Travel tip 1: "Don't lose your shit"
A couple of days ago I hit the 3 month mark of traveling. I spent the last 3 days in Chitwan and had a absolutely fab time with a group of lovely Aussie's I met at the hotel I was staying at. In Chitwan we went on a 5hr Jungle walk that started at 7:00Am and we got back around 2 or 3 PM. At one point of the safari walk we were in very close proximity to 3 rhino's sleeping (2 of which were a mother and baby). It was terrifying because they were not all sleeping when we encountered them, all I remember being told run and trying to find a tree to hide behind. We saw one of them run across the road and all of our hearts stopped. When we got back to the hotel we found out a tourist in the morning had been attacked by a rhino :( Luckily we got to watch them in their natural habitat without being attacked. The next morning I went on a lovely Elephant ride, but I don't think I will go on an elephant ride again even though they were from the elephant sanctuary. I feel like I could support the cause in a different way.
SO...
This morning I almost "lost my shit" so to speak. Arriving in Katmandu was so exciting! I met so many Canadians and ended up hanging out with more Aussies a few days after, but on day 3 I was ill. I had a reaction to something I ate, fever and running to the toilet all night. I survived and felt great the next day. Nothing out of the ordinary when traveling. However, when I arrived in Chitwan I became ill again, which I think was from taking Malaria pills. I found out that Malaria has been erradicated so I stopped straight away, but I now have a head cold. The fun did not stop there :S the night before leaving Chitwan I was talking to some of the Aussie's about having an itchy head and they checked my head and sure enough I had lice. An old trick back in the day was to mix a little bit of kerosine in water and massage the scalp, so we did that and I borrowed some tea tree oil, but I really need a comb. On my way back to Katmandu I met a lovely Nepalese couple on the bus and they helped look for a comb and shampoo. Last night I washed my hair with lice shampoo sent all of my clothing for washing, but this morning after checking my hair I realized the teeth of the comb was too far apart because I still found the eggs in my hair. I went searching in Thamel (the tourist area) to find a comb, but I couldn't find one so I went to my volunteer organization that I am meeting with in a few days to start the program and asked them where I could go to find one (the entire time I had a smile on my face knowing I was very lucky to had so many people help me). When I asked one of the guys at the organization he didn't really understand what I was talking about then the big boss came and they figured it out and had a chuckle, in any other moment it would have been funny, but I am sick, I have lice and no change of clothing I got a bit teary eyed, lol. They told me that I had to go and find it on my own, but I already tried and the thought of having to search all morning was stressing. All I wanted was a comb, so one of the guys took me to the market to find the right comb and success!! So today I lost my shit, but I am lucky to have had so many people helping me out in my moment of distress.
I am smiling again and feeling fabulous. :)
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
Top 5 India
I arrived in Katmandu, Nepal a few days ago, but I still need to wrap up my stay in India so I decided to put my top 5 best moments in India, excluding working with the kids in Bedla, Udiapur and all the sight around India.
Unfortunately, I am currently having technical difficulties with posting photo's . :(
#5. Local trains and buses: I really experienced India by taking the local train. Platform numbers change without warning and there are no clear indicators like announcements or board postings. My most memorable train ride was from Old Delhi to Amritsar. I was traveling with two others (Ben and Glyn) we figured out that the train was delayed by 1hr so we took it easy, waiting at our listed platform number. My friend regularly checked when our train was suppose to come checking the platform postings and whatever info he could get. We thought we were in the clear and so we waited. We started to worry because our train was no where to be found and by chance my friend checked the train waiting just across from us and of course it was our train. Our tickets did not have our coach number so we were running around with minutes to leave carrying out packs on our backs and random Indian men trying to help us (it was Indian Bootcamp). The names of the passengers for each carriage are posted outside the carriage. Ben decided to run to the end of the train to find our carriage and we agreeded if the train started to move that we would just get on. Finally, we found the right carriage, but there were people everywhere (on the floor, in the aisle with no room to spare). I have learned that you have to be frank and sometimes rude in India to get anywhere. There were a lot of people sitting in our seats knowing that it wasn't their seat. We were polite tourists and waited it out and then realized that they wouldn't budge if we didn't ask them to move. :S In the end we all had a good laugh. :)
We took the local bus when we were making our way from Amritsar to Dalhousie (hill station). There were many times I thought for sure we were going to hit other trucks or die, but he weaved in and out of traffic without a worry. The worst part of the trip was going up the mountain in the dark. It felt like a really bad amusement park ride that went on for hours!!! Luckily no one was hit or injured!
