Southern Girl Travels the World

In and around World

I have embarked on an adventure of a lifetime.  I am traveling the world with no true itinerary for one year. This trip is not only about fun and travel. This is a mission of personal growth. I hope to find a different direction in life professionally, emaotionally, and spiritually. This is a journey I can take at home, but it is much easier to concentrate on your soul when you are not caught in the grinding wheels of time and accomplishment. Besides this is a hell of a lot more fun! Through my difficulties I hope to find more compassion and patience. Without the stress of the American rat race, I also hope to regain some of my creativity and sense of humor. Life should not be taken so seriously. This is a self-imposed test to increase my courage and strength. It is a test of my faith proving what I already know to be true about mankind and God.

Route taken and entries by Real Traveler Swagger Sauce

  1. 1

    Bustling Bangkok

    Bangkok, Thailand | Jan 27 '08 | Reviews: 1

    I arrived in Bangkok on January 28th. I was pleasantly surprised that it was nothing like my arrival in Lima, Peru. There were not tons of people s... Continue reading »

  2. 2

    Falun Gong Persecution

    Bangkok, Thailand | Jan 28 '08 | Reviews: 0

    If anyone tells you that people speak English in Thailand, don't believe them cause it ain't true. All of the signs are also not in English, just s... Continue reading »

  3. 3

    Banging on Bongos

    Ayutthaya, Thailand | Jan 30 '08 | Reviews: 0
    Because I was tired and Nadia was late getting back from the beach, we did not hang out for my birthday. She has a sweet place in the swanky area of B... Continue reading »
  4. 4

    Back to Bangkok

    Bangkok, Thailand | Feb 01 '08 | Reviews: 0

    Nadia took me out to the Glo Bar which is such a cool happening place. It is a fair mix fo Thai and forreigners. It is small enough to not be overw... Continue reading »

  5. 5

    Laying on the Beach

    Ko Samet, Thailand | Feb 03 '08 | Reviews: 0

    I escaped to the beach on a public bus to Ban Phe and then a ferry to Ko (Island) Samet. This process can be done in about 5 hours on a good d... Continue reading »

  6. 6

    A Word On India

    Bangkok, Thailand | Feb 08 '08 | Reviews: 0

    I have been here two weeks and my itinerary has completely changed! Surprise! Surprise! After speaking with Nadia and other travelers about the rai... Continue reading »

  7. 7

    On the Way to Mumbai (Bombay)

    Mumbai, India | Feb 11 '08 | Reviews: 0

    For those of you who do not know, I should probably preface this with the reason I chose to come to India. Once I made the decision that I was... Continue reading »

  8. 8

    A Man's World

    Aurangabad, India | Feb 13 '08 | Reviews: 0

    I moved to the Salvation Army Hostel for my second night in Bombay. The Salvation army brings to mind the halfway houses in Denver and Memphis... Continue reading »

  9. 9

    You Think You Know Poverty or Racism?

    Jalgaon, India | Feb 19 '08 | Reviews: 1
    I took a 4-hour bus ride to Jalgaon so that I could catch a train to Ahmedabad. I have read that there are many different classes of buses. At the bus... Continue reading »
  10. 10

    Learning About Gandhi

    Ahmedabad, India | Feb 20 '08 | Reviews: 0
    I took the morning train to Ahmedabad to visit Gandhi's ashram. The only seats available were 3Sleeper class. This is the lowest class you can get bes... Continue reading »
  11. 11

    Trying to Play Tablas in Jaipur

    Jaipur, India | Feb 23 '08 | Reviews: 3

    Rajasthan is the state of India housing the Thar Desert and some of the most fantastic palaces and forts. Jaipur is the capital and yet another big... Continue reading »

  12. 12

    Hindu Marriage

    Jaipur, India | Feb 25 '08 | Reviews: 0

    It is necessary for me to own a pair of tablas so that I can practice. On my last day in Jaipur I visited a drum shop recommended by my guru Balv... Continue reading »

  13. 13

    Fatehpur Sikri, India

    Fatehpur Sikri, India | Feb 27 '08 | Reviews: 0

    I took the morning train to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal. It is preferable to visit the Taj at sunrise when there are less people and the sun makes... Continue reading »

  14. 14

    Taj Mahal & Agra Fort

    Agra, India | Feb 28 '08 | Reviews: 0

    This morning I was up at 5am to catch the sunrise at Taj Mahal. My new acquaintance Aki from Japan picked me up at my hotel, because it is not sa... Continue reading »

  15. 15

    Dolma Ling Nunnery at Sidhpur, India

    McLeod Ganj (Upper Dharamsala), India | Mar 01 '08 | Reviews: 0

    The trains from Agra to New Delhi were waitlisted for 4 days, so I was forced to go back to Jaipur in hopes of catching a train north to Dharamsala... Continue reading »

