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