QUEST

Every year a group of expats put together a music camping weekend outside of Hanoi, called Quest. It's from a Friday night to Sunday night. Of course, I went!

This year's theme was "Cosmic Animals" and my friend Alexandra and I decided to head down Friday night and leave Saturday night (early morning work on Sunday). I got down around midnight on Friday and partied until the wee hours of the morning. It was camping outside - we all had tents to sleep in, and there were about 4 or 5 different places to listen to music. It was right on a lake, so we could swim, or even hang out on some swings by the water. It was a great location and setup.

Saturday morning we had breakfast (and bloody marys) while the busses from Hanoi brought the weekend groups of people. Alex and I (and our friend Raghu) put on our costumes: I was a bumblebee, Alex was a ladybug, and Raghu was our flower. Raghu wasn't overy excited to be our flower, but too bad! Once we were set up in our costumes, we buzzed around the venue listening to music and catching up with friends. We did arts-n-crafts, and "sent" postcards to other people at Quest.

Ellie, Anna, and a bumblebee

As the day went on, Alex and I kept delaying out departure more and more. By 9pm, we had decided to just wake up early and drive back before class started. The drive was only about 1.5 hours so it wouldn't be too bad.

So, we woke up at 4am, and then rolled back over. Then we woke up at 5am, and hit the road. We made it to class on time, but we were EXHAUSTED!

I can't wait for the next one!
Apes

International Thanksgiving

Whelp, it's almost Thanksgiving back in the states. This year, I am gone again.

But have no fear - INTERNATIONAL THANKSGIVING IS HERE!

Saturday before Thanksgiving my French housemates and I decided to host a Thanksgiving. They had never had one before, and I of course wanted my favorite dishes. Earlier in the week I had invited some friends, and Friday I even found a place to order a turkey - hot and fresh, ready to be picked up!

So Saturday AM I picked up the turkey, made my favorite holiday dishes, and set up our terrace for the guests coming over. We started eating around 7pm, and had almost all the holiday dishes that I had at home, and a mix of others:

Turkey
Mashed Potatoes (made by my housemate)
Stuffing (Made by the other American at dinner)
Breaded Cauliflower (Mislan recipe)
Layered Salad (Mislan recipe)
Cranberry Sauce
Vegetables (carrots/cucumbers brought by a guest)
Duck
Rice
Greek Salad
Wine (brought by the French, of course)
Crepes (for dessert)


The guests were from all over:
America
Canada
England
Australia
South Africa
France
Vietnam
Germany
Ukraine

Some of the guests hadn't even had turkey before, so they definitely enjoyed our holiday.

Happy Thanksgiving!
Apes

Facebook is Gone!

That's right. I have gotten rid of Facebook...for now.

Halloween night I went out with some friends, and had a great time. I dressed up as a Minion and went hopping around town. I had some friends coming through town, and a group of us took our party around the city. I got home around 2am and the first thing I did was get on Facebook.

While I was browsing newsfeed I thought to myself "I just spent a great night out with REAL people, why do I need to look at a computer of people in other parts of the world?" Well, I don't need to. So, I deleted my account. I decided to keep it like that for the month, and sign back on it come December.

When I woke up, I had a feeling of freedom. The first thing I did in the morning was NOT get on the computer. I made breakfast, watched some TV, had a friend stop by for some catching up and then met up with a group of friends for dinner. No facebook at all. And no desire to check it either.

It's not the end of November, and the time I was giving myself to be FB FREE is about over. I don't think I'll get back on it just yet, as it's been pretty good without it. I've been meeting up with different friends, not distracted at work, or even when doing projects at home. It hasn't really affected my social life as people said it would. Those who need to reach me from afar and gotten to me via email, and those here in Vietnam who want to make plans reach me by texting or calling. REAL CONTACT!

Let's see when I'm readying to make the jump back into the online world...
Apes

Back in 'Nam

After my month long holiday in Australia, it was time to get settled back in Hanoi.

It was a strange feeling coming back. Some people had left the city and moved on, the girls in my apartment lived in new places, and new people had arrived. I knew while I was gone things wouldn't stand still, but I didn't realize how different I would feel coming back. 

The most pressing issue was a new place. The lease on my old AMAZING apartment ended as I left for Holiday, so I needed a new place to live. Luckily, within 24 hours, I found one! I moved into a house with 2 Frenchmen, close to where I lived before. 

The first couple weeks was hard to re-adjust: everyone had their own schedules and I needed to adjust to it. People had seperated into new "friend groups" and I needed to figure out where I fit in again. It was a hard adjustment, as I just didn't feel as connected to the people I had been hanging out with before I left. So, I expanded my circle and started meeting up with different people. Weeks later, I felt much more comfortable with the group of people I choose to spend time with, and the "before Holiday friends" I still see out and about.

All settled back!

- April 

Morning Coffee

Oh, hello there! Haven't see ya in a while. Let's catch up over some coffee, eh?

First, let me set the mood: A cup of fresh brewed Vietnamese coffee, a gorgeous view of Hanoi from my 16th floor apartment, and Ben Howard playing a soundtrack in the background. Everyone is gone from my apartment, and it's the perfect vibe for catching up.

View of Hanoi, and coffee out of a KFC cup

So let's see, what do people usually want to know when I talk to them?

