Teachers for Vietnam @ Can Tho!



Well I'm in Singapore! Who knows why I make the decisions I do. But I'm here! This country is amazing. The city is SO clean and beautiful. But so so so expensive. It's ridiculous. I've overstayed my welcome, but going to stay one more day and fly back to Vietnam for NYE. I miss it. I keep seeing things that remind me of Vietnam and I get all nostalgic and I think, I'm so lucky I'm going back! I'm going to be miserable when I return. I actually am sort of afraid to go home. I've changed a lot and I'm only halfway through this experience! My closest friends have kept up with my and my crazy thoughts, but I know for sure things won't be the same when I get back. I'm not the same person so I intend on moving somewhere where I don't have to fall into the same traps. I read this book called Buddha or Bust... I highly recommend it if you are at all interested in Buddhism, or just reading an interesting book. A journalist went on a trip around the world to follow Buddhism and how it became what it is today, and how it spread across the world. Anyway there were two things I wanted to share. One was this quote about exactly how I feel. He was talking about his own travels and he said,

"As nervous as I was about taking off on this journey, I was getting equally nervous about the prospect of its end... it meant that the magic dust would wear off, that I would be drowning in receipts & financial problems, back problems, and relationship problems. Once the trip was over I worried that I would fall into the same old rut I'd been in before." A little bit more dramatic then I would have put it, but I could have written that. We even have the same specific problems haha. Anyway, I'm not overwhelmed with these thoughts yet, but I know that I will be.

Another good quote from a not worth mentioning book was "The ocean a blank slate, as today becomes yesterday and we cross into tomorrow. It's the closest I'll get to time travel. I like the idea of going into the future and am already lamenting my imminent return to the past."

Anyway, I digress. Buddha or Bust had another great part that I actually coppied down because I wanted to share with you all. It was written by a Jewish / Buddhist / Comic. His name is Wes Nisker. In a stand up show he presented his idea of Zen Socialism - "letting go together" for all literal purposes. Anyway, I thought it was completely brilliant and if I were president.. well,

"The first step would be for the US to resign as a super power. As an ordinary nation, we would redirect our $500 billion a year defense budget to build the greatest education and health systems in the world. To ease the transition I'd introduce a plan, not unlike the New Deal, called the New Age Deal, or the Great Leap Backward. I would establish a US Department of Meditation & Therapy, with deprogramming centers to teach hyperactive people to become less productive members of a less productive society. Then we'd put them to work on disassembling lines shoveling metal back into the ground and deconstructing highways. We'd invite third world countries to send volunteers to teach us how to live with less and how to take siestas. Then we would do what we do best: entertain. We'd invite everyone to witness the worlds 1st international decline and fall at a theme park called Formally Great America. The downhill rides would be spectacular."

I'm not really sure how to follow that, so I'll just change the subject. I would also recommend theh book Dry by Augusten Burroughs. It its very similar to A Million Little Pieces, but a very real book, and a quick read. He also wrote Running with Siccors, which was just as good, if you haven't read that yet. Unfortunately out of all of the books I've read those are the only two I want to recommend. I will admit, however, that I have a book buying problem and I have about ten in my backpack right now. So hopefully at least one of those will be worth sharing again. I also read The Unbearable Lightness of Being, which was perhaps too intense for me at the moment, but it is one of those books that will mean something different to you every time you read it, which I love about a book. So if you're into it, you should also read that one.

And as if I don't have enough quotes in this one particular blog (what do you call one blog - one message? I don't know the correct term) I found another one, also from Buddha or Bust (author: Perry Garfinkel) that restates what I'm doing here on the other side of the world.

"That pilgrammage was about discovering the road, about fathoming the scope of the world and the billions of lives lived every day somewhere without me knowing about them"

I love it when an author is inside of my head. I just started reading Revolutionary Road (which is apparently a new movie) so don't tell me what you thought about the movie before I'm done reading. I also read Twilight- I gave in 1) because i was at a book exchange and it was the only tempting offer and 2) because i never game in to Harry Potter, or anything other trilogy or whatever for anything and a few people really don't understand why I haven't. So I gave in - and I was thoroughly disappointed. I really wanted to be hooked - keep going back for me. But it really didn't do anything for me. Anyway Sarah and I went to see it in Bangkok, and I just really didn't like the movie either. And I don't get this whole Edward Cullen phenom - he's not that good looking! So, I tried, but sorry I'm not going to get on that bandwagon.

A new obsession: this song. I heard about all of this a while ago, but one of my students did a presentation on this and I love this song. The lyrics are pretty powerful. And of course the whole "Free Hugs Campaign" was really great, too. I want one of those shirts.

Happy Holidays! Next time I write I'll be HOME in Can Tho :-)

A woman squeezes herself into a transparent suitcase to raise awareness of human trafficking and mark the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.



