tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53650492719898993312024-02-07T21:16:46.490-05:00Bocky in BusanThe story of my life as an ESL teacher in South Korea.Maddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10325031668451504483noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5365049271989899331.post-17570120831052559962010-05-05T08:41:00.006-04:002010-05-05T08:53:47.568-04:00Travels: Saigon & Mui Ne, VietnamVietnam was the country that I was the most excited for before we began our journey. Unfortunately, it was the biggest disappointment of our trip.<br />After the warm and friendly people of Cambodia and Laos we felt harassed and bullied by taxi drivers, street hawkers and hotel staff upon our arrival in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">HCMC</span> (Saigon).<br />The traffic in Saigon was crazy and overwhelming, but also really amazing (for the first hour anyways). Crossing the road there required you to just walk out into a sea of moving motorbikes, who just parted, and flowed around you. It was terrifying but also really cool.<br />We took a day trip to the Cu Chi tunnels, a place where communist soldiers lived during the war. It was shocking to hear all of the comments about "crazy devil evil Americans" or the communist fighters who won special awards for killing the most Americans. I quickly realized that we would only be getting one side of the story! Interestingly enough, the Southern Vietnamese who fought alongside the Americans were not mentioned.<br />After leaving Saigon we went to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mui</span> Ne, famed for it's beach and sand dunes. After a run-in with an extremely rude hotel/restaurant worker, we settled into a decent room and went out to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">erplore</span> the town. The beach was not great ... at all, but the sand dunes were awesome. We went on a tour to the Fairy Stream, a fishing village and the red sand dunes. Well worth the time, money and the trip to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mui</span> Ne.<br />From <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mui</span> Ne we took our first sleeper bus ... and that's when we really started to regret our decision to visit Vietnam.<br />To be continued ... I have a flight to catch!<br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">xoxo</span>Maddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10325031668451504483noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5365049271989899331.post-16647659951311669202010-05-05T08:34:00.002-04:002010-05-05T08:40:02.669-04:00Travels: Phnom Pehn, CambodiaAfter an amazing time in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Siem</span> Reap we went to Cambodia's capital, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Phnom</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Pehn</span>.<br />Bigger, louder, dirtier and more confusing than <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Siem</span> Reap, but still full of really lovely people.<br />We visited the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Tuol</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sleng</span> Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields. Both very upsetting, but informative and important to understanding Cambodia's recent history. They gave me a better understanding of the atrocities suffered, and of the amazing growth that has been made since the genocide occurred.<br />After 2 nights in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Phnom</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Pehn</span> we were ready for our next destination - Vietnam!Maddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10325031668451504483noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5365049271989899331.post-73597071068397014662010-04-25T00:47:00.002-04:002010-04-25T01:01:09.382-04:00Travels: Internet Issues<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Sometimes</span> I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">cannot</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">wait</span> to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">get</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">home</span> ... <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">for</span> the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">decent</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">internet</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">connection</span>!<br /><br />I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">have</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">tried</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">uploading</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">photos</span> to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">facebook</span>, blogger <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">and</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">emails</span> so <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">many</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">times</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">wasted</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">countless</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">hours</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">and</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">have</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">not</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">managed</span> to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">have</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">any</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">luck</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">doing</span> so in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">weeks</span>. I'm <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">getting</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">very</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">frustrated</span>.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Now</span>, I am in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Vietnam</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">and</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">Facebook</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">seems</span> to be <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">blocked</span>.<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">It</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">was</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">working</span> in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">Saigon</span>, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">southern</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">part</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">of</span> the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">country</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47">but</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48">now</span> in Mui Ne I am <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49">having</span> no <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50">luck</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_51">Even</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_52">proxy</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_53">sites</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_54">aren</span>'t <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_55">working</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_56">Very</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_57">frustrating</span>.<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_58">Any</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_59">tips</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_60">on</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_61">getting</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_62">around</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_63">this</span>?<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_64">Things</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_65">are</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_66">still</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_67">going</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_68">well</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_69">but</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_70">not</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_71">being</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_72">able</span> to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_73">stay</span> in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_74">touch</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_75">with</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_76">friends</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_77">and</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_78">family</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_79">is</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_80">very</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_81">frustrating</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_82">At</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_83">least</span> I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_84">have</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_85">more</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_86">time</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_87">for</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_88">blogging</span>...<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_89">On</span> the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_90">menu</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_91">for</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_92">today</span>: A <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_93">bus</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_94">ride</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_95">from</span> Mui Ne to Nha Trang (5 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_96">hours</span>) <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_97">and</span> then <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_98">immediately</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_99">get</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_100">on</span> a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_101">bus</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_102">from</span> Nha Trang to Hoi An (11 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_103">hours</span>). <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_104">It</span>'s <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_105">not</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_106">going</span> to be a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_107">fun</span> day!<br /><br />Oh- and my bug bite allergy has returned (it was suprisingly dormant in Laos and Cambodia). Usually my huge swollen bites only get bad around my ankles and lower legs, but I woke up last night realizing my biggest fear since I discovered this allergy to southeast asian mosquitos - facial bites!<br />Thats right, 2 big bites on the left side of my forehead, and one where my right eyebrow stops. They hurt, and I look like a monster. So far no pus, but they are soooo swollen. My corticosteriod cream + allergy meds regime isn't working. Cross your fingers for me.<br />The only positive? They are better than Botox - I've tried wrinkling my forehead, and no luck. Yay for the anti-aging properties of giagantic allergic reactions!<br />Clearly I am not a happy camper today.<br /><br />More updates from Hoi An ... I need to go ice my face.<br /><br />xoxo<br />MaddieMaddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10325031668451504483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5365049271989899331.post-60193370628330523242010-04-24T09:29:00.002-04:002010-04-24T09:49:12.940-04:00Travels: Siem Reap, Cambodia<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">We</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">left</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Southern</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Laos</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">bright</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">early</span> in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">morning</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">and</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">were</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">ferried</span> to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">mainland</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">After</span> an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">hour</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">and</span> a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">half</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">wait</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">for</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">our</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">bus</span> to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">show</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">up</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">we</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">boarded</span> to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">find</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">that</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">all</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">of</span> the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">large</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">reclining</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">seats</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">were</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">full</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">and</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">we</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">were</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">stuck</span> in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">small</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">seats</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">at</span> the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">back</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">of</span> the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">bus</span>.<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">We</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">quickly</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">arrived</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">at</span> the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">Laos</span>/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47">Cambodia</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48">border</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49">and</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50">were</span> in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_51">for</span> an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_52">interesting</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_53">experience</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_54">There</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_55">was</span> a "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_56">stamping</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_57">fee</span>", <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_58">and</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_59">fee</span> to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_60">pass</span> the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_61">health</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_62">check</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_63">and</span> an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_64">inflated</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_65">visa</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_66">processing</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_67">fee</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_68">After</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_69">being</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_70">scammed</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_71">and</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_72">ripped</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_73">off</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_74">for</span> an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_75">hour</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_76">we</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_77">were</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_78">back</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_79">on</span> the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_80">bus</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_81">on</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_82">our</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_83">way</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_84">into</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_85">Cambodia</span>.