We win

Blessing for Pringles.

My 24 hour bus to Ho Chi Minh was a real treat. Luckily the long distance busses in Vietnam are these multi level sleeping pods. They have reclining back rests and your legs are stretched out. They are surprisingly comfortable. I was able to sleep a good portion of the overnight journey. We then got dropped off at 5:30 am in a random town with s really strong Russian influence (who knew there were so many Russians in Vietnam?). When we stopped I over heard three friends talking about their "24 hour journey" I asked were they were going out of curiosity (24 hours on a bus, sounds awful right?) They too were going to Saigon. How did I not know I signed up for a 24 hour bus! Either I was lied to or my brain was napping when I bought the ticket. Nothing I could do at that point. We had breakfast then continued on to Saigon. I now feel a sense of accomplishment regarding my travel tolerance. If I could handle that bus, I could probably take over the world.

The bus luckily dropped us off on the same street as my hostel. I found it quickly, had some dinner and walked around a bit. The area I stayed in was the backpackers central. Tons of hostels and bars. The larger the city the more seedy it tends to get. I was constantly being warned by hotel staff and others to be careful with my bag. It was the first city that people seemed so paranoid about theft, which means it must happen often. The following morning I took a tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels. It's an extensive underground tunnel system that the Vietcong used. It was pretty aggressive to see all the booby traps used by the Vietcong... the thought of stepping into some of those makes you cringe! We even crawled a short distance through a tunnel. Thank god I'm not claustrophobics. The bus made a stop at the War Remnants museum for those that wanted to get off. I walked around the museum for about two hours. It was an extremely emotional day? I just found myself very overwhelmed and emotional thinking about what Vietnam and American soldiers went through.

I could happily live off fresh spring rolls and peanut sauce.

Liz arrived late that evening. It was great to have a friend to explore the city with. We just walked around the downtown area, shopped and chatted. That evening we met up with another Carrie. Nora's friend from home has been living in Saigon for about two years. We were lucky to get to hang out with her for a bit. The next morning Liz and I took a tour of the Mekong Delta. The river itself wasn't the most impressive body of water I've ever seen, but the small channels that lead to small villages were really charming. We went from boat to boat visiting a honey bee farm, a coconut candy making village, and experianced some Vietnamese music (don't buy the CD, just the candy).

The very first McDonald's is about to open in Vietnam.
 Can you imagine a place untainted be MacDonald's?

Nora and Arthur arrived in Saigon that night, we met up with them at Carrie's apartment. Carrie also arranged for Liz and I to stay at one of her friends apartment in the same building. Beyond generous of her and her friend and super convenient and free for us. It was great to hang out with someone who knew the area. We got to see a different part of the city and eat at her favorite whole in the wall restaurant (always were the best food is). It was the best Vietnamese dish I've ever had! Vietnamese food is delicious, and whats even better is their coffee. Have I ever mentioned my love of coffee? They use a drip filter that creates a really thick strong coffee, but the real kicker is that they use consented sweet milk. How has this not picked up in the US? It's unreal. I suggest you find a Vietnamese restaurant in your area and order a coffee. If only they could put it in a giant mug rather than these damn tiny teacups. How American.... wanting everything bigger.

Puppies are a big part of other cultures.

From Saigon Nora, Arthur, Liz and I hopped on a bus to Siem Reap Cambodia. We stopped in Phnom Penh and transfered to another bus. It took a total of about 12 hours. Stepping off any bus in southeast Asia you are swarmed by tuk tuk drivers/tour guides ready to take you anywhere or book any excursion. We were really lucky to meet Lucky. He was great and we agreed to use his services while in Siem Reap. The following morning Lucky's brother-in-law Tye picked us up at our guesthouse. We spent the day with Tye driving us around.