  16. 16

    Tibetan Opera

    McLeod Ganj (Upper Dharamsala), India | Mar 03 '08 | Reviews: 0

    The nuns are currently on holiday. One hundred sixty reside here. They are all due back today. This morning I had breakfast with the handful that r... Continue reading »

  17. 17

    My Retreat at Tushita Meditation Center

    McLeod Ganj (Upper Dharamsala), India | Mar 14 '08 | Reviews: 0

    His Holiness the 13th Dalai Lama prophesied that Tibet would be overcome by  another country (China), and the teachings of Buddha would spread... Continue reading »

  18. 18

    Tibetan History and Uprising

    McLeod Ganj (Upper Dharamsala), India | Mar 15 '08 | Reviews: 0

    Because of the numerous refugees from Tibet, this part of India should be called "Little Tibet". It is not like any other part of India. I really e... Continue reading »

  19. 19

    Please help FREE TIBET!

    McLeod Ganj (Upper Dharamsala), India | Mar 17 '08 | Reviews: 0

    The more heated the situation becomes in Lhasa, Tibet, the more fervent the demonstrations here in India. China claims that they have not acted irr... Continue reading »

  20. 20

    His Holiness the 17th Karmapa

    McLeod Ganj (Upper Dharamsala), India | Mar 18 '08 | Reviews: 0

    There are four schools of Tibetan Buddhism. It turns out that the nunnery is right next door to the residence of His Holiness the 17th Karmapa who... Continue reading »

  21. 21

    Holi Festival

    McLeod Ganj (Upper Dharamsala), India | Mar 20 '08 | Reviews: 0

    Today was a Hindu festival called Holi (pronounced like Holy). This is a festival where people throw water and paint powder or paint on each other.... Continue reading »

  22. 22

    Vipassa What?

    Dehra Dun, India | Mar 23 '08 | Reviews: 0

    After a 14-hour ride on a local overnight bus, I arrived in Dehradun. It was loud, bouncy, dusty, and stopped at every stop! I came to&nbs... Continue reading »

  23. 23

    Living in an Ashram

    Rishikesh, India | Apr 09 '08 | Reviews: 2

    Now I definitely have more control over my mind but not my body! After sitting absolutely still in meditation 10 hours per day for 10 day... Continue reading »

  24. 24

    My First Jam Session

    Rishikesh, India | Apr 11 '08 | Reviews: 0

    Although Rishikesh is the place for yoga, I am here to play my tablas. On the road I heard that Rishikesh is a "New Age" place where many hotels wi... Continue reading »

  25. 25

    Making Friends and Playing Music

    Rishikesh, India | Apr 13 '08 | Reviews: 0

    In the dining hall of the ashram I met Mody from Israel. In a few short minutes I found that he is taking sitar lessons in town. His friend John is... Continue reading »

  26. 26

    Hugging the Toilet Bowl

    Rishikesh, India | Apr 16 '08 | Reviews: 0

    I have been lucky so far. Everyone who comes to India gets the "Delhi Belly" at some point. I have been here more than two months and got my first... Continue reading »

  27. 27

    Sending Goodness Your Way

    Rishikesh, India | Apr 25 '08 | Reviews: 0

    I had my first bout of homesickness recently. My friends in Colorado received a gift package from India that I had sent them. They sent me a v... Continue reading »

  28. 28

    Hinduism

    Rishikesh, India | Apr 25 '08 | Reviews: 0

       I went from a philosophy that does not approach the subject of God to one that has a multitude of Gods and Goddesses. The trinity incl... Continue reading »

  29. 29

    Apple Pie Party

    Rishikesh, India | Apr 25 '08 | Reviews: 0
    While my friends in Colorado were having a party, I was having one here in Rishikesh. At lunch one day a waiter told me that they did not serve apple... Continue reading »
  30. 30

    A Tweeker in Varanasi

    Varanasi, India | Apr 27 '08 | Reviews: 0

    Because Varanasi (also called Benares) is a prime tourist location and known for its crime, your first challenge is getting to the hotel of your ch... Continue reading »

  31. 31

    Burning Flesh Before Breakfast

    Varanasi, India | Apr 28 '08 | Reviews: 0
    Flames dancing. Smouldering tibia attached to a fleshy foot. Stiff arm with yellow shirt sleeve rising from balckened logs. Crackle. Pop. Disintegra... Continue reading »
  32. 32

    Back on Buddha's Trail

    Sarnath, India | Apr 30 '08 | Reviews: 0

    Last night I met Patrick (London/Caribbean) and Rachel (New York City) on the roof of the hotel, and they asked if they could join me on my adven... Continue reading »

  33. 33

    No Need To Open This Entry

    Varanasi, India | May 01 '08 | Reviews: 0
    I am leaving Benares tonight for Gaya, where I catch a bus to Bodhgaya. I am working my way slowly to Calcutta so that I can get out of India on May... Continue reading »
  34. 34