<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_86">We</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_87">were</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_88">supposed</span> to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_89">arrive</span> in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_90">Siem</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_91">Reap</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_92">at</span> 9<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_93">pm</span> .. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_94">making</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_95">it</span> a 13 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_96">hour</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_97">bus</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_98">ride</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_99">We</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_100">arrived</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_101">at</span> 1am. 17 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_102">hours</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_103">Worst</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_104">bus</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_105">ride</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_106">ever</span>!<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_107">We</span> then <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_108">set</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_109">out</span> to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_110">find</span> a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_111">room</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_112">checking</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_113">at</span> 4 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_114">guest</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_115">houses</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_116">before</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_117">finding</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_118">one</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_119">with</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_120">available</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_121">rooms</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_122">By</span> 2am <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_123">we</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_124">were</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_125">settled</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_126">and</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_127">ready</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_128">for</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_129">some</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_130">sleep</span>.<br /><br />The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_131">next</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_132">morning</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_133">we</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_134">woke</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_135">up</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_136">and</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_137">after</span> a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_138">nice</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_139">breakfast</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_140">decided</span> to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_141">head</span> to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_142">temples</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_143">of</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_144">Angkor</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_145">After</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_146">buying</span> the $40 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_147">pass</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_148">we</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_149">were</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_150">ready</span> to go!<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_151">On</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_152">our</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_153">first</span> day <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_154">we</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_155">saw</span> the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_156">complex</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_157">of</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_158">Angkor</span> Thom, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_159">and</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_160">we</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_161">very</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_162">impressed</span>.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_163">Our</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_164">second</span> day <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_165">included</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_166">sunrise</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_167">at</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_168">Angkor</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_169">Wat</span>, a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_170">midday</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_171">break</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_172">by</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_173">our</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_174">pool</span>, then Ta <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_175">Phrom</span> (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_176">filming</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_177">location</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_178">of</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_179">Tomb</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_180">Raider</span>) <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_181">and</span> a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_182">few</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_183">other</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_184">tmeples</span> in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_185">afternoon</span>.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_186">On</span> the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_187">third</span> day <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_188">we</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_189">made</span> the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_190">best</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_191">decision</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_192">of</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_193">our</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_194">trip</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_195">visiting</span> Beng <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_196">Mealea</span>, a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_197">temple</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_198">about</span> 75<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_199">km</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_200">from</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_201">Siem</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_202">Reap</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_203">It</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_204">was</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_205">described</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_206">as</span> the "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_207">big</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_208">sister</span>" to Ta <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_209">Phrom</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_210">and</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_211">it</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_212">did</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_213">not</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_214">disappoint</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_215">It</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_216">was</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_217">set</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_218">out</span> in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_219">jungle</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_220">and</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_221">was</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_222">totally</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_223">overgrown</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_224">with</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_225">trees</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_226">and</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_227">vines</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_228">and</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_229">falling</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_230">apart</span>. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_231">guide</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_232">led</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_233">us</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_234">through</span> the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_235">crumbling</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_236">ruins</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_237">and</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_238">it</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_239">was</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_240">actually</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_241">strenuous</span> to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_242">climb</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_243">over</span> the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_244">fallen</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_245">stones</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_246">It</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_247">was</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_248">one</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_249">of</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_250">my</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_251">favourite</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_252">parts</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_253">of</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_254">our</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_255">trip</span> so <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_256">far</span>. So so <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_257">cool</span>!<br /><br />The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_258">temples</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_259">near</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_260">Siem</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_261">Reap</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_262">were</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_263">incredible</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_264">and</span> I'd <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_265">love</span> to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_266">return</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_267">someday</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_268">Another</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_269">great</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_270">part</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_271">of</span> the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_272">city</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_273">is</span> the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_274">food</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_275">We</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_276">ate</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_277">really</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_278">well</span> in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_279">Siem</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_280">Reap</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_281">One</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_282">of</span> the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_283">really</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_284">cool</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_285">things</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_286">was</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_287">that</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_288">many</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_289">of</span> the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_290">restaurants</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_291">we</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_292">visited</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_293">were</span> in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_294">place</span> to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_295">fund</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_296">charities</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_297">for</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_298">disadvantaged</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_299">families</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_300">people</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_301">with</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_302">disabilities</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_303">and</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_304">children</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_305">involved</span> in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_306">street</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_307">begging</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_308">Good</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_309">food</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_310">and</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_311">good</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_312">causes</span> - a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_313">win</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_314">win</span>!Maddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10325031668451504483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5365049271989899331.post-90075840181230579802010-04-23T06:39:00.002-04:002010-04-23T06:58:53.417-04:00Travels: Southern Laos<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">We</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">decided</span> to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">spend</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">our</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">first</span> day in the Si <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Phan</span> Don (4000 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Island</span>) <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">area</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">of southern</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Laos</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">on</span> Don <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Khong</span>, the "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">city</span>" <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">island</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Lonely</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Planet</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">introduced</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">it</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">as</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">being</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">laid</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">back</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">That</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">is</span> the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">understatement</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">of</span> the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">year</span>.