He took us to two really beautiful temples that are a little bit outside of the city (not in the same area as Angkor Wat) and a floating village. The floating village (homes built on stilts along a river) was one of the coolest things I've ever seen. It was impossible to capture the magnitude and beauty of this"city" or more impressively, the unique lifestyle. We had such a great time just seeing the country and hanging out with Tye. He was super fun and informative (killer combo). The day was also really special because it was Nora's golden Birthday and she came prepared with all gold attire. I'm pretty sure Cambodian children think she's a princess. We celebrated Nora's birthday quite aggressively that evening. Tye even met up with us at the bar. It was a great night, except for getting scammed by a kid in the streets. In my extremely intoxicated state I bought a giant can of baby formula for a kid. Tye told me the next day that he's totally the bad kid on the street and quite the scammer. I was really drunk, he won.

Local babies and Tye.

Tye picked us up again the following morning to take us to Angkor Thom. It was a little rough at times considering the night we had had, but was so amazing nonetheless. The pictures can't do it justice. These buildings were absolutely incredible. Sitting in front of Angkor Wat was such an incredible experience. So many times throughout the trip we've stopped to talk about how fortunate we feel to be where we are. The fact that we are able to see such magnificent and important parts of the world, its quite humbling. Angkor Wat, specifically, was always this mystical idea to me. I'd seen photos and read about it, but never really imagined I'd see this part of the world. That night we had a much more calm/mellow evening. The town of Siem Reap is really charming and enjoyable.

On our third day we rented bikes and rode around Angkor Thom. Unfortunately we lolly gagged in the morning and had to rush our bike ride. We made it back to our guesthouse at four to be picked up for our next bus ride. We left Siem Reap for Sihanoukville, a beach city in the south of Cambodia. Leaving Siem Reap was sad. It may be one of my favorite cities and who knows if or when I'll be back.

Sihanoukville was a smaller coastal city. The main beach area was really charming with lots of restaurants on the sand. We had some dinner and drinks on the beach watched the sunset. Then we met Leda. Along the way we've constantly been approached by little kids selling bracelets and what not. Luckily for us girls we have Arthur with us. He can't say no! He rarely bought their products though (who needs that many bracelets), instead he just gave them money. I think all the kids must have told their friends about him: the tall foreigner handing out dollars. Leda approached us at dinner with more bracelets. It was however impossible to say no to this girl. I've never seen such sales talent in a twelve year old. She had so much personality! I think she'll do great things in life (I hope). When Nora was having trouble picking the colors of her bracelet Leda suggested she use all of them that way she could be "the boss of all the colors".... sold. We had a short layover in Sihanoukville, the next morning we headed to Koh Rong.

The ferry to the island of Koh Rong takes about two hours, but for some reason it took us about five. We stepped off the ferry to this small island hideaway. Koh Rong was like Neverland, there's no other way to describe it. The island is said to be Cambodia's "hidden jewel" but I'm pretty sure all the hippies/backpackers/wanderers have found it. Most guesthouses and restaurants had all foreign staff. Apparently its very easy and common to work at these establishments for a week or so for free accommodation. Which was very evident with most servers, it seemed as if it was everyone's first day. The island was so mellow (due to the copious amounts of weed everyone was smoking) and beautiful. It reminded me of the movie "The Beach", this deserted hippie commune where people just wanted to have a good time. It was really great to see, but I wouldn't want to stay there more than a couple of days... nor was I ready for dreadlocks. However, I did have one of the coolest experiences ever on Koh Rong: swimming in phosphorescent plankton (it really happened, I was not on any mind altering drugs at the time). We had some BBQ and drinks on the beach then hopped on a boat around 9pm. I don't know how far we went out, but we started to see the plankton in the wake from the boat. The boat stopped and our Australian guide jumped in. With the big splash the water lit up!! Everyone immediately started jumping in. It was one of the most magical things I've ever seen! Good thing I wasn't on any mind altering drugs... I don't know if I could handle that. Nature sure can be magical. The only way I can describe it is like the scene in The Little Mermaid when Ariel's father turns her back into a human, when she comes out of the water she and the water are all glittery. Watch the movie (it's so great) or look up some I ages of phosphorescent plankton. Another real treat of the island was the forty minute hike to the other side, it was pretty unreal. It was the most deserted beach I think I've ever been on with the most beautiful water. We didn't want to leave.