How is work?
Work is great. I've just finished my first FULL 10 week term. Terms are 5 weeks (20 hours a week), but I taught a 10 week term (10 hours a week), as well as an 8 week Summer Program (12 hours a week). So I have OFFICIALLY (as of this week) finished both classes. My adult class was amazing. They were SUCH great students, and I LOVED teaching them. For our last class, after the exam, they took me out to dinner and then to a coffee shop. I really enjoyed myself; they ordered snails (which I have heard were amazing), and taught me how to eat Vietnamese food CORRECTLY. The coffee shop (after dinner) was right next to the palace, and one of my students had been going there for 12 years!

My last class with my adults.

My summer school students (12 - 14 years old) have their end of summer gala tomorrow. So, officially our last class was on Wednesday. After their final exam, we had a party. We watched movies, and snacked on cookies, crisps, and marshmellows. Today is the dress rehearsal, and tomorrow is the Gala! Their work will be displayed, and each class will perform on stage for their families. My students (the lowest level in the summer school) have put together a "Top Chef" skit for their families. They are excited, and I hope it turns out great!

Some of my Summer School kids

My new schedule starts on Monday, I will teach 2 different adult classes, and then starting mid-August I will teach an additonal 2 more classes - 2 kids classes on Sundays. Yes, working on the weekend!!! AHHH, UNHEARD OF! But - it's only for 5 weeks, and then I will have made some extra cash for my September holiday to Australia (more about that later).

BUT - I do have a new title at work, AND I just got a raise! Yes, I am officially the "Social Events Coordinator", so of course I am stoked. I am in charge of after work get togethers, alerting the staff when people are leaving, and just keeping everyone up to date on the happenings in Hanoi. This week is our second event - a goodbye happy hour for those leaving after this term.

And a raise! YUP - after 10 weeks, I've already gotten a raise. Well, EVERYONE at the school got a raise - $1/hour. Doesn't seem like much - but it's essentially $4-$6 a day since we get paid per hour. That means I can afford an extra 4 beers at a bia hoi for each hour I'm working!

How are your housemates?
AWESOME! I have DEF lucked out in the housemate department.

The German (Katharina) and I have gone out a LOT together, and done fun things outside of parties as well. We even went horseback riding a few weeks ago!

Sunset Horseback Riding

One of my South African housemates (Hannah) had a birthday a few weeks ago, so we all went to Halong Bay to celebrate. It's a natural wonder of the world, and it was my second time going. The group on the boat was AWESOME and helped us celebrate it perfectly. Even the rain held out till it was time to go to bed. The next morning, we had a new group of people join us for the way back - and they were great fun as well. We ended up seeing them again during the week at the free beer spot, and a few ended up at our party on Saturday! Hopefully, I'll get to see them again in Bangkok when I'm there for my VISA run.

Halong Bay

How's the social life?
Well, now that I've been here for 2 months, it's gotten a LOT better! I've finally gotten away from the backpacker area and go to the local spots. Last month I was waking up at 2am to watch the world cup games (I even had a USA jersey to wear!) with other foreigners. It was a great run for the US - but I am HAPPY to have my morning sleep back!

Germany vs. USA

USA World Cup friends!

A bunch of my friends I've made from traveling have wandered through Hanoi so it's been great to be able to catch up with them in a new spot: Allison from Korea, Ryan from the Philippines, Derrick from Myanmar, and etc.

We had our first apartment party last weekend and it went GREAT! It was during a "typhoon" so the turnout wasn't as big as we had planned, but we still had a great showing. The housemates and I made snacks, and punch, played sweet music, and set up beer pong for those who came. After a few hours, we ended up at a bar and then brought tons of bar people back to party till 10am. Everyone told us they had a great time, and can't wait for the next one we have. Luckily, the maid came the next day and took care of the cleanup.

Apt. 1601 at our first job as hosts!

This weekend I am going to the waterpark with an Irish girl I met last weekend and then I am going to what is called "Piknik" on Sunday with a girl from work. It's an outdoor afternoon gathering, and once the sun goes down, the fire shows start!

Everyone here is very artsy - I've been to open mic nights, backyard fire show parties, DJ performances, etc. If there was ever a place to get your "artsy" on - this is the place!

OH! And the best part?? I got WHEELS! That's right, I got myself a motorbike, a dark Blue Yamaha Nuovo and named him "FREEEEEEDOM!!!" Yes, it's awfully American of me. Now I can zip around like a local and it is GREAT! I can get myself to and from work, and to and from Big C (similar to Wal-Mart) without getting lost. I can also ALMOST get to and from Bar Betta (Free beer bar) and Chicken Street (best chicken EVER) - but to get to those places I need a co-pilot.

Me and FREEDOMMMM!!!!

How's the love life?
Well, I ALWAYS get this question and honestly, Hanoi is NOT the place to meet single men you want to date. The single guys are all backpackers, and the "my age" guys are all in "live together" relationships or are already married. That means they don't go out too much, and the ones that do are usually gay. So, it's a tough place to get a romance going. But - I can see why. The pay is great, the lifestyle is easy, and if you are a travelling couple, this is a great place to settle. Most people at my school have been there a while, and don't plan on leaving any time soon.