#4. Tiger sighting in Ranthamborne National Park: We were actually going to a temple located at entrance of the park then out of no where our driver was informed of a tiger sighting and we waited it out and saw the infamous tiger. Many people will spend several days to see a tiger and we saw one on our second day!
#3. HOLI FESTIVAL: Holi is the Spring Festival of India, Holi is a festival of colors. Celebrated in March or April according to the Hindu calendar, it was meant to welcome the spring and win the blessings of Gods for good harvests and fertility of the land. It was fun to have one last go with all the volunteers before the program ended. In the morning we threw colours around and we were covered in head to toe drenched in water, it was good fun. In the afternoon a group of us befriended our neighbours and they were such lovely people, they offered us food and chai. I learned a couple of bollywood moves and had mini dance-offs.
#2. Dharmsala: This is currently the residence of the Dali Lama. It was nice to be in the mountains with fresh air and plentiful amounts of really good western food. During our stay we went on a day tour to see a temple and go to a place that looks like little Switzerland (rolling hills and all). It was very beautiful, but so cold, it was snowing at the temple and then it was rainning for the rest of the afternoon and in the evening. At this lovely place we had lunch, before eating I made a pit stop to the toilet. It was a squat toilet nothing short of India, but I lost my glasses down the toilet. Yes, it is possible to lose your glasses down squat toilet it was so ridiciulous that I just laughed, luckily I brought an extra pair. The fun filled day did not stop there. They had zorbing (giant plastic balls, zorb balls that you are harnessed into and then rolled down a hill)!!! We decided why not, 100Rs, it 's a bargin. It was a great time, but Glyn and Lise were not doing so well on the way back.
#1. The Hip Hop club: My friends and I decided to take a night out in the town in New Delhi. We searched for a bar called the "blues bar" the only unfortunate thing was it was a Sunday so it wasn't a really happening place. BUT, we met a random group of lovely Indian guys. They knew this hip hop club and arranged cabs and everything (this may sound very shady, but they were lovely guys). We did make it to the hip hop club and we even crossed a state (we actually left Rajasthan), it took us about 30-45 mins to get there. We partied and spent way too much money, but we made new friends and had a great time. Highlights of the night incluced Ben and Glyn re-affirming the Indian notion that Western women are loose, Ben talking in Hindi to a random call from a phone service guy back in the UK, and Glyn dancing!!! It was a night to remember.
Other highlights included going to the India/Pakistan border to watch the changing of the flags, the American diner in New Delhi (after weeks of eating curry we gorged on really bad American food) and all the random people I met while in transit.
Unfortunately, I am currently having technical difficulties with posting photo's . :(
#5. Local trains and buses: I really experienced India by taking the local train. Platform numbers change without warning and there are no clear indicators like announcements or board postings. My most memorable train ride was from Old Delhi to Amritsar. I was traveling with two others (Ben and Glyn) we figured out that the train was delayed by 1hr so we took it easy, waiting at our listed platform number. My friend regularly checked when our train was suppose to come checking the platform postings and whatever info he could get. We thought we were in the clear and so we waited. We started to worry because our train was no where to be found and by chance my friend checked the train waiting just across from us and of course it was our train. Our tickets did not have our coach number so we were running around with minutes to leave carrying out packs on our backs and random Indian men trying to help us (it was Indian Bootcamp). The names of the passengers for each carriage are posted outside the carriage. Ben decided to run to the end of the train to find our carriage and we agreeded if the train started to move that we would just get on. Finally, we found the right carriage, but there were people everywhere (on the floor, in the aisle with no room to spare). I have learned that you have to be frank and sometimes rude in India to get anywhere. There were a lot of people sitting in our seats knowing that it wasn't their seat. We were polite tourists and waited it out and then realized that they wouldn't budge if we didn't ask them to move. :S In the end we all had a good laugh. :)
We took the local bus when we were making our way from Amritsar to Dalhousie (hill station). There were many times I thought for sure we were going to hit other trucks or die, but he weaved in and out of traffic without a worry. The worst part of the trip was going up the mountain in the dark. It felt like a really bad amusement park ride that went on for hours!!! Luckily no one was hit or injured!
