As in Italy, I was lucky enough to stay with some incredibly wonderful people. My friend Meagan, her Aunt Nikola and Uncle Klaus were more than kind and took us in for the weekend while we stayed in Munchen.
The very first night was one that I'll never forget. As we sat at the dining room table, telling the tale of our travel to Meagan, her aunt and uncle, and her two cousins, Klaus kept our glasses full of some of the most delicious beer I have ever had. With each glass, he told us the history of that beer and fun facts about said beers. I enjoyed many pleasant hours with them as we drank and they graciously welcomed us into their house as if we were part of the family.
Over the next few days they took around the city of Munchen and showed us the sights. They introduced me to the greatest Germany tradition-the biergarten. It is an open area, garden type with trees to provide shade and tables every where to enjoy delicious beer. The Radler (a third Sprite and two-thirds lager beer) is quite refreshing when the weather is warm. Delicious Konig Ludwig Dunkel is a nice dark beer which is best drank in a half or a full liter glass. The best beer that I had in Germany was the special brew Lowenbrau Oktoberfest, which is only available around the time of Oktoberfest. More alcohol than the other beers and so crisp you can't stop drinking it. That is why this one is best enjoyed in a full liter stein. I'm just sad that I'm missing it this year! I guess that decided what I'm doing next year for my trip.
The English Garden was a huge Central Park type deal in which hundreds of people get together to swimor surf in the river, hang out with friends on the grass and again, enjoy local brews. Why don't we have this in the States?!
Also, the Gasthaus zur Muhle was definitely an experience. A huge raft made of logs with everything you'd every need on it. Food, a bathroom, live music, and of course endless amounts of beer as you cruise down the river and go down the biggest water slide in Europe. I'm not sure how the rivers back home are going to compare now when I have seen this...
And the food here is delicious-from any kind of sausage and sauerkraut to huge pretzels to potato balls. Eating and drinking is the biggest way to sightsee. You don't ever have to leave your seat at the hofbrauhaus. Absolutely amazing! So, basically, Germany is delicious. If you love beer, as I do, what are you waiting for-get over here.
The Schreiners were amazing hosts and I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. I hope to see you all again soon-maybe next year at Oktoberfest?!
And now? On to London!
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Saturday, September 10, 2011
La Dolce Vita
The way people live in Garda is how I always imagined people in Italy to live. The key to la dolce vita? Wine! Lots of wine, at any hour of the day. My friend Giampiero and his lovely fiancee, Eva, (and their dog, Alisea) graciously took Andy and I into their Lake Garda home and showed us the true Italian way of living. It goes a little something like this:
Start your morning off around 9AM with a fresh cup of coffee made from a delicious coffee bean, preferrably Lavazza. Accompany this with your choice of organic yogurt with fruit or maybe a biscuit or two. Now the key to doing this is drinking slowly and savoring every sip. Maybe do this on a deck or in an outdoor area or at the very least with a window open so as to enjoy the fresh morning air on your just awoken face. If you have in your company a friendly canine, it is always enjoyably to pet and play with said canine.
Take your time getting ready to do most nothing. Lay around, lounge around, laze around. You get the idea. When you are feeling ready enough head into town around midday and take in apertivo with the local crowd. Now, this is probably my most favorite part of any day in Italy. Apertivo is not so much a meal as it is more of a reason for drinking with friends in the middle of the day. You sit down and order Prosecco, because that is what you do at apertivo. Accompanying this glass of bubbly are little snacks such as peanuts, chips, and hard pieces of bread with extrav virgin olive oil drizzled on top. As you much and drink your one to three glasses, you chit-chat with friends you haven't seen since yesterday at apertivo and comment on various topics. However, the most favored topic is, of course, food itself.
By now you should be feeling happy with maybe a little bounce in your step, possibly attributed to the bubbles of the Prosecco...This is the part of the day, around 2 or 3PM, where you head back to your house and prepare the meal of the day. Start it off with some wine, then a starter of a fresh squid salad maybe and then throw in fresh pasta with delicious sauces of ragu or a funghi melody courtesy of a true stereotypical Italian man*. All the while, make sure your glass is nice and full and savor it with your heaping portions of everything. Finish off with something like dates or cheese and homemade fig jam (which is stellar, by the way!). As an after lunch drink, have another fresh cup of coffee but this time add some Italian brandy and sit back and let the digestion start. Continue talking about food and argue about the way to properly prepare a ragu. If you get the ever so special opportunity to do this on a deck sheltered from, but still able to hear, smell, and experience, the rain, I highly recommend it. It is the proper way, I believe.
What next? A nap. Most definitely.
After a few hours, get up leisurely, and go back into town and walk around. Take in the tourists thinking they are doing it right but knowing all the while they are not even close. Enjoy the local bands playing blues and jazz and chat with other friends that you haven't seen in a few hours. Maybe walk along the pier and take in the gorgeous sights on the lake and the mountains jutting up and creating the dramatic scenery.
Now, you can either go to a local restaurant and get a delicious arrabiata pizza and wash it down with another glass(es) of wine and top it off with limoncello and superb gelato that will make you think you've died and gone to heaven or you can head back to your house, prepare a salad and fresh tortellini with olive oil and parmesan cheese and have a more laid back meal. However, both should be smaller than your massive meal at midday but never falter in quality or taste. And both should be just as relaxing and easy going.
Maybe before you go to bed, have another glass of wine. Totally up to you though. Stay up late talking with close friends, regardless where this occurs and then get up in the morning and repeat.
* A true stereotypical Italian man is one that talks more with his hands than with his mouth. He need not say anything and yet things are more clear than if he were trying to speak. He bangs the table and offers wine almost at very breath; His topic of conversation is food and how to prepare it properly. He is older, large around the belly (only to show his passion for food, of course) and smokes almost as often as he his drinking out of his wine glass.
This is what I have learned from my one weekend with such great people. I want to thank Gianp, Eva, Giuseppe (the amazing cook of sauces and fresh squid salad!) and Gianp's uncle all of whom made my stay in Garda one that I will cherish and remember the rest of my life! Words to live by following this weekend... Dolce far niente. Enjoy the road your on and life as it is happening because it is all happening right now. Italy has been amazing. Every year I visit, it gets better and better, just like a fine Italian wine. So wonderful and just a perfect way to end my Italy part of my trip. So, ciao Italy, until next time...
What next? Well, I think I've had my share of wine. Now, I think it's time for some delicious beer drinking in the great country of Germany! Until my next post...Ciao e bacini
Start your morning off around 9AM with a fresh cup of coffee made from a delicious coffee bean, preferrably Lavazza. Accompany this with your choice of organic yogurt with fruit or maybe a biscuit or two. Now the key to doing this is drinking slowly and savoring every sip. Maybe do this on a deck or in an outdoor area or at the very least with a window open so as to enjoy the fresh morning air on your just awoken face. If you have in your company a friendly canine, it is always enjoyably to pet and play with said canine.
Take your time getting ready to do most nothing. Lay around, lounge around, laze around. You get the idea. When you are feeling ready enough head into town around midday and take in apertivo with the local crowd. Now, this is probably my most favorite part of any day in Italy. Apertivo is not so much a meal as it is more of a reason for drinking with friends in the middle of the day. You sit down and order Prosecco, because that is what you do at apertivo. Accompanying this glass of bubbly are little snacks such as peanuts, chips, and hard pieces of bread with extrav virgin olive oil drizzled on top. As you much and drink your one to three glasses, you chit-chat with friends you haven't seen since yesterday at apertivo and comment on various topics. However, the most favored topic is, of course, food itself.
By now you should be feeling happy with maybe a little bounce in your step, possibly attributed to the bubbles of the Prosecco...This is the part of the day, around 2 or 3PM, where you head back to your house and prepare the meal of the day. Start it off with some wine, then a starter of a fresh squid salad maybe and then throw in fresh pasta with delicious sauces of ragu or a funghi melody courtesy of a true stereotypical Italian man*. All the while, make sure your glass is nice and full and savor it with your heaping portions of everything. Finish off with something like dates or cheese and homemade fig jam (which is stellar, by the way!). As an after lunch drink, have another fresh cup of coffee but this time add some Italian brandy and sit back and let the digestion start. Continue talking about food and argue about the way to properly prepare a ragu. If you get the ever so special opportunity to do this on a deck sheltered from, but still able to hear, smell, and experience, the rain, I highly recommend it. It is the proper way, I believe.
What next? A nap. Most definitely.
After a few hours, get up leisurely, and go back into town and walk around. Take in the tourists thinking they are doing it right but knowing all the while they are not even close. Enjoy the local bands playing blues and jazz and chat with other friends that you haven't seen in a few hours. Maybe walk along the pier and take in the gorgeous sights on the lake and the mountains jutting up and creating the dramatic scenery.
Now, you can either go to a local restaurant and get a delicious arrabiata pizza and wash it down with another glass(es) of wine and top it off with limoncello and superb gelato that will make you think you've died and gone to heaven or you can head back to your house, prepare a salad and fresh tortellini with olive oil and parmesan cheese and have a more laid back meal. However, both should be smaller than your massive meal at midday but never falter in quality or taste. And both should be just as relaxing and easy going.
Maybe before you go to bed, have another glass of wine. Totally up to you though. Stay up late talking with close friends, regardless where this occurs and then get up in the morning and repeat.
* A true stereotypical Italian man is one that talks more with his hands than with his mouth. He need not say anything and yet things are more clear than if he were trying to speak. He bangs the table and offers wine almost at very breath; His topic of conversation is food and how to prepare it properly. He is older, large around the belly (only to show his passion for food, of course) and smokes almost as often as he his drinking out of his wine glass.
