Last night, a couple girls from res and myself went to the local student pub night. It is strange to be walking distance to everything or be forced to take public transit which then deems it to be too far. We left res at 7:15 and got there at 7:25 pm to secure a spot inside. The pub was at capacity of 500 by 8:08 pm. It was February 29 so the bar was decorated in green (think leap year - leap frog - green).
The night life here is completely different from home. Men cannot wear shorts or singlets - they must be wearing dress shoes and a button down. On the other hand, women can get dress how they want as long as they are not wearing pants or flip flops. Shorts are short here - more girls dress like they should be on corners than covering up.
This morning, I got up and dove with the UWA Underwater Club (UWAUC) just off the coast of North Perth. Really nice divers on campus - none of us are morning people though. Stunning weather and views today. I saw a couple of wild dolphins and more jellyfish. I guess they are having an infiltration of jellyfish in WA this year. People just keep diving anyways - the deadly ones seem to come out at about 7:00 am or late at night.
Thursday has become a beach day. Morning will consist of two dives via the UWAUC and then, once everyone is up from being out the night before, beach in the afternoon.
I must say it is a hard life here.
AFN
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
First Day of Class
Today was the first day of classes. My first class is on the opposite side of campus to the dorms which takes about 25 minutes at a brisk pace. This isn't bad unless your running late. I only have classes on Mondays and Wednesdays with a tutorial (optional) on Thursdays. Mondays are long days from 9 am til 445 pm and four lectures and one tutorial. Wednesday is interesting with one lecture and three tutorials then tennis. All of my schedules have been color coordinated and posted on numerous spots in my room and binders.
I am taking this semester:
All of my lectures started immediately with no reprieve time. No course outline review and no one to tell any of us where to find the recorded lectures. I met a couple of kids who showed me all of the important parts of online learning. Classes are only 45 minutes in Australia compared to my 75 minute classes at home. They have significantly less contact hours with more emphasis on self-learn which will be interesting.
I know I have to write four papers this semester with four midterms and four finals. I have no assignments or group projects to deal with. Grades are all split by law 30% midterm, 30% term paper, and 40% final.
AFN
I am taking this semester:
- Australian Myths and Realities - a perspective of what "Australian" means to internationals versus the realities of being Australian and/or Aboriginal
- Sports Psychology - the basics of psychology behind sport and exercise sciences
- International Finance - focuses on foreign exchange markets with Canada being the biggest competitor to Australia
- Investment Analysis - a detailed course on stocks, bonds, investments, and securities
All of my lectures started immediately with no reprieve time. No course outline review and no one to tell any of us where to find the recorded lectures. I met a couple of kids who showed me all of the important parts of online learning. Classes are only 45 minutes in Australia compared to my 75 minute classes at home. They have significantly less contact hours with more emphasis on self-learn which will be interesting.
I know I have to write four papers this semester with four midterms and four finals. I have no assignments or group projects to deal with. Grades are all split by law 30% midterm, 30% term paper, and 40% final.
AFN
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Penguin Island
A group of eight girls adventured for two hours on two buses and two train lines down to Rockingham. On Sundays in WA transit only comes once an hour so it is nearly impossible to get anywhere within a reasonable time. Somehow I lucked out and made each different transition within ten minutes of each other.The transit cost us $8.48 to get there but only $2.93 to get home which is still puzzling as it was the same distance and exact bus/train lines. It was a mildly colder day with a temperature of 26C and a significant wind all day long.
Fun fact: Penguin Island is the last island or land mass between Australia and Africa. Penguin Island is a part of the Shoalwater Islands off of the coast of Rockingham. Rockingham is equivalent to Forest Lawn but it has an entire tourist based economy - still sketchy to be traveling through. Penguin Island is host to 10,000 little penguins and the second largest home of the Tiger Snake. Little Penguins are adorable and stand 15 cm tall. Little Penguins only exist within Australia and are bred on this island mixed with wild ones that appear every year. They tend to live 10-14 years and give birth every 6 months. Tiger Snakes are one of the most deadly Australian reptiles. With one bite you are given a life expectancy of 8 hours. They prey on Little Penguins, random lizards, and human flesh which is awesome to hear. Luckily, we did not see any snakes whilst on the island or tour.
The island set is also host to Australian sea lions which are like Hawaiian sea lions but on a diet. I took a cruise around the island set to see them in their wild aspects on rocky beaches. As fit international kids, we did the 10 km walk around the island in under an hour. We found a sea lion just singing on the beach on the north side. They are not as tame as the Hawaiian sea lions which is understandable - they are not as domesticated and only male Australian sea lions migrate south during the gestation period of 15 months. They legit leave the females up north to feed themselves and breed the baby sea lions - males are only migratory when they need to produce offspring every two years.
It was a good waste of a Sunday afternoon but I would not recommend it to anyone. You really don't see any wild penguins as advertised and it was freaking cold out due to the wind.
AFN
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Dragon Boat Races
Today was an interesting day to say in the least. I got up early to go dive in Fremantle. They were letting people dive even though the shark alarms went off yesterday and the sharkcopters were flying around this morning. Australian diving is a different experience - more fish with less coral or depth. I only went about 30 feet deep.
As part of res life the entire population of "freshers" or freshman to the dorms were set against the five different "colleges" or residences in dragon boat races in the afternoon. The races were held on the Swan River a mere five minute walk from res. As all 500 freshers walked to the beach we were bombarded with water balloons and guns from all of the returning residents. Sopping wet in 47 C heat isn't too bad. It was almost pleasant. You dried off before you could actually feel wet. It was entertaining to see the kids all attempt to be coordinated at once. Currie Hall lost all five rounds - Singapore Central didn't enjoy listening to anyone else.
I figured I would also share the picture a friend from home sent me of Australia. It is actually quite fitting of Oz.
AFN
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Getting Lost
This morning started off amazing. I went and did surf lessons up in Scarborough Beach for three hours with a couple of kids from residence. I can now stand up on a small board. I still can't turn or go into any waves bigger than about three feet so far. I am going back for another lesson on Sunday. The waves here are mildly rougher than Hawaii. They range from baby 1 foot swells to 6 foot swells. I hung out about the beach for the afternoon cause I honestly have nothing else to do.
Currently reading the book, "Down Under" by Bill Bryson. A friend had lent it to me. It's a summarized version of Australian history with a twist of humour. He goes on this big Australian adventure and describes the history of each city he visits. It is a good beach read but it pretty damn old (1973).
I need suggestions for new books to read as I seem to have a ton of free time.
I can't go diving for another couple days as the shark alarms keep going off near Cottlesloe beach. They have gone off three times this week alone. When dad and I were here together, we could have dove everyday. Now that I am alone with little to do, I can't dive due to Australian shark policy.
This afternoon, I went to the campus gym and signed up for Tennis and Rowing lessons for the semester. Since I am on the river, I went for an hour and a half long run along the Swan River. You literally run pass marina after marina of yachts. This is the sunset from today over some part of my run.
Tonight I adventured downtown alone to go see the Vow with Channing Tatum and Rachel McAdams. I caught a ride downtown with a grad student who offered to drive me so that I could see the movie on time. He is studying advanced micro-dentistry and doing his thesis on mouth herpes. Strange thesis but a fairly normal kid for this res. The movie was really cute and a worthwhile two hours.
To get home from downtown, all I had to do was turn right and walk to the bus station that had a 102 bus in it maybe 5 minutes away. Did I do that though? Nope. I turned left and ended up on a 201 bus going the complete wrong way. I ended up an hour and ten minute drive away from Currie Hall before realizing something was wrong. I called a taxi to get me home. $140 later, I am safe and sound in my res room with a dead phone and a bruise to the ego. I will figure out the bus system here pretty quick.
AFN
Sunday, February 19, 2012
All Photos From My Trip
https://plus.google.com/photos/102267298311394255173/albums/5710805959150916529
https://plus.google.com/photos/102267298311394255173/albums/5711053154454016865
https://plus.google.com/photos/102267298311394255173/albums/5711044871131514849
There are all of the photos I took while in Asia!
AFN
https://plus.google.com/photos/102267298311394255173/albums/5711053154454016865
https://plus.google.com/photos/102267298311394255173/albums/5711044871131514849
There are all of the photos I took while in Asia!
AFN
Res Life
This is my lovely residence room. It appears to be massive - it really isn't. My best guess is that it is 10 feet by 8 feet. I face a crane, jack hammer, and construction site out my window. Every Monday through Saturday we are woken up at 7 am on the dot with construction. I am lucky enough to be able to sleep through the cement trucks and crane operations but jack hammers are the epitome of death.
The floor I am on has 36 girls, 12 guys, and only 3 non-Asian people. I hear tons of different dialects of Chinese, Japanese, and Malaysian daily. The language barrier makes dinner time and res floor meetings interesting for sure.
