s Vietnam baby)! We flew Jetstar, a budget airline, and it sure felt it! As I sat down I wondered if maybe I had grown since the last time I flew. The seat in front of me was right in my lap! My knees were not too happy! I was hoping to sleep (and usually I can pass out) but not so much today. Khaly said she was laughing at me because I was tossing and turning! Oh well.

It took a little over 2 hours until we landed in Hanoi. I was excited because the hotel was picking us up so I got to look for my name on a sign! I felt so special! I have no idea who the man with the sign was..but next thing I knew we were in a car and off! It took about 40 minutes to get to the hotel and the woman at the front desk was so sweet. I picked the hotel..well first I should explain that I planned this trip. Khaly has been my handy translator for the past 3 weeks, so I said I would take care of the trip as a thank you. BUT she still has to translate for me. ALTHOUGH I am beginning to wonder WHY I brought her because when we got in the car and I heard the man talking I said, “What did he say?” and she said, “I don’t know, they have a different accent up here!” Ugh she is good for nothing!! Haha!

So anyway..I picked the hotel because it has rave reviews on trip advisor! It was reasonably priced, had free internet and free breakfast! I thought free breakfast would be good since we have to leave early for our Halong Bay tour and won’t have enough time to get to the know area well enough to find breakfast! When we arrived the front desk woman was so helpful (it is a family run hotel) and offered us breakfast! Woo hoo! We were both hungry so we had some breakfast and met the woman from the boat company to pay for the boat. Our room wasn’t going to be ready until 12:00 (we thought that is what she said..) so we went for a quick walk to explore. I was dying for an iced coffee (I do NOT want to become a coffee drinker..but have fallen in love with Vietnamese iced coffee) so I put Khaly to work to find me one! She came through..so I feel better about bringing her along since she was useful!

I think we both like Hanoi a bit better than Saigon. It is less busy, less hot, more trees, etc. Although, I think I am going to have a major problem when I come home. As we left the hotel, we both commented about how cold it was. But after finding out the temperature (I think around 70 degrees) I realized I had become used to the hot weather. It was SEVENTY and I was like, “Oh brrrrr where is my jacket!” Ugh I am in big trouble. If there is ONE thing I have learned on this trip..it’s that I LOVE warm weather and would MUCH rather be hot than cold. That doesn’t fare too well with the wonderful 6 months of New England winter. I think I love my family, boyfriend and friends too much to move away, but I am not going to lie, it is something that I think about. WHY does anyone choose to live in New England? Can you answer me that!? Luckily I did warm up and was able to go back to a t-shirt and shorts and be comfortable!

We got back to the hotel around 12:00 and she said our room still wasn’t ready (we found out later check OUT was at 12:00 so that makes sense). We were both hungry, so I found a restaurant in my Lonely Planet book called Bar 69. It was about a 10 minute walk (not too bad) and it was so cute! It was in an old building and had a lot of character! I got ANOTHER coffee (I was so very tired) and a fried rice vegetable meat dish, which was actually DELICIOUS! We left full and content and found our way back to the hotel. Our room was ready so we moved into our room which was BEAUTIFUL! I have to admit, I did a good job! Haha! The room is on the 3rd floor (but has a LOT of stairs). It has a queen bed and a twin bed, a closet, TV, mini refrigerator, COMPUTER and bathroom! It really is beautiful! We were both a bit sad we are only staying for one night because it is so nice!

I had done my best to research what we should do in Hanoi..and there wasn’t a lot! I had wanted to do a tour (I find it SO tiring to plan a trip..Mom I give you so much credit!) but since we were only free for half a day, most of the tours were too expensive and didn’t have everything we wanted. I found out what was open when and planned accordingly!

First stop was Ho Chi Minh Museum. I had written down three cab companies that were safe. Honestly, it is so annoying to have to wait for the RIGHT cab to avoid getting ripped off or worse!!! I asked the front desk if the cab companies seemed right and about how much it should cost to get to the Ho Chi Minh Museum. She was very sweet and said she would call a cab (one on my list) and said it should cost about 50,000VND (which is reasonable). Khaly and I hopped in the cab and we were off!