This is what I have learned from my one weekend with such great people. I want to thank Gianp, Eva, Giuseppe (the amazing cook of sauces and fresh squid salad!) and Gianp's uncle all of whom made my stay in Garda one that I will cherish and remember the rest of my life! Words to live by following this weekend... Dolce far niente. Enjoy the road your on and life as it is happening because it is all happening right now. Italy has been amazing. Every year I visit, it gets better and better, just like a fine Italian wine. So wonderful and just a perfect way to end my Italy part of my trip. So, ciao Italy, until next time...
What next? Well, I think I've had my share of wine. Now, I think it's time for some delicious beer drinking in the great country of Germany! Until my next post...Ciao e bacini
Friday, September 2, 2011
The Best Of Venezia
I'm back in Venezia.
Doing something a bit different this time instead of a hostel. Apparently, there are a lot of places to camp right outside of Vemezia. So, that's what I'm doing for the next few days. A small tent with just enough room for my bag and the cot thing I get to sleep on. It's the cheapest place to stay at about 10€ per person per night. I love camping so this just makes me as happy as a clam. All I need now is a fire, some cold beer, and maybe a s'more or two!
After a short bus ride, we're in the city. Over the huge bridge and I get my first sight onto the Grand Canal. It's just as magnificent as I remember it. Gondolas everwhere and water taxis all queued up at the pier to take you wherever your hearts desires.
There are tourists everywhere, more then locals I think. Down every street you can see little alleyways cutting this way and that going to who knows where.
The best part? Following the alleyways. Take a break from the usual sights and experience the real Venezia. Plus, since all the churches in Venice charge you money to go in, there isn't much to do on the cheap here. Murano was definitely an awesome place to check out the glass blowing and see how the world famous Murano glass is made. But really, I most enjoyed the alleyways and coming out onto some canal where the locals are sitting in their boats talking to one another while tinkering.
I still love the striped posts in the water that the typical gondoliers dock to, the shop windows full of paier mache masks for Carnival, and the men playing the accordian as you walk down the main thoroughfares. But give me a bottle of vin rosso and a tiny hidden dock on the water overlooking Murano as the local young adults hop in and out of their boats to get pizza and wine for their romantic night on the water and I'll have a better night than doing anything else.
Overall, Venezia is nice if you have money to spend and someone special to share it with. Not so nice on a budget. Still it is quite gorgeous if you can find those places away from the thousands of others looking for a gondola ride.
What next? A much needed break from the go go go on Lago di Garda.
Besitos a todos!
Doing something a bit different this time instead of a hostel. Apparently, there are a lot of places to camp right outside of Vemezia. So, that's what I'm doing for the next few days. A small tent with just enough room for my bag and the cot thing I get to sleep on. It's the cheapest place to stay at about 10€ per person per night. I love camping so this just makes me as happy as a clam. All I need now is a fire, some cold beer, and maybe a s'more or two!
After a short bus ride, we're in the city. Over the huge bridge and I get my first sight onto the Grand Canal. It's just as magnificent as I remember it. Gondolas everwhere and water taxis all queued up at the pier to take you wherever your hearts desires.
There are tourists everywhere, more then locals I think. Down every street you can see little alleyways cutting this way and that going to who knows where.
The best part? Following the alleyways. Take a break from the usual sights and experience the real Venezia. Plus, since all the churches in Venice charge you money to go in, there isn't much to do on the cheap here. Murano was definitely an awesome place to check out the glass blowing and see how the world famous Murano glass is made. But really, I most enjoyed the alleyways and coming out onto some canal where the locals are sitting in their boats talking to one another while tinkering.
I still love the striped posts in the water that the typical gondoliers dock to, the shop windows full of paier mache masks for Carnival, and the men playing the accordian as you walk down the main thoroughfares. But give me a bottle of vin rosso and a tiny hidden dock on the water overlooking Murano as the local young adults hop in and out of their boats to get pizza and wine for their romantic night on the water and I'll have a better night than doing anything else.
Overall, Venezia is nice if you have money to spend and someone special to share it with. Not so nice on a budget. Still it is quite gorgeous if you can find those places away from the thousands of others looking for a gondola ride.
What next? A much needed break from the go go go on Lago di Garda.
Besitos a todos!
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Sorrento, Pompei, and Napoli
The Land of Limoncello! After a failed attempt to go to Pompei in the morning, we decided to hit up the place from memories long past. Though seven years can change many things, parts feel like time hasn't touched them at all. Cliff clutching houses painted in colors of sunsets overlooking the Bay of Naples has such a magical feeling to it. I climbed down the steep side and made my way to the ocean that was calling me. Volcanic sand, black and soft, meets the warm water of the Bay. Scenes of locals splashing around enjoying the last days of their summer vacation clash with scenes of an earlier time when my Mom and I laid on the very same beach laughing and commenting on a different scene with locals...Tearing myself away from times long gone, I bury my feet in the sand and enjoy the warm breeze on my skin. When it was time for food, il Giardiniello was beyond fitting. A Ma and Pa run restaurant where you are greeted by an old Italian man and an older woman who is just charming as she offers us a seat in the garden. Surrounded by greenery and grape vines, we had a two hour lunch with local specialities of gnocchi alla sorrentina and cannelloni alla sorrentina, bruschetta, olives, and a liter of local red wine. Then the old man persuaded us to have some limoncello...not that it took much persuading! Delightfully stuffed and starting to feel a carb coma coming on, I passed out on the train back to Naples.
The Land of Ruins! Pompei was just as I remembered it. Grand mosaics, gardens of the richest houses, and volcanic ash and pyroplastic flow could not ruin the incredible frescoes in practically every house. Even though they lived two thousand years ago, they still had the same wants and needs as we do now. Beware of Dog warnings, bread shops, and the need for a place to watch shows and games. Women wanted gardens and perfume shops and men wanted their brothels. Yes, it' true. You can even go into the old building. The frescoes on the wall are just as clear and vibrant as they were years and years ago. It went like this-you go in and choose the position you'd like to do it in (this is what the frescoes show-the differents positions) and then choose the name of the lady you'd like to do it with because their names were inscribed on the wall. She would then lead you into her cubicle room area and you would get serviced on the bed and pillow made of rock. What we do for pleasure!
The Land of Pizza! Naples is the dirty city everyone and every guidebook says that it is, but I feel like it is the Italy we all want to come visit. Laundry being dried on lines in alleyways and women leaning out of cars, raising their hands and swearing in Italian at the other drivers. Grow men riding vespas in pastel colors with their little dogs between their feet looking out at the things going by. Grand cathedrals around every corner with breathtaking insides and religious shrines to the Virgin Mary and various saints down even the most dogy streets. So, if you can get over being a prissy priss, this is the Italy you are looking for. And , of course, if you're looking for the best pizza, it is here also. L'Antica Pizza Da Michele has the best in town. A hole in the wall place but constantly packed with locals and tourists alike, it serves only two kinds of pizza-marinara and margherita. So, for 7€ I got a massive double mozzarella pizza with an Italian beer called Nastro Azzurro. Just the way to experience Napoli and the perfect way to end this bit of the trip.
Off to Venezia!
The Land of Ruins! Pompei was just as I remembered it. Grand mosaics, gardens of the richest houses, and volcanic ash and pyroplastic flow could not ruin the incredible frescoes in practically every house. Even though they lived two thousand years ago, they still had the same wants and needs as we do now. Beware of Dog warnings, bread shops, and the need for a place to watch shows and games. Women wanted gardens and perfume shops and men wanted their brothels. Yes, it' true. You can even go into the old building. The frescoes on the wall are just as clear and vibrant as they were years and years ago. It went like this-you go in and choose the position you'd like to do it in (this is what the frescoes show-the differents positions) and then choose the name of the lady you'd like to do it with because their names were inscribed on the wall. She would then lead you into her cubicle room area and you would get serviced on the bed and pillow made of rock. What we do for pleasure!
The Land of Pizza! Naples is the dirty city everyone and every guidebook says that it is, but I feel like it is the Italy we all want to come visit. Laundry being dried on lines in alleyways and women leaning out of cars, raising their hands and swearing in Italian at the other drivers. Grow men riding vespas in pastel colors with their little dogs between their feet looking out at the things going by. Grand cathedrals around every corner with breathtaking insides and religious shrines to the Virgin Mary and various saints down even the most dogy streets. So, if you can get over being a prissy priss, this is the Italy you are looking for. And , of course, if you're looking for the best pizza, it is here also. L'Antica Pizza Da Michele has the best in town. A hole in the wall place but constantly packed with locals and tourists alike, it serves only two kinds of pizza-marinara and margherita. So, for 7€ I got a massive double mozzarella pizza with an Italian beer called Nastro Azzurro. Just the way to experience Napoli and the perfect way to end this bit of the trip.
Off to Venezia!
Saturday, August 27, 2011
To Catch Up
So, I know it's been quite some time since I last updated. And now, writing from the Kindle, I can't see where it was that I left off.
To summarize-
Morocco is UNBEARABLY hot in August. If you are wanting to go, go in the winter. The medinas are really worth a visit. Though they don't vary so much from city to city,getting lost in them is definitely all it's hyped up to be. As you walk by your senses are all bombarded at once: Vendors have stalls of brightly colored spices piled as high as the people walking by, nxt are the fish carts where the men are displaying their fresh catches from ealier that mornin. You see what looks good and pick out the ones you want and he fixes up right there for you. If you want filets or steaks of fish, it's your perogative. However, the parts you don't want are then swept into the street. The smells that reaches your nose as the heat of the day rises is one of pure rankness. But the next thing you know you are passing the fruit stands with specialities like cactus fruit. It may be prickly on the outside but it is quite refreshing on the inside. Next you hear the clucking of roosters in their cages as the locals shop for the fattest and most juicy looking one. Once you'e made your decision, they slaughter it right there for you and prepare it. Next door to the chickens are the butchers who sell evreything from steaks to legs with hooves attached to sides of cow so large they dwarf the men standing beside them. A little farther on down the side alley way is the group of young boys playing soccer and the girls squealing on the sidelines.