My residence address is:
A205, ATTN: Brittany Scott, Currie Hall, Winthrop Ave, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia 6009
This morning due to the lovely wake up, I went and dove off the Hillarys just north of Perth. It is a stunning dive with tons of fish I really couldn't name. The dive was cut short due to the infiltration of box jellyfish - the most dangerous jellyfish alive.
AFN
Friday, February 17, 2012
Bangkok, Thailand to Perth, Australia
I met dad in Bangkok. I legitimately got off the plane to go do this horrific market. It smelled like someone had taken a shit and let it ferment then cooked it. The market was densely packed with people, different foods, and massive amounts of clothing. It is illegal to actually sell knock offs in Thailand and is punishable by death. It made finding Brody's and mom's jeans a little harder. Dad was just in his prime loving the market. We only had to stay three and a half hours in this market. It was a challenge to breathe in this place. I really do hate Bangkok as a city. It's too dirty, crowded, and pushy for my liking. Plus, the stupid frog that makes noise similar to the whistles in Cabo, drives me up the wall. I am not a fan of being harassed every time you take a step. I'd much rather go to somewhere civilized.
An early flight to Perth was a relief. The hotel was attached to the airport which made the travel easy. Checking into the executive lounge four hours before the flight, I napped on one of the couches. I have learned that I can sleep anywhere, any time, and in any position. The flight was 6 hours to Australia. Watching the outback of the Western Coast is incredible. It's legitimately red the entire time. It was a balmy 32 C when we landed.
The weather for the week has been hot and a little humid. Dad and I ran around the city getting everything you need to be successful here. One day we drove 3 hours south to Busselton. It is a retirement community with incredible diving. We missed the dive boat by about 15 minutes and were just going to snorkel off the jetty. The jetty is a 1.6 km train that goes out the ocean and an underwater viewing area. You can actually snorkel or fish off of it. Dad backed out at the last minute because he couldn't climb down the stairs then snorkel away from the beach. I personally thought that it would be incredibly easy.
One day, Dad and myself went over to a girl from UofC whose parents live here for a BBQ. All of the kids and their parents from Uni of Calgary were in attendence to watch the sunset out her deck. Dad, Jaime's and Curtis' parents all got along really well. She lives in Cottelsoe which is the beach area in Perth. I might be there more often than res.
I set up my entire res room which is maybe 10 feet by 12 feet with a desk, dresser unit, closet, mini bar fridge, and twin bed. I am staying in Currie Hall which was built in 1959. It has no air conditioning or heating, one bathroom per floor per gender, and limited wiring. As such, I cannot use a kettle, blow dryer, or toaster oven in my room without blowing the entire floor. However, I can use two fans, straightener, lamp, computer, printer, and the internet all at once. Makes total sense to me. The girls bathroom has one shower with a maximum of 12 minutes of water and one outlet for 24 girls to do their hair in the morning. I might be walking to campus to shower daily.
Perth is a sprawled out city along the ocean and the Swan River. Transit might be an issue soon enough but who knows I might just live at the beach, uni, and res. I love the weather and people. I have a 5 minute walk to the beach and river from res. If anyone wants to come visit, pre-book hotels.
AFN
An early flight to Perth was a relief. The hotel was attached to the airport which made the travel easy. Checking into the executive lounge four hours before the flight, I napped on one of the couches. I have learned that I can sleep anywhere, any time, and in any position. The flight was 6 hours to Australia. Watching the outback of the Western Coast is incredible. It's legitimately red the entire time. It was a balmy 32 C when we landed.
The weather for the week has been hot and a little humid. Dad and I ran around the city getting everything you need to be successful here. One day we drove 3 hours south to Busselton. It is a retirement community with incredible diving. We missed the dive boat by about 15 minutes and were just going to snorkel off the jetty. The jetty is a 1.6 km train that goes out the ocean and an underwater viewing area. You can actually snorkel or fish off of it. Dad backed out at the last minute because he couldn't climb down the stairs then snorkel away from the beach. I personally thought that it would be incredibly easy.
One day, Dad and myself went over to a girl from UofC whose parents live here for a BBQ. All of the kids and their parents from Uni of Calgary were in attendence to watch the sunset out her deck. Dad, Jaime's and Curtis' parents all got along really well. She lives in Cottelsoe which is the beach area in Perth. I might be there more often than res.
I set up my entire res room which is maybe 10 feet by 12 feet with a desk, dresser unit, closet, mini bar fridge, and twin bed. I am staying in Currie Hall which was built in 1959. It has no air conditioning or heating, one bathroom per floor per gender, and limited wiring. As such, I cannot use a kettle, blow dryer, or toaster oven in my room without blowing the entire floor. However, I can use two fans, straightener, lamp, computer, printer, and the internet all at once. Makes total sense to me. The girls bathroom has one shower with a maximum of 12 minutes of water and one outlet for 24 girls to do their hair in the morning. I might be walking to campus to shower daily.
Perth is a sprawled out city along the ocean and the Swan River. Transit might be an issue soon enough but who knows I might just live at the beach, uni, and res. I love the weather and people. I have a 5 minute walk to the beach and river from res. If anyone wants to come visit, pre-book hotels.
AFN
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Today started with a 400am wake up call to be in the lobby by 430 am. It was still pitch black with no power driving to Angkor Wat to watch the sunrise over the famous temple. Angkor Wat is the world's largest religious monument and one of the seven man made wonders of the world. It covers a 10x10 km square area surrounded by a moat. The main temple, Angkor Wat, is the most well preserved with the most money coming in to restore it as well. This temple has six libraries and a main monastery which we watched the
Angkor Wat actually means city of temples. Within the grounds there are 20 temples that were created within 37 years of each other. All done in stones carried by elephants to the site. It was heavily influenced by Hinduism with slight hints of Buddhism. You can see Hindu legends and gods all over the temple with Buddhist statues surrounding them. Quite the juxtaposition. The sunrise is red in this part of the world. It was spectacular but way way way to early. After the sunset, I climbed to the third story of this temple which has 260 stairs at a 70 degree angle. They are steep and high with no protection if you fall.
After a four and a half hour nap, the group headed back to Angkor Wat to see the Bayon Temple. The Bayon Temple is primarily a Mahayana Buddhist temple. Each of the corners and all around the temple is surrounded by a column with four heads facing each direction of the compass. It still has 126 faces standing and visible. The French discovered it in the 13th century and numbered each stone as it fell. Today, you can still see the etched in numbers on the restored areas. Cambodia is actually restoring this temple under a grant from the Italians. In Khmer beliefs west is the direction of bad and east is the direction of good. This is due to the sun patterning and thus being attacked in the dark from the West (Thailand). The four directions mean:
Dinner was a full tour group for once on Pub Street, the famous restuarant street in Siem Reap. I had lemon chicken over mango rice and a Mekong Midget drink. The names of drinks were hilarious and creative - Slippery Spermicide, Temple Torture, Cambodian Cock Fighter, and Mekong Midget. It was white out night. Everyone in the city wears white on the Friday that we landed on. You get massacred with sharpies and highlighters then head to the neon bar in town. It was called the Angkor What?? bar. It is a mirror image to the Cabo Wabo in Cabo, Mexico but in Cambodia. It's got UV lights, no heating, and a playlist that could rival any Canadian city. I left the bar at 6 am to pack and get on the 745 bus to the airport. Sleep deprivation has been the game of the tour. It will catch up to me eventually.
I would totally do another Contiki tour. It was an amazing experience with tons of interesting people. I'd bring more granola bars and less electrolyte solution next time for food. Backpacks are not opitional, suitcases suck balls. I doubt I will ever do Cambodia or Thailand again. I loved Laos and would consider coming back to the country. Looking back I wouldn't change anything.
AFN
Angkor Wat actually means city of temples. Within the grounds there are 20 temples that were created within 37 years of each other. All done in stones carried by elephants to the site. It was heavily influenced by Hinduism with slight hints of Buddhism. You can see Hindu legends and gods all over the temple with Buddhist statues surrounding them. Quite the juxtaposition. The sunrise is red in this part of the world. It was spectacular but way way way to early. After the sunset, I climbed to the third story of this temple which has 260 stairs at a 70 degree angle. They are steep and high with no protection if you fall.