That afternoon we ferried back to Sihanoukville then made our way back to Phnom Penh to fly to Laos!!!

Throwin Dong

There's something really cool about Vietnam. It is so beautiful, with such history and tradition, and the people are so kind and friendly. But what's really fun is that everyone is instantly a millionaire here. The currency in Vietnam is the Dong (stop giggling, what are you 12?) and the conversion rate is 21,000:1. I took out two million Dong from the ATM the other day.... I felt very wealthy, but in more ways than one.

After saying goodbye to Elizabeth and Nick in Bangkok, Carinne and I flew to Hanoi Vietnam. We stayed in the Old Quarter of Hanoi. It was beyond charming and so beautifully. 

Unfortunately, it was much colder than we had expected. Ummm, isn't't all of Southeast Asia supposed to be warm? It was obvious we weren't the only tourist ill prepared. Every foreigner was strutting their new "Cambodia pants" and a knock off North Face jacket they bought in the Old Quarter. We spent the day wandering the city and visiting a few historical sights. Most interesting; the Hanoi Hilton POW prison.

The next morning we were picked up at our hotel by Kevin, our tour guide for our Halong Bay cruise. We spent two days and one night in Halong Bay with an eclectic group of fifteen. It was a great experiences and a lot of fun. We were returned to our hotel the following evening. A few hours later Carinne left for the airport to head back home.

I spent the next day in Hanoi by myself then went to the train station in the evening for an overnight train south to central Vietnam. I walked through the doors of the train station and pulled out the receipt I had been given when I booked the train.  I was told that I would have to pick up my ticket at the station. Just as I pulled it out the reciept this Vietnamese woman approached me and handed  me a ticket. I was really confused because she obviously didn't work at the station  (I assumed she was just workin/scammin the station, knowhatimsayin). I walked away from her which really upset her, but then was turned away by the chick at the ticket counter when I showed her my receipt. I tried to just go through the ticket check using my receipt but was literally pushed away by another woman. Lo and behold that first chick appeared behind out of nowhere, aggressively handed me the ticket and took my receipt out of my hand and dissapeared. Befuddled, I handed the ticket to the woman who had earlier brushed me aside, she punched the ticket and let me through.

So the mystery remains; who the fuck was that chick holding my ticket and how did she know who I was? Things just work out here.... Found my cart and cabin. My cart (or is it car?) is full of a French tour group. There are a few people not apart of the tour, but they make up the majority. My cabin mates were an older French couple (super sweet) and an older German man. Fine by me. I fit in well with the older crowd. I had two beers and a Dramamine and slept like a baby! I booked the 16 hour overnight train as a test to myself.

I can't say I passed with flying colors however. I made a mistake (it's only the 7th one I've ever made) however by getting off at the first major city thinking I had to switch trains. Wrong. But like I said earlier; things work out here. I was guided by a really kind Vietnamese man who helped me book a bus, held my backpack, and took me to the city center so I could wander around for the few hours before my bus left. When I returned he gave me coffee and tea while I played with his daughter.

I arrived in Hoi An in the early evening. Hoi An is a quiet and charming beach town. There is so much French architecture in Vietnam. That in contrast to the stretches of rice fields, animals grazing, bicycles, and traditional people make this place so exotic. The homestay I'm at is also adding to this amazing experience. It's family run and and they treat you like family. Last night another couple staying there (a Czech couple) and I cooked and ate dinner with the family. Such a great experiences and so special. Vietnamese people are so kind, helpful and friendly. I really have been blown away by them. My favorite was when an older man asked me where I was from. When I responded "the US" he replied "It's OK, it's in the past. We're good now."