So you haven't met anyone?
Ok, so I didn't say THAT. I just said it was hard! But - I have met someone that I enjoy spending enough time with that even after he left, we decided to stay in touch and I will be heading off to visit him in September. Yes, I am off to a new country - AUSTRALIA - to visit an Aussie I met about a month and a half ago. He lives in Melbourne, and his friends remind me of my friends back home (but not AS awesome as my crew). He's taking me around to see some of the big sites, and I am stoked! I've always wanted to go to Australia, and being able to be there with someone I am keen on is just icing on the cake. So, I'm sure I will have a blast while I am there. BUT - I also get to catch up with my other aussie's I've met while traveling: Jacinta in Perth, Matt, Sam, and Julie in Brisbane, and possibly even Kyrstee and Matt in Victoria! It will be just like when I went to Europe and got to see my traveling buddies over there!

So, what's the next plan?
NO IDEA! It looks like I'll stay in Vietnam longer than I intended, probably through the new year, maybe even a little longer. My plans are always changing, but that's the best part of my life....I can do whatever I want, and go wherever I like. I'm never tied down to one spot and can just go where life takes me. So....the next spot is still up in the air (although I am still HIGHLY biased on being back in Europe).

Well, my coffee is empty and that means it's time to head off to work for Gala Rehearsal. 

Have a great Friday (or Thursday night, if that's the time zone you're in) and I'll work on being better at keeping you up to date on my life here in Hanoi. 

Chao,

Apes :)

Life in Hanoi.

Yup - that's right. I've settled into a new place, with a new gig. But this time - I live in a BIG CITY! I live in Hanoi, Vietnam. Life is pretty different than a small town (as you'd expect).

Housing: instead of a single room flat, I live in a 3 bedroom apartment in a high rise building. I'm on the 16th floor, and I share the apartment with 3 other girls.
Katharina - German
Hannah - South African
Ricki Leigh - South African
I share my bathroom with Katharina, and Hannah and Ricki share the master bedroom (and have their own bathroom).

Work: instead of having to go to work form 9am - 4pm, I now only go to school when I am teaching. That's right, NO "office hours" for me!!! So here's my current schedule:
Monday: 1:15pm - 5:30pm, 6:15pm-8:15pm
Tuesday: 6:15-8:15pm
Wedneday: 1:15pm - 5:30pm, 6:15pm-8:15pm
Friday: 1:15pm-5:30pm
Wait, there's no Thursday listed, is there? That's right - it's because I HAVE THURSDAYS OFF WORK! And what's really nice about my school is that every 5 weeks it's a new semester. So in 5 weeks, I can ask for more OR less hours and get a whole new schedule of classes and students.

Shopping: instead of a market every few days - there's STORES and STORES and STORES!! The problem is, I just have to figure out where they all are!

So here I am, living in a sweet multinational apartment, which a sweet gig. I'm slowly making friends and I think I'll end up being here longer than September (which was my original plan).

Xin chào,
Apes :)

K.I.T. they say.

I started travelling for a living a little over 3 years ago. When I started, I was still in VERY good contact with my American world. I chatted on a regular basis with my buddies, besties, and family members back home. Heck, I even knew how to call out on a non-smart Thai phone. I mean, it was ALMOST like I hadn't left. ALMOST.

But now, after almost 3.5 years, 20 countries, and 2 visits home later - everything is different. My "besties" are engaged? Good thing facebook told me. Pregnant? Gave birth? Thanks FB - I wouldn't have known without you. Oh I mean yeah, I could Skype - but I've learned that the Skype program is just a waste of computer memory...no one really uses it to skype you after your first year gone. Oh I mean I hear all the time "let's skype" but let's be realistic - that's turned into the bad date "I'll call ya..." phrase. I don't even hold my breath for skype chats anymore. And the "I miss you?" that's even worse. My winter coat could magically come to life, type out an "I miss you" and it would come with about the same feeling as if a live person typed it; I miss ya, but not enough to try to arrange a way to catch up.

It's funny - when you leave, (and I've said it before), it's a quick way to "trim the fat". But honestly - once all the immediate fat is trimmed, what's left to trim? Apparently you are. You are trimmed from any sort of information or contact unless it's via facebook. Trying to constantly get in touch with people you thought were your best friends and not having it happens, SUCKS. Yeah I get that it's harder that I'm gone - and everyone is growing up. And yeah, I get that "life happens" - but when you are CONSTANTLY on your smart phones (as it has become everyone's extra limb) what would it hurt to send an email? How about a quick - "hey I really do wanna get in touch, but life is crazy right now. Here's what's going on with me". I mean honestly, who DOESN'T like talking about themselves? I mean, an email to brag about anything great happening, or to vent to someone about whatever is pissing you off? It really can't get much better.

Granted, yes, I am not as good about it as I was 3 years ago - but it's not like I've given up trying to keep in touch with people. Well, actually, I have. I've decided I don't really care about getting in touch with people that can't spend 2 minutes trying to catch up with me. I'm not asking for an everyday talk - but a little note to know people still want to know I'm alive would go a long way. Especially in a foreign country. Who cares that it's not my first stint abroad? Doesn't mean I want to be left out in the cold from anything happening in friends/families lives.

With the exception of a small chat I had with a friend from home 2 weeks ago - I can't really say I've heard from anyone from my "American life". Can't say I haven't tried - because I have. But, I guess that's what happens. Friendship is a 2 way street. Eventually I get tired of going down the 1 way street hoping something will come the other way.

I guess once you trim the fat - everyone else trims you. So much for "K.I.T."