<br />The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">island</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">was</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">almost</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">too</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">quiet</span>. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">only</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">activity</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">was</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">sitting</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">at</span> a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">restaurant</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">and</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">enjoying</span> the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">gorgeous</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">view</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">We</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">decided</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">that</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">we</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">were</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47">looking</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48">for</span> a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49">bit</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50">more</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_51">adventure</span> so <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_52">decided</span> to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_53">rent</span> a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_54">motor</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_55">bike</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_56">for</span> the day. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_57">Luckily</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_58">George</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_59">had</span> a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_60">bike</span> in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_61">Korea</span>, so I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_62">trusted</span> him <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_63">on</span> the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_64">near</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_65">empty</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_66">roads</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_67">of</span> Don <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_68">Khong</span>!<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_69">We</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_70">drove</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_71">around</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_72">for</span> a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_73">few</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_74">hours</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_75">enjoying</span> the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_76">views</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_77">of</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_78">palm</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_79">trees</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_80">fields</span>, small villages, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_81">cows</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_82">and</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_83">water</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_84">buffalos</span>.<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_85">Unfortunately</span> I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_86">suffered</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_87">yet</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_88">another</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_89">accident</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_90">and</span> badly <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_91">burnt</span> the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_92">inside</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_93">of</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_94">my</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_95">calf</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_96">on</span> the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_97">boiling</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_98">hot</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_99">exhaust</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_100">pipe</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_101">when</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_102">getting</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_103">off</span> the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_104">bike</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_105">at</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_106">one</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_107">of</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_108">our</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_109">spots</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_110">It</span>'s <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_111">still</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_112">healing</span> - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_113">almost</span> 2 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_114">weeks</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_115">later</span>!<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_116">Upon</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_117">trying</span> to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_118">find</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_119">internet</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_120">we</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_121">ended</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_122">up</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_123">at</span> an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_124">internet</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_125">cafe</span> - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_126">which</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_127">turned</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_128">out</span> to be in a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_129">family</span>'s <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_130">living</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_131">room</span>.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_132">Finding</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_133">things</span> a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_134">little</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_135">too</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_136">relaxed</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_137">we</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_138">took</span> a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_139">boat</span> the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_140">next</span> day to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_141">more</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_142">lively</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_143">islands</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_144">of</span> Don D<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_145">et</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_146">and</span> Don <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_147">Khon</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_148">which</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_149">are</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_150">further</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_151">south</span>.<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_152">We</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_153">stayed</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_154">for</span> 3 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_155">nights</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_156">on</span> Don <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_157">Det</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_158">and</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_159">really</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_160">enjoyed</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_161">our</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_162">time</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_163">there</span>.<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_164">Although</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_165">it</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_166">was</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_167">also</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_168">quite</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_169">low</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_170">key</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_171">there</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_172">were</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_173">great</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_174">biking</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_175">trails</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_176">criss</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_177">crossing</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_178">both</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_179">islands</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_180">many</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_181">restaurants</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_182">and</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_183">convenience</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_184">stores</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_185">and</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_186">even</span> a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_187">few</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_188">internet</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_189">cafes</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_190">that</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_191">weren</span>'t in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_192">anyone</span>'s <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_193">living</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_194">room</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_195">Overall</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_196">just</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_197">more</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_198">convenient</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_199">for</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_200">tourists.</span><br /><br />In <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_201">our</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_202">time</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_203">there</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_204">we</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_205">rode</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_206">bikes</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_207">around</span> the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_208">islands</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_209">stopping</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_210">at</span> a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_211">waterfall</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_212">and</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_213">swimming</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_214">with</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_215">some</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_216">locals</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_217">sampled</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_218">some</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_219">good</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_220">food</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_221">sat</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_222">on</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_223">hammocks</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_224">drinking</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_225">Beer</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_226">Laos</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_227">and</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_228">floated</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_229">around</span> the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_230">islands</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_231">on</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_232">inner</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_233">tubes</span>.<br />I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_234">also</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_235">spent</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_236">some</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_237">time</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_238">nursing</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_239">my</span> 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_240">nd</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_241">degree</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_242">burn</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_243">from</span> the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_244">stupid</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_245">motorbike</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_246">By</span> day 2 the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_247">whole</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_248">area</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_249">turned</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_250">black</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_251">and</span> I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_252">had</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_253">some</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_254">nasty</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_255">scabbing</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_256">bistering</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_257">and</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_258">peeling</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_259">Attempts</span> to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_260">put</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_261">gauze</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_262">over</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_263">top</span> to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_264">protect</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_265">from</span> the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_266">dusty</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_267">streets</span> and bike chain <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_268">just</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_269">made</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_270">things</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_271">worse</span>!<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_272">We</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_273">finally</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_274">decided</span> to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_275">tear</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_276">ourselves</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_277">away</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_278">from</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_279">Southern</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_280">Laos</span> in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_281">order</span> to go to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_282">Cambodia, but it wasn't easy</span>.