sdabbys Blog on RealTravel

Hong Kong journal: Back to Civilization

Mon, 17 Dec 2007 21:22:17 GMT

If Shanghai is the city that tries really hard to be Western, Hong Kong is the city that puts the West to shame.

Let’s start with the basics. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) is composed of several islands stemming from the mainland; Hong Kong Island, where Central and Admirality are situated, is home to almost all tourist destinations and businesses. Kowloon, directly across from the Island, also features many businesses, hotels, and shops. In many ways, it is the saner version of Hong Kong Island, but only a metro stop away.

I was surprised to discover Hong Kong ...

New York City journal: My 'Farewell Tour' of the East Coast

Mon, 08 Oct 2007 16:23:52 GMT

Instead of heading directly home to San Diego, I spent two weeks on the East Coast visiting college friends and family. I figured it would be my last chance in over a year to see everyone, since I have no plans whatsoever of heading back east anytime soon. (Can anyone say ‘avoiding the cold?’). Thus, my ‘farewell tour’ began.

First stop: New York.

After sprinting onto the A-train at JFK I took a good look at my surroundings. First word that popped into my mind: Whitie! (Again?!) I was the only white girl on the train. I felt white and rich and like I couldn't blend in and that was ...

Beijing journal: Sarah and Robby do Historic China

Mon, 08 Oct 2007 15:34:56 GMT

Beijing! Real China! Or at least, what you picture China to look like in your head.

Lucky for me, Robby had not started working by the time I arrived, meaning he was free to explore Beijing with me. It turns out we made excellent travel buddies for several reasons:

1. He likes maps. I hate maps. He understands maps. I don’t.2. He likes walking. I like walking. Except for one time where we walked about eight miles in one day and I thought I was going to shoot him because I was tired and hungry and did not feel like walking anymore. He was very patient with me while I snapped at ...

Shenzhen journal: A Shopper's Guide to Shenzhen

Mon, 08 Oct 2007 15:26:16 GMT

I’ve discussed my ‘inner fat kid’ at various points in this blog, but Shenzhen unleashed another ‘inner’ trait – that of my ‘inner girl’: someone who loves and adores shopping and clothes. (Unfortunately, the two ‘inners’ often conflict in nature, as clothes don’t fit quite as well when my inner fat kid develops ‘outer’ traits…). South Africa introduced me to a world where clothes actually fit young women like me, because, well, African women have curves in similar places. And now, every time I travel to a foreign country, a little voice inside me says, ‘OH! Yay! Cheap clothes that fit and ...

Shanghai journal: Yucky!

Mon, 08 Oct 2007 15:14:48 GMT

Dirty dirty China!!! The view is beautiful, but the entire boardwalk is filled with trash and vendors selling cheap-o stuff. Gah-ross! My recommendation: eat somewhere on the Bund so you can enjoy the view, but avoid actually strolling down the Bund...it's not worth it!

Shanghai journal: Steak in Shanghai?

Mon, 08 Oct 2007 15:12:49 GMT

I was quite surprised to see a t-bone steak on the menu, but lo and behold, M on the Bund has all sorts of delicious entrees, including specialized seafood dishes. Be SURE to order the baklava - it's not a traditional baklava, but it's spectacular. Overall, the food won't knock your socks off, but it's worth it for the view and atmosphere. Make reservations in advance if you want to sit on the balcony. Everyone in the restaurant speaks English, and they have an English menu, so don't worry - you won't have to rely on picture menu's :)

Shanghai journal: What the Hell?

Mon, 08 Oct 2007 15:09:09 GMT

NOT.

His name was Peter, he was a Russian Jew, he was 26, he worked for Siemens, and regretfully, I got separated from him at border control in China, meaning I never got his number. He made good company, though.

Anyway.

China! Shanghai! Yay! Having grown up in California, I felt right at home amidst a sea of Asians; at the same time, it was the first time since being in Africa where I felt so distinctly white. Thus, when I saw fellow ‘whities’, I’d usually smile and jump for joy, and they’d react in one of two ways:

"HEY! YOU! I might be German, you might be American, ...