Overall worth a visit especially with the snake charmers and fresh OJ stands but maybe August wasn't the best time for it.
Lisbon was gorgeous! By the water it allowed for nicer weather. It was exactly as my Mom had always described it to me. The tile roofs, white washed buildings, ornate tiles with intricate patterns everywhere you look-stairs, sides of houses, even in public bathrooms, and, of course, Catholic churches and shrines to saints down practically every street. The abundance of fresh fish and the cheapness of wine made for savory, cheap meals. The Amalfa is by far the best for winding streets and hidden cafes under giant bouganvillea plants and seeing views of the city with an old man playing the acoustic in the background.
Paris. Well, anyone who knows me knows that me and this city are practically joined at the hip. Espresso in little side cafes, strolling up and down the right and left bank of the Seine, wine on the left bank basking in the setting sun over Notre Dame, beouf bourginan and tartiflette and creme brulee, pursuing the little stalls of artists in Montmartre, reliving the Impressionist period at Musee d'Orsay and visiting Monet's waterlilies at Musee de l'Orangerie and of course La Tour Eiffel by day and by night. Ah, c'est la vie en rose. After many a baguette and bottles of wine, we bid au revoir to my city of lights.
A day of traveling landed us in Florence after the Italians were again having ishes with their train system. It was late but it didn't matter. We were in Italy -land of pasta! So after finding a cheap place to sleep we had our fill of pasta and red wine before catching some zzzs until the next day. Over the next few days we did as most do-we saw the sites. I walked the Ponte Vecchio and watched the jewelery sparkle and dance in the bright rays of te midday sun. I ate the most delicious mascarpone gelato. Hands down the best gelato I've ever had. We drank wine while sitting on the window sill overlooking the windy street below doing our own rendition of "yo ho yo ho a pirates life for me". We walked the windy streets and looked at all the differents types of doors (see Andy's blog for more information). We went to the Uffizi and saw The Birth of Venus and La Primavera by Botticelli and then the Accademia to see David by Michaelanglo. Wonders of art and definitie mustsees. However, I think my favorite thing about Florence were the little doors all over in almost very building. Little wine doors from the days of the Black Plague. To prevent contamination they had secret ways of still getting your wine. Not even with a threat of almost certain death if contaminated, the Italians made sure they could still get their wine. So the take home message-don't try to separate an Italian from his wine! They will find ways to get it.
Pisa has a leaning tower. It's name is the leaning tower of Pisa.
La Cita Eterna! Roma. The Capital of the World. Home of the Colosseo and the Roman Forum. We did some couchsurfing there for a few nights to save some money. We did three free walking tours and saw much of the city this way. Rome is known for mnay things as well as it's plethra of fountains with ice cold drinking water. It was so hot that these really came in handy. We visited the Spanish steps just like in Roman Holiday. At the base of the steps is my favorite fountain in all of Rome. It's name in Italian meas "little boat" and it is a flooding fisherman's boat and the best fountain in it's simplicity and theme. The Trevi fountain is just as massive as I remember it in taking up the entire piazza. Since thousands of years of living has occurred in this city, no one can make a proper metro system so we did a lot of walking. We visited Il Colosseo and the Forum, St. Peter's Basillica and the Sistine Chapel, several works of art by Carvaggio, Michaelanglo and others all hidden in churches every couple blocks or so. Of course the mouth of truth was pretty wicked and then I beat Andy at a race on the Circo Massimo. I saw a man get ran over by a train. Next, I saw many an obelisk and more fountains in some of the grandest piazzas in the world. Trastevere has a great night life and all along the Tiber ther are shops and restaurants. At night here are bars and live music that can be heard from the banks to the bridges to the piazzas up above. We also found the greatest Italian restaurant on a side street walking back from a place we were trying to go to dinner. They don't speak a lick of English and since the old Italian women were eating there (and according to Andy, that means it's good). Specialities of the region like spaghetti with bacon and pecorino cheese o tonnareli with pepper and pecorino cheese, the most delectable maccaronini ai quattro formaggi or rigatoni al pesto and my favorite Italian dessert of panna cotta ai fruitti di bosco. So delicious that I could have eaten there every night! But it was time to move on...
I'm writing this now after just arriving in Naples. Time for pizza, Pompeii and Sorrento,and delicious Limoncello. So, ciao for now. More to come soon!
To summarize-
Morocco is UNBEARABLY hot in August. If you are wanting to go, go in the winter. The medinas are really worth a visit. Though they don't vary so much from city to city,getting lost in them is definitely all it's hyped up to be. As you walk by your senses are all bombarded at once: Vendors have stalls of brightly colored spices piled as high as the people walking by, nxt are the fish carts where the men are displaying their fresh catches from ealier that mornin. You see what looks good and pick out the ones you want and he fixes up right there for you. If you want filets or steaks of fish, it's your perogative. However, the parts you don't want are then swept into the street. The smells that reaches your nose as the heat of the day rises is one of pure rankness. But the next thing you know you are passing the fruit stands with specialities like cactus fruit. It may be prickly on the outside but it is quite refreshing on the inside. Next you hear the clucking of roosters in their cages as the locals shop for the fattest and most juicy looking one. Once you'e made your decision, they slaughter it right there for you and prepare it. Next door to the chickens are the butchers who sell evreything from steaks to legs with hooves attached to sides of cow so large they dwarf the men standing beside them. A little farther on down the side alley way is the group of young boys playing soccer and the girls squealing on the sidelines.
Overall worth a visit especially with the snake charmers and fresh OJ stands but maybe August wasn't the best time for it.
Lisbon was gorgeous! By the water it allowed for nicer weather. It was exactly as my Mom had always described it to me. The tile roofs, white washed buildings, ornate tiles with intricate patterns everywhere you look-stairs, sides of houses, even in public bathrooms, and, of course, Catholic churches and shrines to saints down practically every street. The abundance of fresh fish and the cheapness of wine made for savory, cheap meals. The Amalfa is by far the best for winding streets and hidden cafes under giant bouganvillea plants and seeing views of the city with an old man playing the acoustic in the background.
Paris. Well, anyone who knows me knows that me and this city are practically joined at the hip. Espresso in little side cafes, strolling up and down the right and left bank of the Seine, wine on the left bank basking in the setting sun over Notre Dame, beouf bourginan and tartiflette and creme brulee, pursuing the little stalls of artists in Montmartre, reliving the Impressionist period at Musee d'Orsay and visiting Monet's waterlilies at Musee de l'Orangerie and of course La Tour Eiffel by day and by night. Ah, c'est la vie en rose. After many a baguette and bottles of wine, we bid au revoir to my city of lights.
A day of traveling landed us in Florence after the Italians were again having ishes with their train system. It was late but it didn't matter. We were in Italy -land of pasta! So after finding a cheap place to sleep we had our fill of pasta and red wine before catching some zzzs until the next day. Over the next few days we did as most do-we saw the sites. I walked the Ponte Vecchio and watched the jewelery sparkle and dance in the bright rays of te midday sun. I ate the most delicious mascarpone gelato. Hands down the best gelato I've ever had. We drank wine while sitting on the window sill overlooking the windy street below doing our own rendition of "yo ho yo ho a pirates life for me". We walked the windy streets and looked at all the differents types of doors (see Andy's blog for more information). We went to the Uffizi and saw The Birth of Venus and La Primavera by Botticelli and then the Accademia to see David by Michaelanglo. Wonders of art and definitie mustsees. However, I think my favorite thing about Florence were the little doors all over in almost very building. Little wine doors from the days of the Black Plague. To prevent contamination they had secret ways of still getting your wine. Not even with a threat of almost certain death if contaminated, the Italians made sure they could still get their wine. So the take home message-don't try to separate an Italian from his wine! They will find ways to get it.
Pisa has a leaning tower. It's name is the leaning tower of Pisa.
La Cita Eterna! Roma. The Capital of the World. Home of the Colosseo and the Roman Forum. We did some couchsurfing there for a few nights to save some money. We did three free walking tours and saw much of the city this way. Rome is known for mnay things as well as it's plethra of fountains with ice cold drinking water. It was so hot that these really came in handy. We visited the Spanish steps just like in Roman Holiday. At the base of the steps is my favorite fountain in all of Rome. It's name in Italian meas "little boat" and it is a flooding fisherman's boat and the best fountain in it's simplicity and theme. The Trevi fountain is just as massive as I remember it in taking up the entire piazza. Since thousands of years of living has occurred in this city, no one can make a proper metro system so we did a lot of walking. We visited Il Colosseo and the Forum, St. Peter's Basillica and the Sistine Chapel, several works of art by Carvaggio, Michaelanglo and others all hidden in churches every couple blocks or so. Of course the mouth of truth was pretty wicked and then I beat Andy at a race on the Circo Massimo. I saw a man get ran over by a train. Next, I saw many an obelisk and more fountains in some of the grandest piazzas in the world. Trastevere has a great night life and all along the Tiber ther are shops and restaurants. At night here are bars and live music that can be heard from the banks to the bridges to the piazzas up above. We also found the greatest Italian restaurant on a side street walking back from a place we were trying to go to dinner. They don't speak a lick of English and since the old Italian women were eating there (and according to Andy, that means it's good). Specialities of the region like spaghetti with bacon and pecorino cheese o tonnareli with pepper and pecorino cheese, the most delectable maccaronini ai quattro formaggi or rigatoni al pesto and my favorite Italian dessert of panna cotta ai fruitti di bosco. So delicious that I could have eaten there every night! But it was time to move on...
I'm writing this now after just arriving in Naples. Time for pizza, Pompeii and Sorrento,and delicious Limoncello. So, ciao for now. More to come soon!