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_283">Our</span> 2 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_284">weeks</span> in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_285">Laos</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_286">were</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_287">amazing</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_288">much</span> in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_289">part</span> to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_290">warm</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_291">and</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_292">friendly</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_293">people</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_294">there</span>. I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_295">would</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_296">reccommend</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_297">it</span> to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_298">anyone</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_299">and</span> I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_300">would</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_301">love</span> to go <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_302">back</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_303">someday!</span>Maddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10325031668451504483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5365049271989899331.post-64500946892117612062010-04-21T06:56:00.002-04:002010-04-21T06:59:08.784-04:00UpdateI've been bad at keeping my blog up to date lately - sorry!<br /><br />Updates to come on Southern Laos and Cambodia soon.<br /><br />Tomorrow we head to Vietnam ... and apparently Facebook is blocked there - on no!<br /><br />Hopefully I'll be able to access Blogger ... but if not I'll be back at it by May 8th :)Maddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10325031668451504483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5365049271989899331.post-75677254072382765112010-04-17T21:44:00.002-04:002010-04-17T21:57:53.083-04:00Travels: VientianeVientiane is the capital city of Laos. Although it's beautiful, there isn't a whole lot to do!<br />We arrived with our friends Kailey and Ethan mid-day, and after finding all guesthouses to be dirty and overpriced, we decided to treat ourselves for the night and checked into a new hotel ... for the low price of $20 (not exactly fitting our budget, but in comparison to home, a really good price).<br />On our first evening we went to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Patouxai</span>, Vientiane's version of the Arc <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">de</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Triomphe and walked around the surrounding park</span>.<br />The next day we took a local bus (hot, sweaty and crowded) out to Buddha Park. The park was smaller than I expected, but had some neat statues, mixing Hinduism and Buddhism. Not sure if it was worth the long trip, but there wasn't much else to do in Vientiane.<br /><br />That night we said goodbye to our awesome travels buddies and boarded a sleeper bus (a bus with twin beds instead of seats) to Southern Laos.<br /><br />For me the highlight of Vientiane was the food. It was especially welcome after Vang Vieng, where I don't think we had any quality meals! There wasn't a lot to do, but it was a relaxing place with a nice, laid back vibe, and I enjoyed our short visit.Maddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10325031668451504483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5365049271989899331.post-26911385329607597362010-04-09T05:07:00.003-04:002010-04-09T05:32:02.655-04:00Travels: Luang Prabang & Vang ViengOur first day at the waterfall left us with the impression that we'd found a pretty place to cool off and beat the heat. We weren't aware how much more there was to see!<br />A few people had told us to climb to the top, through a stream, past some wooden stairs, that it would be totally worth it. We set out to discover this less frequented area of the waterfall and were not disappointed.<br />After climbing up some trails, and then some stairs, we had to wade through a tiny branch of the waterfall ... over trees and rocks, which luckily were not too slippery. We were rewarded by reaching one of the coolest places I've ever seen. Near the top of the waterfall there is a large, deep pool, surrounded by more waterfalls, and cliffs perfect for jumping. It was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">exhilarating</span> to jump into the cold water, and realize what an amazing place we'd found. One by one, people <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">leapt </span> in, and without fail surfaced with huge smiles on their faces. We spent the majority of the afternoon there, and it was definitely on of the highlights of our trip so far!<br /><br />The rest of our time in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Luang</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Prabang</span> was spent eating good food, relaxing, and checking out a few temples.<br />On Wednesday we took a mini van to Vang <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Vieng</span> ... the site of the infamous Laos tubing. The ride was about 6 hours long, and the winding, narrow roads made it quite stressful. Luckily it takes a lot to make me carsick, so I was able to read and ignore the bad road conditions. However, when I did dare to look up from my book I was rewarded with some absolutely stunning scenery.<br /><br />Vang <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Vieng</span> is basically a party town. It is filled with foreigners and bars. The major draw is tubing ... you rent an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">inner tube</span> and float down the river, stopping at bars along the way. I was really excited to be in the water all day, but it turned out that most of the bars were in a small stretch at the beginning of the route, so after 2 hours we'd only moved about 100m. After that we skipped the bars, and just enjoyed the ride downriver, amazed at the scenery (if you haven't picked up on it already, Laos is gorgeous!). The tubing was fun, but there were so many crazy activities taking place that I was nervous the whole time that I'd have to put my expired first aid skills to use. Most bars have giant rope swings for customers to swing on. However, the river is so shallow in places that I was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">terrified</span> watching people swing. Also, drinking and water sports is never a good idea, but Vang <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Vieng</span> seems to take it to a whole new level!<br />Overall, a neat idea, but maybe I'm just a worrier ... it scared the<span style="color:#000000;"> </span><a href="mailto:$&@$"><span style="color:#000000;">$&@$</span></a> our of me!<br /><br />Tomorrow we're moving on to the capital city - Vientiane for 2 nights, then onto Southern Laos.<br /><br />So far I've enjoyed Laos so much more than Thailand. The atmosphere, natural beauty and the people are amazing. I'm really looking forward to the rest of our time here!Maddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10325031668451504483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5365049271989899331.post-37888849008011481702010-04-05T07:43:00.003-04:002010-04-06T22:13:03.235-04:00Travels: Luang Prabang<div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Luang</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Prabang</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">is</span> in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">north</span> central <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Laos</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">is</span> a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">UNESCO</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">World</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Heritage</span> Site. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">It</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">is</span> a quiet, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">beautiful</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">little</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">town</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">with</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">old</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">French</span> style buildings, lots <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">of</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">palm</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">trees</span>, and an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">abundance</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">of</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">friendly</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">locals</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">travellers</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">alike</span>.</div><br /><div>On <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Sunday</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">morning</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">we</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">woke</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">up</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">switched</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">guesthouses</span> and set out on foot <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">to</span> explore. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">After</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">walking</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">to</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">Wats</span> (temples), a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">river-side</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">cafe</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">the</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">market</span> and an internet <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">cafe</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">we</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">were</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">hot</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">tired</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47">It</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48">was</span> in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49">the</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50">high</span> 30's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_51">so</span> I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_52">guess</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_53">that's</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_54">understandable</span>! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_55">We</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_56">had</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_57">dinner</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_58">walked</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_59">through</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_60">the</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_61">night</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_62">market</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_63">with</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_64">friends</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_65">then</span> met <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_66">some</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_67">other</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_68">friends</span> for a drink. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_69">Luang</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_70">Prabang</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_71">has</span> a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_72">midnight</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_73">curfew</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_74">so</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_75">we</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_76">were</span> home <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_77">werl</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_78">before</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_79">then</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_80">tired</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_81">after</span> a long, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_82">hot</span> and active <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_83">day</span>.</div><br /><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_84">This</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_85">morning</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_86">we</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_87">woke</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_88">up</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_89">early</span> in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_90">order</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_91">to</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_92">be</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_93">at</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_94">Big</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_95">Brother</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_96">Mouse</span> (a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_97">volunteer</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_98">organization</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_99">which</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_100">promotes</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_101">literacy</span>) <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_102">only</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_103">to</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_104">find</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_105">that</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_106">too</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_107">many</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_108">volunteers</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_109">not</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_110">enough</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_111">students</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_112">had</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_113">come</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_114">to</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_115">the</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_116">morning</span> session. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_117">Luckily</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_118">they</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_119">organization</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_120">also</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_121">publishes</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_122">books</span> for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_123">kids</span>, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_124">we</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_125">bought</span> a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_126">few</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_127">pocket</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_128">sized</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_129">ones</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_130">to</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_131">distribute</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_132">to</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_133">kids</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_134">along</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_135">our</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_136">travels</span>.</div><br /><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_137">We</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_138">then</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_139">visited</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_140">Wat</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_141">Xieng</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_142">Thong</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_143">which</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_144">was</span> a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_145">beautiful</span> temple on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_146">the</span> river.</div><br /><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_147">We</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_148">had</span> breakfast <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_149">with</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_150">our</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_151">new</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_152">friends</span>, a couple (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_153">Ethan</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_154">Kailey</span>) <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_155">at</span> a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_156">gorgeous</span> restaurant <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_157">over</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_158">looking</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_159">the</span> river.