- Apes

Holiday - Part 2 (Full Moon Party)

Once on the overnight bus to Koh Phangnan, we girls made friends (of course). We arrrived at the port the following morning, and then ferried over to the island. We got settled in a cute Bungalow on a private beach - about a 15 minute walk to the full moon beach (Hat Rin). We headed into town for some food, full moon shopping, and exploring. There was still some sun, so we spent some time at the beach laying around and enjoying the water.

Then it was back to the Bungalow to get ready for a night out. We met our neighbors, and then we went back to the beach for the pre-full moon party, which we stayed at till the early morning.

Wednesday - THE DAY OF THE FULL MOON!!! We started off the day with some beach time, and laid on the sand for HOURS. Then we headed back to get ready for the main event. The reason so many tourists flock to the island - THE FULL MOON PARTY! We got ready, and then the neighbors came over and we all got our bodies painted up. We have a few drinks, took some photos, then made our way to the beach. Once at the beach, we had to pay to get on the sand. This was DEF a change from the last full moon party I had been to. But, once on the beach we set up shop! We headed to our bucket man from the night before (Leo) and grabbed some buckets to start off with. Then we met a few groups of people and hung out with them for a while. We headed to the other end of the beach, and ran into some of the guys from the bus. Then, I met a group of British guys and gals, and we headed up to Mellow Mountain. We ended up dancing there (we had met the DJ earlier, in the tuk tuk) and once I realized the sun would be up soon, we headed back down to the beach to dance on the beach stages. Once back on the beach, we stage hopped, and before I knew it, the sun was coming up! MY FAVORITE PART OF THE PARTY! Once the sun is up, I love to see the people that are still up and partying. The stages were still full of people, the "humiliation area" was full of people who passed out early, and tons of people were still hanging out on the sand. I ended up seeing all my mates from Bangkok once the sun came up, and then I danced on the stage with an Aussie while the British group jumped the fire rope.

...and THEN, the BACKYARD PARTY! At about 7am, we headed off the beach, and a few of us headed up into the mountain for the next party. It's usually the best part of the party scene on the island, but this year it was a little disappointing. We stayed about 30 minutes, and when it didn't pick up - we know it was time to head back. On the walk back through the beach, the stages were still full, and the buckets were still being mixed up. As I walked home, I ran into one of my neighbors, and we walked back together. Once back at my bungalow, I passed right out, HARD!

The following day was just spent relaxing and we didn't make it out of the bungalow until dinnertime, where we went back into town and then watched some of the fire shows on the beach before heading to bed. We were out early the next morning for our next destinations.

Sawasdee Kha,
Apes

Holiday - Part 1 (Bangkok)

After 2 months of living in Mandalay, it was time to head off to a new teaching destination. This time - VIETNAM! But first, a Holiday!

Once I left Myanmar, I settled in Bangkok for a few days with 2 of my friends from Mandalay (Clare and Ryan) and Clare's friend Nina (from South Africa). We spent Saturday just relaxing, shopping, and EATING STREET FOOD!! It was SO great to eat flavorful food again. Then we went out for drinks, and danced until morning. All things I couldn't do in Myanmar!

Sunday we spent the day spoiling ourselves. Getting our hair did, manicures, etc. I even got to meet up with some of my Bangkok family for some ice cream. Then it was dinner (with a magic show!) and a little earlier of a night, because Monday was a big day.

Monday Ryan and I got up SUPER early and headed to Wat Ban Phra, for new tattoos. Why at this place? Because it's a big thing in the Thai culture. You get to the temple (Wat), and give your offering (flowers, cigarettes) to the head monk, then wait your turn. When it's your turn, you sit in front of the monk, and he decides on your tattoo and location. So, when it was my turn, I sat in front, and (since he can't touch women) he positioned my body using a stick. He handled me a little rough, throwing my arms and head around until he had positioned me to how he wanted. Then, it was time to start. I sat in the most uncomfortable position for abot 25 min, my legs fell asleep, and I had NO idea what design he was giving me. But finally, he was done! He cleaned off the ink, and then said a Khmeric prayer over the tattoo. And FINALLY, I got to see what it was! And here it is....

So, in case you are wondering about what my "Sak Yant" means, here ya go:

It's 5 rows and each row represents something different:

1. First row prevents unjust punishment and leans in your favor when the area is grey, cleans out unwanted spirits and protects the place you live in.
2. Second row reverses and protects against bad horoscope constellations and bad luck.
3. Third row protects you from the use of black magic and anyone who tries to put a curse on you.
4. Fourth row energizes your good luck, success and fortune in your future ambitions and life style.
5. Fifth row is to gain charisma and attraction to the opposite sex. It is also is a boost to the fourth row.

After the tattoos were done, it was time to head back...because us girls were off to KOH PHANGNAN for the FULL MOON PARTY!

Sawasdee Kha,
Apes

From the heart.

So today I happen to be looking through some old pictures. Ok, not that old – as this is still a fairly new computer. So, let’s say pictures from about the last year….starting with Korea.

And I must say. I am one lucky broad. And I don’t mean I’m lucky because of all the traveling I’ve done. I mean lucky in the people that I’ve met and bonded with. Going through my pictures, I saw so many people who I genuinely enjoy talking to and catching up with. And what made it even better was that I am still in touch with most of them. They just didn’t appear in my life, only to disappear once again. They haven’t become the “Facebook says it’s your birthday, so I’m sending you a message” type “friends” either. While they might not be someone I talk to EVERY day, they are people I catch up with on a regular basis, and enjoy looking forward to when we do.