Monday, August 15, 2011
PHOTOS!!!
I just posted up a bunch of new pictures to my Flickr account! Check them out.
New blog updates coming soon too :)
New blog updates coming soon too :)
Monday, August 1, 2011
Wow...It´s been a while...
So...
It´s been a while.
Well, here I am. I´ve made it to the other side.
But before we get to that...let´s see...I think last time, I was just leaving Chiang Mai. That was so long and so much has happend since then. I´ll try and fill you in as best I can.
We headed back to Bangkok for a night and then headed out the next to CAMBODIA! It was a long overnight train and we made it into Cambodia tired and wanting a shower because of the heat. We were shuttled into a tuk-tuk by a man who had started rushing the train as it was still pulling into the station. He then tried to take us to a small travel agency in which to buy our Cambodian visas. It was a good thing we had read ahead and knew that these cheeky men were going to try and do just that. We insisted that we get to the real border with the men in official looking uniforms adn all that jazz. We walked the extra bit to the border crossing. We stepped inside and checked out of Thailand.
We then had to walk across the duty free area full of casinos and people heckling at you to buy this or eat that. They use the US Dollar there and their own currency as coin change. 1000 Riel was the equivalent of 25 cents...that´s how shitty the rates were. We were shuttled into Cambodia, got a good stamp and visa, and then put on a bus to take us to the transportation center. We got there and I had to ride in the crack between 2 seats for the 2 hours it took us to get from the border to Siam Reap. We arrived at a hotel and were then shuttled into little tuk-tuks to take us to our hotel. Well, we didn´t have one so our driver man took us to the cheap, backpacking area. We got a place for $8 a night and once I had dropped off the bags and showered, I was ready for beer and food! Veggie stirfry with piña. ¡Qué delicioso!
Angkor Wat the next day. The guy that drove us to the hotel the previous night had set up a way to meet us in the AM to take us there. However, it was his 'brother' that showed up and drove us around all day. We saw the huge main Angkor Wat and then about 4 other smaller ones in the complex. Even the one with the trees growing out of everything (though it is known as the Tomb Raider temple...who knew...) It was pretty wicked awesome. If any of the computers out here will read the USB drive, I´ll be able to upload pictures!
We were heckled some more but this time by a 7 year old girl trying to sell bracelets. 2 for a dollar? 2 for a dollar? Okay, okay...3 for a dollar. 3 for a dollar? 3 for a dollar? Okay! 5 for a dollar! 5 for a dollar?
Not sure how many times we needed to say no...they don´t seem to get the idea.
Beer and buckets were so cheap and buckets came with a free t-shirt. Andy said it was like Pokeman-gotta catch them all. So, we diligently tried. However, the night ended with Andrew passed out in the bathroom in his boxers getting sick all over and being an ass to me. Yay haha
This pretty much summed up Cambodia. Great ruins and cheap booze. I almost even bought a stuffed alligator. The lady wouldn´t come down on the price otherwise, it would be in a box on the way to the States. Damn.
I bought some Black Panther beer before leaving and decided it best to leave the country before Andrew disappeared into another bucket...So long Cambodia.
When we got back to Bangkok a day later after having spent 6 hours traveling, we had dinner with our Chang man. He´s so lovely in his wanna be a woman way. Next day? Harry Potter! WOOWOO I don´t care how much of a nerd it makes me, but I was so excited, I was boucing the entire day. We go to see it on the 14th and in an awesome theatre with reclining leather chairs with popcorn and airheads! However, I was not really happy with the movie...bit of a disappointment really; it probably didn´t help that I had read the book right before either...sad sad
We met up with Andy´s friends Cat and Tristan and drank beer out of coffee mugs and to go cups do to it being a holiday. Drunk and wandering Koa San Road, I get a hair wrap and henna and eventually head back to Hua Lamphong. We got up early and headed to the train station. Time for Koh Phangan and the Full Moon Party woo!!!
We arrive at the island after traveling night and most of the morning and we are right on the beach. White sand, a huge pillow area to relax, the water shallow, clear and warm. It is only ankle deep so you have to sit in it to get any kind of relief from the sun.
The party was a huge success on my count. I had my full moon t-shirt and within two buckets, I was blacked out. Stealing bracelets from dude´s pockets and getting my face paint all over the place. I had to be led back to the taxi and thought I was sober enough to speak French to a couple who didn´t speak it either. Then, I inisted on sleeping on the bathroom floor until 6am. I woke up in bed, feeling great, ready to go again, not sure what happened the night before. SUCCESS!!!
Andy got sick and we chilled the next day before heading to Koh Tao for the best part of my trip thus far:
on the beautiful island of Koh Tao I became a certified scuba diver! It is the most amazing thing!
More details and picture of course (even from underwater!) to follow! Keep an eye out!
It´s been a while.
Well, here I am. I´ve made it to the other side.
But before we get to that...let´s see...I think last time, I was just leaving Chiang Mai. That was so long and so much has happend since then. I´ll try and fill you in as best I can.
We headed back to Bangkok for a night and then headed out the next to CAMBODIA! It was a long overnight train and we made it into Cambodia tired and wanting a shower because of the heat. We were shuttled into a tuk-tuk by a man who had started rushing the train as it was still pulling into the station. He then tried to take us to a small travel agency in which to buy our Cambodian visas. It was a good thing we had read ahead and knew that these cheeky men were going to try and do just that. We insisted that we get to the real border with the men in official looking uniforms adn all that jazz. We walked the extra bit to the border crossing. We stepped inside and checked out of Thailand.
We then had to walk across the duty free area full of casinos and people heckling at you to buy this or eat that. They use the US Dollar there and their own currency as coin change. 1000 Riel was the equivalent of 25 cents...that´s how shitty the rates were. We were shuttled into Cambodia, got a good stamp and visa, and then put on a bus to take us to the transportation center. We got there and I had to ride in the crack between 2 seats for the 2 hours it took us to get from the border to Siam Reap. We arrived at a hotel and were then shuttled into little tuk-tuks to take us to our hotel. Well, we didn´t have one so our driver man took us to the cheap, backpacking area. We got a place for $8 a night and once I had dropped off the bags and showered, I was ready for beer and food! Veggie stirfry with piña. ¡Qué delicioso!
Angkor Wat the next day. The guy that drove us to the hotel the previous night had set up a way to meet us in the AM to take us there. However, it was his 'brother' that showed up and drove us around all day. We saw the huge main Angkor Wat and then about 4 other smaller ones in the complex. Even the one with the trees growing out of everything (though it is known as the Tomb Raider temple...who knew...) It was pretty wicked awesome. If any of the computers out here will read the USB drive, I´ll be able to upload pictures!
We were heckled some more but this time by a 7 year old girl trying to sell bracelets. 2 for a dollar? 2 for a dollar? Okay, okay...3 for a dollar. 3 for a dollar? 3 for a dollar? Okay! 5 for a dollar! 5 for a dollar?
Not sure how many times we needed to say no...they don´t seem to get the idea.
Beer and buckets were so cheap and buckets came with a free t-shirt. Andy said it was like Pokeman-gotta catch them all. So, we diligently tried. However, the night ended with Andrew passed out in the bathroom in his boxers getting sick all over and being an ass to me. Yay haha
This pretty much summed up Cambodia. Great ruins and cheap booze. I almost even bought a stuffed alligator. The lady wouldn´t come down on the price otherwise, it would be in a box on the way to the States. Damn.
I bought some Black Panther beer before leaving and decided it best to leave the country before Andrew disappeared into another bucket...So long Cambodia.
When we got back to Bangkok a day later after having spent 6 hours traveling, we had dinner with our Chang man. He´s so lovely in his wanna be a woman way. Next day? Harry Potter! WOOWOO I don´t care how much of a nerd it makes me, but I was so excited, I was boucing the entire day. We go to see it on the 14th and in an awesome theatre with reclining leather chairs with popcorn and airheads! However, I was not really happy with the movie...bit of a disappointment really; it probably didn´t help that I had read the book right before either...sad sad
We met up with Andy´s friends Cat and Tristan and drank beer out of coffee mugs and to go cups do to it being a holiday. Drunk and wandering Koa San Road, I get a hair wrap and henna and eventually head back to Hua Lamphong. We got up early and headed to the train station. Time for Koh Phangan and the Full Moon Party woo!!!
We arrive at the island after traveling night and most of the morning and we are right on the beach. White sand, a huge pillow area to relax, the water shallow, clear and warm. It is only ankle deep so you have to sit in it to get any kind of relief from the sun.
The party was a huge success on my count. I had my full moon t-shirt and within two buckets, I was blacked out. Stealing bracelets from dude´s pockets and getting my face paint all over the place. I had to be led back to the taxi and thought I was sober enough to speak French to a couple who didn´t speak it either. Then, I inisted on sleeping on the bathroom floor until 6am. I woke up in bed, feeling great, ready to go again, not sure what happened the night before. SUCCESS!!!
Andy got sick and we chilled the next day before heading to Koh Tao for the best part of my trip thus far:
on the beautiful island of Koh Tao I became a certified scuba diver! It is the most amazing thing!
More details and picture of course (even from underwater!) to follow! Keep an eye out!
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Loss of Self Control in Chiang Mai
Hey y'all!
So, since Lopburi, I have been in Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand. We arrived super early in the AM and then proceeded to walk the 3km to the old city. We then did a walking tour straight out of the Lonely Planet and visited some Wats.
Whats?
Exactly-Wats. It's what the temples are called here in Thailand. We visited Wat Phra Singh-one of the most famous in Chiang Mai and then a bunch of smaller ones too,including the oldest and one made entirely of wood.