    Buddha's Enlightenment

    Bodh Gaya, India | May 02 '08 | Reviews: 0
    On my journey to Calcutta I stopped at Bodhgaya, which is a pleasant dusty little town. This is where Buddha sat under the bodhi tree and realized enl... Continue reading »
  35. 35

    Sacrificial Goats

    Calcutta Ballygunge, India | May 05 '08 | Reviews: 0

    Upon arriving in Calcutta I heard that the local Kali Temple sacrifices goats everyday at 11am. I've already seen cremations of people, why not che... Continue reading »

  36. 36

    Bangkok for More Than A Moment

    Bangkok, Thailand | May 07 '08 | Reviews: 0

    I arrived unannounced in Bangkok and Nadia had prior engagements, so I enjoyed a quiet evening alone at her house. Although I would have enjoyed ha... Continue reading »

  37. 37

    No need to open this entry

    Surat Thani, Thailand | May 12 '08 | Reviews: 0
    Flew to Surat Thani. Got bus and ferry combo ticket at airport to go to Ko Phangnga. Continue reading »
  38. 38

    Mudridin' on a Moped

    Ko Phangan, Thailand | May 13 '08 | Reviews: 0

    On the ferry from Surat Thani to the Island (Ko) Phangan (sounds like Pan Yang), I met Isabel (Sweden), Katie (Britain), Mark (New Zealand) an... Continue reading »

  39. 39

    Howlin' at the Moon

    Ko Phangan, Thailand | May 19 '08 | Reviews: 0
    The Full Moon Party doesn't start until about midnight and lasts for the weekend. I decided to rest and have my first drink at 11:30pm so that I would... Continue reading »
  40. 40

    Swimming with the Fishes

    Ko Tao, Thailand | May 22 '08 | Reviews: 0

    After giving myself a hangover day to do nothing, I packed my bags and took a boat to Ko Tao, a nearby island. This island has a reputation for scu... Continue reading »

  41. 41

    Lesson in Detachment

    Ko Tao, Thailand | May 27 '08 | Reviews: 0

    I am now a certified Open Water Scuba Diver! Last night my scuba group went out to celebrate our achievement. It was ladies night at Choppers Bar a... Continue reading »

  42. 42

    Scuba Dooba Dooooo!

    Ko Tao, Thailand | May 29 '08 | Reviews: 0
    Of course, I can always count on my daddy to make me feel better. He is FedExing my old cell phone and his camera to Nadia's house in Bangkok. Because... Continue reading »
  43. 43

    No Need to Open This Entry

    Chumphon, Thailand | May 30 '08 | Reviews: 0
    Took ferry to Chumphon and 10-hour bus ride to Bangkok ($40). Continue reading »
  44. 44

    Bored in Bangkok

    Bangkok, Thailand | May 31 '08 | Reviews: 0

    I came back to Bangkok and received my package from Dad. Nadia is out of town so I am staying on Khao San Road where the bus dropped me off. Khao S... Continue reading »

  45. 45

    Kat Is Going Dutch

    Vientiane, Laos | Jun 06 '08 | Reviews: 0

    On June 5th I was wandering around lost in Bangkok. I passed the same guy twice and so asked if he was lost as well. While neither of us found what... Continue reading »

  46. 46

    Bicycling Around the City

    Vientiane, Laos | Jun 07 '08 | Reviews: 0

    In Holland everyone owns and rides a bicycle. Cars are not as prevalent. When Tom suggested we rent bicycles and ride around and outside the city,... Continue reading »

  47. 47

    Mudwrestlin' and Swingin'

    Vang Vieng, Laos | Jun 09 '08 | Reviews: 0

    Tom and I took the bus to Vang Vieng (4-5 hr) yesterday. We found a nice little bungalow near the Nam Song River for $5 per night ($2.50 each). Tod... Continue reading »

  48. 48

    Cave Exploration

    Vang Vieng, Laos | Jun 10 '08 | Reviews: 0

    Today we rented a mountain bike with the intention of exploring caves. We took a dirt road and found the trail for the first cave. The very beginni... Continue reading »

  49. 49

    Letting Go

    Luang Prabang, Laos | Jun 12 '08 | Reviews: 0

    Because Tom has to go to his sister's wedding in Holland, he only has one week in Laos. So I am leaving the adventures up to him. This is a great o... Continue reading »

  50. 50

    Kuang Si Waterfall

    Luang Prabang, Laos | Jun 13 '08 | Reviews: 0
    Tom planned another wonderful day. I saw the largest waterfall I have ever seen. We hiked to and around it. It was beautiful! We also visited a Asiati... Continue reading »
  51. 51

    Movin' Slowly on the Mekong

    Pakbeng, Laos | Jun 15 '08 | Reviews: 0

    Tom left yesterday for Amsterdam. I spent the morning watching the alms procession in Luang Prabang. It has long been a tradition where monks walk... Continue reading »