#4. Tiger sighting in Ranthamborne National Park: We were actually going to a temple located at entrance of the park then out of no where our driver was informed of a tiger sighting and we waited it out and saw the infamous tiger. Many people will spend several days to see a tiger and we saw one on our second day!
#3. HOLI FESTIVAL: Holi is the Spring Festival of India, Holi is a festival of colors. Celebrated in March or April according to the Hindu calendar, it was meant to welcome the spring and win the blessings of Gods for good harvests and fertility of the land. It was fun to have one last go with all the volunteers before the program ended. In the morning we threw colours around and we were covered in head to toe drenched in water, it was good fun. In the afternoon a group of us befriended our neighbours and they were such lovely people, they offered us food and chai. I learned a couple of bollywood moves and had mini dance-offs.
#2. Dharmsala: This is currently the residence of the Dali Lama. It was nice to be in the mountains with fresh air and plentiful amounts of really good western food. During our stay we went on a day tour to see a temple and go to a place that looks like little Switzerland (rolling hills and all). It was very beautiful, but so cold, it was snowing at the temple and then it was rainning for the rest of the afternoon and in the evening. At this lovely place we had lunch, before eating I made a pit stop to the toilet. It was a squat toilet nothing short of India, but I lost my glasses down the toilet. Yes, it is possible to lose your glasses down squat toilet it was so ridiciulous that I just laughed, luckily I brought an extra pair. The fun filled day did not stop there. They had zorbing (giant plastic balls, zorb balls that you are harnessed into and then rolled down a hill)!!! We decided why not, 100Rs, it 's a bargin. It was a great time, but Glyn and Lise were not doing so well on the way back.
#1. The Hip Hop club: My friends and I decided to take a night out in the town in New Delhi. We searched for a bar called the "blues bar" the only unfortunate thing was it was a Sunday so it wasn't a really happening place. BUT, we met a random group of lovely Indian guys. They knew this hip hop club and arranged cabs and everything (this may sound very shady, but they were lovely guys). We did make it to the hip hop club and we even crossed a state (we actually left Rajasthan), it took us about 30-45 mins to get there. We partied and spent way too much money, but we made new friends and had a great time. Highlights of the night incluced Ben and Glyn re-affirming the Indian notion that Western women are loose, Ben talking in Hindi to a random call from a phone service guy back in the UK, and Glyn dancing!!! It was a night to remember.
Other highlights included going to the India/Pakistan border to watch the changing of the flags, the American diner in New Delhi (after weeks of eating curry we gorged on really bad American food) and all the random people I met while in transit.
Monday, February 23, 2009
India - Week 1
My last days in Thailand I was on Railay Island. I really got to unwind and chill out. I went rock climbing with a friend and was in search for a lagoon making new friends along the way. Now I am in India!!
India Playlist
Hotel Intro - Moby
Arryhthmia - Halou
Oceanwide - Halou
Gamma Ray - Beck
Paper Planes (DFA Remix) - M.I.A.
Ghostwriter (Remix) - RJD2
Loop in Blue - Halou
Bengawan Solo - Rebecca Pan
Sarasa - Susheela Raman
Taj Mahal - Jorge Ben
Souka Nayo - Baaba Maal
I have officially been in India for a week and it is still surreal to me that I am actually here. Here in Jodphur I will be teaching children 3 -8 years of age including 2 blind children that are part of the local tribal community. The living conditions here are very basic, I have access to water for 1 hr each day in the morning and no flushing toilets, but I have a roof over my head and 3 meals a day. These restrictions are liberating and it is amazing to think how much we take for granted. I am very excited to be here and I am very excited about teaching tomorrow. :)
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Farewell and Goodbye
After surving 5 weeks of teaching and my TEFL certification I am thrilled to come out of the experience excited and happy to have met so many fantastic people. I was based in Ao Luk for 5 weeks teaching English and getting TEFL certified. It was an intense 5 weeks to start off the new year, but an amazing challenge.