</div><br /><div>As <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_160">the</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_161">day</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_162">got</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_163">too</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_164">hot</span> (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_165">around</span> 38 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_166">today</span>), <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_167">the</span> four <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_168">of</span> us <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_169">found</span> a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_170">tuk</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_171">tuk</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_172">to</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_173">take</span> us <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_174">to</span> a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_175">waterfall</span> about 30km <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_176">from</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_177">town</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_178">We</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_179">were</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_180">shocked</span> on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_181">the</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_182">way</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_183">there</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_184">to</span> have a group <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_185">of</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_186">kids</span>, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_187">then</span> a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_188">grown</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_189">woman</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_190">douse</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_191">our</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_192">truck</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_193">with</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_194">buckets</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_195">of</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_196">water</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_197">We</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_198">strill</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_199">arent</span> sure if <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_200">they</span> are <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_201">starting</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_202">the</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_203">new</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_204">year</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_205">festivities</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_206">early</span>, o0r if <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_207">it's</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_208">just</span> a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_209">usual</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_210">occurence</span>! On <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_211">the</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_212">way</span> home <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_213">we</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_214">were</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_215">hit</span> about 5 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_216">times</span>, but <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_217">managed</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_218">to</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_219">fight</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_220">back</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_221">with</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_222">our</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_223">own</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_224">waterbottles</span>.</div><br /><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_225">We</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_226">arrived</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_227">at</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_228">the</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_229">waterfalls</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_230">spent</span> a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_231">few</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_232">hours</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_233">checking</span> out <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_234">the</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_235">different</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_236">levels</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_237">of</span> pools, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_238">all</span> a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_239">bright</span> turquoise <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_240">blue</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_241">It</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_242">was</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_243">so</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_244">nice</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_245">to</span> have a break <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_246">from</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_247">the</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_248">heat</span>.</div><br /><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_249">So</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_250">nice</span> in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_251">fact</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_252">that</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_253">we're</span> planning on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_254">going</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_255">back</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_256">tomorrow</span> ... but <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_257">this</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_258">time</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_259">armed</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_260">with</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_261">water</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_262">guns</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_263">of</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_264">our</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_265">own</span>!</div>Maddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10325031668451504483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5365049271989899331.post-3483818906956931472010-04-03T11:27:00.003-04:002010-04-04T04:13:28.351-04:00Travels: Thailand to Laos<div>After 2 amazing days at Elephant Nature Park we boarded a night bus from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Chiang</span> Mai to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Chiang</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Khong</span>, a town on the Thailand-Laos border.</div><br /><div>We arrived at 2am, slept for a few hours, and were up again before 7 to eat <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">breakfast</span>, check out of the guesthouse and take a boat across the border into Laos.</div><br /><div>After obtaining our Laos visa and changing some currency we were off on a series of very confusing stops, at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">a</span> travel agency and a restaurant to be offered advice and services before boarding the boat.</div><br /><div> </div><br /><div>Around 10 am we <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">finally</span> boarded the boat in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Huay</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Xai</span> and scored some amazing seats at the front of the boat (basically the folding back seats of a van!) and found that we had sat down with a really great group of people. The hours passed quickly and without too much discomfort we arrived in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Pakbeng</span>. The travel time was from about 10:40am - 5:30pm. After dinner and a few Beer Lao it was an early night, in hopes to be up early enough to score good seats once again. </div><br /><div>Unfortunately we chose wrong - opting for a large open area of floor at the front of the boat instead of tiny wooden benches, because many people got on as the boat stopped at small villages along the river. For a few hours I had a woman sitting almost on top of me. The combination of the hard floor, cramped conditions, lack of sleep and the sweltering heat made today's journey (9:30am-6pm) a lot less enjoyable!</div><br /><div>Upon arriving in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Luang</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Prabang</span> we set out to find <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">accommodations</span> with another couple, only to walk across <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">t</span>own with heavy bags and get caught <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">in a</span> downpour. For the first few minutes it was a welcome relief from the heat, but we grew a bit frustrated as we found ourselves crossing a sketchy bridge (twice), waking through mud, and searching in vain for the place we had been told about. After a few team meetings we settled on the next place we found which turned out to be quite nice.<br /><br />More on Luang Prabang soon!!!<br /><br />xoxo<br />Maddie<br /></div>Maddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10325031668451504483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5365049271989899331.post-68145220491655279582010-04-03T10:13:00.005-04:002010-04-09T05:50:50.107-04:00Travels: Elephant Nature Park<div><div><div>Just over an hour out of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Chiang</span> Mai lies a little slice of heaven - Elephant Nature Park. We had heard about the park years ago and had been dying to go ever since. On Wednesday and Thursday of last week we were lucky enough to do so. The park is home to 30 rescued elephants, about 70 dogs, and countless cats, cows and water buffalo. It is a conservation centre, so the focus is on the elephants - no riding, painting or other such <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">exploitative</span> things. It was started by an amazing woman named Lek, who is so inspiring. Her compassion for animals in a society where it is not commonplace is remarkable, and it was really neat to see the way that all of the animals at the park reacted to her.</div><br /><div>We were picked up early Wednesday morning and taken to the park, where we were given a briefing on safety and some coffee. After that we helped to feed watermelons and bananas to an older elephant. It was a really neat experience, and I was so excited each time she grabbed fruit out of my hand with her extremely dexterous trunk. FYI: Elephant trunks are covered with wiry hair, and tend to be pretty snotty/drool-y, but are really really cool!</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458071955985659522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLI2lqn4yPcKqIx74SFI9QWCh7MzwjBU_rck9QB4-z6DBdGxdSypKUfAPTO35p3P2WrFwvNvQhWQGTe7vYp7lNwGHj9Lms_DE5jkewwjC6CktMjK4A2W6y7omXc4bcVQFfX6_cl1FbqSI/s200/Picture11+362.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458071936497530210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0MGDt4IFiQb5npGKdJqnDXMvLYrfOK4GOFxS6GNpz_652YXjwVjBAmRbu8dxp8vnW-C1ktSSJZCHLriETGL-FZkKym2Ug5uB6SNvr1QIEZXAQvCygNxmOzNP0OcMstU3Bj5dRXVWgkZc/s200/Picture11+373.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>After more elephant feeding we were fed an amazing buffet lunch, and then got into the river with the elephants for bath time. It basically involved us throwing buckets of water on them while watching out for any floating elephant poo.<br /></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458071951347729138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNOA-rz2rGCGHJMEYnXVtmdLghWZZ2HILn5I77T8atztNpP-oIc6FN2kmRv7hJaX4ab-M4lhyphenhyphen7-2hi8Xkyjfz1xz3WYNmRM1_3x6Phm-BNow5cQJexlcl4fS3GIc33CPCP-sCzF1aJV1o/s200/Picture11+473.jpg" border="0" /> <div>After watching some of the younger (and more uncontrollable) elephants have their bath time we went inside to watch a documentary about elephants in Thailand. I was shocked to learn how terribly they are treated, and how awful the tourist attractions are. We learned that all trained elephants go through a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">technique</span> called crushing, in which they are built into a traction-like apparatus, and tortured for days on end to break their spirits and establish the mahouts role as boss. This is not an ancient or out-of-date practice, all elephants who are ridden, who are painting, who are street begging, or who are working in the logging industry or farming have gone through this terrible experience. The video footage was so disturbing, and the fact that this is so common and accepted is horrible. We also learned that the use of hooks by mahouts is the most common technique for training and controlling elephants. The mahouts at Elephant Nature Park are not allowed to use hooks, and are all being trained to treat elephants with more respect than the average mahout. I was so glad we chose to support a place that rescued elephants from abuse, as opposed to one that abused elephants for our touristy enjoyment.</div><br /><div>After the program ended on day 1 we had "free time" which we chose to spend <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">at t</span>he baby elephant corral, encouraging a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">mischievous</span> little boy to come over for a scratch behind the ears.</div><br /><div>The first day ended with another amazing meal, and then we chose to have Thai massages before bed. The "70 dog chorus" managed to keep us up a lot of the night, but aside from that the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">accommodations</span> were great!</div><br /><div>Day 2 stated early with breakfast and a walk through the park to "meet" all of the elephants. We approached each pair or group, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">learned</span> their (<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">mostly devastatingly</span> sad) stories, and if they were friendly, were able to feed or pet them. This was my favourite part of the experience, getting up close and personal with so many elephants, but it was also so sad to hear about the terrible things these animals had suffered <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">through</span>. There were so many injuries, from broken ankles, to a broken pelvis, to blindness (caused by purposeful human attack), to a land mine injury. However, this reality check was enough to turn me off of elephants in the tourism industry forever and further cemented my belief that the work being done by the park is a great thing. At the end of the 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">nd</span> day I found myself wishing I was staying for a longer time, and vowed to return someday for a longer volunteer experience. As we left the park, a staff member pointed out some elephant trekking camps on the road back to town. After spending 2 days looking at healthy and happy elephants the contrast was shocking and disgusting - the trekking elephants were so thin and kept in horrible conditions. I wish that the truth about this terrible industry was known by more people.</div><br /><div>Elephant Nature Park is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">truly</span> a wonderful place, and I was so happy to have been able to experience it.<br /></div><div>Please check out the website: <a href="http://elephantnaturefoundation.org/">http://elephantnaturefoundation.org/</a> to learn more about the park, and the elephants who live there ... and think about visiting the park if you are ever in Thailand!<br /><br />(pictures to come if I can ever find some high speed internet!!) </div></div></div>Maddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10325031668451504483noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5365049271989899331.post-51934084510243401682010-03-29T07:33:00.003-04:002010-03-29T07:58:45.016-04:00Travels: Chiang Mai<div><div><div><div><div>We rolled into <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Chiang</span> Mai early on Sunday morning after a cramped and uncomfortable 12 hours on a sleeper bus.