Been having the time of our lives. And we leave tomorrow.
Just like I had a little anxiety about leaving the states for so long, and going to a different 'world', I am having the same feelings about returning.
I am really looking forward to seeing my awesome family and friends, of course, and catching up. I am anticipating what I will do for work. I am anxious to generate theatre, and to perform. I can't wait to drink water from a tap, be able to breathe deeply the fresh air of the northwest, to ride my beloved bicycle, to wear jeans and my favorite sweat pants and sweat shirt...all the little things I have missed so much.
At the same time, it makes me a little nervous to have all those things and to move on to this next chapter. And I am excited. It's such a mix of emotions, just like July 2, 2008, when I left the states.
Living in Asia has taught me a great deal about humanity, kindness, compassion, empathy, love, pain, poverty, education, and what the human body can endure.
It has made me realize so much about myself and my place in this crazy and beautifully fucked up world. I know these experiences will carry on and continue to teach me things I never realized. I also know that when I get home, I am going to get rid of nearly all I have...I want to have only 3 boxes of clothes and things to my possession. It feels wrong to have so much...just unnecessary.
I love the trajectory my travels took...teaching in Nepal, and living with an amazing and absolustly unforgetable family; trekking and reaching over 17,000feet; experiencing India in all of it's suffering and glory; climbing, kayaking, swimming and relaxing in Thailand; road tripping through Vietnam.
That is the last 8 and 1/2 months in a nutshell.
There were times I got frustrated, and there were times I wanted never to end.
All in all, I loved it all, and wouldn't change anything for the world.
Thanks for reading and for your support.
All My Love.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Saturday, February 7, 2009
We are back in Nha Trang. Change of plans. Turns out the trains here are very expensive. It would have cost over $100 to go North and back, so we decided not to go. Save Northern Vietnam for next time.
We went to a resort about 50km north of Nha Trang. It was great. $30 bucks, way more than we would normally spend, for 2 people. An awesome bungalow about 10 meters from the ocean, with a lovely balcony, all 3 meals included (and the food was amazing), free water, coffee, tea and fruit all day long. It was glorious. The man who owns it is a French man in his 80's, now with a Vietnamese wife and 2 children (the youngest one is 6). He was so charismatic and corkey.
Yesterday we got back to Nha Trang, only this time we are staying north of the main part of the city. We have nice room on the top (6th) floor with a sea view. It's pretty fabulous.
It is so nice to have time to explore and have no itinerary. We aren't sure when we'll leave here, or where we'll go next. We might cut in land to the Cat Tien National Forest, one of the only remaining since the American and Vietnam war.
We went to a resort about 50km north of Nha Trang. It was great. $30 bucks, way more than we would normally spend, for 2 people. An awesome bungalow about 10 meters from the ocean, with a lovely balcony, all 3 meals included (and the food was amazing), free water, coffee, tea and fruit all day long. It was glorious. The man who owns it is a French man in his 80's, now with a Vietnamese wife and 2 children (the youngest one is 6). He was so charismatic and corkey.
Yesterday we got back to Nha Trang, only this time we are staying north of the main part of the city. We have nice room on the top (6th) floor with a sea view. It's pretty fabulous.
It is so nice to have time to explore and have no itinerary. We aren't sure when we'll leave here, or where we'll go next. We might cut in land to the Cat Tien National Forest, one of the only remaining since the American and Vietnam war.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Leaving Nha Trang today. While this city is pretty touristed out, it has been a nice place to chill and recover.
Recover from a motorbike accident that we had about 5 nights ago.
It was pretty intense.
We were driving through a little city, on a street with a median, and this man pulls out in front of us to turn left, and sees the sea of motorbikes coming straight for him at 50-60kph, and freezes. T.J. swerved to avoid him, but to no avail we ran stright into the side of his bike, causing a horrible crash, with the bike landing on my left leg. I think I was crying before I even hit the ground. I was so frightened of being run over, that I barely realized that I was hurt. My leg is still sore, and scratched and bruised, as well as my right hip. It could have been much worse. I am really glad that helmets are manditory here for drivers and passengers (though most children don't wear them, which I think is almost backwards) because I did hit my head. The guy we hit suddenly stood right up, and was covered by a mob of Vietnamese, as well as TJ and I. Then all of a sudden he was gone. We were preoccupied with women lifting our clothes and cleaning out our wounds, we didn't even noticed he left.
Not like we would, or could, have called the cops, as we wouldn't be able to communicate, and nothing would be done. To us, anyways. I hope that the man we hit is O.K.....though we do wonder if he just left straight away because of "White Tourists". dun dun duhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
So, we spent the first 2 days relaxing and recovering, just hanging out at the beach, though I didn't swim. I know salt water is supposed to be good for wounds, but there is a lot of bacteria in the water, and it f-ing hurts.