  52. 52

    A Little on Lao

    Huay Xai, Laos | Jun 16 '08 | Reviews: 0

    Another uneventful, peaceful day on the Mekong. We docked at Huay Xia on the border of Thailand. It was necessary to crash here for the night, beca... Continue reading »

  53. 53

    Looking for a Guide

    Vieng Pou Kha, Laos | Jun 17 '08 | Reviews: 0

    I awoke early this morning and visited the temple and walked the main drag in Huay Xia. I bumped into Cronen in the hotel lobby, and he is also hea... Continue reading »

  54. 54

    Akkha Trail

    Vieng Pou Kha, Laos | Jun 18 '08 | Reviews: 0

    During the night a massive storm moved in flooding the area. I awoke suddenly to the sound of nearby thunder. Lightening flashed and it sounde... Continue reading »

  55. 55

    Akkha Trail

    Vieng Pou Kha, Laos | Jun 19 '08 | Reviews: 0

    The next morning we met the second chief of the village. We gave him notebooks, pens, toothbrushes, and other toiletries as gifts for the children... Continue reading »

  56. 56

    No need to open this entry

    Luang Namtha, Laos | Jun 20 '08 | Reviews: 0

    Spent the night in Luang Nam Tha.

    Continue reading »
  57. 57

    It's Hot!

    Luang Prabang, Laos | Jun 22 '08 | Reviews: 0

    I plan to fly to Vietnam from Luang Prabang soon, so I am on the move again. I took a 12 hour bus from Luang Nam Tha and arrived last night. The ro... Continue reading »

  58. 58

    Whiskey & Caves

    Pak Ou, Laos | Jun 23 '08 | Reviews: 0

    I was unable to get a plane ticket for today, so I took a boat tour to Pak Ou Caves instead. There are two caves here called Tham Ting (lower cave)... Continue reading »

  59. 59

    No Need to Open This Entry

    Ha Noi, Vietnam | Jun 24 '08 | Reviews: 0

    One hour flight from Luang Prabang to Ha Noi on Laos Airlines. $130 USD

    Continue reading »
  60. 60

    Uncle Ho

    Ha Noi, Vietnam | Jun 25 '08 | Reviews: 0

          Ho Chi Minh was the son of a Confucian scholar. He was well educated and traveled extensively before becoming involv... Continue reading »

  61. 61

    Perfume Pagoda

    Ha Noi, Vietnam | Jun 26 '08 | Reviews: 0

    Although my first experience with Vietnamese people was not good, I am still optimistic. My new hotel has satellite TV and air-conditioning. The be... Continue reading »

  62. 62

    Bummin' at the Bay

    Ha Long, Vietnam | Jun 28 '08 | Reviews: 0

    To see Ha Long Bay from the pier with a myriad of junks scuttling about is magnificent. To see it from the water is monumental. Limestone karsts st... Continue reading »

  63. 63

    Rockin' the Cat Ba

    Cat Ba Island, Vietnam | Jun 29 '08 | Reviews: 1

    The fiasco continued the next morning. The junk brought us to Cat Ba Island, where we were to sleep in a hotel. Before going to the hotel, we were... Continue reading »

  64. 64

    No need to open this entry

    Lao Cai, Vietnam | Jun 30 '08 | Reviews: 0

    Returned to Ha Noi. Took Overnight train to Lao Cai and minibus to sa pa.

    Continue reading »
  65. 65

    Tribal World

    Sapa, Vietnam | Jul 01 '08 | Reviews: 0

    Because I am running short on time, I booked an overnight train to Sa Pa departing Hanoi just as I returned from Ha Long Bay. The only seats availa... Continue reading »

  66. 66

    Neanderthals in Vietnam

    Ha Noi, Vietnam | Jul 02 '08 | Reviews: 0

    I took an overnight train back to Hanoi. This time the only seats available were soft seats. This means no sleeper beds, but there is A/C. On the 4... Continue reading »

  67. 67

    DMZ

    Dong Ha, Vietnam | Jul 05 '08 | Reviews: 0

    In an earlier entry I spoke a little about Ho Chi Minh who led Vietnam in their independence from the French. Once independence was achieved, there... Continue reading »

  68. 68

    One Day In Hue (sounds like Way)

    Hue, Vietnam | Jul 06 '08 | Reviews: 0

    Today I rented a bicycle and saw the sights around Hue. Hue was the capital of Vietnam in the 19th century under the Nguyen Dynasty, the... Continue reading »

  69. 69

    Lazy Day

    Hoi An, Vietnam | Jul 07 '08 | Reviews: 0

    Last night I did some drinking with some Englishmen at the DMZ Cafe in Hue. I had scheduled a bus to Hoi An this morning. I was pleasantly surprise... Continue reading »

  70. 70

    No need to open this entry

    Hoi An, Vietnam | Jul 08 '08 | Reviews: 0

    Back to Hoi An by motorbike.