After a four and a half hour nap, the group headed back to Angkor Wat to see the Bayon Temple. The Bayon Temple is primarily a Mahayana Buddhist temple. Each of the corners and all around the temple is surrounded by a column with four heads facing each direction of the compass. It still has 126 faces standing and visible. The French discovered it in the 13th century and numbered each stone as it fell. Today, you can still see the etched in numbers on the restored areas. Cambodia is actually restoring this temple under a grant from the Italians. In Khmer beliefs west is the direction of bad and east is the direction of good. This is due to the sun patterning and thus being attacked in the dark from the West (Thailand). The four directions mean:
- North - embodies hope
- East - embodies happiness
- South - embodies peace
- West - embodies protection for all
Dinner was a full tour group for once on Pub Street, the famous restuarant street in Siem Reap. I had lemon chicken over mango rice and a Mekong Midget drink. The names of drinks were hilarious and creative - Slippery Spermicide, Temple Torture, Cambodian Cock Fighter, and Mekong Midget. It was white out night. Everyone in the city wears white on the Friday that we landed on. You get massacred with sharpies and highlighters then head to the neon bar in town. It was called the Angkor What?? bar. It is a mirror image to the Cabo Wabo in Cabo, Mexico but in Cambodia. It's got UV lights, no heating, and a playlist that could rival any Canadian city. I left the bar at 6 am to pack and get on the 745 bus to the airport. Sleep deprivation has been the game of the tour. It will catch up to me eventually.
I would totally do another Contiki tour. It was an amazing experience with tons of interesting people. I'd bring more granola bars and less electrolyte solution next time for food. Backpacks are not opitional, suitcases suck balls. I doubt I will ever do Cambodia or Thailand again. I loved Laos and would consider coming back to the country. Looking back I wouldn't change anything.
AFN
Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, Cambodia
Siem Reap means Siam defeated. It is the heartland of the ancient Angkor Empire. The average temperature for the year is 32 C. It's hot and humid here all the time - between 80-100% all year long. My hair looks brilliant here. The city is like being transported back 100 years. It's quieter with a calmness to the city.
Some history about Siem Reap:
- 1431 demise of the Angkor Empire by the Thai
- Struggle emerged between the Vietamese and Thai to control Cambodia from 1431 until the 19th century
- 1861 Angkor Wat was placed on the currency as a symbol of hope for the country (still on it today)
- 1907 city of Siem Reap was founded
- French took over the country in the early 19th century by bringing in rubber plants and thus kicking out the Thai control
- 1953 Japanese kick the French out and give the country independence
- 1960 Vietnam War which blanket bombed the country
- 1975 Communists win the election and Pol Pot comes into power
- 1975 - 1979 Mass genocides where 2.9 million people were killed by torture, starvation, or murder
- 1979 Vietnam invades to remove Khmer Rouge from power
- 1989 Vietnam leaves the country and Cambodia recieves first world wide recognized independence
- 1993 - today Tribunals were set up to try the leaders of the Khmer Rouge
- 1998 Pol Pot dies and country finally believes in their liberation
Another 40 minute jumper plane to Siem Reap this morning. The security in the airport was rediculous - no airport scanners, no passports needed, no checking in baggage, and you could bring outside water and food through the airport and onto the plane. Once we got to the hotel, we discovered that the elevators didn't work. I had a 62 pound suitcase that I dragged up to the fifteenth floor via stairs. Backpackers were lapping us.
We took an afternoon to explore the city on our own. I found this jewelry factory and jade factory in the middle of nowhere. It had thousands of raw rubies, jade, and sapphires. It was a nice change from the tacky craft markets of the rest of the trip. I might have done some damage in these factories.
The afternoon was spent on the Tonle Sap lake in a boat. It has this floating community in the middle of the lake which is pretty interesting. The water is disgustingly brown due to the dirt and pollution. Tonle Sap literally means water lake. The absolute poverty in the community was amazing - kids were being used to get money by tourists holding babies, or little kids with poisonous snakes who want you to hold them for $1. The houses are shanty shacks on boats painted in red, blue, and yellow. The bright colors are supposed to ward away evil spirits. In the middle of the community is a crocodile farm. I fed one a carp fish by placing it on a fishing line and just throwing it into the middle of about 20 crocodiles. I must say that they have utter strength in their jaws.
For dinner a couple of us went to the Red Piano Restaurant. Lara Croft: Tomb Raider was filmed in Siem Reap and Angelina Jolie frequented this restaurant while she was there. Its a shrine to her with Western Food named after all of her movies. The topic of conversation: how bad of an actor she is.
I called it an early night due to my 430am wake up tomorrow.
AFN
Some history about Siem Reap:
- 1431 demise of the Angkor Empire by the Thai
- Struggle emerged between the Vietamese and Thai to control Cambodia from 1431 until the 19th century
- 1861 Angkor Wat was placed on the currency as a symbol of hope for the country (still on it today)
- 1907 city of Siem Reap was founded
- French took over the country in the early 19th century by bringing in rubber plants and thus kicking out the Thai control
- 1953 Japanese kick the French out and give the country independence
- 1960 Vietnam War which blanket bombed the country
- 1975 Communists win the election and Pol Pot comes into power
- 1975 - 1979 Mass genocides where 2.9 million people were killed by torture, starvation, or murder
- 1979 Vietnam invades to remove Khmer Rouge from power
- 1989 Vietnam leaves the country and Cambodia recieves first world wide recognized independence
- 1993 - today Tribunals were set up to try the leaders of the Khmer Rouge
- 1998 Pol Pot dies and country finally believes in their liberation
Another 40 minute jumper plane to Siem Reap this morning. The security in the airport was rediculous - no airport scanners, no passports needed, no checking in baggage, and you could bring outside water and food through the airport and onto the plane. Once we got to the hotel, we discovered that the elevators didn't work. I had a 62 pound suitcase that I dragged up to the fifteenth floor via stairs. Backpackers were lapping us.
We took an afternoon to explore the city on our own. I found this jewelry factory and jade factory in the middle of nowhere. It had thousands of raw rubies, jade, and sapphires. It was a nice change from the tacky craft markets of the rest of the trip. I might have done some damage in these factories.
The afternoon was spent on the Tonle Sap lake in a boat. It has this floating community in the middle of the lake which is pretty interesting. The water is disgustingly brown due to the dirt and pollution. Tonle Sap literally means water lake. The absolute poverty in the community was amazing - kids were being used to get money by tourists holding babies, or little kids with poisonous snakes who want you to hold them for $1. The houses are shanty shacks on boats painted in red, blue, and yellow. The bright colors are supposed to ward away evil spirits. In the middle of the community is a crocodile farm. I fed one a carp fish by placing it on a fishing line and just throwing it into the middle of about 20 crocodiles. I must say that they have utter strength in their jaws.
For dinner a couple of us went to the Red Piano Restaurant. Lara Croft: Tomb Raider was filmed in Siem Reap and Angelina Jolie frequented this restaurant while she was there. Its a shrine to her with Western Food named after all of her movies. The topic of conversation: how bad of an actor she is.
I called it an early night due to my 430am wake up tomorrow.
AFN
Friday, February 10, 2012
Veitane, Laos to Phnom Penh, Cambodia
It's a short hour and a half flight from Lao capital to the Cambodian capital. Phnom Penh has a population of 1.2 million in the city core. The name actually dates back to 1372 when some lady by the name of Penh found five Buddhist statues in a log floating down the Mekong. She then built a temple to house and worship these amazing statues from the lord buddha. In Cambodian language, the city means hill temple. From the outside world, the city is known as the Lexus city. You see high end cars everywhere. I saw my first street light this trip in this city. The city sits on the convergence of three rivers - Mekong, Bassac, and Tonle Sap. the city is dirty, loud, and a significant change from calm Laos. I miss the stillness of the Lao cities.
We visited the S.21 prison camp today. It was shocking and abhorring to hear the recent history of this country and the devastating effects of genocide first hand. This was a high school that was transformed into a prison and torture camp during the Pol Pot reign from 1975-1979 for a total of 3 years 8 months and 19 days. It hosted 17-20 thousand prisoners during this time. Only seven known survivors exist today. 2.2 million people died under the Khmer Rouge dictatorship. Pol Pot is the only dictator in history to not bring their country into an industrialized nation, he brought it back to the stone age. The methods of killing in this genocide were: poison, maiming to bleed to death, electrical whips during torture, water boarding slash drowning, buried alive, blunt force drama, and children had the worst deaths. Babies were bashed against trees, ripped in half, forced to be thrown around like footballs, and other horrendous actions. The four buildings, A B C D, have been preserved to show the conditions of the prison, blood is still on the walls, shackles placed everywhere, photographs of each victim and Khmer worker are throughout building B. Building A was the torture chambers with the water boarding, bed with arms and leg shackles, tin pissers, whips, electric charged whips, plus other torture devices. Building C was the living quarters which each classroom 20x20 feet housed up to 50 people in these 2x2 brick rooms. Building D housed the reminds that have been found on the premise. I was sick to my stomach the entire day. It's horrendous to know how severe it was when the world wouldn't intervene.
From there, we went to one of the 20,000 killing field sites. You literally can see bones and clothes popping up through the ground due to erosion. In this site, 70,000 people have been found. It's horrific to know people were dropped like flies into these graves whether they were dead or alive. Mothers had to watch their children being killed before being allowed to die. It makes you wish that the world had intervened in time to prevent this all. The Wat on the killing field housed 8,000 bodiless skulls.