Some important Dos and Don'ts for Wat going:
1. Dress politely (no short shorts or shoulders showing)
2. Show respect in the temple and shrine
3. Take off shoes before entering
4. Keep your head lower than the Buddha images and monks
5.Don't display affection for another person in public
6. Always keep clean
7. Never point with your toe; never point your toes toward the Buddha images or monks. Sit on your feet , facing towards the entrance, away from the images.
8. Also, never touch someone on the top of the head. It is a great sign of disrespect in the Thai culture
Those are the basics.
Afterwards, we found a place to stay and trekked back to get our bags that we left at the railway station. Checked in and proceeded to get drinks and food. You know, the usual.
The best part of the day came when I found a place that does massages fro super cheap. 2 hours of pampering-half hour foot massage, half hour facial, then an hour oil massage. My body got a lot of lovin' for $23! It was AMAZING! I, of course, felt like jello afterwards...so wonderful.
Then, the night market...somewhat touristy but nevertheless, you can find super good deals of pretty much anything. That night I got two new shirts for a total of $8. Yeah, and the shirts are sweet.
We bought what we thought was beer...turns out it's called the Thai whiskey but tastes like a bad (I mean REALLY bad) wine cooler. Half way through the bottle I felt drunk and felt like getting sick. Nasty stuff. Siam set or something like that-STAY AWAY!
The next day, TIGER KINGDOM!!!
I rode my first tuk-tuk to Maerim to see the big kitty kitties! I then got to get in the cage with them and play and pet them for a while (see the flickr link for pictures!). It was probably one of the happiest moments of my life. Such big kitties and such big paws! Rawrrrr!
Then-burritos! I know, we probably should still be devouring all the delicious Thai food but I needed a break. Massive veggie burrito was just the fix. Delicioso!!!
The night market again and this time I lost it. The little self control I had left disappeared! I bought these sweet lights for my bohemian room and a few souvenirs for some special peeps. And more things for me...
We bought what we thought was beer...turns out it's called the Thai whiskey but tastes like a bad (I mean REALLY bad) wine cooler. Half way through the bottle I felt drunk and felt like getting sick. Nasty stuff. Siam set or something like that-STAY AWAY!
Elephantes the next day! We woke up late and hung over and decided a chill day with the elephants was in order. It was brilliant! Then after arguing viciously with our tuk-tuk man who was holding our money hostage, we made it back in time to get some food and beer. Then, we kept drinking because we saw a double rainbow and it felt right.
Many Chang beers later...I stumbled my way upstairs and passed out.
I love Chang.
Yesterday, we went to the Doi Suthep Temple. It is outside the city on top of a hill. The views down into the city are gorgeous, especially since the days have been so nice here. The temple itself is almost all covered in gold. It's practically blinding, but absolutely stunning!
The rest of the day was really chill. Thai teas in a cafe while writing more postcards to you lovely people! Dinner and then again-more loss of self control at the night market. We found the night market where the locals go and spent some time roaming through it.
Then back over that the other one, I went a little crazy with some art and bought 3 pieces.
Today, I had to make another run over to the shipping area because just like yesterday, I had to ship some things off. After about $100 spent in shipping, my pack is significantly lighter and my souvenirs and art are in the mail on their way home! Now, I'm headed to the train station to catch a train to Cambodia to see the bat caves! It's going to be another long couple days of traveling...
Until next time, peace and much love!
So, since Lopburi, I have been in Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand. We arrived super early in the AM and then proceeded to walk the 3km to the old city. We then did a walking tour straight out of the Lonely Planet and visited some Wats.
Whats?
Exactly-Wats. It's what the temples are called here in Thailand. We visited Wat Phra Singh-one of the most famous in Chiang Mai and then a bunch of smaller ones too,including the oldest and one made entirely of wood.
Some important Dos and Don'ts for Wat going:
1. Dress politely (no short shorts or shoulders showing)
2. Show respect in the temple and shrine
3. Take off shoes before entering
4. Keep your head lower than the Buddha images and monks
5.Don't display affection for another person in public
6. Always keep clean
7. Never point with your toe; never point your toes toward the Buddha images or monks. Sit on your feet , facing towards the entrance, away from the images.
8. Also, never touch someone on the top of the head. It is a great sign of disrespect in the Thai culture
Those are the basics.
Afterwards, we found a place to stay and trekked back to get our bags that we left at the railway station. Checked in and proceeded to get drinks and food. You know, the usual.
The best part of the day came when I found a place that does massages fro super cheap. 2 hours of pampering-half hour foot massage, half hour facial, then an hour oil massage. My body got a lot of lovin' for $23! It was AMAZING! I, of course, felt like jello afterwards...so wonderful.
Then, the night market...somewhat touristy but nevertheless, you can find super good deals of pretty much anything. That night I got two new shirts for a total of $8. Yeah, and the shirts are sweet.
We bought what we thought was beer...turns out it's called the Thai whiskey but tastes like a bad (I mean REALLY bad) wine cooler. Half way through the bottle I felt drunk and felt like getting sick. Nasty stuff. Siam set or something like that-STAY AWAY!
The next day, TIGER KINGDOM!!!
I rode my first tuk-tuk to Maerim to see the big kitty kitties! I then got to get in the cage with them and play and pet them for a while (see the flickr link for pictures!). It was probably one of the happiest moments of my life. Such big kitties and such big paws! Rawrrrr!
Then-burritos! I know, we probably should still be devouring all the delicious Thai food but I needed a break. Massive veggie burrito was just the fix. Delicioso!!!
The night market again and this time I lost it. The little self control I had left disappeared! I bought these sweet lights for my bohemian room and a few souvenirs for some special peeps. And more things for me...
We bought what we thought was beer...turns out it's called the Thai whiskey but tastes like a bad (I mean REALLY bad) wine cooler. Half way through the bottle I felt drunk and felt like getting sick. Nasty stuff. Siam set or something like that-STAY AWAY!
Elephantes the next day! We woke up late and hung over and decided a chill day with the elephants was in order. It was brilliant! Then after arguing viciously with our tuk-tuk man who was holding our money hostage, we made it back in time to get some food and beer. Then, we kept drinking because we saw a double rainbow and it felt right.
Many Chang beers later...I stumbled my way upstairs and passed out.
I love Chang.
Yesterday, we went to the Doi Suthep Temple. It is outside the city on top of a hill. The views down into the city are gorgeous, especially since the days have been so nice here. The temple itself is almost all covered in gold. It's practically blinding, but absolutely stunning!
The rest of the day was really chill. Thai teas in a cafe while writing more postcards to you lovely people! Dinner and then again-more loss of self control at the night market. We found the night market where the locals go and spent some time roaming through it.
Then back over that the other one, I went a little crazy with some art and bought 3 pieces.
Today, I had to make another run over to the shipping area because just like yesterday, I had to ship some things off. After about $100 spent in shipping, my pack is significantly lighter and my souvenirs and art are in the mail on their way home! Now, I'm headed to the train station to catch a train to Cambodia to see the bat caves! It's going to be another long couple days of traveling...
Until next time, peace and much love!
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Crazy Monekys!
The last days on the island we very relaxed and totally full of nothing but lazy hours on the beach, in the hammock, or whereever I pleased...Not much to tell, just imagine sand, beer, and laziness...
Well, I am now in Lop Buri, a city that is about 3 hours north of Bangkok.
And what is this city known for? It's Macaque monkeys...
There are everywhere. They have taken over. Despite building being put up and the city growing, they still manage to be everywhere. It's like beignn in the Jumangi movie...
We went to see some of the sites from the 13 century and the historical sites we too covered in monkeys. Seeing as how we got in somewhat late, we couldn't go in. We resolved to walking along the perimeter taking pictures of the monkeys that had just been fed. I had purchased a 1.5L water bottle to satiate my thirst and Andrew had put it in his bag in order to be able to take pictures. There was about an inch or so showing through the top zippers. I had just knelt down to take a better picture of a monkey with a plantain when I felt a monkey jump straight onto my back. I jumped up and did a bit of a screaming laugh type thing and then the monkey preceeded to jump on Andrew, trying to get the water bottle. She succeeded. She managed to pull the entire thing out (and it was still relatively full) and it went rolling down the hill we were on. Andrew then had to race her to the bottle. He kept shouting "No!" at her and she kept barring her teeth and opening her mouth wide. I could not stop laughing!
We had a stroll through the night market when I mimed by wants to a food stall and got pad thai with fresh shrimp and calamari. Yum! Then, some other snacks and finished it off with an Archa Beer-still liking Singha and Chang better though. Went to a bar for my dessert of a White Russian and then went to crash in the bamboo bungalow.
Well, about an hour later, and every 45 minutes or so after that, the monkeys thought it'd be cool to argue and have stomping parties on the roof...so much for sleeping. Then, at about 4AM a cat starting howling...it continued...
In the AM, we went to see the place we couldn't get into last night. I swear, these are some of the most ballsy monkeys I have ever come across...I was standing with my back against the fence taking a picture when one of the young ones came over and tried to pull the anklet off my ankle! What the?! And if you are holding a plastic bag, you can forget it. They'll see it far off and then stalk you and run at you until you drop it or shout loudly and put it away.
The Sunday market was insane: palates of fish, plantains, eels, and turtles, pharmacy type stalls, clothes and an abundance of underwear and bras. The food stalls are everywhere and offer a delicious variety from meats to veggies to fresh cut fruit. I only wish I had more stomachs!
The train system here is like nothing I've experienced in Europe. While the rules are strict and you must abide by them as there are people there to enforce said rules, here, you can stand in the middle of the tracks and jump on all pell-mell, even as the train is still pulling into the station. There aren't assigned seats for shorter distance trains so, the idea is that you need to get on in order to secure a seat. Otherwise, you're standing for the whole trip (the second leg of the trip we had to do that-stand for and hour and a half). It's one crazy cluster of a mess.