</div><br /><div>The entire bus load of people was taken directly to a guesthouse, given coffee and forced to listen to a pitch from the tour company that ran out of that guesthouse. As soon as it finished we left to find other <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">accommodations</span>, but probably should have stayed at the first place, as it had a swimming pool! I think we'll check back in tomorrow and spend the day lounging by the pool.</div><br /><div>We found a room for about $7/night and after catching up on some sleep decided to check out the Sunday market and the Sunday market street. We bought a few things but had to walk away from some really cool stuff. You could spend a lot of money in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Chiang</span> Mai!</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454020394501219730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-DC4-iv_dZ_BngwICTnT0reC2WbzCLYmi2CLkBLMetmsalhR44ELyOohT5u5hAVQjIo0uS0u6dy5kSFmKl4GPeTswLlaneSfAoc0eVvCKPps1WrEbQ9yWazWNO7MG0wNBo6dVKp5eTo/s200/IMG_6593.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>In the evening we walked a few <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">kms</span> to the Night Market to see the goods. We also discovered a Subway restaurant ... I might have to go there before we leave for Laos.</div><br /><div>We also went to the office of Elephant Nature Park to book our visits. Unfortunately they are very busy so we aren't able to visit the park until Wednesday, meaning more time here than we'd initially planned. However this is something we'd both been dreaming of since university, so well worth the wait! We'll be going for an overnight visit on Wednesday.</div><div> </div><div>Today, with time to spare we decided to visit Tiger Kingdom. Like Tiger Temple near Bangkok there is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">controversy</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">surrounding</span> the park, because it seems unbelievable that tigers would allow people to touch them, lay on them etc. We were torn between our desire to see tigers, and our ethical concerns. After visiting the park I feel a bit better. The tigers that you can visit have all been bred in captivity, and are used to handling by humans from birth. They are mostly uninterested, and just lay there, panting because it is so hot. Whether they are drugged or not, I can't say, however, as we walked around and saw all of the tigers who were not "visiting" that day, we saw the majority asleep anyways. Also, the tigers we were in the cage with proceeded to get up and change positions while we were there, and to go for a dip in their pool shortly after we left. Either way, I believe that although captivity isn't ideal for any animal, that it's the lesser of 2 evils. Tigers are still hunted illegally in Thailand, and here they are safe, healthy, and able to reproduce. So although its sad to see them caged, they are not chained, have large, clean enclosures, lots of shade, pools, and staff that seems to enjoy working with them. We spent 15 minutes with the newborns (2 months) and 15 minutes with the adults (1.5 years) and then were free to walk around the park and look at all of the other tigers. Overall I was happy with the experience, and was glad to see that the park was large, clean, and that the tigers appeared to be very healthy and well cared for!</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454020402924645122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-QX6mZhflohcfvdDP4ZJPB13H3L4I8u7pvaFRwDUFQ49M4wKptkyXHjpM_ZBzgJL6kV8wl66DfyRImMf7_RFTpbEUgBwPIFySh4YyXZA1ykZf0_hzguPshOhLE9SRzVT827WUaBKKB8/s200/IMG_6605.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454020416230991122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkn9AnauKOhLsAzPUbtcbRhhyWedsAvKPB7FIUr2kFrcYe_0E3YeElIpwkLjA6SMXHsRgejkmXP716RlpeY9jcoZsORwZl5WFE1LhH5flK2aIOtvyG70e3x2XJDoU8gvG7G6-cMoVdZv0/s200/IMG_6625.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454020422215569698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKsnPjsY_9bVE_NtozkAFGUR_vIU60gHxM6_yOkW9EB7qKoshtAYywfnwCkvUoASKGHh3gOxR1E6TsiBDgOCdymXD9faHosrzy1O7eoivrxvLm0BsKwZizagp0l0l_H40Ass2lC5ASg5c/s200/IMG_6659.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454020435728922562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH86dNIaPXn2VLohyphenhyphenkSiyERvOLZOpwg9FZalzKYdkznFlAXR1pBpW8WdDQpPeDgpYRJIEfZqdpUx0iLGHiNcqtNvSZ-aEwow6UO52ElP9oy-mwV4GCPiFErYrOiePAZY5z40wWlyYl9lU/s200/IMG_6699.JPG" border="0" />Maddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10325031668451504483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5365049271989899331.post-72487699975606846262010-03-27T04:45:00.003-04:002010-03-29T07:33:18.458-04:00Travels - Bangkok & Ayuthaya<div><div><div><div><div>We managed to get everything in Korea packed up and left Busan on Thursday night. Even though I've been ready to leave for awhile, I really realized how great of a year it had been, and how thankful I am for the whole experience.<br />After taking the KTX to Seoul on Thursday, we spent the night at Quan's house, then caught an early flight to Bangkok. The flight was terrible - turbulence the whole time, and a huge amount on the landing. However, we flew Jin Aur, Korea's new budget airline and it was pretty entertaining. There were party beats playing when we got on the plane, and the flight attendants were wearing brightly coloured polo shirts, jeans, ball caps and converse sneakers!<br />When we landed after 6 hours we were tired but ready to explore. We took a taxi to meet Nick, George's high school friend who has been travelling for about 6.5 months (On a side note - check out his amazing website - <a href="http://theworldonatoilet.com/">http://theworldonatoilet.com/</a>). Nick's uncle has an apartment in Bangkok, so we were lucky enough to stay there. We ventured out to eat some street food for lunch ($1 each and delicious) and then took a water taxi towards the Grand Palace. The boat ride was pretty wild. We took a tuk-tuk ride to the Grand Palce, only to find out that it was closed for the night. We were lucky that next door was Wat Pho, which was still open. We explored the grounds and saw the main attraction, a giant reclining Buddah. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454015875774604114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDezfo0AAFytDafJ31sHcvt5enL8Xlp-dWBO-rQO8V6_8riPDP1JXXPUgv3OQFQUcVIEbusUdmQ_UB6swHx_NejHQiJi6byIS8nwzIu0EAvKmlGwlFz8n0xVjXm6SeU2MR2r7J5YqEzFg/s200/IMG_6341.JPG" border="0" /><br />After Wat Pho, we walked to nearby Khao San Road, a famous backpackers street. On the way there we walked through the main protest area, and found ourselves surrounded by red-shirted protesters. Luckily the mood was quite festive, and many people were just relaxing, selling goods and giving massages.<br />Khao San Road was overwhelming. The most foreigners I've seen since leaving for Korea a year ago. There is incredible shopping, and tons of nightlife, but it isn't somewhere I'd want to spend much time. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454015884715489250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsuR0Fy9a3aKI5UeqSftbD1o74uPQxrs77BsgsQZQYcP3ClF1bghAZKfSyrNypJixgCjaGU55e_dO008sZ1PQJKMPeMLE19giqKlxfyVU2QPzaqFr2iVLerGyAFqObddU7u_-220nRQVQ/s200/IMG_6382.JPG" border="0" /><br />This morning we woke up and took a van to Ayuthaya. We've spent the last 4 hours biking around to all of the temple ruins on the island. It is hot here today - in the low 30's, so we're taking a break in a nice air conditioned internet cafe. The sights here are amazing ... red-ish brick temples and ruins set in large parks ... it's really spectacular. I spent the first hour running around like a kid in a candy shop, but was soon too hot to express how excited I was! It finally hit me how awesome it is to be here, and how many amazing things I'll see in the coming weeks. </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454015865785398930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7KFhPljocZ2OmyloaMisnFYH0I4zLDzYNAVMUHNRUe3Ox_kvzo2-YTmDih_rLgLuvlu_Xa_l74jJXS5ckeVqpBHLC6OpFaleVksh3dyttClDcwzT9GKndBzMT7j8mslcB-X6blRED2tc/s200/IMG_6446.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454015891881441938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Hh7tsgeV2jEvh6hXOPSAnhe7ejPQevwIBTAMwsn3q6VT2bIz6iSJMyBgCW79qUpCbkamLgQnxjpfAkqIdz-Bc3e6miT3sIsTFktHMWnRh7G0yNmSjc6dM4TlHPUn7imI-wGwzmC8vi8/s200/IMG_6413.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454015899005388274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfVgz841Cgr-YSpncZmjBieUPTLRlScP6_M9S5fIcEWIGxpqHc9W05QnoJfBq9Pwg6h7Ki-gDH54JJINcRmgIwTk9FjaqYFV1PJZ9qFzbRq3pAjedpFpZGZDBeCQLxXgtGaDnFPI92edc/s200/IMG_6539.JPG" border="0" /><br />This evening we're going to watch the sunset over an off-island temple, and then boarding a bus to Chiang Mai at 8pm. We'll arrive tomorrow morning at 7am ... that's right, 11 hours on a bus!<br />Luckily it has big reclining seats, a/c and a bathroom, so we should be pretty comfortable.<br />More updates and pictures to come tomorrow once we're settled in Chaing Mai!<br />xoxo<br />Maddie</div></div></div></div></div>Maddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10325031668451504483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5365049271989899331.post-78784394285818144832010-03-24T01:06:00.002-04:002010-03-24T01:09:47.527-04:00It was a sad day, bad day, sad day, bad dayThis is my last post from school ... sad, sad day.<br /><br />I just taught my last class, said all my goodbyes, and probably terrified the students and staff with my splotchy-faced crying!<br /><br />Some days it was hard to realize, but I was really lucky this past year. The staff and students here are wonderful and treated me with a lot of kindness.<br /><br />I will miss Jangan Elementary School :(Maddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10325031668451504483noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5365049271989899331.post-27841817649022479052010-03-19T02:40:00.003-04:002010-03-19T03:25:20.893-04:00Leaving town, leaving town.Less than a week left in Korea!<br /><br />This is my last weekend, I have 3 days of teaching left, and only 7 sleeps until Bangkok.<br />Where did the time go?!<br /><br />I am so excited to do some travelling and then return to Canada, but I am really going to miss certain aspects of Korea.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Oo</span> Mi has arrived home safely!!!!!!!!<br />I highly recommend petairline.co.kr. The representative did an excellent job, and patiently answered my millions of questions, <em>and</em> saved us the stress of having to navigate customs by ourselves.<br /><br />Speaking of recommendations, here are mine:<br /><br /><strong><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Bocky's</span> Best of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Busan</span></strong><br /><br />Non-Korean Food: <em><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Blowfish</span></em> in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Songjeong</span> makes the best burgers in the city hands down and there are 2 adorable pet cats to play with; <em>Sunset Lounge</em> in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Mipo</span> has a wide selection, and specials each day; For Vietnamese food, <em><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Pho</span> Mien</em> in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Benecity</span> building in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Dongbaek</span> is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">phenomenal</span>; for amazing Japanese <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">BBQ</span> go to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Jangsan</span> station, exit 4, walk straight to <em><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Hinomura</span> </em>(S set is great for 2 people); Mexican food - <em>Taco Senora</em>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Haeundae</span>.<br /><br />Korean food: well, aside from the classics at o-shops (orange signed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Kimbap</span> shops, otherwise known as 김밥충국) such as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">kimchi</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">jiggae</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">cheomchi</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">dapbap</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">kimchi</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">bokk</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">eum</span> bap there are some excellent Korean foods to be found. In <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Jangsan</span> I like mix things up between <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">bbq, sundubu and </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">shabu</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">shabu</span> and George swears by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Geomjatong</span>.<br />For <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">navigating</span> O-shops, check out this awesome blog post:<br /><a href="http://maryeats.com/2006/11/16/kimbap-nara-menu/">http://maryeats.com/2006/11/16/kimbap-nara-menu/</a><br /><br />Sights around <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Busan</span>:<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Haedongyounggungsa</span> temple, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Songjeong</span><br />UN Cemetery<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Beomeosa</span> temple and hiking<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Oncheonjang</span> cable car<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Seokbulsa</span> temple<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Busan</span> tower<br />Botanical gardens, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Oncheonjang</span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error">Igidae Park</span><br /><br />Drinks:<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">Blowfish</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">Songjeong</span> - great summertime beach bar, awesome staff<br />Thursday party, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">Gwangalli</span> - can't beat the view<br />Rock and Roll House, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">Haeundae</span> - again, great view<br /><br />Shopping:<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">Nampodong</span> outdoor and underground<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">Seomyeon</span> underground<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">PNU</span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error"></span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error">And there you have my favourite places in Busan!</span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error"></span>Maddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10325031668451504483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5365049271989899331.post-28191671381099522762010-03-10T21:23:00.004-05:002010-03-10T21:56:13.681-05:00Everything is changing. Changing really fast.<div><div>The beginning of a new school year in March has brought many changes for my final month of teaching.<br /><br />The grade 6 students have graduated and moved on to middle school, and we have many new kindergarten and grade 1 students. I'll really miss the grade 6 class, they were a great group to work with. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447204168149680674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHKC1eD6PHFpJUim9elqYuSh2lAYoZvkH6MX9VJBnSUHWqmfiibUu9Fi5SttrgFLza6DzV7b-hRsffBKRBKfdZ-FY5ryPexwyXJXH4JcVxKoCqEl_F_3XyAl94S9aMNnIGoWuftwU_yNk/s320/pn1.jpg" border="0" /><br />My <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">co teacher</span>, principal and vice principal all transferred to other schools, so all of the people that I deal with <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">have</span> changed. Luckily this change has been positive, as my new <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">co teacher</span> is very nice, and my principal <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">actually</span> speaks English!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447204198611262994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIbyVugiiP7CGkvJYk8G5Cpac6Sgln8W4hpDvxkfBIKfXVjyJm-ruqYlZ3wdrrXTma5H3c9wOn6q3V_tFj0lZjOYp-nS4QQqXv_jnO6cJjELIKrfbHl_9SdjB0UtA_z8eyxjLrRFrxdOI/s320/IMG_5689.JPG" border="0" />In Korea, teachers are expected to change schools every 3 years, which makes for an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ever changing</span> staff. Very unfortunate in my opinion, as I have fond memories of the community-feel of my elementary school. Many of the teachers remained at the same school for the entire time that I was a student (gr. 1-8), which provided a really nice, stable atmosphere.<br /><br />You'd think that with the frequent moves, teachers here would be good at packing up and moving <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">on w</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">ith</span> minimal fuss, but there were so many ceremonies, dinners, tearful speeches and sobbing students that it must get exhausting to go through each year as the school's staff suffers major turnovers.