Saturday, August 28, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
Cambodia, a change of heart
I have been back and forth on my feeling of Cambodia but I have finally come to a good place where I can really enjoy my self. For the last week or so I will admit to everyone I was in a little bit of a slump. Wasnt making friends, didnt stop raining and the knowledge of Cambodia's civil war was depressing me. Maybe just maybe I miss all of you. But dont worry I am back and ready for some more action.
The city I am in now has revived me, Battambong. It all started with me spend some time with some Buddhist monks. They invited me in to there small but well stocked university library. I spent a bit of the afternoon read some business books and helping some of them with some of there school work. Buddhist monks are always a good sources of a friendly face and a really nice person to talk to. You also dont have to worry about it being a scam in the end either.
The next day I did all the tourist things to do in town, although there is lack of tourist in this town to start out with. Less tourist is always a plus for me. First I went to this bamboo train. Yes the whole thing was made completely of bamboo except wheels were iron of course. I friend I made later gave the best description of it, "it's the closest you will come to riding a magic carpet." Then next I went to some ancient temple but first I had to climb some 300 straits on a strait up incline to get there. There were 5 temples made of stone dating back as far as 11th century. The craftsmanship of these structures is quite remarkable. There ability to withstand the test of time is just something to be marveled. The third of final thing of the day was these killing caves were the Khmer Rough would kill Cambodians in secrecy. It was on top of this mountain with these beautiful views and monkeys running around. It was a beautiful and peaceful place were such atrocities occurred. Having seen the other monument of the Khmer Rough I was prepared for it and was able to understand it and move forward just as the Cambodians have embraced the whole situation. Thus allowing to be at peace and see the beauty of the mountain.
I am now going to Ankor Wot tomorrow to see the temples which is now considered one of the wonders of the world. Still love hearing from people so send more emails if you would like.
Cheers
The city I am in now has revived me, Battambong. It all started with me spend some time with some Buddhist monks. They invited me in to there small but well stocked university library. I spent a bit of the afternoon read some business books and helping some of them with some of there school work. Buddhist monks are always a good sources of a friendly face and a really nice person to talk to. You also dont have to worry about it being a scam in the end either.
The next day I did all the tourist things to do in town, although there is lack of tourist in this town to start out with. Less tourist is always a plus for me. First I went to this bamboo train. Yes the whole thing was made completely of bamboo except wheels were iron of course. I friend I made later gave the best description of it, "it's the closest you will come to riding a magic carpet." Then next I went to some ancient temple but first I had to climb some 300 straits on a strait up incline to get there. There were 5 temples made of stone dating back as far as 11th century. The craftsmanship of these structures is quite remarkable. There ability to withstand the test of time is just something to be marveled. The third of final thing of the day was these killing caves were the Khmer Rough would kill Cambodians in secrecy. It was on top of this mountain with these beautiful views and monkeys running around. It was a beautiful and peaceful place were such atrocities occurred. Having seen the other monument of the Khmer Rough I was prepared for it and was able to understand it and move forward just as the Cambodians have embraced the whole situation. Thus allowing to be at peace and see the beauty of the mountain.
I am now going to Ankor Wot tomorrow to see the temples which is now considered one of the wonders of the world. Still love hearing from people so send more emails if you would like.
Cheers
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
The Life of Freedom
Hey everyone I know it has been a little while but there has not been to much for me to write about. Don't get me wrong I still have been doing amazing things but nothing that I could verbalize in a exciting story that you would want to read. I just got to Cambodia today after binging in Vietnam for 16 days. Great place -- people, scenery and I gained a stronger insight to who I am and where I stand in the world.