Then we went to Vinpearl Land, which is an island that has an amusment and water park, a white sandy beach, and games. You take a gondola over the ocean to get there. It was so fun to run around like a kid. We were probably the only adults there with no children. :)
We have to have the motorbike back to Saigon on the 6th, and then we'll leave on a train for our last train trip(s) north and back...for our flight...
I don't want to go home.
If it weren't for my amesome family, I think I would extend my trip.
............
Recover from a motorbike accident that we had about 5 nights ago.
It was pretty intense.
We were driving through a little city, on a street with a median, and this man pulls out in front of us to turn left, and sees the sea of motorbikes coming straight for him at 50-60kph, and freezes. T.J. swerved to avoid him, but to no avail we ran stright into the side of his bike, causing a horrible crash, with the bike landing on my left leg. I think I was crying before I even hit the ground. I was so frightened of being run over, that I barely realized that I was hurt. My leg is still sore, and scratched and bruised, as well as my right hip. It could have been much worse. I am really glad that helmets are manditory here for drivers and passengers (though most children don't wear them, which I think is almost backwards) because I did hit my head. The guy we hit suddenly stood right up, and was covered by a mob of Vietnamese, as well as TJ and I. Then all of a sudden he was gone. We were preoccupied with women lifting our clothes and cleaning out our wounds, we didn't even noticed he left.
Not like we would, or could, have called the cops, as we wouldn't be able to communicate, and nothing would be done. To us, anyways. I hope that the man we hit is O.K.....though we do wonder if he just left straight away because of "White Tourists". dun dun duhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
So, we spent the first 2 days relaxing and recovering, just hanging out at the beach, though I didn't swim. I know salt water is supposed to be good for wounds, but there is a lot of bacteria in the water, and it f-ing hurts.
Then we went to Vinpearl Land, which is an island that has an amusment and water park, a white sandy beach, and games. You take a gondola over the ocean to get there. It was so fun to run around like a kid. We were probably the only adults there with no children. :)
We have to have the motorbike back to Saigon on the 6th, and then we'll leave on a train for our last train trip(s) north and back...for our flight...
I don't want to go home.
If it weren't for my amesome family, I think I would extend my trip.
............
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Vietnam
Vietnam is very incredible. It is very different than any place we have been. Granted, they all differ very much, but Vietnam has something unique.
It is still very obvious that this is a war torn country. There is a lot of poverty. There are a lot of injured people; and millions of children. Seriously, more kids than any where else.
Every time I see some one who is of the 'American War' (or the Vietnam war as it is known in the U.S.) generation, I can't help but wonder what they saw. What they have gone through. Not only was the war between Vietnam and America entirely devestating, but there have been countless wars and battles here.
It is something quite different to see dozens of grave yards, all over the land, scattered. It makes me wonder, what is better though, having HUGE plots of land as a grave yard (like in the U.S.) or small plots where the deceased are probably near their families (or should it be the other way around)?
Traveling by bike has been really awesome. It is great to have the freedom to stop where we want, when we want, and to go as fast or slow as we feel like.
We are in the Mekong Delta region...near a city called Vinh Long, where I am writing from. We left Ho Chi Minh 2 days ago (thank Buddha!!!!!! :) That city is so crazy and intense...not our cup of tea. There are literally millions of motorbikes covering the roads.) and headed straight for the villages of the Mekong, avoiding the tourist spots. Last night and tonight we are in a village called An Binh, in a great, cozy bungalow of a wonderful and hospitable guest house. It is so quiet and peaceful. At night you can hear crickets (which always make me think of staying at my Mom's house), frogs, dogs barking in the distance, and boats quietly roaring down the Mekong (it's sorta eirie, they sound almost like helocoptars). We are going to head North tomorrow for the beaches of the central coast. Then we have to be back to Ho Chi Minh to return the bike and get our packs on the 6th. After that the plan is to train it to Hoi An, and further to Hanoi, where we will hopefully do some rock climbing in Halong Bay.
Then, just around the corner, is going back to the states. It is strange to know that very soon, I will be with all of the familiar things and people that made me, me. I am so excited to see family and friends and to share stories. But I am also going to miss the life of traveling, living fully in the moment, and living so simply. I will miss that the most, be surrounded by such simple ways of being. It's just not like that in the U.S.
It is still very obvious that this is a war torn country. There is a lot of poverty. There are a lot of injured people; and millions of children. Seriously, more kids than any where else.