    Continue reading »
  71. 71

    Endless Games of Chicken

    My Son, Vietnam | Jul 08 '08 | Reviews: 0

    My Son is about 30km from Hoi An. I rode my motobike there with few problems. As many signs are not in English, I did have to ask directions from t... Continue reading »

  72. 72

    Hassle, Hassle, Hassle

    Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | Jul 09 '08 | Reviews: 0

        My original plan for Vietnam was to take trains slowly down the coast stopping along the way. I thought this would be a wonderfu... Continue reading »

  73. 73

    Back on the Beach

    Mui Ne, Vietnam | Jul 10 '08 | Reviews: 0

    I heard that Mui Ne Beach is really nice. I decided to go here to get away from the tourist track. It was the perfect place to go. One end of the b... Continue reading »

  74. 74

    Fairy Stream

    Mui Ne, Vietnam | Jul 13 '08 | Reviews: 0

       Stina, Thomas, and I rented motobikes yesterday and went to the red sand dunes to go sandboarding. The sandboarding is not how you ima... Continue reading »

  75. 75

    No need to open this entry

    Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | Jul 14 '08 | Reviews: 0
    Bus back to Saigon. Went to market. Continue reading »
  76. 76

    Corrupt Border Crossings

    Phnom Penh, Cambodia | Jul 15 '08 | Reviews: 0

        My Vietnam visa expired today, so I took a 6-hour bus ride to Cambodia. I have heard that Cambodian land border crossings can be... Continue reading »

  77. 77

    Khmer Rouge

    Phnom Penh, Cambodia | Jul 16 '08 | Reviews: 0

    The ethnic people of Cambodia are called Khmer. They are the majority of the people living here today. Of course, there are other races from nearby... Continue reading »

  78. 78

    Back to the Beach

    Sihanoukville, Cambodia | Jul 17 '08 | Reviews: 0

    Because S-21 was becoming overcrowded, the Khmer Rouge began taking the detainees to an extermination camp of Choeung Ek fifteen kilometers outside... Continue reading »

  79. 79

    Lethargic At My Shack

    Sihanoukville, Cambodia | Jul 20 '08 | Reviews: 0

    My first night I realized that my little room is above the pool table in the bar, and this shack seems to be the place for parties. Needless to say... Continue reading »

  80. 80

    Rain Rain Go Away

    Kampot, Cambodia | Jul 22 '08 | Reviews: 0

    New friends I met in Bangkok suggested that I go to Bokor Hill Station. I can best access that from Kampot, so I took a minibus to Kampot for $5 US... Continue reading »

  81. 81

    Bokor Hill Station

    Bokor National Park, Cambodia | Jul 24 '08 | Reviews: 0

    It seems that the French love their hill stations. I have heard about them in India and around southeast Asia but have yet to visit one. Bokor Hil... Continue reading »

  82. 82

    Elections

    Kampot, Cambodia | Jul 26 '08 | Reviews: 0

    I intentionally placed myself in Kampot, because today is Election Day. The current ruling party is the CPP (Cambodian People's Party). In 1990 whe... Continue reading »

  83. 83

    Laying Low

    Phnom Penh, Cambodia | Jul 30 '08 | Reviews: 0
    My friend Alfred I met in Sihanoukville has come to Kampot to visit me. I found him outside my guesthouse a couple of days ago. He has an Australian (... Continue reading »
  84. 84

    Ganja, Girls, and Guns

    Sihanoukville, Cambodia | Aug 01 '08 | Reviews: 0

    For my older and/or sober readers, ganja is the term given to marijuana. Ganja and all other illicit drugs are illegal in Cambodia, but you really... Continue reading »

  85. 85

    Spongin' It Up

    Phnom Penh, Cambodia | Aug 02 '08 | Reviews: 0
    Well, Frasier and I had a late night of drinking. He and Zach left the next day. The Magic Sponge soon became a favorite hangout as it is within safe... Continue reading »
  86. 86

    No need to open this entry

    Boeng Chhouk, Cambodia | Aug 03 '08 | Reviews: 0
    Aug 10 Stayed at Garden Village Guest house. $3. Moved to bungalow on 11th for hot shower. $7. On 12th back to shared room. Drinking with Kevin, Chi... Continue reading »
  87. 87

    Saving Children in Asia Organization

    Siem Reap, Cambodia | Aug 09 '08 | Reviews: 0

    I have spent the last week living at the SCAO house ("Orphanage") taking a shower out of a bucket with a saucepan. Boy am I glad to be back in the... Continue reading »

  88. 88

    The Empire of Angkor

    Siem Reap, Cambodia | Aug 12 '08 | Reviews: 0

    Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world. It is an 150 acre complex! This is the place that inspired my trip around the world. A c... Continue reading »

  89. 89

    Angkor Alone

    Angkor, Cambodia | Aug 13 '08 | Reviews: 0

    This morning I learned from the internet how to adjust the light metering on the the camera. We are ready to go!