From here, we are headed to Chiang Mai in the very North of Thailand. I can't wait to ride an elephant!
The internet place I'm at right now doesn't have functioning USB drives, but as soon as I can, I will upload more photos! The ones of the monkeys, even though they are cheeky, ballsy, rambunctious little bastards, are still quite cute!
So, ciao for now. I'll write again soon!
Well, I am now in Lop Buri, a city that is about 3 hours north of Bangkok.
And what is this city known for? It's Macaque monkeys...
There are everywhere. They have taken over. Despite building being put up and the city growing, they still manage to be everywhere. It's like beignn in the Jumangi movie...
We went to see some of the sites from the 13 century and the historical sites we too covered in monkeys. Seeing as how we got in somewhat late, we couldn't go in. We resolved to walking along the perimeter taking pictures of the monkeys that had just been fed. I had purchased a 1.5L water bottle to satiate my thirst and Andrew had put it in his bag in order to be able to take pictures. There was about an inch or so showing through the top zippers. I had just knelt down to take a better picture of a monkey with a plantain when I felt a monkey jump straight onto my back. I jumped up and did a bit of a screaming laugh type thing and then the monkey preceeded to jump on Andrew, trying to get the water bottle. She succeeded. She managed to pull the entire thing out (and it was still relatively full) and it went rolling down the hill we were on. Andrew then had to race her to the bottle. He kept shouting "No!" at her and she kept barring her teeth and opening her mouth wide. I could not stop laughing!
We had a stroll through the night market when I mimed by wants to a food stall and got pad thai with fresh shrimp and calamari. Yum! Then, some other snacks and finished it off with an Archa Beer-still liking Singha and Chang better though. Went to a bar for my dessert of a White Russian and then went to crash in the bamboo bungalow.
Well, about an hour later, and every 45 minutes or so after that, the monkeys thought it'd be cool to argue and have stomping parties on the roof...so much for sleeping. Then, at about 4AM a cat starting howling...it continued...
In the AM, we went to see the place we couldn't get into last night. I swear, these are some of the most ballsy monkeys I have ever come across...I was standing with my back against the fence taking a picture when one of the young ones came over and tried to pull the anklet off my ankle! What the?! And if you are holding a plastic bag, you can forget it. They'll see it far off and then stalk you and run at you until you drop it or shout loudly and put it away.
The Sunday market was insane: palates of fish, plantains, eels, and turtles, pharmacy type stalls, clothes and an abundance of underwear and bras. The food stalls are everywhere and offer a delicious variety from meats to veggies to fresh cut fruit. I only wish I had more stomachs!
The train system here is like nothing I've experienced in Europe. While the rules are strict and you must abide by them as there are people there to enforce said rules, here, you can stand in the middle of the tracks and jump on all pell-mell, even as the train is still pulling into the station. There aren't assigned seats for shorter distance trains so, the idea is that you need to get on in order to secure a seat. Otherwise, you're standing for the whole trip (the second leg of the trip we had to do that-stand for and hour and a half). It's one crazy cluster of a mess.
From here, we are headed to Chiang Mai in the very North of Thailand. I can't wait to ride an elephant!
The internet place I'm at right now doesn't have functioning USB drives, but as soon as I can, I will upload more photos! The ones of the monkeys, even though they are cheeky, ballsy, rambunctious little bastards, are still quite cute!
So, ciao for now. I'll write again soon!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
I'm on an island!!!
♫ Sunshine, sunshine, it's fine
I feel it in my skin, warming up my mind,
Sometimes you gotta give in to win,
I love the days when it shines, whoa let it shine...♫
Yesterday was a wonderful travel day. No hassle, totally simple. Such a nice change from everything that went wrong in China.
We got up early (which was a bit hard after the many large Changs I had the night before...oops) and argued with taxi men until we got one that would use the meter. We arrived at the bus terminal within minutes of the bus leaving. Had a pleasant ride.
We met Norm. A man that I approached after seeing the shirt we had on. It was a teal shirt with the best hockey emblem on the front of it.
"I know that this is probably super weird and I don't want you to think that I'm crazy but I had to tell you that I think your shirt is awesome. Can I have a picture with you to show everyone back home that Sharks hockey is now becoming global?!" It was awesome. Go Sharks (hopefully, next season will be better...)
We found a place to stay...since it's low season right now, we are paying about $14 for two people for a nice bungalow on the ocean with gorgeous views. I know, y'all can be jealous now.
After a large Singha beer and 4 hours of laying in a hammock reading 'Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" (in which I learned the logistics of how to fly), we headed to a nearby bar and sat on cushions and had more beer. Played card games and board games until it was proper time to head back down to the bungalow.
Thinking about renting a motorbike and cruising around the island now. I don't expect I'll have much to blog about being here though...it's going to be lazy days with my book and possibly some Jack Johnson tunes to relax and chill...
Ciao for now. Much love
I feel it in my skin, warming up my mind,
Sometimes you gotta give in to win,
I love the days when it shines, whoa let it shine...♫
Yesterday was a wonderful travel day. No hassle, totally simple. Such a nice change from everything that went wrong in China.
We got up early (which was a bit hard after the many large Changs I had the night before...oops) and argued with taxi men until we got one that would use the meter. We arrived at the bus terminal within minutes of the bus leaving. Had a pleasant ride.
We met Norm. A man that I approached after seeing the shirt we had on. It was a teal shirt with the best hockey emblem on the front of it.
"I know that this is probably super weird and I don't want you to think that I'm crazy but I had to tell you that I think your shirt is awesome. Can I have a picture with you to show everyone back home that Sharks hockey is now becoming global?!" It was awesome. Go Sharks (hopefully, next season will be better...)
We found a place to stay...since it's low season right now, we are paying about $14 for two people for a nice bungalow on the ocean with gorgeous views. I know, y'all can be jealous now.
After a large Singha beer and 4 hours of laying in a hammock reading 'Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" (in which I learned the logistics of how to fly), we headed to a nearby bar and sat on cushions and had more beer. Played card games and board games until it was proper time to head back down to the bungalow.
Thinking about renting a motorbike and cruising around the island now. I don't expect I'll have much to blog about being here though...it's going to be lazy days with my book and possibly some Jack Johnson tunes to relax and chill...
Ciao for now. Much love
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
China was well...and Thailand is...
Hey everyone!
So, here is the first blog from the trip thus far.
We landed in China full of hope and excitement.
Boy, we're we wrong.
Here's the list:
1. Maps are REALLY not to scale. Not just by a little, but you will be walking for hours to go what looks like 3 blocks on a map.
2. Parks do NOT exist for people to enjoy. They just don't do parks.
3. Tea? What tea? The only tea shops are for tourists and they charge an arm and a leg.
4. Everyone wears heels. And no one wears sun glasses.
5. KFC is way popular and they don't sell chicken; they sell burgers, like McDonalds (which are as common as anything).
6. Bus line number 5 from Qianmen station does not exist; therefore, it cannot take you to the Great Wall.
7. EVERYONE stares and blatantly so.
Day 1: We landed and took the airport express line into the city. Then we walked. It's about 85 or 90 and then add in the humidity and you will lose pounds by sweating just by being outside, much more if you are walking with a massive pack on. We find a place to crash for the night and check in. Shower, change and head out for somthing to eat. Then-it starts pouring! I get completely soaked, like I never stepped out of the shower. Seeking shelter under and umbrella, there is food. A lady said 'hodge podge' and so we quickly dug in. Things on skewers that you put on a plate and add sauces to. Pay by how many skewers you eat. 1 yuan each (6 Yuan to a dollar). Yay cheap food! We passed out by 730PM that evening...yeah, I know,...
Day 2: Since falling asleep so early, we were up by 4AM. We left the hostel at 7 in search of food. We found this older lady serving dim sum right out on the side of the street. We sat down outside and, not knowing much (or any really) Chinese, we pointed at what the other table was eating and she promptly brought up steam buns filled with garlic and green onions. Then dumplings filled with pork-we had seconds of these. YUM! Then we checked out, and proceeded to walk about the city for about 3 hours trying to find another place to stay. I was startingt to get cranky because it was too hot and humid to be doing this. We checked into another place and headed for the Forbidden Palace.
Now, this place (way not to scale on the maps-getting there or the sheer size of the thing) was MASSIVE! It took nearly 4 hours to get through the thing. Treasure room and buildings after buildings. They all start to look the same after a while so, of course, we got a bit lost inside. We managed to make it out and head over to Tian'anmen Square. We walked some more. And walked and walked and walked...you get the idea.
Then, my favorite-PEARLS! We managed to figure out the subway and headed to the Hongquiao Pearl Market. Let's just say it's a miracle I didn't walk out with the entire market. I was getting real pearl earrings for about $1.50 a set. Holla! It was awesome. Yay for pearls.Dinner and beer (of course) and then decided to go to the Bar streets. Of course the first bar I happen upon is called, 'The Box'. On the sign is a hockey playing moose and the interior is decked to the nines with hockey jerseys and hockey apparel. Brilliant! It made me think of the Brittons and how sad they must be that the Bruins won the Cup... awe. More beer and a snack then bed.
Day 3: We woke up determined to get to the Great Wall. According to the Frommer's book Andrew had on his Kindle, we took the directions to get figure out how to get there. We went to the station and proceeded to walk around for 3 hours trying to find the queue for the bus number 5 to get to Juyongguan Pass (the less touristy part of the Wall compared to Badaling). We asked directions from the Tourist information booth (who didn't speak ANY English-you'd think being a tourist info center they'd at least be able to help a bit...) adnd followed their directions to no avail. Next, the bus man at the long distance terminal. Followed those directions. Fail. Asked the same guy again, got different directions and still failed. At this point, it was after noon. We got a couple of popsicles, sat down on the curb in the shade and tried to cool off. How about a park? We could get some tea, have some lunch and then go sit under a tree and take a nap or read or something. As we were getting up to leave, a crazy man with a cane starting doing high kicks and weilding his cane as though a weapon (which it could have been) towards me. Luckily there was a tree right in front of me that I hid behind. Seconds later, he hit the tree...better it than me though....
