Eyes Wide Open
In and around World
So, this is the start of a lot of firsts for me. First blog of any kind, first time travelling on my own, first time travelling overseas, so I figured the only way to do the trip any justice was to do it whole-heartedly and jump in with both feet. A basic rundown of my trip would be something like this: First I will be flying to Bangkok, Thailand From Calgary, Alberta. With two days in Bangkok to rest (hopefully!) I'll be hopping a flight to Kathmandu, Nepal to get ready for a trek I've booked which will take me to the base camp of Mt. Everest (Gorek Shep). From the base camp we will hike up Kala Patar for stunning views of the tallest mountain in the world. Returning back to Kathmandu 20 days later I'll have close to a week to walk around and explore the capital before flying back to Thailand, where I'll be based for a three month stay while I relax and check out Southeast Asia and its fabulous food and people. On the return flight back to Calgary via London I'll be stopping for a another three months where I intend to make full use of the incredible rail system in Europe.
There is no set itinerary or list of things that I have to see on this trip (beyond Everest), it will be taken in a day at a time. If I feel like staying in one spot, I will. I've been reading 'Vagabonding' by Rolf Potts and competely agree with the idea that the journey and the personal growth that inevitably will ensue is infinitly more important than the destination. Which brings up the question: why travel halfway around the world when a road trip across the province might garner similar results? The honest answer? I really don't know, maybe its curiosity, or a desire for the clean slate that international travel can provide. I guess I'll find out.
Route taken and entries by Real Traveler Caleb from Canada
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1
Still prepping for the trip.
Ever notice how when planning for something big and important how time seems to compress and you feel like there's just too much to do and not enough... Continue reading » -
2
Arrived in Heathrow
Got off the plane to beautiful +15C weather! Took the transfer bus to the terminal then wandered around while deciding what to do for my monstro... Continue reading » -
3
One night in Bangkok...
Wow, what a town. First off, the new airport is beautiful, and quite organised. The only holdup being getting through immigration.... Continue reading »
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4
A few days before the big trek...
Kathmandu is like no other place I've ever been or seen. The people are nice but kind of pushy. I would NOT recommend driving h ere to any... Continue reading » -
5
Whitewater rafting on the Bhote Khosi River
At first I was abit worried that I had been ripped off, because my pickup was a little bit late... but once we made it to the meeting site my... Continue reading »
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6
Stunning views, mind the yak poop.
Hello! I didn't think that I would get to update this until after the trip, but here I am in Namche Bazar sitting in front of a computer;) Wh... Continue reading »
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7
Now THATS a mountain.
We made it to Gorak Shep, which is the last outpost of lodges before Base Camp, then proceeded to race the weather, which can change faster that Alber... Continue reading » -
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Gosh, its hot.
I Met up with a Canadian on the flight and we met his brother in the airport, really nice guys. We shared a cab to the hotel they booked online... Continue reading » -
9
Aaaah! The beach at last!
I made a point of seeing some kickboxing matches in Bangkok before I left, and it was definitly worth it! I paid the extra bucks to get... Continue reading »
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10
I love scuba!!
Ah Koh Tao.
Now that I'm here I understand why so many people come here and don't leave. With fantastic diving and so many operations t... Continue reading »
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11
No more night boats for me.
OK. I hereby swear to never again book a night boat. I know, you're thinking "but you can save a day by travelling at night!" Hor... Continue reading »
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12
Feeling like an Alien
Wow, talk about off the beaten path. After a not-so-quick visa run to the Malaysian Border I decided to head East in an effort to avoid some... Continue reading »
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13
Lost in MBK...
Aaaand back in Bangkok once again. Its finally starting to grow on me...right, who am I kidding? Its hot and extremely humid, the air poll... Continue reading » -
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Holiday in Cambodia
To all travellers thinking about going to Cambodia...DO IT! Cambodia is beautiful, the people are freindly and don't try to rip you off at every... Continue reading » -
15
Last days in Cambodia
OK, sorry everybody for falling WAY behind on my updates. I'm now in Ho Chi Min City in Vietnam. Before leaving Cambodia I had a chance... Continue reading »
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16
Good Morning Vietnam! (I couldn't resist)
Ok, I've fallen way behind on my journal so here goes. Ho Chi Min City is a breath of fresh air after the weird menacing vibe of Phnom Penh,... Continue reading »
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17
Back at the beach
Allright! back at the beach. After a four hour bus ride with a few pitstops we'd arrived at Mui ne, a very sleepy beach town with a noticable... Continue reading »
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18
How to capsize a catamaran.
Had an interesting bus ride from Mui ne, Along the way we saw the last few moments of a terrible accident on the road. Just as we were p... Continue reading »
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19
The ONLY true must-see of Vietnam
I know that the title of this entry is a pretty bold statement, but seeing as how I've made my may through Vietnam over the last month I think that... Continue reading »
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20
I will be back.
Wow, I like Chiang Mai... a lot. This town is so laid back and friendly its easy to see why there are so many expats living here with their T... Continue reading »
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