We arrived (12 of us in total) and 9 of us found ourselves in the 'big dorm' sharing two bathrooms (one of which was a traditional Thai bath). The first two weeks was getting into the grind (the hardest two weeks). We had chores in the morning involving sanitation, cooking duty and indoor duty. We began input sessions at 9 AM sharp learning about different teaching methods and additional information about teaching. This followed up with lesson planning. It seems easy enough, sounds easy enough, but it wasn't at all. I was in a group of 4 and for the first class we all taught 20mins to complete a 90min class. We were all worried and nervous for only 20mins!! We spent days planning the lesson. After teaching 20mins we moved up to 40min lessons and then finally our own 90min lesson. I remember feeling so tired, excited and nervous. I taught at 7:oopm and my students were between 15 -55 years of age. My class of 8 (Joy, Sao, Pit, Porn, A, Suni, Wow, and Jim) really appreciated us and were so respectful and happy that we were there teaching english. Despite the nerves I had a great time with the students and the hardest thing was to say goodbye.
At the end of the 5 weeks we had a big party with our students. It was a fantastic night of Karoke, amazing Thai food, and drinks!! All in all the people of Ao Luk have been nothing but kind and I feel so lucky to have experienced real Thai culture. I took a couple of side trips to Ao Nang and Phi Phi and they do not compare to the warmth and culture I experience in Ao Luk.
I am now getting ready to leave for India in 3 days!!! INDIA!!! I love Thailand!!
:)
We arrived (12 of us in total) and 9 of us found ourselves in the 'big dorm' sharing two bathrooms (one of which was a traditional Thai bath). The first two weeks was getting into the grind (the hardest two weeks). We had chores in the morning involving sanitation, cooking duty and indoor duty. We began input sessions at 9 AM sharp learning about different teaching methods and additional information about teaching. This followed up with lesson planning. It seems easy enough, sounds easy enough, but it wasn't at all. I was in a group of 4 and for the first class we all taught 20mins to complete a 90min class. We were all worried and nervous for only 20mins!! We spent days planning the lesson. After teaching 20mins we moved up to 40min lessons and then finally our own 90min lesson. I remember feeling so tired, excited and nervous. I taught at 7:oopm and my students were between 15 -55 years of age. My class of 8 (Joy, Sao, Pit, Porn, A, Suni, Wow, and Jim) really appreciated us and were so respectful and happy that we were there teaching english. Despite the nerves I had a great time with the students and the hardest thing was to say goodbye.
At the end of the 5 weeks we had a big party with our students. It was a fantastic night of Karoke, amazing Thai food, and drinks!! All in all the people of Ao Luk have been nothing but kind and I feel so lucky to have experienced real Thai culture. I took a couple of side trips to Ao Nang and Phi Phi and they do not compare to the warmth and culture I experience in Ao Luk.
I am now getting ready to leave for India in 3 days!!! INDIA!!! I love Thailand!!
:)
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Flash Back: Dedication to Rose "The Ganesha Shrine"
Correction! In the last post I spelled definately wrong it should be definitely. Someone brought it to my attention so I had to mention it of course. After all I am teaching english.
The Ganesha Shrine
The Ganesha Shrine is one of many important Hindu shrines. Ganesha is the son of Shiva and Parvati and considered a master of intellect and wisdom. Legend has it that Ganesha angered his father, who unwittingly cut off his own son's head. To make amends, he told his soldiers to bring the head of the first animal they encountered, which happened to be an elephant with one tusk. A red lotus is the main offering amongst many that are dedicated to this god.
So the story goes...
It was Rose's last day in Bangkok, she had read something about the Ganesha shrine and wanted to go see it before she left. I think we spent about half an hour looking for this place and at one point she thought maybe she made the whole thing up, turns out she didn't. I went looking for it the next day with a friend and it took me about an hour. IT WAS EPIC! It is located in a busy shopping center and if you start at the wrong corner you will get lost and asking for the exact location is not really an option. BUT WE FOUND IT!