Well, no one really drinks tea unless it's out of a bottle (like Nestea or Lipton) and if you do find a tea house, it's a huge tourist trap. Way over priced just for decent tea. Park? We looked for the park areas on the map and proceeded to spend countless minutes (up to about an hour total) gettting to the area. There are parks. Just not ones that you can lie under a tree in. The park we did find was park of a residence-you had to have a house there to accesss it and even then it was blocked off. You can only look at the green grassy areas, not sit in them. Fail again. Defeated, we sat down in the planter bow of a tree on the side of the road. We said Ni hao to all that passed. They were staring anyway, might as well say something to them...I believe that they have never seen a redhead before (kind of like Pish Taco in Peru)...and all the Asian girls giggle at Andrew and then want pictures with him. It's hilariously funny.
Feeling dejected, we head back to the hostel...this was the beginning to the awful end of China.
Day 4: We're getting to the Great Wall today. But first, we should probably get tickets to Shanghai so we can get out of this country. We go to the Railway station (after first attempting a different one-fail already; isn't it too early for this?!) and get in line 16 for the foreigners. We wait in line for about a half hour. As soon as we get to the front, 2 gents in line 17 start punching and kicking each other and yelling loudly.
I want to take the time to tell those who don't know that in China, and in most Southeast Asian countries as well, it is not proper or kosher to 'lose face' You are supposed to maintain composure in every situation. So, to see people loosing face twice in two days has been very surprising...
Now, we tried to book tickets to Shanghai. The board with all the rail info showed 11 tickets left for the train that evening. When we got to the front, the lady said, "No." No more tickets. But the board says..."No." Tomorrow? "Sleeper-no. None available. Only fast train. 1420 Yuan" What?! Anything cheaper? "No." Fine, we just want out of this country none. We pull out our card, we certainly do not have that much cash on us. "No card. Cash only." Screw it. We got out of line and headed to the hostel across the street. We just acted like we had a room there and headed to the internet. We researched ways to get out of Beijing. We decided to try to just get to Hong Kong instead. When down to massively large Beijing beers and braved the lady again. Hong Kong? "No, never." DO YOU SAY ANYTHING ELSE?! "No." Shanghai, then, we're getting out of here. We booked it for the next night. By the time we had finished all of this, it was well into the afternoon and we decided to flip the coin to decide where to get some grub (Andrew had an old Chinese coin that we use when we can't decide between options). Near the Zoo is wherewe decided to go. We had delcious food again and then headed for the zoo.
The pandas were about the cutest things I've ever seen. I just wanted to cuddle with them. As I was taking a picture of Andrew with a panda statue, an Asian girl got on the other side, Really? And as Andy started to move away, the friend who was taking a picture for the girl, told Andrew to stay put. Apparently, we was about as interesting as the other animals in the zoo....very odd. Very funny. I could not stop laughing.
I got my first ornament for the trip-a small fan with pandas painted on it! Woowoo! We ate dinner at a restaurant with some really rude servers and hit the hay. Hopefully the Great Wall tomorrow....
Day 5: We decided to re-visit the older lady with the delicious dim sum. We knew a few words now but we were experts at charades and she created a motion for the types of things she remembered we had.We nodded approvingly and get the dumplings and steamed buns again. Tasty!
We managed to get to Longze station where we were trying to catch the bus to Juyongguan Pass. We walked around trying to find bus 68. It was nowhere in sight and there were any signs saying it even existed. Defeated again, I sat down on the sidewalk. As we were about to leave to just say f*** it, I saw it! There down a bit aways on the road.We ran over and missed it but now we knew where to stand. I blew some bubbles to calm me down and then got on the next #68 bus that came along. I had written on a piece of paper where we wanted to go and it worked. We got on and were on our way to the Great Wall, FINALLY!!! It took about an hour and a half (we got stuck behind a train for about a half hour) in a bus with no air conditioning but we finally made it.
The stairs were about 2 feet steep and it was practically straight up. It was a great experience but Ithink I'll only ever do it that once. We made it to the top and met a ladt who took a picture for us. She asked us where we were from and we told her. Upon asking her, she replied with, 'Minnesooooooota" I had to turn around in order to giggle like a little girl. Bahaha! Minnesota of all places!!! Made me think of Meags and Aisha and all those wonderful greeting of "Hey toots" and "Hey tits" :)
Going down was much harder than going up. My thighs got a nice work out and are still a bit sore but overall, it was awesome. At the shops down below, I bought my first thing for my bohemian room! I wall hanging-a painting of the Great Wall on a silk scroll. Gorgeous. I know, I have great taste.
We helped a couple from LA on how to get back to central Beijing and we then gathered our things and headed tothe Rail Station. By 10PM, we were settle in our sleeper car, and at a table writing postcards to all you lovely people who are reading this blog!
Day 6: We arrived in Shanghai in the early morning. We gathered our things and headed to the first line we could find in order to get the soonest train ticket to Hong Kong. We waited in line. Again. Lots of lines here in China...another argument broke out...another, really?! We got to the front and were told to go upstairs to a different line. We walked the mile or so to the other line and were told that all the tickets were booked-through the rest of the month. I was not staying in that country until the end of the month...Long distance bus? I guess that from Shanghai to Hong Kong is too long of a distance because there aren't any buses that go that far.
Again, feeling defeated, I sat on the floor. Thailand it is! We then spent the next few hours trying to figure out a way out of that god forsakken country and get to a beach. We managed it but it wasn't until the next afternoon. We got some beer and some chips ahoy (the only thing available at 4 in the afternoon at the airport hotel) and read Harry Potter (gotsta prepare for when the movie comes out next month). Crap dinner and then a very long shower.
Day 7: After a very lazy morning, we checked in for our flight. We boarded and the proceeded to have a 3 hour delay on the tarmack. But holy hell, we were getting out of the country. We landed in Bangkok last night around 930PM. After many hours of trying to find a hostel, we eventually did and changed. It was midnight, and it was 85 degrees out. Shorts and beer weather. So, as such, we headed to a place for just that. A very flaming man served us and we had our first Thai food in Thailand with our liter Chang beers. After not eating very much all day, the beer hit me pretty hard and I was feeling nice and buzzed as we headed back to the hostel.
Day 8: Today. It's been barely a week of traveling and I pretty much did not care for China and am already in love with Thailand (and we're only in Bangkok). We headed to the Prantum market this morning and got lost in it for hours. I bought some purple Ray Bans and, of course, some new awesome bohemian pants! (Serene, if you are reading this, just you wait to see these; they're so wicked!) Fresh coconut water and a thai iced tea. Delicious! Lunch and then happy hour for more beer. And now I'm sitting at the computer writing to you all to update you on everything that has happened this last week. Miss you all very dearly.
So basically, to recap, China not so much and Thailand, HELLS YES! Oh, and I uploaded pictures from the Wine Tasting as well as some from the trip so far. Click the link on the top of the page and it should take you right to them. I'll write more when I can. Tomorrow I'm headed to Ko Chang for the white sandy beaches and cocktails. Ciao for now. Love to you all!
So, here is the first blog from the trip thus far.
We landed in China full of hope and excitement.
Boy, we're we wrong.
Here's the list:
1. Maps are REALLY not to scale. Not just by a little, but you will be walking for hours to go what looks like 3 blocks on a map.
2. Parks do NOT exist for people to enjoy. They just don't do parks.
3. Tea? What tea? The only tea shops are for tourists and they charge an arm and a leg.
4. Everyone wears heels. And no one wears sun glasses.
5. KFC is way popular and they don't sell chicken; they sell burgers, like McDonalds (which are as common as anything).
6. Bus line number 5 from Qianmen station does not exist; therefore, it cannot take you to the Great Wall.
7. EVERYONE stares and blatantly so.
Day 1: We landed and took the airport express line into the city. Then we walked. It's about 85 or 90 and then add in the humidity and you will lose pounds by sweating just by being outside, much more if you are walking with a massive pack on. We find a place to crash for the night and check in. Shower, change and head out for somthing to eat. Then-it starts pouring! I get completely soaked, like I never stepped out of the shower. Seeking shelter under and umbrella, there is food. A lady said 'hodge podge' and so we quickly dug in. Things on skewers that you put on a plate and add sauces to. Pay by how many skewers you eat. 1 yuan each (6 Yuan to a dollar). Yay cheap food! We passed out by 730PM that evening...yeah, I know,...
Day 2: Since falling asleep so early, we were up by 4AM. We left the hostel at 7 in search of food. We found this older lady serving dim sum right out on the side of the street. We sat down outside and, not knowing much (or any really) Chinese, we pointed at what the other table was eating and she promptly brought up steam buns filled with garlic and green onions. Then dumplings filled with pork-we had seconds of these. YUM! Then we checked out, and proceeded to walk about the city for about 3 hours trying to find another place to stay. I was startingt to get cranky because it was too hot and humid to be doing this. We checked into another place and headed for the Forbidden Palace.
Now, this place (way not to scale on the maps-getting there or the sheer size of the thing) was MASSIVE! It took nearly 4 hours to get through the thing. Treasure room and buildings after buildings. They all start to look the same after a while so, of course, we got a bit lost inside. We managed to make it out and head over to Tian'anmen Square. We walked some more. And walked and walked and walked...you get the idea.