A broad overview of the timeline:
1970 - secret bombings of Cambodia - Khmer Rouge kicked everyone who was not a national Cambodian out of the country
1975-1979 - Khmer wiped out all class systems, brought country into darkest age known thus far, genocide of all educated/wealthy/children/elderly/dissidents/opposition
1979 - Vietnamese invade Cambodia on behalf of Pol Pot which then protected the regime from foreign intervention. Thailand during this time actually protected Pol Pot.
1996-2006 - tribunal set up and formed to prosecute crimes against humanity
1998 - country finally had a semblance of peace without fighting
2010 - justice finally served for those at fault (top 5)
2011 - firing erupted between Thailand and Cambodia over border disputes, military believes difference lines of borders which makes the country unstable yet again
For one of the girls 21st birthday, we went to a restaurant called Friends. It is an unitive to help street youth be trained with skills to help them succeed in the restaurant industry. Food was amazing and all locally grown. I had a delicious pineapple, star fruit, banana smoothie. Everyone went out to a predominately Asian club called the FFC (Foreign Correspondene Club) which was a riot to invade with 30 white kids.
It was 42C today and muggy as an Arkansas summer.
AFN
We visited the S.21 prison camp today. It was shocking and abhorring to hear the recent history of this country and the devastating effects of genocide first hand. This was a high school that was transformed into a prison and torture camp during the Pol Pot reign from 1975-1979 for a total of 3 years 8 months and 19 days. It hosted 17-20 thousand prisoners during this time. Only seven known survivors exist today. 2.2 million people died under the Khmer Rouge dictatorship. Pol Pot is the only dictator in history to not bring their country into an industrialized nation, he brought it back to the stone age. The methods of killing in this genocide were: poison, maiming to bleed to death, electrical whips during torture, water boarding slash drowning, buried alive, blunt force drama, and children had the worst deaths. Babies were bashed against trees, ripped in half, forced to be thrown around like footballs, and other horrendous actions. The four buildings, A B C D, have been preserved to show the conditions of the prison, blood is still on the walls, shackles placed everywhere, photographs of each victim and Khmer worker are throughout building B. Building A was the torture chambers with the water boarding, bed with arms and leg shackles, tin pissers, whips, electric charged whips, plus other torture devices. Building C was the living quarters which each classroom 20x20 feet housed up to 50 people in these 2x2 brick rooms. Building D housed the reminds that have been found on the premise. I was sick to my stomach the entire day. It's horrendous to know how severe it was when the world wouldn't intervene.
From there, we went to one of the 20,000 killing field sites. You literally can see bones and clothes popping up through the ground due to erosion. In this site, 70,000 people have been found. It's horrific to know people were dropped like flies into these graves whether they were dead or alive. Mothers had to watch their children being killed before being allowed to die. It makes you wish that the world had intervened in time to prevent this all. The Wat on the killing field housed 8,000 bodiless skulls.
A broad overview of the timeline:
1970 - secret bombings of Cambodia - Khmer Rouge kicked everyone who was not a national Cambodian out of the country
1975-1979 - Khmer wiped out all class systems, brought country into darkest age known thus far, genocide of all educated/wealthy/children/elderly/dissidents/opposition
1979 - Vietnamese invade Cambodia on behalf of Pol Pot which then protected the regime from foreign intervention. Thailand during this time actually protected Pol Pot.
1996-2006 - tribunal set up and formed to prosecute crimes against humanity
1998 - country finally had a semblance of peace without fighting
2010 - justice finally served for those at fault (top 5)
2011 - firing erupted between Thailand and Cambodia over border disputes, military believes difference lines of borders which makes the country unstable yet again
For one of the girls 21st birthday, we went to a restaurant called Friends. It is an unitive to help street youth be trained with skills to help them succeed in the restaurant industry. Food was amazing and all locally grown. I had a delicious pineapple, star fruit, banana smoothie. Everyone went out to a predominately Asian club called the FFC (Foreign Correspondene Club) which was a riot to invade with 30 white kids.
It was 42C today and muggy as an Arkansas summer.
AFN
Tuesday, February 07, 2012
Vang Vieng to Vientiane, Laos
Yet another early 8 am bus ride. This time we are heading to the capital of Laos. This is also my last Laotion city. One more night of the worst food in the world. The scenery of todays bus ride was Very similar to back country Hawaii. It's all jungle and red dirt roads. Except, Lao roads are bumpy as all hell. Small shanty towns or road stop "stores" appear every once in a while. After this bus ride I will have spent 18 hours on a bus. It was on of the most bumpy rides I have ever been on. Roller coasters are smoother than the ride.
The one thing about Laos that wasn't apparent was street beggars. I didn't see a single street thingsr. I saw tons of stray dogs but no beggars. For one of the poorest countries in the world you would expect it. Laos only recently, in the last 15 years, started to allow tourists. Everyone drives motorcycles or tuk tuks. Cars were popularish in Louangphrabang but none in Prabang or Vang Vieng. Kids as young as 12 can drive a motorcycle. It's insanity.
Our first stop was to Joma Cafe. This had traditional American grilled cheese, turkey sandwiches, and milk. Neat little cafe right across from the President of Laos estate.
Driving through insane traffic we stopped at the COPE center. Cooperative Orthotics and Prosthetics Enterprise is a non profit organization that helps victims of bomb explosions, club foot, and traffic accidents where people have been maimed or limbs missing. Laos was the victim of 260 million bombs being dropped for 9 years as part of the Indo-China war or the secret war. Thats the equivalent of a bomb every 7 minutes for 9 years straight. Over 70 million bombs are unexploded today. Cluster bombs are the most common type but 15 different types of bombs and various versions of each bomb were dropped. For example, I learned about 8 different types of cluster bombs that they know were dropped on Laos. Children are risking their lives for 2000 kip for the scrap metal value from the unexploded Bombies. I tried walking with a modified prosthetic leg and it is incredibly uncomfortable and difficult. Its not something you want to have as part of daily life. The main reason why Laos is the most bombed country in the world is the fact that it borders Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Its lower border is the Ho Chi Min trail and the natural border between Thailand and itself in many points is the Mekong river. I donated a new leg and a new arm for two people plus all of their treatment and surgeries needed. If you feel like reading more about the center check it out at www.copelaos.org
From that hard hitting visit, we drove to the Arch de Triumph. It's similar to the Paris version but smaller - only 49 m tall. I climbed the 222 stairs to the top and looked at breath taking views of the entire city. Tacky souvenirs are all around the arch. It was unimpressive due to the emotional upheaval of COPE. I'm sure I will appreciate the photos once I am done this trip.
Another short drive and we arrived at the Golden Stupa. If you've ever seen photos of Laos then you would have seen the monument. It's a shiny gold building surrounded by temples which makes it quite reserved and a place of worship.
I went for a run down the Mekong river after all of the site seeing for the day. Thailand was at some points only 30 feet away from you. The sunset was stunning - the sun actually was red.
I'm glad this is my last Lao city. I'm really looking forward to Cambodia and Angkor Wat.
AFN
The one thing about Laos that wasn't apparent was street beggars. I didn't see a single street thingsr. I saw tons of stray dogs but no beggars. For one of the poorest countries in the world you would expect it. Laos only recently, in the last 15 years, started to allow tourists. Everyone drives motorcycles or tuk tuks. Cars were popularish in Louangphrabang but none in Prabang or Vang Vieng. Kids as young as 12 can drive a motorcycle. It's insanity.
Our first stop was to Joma Cafe. This had traditional American grilled cheese, turkey sandwiches, and milk. Neat little cafe right across from the President of Laos estate.
Driving through insane traffic we stopped at the COPE center. Cooperative Orthotics and Prosthetics Enterprise is a non profit organization that helps victims of bomb explosions, club foot, and traffic accidents where people have been maimed or limbs missing. Laos was the victim of 260 million bombs being dropped for 9 years as part of the Indo-China war or the secret war. Thats the equivalent of a bomb every 7 minutes for 9 years straight. Over 70 million bombs are unexploded today. Cluster bombs are the most common type but 15 different types of bombs and various versions of each bomb were dropped. For example, I learned about 8 different types of cluster bombs that they know were dropped on Laos. Children are risking their lives for 2000 kip for the scrap metal value from the unexploded Bombies. I tried walking with a modified prosthetic leg and it is incredibly uncomfortable and difficult. Its not something you want to have as part of daily life. The main reason why Laos is the most bombed country in the world is the fact that it borders Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Its lower border is the Ho Chi Min trail and the natural border between Thailand and itself in many points is the Mekong river. I donated a new leg and a new arm for two people plus all of their treatment and surgeries needed. If you feel like reading more about the center check it out at www.copelaos.org
From that hard hitting visit, we drove to the Arch de Triumph. It's similar to the Paris version but smaller - only 49 m tall. I climbed the 222 stairs to the top and looked at breath taking views of the entire city. Tacky souvenirs are all around the arch. It was unimpressive due to the emotional upheaval of COPE. I'm sure I will appreciate the photos once I am done this trip.