Hong Kong journal: Mediocre Indian Food

Sun, 07 Oct 2007 21:12:00 GMT

The restaurant is recommended in the Lonely Planet guide. Don't go: I've had much better Indian food in the US. If you want good Indian in Hong Kong, visit the Chunkinig Mansions in Kowloon - much cheaper and better quality food.

Hong Kong journal: Living in the Lap of Luxury

Sun, 07 Oct 2007 21:10:05 GMT

This is, hands down, the best hotel in Hong Kong. Located in Kowloon, it has the best views, best rooms, best food, and best service of any hotel I saw. It also offers incredibly quick service to Central and Admirality. STAY HERE!

Burlington journal: Bonfires, Chainsaws, and Deer Crossing

Sun, 07 Oct 2007 15:06:58 GMT

Last stop: Vermont!

I insisted Carley, Andy, and I take a trip to Burlington in order to see Carley’s parents, Kelly and Steve, and to see the fall foliage.

Why I love Vermont:

1. Kelly and Steve live in a log cabin. No, really. The first time I saw it last fall, I felt like I was in ‘Lincoln Logs: The Reality TV Series.’ Also, I discovered that the guy who built the log cabin injured himself to the head with a chainsaw while cutting out the frame for the window. He hit a knot in the wood. I don’t love Vermont because people injure themselves with chainsaws, I just thought ...

Princeton journal: The Place that Never Changes

Sun, 07 Oct 2007 15:05:11 GMT

I just wanted to add another pin to my map. I don't have anything profound to say. For those of you who know Princeton, you know one very basic fact: it never changes. But I'll write a little anyway. Just because.

I had the same ominous feeling on the NJ Transit ride down from New York - that sinking, 'I'm going back to a place with far too many type-A people' rush of misery and dread. Of course once I arrived, I realized I had many friends and faculty members to see, and more importantly, I DIDN'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT CLASSES

MWAHAHAHAHA

So the feelings of misery and ...

Cairo journal: Where's Waldo in the Arab World

Sun, 07 Oct 2007 11:28:16 GMT

When we arrived at the hotel, James began searching for Anant; I waited in the hotel lobby, absorbing a scene reminiscent of an Arab Where's Waldo. To the right, the Saudi man wearing aviator sunglasses. In front of me, a European tourist wearing a fanny pack and an unfortunate sunburn. To the left, an Egyptian family: Dad and kids dressed in high American fashion, mom in a headscarf and a full-length shirt and skirt. I've studied the region, heard my dad's family's stories, and yet nothing could prepare me for such a simple sight. I had arrived in the Arab world.

After finding Anant ...

Tel Aviv journal: Ohhh China: Planning for the Mainland

Fri, 05 Oct 2007 21:24:54 GMT

SYDNIE REED!

What is there to say about Sydnie (‘Cindy?’ ‘No, Syd-nie, like Australia’)? Sydnie was my newest yet closest friend from Princeton by graduation. We bonded during our orchestra tour in January 2007, and from then on, we spent an inordinate amount of time together, heaving through yoga, slugging through thesis misery, and most of all, noticing hilarious things about everyday life. We laughed a lot. And while it was hard to say goodbye to most of my Princeton friends, I only cried while saying goodbye once: the night I had to say goodbye to Sydnie.

I knew I’d miss her ...

Cairo journal: Negotiating on James' Birthday: The Market and Swanky Celebrations

Mon, 01 Oct 2007 23:44:44 GMT

Another relatively straight-forward day in Egypt! In the morning James and I headed to the Egypt museum, which was stunning, despite the fact that there was no air conditioning. I've never been a huge museum person or ancient Egypt fan, but seeing the artifacts up close and personal was insane. The hieroglyphics, the catacombs, king tuts tomb, the jewelry...awesome, awesome, awesome. It was worth the entire trip.

We spent the afternoon at the Khan el-Khalili market, Cairo's most famous market. I was expecting insanity akin to that in Nairobi or the Arab quarter of Jerusalem, but it ...