I wish I had the words to explain how much these people mean to me, and to my experiences. Not only the people I’ve met traveling, but ALL the people that have made me a better person. Those that have stayed in touch no matter what part of the world I’m in, those that have visited me in far away lands, and those who send me random messages just to let me know I am still a part of their lives.

I never thought I’d meet as many as amazing people as I have, and if I don’t meet any one else that belongs in this group of treasured people; I still have more of them than any one person could hope for.

So thank you to all of those who have touched me, and continue to keep me smiling. Whether we talk every day, whether you read this or not, I hope that you have people in your lives that make you feel as lucky as you make me feel. 

- Apes

HAPPY 25th BIRTHDAY TO ME!

So I had a birthday.

About a year or so ago I realized I had a big birthday coming up. So, I decided what better place to go then BALI!!! (It’s in Indonesia).        

I’ve heard great things about it – from the activities (diving, etc) to the parties. So, I sent an email out inviting any of my back home crew, and then made the plan.

….and it happened. AND I had some of my girls join me from the states (and abroad)! Megan Beazley was the first to say she was coming (I didn’t doubt for a minute she’d say no). Then a few months before the trip, my 4^th grade BF, Becca Holcomb, emailed and told me she was coming. THEN, my cousin, Jessie, said she wanted to visit me on her holiday. Turns out it was the same time as my birthday, so she planned to join the fun. While I was in Myanmar, I became friends with another foreigner teacher (Natasha), and she decided to join me in the islands for my birthday….and then the last one, another teacher (from my year in Korea) saw that I was going to be there, so she came out as well!

So, Sunday April 13^th came….and a reunion happened. Cuz Jessie and I met in the airport, and then we made our way to the hotel to meet Beaz, who had arrived earlier in the AM. We exchanged travel stories, had dinner, and then headed right to bed, as we were all so exhausted. But that doesn’t mean the whole trip was like that…

Day 1 (Monday) - we got up, snagged some free hotel breakfast, then went off to book SURFING LESSONS! Yup, that’s right. This trio was going all “Blue Crush” on this holiday. We booked the lessons, and then had poolside drinks while we waited for them to start. We met some Canadian surfers at our pool (they were sponsored by Billabong) and they tried to give us surfing tips, which of course we didn’t pay attention to. Silly us. Then it was lesson time! We met our instructor, grabbed our longboards and rash guards, and headed to the beach. We already felt super surfer-ish. We spent some time on the sand practicing our stand up poses, and then it was TIME TO HIT THE WAVES! We all took turns getting up on waves, and we were able to stand up for a little. It was awesome. The waves were rough, and it was exhausting, BUT it was a great feeling being able to stand on the waves. I got on one wave and FELT like I was surfing. I actually felt the wave under me, and thought “Oh, so THIS is what surfing is like!” After a few hours, our time crushing waves was up.

Then it was off to BBQ dinner for $5!! We made it to the Sky Garden, paid our $5 (50,000rupiah) and chowed down. We had a few of the free beers before they were gone, and then had salad, pasta, pizza, BBQ chicken, seafood kebabs, and etc. We are our fill, made friends, and then we headed over to the free cocktails at 9pm. We hopped out with our new friends to start a night of dancing and fun. Once we had our dancing shoes nice and warmed up (and plenty of cocktails in our tummys), we headed off to new dancing locations. Beaz headed home, so it was just the cousins left. We made some friends on the street, and bar hopped with them. Then, since it was about 2am, it was time to head home….the girls we going on a trip in the AM…

Day 2 (Tuesday) – Beaz and Jessie got up, and headed off on their downhill biking adventure. I on the other hand, slept in, grabbed some breakfast, and relaxed by the pool. By the time they got home (around 5pm), I was relaxed, packed (we were checking out on Wed), and ready to hear about their adventure. They shared their stories, and then we had dinner and called it an early night. Beaz and I woke up around 11pm, to awake for our newest arrival – BECCA! But when we woke, we had a message saying her connecting flight was delayed and she wouldn’t arrive until noon on Wednesday. So we had to figure out arrangements for her since we were leaving for the Gili Islands at 7am.

Day 3 (Wednesday) – the 3 of us got up, checked out, and headed to the GILI ISLANDS! We met my girl, Natashia (from teaching in Myanmar) and hopped on the boat. We stayed on the boat for a few hours, dropping off and collectine people from the other islands. We also made friends with a group of English guys, which we would continue to see for the next few days.

Once at the island, we got settled in the hostel, and then went to the beach. It was GORGEOUS! The water was crystal clear blue, and wasn’t full of trash like Kuta Beach. We relaxed on the beach, then headed to the market for dinner. BBQ it was. It was delicious, and then it was time to go back and get ready for our first night out on the island. Tonight’s party was at the Irish Pub. PERFECT! So, after having some drinks at the hostel, we headed to the pub, where the first people we ran into were the English guys from the boat. Turns out they were all on a trip that their friend (one of the guys with them) was paying for…he had won a million Euros in the EU lottery! So, he treated his best friends to a trip to SE Asia. Whelp, since it was almost my birthday, they helped countdown, and then it was the first birthday shot – A JAGER BOMB! Then we drank and danced the night away, and didn’t get home until who knows what time.