Thanks to Marisa for sending that to me. I will never have the balls to do something like that. But thank god someone does. It sure does make you think. On lighter, related news, I may have an internship with the Asia Foundation working with a group of woman to prevent them from becoming victims of trafficking. More info to come..

Jessie just put up a new song on her blog, listen to it. I keep playing it on repeat. I love her. For so many reasons. One being she is an amazing friend, but mostly though, I admire her for being able to say whatever is on her mind. Why can't I ever do that? She also gets the point across, in a way that a lot of people don't have the guts to. You never have to guess with her, you don't have to be afraid to be yourself around her, and she won't put up with your bullshit. She also will take you shopping to make you feel better haha. Just a little ode to her, I'm missing my best friends today.

Also, thanks to Jo for finding me a job when I get back.

I'm currently in Kuala Lumpur, leaving tomorrow to go somewhere else in Malaysia (to be determined tonight, as I read my lonely planet to help me fall asleep these days..) and then I've decided to go to Singapore, then HOME. To Can Tho that is. I don't have money to keep going, and since Singapore is the most expensive, I figure that will be a good place to stop. I have so much to say about everything. When I walk around all day, random thoughts pop into my head, which I sometimes stop to jot down in my journal, but whenever I come online I don't know how to share everything with you guys. Maybe that will get easier once I'm stationed again. I miss having a home base. I don't know how people do this for a year at a time. Although I guess if I had the funds, I would enjoy it a lot more. Anyway, sorry I've been lame with country updates, I just don't have the energy to type it all up yet. I can tell you though, that I LOVE Malaysia. Possible even more than Thailand.. although I've only been to one city so I can't make any rash decisions yet. It is an amazing place though, I can't wait to put my pictures up and share some stories with you guys (if I can get to that..)

I am just missing people right now. My friends are really great, and I'm looking forward to a few packages when I get back to Can Tho, which is really exciting. There are people who keep letting me down though, and I wish that wasn't true. I've dealt with all of the bs I left behind, and I'm generally in a really great place, which is a huge part of the reason I left, so I'm really happy about all of that. But I guess some people will never change, which is just something I have to accept. And other people have just fallen off the map completely, which I guess I also have to accept, since I'm the one who chose to move halfway across the world. I'm just tired of being let down by people, but I suppose thats a part of this whole learning process.

Anyway, other then that rant, everything is good. I probably miss you, but I'll catch up to everyone once I get back, I promise! This is one of my favorite things ever:

Well finally taking the time to put up some pictures and write some things down! I'm currently in Krabi, Thailand. On a beautiful island. I'm impossibly tan, and not upset about that at all. This trip has been unbelievable! There have been multiple moments where I have stopped to consider whether or not this is really happening.. but alas, it is.

Final thoughts on Cambodia: I spent ten days there, and it was more then enough. Don't get me wrong, it was absolutely amazing, and like everything else I've done, has opened my eyes up to more then I thought was possible. Look at all the pictures I put up, it really was beautiful, in a way that only a third world country can be. You can see how hard it has been in the past three decades to move on from war and try to make lives for themselves. The countryside is beautiful, but there is a sense of sadness everywhere I went. That being said, the entire country is one big tourist trap. I feel bad saying that, because I assume that is where most of their money comes from, but its unbelievable. They use USD there, which completely threw me off, but they constantly try to rip you off. The thing is, they can, because there are people that will give thema ridiculous amount of money because it means more to them.. but after my time there I was DONE bargaining and just was itching to get to Thailand. Overall, it is an amazing place, filled with history, but as I was following many of the tours I felt like I was at an amusement park, following the crowds and taking pictures of all of the same things over and over again. The killing fields and the genocide museum really hit home, don't take the pictures lightly because I actually felt a little sick and left before I was done looking at everything. Of course, I already wrote how Sihanoukville was amazing, but then Siem Reap was very much a tourist trap, and I was glad to head to Bangkok.

I had slight reverse culture chock when I got Bangkok. First of all, I met Marisa's friend Sarah, who was awesome and spent the better part of two weeks with her. She is doing were Co-op there, so it was nice to see a different part of Bangkok then the normal tourists see. The city is HUGE, bigger than NYC, and screaming all things western, but still contains the quickiness of Asia, and the fabulous Ladyboys. It was like a western city, and I did have a little trouble adjusting. But after a slight panic attack (that may have been fueled by Starbucks, as opposed to the Nescafe I usually drink) I eventually got the hang of taking the Sky Tran (above ground subway) and finding my way around the city. Sarah and I spent a night out trying to decide whether the topless dancers for girls or guys (we had no choice, there was nothing else to do) and I also spent some time feeding an elephant, which you should have already seen the pictures of. It was great to spend time wit Sarah, we shared stories of NU friends, stupid college things we've done, or that our friends have done, and it was nice to be around someone who was on the same page as me. After a few fabulous days in Bangkok we took the overnight train to Phuket, an Island in Southern Thailand.