<br /><br />A positive aspect is that there are lots of social events at this time of year. So even though all of my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">EPIK</span> friends have left Korea, I have plenty to keep me busy. I've ha<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">d a</span> number of dinners with last year's staff, and last night had the first social event with the new group of teachers. I got dragged to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Noraebang</span> (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">kareoke</span>) and was forced to sing. For anyone who doesn't know, I have the worst voice! I'm not tone deaf and I know I'm not hitting the notes, I just cannot do anything about it! So of course, singing <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">in front</span> of the entire staff of my school is mildly <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">embarrassing</span>. Luckily most of them had consumed too much <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">soju</span> and beer to comprehend how terrible I was, or to remember it today (I hope).<br /><br />These days George and I are <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">focusing</span> on selling the many things we've acquired over the year, and getting our lives in Korea wrapped up.<br />Still to do: applying for a pension refund, sending more clothing and our computers home, sending our final <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">pay cheque</span> to our Canadian bank accounts and finally, sending our cat home.<br /><br />We adopted <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Oo</span> Mi in August from the parking lot behind our favourite bar, and we're happy to say that she' coming home to Canada with us. Well, not with us, as we'll be travelling around for a while before heading to Canada, but she'll be flying herself, and living with George's mom until we return (thanks Peggy!!!) Luckily there is a service in Korea that specializes in sending pets, called Pet Airline Korea. It's not cheap, but we've heard great friends, and we're hoping <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Oo</span> Mi gets home safe and sound without too much stress!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447204184753955330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 212px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimjR-8Cg7zljherJAPyyNBwE567KaZ9hYzCYzVOPAExBdYgIX93OsEHHzjNnvKxj8JtwbYTLexkyVPX5NwiRvzJB1gPqxZ5QqoczDV1vVhfnOinbzxs-RO0ykLMrBdCuoYUFtimTZG7Mw/s320/pn5.jpg" border="0" /></div></div>Maddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10325031668451504483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5365049271989899331.post-20908525950908847942010-03-09T01:38:00.003-05:002010-03-09T01:46:12.227-05:00With glowing hearts!The Olympic spirit found me, even in Korea.<br /><br />I can't believe my terrible luck though ... the Olympics were on Canadian soil ... in the one year that I was not!<br /><br />Watching the games in Korea was a totally different experience. Overall it was extremely frustrating. The English speeches were dubbed out during the opening ceremonies, the only events shown were Korean-dominated events like speed skating and figure skating, and the coverage only lasted a few hours a day.<br /><br />Coming from a home where the Olympics are watched religiously, this was a major disappointment.<br /><br />However, in my year in Korea, I was the most proud of my roots during the Vancouver games. It was amazing to see Canada's pride and victories, and even just watching the athletes enter the stadium during opening ceremonies brought tears to my eyes.<br /><br />One extremely positive thing that I gained from the games (and the awful coverage in Korea) was an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">intense</span> pride in Canada, and an appreciation for the Olympic culture, interest and obsession at home!<br /><br />Check out this incredible video:<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kz8tzP3oeDg&feature=player_embedded">Stephen Brunt Video Essay</a>Maddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10325031668451504483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5365049271989899331.post-48663481703256559422010-02-26T01:42:00.005-05:002010-02-26T02:15:36.672-05:00These are a few of my favourite things...So, I've officially passed the 11-month mark. It's crazy how time flies.<br /><br />With less than 4 weeks left in Korea I'm starting to think about the things that I'll miss, the things I won't and the things at home that I'm the most excited for.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Things I'll miss about Korea</span>:<br />- the wonderful friends I've made here<br />- my students ... they are just so cute<br />- Korean food ... especially <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">kimchi</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">jiggae</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">korean</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">bbq</span><br />- our amazing apartment<br />- running along <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Haeundae</span> beach, eating at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Haeundae</span> beach restaurants, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Haeundae</span> beach in the summer, coffee dates on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Haeundae</span> beach ... getting the point?<br />- the gorgeous <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Busan</span> scenery<br />- hiking<br />- <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Blowfish</span><br />- being treated like a celebrity/ movie star ... great for the self-confidence!<br />- random acts of kindness by Koreans ... too many to count, but they have all been appreciated<br />- my easy, easy job<br />- every day being a new adventure<br />- the amazing home delivery system<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Things in Canada that I'm excited for:</span><br />- seeing friends and family again - it's been too long!<br />- <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">dexter</span>, my puppy<br />- wide open spaces (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">oooh</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">selwyn</span>, how I've missed you)<br />- driving a car<br />- food, food and more food ... Wendy's, Pizza Villa in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Bridgenorth</span>, Frosted mini <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">wheats</span>, Greek food, ketchup chips, veggies and dip, Starbucks chocolate chip banana bread, pitas, deli sandwiches, good salads, salt & vinegar <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">crispers</span> ... the list goes on and on. Clearly I'm not a healthy eater, and I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">foresee</span> a massive weight gain in my first month home!<br />- summer in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Kawarthas</span><br />- going to a real gym and getting <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">reacquainted</span> with a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Bosu</span> ball<br />- living in a familiar culture. As interesting and educational as life in Korea is, it can also be difficult and frustrating at times, and I'm excited for things to be familiar again. Not having to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">worry</span> about the language barrier, social customs and constant staring will be a welcome (and relaxing) change.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Now ... things I will not miss about Korea:</span><br />- the lack of personal space, and disregard for the personal space of others. In my time here I have been shoved, pushed and bumped into more times than I can count. It can get very frustrating. I understand that Korea is incredibly crowded compared to Canada, so it just <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">isn't</span> practical to say "excuse me" to everyone in your way, or "sorry" to people you <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">have</span> sent flying, but it's still something that bothers me.<br />- the smells! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Kimchi</span>, fish paste, garlic, old man <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">kimchi</span>-burps, sewage ... Korea can be a smelly place at times, and I don't see myself missing this <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">assault</span> on my senses!<br />- not understanding what the #*&% is going on. Yes, it's an adventure everyday here, but it can be tiring to never know where you're supposed to be, what you're supposed to be doing, or the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">proper</span> way to do things. I've definitely developed a new-found respect for immigrants to Canada who face a language barrier. I can only hope that Canadians are as helpful to these people as Koreans have been to me, because it really is tough at times.<br /><br />Overall it's been an incredible year, and I've learned about myself, met some incredible people, gained a better understanding of another culture, and seen some beautiful places. I am so happy that George decided to come to Korea with me, that we adopted <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">OoMi</span> and that we've been able to share this amazing, stressful, crazy, beautiful experience. I have no regrets about this year. Korea is a great country to live and work, and I'd recommend the experience to anyone who is willing to be open minded, and has a sense of humour.<br />The next month will involve a lot of goodbyes, packing and some trips to sights around Korea that we haven't seen yet.<br />I am <span style="font-weight: bold;">so</span> excited to return to Canada ... there really is no place like home!Maddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10325031668451504483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5365049271989899331.post-62749485778532386112010-02-16T22:58:00.003-05:002010-02-16T23:05:01.367-05:00It's the final countdown!I forgot to mention in my last post ...<br /><br />5 WEEKS FROM TODAY IS MY LAST DAY OF TEACHING IN KOREA!!!!<br /><br />After that, Southeast-Asian adventures, then back to Canada-land :)Maddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10325031668451504483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5365049271989899331.post-3537826680369374332010-02-16T21:32:00.002-05:002010-02-16T22:09:25.144-05:00One love, One heartFrom January 29<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> - February 7<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> George and I were on vacation.<br />Our destination: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Boracay</span>, Philippines!<br /><br />The journey there was torture: 4:20pm caught airport shuttle near our apartment; 7:30pm flight to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Hong</span> Kong; overnight in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Hong</span> Kong airport; 8am flight to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Manilla</span>; transfer terminals and wait; 2pm flight to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Kalibo</span>; 1.5 hour bus ride to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Caticlan</span>; 10 minute boat trip to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Boracay</span>. Total travel time = 26hours.<br /><br />The time spent in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Boracay</span> was amazing. We met up with George's high school friend Nick, and his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">girlfrined</span> Lianna. It was so nice to vacation with people, as opposed to by ourselves. Not that we don't enjoy each others company, but it was nice to have a larger group, especially with what Boracay had to offer.<br /><br />The weather was near perfect, only 1 rainy afternoon, and only for a brief time.<br /><br />The food was spectacular. Keep in mind that after 10 months of Korean food I'd find any decent western food great, but regardless, the options in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Boracay</span> are amazing. Our dinners included Indian food, Greek food, Pizza, Pasta, Italian and Fish and Chips. Lunch was at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Heidiland</span> deli. Every. single. day. And it was amazing! Korea does not do good sandwiches, so being able to choose bread, meat and cheese from a nicely stocked deli was incredible. My #1 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Boracay</span> food recommendation for sure.<br /><br />Beer in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Boracay</span> was cheap, cheap, cheap. Cheaper than water, in fact! Needless to say we drank quite a few. We had 3 nights out ... involving San <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Miguel</span>, sitting on the beach, listening to awesome live music, and making our own music at a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Karaoke</span> bar!<br /><br />We've already covered the good company, weather and food ... but the best part of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Boracay</span> is the beach.<br />White Beach has made many lists of top beaches in the world, and it was not hard to understand why. The sand is clean, fine and sparkling white. The water is clear, blue, and just cool enough to be perfectly refreshing. Although there were many people <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">on t</span>he beach, its huge, so everyone is spread out and there are always umbrellas and beach chairs to be had, and enough space to not feel crowded.<br />I also managed to be motivated enough to run most mornings, and white beach was the perfect place to do so!<br /><br />Although we spent the majority of our time <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">on t</span>he beach, we also explored the island a bit. We walked the 10 minutes across the island to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Bulabog</span> Beach, a famous <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">kiteboarding</span> and windsurfing destination. Since we only wanted to sunbathe, swim and "mask" (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">snorkelling</span> without a snorkel ... <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">duhhh</span>), we didn't stay long on this beach.<br /><br />We also made a trip to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Puka</span> Beach at the northern end of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Boracay</span>. It's famous for its coarse sand and sea shells. The day we went to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Puka</span> beach was the only overcast day of our trip. The beach was near deserted, which was pretty cool, but a storm started to blow in so we left after about an hour.<br /><br />Another afternoon was spent on a sailing trip around the island. We stopped at the southern end for some <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">snorkelling</span>, which was amazing, but after seeing some jellyfish, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">recieving</span> a weird tingling sensation from being in the water, we made a hasty retreat to our boat. Half of our sailing trip was on the windy side of the island and it was WILD! We were caught completely by surprise, as all we'd ever seen was the calm and serene water off of white beach. 50% of the trip involved being soaked by waves and clinging onto the netting that was our seats, afraid that we'd be washed overboard. Overall, an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">exhilarating</span> afternoon!<br /><br />The people of Boracay were also extremely friendly. Our hotel staff, restaurant staff, really everyone we met. Even the men who constantly harassed tourist to buy sunglasses, boat trips and atv rides were polite and didn't go too far. I felt much less harassed and less uncomforable than I did in Thailand.<br /><br />The only downside of the trip was my extreme allergic reaction to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Boracay's</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">mosquitoes</span>. I've never had a problem in Canada, and the bugs in Korea and Thailand do cause me to have bigger than normal bumps after being bitten, but I've never experienced anything like I did in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Boracay</span>. My lower legs were covered in swollen, painful and agonizingly itchy, puss-filling bites. I was even limping for about a day. After <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">antihistamines</span> and after-bite failed to help, I went to the medical clinic on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Boracay</span>. After a steroid shot, and prescriptions for <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">antihistamines</span>, cream, and something to fight the infection I was on my way to recovery. After 24 hours the bites had stopped being freakish and disgusting - thank god!<br />Now I just need to figure out how to avoid this next time I head out on vacation, because I wore bug spray but still got eaten alive.