Every time I see some one who is of the 'American War' (or the Vietnam war as it is known in the U.S.) generation, I can't help but wonder what they saw. What they have gone through. Not only was the war between Vietnam and America entirely devestating, but there have been countless wars and battles here.
It is something quite different to see dozens of grave yards, all over the land, scattered. It makes me wonder, what is better though, having HUGE plots of land as a grave yard (like in the U.S.) or small plots where the deceased are probably near their families (or should it be the other way around)?
Traveling by bike has been really awesome. It is great to have the freedom to stop where we want, when we want, and to go as fast or slow as we feel like.
We are in the Mekong Delta region...near a city called Vinh Long, where I am writing from. We left Ho Chi Minh 2 days ago (thank Buddha!!!!!! :) That city is so crazy and intense...not our cup of tea. There are literally millions of motorbikes covering the roads.) and headed straight for the villages of the Mekong, avoiding the tourist spots. Last night and tonight we are in a village called An Binh, in a great, cozy bungalow of a wonderful and hospitable guest house. It is so quiet and peaceful. At night you can hear crickets (which always make me think of staying at my Mom's house), frogs, dogs barking in the distance, and boats quietly roaring down the Mekong (it's sorta eirie, they sound almost like helocoptars). We are going to head North tomorrow for the beaches of the central coast. Then we have to be back to Ho Chi Minh to return the bike and get our packs on the 6th. After that the plan is to train it to Hoi An, and further to Hanoi, where we will hopefully do some rock climbing in Halong Bay.
Then, just around the corner, is going back to the states. It is strange to know that very soon, I will be with all of the familiar things and people that made me, me. I am so excited to see family and friends and to share stories. But I am also going to miss the life of traveling, living fully in the moment, and living so simply. I will miss that the most, be surrounded by such simple ways of being. It's just not like that in the U.S.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Got to Phuket 2 days ago to visit Lindsey and Skyler. When we first pulled in via boat, we were not to excited to be in this specific place...a big city, touristy, and nothing like Ton Sai.
As soon as we made it to Skyler's place, and had some beer, we chilled out and our attitudes changed. :) We all camped on the beach the first night. There were tons of plankton in the water creating phosphorescence making the water glow when you distracted it. That was pretty cool. I haven't seen anything like it.
Yesterday was spent swimming and laying around; renting a motorbike for a little freedom to get our selves around; and finding a huge all you can eat buffet for about 3 bucks and 50 cents.
Today we were awoken with some not so great news, that Lindsey and Sky had a motorbike accident when he was taking her to work. Lindsey got the worst of it, but even so, she is a trooper and it's really not that bad. Could be much worse. Her face is pretty scratched up, and she chipped a tooth. Now they are at a dentist getting her tooth fixed.
Don't know what this day holds quite yet, but it's a great day to be alive! Like every day!
We have to catch a train tomorrow to get to Bangkok for our flight on the 22nd. Then we are off to the last of our Asia travel destinations - Vietnam.
As soon as we made it to Skyler's place, and had some beer, we chilled out and our attitudes changed. :) We all camped on the beach the first night. There were tons of plankton in the water creating phosphorescence making the water glow when you distracted it. That was pretty cool. I haven't seen anything like it.
Yesterday was spent swimming and laying around; renting a motorbike for a little freedom to get our selves around; and finding a huge all you can eat buffet for about 3 bucks and 50 cents.
Today we were awoken with some not so great news, that Lindsey and Sky had a motorbike accident when he was taking her to work. Lindsey got the worst of it, but even so, she is a trooper and it's really not that bad. Could be much worse. Her face is pretty scratched up, and she chipped a tooth. Now they are at a dentist getting her tooth fixed.
Don't know what this day holds quite yet, but it's a great day to be alive! Like every day!
We have to catch a train tomorrow to get to Bangkok for our flight on the 22nd. Then we are off to the last of our Asia travel destinations - Vietnam.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Thailand
I have not been keeping up on my blog for a couple of reasons.
A: The internet is very spendy here, and
B: I have been too much fun to sit at a computer for a while and update.
Selfish, maybe...please forgive me. :)
Thailand is simply sublime. We were in Bangkok for 3 nights...2 catching up with Lindsey (though I was not that much fun, being sick), and one catching up with Joe.
I didn't do anything crazy in Bangkok, except for going to about 30 different 7/11's.
We have been in Ton Sai, Railey since we left the train from Bangkok. It is amazing here. Huge rock formations of all colors jetting out of the sea...kayaking every day and/or hiking, and always going to the beach...rock climbing and then jumping off into the clear turquoise water, that is as warm as your favorite bath.
ahhhhhhh.