Here are some lovely pictures of The Ganesha Shrine.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Welcome to GVI
Hey everyone, I have finally arrived at my placement in Ao Luk, Thailand for my TEFL certification. It is very exciting and I have met a lot of nice people. Today, I went to the National Park and went swimming with the locals and I am currently hanging out and eating weird cheesy twist with a new friend, Erika. She will also be going to India and Nepal. This one is a short one, but having an amazing time.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Crutchless
The first couple of days I explored the city with new friends, but there is nothing like exploring a city on your own. Friends are awesome to travel with, but they also can become a crutch. I can vouch for travelling alone it forces you to meet new people and do things you might never do.
This past weekend I ventured out to Chatuchak market. There was so much to see and buy! It is visited by thousands of locals and foreigners every weekend. If you have a passion for fashion you definately can find some vintage things and little knick knacks for nothing! I am definately hitting it up again before leaving for Canada.
Despite jetlag I have been waking up at around 7AM everyday. Now I must find some food!
This past weekend I ventured out to Chatuchak market. There was so much to see and buy! It is visited by thousands of locals and foreigners every weekend. If you have a passion for fashion you definately can find some vintage things and little knick knacks for nothing! I am definately hitting it up again before leaving for Canada.
Despite jetlag I have been waking up at around 7AM everyday. Now I must find some food!
Saturday, January 3, 2009
The New Year Part 2
I asked my sister (music guru) to make me mixes for my trip. We know how important a good mix is for any occasion.
New Year 2009 Mix
1. Breathe Me - Sia
2. Operator - Single
3. Losing Keys - Jack Johnson
4. What Makes a Man? - City and Colour
5. Say So - Uh Huh Her
6. Everything Done Wrong - Sloan
7. While We Wait - Jack Johnson
8. Against the Grain - City and Colour
9. Some Lessons - Melody Gardot
10. Little Girl Blue - Nina Simone
11. Winter Song - Sara Bareilles
12. End Of The Line - Nina Simone
13. Auld Lang Syne - Jesca Hoop
14. By Your Side - Sade
15. Wave Goodbye - Steadman
16. Free At Last - Antony and The Johnsons
17. Seashell - Skylab
The last couple of days in Bangkok have been utterly amazing. I explored the city with fantastic individuals that I met at Lub D (best hostel in Bangkok). On day 2 with new friends I ventured throught various markets, China town, chilled out at Lupini Park and had the most excellent full body and foot massage at a night market near Lupini Park. The night ended with a "ping pong show" on the infamous Patpong strip. I will bare you the details from the "ping pong show", it is not something to elaborate on. The next day a group of us decided to wake up 6am to take photo's of the sunrise at The Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew. The weather was overcast, but we still had an amazing time. It was a bittersweet day because all of the new friends I made were leaving. I am glad that I met them and made some great memories.
6 AM waiting for our boat to
The Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew
New Year 2009 Mix
1. Breathe Me - Sia
2. Operator - Single
3. Losing Keys - Jack Johnson
4. What Makes a Man? - City and Colour
5. Say So - Uh Huh Her
6. Everything Done Wrong - Sloan
7. While We Wait - Jack Johnson
8. Against the Grain - City and Colour
9. Some Lessons - Melody Gardot
10. Little Girl Blue - Nina Simone
11. Winter Song - Sara Bareilles
12. End Of The Line - Nina Simone
13. Auld Lang Syne - Jesca Hoop
14. By Your Side - Sade
15. Wave Goodbye - Steadman
16. Free At Last - Antony and The Johnsons
17. Seashell - Skylab
The last couple of days in Bangkok have been utterly amazing. I explored the city with fantastic individuals that I met at Lub D (best hostel in Bangkok). On day 2 with new friends I ventured throught various markets, China town, chilled out at Lupini Park and had the most excellent full body and foot massage at a night market near Lupini Park. The night ended with a "ping pong show" on the infamous Patpong strip. I will bare you the details from the "ping pong show", it is not something to elaborate on. The next day a group of us decided to wake up 6am to take photo's of the sunrise at The Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew. The weather was overcast, but we still had an amazing time. It was a bittersweet day because all of the new friends I made were leaving. I am glad that I met them and made some great memories.
6 AM waiting for our boat toThe Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