<br /><br />On the way home, George and I had an even longer journey. We left <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">Boracay</span> around 3pm, took the ferry to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">Caticlan</span>, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">then a</span> terrifying van ride to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">Kalibo</span>. We boarded a 7:30pm flight to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">Manilla</span>. We decided to go to a hostel instead of sleeping in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">Manilla</span> airport, but <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">I'm</span> not sure how good of a decision that was. The lonely planet- recommended hostel was full, so we were taken to another nearby hostel but a tricycle-taxi. Not sure what made us agree to that, but we failed to realize that this open aired <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">trike</span> that was moving slowly <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">against</span> traffic in a somewhat more dangerous city than we're used to wasn't the smartest option - until we were in motion. We laughed it off and arrived a the hostel in one piece. However, it was the grossest, smelliest, most disgusting place I have ever seen. We were both so tired, and wanted to shower and sleep before our 5am wake-up, so we stayed there anyways. The next morning we flew <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">Manilla</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">Hong</span> Kong, and then <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47">Hong</span>-Kong-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48">Busan</span>. Finally, 30-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49">ish</span> hours after leaving the beach we were home.<br />The travel was such a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50">hassle</span>, but <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_51">Boracay</span> was definitely worth it!<br /><br />So that was my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_52">Boracay</span> vacation ... it was an amazing time, and I'd highly recommend it to anyone. Since there was so much western food, and everyone spoke English, it was an easy and relaxing week. It's not one of the great "cultural" destinations of Southeast A<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_53">sia</span>, but it is a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_54">superb</span> beach destination!<br /><br />(pictures to come soon!)Maddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10325031668451504483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5365049271989899331.post-5355315837721070352010-01-27T20:38:00.004-05:002010-01-27T21:25:11.394-05:00Well, I think you're crazy.Korean Tv commercials are hilarious ... here's one of my favourites (and it's sequel):<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwjJckoddhw">Won Cashing 1</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVq8I9yks8A&feature=related">Won Cashing 2</a><br /><br />So bizarre, but hilarious.<br /><br />Another one, with Lee Hyori, Korea's sweetheart. She is in about every second commercial!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Af10iD8ufgY&feature=related">Interpark</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQJbezGwrXI&feature=related">Interpark 2</a>Maddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10325031668451504483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5365049271989899331.post-55604206815165661012010-01-21T19:35:00.002-05:002010-01-21T19:41:31.967-05:00Everybody was Kung Fu fighting.So, with a beach vacation looming, I've been on a real fitness kick lately.<br />I've been joining George at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">MMA</span> (Mixed Martial Arts) Gym that he goes to for weekly conditioning classes.<br />If you're interested in watching videos of what goes on at Korean <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Kartel</span> Gym, check out the website! I'm in a bunch of videos under the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">conditioning</span> section.<br /><br /><a href="www.koreankartel.com">www.koreankartel.com</a><br /><br />We've also done some good hiking around <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Busan</span> the past 2 <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">weekends</span>. First was a hike from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Beomeosa</span> temple along the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Geomjeong</span> Fortress to the cable car in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Oncheonjeong</span>. The second started at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Oncheongjeong</span> station and went up the mountain, through Nam Moon Village and to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Seokbulska</span>, the stone temple. The weather has been perfect for hiking and I've found myself asking why I haven't done more hiking this year!Maddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10325031668451504483noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5365049271989899331.post-84438843303489822252010-01-21T19:20:00.004-05:002010-01-21T19:34:29.168-05:00That's what I'm doin' these days.January in Korea has been pretty uneventful.<br />Regular school hours do not apply - all schools have Winter Camp schedules.<br />For me that means 3 weeks of mornings-only. Can't complain about that. Although I am only <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">teaching</span> grades 1 and 2 ... I miss the kids who actually speak English! The positive is that I am home by early afternoon and have lots of time to exercise, read and just relax.<br />I have completed 2 weeks of camp, so after next week I am free. George finished his camp last week, so has been enjoying his time off. We only have one week of overlapping vacation, and have decided to visit <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Boracay</span>, Philippines. A quick google image search will show you what we are in for. I can't wait!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRvW8wket7z-cmoCsSD-hNwgpKOZBAtPHVjMl5YgyAeA9lvSOdFfQYMCxXzVYJ_54ozGHwzqzWU1JRDuv1ZPnDPZMIGoCNdRwKId6sf-9oNiQ_QFqJMYUZ8rDdujJGW9inwTPc9Ktwbo0/s1600-h/boracay-island-arelle.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 206px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRvW8wket7z-cmoCsSD-hNwgpKOZBAtPHVjMl5YgyAeA9lvSOdFfQYMCxXzVYJ_54ozGHwzqzWU1JRDuv1ZPnDPZMIGoCNdRwKId6sf-9oNiQ_QFqJMYUZ8rDdujJGW9inwTPc9Ktwbo0/s320/boracay-island-arelle.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429354642485104178" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxiRN-U0KCaK0Td_aV3xEW_vKDsqjUgvx706uS0-cJMoaKjRHi_izY-UmNDqs2Zk2F-nHz8_1wbcKgM5DnxDP784KzcU5Q5yoRid1TNOkF7WmhJZAFy0QjeJRXejPtpFmZZEsnWnEXAlo/s1600-h/boracay.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxiRN-U0KCaK0Td_aV3xEW_vKDsqjUgvx706uS0-cJMoaKjRHi_izY-UmNDqs2Zk2F-nHz8_1wbcKgM5DnxDP784KzcU5Q5yoRid1TNOkF7WmhJZAFy0QjeJRXejPtpFmZZEsnWnEXAlo/s320/boracay.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429354633491978610" border="0" /></a>The weather here has been very random, jumping from -1 to 16 in the space of a few days. On the coldest days it is absolutely freezing at school since windows and doors remain open, even though heaters are blasting. I can just hear my dad saying "Close that, we're not heating the great outdoors!"<br />The best thing about <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Busan's</span> winter is that it is almost always sunny. We've only had about 2 or 3 rainy/cloudy days in January. This makes for some great conditions for outdoor exercise like jogging and hiking - both of which I've been doing a lot of!Maddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10325031668451504483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5365049271989899331.post-19383179936405378622010-01-04T21:08:00.007-05:002010-01-05T03:04:14.056-05:00We wish you a Merry Christmas!Christmas in Korea was different, but actually quite nice!<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 222px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 204px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423077162298504082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIhZg7z8WKIg43LF08-rgBWjCMTbgiN_0oKSTqRnhSMpD_cpuT_h1n6psbbe7kQsep_BxALvJ6dkNKkxU_U5trfo_mBwFRHRuABjKRfKqgqt5rTX8I91vaLvVwx5moF2-PpfVTWkpYNnY/s400/IMG_4067.JPG" /><br />George and I went to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Songjeong</span> beach on Christmas Eve, and sat and enjoyed the view and the nice weather. After a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Blowfish</span> burger and a coffee date at Starbucks, we decided to hit the movies and see Avatar. Not very Christmas-y, I know, but an incredible movie anyways!<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 285px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 195px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423077183182036082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_TrPqZ5W2Rtc8MG9Jo9ADuDSrhTUif1h_T-20PyTJqUWM4UrDFY8PMLVfBeNAOhLYcvGuEKeaEnzJKfUnWtUeCF6urnfuhyphenhyphenHsplZzv518CIuSvz6BdM5LKZorpPMR0qsvk-U6sZbGdWA/s400/IMG_4098.JPG" /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 288px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423077178062215426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEKCVxteploFiUh9cjS0h1HP5jwm9btNfjdUHYVuAgtedR2bFPGwc_6dy78ivkT23mte-Tq47ETyabp9EoTztyl7xhHDoKzJO15XOdpE7buSrDF__QEwbqC-900qbvRXCW0iON0DSuImw/s400/IMG_4091.JPG" /> On Christmas Day we were awake by 8am (the latest I've ever woken up on Christmas), and opened presents and had a nice breakfast.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 261px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 302px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423077209763883826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi6KEXAJQtFjl8x_y3Cub3edcONYYnAePYJejNRot2BxYANoxv7Ynnm-EKBhdHkMFcI1L5Nzd0Uv53_-GqdJCMmOtMKa4A20YqaPzSn4iflb56ZlImmTMX5D_WYWJtOEMhxUoGr0S2yF0/s400/IMG_4132.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 226px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423077202596482178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFiQWxlpqroRJkiYE4JEPrtFnW42fsgDKVI6cncUaNtpGGOtvZlxsRgDDQqp-sKvSoT_sc778DbspTIk1Ke27kbMtbiFi0gdswDflEz_LgJOZqjDwO6Oqc5caZ7MccOkTmjIMioXB4N0M/s400/IMG_4123.JPG" /> After a relaxing day we met up with our friends Cliff and Laura and went to a Christmas buffet dinner at the Grand Hotel in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Haeundae</span>. For 50, 000 won we had a choice of Western dishes like turkey and stuffing, seafood, all kinds of Asian fusion food, desserts, and best of all - wine! It was nice to dress up and enjoy a fancy dinner, and do something big and festive.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 190px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 306px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423079595321660242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYebWD6iOeGsqzRCCl8G1cbqcA0DRHB7wk250sMtMR33SLP7RXL1pSLbIjduMD-7NaOBIDw-TwAWajrH15F6LE00N_5WJXprrqjccgt7VfbosFmMPu5wSkif_Wu3G2plc2HZpxav932I/s320/IMG_4161.JPG" /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423079625657401250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_gyOIGA9HXbz1quYj8ExxKZm8syUZoTSz9nvLo0dX_dfMrDexnKVDPSWd6Bwkh9hMGvcPBwBT63tunDiQLwsP4CSEvtAD_IKs7JONu2tA5XAKDwrLsSI317S1qn2EEosoA7DLq5wBTE/s320/IMG_4180.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423079633244774114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmDfP-jLKsuKxpdteVj1NtfLglpdVJBrzm0k240s8VnZeCEZJgoDAYHnR1Z_YM37ldYWtEQ-3hGpkDAnKQIV5yiNYaY3Q24VKnBz5adHwsMsuEsOK_G7ZaG_fLu4F0LrZfHjkY-vWaQ8/s320/IMG_4208.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423079604183412386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWPBx6HfA-qu1SkkFm8Q1HrEnPdbk0SsYgTkjy314lV7YoKcYhpMUdGyH_Mt81dUoIYNDuM0OIIC-_3zYdW_-a4SwVRqTfZY-YJ40-vhd2Ue-UGxd8c0PYFcEJCn984YuIsxjmURbO1jI/s320/IMG_4188.JPG" />After dinner we met more friends at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Blowfish for some Christmas drinks</span>. It was an early night, but a surprisingly good Christmas away from home.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423081112935623746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglx3ySCoupRfPQ9id5DIa4G9tuH32GoqLj1mdanCRVYsIBjNqI1Lutk1odVtKwb4FIySYXn7csi59DqDQwjyELa8d1z5vz1Se5Ndijj6N85vn1mHDAjksc3QHIEU_n-6i4-KI62eaaJUU/s320/IMG_4218.JPG" /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423081098654333890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5hawErpsVRkWDgd0ciSw1dpV6jxCWWA-icMR6P7nYUSRepDhIGKzzEqGzj2buoL1-UybHnYopyCtUms6n7x3OKfhEMIouU8D797XC2Mg2qAXqgCZ4M8kVAk1GbcGsx-o3IwMe_amDG9s/s320/IMG_4255.JPG" /><br /><br />Some things that were very different from Christmas in Canada:<br />* It's more of a couples holiday here ... a big date night.<br />* All the kids at my school had to come in for a half day on CHRISTMAS EVE!! Madness! I let them listen to carols and make Christmas cards.<br />* Although Christmas is recognized, it's not celebrated in the same way that we're used to at home. Kids might get 1 small present, adults don't really exchange gifts, my principal was shocked that I gave her a Christmas card.<br />* While at home, everything is closed on Christmas, and people have big dinners with family, here it is a holiday to eat out with family, your significant other, or friends. It's also a big drinking holiday for expats and Koreans alike.<br /><br />I had a nice Christmas here, thanks to gifts and decorations sent from home, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">skype</span> calls to family, and my wonderful boyfriend and friends here in Korea. As good as it was, I never want to spend a Christmas away from home again!!!Maddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10325031668451504483noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5365049271989899331.post-88094191548103220262009-12-17T01:07:00.002-05:002009-12-17T02:01:18.242-05:00I'm dreaming of a white Christmas...Well, it's almost Christmas in Korea ... 8 more days to be exact.<br />It's hard to be in the Christmas spirit when the temperature just dropped below zero for the first time, the sky is blue every day and there is no hope of snow.<br />It seems more like October in Canada...<br /><br />I love Christmas, so I'm not letting the lack of snow ruin my holiday celebrations. Luckily, Christmas <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ornaments</span> and decorations are easy to find here, so our apartment is decorated and looking great. I've finished all of my Christmas shopping (except for part of George's present), and we have holiday parties to look forward to. Tomorrow we are hosting a Christmas Sweater Party (a very important <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Laurier</span> tradition), and on Monday I'm doing a Secret Santa gift exchange with some friends. We are also hoping to go skating on Christmas eve, to a fancy dinner at one of the beach-front hotels on Christmas day, and to some kind of Christmas concert or performance before then!<br />Even though I am missing snow, my family and friends, holiday parties, and all of the Christmas traditions at home, there is still enough to do here that I will have a nice (although very different) Christmas.<br /><br />Last weekend we went to Seoul for an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">EPIK</span> reunion. It was basically a big goodbye party for all of the teachers who have decided not to re-new their contracts, and more importantly, was a free weekend in Seoul!<br />We left Friday morning (another perk, missing a day of school) and arrived in Seoul before noon. There was enough time for a quick visit to Forever 21 before checking into our hotel. Although the majority of the rooms were updated and nice, George and I were stuck in an old, creepy and somewhat dirty room. Really the only negative part of the weekend.<br />On Friday we had some lectures, group discussions, and a talent show. After a steak and wine dinner (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">yummmm</span>), we were taken to see JUMP!, a comic martial arts performance. I had already been lucky enough to see <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">NANTA</span>, so thought JUMP! was good, but not incredible. Those who hadn't seen <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">NANTA</span> <em>really</em> enjoyed it. I guess I'm just a spoiled brat!<br />On Friday night we went out in Seoul with our <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">EPIK</span> friends and some friends from home who teach around Seoul.<br />Saturday was spent at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Kyongbuk</span> palace, the Folk Museum of Korea, and a sea food buffet. (Again - transportation, hotel, tourism and meals were FREE. So lucky, right?)<br />After the reunion ended George and I decided to check out the Seoul Snow Jam. There was a big-air snowboard competition taking place in the middle of the city. Everything had been built for the one weekend, and was in a gorgeous location, with mountains as the back drop. It was also the most crowded place I've ever been, with just too many people to be really enjoyable. We managed to brave the crowds and the cold for about an hour, but that was all that I could handle.<br />I returned home with some friends on Saturday night and George stayed another night with his friends.<br />Overall it was a great weekend, Thank you <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">EPIK</span>!Maddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10325031668451504483noreply@blogger.com0