It didn’t take long to get there..and I was surprised when the meter read 27,000VND and we were there! I got out 30,000VND and handed it to him as he shut off the meter. He shook his head no as he said, “50,000VND”. I told him that the meter said 27,000VND (although now it was blank as he had turned it off..) and he again said, “50,000VND”. I looked at Khaly with a face that said, “We are getting ripped off..let’s GO!” So I said again, “The meter said 27,000VND..thank you!” as we shut the door. NOBODY messes with Julie Bulie..right Daddy!? I was actually REALLY mad about the situation (Vietnam has this effect on me that little “cultural” things REALLY make me angry). He was trying to rip us off..AND I think the hotel lady was in on it!!! Maybe not, but she did tell us 50,000VND. The guy knew he was trying to get us because he just shook his head and let us leave. I was glad I had looked at the meter and I don’t know if it is because I have been abroad for a few months now or what, but I feel like I get agitated easily (another story to follow later) and I don’t like it!

I was actually scared the guy was going to follow us and kill us, so we quickly moved to the museum. We had about five things to see..three of which closed at 4:00pm and two that closed at 5:00pm and it was almost 2:45pm. We quickly walked through the museum and were NOT impressed. Granted we really didn’t STOP to see anything, but I think even if we HAD I wouldn’t have been impressed! We left and made our way to the One Pillar Pagoda, but almost missed it because it was SO small! We then moved to the “stilt house” and this is again when I was frustrated. We walked through security and the man pointed us over to the ticket counter. But everyone in front of us was walking right through. So I explained we just wanted to take pictures (we didn’t want to go IN anything) and she held up the ticket. “But everyone else is walking through” I replied. Maybe if the taxi man hadn’t already ATTEMPTED to rip us off I wouldn’t have cared, but I didn’t understand why WE had to pay! Khaly sensed this was one of my MOMENTS (she has them too..like when we were buying strollers..haha!) and just paid so we could go! I wasn’t even THAT impressed! Oh well..I need to work on not getting frustrated with the culture. But the things I once found “different..interesting..funny” are now annoying and wearisome!

We continued on to find a cab (which took a while to find a GOOD one) and made our way to the Temple of Literature. However, there was no sign that said, Temple of Literature. We found some other tourists and they said we were in the right place, so onward we went! It was beautiful, but I have to say NOTHING compares to the Temple’s of China (such a travel snob!) After that we made our way to the Museum of Fine Arts. I wasn’t too keen on it..but Khaly was excited so we spent some time walking around. I think at that point I was also exhausted!

As we were leaving..I REALLY wanted to take a cyclo! I knew I wanted to do this before I left Vietnam, and it is much cleaner and prettier here than in Saigon. So Khaly and I looked for one to take us to the lake (the last stop for our day) but no such luck! We took a cab instead (not nearly as fun) and walked around the lake which was beautiful! We then stopped for dinner (we were both SO tired..but thought maybe we were hungry as well). Dinner was fine (nothing too special) but we decided to treat ourselves to dessert at Highlands Coffee (hey we are on vacation!!) Highlands is nice because it is very “western” with big comfy chairs! I got a chocolate brownie and ice cream and Khaly got carrot cake and a white chocolate drink. It was SO good! We both agreed that chocolate makes us feel better (can you tell why we get along so well?)

We decided it might be too expensive to try and take a cyclo back to the hotel (and it may have taken 3 days..which we definitely didn’t have!) We decided to go around the lake! I was willing to pay 20,000VND each..but Khaly thought we should pay 20,000VND together (haven’t I made her into a great bargainer?) We spoke to the first guy who started with 60,000VND. It took a while but we got him down to 20,000VND (we made sure to confirm this was TOGETHER) and off we went! Khaly said he swore or something..but he obviously wouldn’t take us if he was losing money. It was fun, but going around the lake was enough! It was very bumpy and it was getting a bit cooler so we were fine when it ended. Another driver yelled something about us being cheap..but I can’t say my feelings were hurt! We then took a cab to come back!

I got ANOTHER massage tonight! Ugh I know, I know, I shouldn’t! But my Dad just loves me SO much I know he will put a little extra in my bank account!!!! I was SO sore today (I have NO idea why) and after a long day I had read GREAT reviews about a place literally 1 minute away from the hotel. So off I went..and it was BEAUTIFUL! Even better than some spa’s in the U.S.! It was so Zen like and the massage room was clean, dimly lit and had waterfall music playing. I couldn’t get over how nice it was! Good thing I am only here for one day or else I would want more!

The massage wasn’t bad, although I got a Thai one and it was a little too much..moving for me. I don’t really like when they step on your back, and she was moving me all around in ways I just don’t move. Overall, it was GREAT and while it wasn’t the most relaxing it felt good!

Also..I have updated videos on the website! Check them out soon because I am going to have to delete them to upload more!

Hugs and kisses from Hanoi!