Since the last most I had just Hanoi and was on my way to Ho ain. I spent 3 nights there and just relaxed. I really laid low, I really just had some true alone time and cherished it. Ho ain is also a place of over 200 tailors where you can get cheap cloths made. Naturally a got a couple things (you all know me with nice cloths that are cheap, I cant resist). Don't be alarmed but I got a lot and it all looks great on me: 3 suits (3 piece pinstriped brown suit, tan suit and a flashy gray suit), leather jacket, 2 fitted button down and 8 ties. I got a ton of stuff for a such a good deal and I officially now have a tailor in Vietnam. He said I can email him what I want from the USA and he will make it and ship it over to me. After my shopping spry I went to Saigon. The thing is I was going to go to Laos for Ho ain because the border is close by but with the freedom I have at the last minute I decide to go to Saigon to see the War museums. I have an extra week if I do 2 weeks in every country, so I had some time to do it. Saigon its self was just another big city with all the things that big cities offer -- bright light, drinking and anything else you want. All I was interested in was seeing the Vietnam perspective of the War at the Museum and the tunnels in Saigon. I did it all in one long day that gave me a lot of insight. There was a strong sent of propaganda which was largely agreed upon by most tourist but I was able to get a glimpse through there eyes. The amazing thing about the whole experience was talking to Vietnamese people about it. They all where very positive and showed no hostility towards me(which was one of my hesitations coming to Vietnam). They had a strong positive attitude talking about always looking at the positive and looking forward to progression and the future. I left the city for which I came searching for which is always a refreshing feelings on your travels.
I know reside lakeside in Cambodia and ready to start over in a new country. It gets easier and easier every time. Not that its easy to travel but to psyche is at ease and know how is keener.
Since the last most I had just Hanoi and was on my way to Ho ain. I spent 3 nights there and just relaxed. I really laid low, I really just had some true alone time and cherished it. Ho ain is also a place of over 200 tailors where you can get cheap cloths made. Naturally a got a couple things (you all know me with nice cloths that are cheap, I cant resist). Don't be alarmed but I got a lot and it all looks great on me: 3 suits (3 piece pinstriped brown suit, tan suit and a flashy gray suit), leather jacket, 2 fitted button down and 8 ties. I got a ton of stuff for a such a good deal and I officially now have a tailor in Vietnam. He said I can email him what I want from the USA and he will make it and ship it over to me. After my shopping spry I went to Saigon. The thing is I was going to go to Laos for Ho ain because the border is close by but with the freedom I have at the last minute I decide to go to Saigon to see the War museums. I have an extra week if I do 2 weeks in every country, so I had some time to do it. Saigon its self was just another big city with all the things that big cities offer -- bright light, drinking and anything else you want. All I was interested in was seeing the Vietnam perspective of the War at the Museum and the tunnels in Saigon. I did it all in one long day that gave me a lot of insight. There was a strong sent of propaganda which was largely agreed upon by most tourist but I was able to get a glimpse through there eyes. The amazing thing about the whole experience was talking to Vietnamese people about it. They all where very positive and showed no hostility towards me(which was one of my hesitations coming to Vietnam). They had a strong positive attitude talking about always looking at the positive and looking forward to progression and the future. I left the city for which I came searching for which is always a refreshing feelings on your travels.
I know reside lakeside in Cambodia and ready to start over in a new country. It gets easier and easier every time. Not that its easy to travel but to psyche is at ease and know how is keener.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
My Motorcycle Diary
First before I tell you all about my six day adventure (and yes it was a true adventure) I should let everyone that this title is very relevant because everyone said I looked like Castro and that was my nickname. Yes yes I know the movie is about Che but Castro and Che were close friends and much of Castro's ideologys came from Che. Just a little less for you all before I tell my story.
The Planning:
It went a lot like this - hey I want to go on a bike trip in Vietnam because everyone said it was amazing. Hey look the guy next to me is looking at bikes on the internet. "hey pal do you want to go on a week motor bike trip" and we said ok and shock on it! The next day we found a place that rented bikes and bam let the trip begin.
A little history of my past experience on a motorbike. . . .short list, there is one. Since my new friend Joel from Australia was pretty much a beginner (had some experience but little), we decided to spend a little extra money and split the cost of a guide. I was on the fence about the idea because of the cast but he could speak the language, knew the roads, could fix the bike and most importantly he could help us both out with our lack of experience on the bikes.