Taba journal: Hani the Hash Dealer: From Taba to Cairo

Mon, 01 Oct 2007 23:39:54 GMT

James and I arrived at the Taba border crossing at around noon. Our plan was to take a bedouin taxi from Taba to Cairo. My sister Laura did this with a few friends two years back; her words of wisdom were "it seems a lot sketchier than it is." Haha. ha. She didn't have Hani as her driver.

James and I were the first Cairo-bound travelers that arrived at the Bedouin taxi area; this meant we had to wait for more travelers before beginning our journey. One guy from Canada arrived about 20 minutes after us, so we figured, hey, this should be fine.

We started talking to Canada about ...

Boston journal: Back to Kindergarten

Mon, 01 Oct 2007 23:35:53 GMT

Much of the past three months – and much of the year, for that matter – has been devoted to getting back to my true, bare-bones self: a type-B, easygoing, laid-back California girl who loves the sun, fresh food, and amazing company; a girl who puts a bare minimum of effort in order to achieve maximum results; someone who cares deeply, but has enough perspective to step back when life gets too serious and says ‘screw it, lets go out for a drink.’ Throughout high school and college, I often sacrificed these traits for a more intense, driven persona that helped me achieve highly but seldom ...

Tel Aviv journal: Shabbat

Mon, 01 Oct 2007 23:31:59 GMT

I spent my last Shabbat dinner in Israel with Erez’s entire family. I call it the ‘migraine’ side of the family, because much of the time is spent in total and utter chaos - picture about 12 kids, all under the age of 13, running around for an entire evening while adult relatives sit and talk and hope that their children don’t break a bone. I love it.

The real event bringing everyone together was his niece’s, Shay’s, birthday. Shay, the oldest of the Strasburg cousins, is a sophomore in high school, fluent in Hebrew and very proficient in English and Spanish. Shay and her siblings – as ...

Petra journal: I like Jordan. I don't like Tutenkhamun's Revenge.

Wed, 26 Sep 2007 12:47:27 GMT

After our adventures in Cairo, I decided to book an organized tour to Petra. Though I toured Petra solo, I immediately bonded with a young couple from New York while making fun of an overanxious, "I have tourist written all over my forehead" father. It was rather embarassing, actually, and he became the source of much mockery throughout the trip.

Petra is awesome. Amazing. The rock formations, the valleys...wow. And the manmade city is even more mind-boggling - I now understand why it's a modern wonder of the world. You could never capture Petra on film; the pictures are a mere ...

Netanya journal: Birthright: A Complete Blur

Wed, 26 Sep 2007 10:48:44 GMT

Birthright is quite possibly the most brilliant soft-power campaign in Israeli history. The idea is simple: bring young Jews aged 18-26 on an all-expense paid trip to Israel in an effort to help them connect with their heritage. The program, initiated by Charles Bronfman, intends to bridge the gap between years of Sunday School and the Jewish homeland, connecting the divide between what is practiced and what is preached.

I attended birthright with an organization called Stand With Us, a Los Angeles-based activist group that promotes awareness and lobbies on Israel's behalf. Wanting to ...

Sderot journal: Testing Limits and Pushing Borders

Mon, 13 Aug 2007 09:16:35 GMT

On our last day we embarked on what would be a controversial destination: Sderot. Sderot, a town of about 20,000 inhabitants, sits directly on the border of Gaza and endures daily attacks from Hamas, which sends qassam missiles soaring into Israeli terrain. Hamas' attacks have tripled since the Palestinian legislative elections in January 2006, in which Hamas gained majority in the Palestinian Authority.

The town has been largely forgotten by the rest of Israel. Despite suffering continual property damage, and more importantly, continual damage to the psyche, Sderot is rarely reported ...

Dead Sea journal: Mud Baths and Camels and Bedouins, oh my

Sun, 05 Aug 2007 08:20:52 GMT

Just a couple of thoughts:

1. I love the Dead Sea. The Mud. The water. That cut you had? Healed. That sinus infection? Gone. Your skin? Silky smooth. If it wasn't totally out of the way, I'd go every week.