Another short drive and we arrived at the Golden Stupa. If you've ever seen photos of Laos then you would have seen the monument. It's a shiny gold building surrounded by temples which makes it quite reserved and a place of worship.
I went for a run down the Mekong river after all of the site seeing for the day. Thailand was at some points only 30 feet away from you. The sunset was stunning - the sun actually was red.
I'm glad this is my last Lao city. I'm really looking forward to Cambodia and Angkor Wat.
AFN
Vang Vieng, Laos
This morning I had a 5 am wake up to head out to the old American airstrip. It was pitch black when they were setting up the hot air balloons. Six of us got to be in a basket with a Chinese ex-fighter pilot. We got into the air when the sun was rising. Unbelievable to see the sun come overs the limestone mountains. Th highest we got was 400 m above the city. They have incredible control over the balloon when the wind isn't super strong. It was neat to go see everything from an aerial view. This is one of the few cities that seemingly was a little wealthier. Houses are not shanty shacks - they have stucco and proper roofs.
Once we landed, I walked to the Luang Prabang Bakery. I met a couple random guys who were watching the super bowl. So I sat down and watched the super bowl in Laos. Great game. Good food for once too. I had a chocolate croissant and coffee with sweetened condensed milk. Nothing healthy is available to eat. You can't have veggie that aren't steamed, no lettuce period, no fruits, no ice, no tap water washed or cooked items, and the list goes on and on.
After the Giants won, I had a two hour traditional massage. Glorious strong massage for once. I guess the last Lao massage was improper. It cost me 70,000 kip which is $7.98 Canadian. It is one of the best features of Asia. I've had six massages since I've been on contiki in 11 days. The place local next to the massage studio was a yoga studio. I did an hour of hot yoga. I miss working out and yoga. It was interesting to not understand the instructions and only be able to determine what I should do via others.
The afternoon was spent on a kayak going down the Nam Song river. I decided to not tube as the risk of dying and being stuck with drunk people wasn't going to be fun. I kayaked 10km down the river. We passed through the tubing area. It didn't seem like my type of fun. From the tubing bars the tour company took the kayakers into this cave on the side of the river. We needed flash lights as literally we crawled into this area. Hands and knees were common to get through the hour long cave exploration. It was awesome to freak others out by grabbing ankles or pretending a spider was on them. The cave was actual a place where'd the Laotion people hid while the bombing were going on during the Vietnam war. Right now it's currently low season and it was still a little tiny. I could only imagine it during monsoon season. To get out of the cave, we had to jump across four feet and climb up the side of a rock formation. If you fell you would have fallen down 30 feet to the bottom. That was terrifying exhilarating at the same time. Oh, did I mention I did all of this is a bathing suit top, beach shorts, and flip flops?
I had dinner at this glorious little organic farm restaurant. It was all fresh veggies and chickens that you got to pick which one to eat from out back. I don't enjoy selecting chickens to kill. I prefer my meat dead not squawking.
AFN
Once we landed, I walked to the Luang Prabang Bakery. I met a couple random guys who were watching the super bowl. So I sat down and watched the super bowl in Laos. Great game. Good food for once too. I had a chocolate croissant and coffee with sweetened condensed milk. Nothing healthy is available to eat. You can't have veggie that aren't steamed, no lettuce period, no fruits, no ice, no tap water washed or cooked items, and the list goes on and on.
After the Giants won, I had a two hour traditional massage. Glorious strong massage for once. I guess the last Lao massage was improper. It cost me 70,000 kip which is $7.98 Canadian. It is one of the best features of Asia. I've had six massages since I've been on contiki in 11 days. The place local next to the massage studio was a yoga studio. I did an hour of hot yoga. I miss working out and yoga. It was interesting to not understand the instructions and only be able to determine what I should do via others.
The afternoon was spent on a kayak going down the Nam Song river. I decided to not tube as the risk of dying and being stuck with drunk people wasn't going to be fun. I kayaked 10km down the river. We passed through the tubing area. It didn't seem like my type of fun. From the tubing bars the tour company took the kayakers into this cave on the side of the river. We needed flash lights as literally we crawled into this area. Hands and knees were common to get through the hour long cave exploration. It was awesome to freak others out by grabbing ankles or pretending a spider was on them. The cave was actual a place where'd the Laotion people hid while the bombing were going on during the Vietnam war. Right now it's currently low season and it was still a little tiny. I could only imagine it during monsoon season. To get out of the cave, we had to jump across four feet and climb up the side of a rock formation. If you fell you would have fallen down 30 feet to the bottom. That was terrifying exhilarating at the same time. Oh, did I mention I did all of this is a bathing suit top, beach shorts, and flip flops?
I had dinner at this glorious little organic farm restaurant. It was all fresh veggies and chickens that you got to pick which one to eat from out back. I don't enjoy selecting chickens to kill. I prefer my meat dead not squawking.
AFN
Louangphrabang to Vang Vieng, Laos
This morning was another 7 am start. All of us boarded a bus to which we get to sit on it for 4 hours before lunch at the Spectacular Views Rest Stop. Legitimately it's a truckers stop with the stunning views. After lunch, we had another 3 hours on the bus. The drive is 70* angles up and down on a windy one lane road for two way traffic. The seat creak and are leather so you stick to them easily. It's mildly comfortable but is no where near North American standards for buses. The roads are smooth and awesome for about 10 km then it would turn bumpy and shitty for 10 km and rotate the entire ride to Vang Vieng.
I got a Laos massage which was amazing. It's like a deep sports tissue massage. Thai massages is actually a relaxant massage which I had four times in Thailand. Laos massage are way better in my opinion. Dinner was at a vegetation organic farm restaurant. I had tofu stir fry which was delicious. I've eaten a lot of tofu on this trip due to lack of chicken or apparent weird meats.
Vang Vieng is the drug capital and backpacking haven of Laos. You literally can get happy or special food and shakes that have magic mushrooms on or in it. It meant that I had to be double as careful as normal. Night time was a whole lot of partying and drug abuse. You could literally do all drugs and drink in public. I really didn't like going out at night. Not my scene, not fun for me to be around drunk and high strangers. Opium is grown locally here as are the rest of the drugs which makes ease of use.
Tubing is the thing to do in Vang Vieng. There are a dozen odd bars on the Nam Song river. You tube down the river and hop into and out of bars. 31 kids have died in the two years of availability. What do you expect when you add booze, three to fifteen feet of water, flying foxes, and rope swings?
AFN
I got a Laos massage which was amazing. It's like a deep sports tissue massage. Thai massages is actually a relaxant massage which I had four times in Thailand. Laos massage are way better in my opinion. Dinner was at a vegetation organic farm restaurant. I had tofu stir fry which was delicious. I've eaten a lot of tofu on this trip due to lack of chicken or apparent weird meats.
Vang Vieng is the drug capital and backpacking haven of Laos. You literally can get happy or special food and shakes that have magic mushrooms on or in it. It meant that I had to be double as careful as normal. Night time was a whole lot of partying and drug abuse. You could literally do all drugs and drink in public. I really didn't like going out at night. Not my scene, not fun for me to be around drunk and high strangers. Opium is grown locally here as are the rest of the drugs which makes ease of use.
Tubing is the thing to do in Vang Vieng. There are a dozen odd bars on the Nam Song river. You tube down the river and hop into and out of bars. 31 kids have died in the two years of availability. What do you expect when you add booze, three to fifteen feet of water, flying foxes, and rope swings?
AFN
Friday, February 03, 2012
Louangphrabang, Laos
Travel - Louangphrabang, Laos
Upon a 6 am start to the day, we boarded the slow boat again. This time we were on the boat for 8 hours. In Laos you are not allowed to wear bikini bottoms so you have to wear shorts and a bathing suit top. Thus, I have a shorts and bathing suit top burn. I'm so red that a bull would charge at me in the streets. It was cloudy out and not that hot is I didn't believe I was going to get burnt. I did apply sun screen twice but the sun is too strong here for my 60 SPF. I also have a shorts tan that sits on the middle of my stomach because I pulled them up half way through to avoid a shorts tan. It didn't work. I'm a lobster with a week left to go of pure Asian sun.
Half way to Louangphrabang , we stopped at a cave temple. It is literally a temple built into a cave. It has 8000 Buddhist statues in it with another 2000 in the upper caves. It's a stunning view down from the cave. It was found in the 18 century but there are statues dated in the 1600s in the cave. It is monitoredby the people of Louangphrabang each night as part of their civil duty.