    It is illegal for a foreigne... Continue reading »

  90. 90

    Day 3 at Angkor Thom

    Siem Reap, Cambodia | Aug 14 '08 | Reviews: 0

    I closed down the bar last night and awoke with a hangover. After hitting snooze a few times, I rolled off my mattress and started the day. My moto... Continue reading »

  91. 91

    My Itinerary - Yes, I Have One

    Bangkok, Thailand | Aug 15 '08 | Reviews: 0

    I got up early to catch the first bus to Bangkok. I heard that this is the worst way to go to Thailand from Cambodia, but it is the cheapest so I a... Continue reading »

  92. 92

    Can I Get a Wat, Wat?

    Ayutthaya, Thailand | Aug 21 '08 | Reviews: 0

    On August 20th I went to the dentist to have my teeth cleaned. It's best to get these things done before I head back to the States. It's much cheap... Continue reading »

  93. 93

    Not Hugging the Toilet Bowl But Squatting A Lot

    Chiang Mai, Thailand | Aug 22 '08 | Reviews: 0

    I went to the Ayutthaya bus station intending to catch the bus to Sukothai where there are more ruins of the Lanna Kingdom and then onto Chiang Mai... Continue reading »

  94. 94

    Making Family

    Bangkok, Thailand | Aug 29 '08 | Reviews: 0

    Chiang Mai has lots to offer for the tourist. There is trekking, bungee jumping, rock climbing, etc. I did none of that. After being sick for a cou... Continue reading »

  95. 95

    Violence Erupts

    Bangkok, Thailand | Aug 30 '08 | Reviews: 0

    Yesterday as I was on my way to Bangkok, violence erupted in the city. The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) are a group of protestor's that ar... Continue reading »

  96. 96

    Welcome to the Middle East or West?

    Istanbul, Turkey | Aug 31 '08 | Reviews: 0

    I made it out of Bangkok with no problems. It is amazing how trouble can be happening on one side of the city, and the people on the other side don... Continue reading »

  97. 97

    Gobble Gobble

    Istanbul, Turkey | Sep 03 '08 | Reviews: 0

    I planned to spend only two days in Turkey, but I have discovered that I could easily spend a month here. There are so many fascinating places to v... Continue reading »

  98. 98

    More of the 'Bul

    Istanbul, Turkey | Sep 04 '08 | Reviews: 0
    I planned to leave yesterday, but I had such an exceptional night with the Turkish employees at my hotel that I decided to do it again tonight. The we... Continue reading »
  99. 99

    Little Mac

    Skopje, Macedonia | Sep 05 '08 | Reviews: 0

    Yesterday I took the overnight bus (40 Euro) to Macedonia, a very small country. It was a hell of a ride! I managed to get some sleep despite the m... Continue reading »

  100. 100

    Mysterious John

    Monrovo Anovi, Macedonia | Sep 07 '08 | Reviews: 0

    Yesterday I was not able to leave Skopje without meeting my first Macedonian scam artist. She happens to be a waitress at a rather good restaurant.... Continue reading »

  101. 101

    Wine-ing My Way Around

    Ohrid, Macedonia | Sep 09 '08 | Reviews: 0

    After a long day of travel, I arrived in Ohrid last night. I found a great room with private bath in the house of a local family.Mimi and her daugh... Continue reading »

  102. 102

    More Moving

    Durres, Albania | Sep 10 '08 | Reviews: 0
    I wanted to go to south Macedonia, which is most easily accessed from the Macedonian border on the other side of Lake Ohrid. This is possible, but the... Continue reading »
  103. 103

    Alabania: Provider of Illegal Labor

    Berat, Albania | Sep 11 '08 | Reviews: 0

    Half a day is plenty of time to see the ruins scattered about Durres, so I took the 1pm bus to Berat. I was accompanied by a native man whom I met... Continue reading »

  104. 104

    Underwater in the Mountains

    Gjirokaster, Albania | Sep 13 '08 | Reviews: 0

    Yesterday I wondered around the small community of Berat. It is a beautiful, quiet place with houses built on top of one another into the mountains... Continue reading »

  105. 105

    Bored at the Beach

    Sarande, Albania | Sep 14 '08 | Reviews: 0

    I am thankful that I took the route through central Albania. The slow rides afforded me the opportunity to see much of the mountainous vistas so pr... Continue reading »

  106. 106

    Capital of Albania

    Tirane, Albania | Sep 18 '08 | Reviews: 0

    Yesterday I intended to go to Dhermi Beach (Albania), but I missed my bus stop. I decided to continue all the way to the capital city of Tirana sin... Continue reading »

  107. 107

    On the Road Again

    Skopje, Macedonia | Sep 20 '08 | Reviews: 0
    At the Tirana Backpacker's Hostel (Albania) I met a friend named Nick who is of South African and Danish decent. He was a welcome bundle of conve... Continue reading »
  108. 108

    Little Layover

    Sofia, Bulgaria | Sep 21 '08 | Reviews: 0
    After freezing half to death in the Skopje, Macedonia bus station for 5 hours, I boarded the bus at 8am to Sofia, Bulgaria where I was... Continue reading »
  109. 109