Since then we have been island hopping. We took a boat to Phi Phi Island and snorkeled near coral reefs, swam with fishes, etc. (this is all in the Adaman Sea) We also spent time on a few other islands such as Krabi, Ton Sai, Railay Beach, and tomorrow I leave for Ko Lanta. We also spent a day Kayacking through one of the islands caves and mangrove forests, where monkeys roamed free, and even jumped on out boat. Then (while I was TERRIFIED) he ate a piece of pinnapple off of my leg! So many exciting things are happening I can't even spend the time explaining them all. This traveling life is getting pretty ridiculous. I've already spent most of my money, although I have quite a bit of time left. The only thing to do besides laying all the beach all day (and the sun is freakishly strong, so you can't even do that) is swiming in the warm and very clear water, and then eating, drinking, and shopping. It's getting tiring.

That was a super brief update, but it took forever to put up pictures and I can't afford to stay on here any longer. My Thai Visa is up on the 21st, so I'll be continuing Island hoping until then. Then.. who knows. I'm thinking Malaysia.

Three photo albums are up! They are of Angkor Wat and Bangkok. I still have about 500 more, but you'll just have to be patient because I'm on the way TO THE BEACH. :)

Happy Human Rights Day!

(Click there)

It's been really bugging me that I didn't really finish my thoughts on the whole American/European rant. Although Doug wrote quite a good response, and you should read his comment. What I meant to really get into is the fact that Americans just don't seem to even consider it. It's straight to college, straight to work. And so many people don't even enjoy what they are doing, and have never had the chance to see what else is out there. You can say its the culture shock, but its the same for Europeans, but somehow they have the mindset that its OK to take time off. And it is! Boy have I engrained that into my head. I am backpacking through Southeast Asia by myself, but there are SO many other people doing it. It's really the easiest thing ever. And it's so cheap (once you get here..) It sure does add up quickly though.. But it is a good point that its easier to travel where you know someone. Fleeing to Vietnam by myself wasn't that appealing to many people, but it was a great decision! And now, you know ME, so I would appreciate some visitors...

I am now in Siem Reap, going to see Angkor Wat tomorrow (see the Cambodian flag if your not sure what that is!) I use to love the traveling part, trains, buses, I've done it all so many times, I love airports, etc. Something about it all excites me. But traveling here has turned me into bitch! Whenever you arrive to a destination you are BOMBARDED by moto drivers. They literally stand in your way so much so that you have to push through them to get off the bus and to find your luggage. All the while have them screaming in your ear "You want moto lady?" "You want tuk-tuk?" Over and over again.. Its annoying because yes, I do want a moto, but I don't know where I'm going, and Iwould like to take a few minutes to find my bag and pull myself together enough to figure out where the hell I am. They don't understand that much English, so I just put my head down and keep saying no until I can walk far enough away where I only have five guys harrasing me intead of twenty. Then of course, its the race to find a guesthouse. The drivers get a commision from certain guesthouses, so they work hard to convince you that is where you want to stay. Last night (in bitch mode) my driver brought me to a different part of town then I asked to go. I took out a map and said "NO. I asked to go HERE." The place was nice enough but it was in the middle of freaking no where. So I sat in my tuk-tuk and I said "Take me there now." He said "Okay, two dollar." "No- you said ONE dollar until I found a place." "Two" "One" "Okay lets go." This took a few minutes and drew quite a crowd, but he drove me into town and I only paid a dollar. Sometimes being a bitch pays off... I'm in the best place ever! I'm paying $8 a night (way out of my price range) but I have a confortable mattress in a real room. A tv, my own bathroom, WITH hot water. I was SO happy when I was settled last night. I took the longest shower and it was so fantastic. Then I had a great nights sleep. I would say I am the least high maintenence person I know, but for $8 a night, I deserve a ilttle luxury now and then.

Some thoughts on Asia -

Food. Still amazing, everywhere I go. I have tried all of the local Khmer dishes, including Amok and Luc Lok, but since I don't have this availability in Can Tho, I"ve also indulged in western things like omlettes and pizza and french fries. Sometimes you just need to. My favorite foods overall are fresh spring rolls (although fried are amazing too, I'm trying to stay away) and Fried Rice, of any variety.

Markets. I don't understand them. A positive - you can literally find anything at all you might ever want/need/wear/use... anything. But what a hassle!! Everything is piled on top of one another and the aisles are SO narrow and there are people everywhere yelling at you "You buy miss" "You buy from me now" "You want scarf" Etc. I usually end up buying things from the people who don't hassle me, because I like them better. Which brings me to the next thing I don't understand...