We landed in Louangphrabang on the boat to then hop on bicycles with our luggage and peddle up this hill to our hotel. My suitcase is 41 lbs even with all the shit I've been eating and leaving behind. It was horrific. I didn't realize that a backpack wasn't a suggestion, its almost mandatory. The temple we saw this afternoon was pale in comparison to the Thai temples. It was dingy, small, and being rebuilt at the moment. The city is the headquarters for Buddhist monk training so the town is filled with orange cad men.
As such, the city has a 1030 noise curfew and a midnight people in houses curfew. The police were monitoring the tourists to make sure they followed the rules. If you are arrested in Laos, you need to have family and friends come visit you in jail as food is not provided in Laos jails. In addition, the penalty for missing curfew by a half hour is $500 USD, missing curfew by an hour is the death penalty. It is a serious offense here to brea curfew. The police slash military don't look older than 20 with machine guns and camo wear as we were walking back to the hotel.
I'm tired of markets and deep fried food.
AFN
Upon a 6 am start to the day, we boarded the slow boat again. This time we were on the boat for 8 hours. In Laos you are not allowed to wear bikini bottoms so you have to wear shorts and a bathing suit top. Thus, I have a shorts and bathing suit top burn. I'm so red that a bull would charge at me in the streets. It was cloudy out and not that hot is I didn't believe I was going to get burnt. I did apply sun screen twice but the sun is too strong here for my 60 SPF. I also have a shorts tan that sits on the middle of my stomach because I pulled them up half way through to avoid a shorts tan. It didn't work. I'm a lobster with a week left to go of pure Asian sun.
Half way to Louangphrabang , we stopped at a cave temple. It is literally a temple built into a cave. It has 8000 Buddhist statues in it with another 2000 in the upper caves. It's a stunning view down from the cave. It was found in the 18 century but there are statues dated in the 1600s in the cave. It is monitoredby the people of Louangphrabang each night as part of their civil duty.
We landed in Louangphrabang on the boat to then hop on bicycles with our luggage and peddle up this hill to our hotel. My suitcase is 41 lbs even with all the shit I've been eating and leaving behind. It was horrific. I didn't realize that a backpack wasn't a suggestion, its almost mandatory. The temple we saw this afternoon was pale in comparison to the Thai temples. It was dingy, small, and being rebuilt at the moment. The city is the headquarters for Buddhist monk training so the town is filled with orange cad men.
As such, the city has a 1030 noise curfew and a midnight people in houses curfew. The police were monitoring the tourists to make sure they followed the rules. If you are arrested in Laos, you need to have family and friends come visit you in jail as food is not provided in Laos jails. In addition, the penalty for missing curfew by a half hour is $500 USD, missing curfew by an hour is the death penalty. It is a serious offense here to brea curfew. The police slash military don't look older than 20 with machine guns and camo wear as we were walking back to the hotel.
I'm tired of markets and deep fried food.
AFN
Thailand to Laos
Travel - Chiang Rai, Thailand to Prabang, Laos (Feb 2)
For a 5 am start time, the bus ride was super quiet to the Thailand-Laos border three hours away. In the last half hour of the ride I learned that:
- Thailand means the Land of the Free
- Thailand is the former Siam
- First Siamese twins were born in Thailand and discovered by an English trader who then profited from showing them all over the world - 1800s
- There are over 1000 direct descendants exist of the first world known Siamese twins in the USA (Ing and Chang)
- Thailand is 80 million people
- Laos is 9 million people
- Laos is the Kingdom if Thousand Elephants
- Laos shares the Mekong river with China, Cambodia and Vietnam
- Mekong river is the worlds 10th largest river and the 2nd most diverse
- Laos is the most bombed country in the world in history
- Over 260 million bombs were dropped between 1975-1985
- Roughly 70 million bombs are unexploded in the country
- Cluster bombs are the most common unexplored bombs
- That means for every person in Laos there is 11 bombs
We hit the check out point of Thailand bright and early with no issues. You have to check in and out of each of these Asian countries which is a hassle. From that, we all jumped in water taxis to the opposing side of the Mekong river. This river is a natural border between Thailand and Laos for 30 odd km. Once at the Laos border immigration point, chaos hit us. They legitimately changed the entrance forms that morning and policy. So our entire group of 31 had filled out invalid paperwork. The lines were unorganized and no one knew what was going on. After the four hour wait at the Laos check in point, in tuk tuk we drive through the landing spot to our private boat.
The boat cruise on the Mekong river is stunning. For 7 hours, I saw the most amazing country side and sites in the world. Tanning weather helped the enjoyment factor. A traditional laos lunch was served on the boat. I much prefer Laos food to Thai food.
The boat stopped in Prabang. I ate shit going up the hill from the river. I mis-stepped and literally slide on my stomach down a 100 m hill in mud. Traditional dinner at a family homewas wonderful drenched in dried mud. I've just showered and it feels fantastic. Mud is horrific to have to sit in.
This town has a 9 pm curfew, so everyone is in their rooms being quiet and probably sleeping. I need more sleep and better food. Looking forward to Laos.
AFN
For a 5 am start time, the bus ride was super quiet to the Thailand-Laos border three hours away. In the last half hour of the ride I learned that:
- Thailand means the Land of the Free
- Thailand is the former Siam
- First Siamese twins were born in Thailand and discovered by an English trader who then profited from showing them all over the world - 1800s
- There are over 1000 direct descendants exist of the first world known Siamese twins in the USA (Ing and Chang)
- Thailand is 80 million people
- Laos is 9 million people
- Laos is the Kingdom if Thousand Elephants
- Laos shares the Mekong river with China, Cambodia and Vietnam
- Mekong river is the worlds 10th largest river and the 2nd most diverse
- Laos is the most bombed country in the world in history
- Over 260 million bombs were dropped between 1975-1985
- Roughly 70 million bombs are unexploded in the country
- Cluster bombs are the most common unexplored bombs
- That means for every person in Laos there is 11 bombs
We hit the check out point of Thailand bright and early with no issues. You have to check in and out of each of these Asian countries which is a hassle. From that, we all jumped in water taxis to the opposing side of the Mekong river. This river is a natural border between Thailand and Laos for 30 odd km. Once at the Laos border immigration point, chaos hit us. They legitimately changed the entrance forms that morning and policy. So our entire group of 31 had filled out invalid paperwork. The lines were unorganized and no one knew what was going on. After the four hour wait at the Laos check in point, in tuk tuk we drive through the landing spot to our private boat.
The boat cruise on the Mekong river is stunning. For 7 hours, I saw the most amazing country side and sites in the world. Tanning weather helped the enjoyment factor. A traditional laos lunch was served on the boat. I much prefer Laos food to Thai food.
The boat stopped in Prabang. I ate shit going up the hill from the river. I mis-stepped and literally slide on my stomach down a 100 m hill in mud. Traditional dinner at a family homewas wonderful drenched in dried mud. I've just showered and it feels fantastic. Mud is horrific to have to sit in.
This town has a 9 pm curfew, so everyone is in their rooms being quiet and probably sleeping. I need more sleep and better food. Looking forward to Laos.
AFN
Chiangmai, Thailand
Travel - Chang Mai, Thailand
I actually slept a full six and a half hours on the train last night. We arrived in Chang Mai in northern Bangkok at 9 am this morning. Getting off of the train was a process with thirty one 19-35 year olds. Backpacks and suitcases are split 50/50 but the backpackers are doing much better through the travel. The air is much much fresher than in Bangkok and has a little more evident wealth. I'm not saying like middle class but it's less smog, more organized, working class people in the city.
The hotel breakfast was amazing. It had actual peanut butter and corn flakes and non-instant coffee. Delicious by Asian standards. After breakfast we all headed to the rooftop pool and gym for a couple of hours. Tanning is hilarious with 70 SPF on. Everyone is burnt but it's not necessarily sunny out due to the smog. It has been about 30+ C all week so far.
After pool time, the tour headed off to the Tiger Kingdom. I got to play and takeictures with 2-5 month, 5-8 months, and 1-2 year old tigers. they are absolutely adorable. This one was significantly better than the one in Bangkok. Those tigers were under heavy anestetic. Today's tigers were playful and adventurous. I actually had a 2 year old tiger jump on my lap out of the blue. All 200 pounds of tiger on me was a littler squashy but totally awesome. Newborn cubs had just been born and are adorable. It made me want a tiger so badly.
This evening was filled by a Thai cooking class. The chef gave us a lesson on how to pick veggies, eggs, rice, sticky v normal rice, and how to pick meat in a market setting. Then he gave us free range over the market to get our own ingredients for tonight's dinner. He was much like Mexican Oscar. Loaded up with our goodies, we headed to a gated neighborhood to this cooking school with professional grade kitchens for each of us. He would tech us how to prepare each course then we would go do then eat that round. I made Pad Thai, Stir fry chicken with cashew, home made ginger sauce, mango sticky rice, and green curry tofu. All from scratch - no prepare anything, all raw ingredients. I have a recipe book for everything I cooked plus a few other authentic Thai foods. I enjoyed the mango rice significantly. The ginger stir fry was delicious. I'm not a Pad Thai or curry person.