I took one lap around the block on the bike (which is much to short for my first time before a 1200km journey) and we began.
Day 1
The same day as the planning. We road 140km the first day the first part was through the craziness of Hanoi. They say it is one of the hardest cities to drive a motorbike through. I might be scaring you all a little but dont worry there is plenty more to come. The first day we took it slow. It was all very new, getting used to the bike, the roads and driving in a foreign country. We spent our first night at a home stay. It was amazing start. Mosquito nets and bamboo, just what you would expect a small town of Vietnam to be like. We had some a amazing food with the family. Its traditional to drink with dinner and drink we did. They brow there own liquor called rice wine and everyone makes it a little different. We probably had 15 shots over dinner and no joke we really drank that much. Everyone really loosened up from the long day of riding of course. Joel and I really enjoyed ourselves and I dont mean in a drunk way. We were just having fun and drinking with all the local men. They also did this traditional dance thing for us that night too. Good start, dont you think?
Day 2
Woke up the next day feeling great. The other great thing about rice wine is that because they make it the stuff is super pure and no hang over the next day (could be dangerous for us Americans). Day 2 started out great but then it went south. If you get nervous about motorcycles dont read this part. Yes motorcycles are very dangerous and I was inexperienced driving on roads a bit above my pay grade. So the story goes I fell off my bike -- I hit a pot hole and fellow off my bike. Wasn't going that fast luckily. I got road rash on my for arm (1/3 of my for arm) and knee. I also sprain my ankle. Someone was looking out for me and I am very thankful. So it was the 2 day I could go back or suck it up and keep going. So I stood up and looked to see how the bike was. Everything was fine and I got right back on and started going again. My friend was ahead of me so no one saw me. I finally caught up to them and we pull over and cleaned me up.
The rest of the day I was very careful and over cautious. The crash was still fresh in my mind and I was shackin' up naturally. We arrived at our stop for the night and I just spent the rest of my day nursing my wounds and resting my foot.
Day 3
This was by far my favorite day of them all. Nothing short of exciting and adventures of course. We got off the main high way and were driving on these country roads see Vietnam as it should be seen. The natural beauty was just breath taking (pictures to come). My favorite parts were the small rural villages. Bamboo and grass huts, water buffalo, chickens causing traffic and little kids running out to see you pass by. The people were so friendly everywhere we stopped and they all just wanted to meet you and shack your hand. I got just such a warm and happy feeling seeing and doing the things I was doing. It is really hard to explain it to you all but It was everything I dreamed Vietnam to be and much much more. O and we also drove over 250 Km, I fell in the mud and was covered head to toe, and some of the most difficult driving of the whole trip (half of it was like off riding with a dirt bike). Joel also almost got killed by a bus too.
Day 4
This day was a lot of mountain views and twisty turning mountain roads. It was a really short ride, under 150Km. This was because we decided to do so much extra the day before. We go to the stop in the afternoon. This place was filled with tourist and very different from our usual local hangouts. I didnt like it all that much. The place was on a high mountain about 1500m above sea level. Everyone came there because of the views and there was no question they were great but I didnt like them all being there. The night turned out well because we were again invited to join in with the men to eat and drink. This time we drank rice wine with 26 herbs and cobra. This one was by far my favorite one.
Day 5
We did some more village driving and as before I loved it. Everyday I was getting better and better at driving. That doesn't mean I was being cautious because I was always the last to arrive and taking it slow on the corners. This day we also drive like 220km and it was hard and tiring. That night we stayed in another homestay and it was just as good as the first night with even better food. This one was by a lake so we had some fun and swam around the lake. We also found a waterfall and Joel and I were jumping off that and making movies. We were just trying to enjoy our last night. If you were wondering if we drank the answer is yes. Some delicious rice wine once again.
Day 6
This day was all about getting back to Hanoi. We were just driving on major highways with lots of people. We were all tired and just wanted to get back. I cant explain how amazing this trip was and I will carry the stories from it in my back pocket for the rest of my life. The great thing is that I still have a month and a half left and plenty of time to make some more equally great ones.