Day 4 (Thursday) – MY ACTUAL BIRTHDAY. My first present? BECCA FINALLY ARRIVING! She hopped off her boat around 12:30pm, and then we showed her the island. Well, we showed her the room and then we all proceeded to nap (except Jessie, who was doing her VERY first SCUBA DIVE). Once Jessie was back, it was time to see the beach, and then grab dinner at the market once again. And then? TIME FOR THE BIRTHDAY PARTY! We suited up with glow sticks, party hats, beads, beers, and energy shots. Then it was time for the first bar: Jiggy-Jig. We met some Danish girls who sang happy birthday to me, and then my next gift came…BEAZ IN A DRINKING CONTEST! She had to down the following: a Joss Shot (an energy powder chased with a vodka shot), A Jager Bomb, a Smirnoff Ice, and a Dr. Pepper Shot. She had to do it faster than the previous female winner – a Canadian got 25 seconds. Beaz did it in 24.17seconds. WOOOO!!!! Then, we continued over to the Reggae Bar to meet my friend Allison. We saw her for a few minutes, then the reggae bar sang happy birthday to me onstage, and then we hopped over to the Irish Bar where we ran into the English boys once again, and made new friends with people out for the night. We birthday partied into the night, until the bars started to close.

Day 5 (Friday) – GOODBYE to Beaz and Jessie. They hopped on the boat out at 12:30, and it was just me and Becca left. We had lunch, and then I headed out to do some scuba diving of my own. On my diving trip, I was REALLY hoping to see some sea turtles, but it didn’t happen. BUT, I DID see an Eagle Ray. I thought it was cool, but apparently it was AMAZINGLY cool, as my instructor was SUPER excited, and hadn’t seen one before. Afterwards, Becca and I had dinner, and made it an early night. We were exhausted from the nights before, and we were leaving the next morning.

Day 6 (Saturday) – BYE GILI T! Becca and I headed off on the 1230pm boat, and then arrived in Ubud at around 4pm. We headed to dinner, and then went and saw a fire show. We booked our adventure for the next day, and our way back to Kuta so we could catch our flight out.

Day 7 (Sunday) – 230am…ugh, what an early wakeup! BUT it was for good reason. A hike on an active volcano (last eruption in 2000), to see the sunrise at the top. So we got up, and headed out to Mt. Batur. We met the rest of our group for the mornings hike, grabbed our flashlights, and off we went. It was pitch black, and we had to use our flashlights all the way up to the top. At the halfway point there was a fire going, and refreshments, so we stopped for a short break. Then, it was time to finish up! We made it to the top while it was just getting light, and watched the sunrise come up over the OTHER volcano while sitting on a volcano. We had breakfast at the top, and fed the monkeys that were lingering around. Then, after about an hour or so, it was time to head down. On the way down (which was MUCH easier), we picked tomatoes to eat along our path.

After the hike, we headed to a coffee tasting. Yes, a COFFEE TASTING. We tried about 8 or so different coffees made in Bali, and then we tried the famous Bali coffee: the coffee made from the poop of a catlike animal. Sounds gross, yeah? WELL IT ISNT! It’s very rare, and very expensive. But we saw the animals, and saw how it was made. The animals eat the cocoa beans, then when it poops it out it looks like white peanut brittle. Then, they clean, roast, and crunch the poop beans up, and make coffee out if it. So there ya go!

After the coffee, we didn’t have too much time, so we headed back and got ready for our trip back to Kuta. Once in Kuta, we grabbed a room at Kedin’s again and then headed to our favorite BBQ place. Ok, well MY fav BBQ place – I was just happy Becca got to try it out!

Day 8 (Monday) – we got up early, and headed to the airport…time to head back to Myanmar. Not Becca though, that lucky girl still had about 2 months of SE Asia.

After a day of travel, I arrived back in Mandalay (Myanmar) in time to get ready for work and start a new week of class.

I couldn’t have asked for a better group of girls to celebrate my birthday with me, and can’t tell them enough how much it meant to me to have them take the time and money to travel to the other side of the world for a week of bday celebrations.

Mingalabar,

Apes J

It's been a few weeks here...

So I've been in Myanmar for a few weeks and I've done a LOT!

I've been to Mandalay Hill and watched the sunset with the other teachers.

Niko (from Vietnam) came to visit, but it was my first weekend, so I didn't know too much for us to do. My has that changed!

I met some other foreigners in town, and have of course made friends!

I've found the (little) nightlife here in Mandalay...which became useful when...

Chris (from Prague) came to visit and I took him to meet the other teachers for a night out in Mandalay. Then he and I rented motorbikes and explored the tiny country villages during the weekend. We ended up at a monastery, and had an audience with the head Monk. Then we found a tiny village on the water and had some drinks and snacks on the water. That night we met up some of the foreigners for a BBQ Party and met other travelers coming through Mandalay. The following day, I had arranged to rent a boat for the afternoon, and of course, invited everyone we had met throughout the weekend. There were about 18 of us, and we loaded up on the boat around 3pm, and set sail. We turned on the music, opened the beers, poured on the sunscreen, and focused our cameras. And off we went! After about an hour or so, we docked at Mingun, and explored some ruins and temples (and I got some postcards, so some people will be getting mail soon!). Then we took a dip in the water while we waited for everyone to gather back at the boat. Once we re-grouped, it was time to head back to the mainland. Back at the dock (after the sun had set), we headed to a rooftop restaurant for a gorgeous view of the river and of Mandalay City. Chris ended up staying a few more days, and I believe he enjoyed his time MUCH more than Niko did when he visited.