Late tonight, we went to the night markets. It takes the quiet city and turns it rambunctious. A few of us went down to the muay Thai fights. These kids just whail on each other. It poured torrential downpour on everyone. Sopping everything/one was awesome to be wet and hot. Great experience to go see it.
AFN
I actually slept a full six and a half hours on the train last night. We arrived in Chang Mai in northern Bangkok at 9 am this morning. Getting off of the train was a process with thirty one 19-35 year olds. Backpacks and suitcases are split 50/50 but the backpackers are doing much better through the travel. The air is much much fresher than in Bangkok and has a little more evident wealth. I'm not saying like middle class but it's less smog, more organized, working class people in the city.
The hotel breakfast was amazing. It had actual peanut butter and corn flakes and non-instant coffee. Delicious by Asian standards. After breakfast we all headed to the rooftop pool and gym for a couple of hours. Tanning is hilarious with 70 SPF on. Everyone is burnt but it's not necessarily sunny out due to the smog. It has been about 30+ C all week so far.
After pool time, the tour headed off to the Tiger Kingdom. I got to play and takeictures with 2-5 month, 5-8 months, and 1-2 year old tigers. they are absolutely adorable. This one was significantly better than the one in Bangkok. Those tigers were under heavy anestetic. Today's tigers were playful and adventurous. I actually had a 2 year old tiger jump on my lap out of the blue. All 200 pounds of tiger on me was a littler squashy but totally awesome. Newborn cubs had just been born and are adorable. It made me want a tiger so badly.
This evening was filled by a Thai cooking class. The chef gave us a lesson on how to pick veggies, eggs, rice, sticky v normal rice, and how to pick meat in a market setting. Then he gave us free range over the market to get our own ingredients for tonight's dinner. He was much like Mexican Oscar. Loaded up with our goodies, we headed to a gated neighborhood to this cooking school with professional grade kitchens for each of us. He would tech us how to prepare each course then we would go do then eat that round. I made Pad Thai, Stir fry chicken with cashew, home made ginger sauce, mango sticky rice, and green curry tofu. All from scratch - no prepare anything, all raw ingredients. I have a recipe book for everything I cooked plus a few other authentic Thai foods. I enjoyed the mango rice significantly. The ginger stir fry was delicious. I'm not a Pad Thai or curry person.
Late tonight, we went to the night markets. It takes the quiet city and turns it rambunctious. A few of us went down to the muay Thai fights. These kids just whail on each other. It poured torrential downpour on everyone. Sopping everything/one was awesome to be wet and hot. Great experience to go see it.
AFN
More Bangkok
Travel - Bangkok (Jan 30)
Hey y'all,
Last night I had a fellow contiki mate knock on my door to ask me to go to the Ping Pong show with the rest of the group. I said yes and off we ventured into Bangkok night life. The show was interesting and horrifying. It's a Thai sex show. Girls stuffed razors, fish, four meter long strings, darts, cigars, blew out candles, and popped ping pong balls out their hoohahs. Good way to understand why Bangkok is the sex trade capital of the world. it's not prevalent at all during the day in the city. At night it's hidden pretty well within the main streets.
Today we woke up at 7 to do a hotel breakfast then head out to see the Grand Palace. It's a humid rainy day for once. We walked to a public boat which took us to the palace. It's stunning architecture all of which was done by hand. It took them five years to build the palace which is super intricate and gold leaf extravagant. The Emerald Buddha is located within this palace. It's thailands most famous statue. It's honestly not not as impressive as they make it out to be. Its about 4 feet tall in a golden boat which is about 40 feet high and fine detailed. We had a Thai tour guide who spoke English but was hard to understand. The history got lost in translation.
The palace was followed by a boat tour of the Bangkok canals. Tons of military police boats all down the canal. The river is super muddy and gross brown colored. We fed cat fish bread which was strange entertainment. The boat ride wasn't as pleasant due to the rain. Plus the tour guide sucked at not screaming into the mike.
The afternoon was sunny and not humid. The humidity is killing me. 100% humidity can go die. I ate at a vegetarian place with Claire, Kim, and Bree. The afternoon was filled with massages and relaxing. Nice way to just be calm and keep on.
We then took the bus to the train station. We've now boarded the train to Chang Mai which is a 16 hour train ride. The train stops consistently and is rocky and totally uncomfortable. We are only in Nakhon Sawah. It's only 1030 pm here and the train doesn't stop until 8 or 12 tomorrow morning.
People are starting to join cliques which is going to be interesting. I'm going to try and sleep now.
AFN
Hey y'all,
Last night I had a fellow contiki mate knock on my door to ask me to go to the Ping Pong show with the rest of the group. I said yes and off we ventured into Bangkok night life. The show was interesting and horrifying. It's a Thai sex show. Girls stuffed razors, fish, four meter long strings, darts, cigars, blew out candles, and popped ping pong balls out their hoohahs. Good way to understand why Bangkok is the sex trade capital of the world. it's not prevalent at all during the day in the city. At night it's hidden pretty well within the main streets.
Today we woke up at 7 to do a hotel breakfast then head out to see the Grand Palace. It's a humid rainy day for once. We walked to a public boat which took us to the palace. It's stunning architecture all of which was done by hand. It took them five years to build the palace which is super intricate and gold leaf extravagant. The Emerald Buddha is located within this palace. It's thailands most famous statue. It's honestly not not as impressive as they make it out to be. Its about 4 feet tall in a golden boat which is about 40 feet high and fine detailed. We had a Thai tour guide who spoke English but was hard to understand. The history got lost in translation.
The palace was followed by a boat tour of the Bangkok canals. Tons of military police boats all down the canal. The river is super muddy and gross brown colored. We fed cat fish bread which was strange entertainment. The boat ride wasn't as pleasant due to the rain. Plus the tour guide sucked at not screaming into the mike.
The afternoon was sunny and not humid. The humidity is killing me. 100% humidity can go die. I ate at a vegetarian place with Claire, Kim, and Bree. The afternoon was filled with massages and relaxing. Nice way to just be calm and keep on.
We then took the bus to the train station. We've now boarded the train to Chang Mai which is a 16 hour train ride. The train stops consistently and is rocky and totally uncomfortable. We are only in Nakhon Sawah. It's only 1030 pm here and the train doesn't stop until 8 or 12 tomorrow morning.
People are starting to join cliques which is going to be interesting. I'm going to try and sleep now.
AFN
Bangkok, Thailand
Travel - Bangkok (Jan 29)
The Beijing airport is super boring. The executive lounge for Air China just has drinks and leather couches. It's the largest airport I've been in yet. Terminals are very spaced out and in bad Chinese to English translations for directions. I ended up sleeping the entire plane ride from before landing to landing in Bangkok.
Last night upon arrival in Bangkok, I walked all the way through the Bangkok airport to baggage claim and immigration. Met a very interesting character in the line for immigration. He came to Thailand to teach kids English for the next four months. Honestly, the program itself sounds amazing but totally not up my alley. He made the journey to Thailad all the way from Iceland.
Got my luggage and proceeded to lie in bed fully awake for a full three hours before hopping in a taxi at 5 am to go to the Viengtai hotel in Bangkok. The hotel was a 50 minute drive from the airport. Bangkok is not a pretty city. It's very crammed and short. The hotel that contiki has arranged is in one of the "safe" parts of Bangkok according to my taxi driver.
This is where my contiki tour started. While attempting to check in, I met up with Bree, Luke, London, Brittany, Cloe, and Justin to go on a day tour to the Tiger Temple and back. The day started out with breakfast at the hotel of cornflakes and coffee.
The tour first took us to the Kachanaburi War Cemetary which was pretty but honestly boring. Good to stretch the legs out after the hour drive through Bangkok and north. Followed by another hour and a half on the bus to the river Kwai. Stunning views and a neat walk across the bridge and back. You could see cigarette boats running up and down the river. I'd estimate it's double the size of the bow width wise. Then we proceeded to look through a market. I found at flea markets are exactly that all over the world.
The tour then took the train to Trankennung. On the ride there, I saw rice fields, red dirt, skinny cows, mountains, tapioca plants, and farmers. The landscape is quite similar to Hawaii but less lush. in addition, we crossed over Death Bridge. Named as such for its extreme heights on wooden stills and how dangerous that section was to build. Breath taking views from below and the sides which photos will be posted later. After the three hour train ride, we stopped on a floating restaurant for lunch. I had steamed chicken, rice, and sprite. Food sucks here. It's all horrible and inedible.
After lunch, we went to the Tiger Temple which is another hour drive into the bush. I got to pet tigers, play with a cub, take a teen tiger for a walk, and have a tiger decide to sleep on my lap. There are some amazing photos from here. The best is I am petting a tigers head and it decided to yawn but I look petrified that it's moving to do something else. Tigers are adorable as cubs and I'm certain that these tigers were drugged to remain so calm.