Cheers
I hope I didnt scare you all that much. You should be happy to know I safe and extremely happy!
The Planning:
It went a lot like this - hey I want to go on a bike trip in Vietnam because everyone said it was amazing. Hey look the guy next to me is looking at bikes on the internet. "hey pal do you want to go on a week motor bike trip" and we said ok and shock on it! The next day we found a place that rented bikes and bam let the trip begin.
A little history of my past experience on a motorbike. . . .short list, there is one. Since my new friend Joel from Australia was pretty much a beginner (had some experience but little), we decided to spend a little extra money and split the cost of a guide. I was on the fence about the idea because of the cast but he could speak the language, knew the roads, could fix the bike and most importantly he could help us both out with our lack of experience on the bikes.
I took one lap around the block on the bike (which is much to short for my first time before a 1200km journey) and we began.
Day 1
The same day as the planning. We road 140km the first day the first part was through the craziness of Hanoi. They say it is one of the hardest cities to drive a motorbike through. I might be scaring you all a little but dont worry there is plenty more to come. The first day we took it slow. It was all very new, getting used to the bike, the roads and driving in a foreign country. We spent our first night at a home stay. It was amazing start. Mosquito nets and bamboo, just what you would expect a small town of Vietnam to be like. We had some a amazing food with the family. Its traditional to drink with dinner and drink we did. They brow there own liquor called rice wine and everyone makes it a little different. We probably had 15 shots over dinner and no joke we really drank that much. Everyone really loosened up from the long day of riding of course. Joel and I really enjoyed ourselves and I dont mean in a drunk way. We were just having fun and drinking with all the local men. They also did this traditional dance thing for us that night too. Good start, dont you think?
Day 2
Woke up the next day feeling great. The other great thing about rice wine is that because they make it the stuff is super pure and no hang over the next day (could be dangerous for us Americans). Day 2 started out great but then it went south. If you get nervous about motorcycles dont read this part. Yes motorcycles are very dangerous and I was inexperienced driving on roads a bit above my pay grade. So the story goes I fell off my bike -- I hit a pot hole and fellow off my bike. Wasn't going that fast luckily. I got road rash on my for arm (1/3 of my for arm) and knee. I also sprain my ankle. Someone was looking out for me and I am very thankful. So it was the 2 day I could go back or suck it up and keep going. So I stood up and looked to see how the bike was. Everything was fine and I got right back on and started going again. My friend was ahead of me so no one saw me. I finally caught up to them and we pull over and cleaned me up.
The rest of the day I was very careful and over cautious. The crash was still fresh in my mind and I was shackin' up naturally. We arrived at our stop for the night and I just spent the rest of my day nursing my wounds and resting my foot.
Day 3
This was by far my favorite day of them all. Nothing short of exciting and adventures of course. We got off the main high way and were driving on these country roads see Vietnam as it should be seen. The natural beauty was just breath taking (pictures to come). My favorite parts were the small rural villages. Bamboo and grass huts, water buffalo, chickens causing traffic and little kids running out to see you pass by. The people were so friendly everywhere we stopped and they all just wanted to meet you and shack your hand. I got just such a warm and happy feeling seeing and doing the things I was doing. It is really hard to explain it to you all but It was everything I dreamed Vietnam to be and much much more. O and we also drove over 250 Km, I fell in the mud and was covered head to toe, and some of the most difficult driving of the whole trip (half of it was like off riding with a dirt bike). Joel also almost got killed by a bus too.
Day 4
This day was a lot of mountain views and twisty turning mountain roads. It was a really short ride, under 150Km. This was because we decided to do so much extra the day before. We go to the stop in the afternoon. This place was filled with tourist and very different from our usual local hangouts. I didnt like it all that much. The place was on a high mountain about 1500m above sea level. Everyone came there because of the views and there was no question they were great but I didnt like them all being there. The night turned out well because we were again invited to join in with the men to eat and drink. This time we drank rice wine with 26 herbs and cobra. This one was by far my favorite one.