Bargaining. I just don't get it. They ask for $10, I say $5. From there it goes a little something like this... 9, no 5, 8, 5, 7, 5, 6- its my final offer. 5- its my final offer. okay 5. Seriously! You know you are going to agree with me, why are you wasting my time. Its the same for moto drivers. They say something and I say one. If they don't agree I just walk away, there is another moto every five seconds and someone will take my dollar. As soon as you walk away the guy pulls up beside you and says "Okay one dollar, get on" It's a ridiculous sytem. I definitely miss fixed pricing.

Bathrooms. For those of you who have the benefit of being able to pee standing up, congratulations. For everyone else, practicing the art of squatting is quite the experience. Not only this, but men pee everywhere. I can't even tell you the number of men I've seen peeing. Just right on the side of the road. MUST BE NICE. While you, the bus driver, can pull over at any moment you wish and hop off the bus and pee rightt here, and then get back on the road, we, the female riders, have to hold it in until we reach a rest stop. We also have to always carry around toilet paper with us. Which has become a part of the daily routine while getting ready in the morning. "Wallet, check. Money, check. Toilet paper,check." Also, hot water is a hot commodity. I haven't had it up until now, but when he told me for $1 I could have hot water I said, sure why not. The water heater is already in my bathroom, and the guy wont turn it on unless I give him an extra dollar a night. It certainly is nice though...

Anyway, I'll be here for a few days and then off to Bangkok! I've always always always wanted to go to Thailand and I am super excited for it! I think I'll post some pictures from there too, I have seen the most amazing sunsets that I really want to show you guys. Miss you!

I believe I've found heaven on earth.

But lets back up a bit.. I still have a lot to say on Thanksgiving and Cambodian history and the wonder of why no one ever taught me the history of southeast asia. I didn't learn a thing in any of my history classes, so I guess it wouldn't have made a difference, since I lived in America for 22 years and can't really tell you much about anything history related. One week in Cambodia and I'm a walking history book. But alas, I don't have time to write about it all. So do yourself a favor today and research the wonder that is Cambodia. You will not be disappointed.

I spent an extra day in PP because I got sick. This was interesting because I never got sick in Vietnam and I think I forgot that Iwas going to a different country and things might be a little different. Luckily it was only for the night, and I was with Sarah so I got to stay at her place, which was a MUCH better place to be sick at than my three-dollar-a-night-room-with-shared-bathroom guesthouse. So after lounging for a day, I took a $5 bus to Sihanoukville, which is what I am now calling heaven on earth. I'm paying $2 a night for a matress on a floor, right on the beach. It's amazing here. The white sand and light blue WARM water and hot, hot sun are exactly what I was looking for in a vacation. The sun is freakishly strong here and I'm a nice red/golden brown color. You can be jealous.

I spend my days lounging on the beach, swimming in the water, playing beach volleyball with a million Europeans, and generally having a great time. I spend my nights sitting on the beach and eating/drinking/chatting. I haven't even gone into town because I'm afraid this is all a mirage and if I leave the beach it will disappear. I met two Americans (finally) from NY.. one of them just graduted in May from Northeastern. SMALL WORLD huh. We can't think of anyone we know, except a professor, but how strange? Things never cease to amaze me.

I brought up the question of why aren't there more Americans out here on the backapckers road. There are europeans everywhere I turn. I can't put a finger on it, but I guess it's just the way we are raised? I've been to quite a few places all over America, some multiple times, but I imagine if you live in Europe it isn't out of the ordinary to travel to different countries. They are all in such close proximity I know everyone who studied abroad there took advantage of that. But if you think about it, a flight to London is approximately the same as a flight to Cali.. and I've been to Cali a handful of times, but never stepped foot in Europe. If someone can do research on this and get back to me I would greatly appreciate it.

Tomorrow I leave heaven on earth and go to Siem Reap, which will be amazing, and I'll explain all about it afterwards. As a whole, I have noticed that I am bias on Vietnam. I think of it as more then just a country I've been to, which I guess was the whole point in me living there in the first place. It is easy to see how Vietnam has moved on and pushed forward after the war, while it is taking Cambodia a bit longer get over the Khmer Rouge Regime.. but I can see development. But driving through the country I felt like I was in India (a feeling I do not know, since I have never been, but I kept thinking about it.) Much less developed then the parts of Vietnam that I've been to, a bit dirtier, overall not as "nice". But the sites are worth seeing, and this little unknown beach is worth moving here forever. Many travelers end up staying here for longer then expected, some start working at the bars, its not a bad idea. But alas, I have to meet Sarah in Bangkok and I'm looking forward to a travel companion, and more eautiful beaches. I also plan on doing more "beachy" things.. maybe a boat or snorkeling, as many things as I've never done before to cross of that list. I can't wait!

I'm getting even slower with the emails (sorry!) Its easy to get internet access.. but I just don't want to haha. Keep writing though, some of us have gotten into some good novels, and I love you for it. Stay warm. :)