A three and a half hour drive back to Bangkok in a bus resulted in a whole lot of frustration. Traffic in Thailand is insane. No one follows rules of road, uses signal lights, drives in one lane, and seems to forget that the shoulder isn't a lane. Our bus driver almost took out a Civic. While filling up with petrol the bus driver had everyone get off the bus. Fun fact of the day: Thailand is know for buses exploding while filling gas. In the last three months two buses have blown up due to filling with petrol.
Once we arrived safely back at our hotel, I met up with the rest of the group and went to dinner. I had shakiest and water for dinner. Nothing looked appetizing nor safe for dinner. Everyone seems pretty legit and awesome so far in this trip. There are a couple beauties of people.
I have proceeded to get in bed early, pack up everything, and pack my overnight bag for tomorrow.
AFN
The Beijing airport is super boring. The executive lounge for Air China just has drinks and leather couches. It's the largest airport I've been in yet. Terminals are very spaced out and in bad Chinese to English translations for directions. I ended up sleeping the entire plane ride from before landing to landing in Bangkok.
Last night upon arrival in Bangkok, I walked all the way through the Bangkok airport to baggage claim and immigration. Met a very interesting character in the line for immigration. He came to Thailand to teach kids English for the next four months. Honestly, the program itself sounds amazing but totally not up my alley. He made the journey to Thailad all the way from Iceland.
Got my luggage and proceeded to lie in bed fully awake for a full three hours before hopping in a taxi at 5 am to go to the Viengtai hotel in Bangkok. The hotel was a 50 minute drive from the airport. Bangkok is not a pretty city. It's very crammed and short. The hotel that contiki has arranged is in one of the "safe" parts of Bangkok according to my taxi driver.
This is where my contiki tour started. While attempting to check in, I met up with Bree, Luke, London, Brittany, Cloe, and Justin to go on a day tour to the Tiger Temple and back. The day started out with breakfast at the hotel of cornflakes and coffee.
The tour first took us to the Kachanaburi War Cemetary which was pretty but honestly boring. Good to stretch the legs out after the hour drive through Bangkok and north. Followed by another hour and a half on the bus to the river Kwai. Stunning views and a neat walk across the bridge and back. You could see cigarette boats running up and down the river. I'd estimate it's double the size of the bow width wise. Then we proceeded to look through a market. I found at flea markets are exactly that all over the world.
The tour then took the train to Trankennung. On the ride there, I saw rice fields, red dirt, skinny cows, mountains, tapioca plants, and farmers. The landscape is quite similar to Hawaii but less lush. in addition, we crossed over Death Bridge. Named as such for its extreme heights on wooden stills and how dangerous that section was to build. Breath taking views from below and the sides which photos will be posted later. After the three hour train ride, we stopped on a floating restaurant for lunch. I had steamed chicken, rice, and sprite. Food sucks here. It's all horrible and inedible.
After lunch, we went to the Tiger Temple which is another hour drive into the bush. I got to pet tigers, play with a cub, take a teen tiger for a walk, and have a tiger decide to sleep on my lap. There are some amazing photos from here. The best is I am petting a tigers head and it decided to yawn but I look petrified that it's moving to do something else. Tigers are adorable as cubs and I'm certain that these tigers were drugged to remain so calm.
A three and a half hour drive back to Bangkok in a bus resulted in a whole lot of frustration. Traffic in Thailand is insane. No one follows rules of road, uses signal lights, drives in one lane, and seems to forget that the shoulder isn't a lane. Our bus driver almost took out a Civic. While filling up with petrol the bus driver had everyone get off the bus. Fun fact of the day: Thailand is know for buses exploding while filling gas. In the last three months two buses have blown up due to filling with petrol.
Once we arrived safely back at our hotel, I met up with the rest of the group and went to dinner. I had shakiest and water for dinner. Nothing looked appetizing nor safe for dinner. Everyone seems pretty legit and awesome so far in this trip. There are a couple beauties of people.
I have proceeded to get in bed early, pack up everything, and pack my overnight bag for tomorrow.
AFN
Beijing travel is horrifying alone
Another update from the Beijing plane. I'm still just as bored out of my mind. I've seen most of Russia's outlands from the plane. Looks like a ad snow day permanently. Currently flying over some part of China. It's very straight cut into neat plot lines of I'm assuming rice fields. There is a magnificent river which the plane has been following for a while. Honestly, there is not a misshaped or non-square plot of land here.
I've officially been on a plane for 11 hours and 9 minutes. I've seen six movies and read five books and colored. I'm done with travel and my day is only half over. This plane is freezing most because of the winter conditions outside.
I've now filled out my Chinese landing form and colored from the complimentary coloring book the stewardesses gave me a couple hours ago. Of course all within the lines and perfect complimentary colors. I left the country not my OCD tendencies.
If anyone is looking for a good movie, watch the movie Abduction with Taylor Lautner. It's entertaining and dynamic. The plot is based on a grown up abducted child who discovers he came from an assassin family. A Dolphin's Tale is cute and adorable but the plot line is iffy at best and based on a true story. Arthur is a very cute movie. The ending is horribly sad but is a feel good film overall. Puss in Boots in no where the awesomeness of Shrek. It was a complete waste of time even on a plane. Drive was okay Ryan Gosling is always a treat to see in a movie.
AFN
I've officially been on a plane for 11 hours and 9 minutes. I've seen six movies and read five books and colored. I'm done with travel and my day is only half over. This plane is freezing most because of the winter conditions outside.
I've now filled out my Chinese landing form and colored from the complimentary coloring book the stewardesses gave me a couple hours ago. Of course all within the lines and perfect complimentary colors. I left the country not my OCD tendencies.
If anyone is looking for a good movie, watch the movie Abduction with Taylor Lautner. It's entertaining and dynamic. The plot is based on a grown up abducted child who discovers he came from an assassin family. A Dolphin's Tale is cute and adorable but the plot line is iffy at best and based on a true story. Arthur is a very cute movie. The ending is horribly sad but is a feel good film overall. Puss in Boots in no where the awesomeness of Shrek. It was a complete waste of time even on a plane. Drive was okay Ryan Gosling is always a treat to see in a movie.
AFN
Vancouver to Beijing
The travels started out with a 530 am wake up. I passed out as soon as I boarded the flight to Vancouver. Slept until the flight attendant woke me up once the plane had landed. I proceeded to go to the executive lounge and sleep for another 3 hours in a chair. My neck is going to kill me for all of this horrendous sleeping positions. In Vancouver they now do calls for boarding and people in English and Chinese. Most of the Air Canada international flights are to Chinese destinations anyways.
Traveling alone is the worst. No one to talk to on the long flights aka my flight to Beijing, China. I am in roughly hour four of this fifteen and half hour flight. I've watched Footloose and a Dolphin's Tale and read two glorious romance trash novels. I've talked to flight attendants who aren't chatty and to both of my neighbors. I'm running out of this to keep me entertained.
A girl from my Contiki tour met up with me in Vancouver at 1100 am. Cloe just graduated from UBCO in Kinesiology. She is from Kelowna and has the same flight plan as I do. Van - Beijing - Bangkok. However her Beijing flight left 10 minutes after mine via Air Canada as well. Would have been nice to talk to someone on this god forsaken flight. The next flight Cloe is on my flight which will be nice to not have to be alone through the 6 hour layover then the 5 hour and 23 minute flight.
Currently, I am flying over Russia which is endless snow for the last hour and a bit. I have yet to see a town or village appear amongst the whiteness. You can see tributaries and rivers that have been drenched in snow in the land. I've decided I want to go see Russia some day.
I'll update again when I land in Beijing which should be interesting.
AFN
Traveling alone is the worst. No one to talk to on the long flights aka my flight to Beijing, China. I am in roughly hour four of this fifteen and half hour flight. I've watched Footloose and a Dolphin's Tale and read two glorious romance trash novels. I've talked to flight attendants who aren't chatty and to both of my neighbors. I'm running out of this to keep me entertained.
A girl from my Contiki tour met up with me in Vancouver at 1100 am. Cloe just graduated from UBCO in Kinesiology. She is from Kelowna and has the same flight plan as I do. Van - Beijing - Bangkok. However her Beijing flight left 10 minutes after mine via Air Canada as well. Would have been nice to talk to someone on this god forsaken flight. The next flight Cloe is on my flight which will be nice to not have to be alone through the 6 hour layover then the 5 hour and 23 minute flight.
Currently, I am flying over Russia which is endless snow for the last hour and a bit. I have yet to see a town or village appear amongst the whiteness. You can see tributaries and rivers that have been drenched in snow in the land. I've decided I want to go see Russia some day.
I'll update again when I land in Beijing which should be interesting.
AFN
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