    Another Country Ending in -ia

    Sofia, Bulgaria | Sep 22 '08 | Reviews: 0

    Last night I was so tired I did not notice that the (18 Euro!) room I booked did not have heat. I tossed and turned and woke to see my breathe in t... Continue reading »

  110. 110

    No Need to Open This Entry

    Bucharest, Romania | Sep 23 '08 | Reviews: 0
    Arrived in Bucharest 6am. Did Nothing. Continue reading »
  111. 111

    Redneck Lovin

    Bucharest, Romania | Sep 25 '08 | Reviews: 0

    Not long after I arrived at the hostel in Bucharest, I met a fellow Coloradoan by the name of Richard. We had a few beers my first night, the 24th.... Continue reading »

  112. 112

    I Want to Suck Your Blood!

    Snagov, Romania | Sep 26 '08 | Reviews: 0

    My Dad is not only a connoisseur of the construction sites but also vampire movies. This was my motivation for having him meet me in Romania, the h... Continue reading »

  113. 113

    Lovely Brasov

    Brasov, Romania | Sep 27 '08 | Reviews: 1

    Unfortunately, we could not find transport from Snagov north to Brasov. So we went back south to Bucharest to catch the train north. I am thankful... Continue reading »

  114. 114

    Welcome to Transylvania

    Rasnov, Romania | Sep 28 '08 | Reviews: 0

    This is what we came to Romania for! Two friends from London joined Dad and I in hiring a driver to take us around Transylvania. First we visited R... Continue reading »

  115. 115

    A Day of Rest

    Brasov, Romania | Sep 29 '08 | Reviews: 0
    We walked the cobblestone streets of Brasov shopping for souvenirs. We took a cable car ride to the highest point where there is a Brasov sign li... Continue reading »
  116. 116

    Home of Dracula

    Sighisoara, Romania | Sep 30 '08 | Reviews: 0
    Our next stop is Sighisoara, where Vlad Tepes lived until he was four years old. We stayed at a pension within the old city. It is yet another beautif... Continue reading »
  117. 117

    Hurry Up and Wait

    Tulcea, Romania | Oct 01 '08 | Reviews: 0
    Dad and I could do one of two things. We could either rent a car, drive north into the mountains, and see monasteries and the villages or take public... Continue reading »
  118. 118

    Rollin´ on the River

    Sulina, Romania | Oct 02 '08 | Reviews: 0

    This afternoon Dad and I boarded the slowest boat in Tulcea, because we wanted to spend 4-6 hours on the river. The Danube River originates in Germ... Continue reading »

  119. 119

    No need to open this entry

    Tulcea, Romania | Oct 03 '08 | Reviews: 0
    Took fast boat back to Tulcea, and on to Constanta. Continue reading »
  120. 120

    To the Coast

    Constanta, Romania | Oct 03 '08 | Reviews: 0
    Because there is not much happening in Sulina, we hurried back up the river to Tulcea via an express ferry. We then took a mini-bus to Constanta,... Continue reading »
  121. 121

    Back to Where We Started

    Bucharest, Romania | Oct 04 '08 | Reviews: 0
    Today we were up early to check out the city. Right next door to the hotel was a small park exhibiting Greco-Roman ruins found in the area. We walked... Continue reading »
  122. 122

    Gettin and Edumacation

    Bucharest, Romania | Oct 06 '08 | Reviews: 0

    Well, we have completed our journey around Romania. All that is left is for Dad to go home in the morning. Rather than sitting around and thinking... Continue reading »

  123. 123

    On the Road Again and Again and Again

    Vienna, Austria | Oct 08 '08 | Reviews: 0

    Yesterday I dropped Dad at the airport in Bucharest. I had hoped to catch a flight to Frankfurt, Germany, because I need to be there on the 12th to... Continue reading »

  124. 124

    No need to open this entry

    Frankfurt, Germany | Oct 11 '08 | Reviews: 0

    Train from Vienna at 12:40 arriving at Franfurt airport at 8 or 9 pm. Flight at 11:10 to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Layover like a bus in S... Continue reading »

  125. 125

    My Old Stomping Ground

    Alajuela, Costa Rica | Oct 12 '08 | Reviews: 0

    Four years ago, I stayed in Villa Real Hostel in Alajuela. It was my first trip to Costa Rica, and I had three weeks or more to discover the countr... Continue reading »

  126. 126

    A Nice Diversion

    Alajuela, Costa Rica | Oct 16 '08 | Reviews: 0

    The warm weather of Costa Rica is a nice change from the cooler air of Eastern Europe. Alajuela and San Jose are the coldest parts of the country... Continue reading »

  127. 127

    Mi Familia Latina

    Quepos, Costa Rica | Oct 18 '08 | Reviews: 0

    You can take a colectivo bus directly from Alajuela to Quepos, or you can take a directo bus from San Jose. I thought I would save some time by goi... Continue reading »