2. We stayed the night at a bedouin tent, where I volunteered (after nobody else stepped up to the plate) to accomany a bedouin guy on his ood (sp?) while I 'drummed' by banging a stick in an urn. I don't know what the instrument is called. I don't know if there's a technique. But it was HARD, and my arm was really sore by the end. Then people had the gall to come up ...

Kiryat Shemoneh journal: A View of Hezbollah

Sat, 04 Aug 2007 11:22:01 GMT

From what I remember, we spent this day at the Lebanese border, talking to psychologists about the impact of the war on citizens up north and to a crazy-conservative guy at a kibbutz who's recollection of Israeli-Arab history included lots of 'bullshits' and, in my opinion, bullshitting. I was most interested in the terrain of the northern border: the Lebanese border is highly elevated, giving them an enormous view of Israeli valleys below. The geostrategic hand goes to Hezbollah.

Golan journal: Jeeps and Land Mines

Sat, 04 Aug 2007 10:35:12 GMT

We started the day by going on a water hike in a beautiful nature reserve. We stopped once to change into our water shoes. Iftah, our walking encyclopedia of a tour guide, made his first brilliant decision (read: mistake) of the trip: stopping us where the water is somewhat still, where there are lots of trees and a sheet of rocks (read: hardly anywhere to sit). Immediately I flashback to pre-frosh outdoor action, where it rained nonstop for five days (read: floods) and we kept camping out in areas near dead logs and I got chewed alive by mosquitos. But I figured, hey, this isn't nearly as ...

Jerusalem journal: March of the Blind

Sat, 04 Aug 2007 08:30:49 GMT

We began our trek to Jerusalem after an exhausting two days driving throughout Northern Israel. We stopped for a quick swim in the Jordan River and spent most of the afternoon in our bus.

We entered greater Jerusalem in the late afternoon, at which point our tour guide instructed us to tie bandanas over our eyes. After about fifteen minutes, our bus finally stopped. We had absolutely no idea where we were or why we were blindfolded.

The soldiers guided us, one by one, to our destination. We felt a handrail and a strong, cool breeze; we huddled together to stay warm, talking and ...

Eilat journal: The Drive Back to Israel and Overall Impressions of Egypt

Thu, 02 Aug 2007 13:54:38 GMT

...And this time, I didn't take a bedouin taxi back to the border.

On the drive from Taba to Cairo, Canada told us we could take an air conditioned bus for 70 pounds (about $15) that stops once for a half hour on our return ride. I took his advice. I thought I'd be nervous going alone, as traveling alone in the Sinai is...not safe. But it was fine. A kid from Redlands sat down next to me on the bus. At that point I knew everything would be ok.

I left not knowing what to think about Egypt. In discussing the country, James made a good point: it is a place of contradictions. Egyptians ...

Alexandria journal: You speak English. Take the phone.

Thu, 02 Aug 2007 13:31:48 GMT

We got up the next morning and headed to the train station. We arrived there in plenty of time. We boarded the train, which was really excellent - clean, air conditioned. It left on time. It arrived about 30 minutes later than expected, but at this point I was THRILLED that we didn't hit a donkey or something on the way to Alexandria.

Alex was fine. It's kind of dumpy for a beach town, run down and third world and all. We went to the library, newly built and absolutely beautiful. We also went to the fort - late, so we only spent five minutes there. We finally decided to take a ...

Eilat journal: Sketchy Encounters En Route to Cairo: Let the Adventures Begin

Wed, 01 Aug 2007 08:47:29 GMT

There is something very special about growing up in one neighborhood your entire life: the opportunity to grow up with the same peer group from kindergarten to high school. Childhood friends don't judge. You remember the days they chewed your snoopy pencils and you had to put nasty-tasting nail polish on them so they'd stop (3rd grade with James); you remember making friends with 6th graders and swapping food with them (James in 1st grade); you remember marrying trees, who you had a first grade crush on, picking your nose in front of the entire class, and being thrilled when your best friend ...

Eilat journal: Bet Ha'Arava Hostel

Tue, 31 Jul 2007 06:50:20 GMT

All hostels in Eilat are pretty sketchy. I'd avoid them if at all possible.