Then, my favorite-PEARLS! We managed to figure out the subway and headed to the Hongquiao Pearl Market. Let's just say it's a miracle I didn't walk out with the entire market. I was getting real pearl earrings for about $1.50 a set. Holla! It was awesome. Yay for pearls.Dinner and beer (of course) and then decided to go to the Bar streets. Of course the first bar I happen upon is called, 'The Box'. On the sign is a hockey playing moose and the interior is decked to the nines with hockey jerseys and hockey apparel. Brilliant! It made me think of the Brittons and how sad they must be that the Bruins won the Cup... awe. More beer and a snack then bed.
Day 3: We woke up determined to get to the Great Wall. According to the Frommer's book Andrew had on his Kindle, we took the directions to get figure out how to get there. We went to the station and proceeded to walk around for 3 hours trying to find the queue for the bus number 5 to get to Juyongguan Pass (the less touristy part of the Wall compared to Badaling). We asked directions from the Tourist information booth (who didn't speak ANY English-you'd think being a tourist info center they'd at least be able to help a bit...) adnd followed their directions to no avail. Next, the bus man at the long distance terminal. Followed those directions. Fail. Asked the same guy again, got different directions and still failed. At this point, it was after noon. We got a couple of popsicles, sat down on the curb in the shade and tried to cool off. How about a park? We could get some tea, have some lunch and then go sit under a tree and take a nap or read or something. As we were getting up to leave, a crazy man with a cane starting doing high kicks and weilding his cane as though a weapon (which it could have been) towards me. Luckily there was a tree right in front of me that I hid behind. Seconds later, he hit the tree...better it than me though....
Well, no one really drinks tea unless it's out of a bottle (like Nestea or Lipton) and if you do find a tea house, it's a huge tourist trap. Way over priced just for decent tea. Park? We looked for the park areas on the map and proceeded to spend countless minutes (up to about an hour total) gettting to the area. There are parks. Just not ones that you can lie under a tree in. The park we did find was park of a residence-you had to have a house there to accesss it and even then it was blocked off. You can only look at the green grassy areas, not sit in them. Fail again. Defeated, we sat down in the planter bow of a tree on the side of the road. We said Ni hao to all that passed. They were staring anyway, might as well say something to them...I believe that they have never seen a redhead before (kind of like Pish Taco in Peru)...and all the Asian girls giggle at Andrew and then want pictures with him. It's hilariously funny.
Feeling dejected, we head back to the hostel...this was the beginning to the awful end of China.
Day 4: We're getting to the Great Wall today. But first, we should probably get tickets to Shanghai so we can get out of this country. We go to the Railway station (after first attempting a different one-fail already; isn't it too early for this?!) and get in line 16 for the foreigners. We wait in line for about a half hour. As soon as we get to the front, 2 gents in line 17 start punching and kicking each other and yelling loudly.
I want to take the time to tell those who don't know that in China, and in most Southeast Asian countries as well, it is not proper or kosher to 'lose face' You are supposed to maintain composure in every situation. So, to see people loosing face twice in two days has been very surprising...
Now, we tried to book tickets to Shanghai. The board with all the rail info showed 11 tickets left for the train that evening. When we got to the front, the lady said, "No." No more tickets. But the board says..."No." Tomorrow? "Sleeper-no. None available. Only fast train. 1420 Yuan" What?! Anything cheaper? "No." Fine, we just want out of this country none. We pull out our card, we certainly do not have that much cash on us. "No card. Cash only." Screw it. We got out of line and headed to the hostel across the street. We just acted like we had a room there and headed to the internet. We researched ways to get out of Beijing. We decided to try to just get to Hong Kong instead. When down to massively large Beijing beers and braved the lady again. Hong Kong? "No, never." DO YOU SAY ANYTHING ELSE?! "No." Shanghai, then, we're getting out of here. We booked it for the next night. By the time we had finished all of this, it was well into the afternoon and we decided to flip the coin to decide where to get some grub (Andrew had an old Chinese coin that we use when we can't decide between options). Near the Zoo is wherewe decided to go. We had delcious food again and then headed for the zoo.
The pandas were about the cutest things I've ever seen. I just wanted to cuddle with them. As I was taking a picture of Andrew with a panda statue, an Asian girl got on the other side, Really? And as Andy started to move away, the friend who was taking a picture for the girl, told Andrew to stay put. Apparently, we was about as interesting as the other animals in the zoo....very odd. Very funny. I could not stop laughing.
I got my first ornament for the trip-a small fan with pandas painted on it! Woowoo! We ate dinner at a restaurant with some really rude servers and hit the hay. Hopefully the Great Wall tomorrow....
Day 5: We decided to re-visit the older lady with the delicious dim sum. We knew a few words now but we were experts at charades and she created a motion for the types of things she remembered we had.We nodded approvingly and get the dumplings and steamed buns again. Tasty!
We managed to get to Longze station where we were trying to catch the bus to Juyongguan Pass. We walked around trying to find bus 68. It was nowhere in sight and there were any signs saying it even existed. Defeated again, I sat down on the sidewalk. As we were about to leave to just say f*** it, I saw it! There down a bit aways on the road.We ran over and missed it but now we knew where to stand. I blew some bubbles to calm me down and then got on the next #68 bus that came along. I had written on a piece of paper where we wanted to go and it worked. We got on and were on our way to the Great Wall, FINALLY!!! It took about an hour and a half (we got stuck behind a train for about a half hour) in a bus with no air conditioning but we finally made it.
The stairs were about 2 feet steep and it was practically straight up. It was a great experience but Ithink I'll only ever do it that once. We made it to the top and met a ladt who took a picture for us. She asked us where we were from and we told her. Upon asking her, she replied with, 'Minnesooooooota" I had to turn around in order to giggle like a little girl. Bahaha! Minnesota of all places!!! Made me think of Meags and Aisha and all those wonderful greeting of "Hey toots" and "Hey tits" :)
Going down was much harder than going up. My thighs got a nice work out and are still a bit sore but overall, it was awesome. At the shops down below, I bought my first thing for my bohemian room! I wall hanging-a painting of the Great Wall on a silk scroll. Gorgeous. I know, I have great taste.
We helped a couple from LA on how to get back to central Beijing and we then gathered our things and headed tothe Rail Station. By 10PM, we were settle in our sleeper car, and at a table writing postcards to all you lovely people who are reading this blog!
Day 6: We arrived in Shanghai in the early morning. We gathered our things and headed to the first line we could find in order to get the soonest train ticket to Hong Kong. We waited in line. Again. Lots of lines here in China...another argument broke out...another, really?! We got to the front and were told to go upstairs to a different line. We walked the mile or so to the other line and were told that all the tickets were booked-through the rest of the month. I was not staying in that country until the end of the month...Long distance bus? I guess that from Shanghai to Hong Kong is too long of a distance because there aren't any buses that go that far.
Again, feeling defeated, I sat on the floor. Thailand it is! We then spent the next few hours trying to figure out a way out of that god forsakken country and get to a beach. We managed it but it wasn't until the next afternoon. We got some beer and some chips ahoy (the only thing available at 4 in the afternoon at the airport hotel) and read Harry Potter (gotsta prepare for when the movie comes out next month). Crap dinner and then a very long shower.
Day 7: After a very lazy morning, we checked in for our flight. We boarded and the proceeded to have a 3 hour delay on the tarmack. But holy hell, we were getting out of the country. We landed in Bangkok last night around 930PM. After many hours of trying to find a hostel, we eventually did and changed. It was midnight, and it was 85 degrees out. Shorts and beer weather. So, as such, we headed to a place for just that. A very flaming man served us and we had our first Thai food in Thailand with our liter Chang beers. After not eating very much all day, the beer hit me pretty hard and I was feeling nice and buzzed as we headed back to the hostel.
Day 8: Today. It's been barely a week of traveling and I pretty much did not care for China and am already in love with Thailand (and we're only in Bangkok). We headed to the Prantum market this morning and got lost in it for hours. I bought some purple Ray Bans and, of course, some new awesome bohemian pants! (Serene, if you are reading this, just you wait to see these; they're so wicked!) Fresh coconut water and a thai iced tea. Delicious! Lunch and then happy hour for more beer. And now I'm sitting at the computer writing to you all to update you on everything that has happened this last week. Miss you all very dearly.
So basically, to recap, China not so much and Thailand, HELLS YES! Oh, and I uploaded pictures from the Wine Tasting as well as some from the trip so far. Click the link on the top of the page and it should take you right to them. I'll write more when I can. Tomorrow I'm headed to Ko Chang for the white sandy beaches and cocktails. Ciao for now. Love to you all!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Just 12 more
Today I woke up early and battled the rain to the China Embassy in San Francisco to get the last big thing before the jet set-the China visa. And boy, even after only being open for a about a half hour, it was packed. Lines everywhere, EVERYWHERE!!! Andrew will pick them up next week when they are ready.
Today was also a sad day; for most of my Oaxacan friends, today was the last day I will see them until I come home in September. To Angela, Serene Bean, Dana, and Linda-I will miss you all and can't wait to see you when I get back. As for Trieu-hopefully, I will get to see you in Vietnam! Woowoo! They are always very bittersweet those Oaxacan goodbyes...
This next week means finals and moving out of my lovely apartment.
It's almost go time...
Thursday, May 26, 2011
18 Days To Go!
Hi everyone,
I just wanted to get something set up so that you guys can follow me on another trip of a lifetime.
In 18 days, Andrew (my best friend) and I will be setting off for a trip of great adventures: China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Morocco, Spain, Portugal, Paris (of course!), London and then to Edinburgh, Scotland to see a dear friend marry the love of her life.
This is a graduation celebration for Andrew as he just graduated from Cal and well, for me, it's another trip...I still have one more quarter at Davis before I finally graduate. I come back in September and Andrew...oh well, he may never come back! So wicked.
Anywho, just wanted to get this set up and ready. Keep looking! There will be more posts and pictures in the weeks to follow and much more as the trip gets goin'!
Much love!
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