The days are exhausting, but so much fun.
Tomorrow we are taking a boat to Phuket to see Lindsey and Skyler. We'll camp on the beach, all of us tomorrow, and TJ and I for 2 more nights. Then we have a travel night on train to Bangkok for our flight on the 22nd.
It feels like we just got here.
Thailand is wonderful in so many ways. It is a great change from the chaos of India. Though poverty is still an issue here, and the people rely heavily on tourism, the people are much different in their attitudes. Maybe that has to do with the idea of fatalism in India...here people try to improve their conditions. The people are so nice, the food I just can't get enough of, and what we have seen and done has been incredible.
I know I will come back to Thailand, and next time for a much longer time.
A: The internet is very spendy here, and
B: I have been too much fun to sit at a computer for a while and update.
Selfish, maybe...please forgive me. :)
Thailand is simply sublime. We were in Bangkok for 3 nights...2 catching up with Lindsey (though I was not that much fun, being sick), and one catching up with Joe.
I didn't do anything crazy in Bangkok, except for going to about 30 different 7/11's.
We have been in Ton Sai, Railey since we left the train from Bangkok. It is amazing here. Huge rock formations of all colors jetting out of the sea...kayaking every day and/or hiking, and always going to the beach...rock climbing and then jumping off into the clear turquoise water, that is as warm as your favorite bath.
ahhhhhhh.
The days are exhausting, but so much fun.
Tomorrow we are taking a boat to Phuket to see Lindsey and Skyler. We'll camp on the beach, all of us tomorrow, and TJ and I for 2 more nights. Then we have a travel night on train to Bangkok for our flight on the 22nd.
It feels like we just got here.
Thailand is wonderful in so many ways. It is a great change from the chaos of India. Though poverty is still an issue here, and the people rely heavily on tourism, the people are much different in their attitudes. Maybe that has to do with the idea of fatalism in India...here people try to improve their conditions. The people are so nice, the food I just can't get enough of, and what we have seen and done has been incredible.
I know I will come back to Thailand, and next time for a much longer time.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Goa is wonderful. It is so amazing to be on the beach relaxing after a tiring 2 and 1/2 day train experience, and month.
We got here on New Years Eve and had a nice evening drinking and eating on the beach, listening to the ocean and the fireworks explode, and watching fire dancers. The last 3 days have just been lazy beach bum days. The first place we stayed at for 2 nights was a pretty dingey place, over a resterant that blasts techno til 2am and with a balcony looking over the street. OHHHH.
Last night and tonight we are at this amazing place on a quieter area, off the main drag, with a balcony that looks over the ocean and has the best view of the sunset. It feels sorta wrong to be here soaking in the rays in India, when we spent a month in dirty cities, and desserts, and in the mountains.
India has been a very eye-opening experience for me. There is so much poverty. There are so many people who just want your money. There are nasty men who stare way too hard. There are some of the hardest working people I have ever seen. There are so many beggars. Children begging, with babies in their arms. There is open sewage, no trash cans (except in Darjeeling), dogs and rats dead and alive.
It is strange to see people with so much money here. It seems so out of place in India. Why don't they help their country?
I wish there was something I could do to help the situation here. Really, what will the pack of biscuts or 4 ruppes do for that person?
I am really looking forward to Thailand! We leave tomorrow for Mumbai and the day after for Bangkok and Lindsey!!!!!
We got here on New Years Eve and had a nice evening drinking and eating on the beach, listening to the ocean and the fireworks explode, and watching fire dancers. The last 3 days have just been lazy beach bum days. The first place we stayed at for 2 nights was a pretty dingey place, over a resterant that blasts techno til 2am and with a balcony looking over the street. OHHHH.
Last night and tonight we are at this amazing place on a quieter area, off the main drag, with a balcony that looks over the ocean and has the best view of the sunset. It feels sorta wrong to be here soaking in the rays in India, when we spent a month in dirty cities, and desserts, and in the mountains.
India has been a very eye-opening experience for me. There is so much poverty. There are so many people who just want your money. There are nasty men who stare way too hard. There are some of the hardest working people I have ever seen. There are so many beggars. Children begging, with babies in their arms. There is open sewage, no trash cans (except in Darjeeling), dogs and rats dead and alive.
It is strange to see people with so much money here. It seems so out of place in India. Why don't they help their country?
I wish there was something I could do to help the situation here. Really, what will the pack of biscuts or 4 ruppes do for that person?
I am really looking forward to Thailand! We leave tomorrow for Mumbai and the day after for Bangkok and Lindsey!!!!!
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