The following weekend we went on a school trip to the surrounding areas:
- Inn wa (city of gems): we went to Me Nu Okkyaung Monastery and Bagayan Monastery.
- Mingun: we saw the Mingun Bell (2nd largest bell in the WORLD!)
- Sagaing: we went to the Kaung Mu Taw Pagoda
- Amarapura: we went to U Bein's Bridge (longest teak bridge in the world)

Those are the biggest attractions in Mandalay, and we got to hit them all in one day, in an air-conditioned van (which was nice in the 100+ Farenheit heat).

So while I haven't posted in a while...it doesn't mean I've been sitting around. I've been out and about. I'll try to post up some pix here soon so you can see what I've been seeing!

Mangalabar,
Apes :)

Things I've missed

When I was home I felt like I hadn't been in Asia for SUCH A LONG TIME.
But, since I've been back, I feel like I never left....but I have realized the things I missed (well, the Burmese things I've missed).

- Tea Leaf Salad (La Peto)
- The language (I love being able to spit out random phrases - it comes back so easily)
- Longyis (the traditional skirts won by men and women)
- The friendliness (the people haven't been corrupted by tourism JUST YET)
- The motorbikes (ahh, I love riding them)
- Hippie Style (backpackers in full hippie attire)

But while I do miss MANY more things about Myanmar, there are things I DON'T miss (the dust, the no wifi, etc)....but there are even more things to notice now.

In 2 years, things have started to change:

- There are ATMs all over.
- The overnight buses are (apparently) SUPER nice (as in, personal video players at each oversized, padded seat)
- The largest currency bill is no longer 5,000mmk, they have added a 10,000mmk bill!!!
- The prices of EVERYTHING have gone up
- THERE ARE TOUR BUSES! As in, buses full of foreigners are constantly checking into the hotel, and tons are being driven around and through Mandalay.
- I have friends actually passing through the area and crashing on my spare bed!

While the traditional Myanmar is still around, you can DEF see the different in the country now that the borders have been open a few years. I hope it doesn't change too much more, as the country was so amazing before the western world has started to get it's hands on it.

Here's to hoping that Myanmar keeps it's traditions alive...

Mingalabar,
Apes :)

Myanmar I've Returned....

Yes, that's right. After 2 years, I AM BACK! I ventured across the oceans once again to set up shop for 2 months in the land of Gold...Myanmar. But this time...I am NOT Yangon, I am in a more northern area, Mandalay.

Mandalay MAY sound a little familiar to ya, and if you can't figure out why...I know why! There's a man with baby blue eyes you might of heard of, named Frank Sinatra. He sang "On the Road to Mandalay"....

By the old Moulmein Pagoda

Looking eastward to the sea

There's a Burma broad a settin'

And I know she thinks for me

For the wind is in the palm trees

And the temple bells they say

Come you back, you British soldier

Come you back to Mandalay

Come you back to Mandalay

Come you back to Mandalay

Where the old flotilla lay

Can't you hear their paddles chonkin'

From Rangoon to Mandalay

On the road to Mandalay

Where the flyin' fishes play

And the dawn comes up like thunder

Out of China 'cross the bay

Ship me somewhere east of Suez

Where the best is like the worst

Where there ain't no Ten Commandments

And a cat can raise a thirst

'Cause those crazy bells are callin'

And it's there that I would be

By the old Moulmein Pagoda

Looking lazy at the sea

Looking lazy at the sea

Come you back to Mandalay

Where the old flotilla lay

Can't you hear their paddles chonkin'

From Rangoon to Mandalay

On the road to Mandalay

Where the flyin' fishes play

And the dawn comes up like thunder

So there ya go. I've solved your mystery for ya. But, you probably weren't reading my post for song lyrics from an old man. So FINE, here's what life is like...

I'm living in a swanky hotel, Swan Hotel, across from the Mandalay Palace. Yes, if I cross the street, I am walking on the moat (I've walked the whole moat and it took my 3 hours). I have a 2 bedroom room on the 1st floor. I have an ensuite bathroom, including a shower WITH A SHOWER CURTAIN!! I have a mini fridge (I made the staff take out all the mini bar stuff), a TV (with Aljazeera on loop, and movie channel), and a couch in front of a window looking out onto the Hotel POOL. YES, a SWIMMING POOL!!! Don't get too excited though, it doesn't have any chlorine in it, so I'm a little skeptical of hopping in. Every morning we get a buffet breakfast. It includes the staples: fresh fruit, juice, coffee, tea, a pastry/danish table, made to order eggs (fried, hard boiled, omelets). Then daily it changes to a different soup, a different meat (sometimes chicken wings!), a different vegetable, and something Burmese. Yeah....so much for the whole "melting my American fat away". Anyways, we get maid service (including 2 bottles of water a day) AND we have a gym. So...it's pretty decent. I live close enough to the lobby that the internet reaches to my room most days.

Once the school van picks us up at 8:15am, we ride the 10 min to school and are greeted by the air conditioned teachers lounge with coffee, tea, and snacks. When it's lunch time, we all get in line for either the "Burmese" option or the "European" option. I usually get a mix: the European main dish, raw veggie salad, then the Burmese soup/vegetable.