Day 5
We did some more village driving and as before I loved it. Everyday I was getting better and better at driving. That doesn't mean I was being cautious because I was always the last to arrive and taking it slow on the corners. This day we also drive like 220km and it was hard and tiring. That night we stayed in another homestay and it was just as good as the first night with even better food. This one was by a lake so we had some fun and swam around the lake. We also found a waterfall and Joel and I were jumping off that and making movies. We were just trying to enjoy our last night. If you were wondering if we drank the answer is yes. Some delicious rice wine once again.
Day 6
This day was all about getting back to Hanoi. We were just driving on major highways with lots of people. We were all tired and just wanted to get back. I cant explain how amazing this trip was and I will carry the stories from it in my back pocket for the rest of my life. The great thing is that I still have a month and a half left and plenty of time to make some more equally great ones.
Cheers
I hope I didnt scare you all that much. You should be happy to know I safe and extremely happy!
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
To South East Of Asia
I have been in Vietnam for 1 night and it is such a different place. Its going to take me a couple more days to get used to the new people, culture and how everything works. I have to say the psychology side of me really likes the change and trying to figure it all out.
So journey to get was a bit difficult. I took a flight to Bangkok, Thailand hoping to get a quick ticket to Hanoi, Vietnam but of course it couldn't be that easy. I got in at 8 pm at night and there wasn't a flight out until 645 the next morning and the booking place đint open till 5am so I đidnt know if I could even get a ticket. My options were get a hotel room to the airport or sleep in the airport. Being on a budget, the airport floor was my choice. I got about 2 hours of sleep and it actually wasn't that bad. Got up at 430 and tried to get a ticket and to my happy surprise the ticket was 3 times the price I was told. The travel agent who helped me out in India said it would be no problem getting a ticket in the airport for about $50. Well he was so wrong! At the end of the day I didn't care, I just wanted to get to Vietnam and I did so I was happy.
Now I am in Vietnam and I am trying to plan what to do. I am seriously considering getting a motorcycle and driving it around in the North for a week. I am going to Holang Bay tomorrow for my birthday. If you look it up on the internet its the place that you see a lot of movies where the mountains come out òf the water. I am really not sure what else I am going to do but that is all the fun of traveling. I am going to a place called Hoi an were they make cheap tailor made suit, so I might just come back with a nice purple suit. Just kidding but I am definitely getting like 2 suits. I love reading emails by the way so feel free to update me on your life because I would love to hear about it. And ìf you have been to Southeast Asia send suggestions âs well.
jstnwllns21@gmail.com
Cheers
So journey to get was a bit difficult. I took a flight to Bangkok, Thailand hoping to get a quick ticket to Hanoi, Vietnam but of course it couldn't be that easy. I got in at 8 pm at night and there wasn't a flight out until 645 the next morning and the booking place đint open till 5am so I đidnt know if I could even get a ticket. My options were get a hotel room to the airport or sleep in the airport. Being on a budget, the airport floor was my choice. I got about 2 hours of sleep and it actually wasn't that bad. Got up at 430 and tried to get a ticket and to my happy surprise the ticket was 3 times the price I was told. The travel agent who helped me out in India said it would be no problem getting a ticket in the airport for about $50. Well he was so wrong! At the end of the day I didn't care, I just wanted to get to Vietnam and I did so I was happy.
Now I am in Vietnam and I am trying to plan what to do. I am seriously considering getting a motorcycle and driving it around in the North for a week. I am going to Holang Bay tomorrow for my birthday. If you look it up on the internet its the place that you see a lot of movies where the mountains come out òf the water. I am really not sure what else I am going to do but that is all the fun of traveling. I am going to a place called Hoi an were they make cheap tailor made suit, so I might just come back with a nice purple suit. Just kidding but I am definitely getting like 2 suits. I love reading emails by the way so feel free to update me on your life because I would love to hear about it. And ìf you have been to Southeast Asia send suggestions âs well.
jstnwllns21@gmail.com
Cheers
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)