  128. 128

    Manuel Antonio

    Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica | Oct 24 '08 | Reviews: 0

    Manuel Antonio National Park is one of my favorite places in Costa Rica. It is the reason I chose to attend language school here. I was last h... Continue reading »

  129. 129

    No need to open this entry

    Quepos, Costa Rica | Oct 24 '08 | Reviews: 0
    Returned to Quepos. Spent week studying at El Paraiso. Continue reading »
  130. 130

    NEEDS PIC Not Relaxing on the Beach

    Esterillos, Costa Rica | Oct 31 '08 | Reviews: 0
    After doing absolutely nothing but studying and speaking Spanish for two weeks, I am happy to rest at the beach. My friend Carlos introduced me to thi... Continue reading »
  131. 131

    Not Surfing in Paradise

    Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica | Nov 03 '08 | Reviews: 1

    When I was here the first time, I visited the "surfer's paradise" of Jaco. I found it quite ugly and not so appealing, but I heard that Playa Hermo... Continue reading »

  132. 132

    No need to open this entry

    Rivas, Nicaragua | Nov 05 '08 | Reviews: 0
    Traveled with Tica bus for 22 dollars. Very easy but expensive. From Rivas took taxi for 3 dollars to San Jorge. Caught ferry to the island for 2 doll... Continue reading »
  133. 133

    Rum, Tarantulas, and Bicycles

    Charco Verde, Nicaragua | Nov 05 '08 | Reviews: 0

    The Tica tourist bus cost $22 and makes for a easy border crossing. Dan-O and I had a relatively uneventful ride to the Nicaraguan border. He is th... Continue reading »

  134. 134

    Getting to the Other Side of the Barbell

    Merida, Nicaragua | Nov 08 '08 | Reviews: 1

    Greg and Evan left, and I spent a day relaxing at Charco Verde. I intended to go to Moyogalpa to visit Skinny today, but public transportation is n... Continue reading »

  135. 135

    San Ramos Waterfall

    Merida, Nicaragua | Nov 09 '08 | Reviews: 0

    I came to Merida to hike Volcano Maderas, but I decided that I am not motivated to do it at this time. Skinny may also have some input into both vo... Continue reading »

  136. 136

    Among Friends Again

    Moyogalpa, Nicaragua | Nov 10 '08 | Reviews: 0

    Last night I drank too much Flor de Cana with the crew. They are going to Moyogalpa to catch a boat off the island. I am going there to meet Skinny... Continue reading »

  137. 137

    Mariachi in the Morning

    Moyogalpa, Nicaragua | Nov 11 '08 | Reviews: 0

    Yesterday I was upset with myself for being so hungover, because I was not the best company. I went to bed early and awoke at 4am this to the sound... Continue reading »

  138. 138

    City Vs Country

    Moyogalpa, Nicaragua | Nov 14 '08 | Reviews: 0

    It is not like I have been doing a lot of strenuous activity in the last few weeks, but I find myself a little comatose in Nicaragua. The days are... Continue reading »

  139. 139

    Dirty Dancing

    Moyogalpa, Nicaragua | Nov 15 '08 | Reviews: 0

    Skinny is a sound and light man for musical productions like raves or live bands. He and I sat at the club in Moyogalpa marveling at the primitive... Continue reading »

  140. 140

    Jesus Point

    Punta Jesus Maria, Moyogalpa, Nicaragua | Nov 16 '08 | Reviews: 0

    Because we had such a great time last night, I agreed to go out with Chico today. When I met him in town, he had procurred two bicycles for us. We... Continue reading »

  141. 141

    More Partying

    Moyogalpa, Nicaragua | Nov 18 '08 | Reviews: 0

    Last night Nubia and I were out and about in town, and we bumped into Chico. She quickly went home to Skinny leaving me to feel vaguely like I had... Continue reading »

  142. 142

    Transvestites Know Best

    Quepos, Costa Rica | Nov 19 '08 | Reviews: 0

    Per Skinny's suggestion I was up at 6am to catch the ferry from Ometepe island back to the Nicaraguan mainland at Rivas. I opted to take the cheap... Continue reading »

sipapu23 avatar sipapu23 on Jan. 28, 2008 @ 04:12PM said
That sounds amazing Kafrin. I love you!
Andy Clapham avatar Andy Clapham on Jan. 28, 2008 @ 04:12PM said
Fascinating reading and great photos - will definitely sign free Tibet petition. You must be exhausted - emotionally especially. You need a good mountain walk soon - Himalayas next???? Take care! Andy - Inca Trail
Andy Clapham avatar Andy Clapham on Jan. 28, 2008 @ 04:12PM said
Sounds like you're having a great time. I look forward to hearing more. I spent November in S America. Have you been to UK yet - get in touch if/when you come this way. I'd love to treat you to a good beer like the one you gave me in Winay Wayna on the Inca Trail

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