After school, we hop back on our van at 3:15pm and are back in our rooms by 3:30pm. Then we have ALL afternoon/evening to do whatever we want. Sometimes a workout in the gym is involved, other days a nap, and a few times there have been a few long walks. But, we always end up at 1 of 3 spots:

1. The shop around the corner that serves ANYTHING asian: Chinese, Burmese, Thai food. That means: rice dishes, noodle dishes, and meat dishes. And shakes/juices.
2. The tea shop: A VERY Burmese place...it's a "shop" (aka, a roof and tables and chairs) that the men (and a FEW Burmese women) go to get tea and snacks. We go here quite often as we have made friends with the server (Tenzen) and they have our FAVORITE dish, La Peto (Tea Leaf Salad). Plus, the salad is only 600mk ($.60).
3. Street Noodle Shop: A cart in between spot 1 and 2 that has little plastic tables and chairs. The woman cook Shan Noodles in a variety of ways, and it's about 500mk ($.50) a day.

We are usually at our spots for over an hour, then it's INTERNET time! We all huddle to the lobby and pop in our headphones and do our nightly internet business.

And there ya go....a day in the life of Apes in Myanmar. Although, if you have snapchat (apesadventures) then you probably see this on a daily basis.

Mingalabar,
Apes :)

My adventures to Myanmar

So I've left many countries to go to many other countries. I've been patted down at airports, missed flights, and even been told I don't have enough room in my passport to stamp my exit visa.

And this trip was no exception.

I get to the airport in DC (Dulles) and check in with Etihad Airlines, with no problem. Well, I did have to weigh my carry on bag (which was weird) but still, no problem. I get settled in my seat, and then I hear it...SCREAMING babies. Not crying babies, but SCREAMING. And there was a group of them. And they didn't stop screaming ALL flight. Yes, a 12 hour flight and there were screaming babies. FOR ALL 12 HOURS. But alas, I watched my in flight movie, and tried to sleep. Mostly, I just had my eyes closed and listened to the music.

Landing and getting to the next gate was uneventful. I even got a blanket, water, and juice in the waiting area. Then....9am rolled around. My flight was leaving at 945am. No sign for boarding to begin, no notices that the flight has been delayed. But, there was a lone Etihad worker with a growing group of people asking about the flight. Then, at about 10am we were told that the flight was delayed until 1pm. Hmm...about 3 hours AFTER it was supposed to depart. Well, I had ANOTHER flight in Thailand (booked separately through Air Asia) that I needed to get...as there is only one flight from BKK to Mandalay a day. Well, once we FINALLY boarded the plane (at 1:45pm, at a DIFFERENT GATE) I KNEW I wouldn't be making my flight in Thailand.

So we land in BKK and I head straight for the baggage/customer relations desk. They end up booking me (free of charge) on the flight for the FOLLOWING day, and then comp me a room at the Novotel Airport Hotel, AND comped me a dinner at the hotel. THE HOTEL WAS AMAZING. I had 2 beds (which seems to happen to me alot), a BATHTUB, shower, cable, view of the airport (which was actually really cool), and then spent the afternoon at the hotel pool. Yes, it was fancy. For dinner they served a Thai Buffet....but then also had sushi, and cheesecake, and tons of fresh fruit. Yes, I didn't mind my unexpected BKK stop at all.

The next morning I made my flight with no problem, and then when I landed...A NEW ADVENTURE AWAITED! I got off the plane, and there was no "Mislan" or "Horizon School" sign. Which meant, there was no one there to greet me and take me to my hotel or the school. Soo....I had to message a friend who was coming the day after me, and he sent me the number to the main campus in Yangon.....a completely different city then where I was to be working. So we called that campus, and they gave me the cell phone number of my principal and I called him directly. He THEN called a taxi company and they came and got me.

They took me to the school to meet the 2 other teachers...THAT WERE ON MY FLIGHT! They had a sign with their name on it, and they didn't know who the 3rd person was supposed to be, so they left the airport.

So, now I am here in Mandalay, and settled in my Hotel Room for the next 2 months....but it's all about the adventure, right??

Mingalabar,
Apes :)

2014...New Year Thoughts

So it's not 2014. The celebrations have come and gone, and I am nowhere closer to settling back in the states. I've come to realize that I have been to 20 countries in just a few years (counting America).

Here's the list (in order)
America
2007 - Italy (the trip to start it all)
2011 - Thailand, Malaysia
2012 - Myanmar (Burma), Laos, Vietnam
2013 - South Korea, Cambodia, Philippines, Paris, Belgium, Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, Austria, The Netherlands, United Kingdom (Scotland, N. Ireland, England), Ireland
2014 - still up in the air!!

I've also realized that if you want to live a positive life, cut out the negative. That means the negative people as well. If someone isn't making you better, then by default they are making you worse. Why would you want THAT?

The best way to realize who is meant to stay in your life long term, then just leave the country for a good amount of time. Those who want to stay in your life will make the time to stay in touch, whether it's weekly, monthly, or even a Skype session here and there. Just knowing that there are people that take the time to catch up with you when the time zones are different, and you're not right there in person means a lot. Sometimes you will grow closer to people you didn't expect, sometimes you will grow apart from people you thought you'd always have around. That's just part of life, and being gone helps to make it more apparent.

Happy New Year,
Apes :)