Tonight I will take an overnight bus to Ho Chi Minh! I'll have a day to myself to get a lay of the land. The following evening my friend Liz (One of my best friends in Hangzhou) will be meeting me! A few days later we will meet up with Nora and Arthur (also dear friends from Hangzhou) and the four of us will travel through Cambodia and Laos!!

same same

I couldn't be happier about my experience in Thailand. I was with a great group of people and I saw some of the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen.

No one is allowed to be crabby in Krabi.

Traveling in a group can be risky. Everyone's always got their own agenda plus the lack of "alone time" can lead to crankiness. I was so happy to be with Elizabeth, Carinne, and Nick though. I even cried one night because I was so happy?

I think we got the most out of the country in the two weeks we had. After New Years in Bangkok (one that'll never be topped, so much so that I may be going to bed early next year) we experienced Chiang Mai in the north. The elephant trekking and tigers were such a magical experience. After that we island hopped.

Smiling tiger | Cobra | The grounds of our hotel in Chiang Mai

We started in Krabi. I would compare Krabi to Laguna Beach. It was a beautiful coastline with a calmer more mellow city. We tried to accomplish as much as we could in each city and I think we did a great job. We were all about the activities, which is key for me. Our first morning we hiked 1,273 stairs to see a big Buddha at Tiger Temple. We rinsed off at our hotel then got picked up by Kohp. Kohp was our rock climbing guide and new best friend.

"Box Money up to you"

Rock climbing outdoors (and not just outdoors, but an island in Thailand) was rad and a new experience for all of us, except for G.I. Joe Nick. We invited Kohp to join us for dinner and let him choose the spot. I'm pretty sure lightning stuck the power line across the street from the restaurant while we were eating... It was the perfect touch.

Perfect seat for a little monkey.

After Krabi we took a ferry to the island Koh Phi Phi. If Krabi was Laguna, Koh Phi Phi would be Tijuana. It's not that it was necessarily dirty or sketchy like Tijuana, it's just all bars. The town is just cramped streets/alleys. We felt like the old parents that went home early because all the bars and restaurants were too loud and busy. However, the small islets around Koh Phi Phi were unbelievable. We booked a day boat trip that takes you snorkeling and to a bunch of the islands (including Maya beach where The Beach was filmed). That day was one of my favorites. The color and temperature of the water was unreal.

Bamboo Island | Monkey Beach | Maya Beach | Viking Cave

The following day we ferried back to Krabi and had a private SUV drive us to the gulf coast of Thailand. The drive was really nice because we got to see a bit of the country, but also a little painful with a hangover.

The next island was Koh Pangan. I don't know what city it can be compared to... Santa Cruz? Koh Pangan is known for their full moon parties and mushroom shakes. An island that openly sells psychedelic drugs brings in a lot of hippies. We planned on being there for the half moon party (figuring it would be just as cool of an experience and less crowded). We rented motorbikes in the morning and cruised around all day. Seeing a new city on two wheels is my favorite way to explore. Unfortunately we had a minor accident. A cab was dented as a result and they were really trying to scam us/ get way more money out of us. Luckily we had Dad (aka Nick) to take care of us and handle it.

While Nick was in the bathroom we organized the drinks.

We made it back to our hotel and had some drinks to take the edge off. We planned on going to the half moon party that night, but lo and behold we're getting old. We stayed on the beach and had our own party. Big, crazy parties with strangers is loosing its appeal. Is that what you call maturing?

For the final leg of the trip we stayed on the island of Koh Samui. Koh samui was comparable to Waikiki? I don't really know what city to compare it to? It was so beautiful and laid back yet had all the modern amenities. I mean we had Pizza Hut for dinner the first night (the vegan's doing). The hotel we stayed at in Koh Samui was by far the nicest place we stayed. Dad totally planned that and saved the best for last. Oh yeah, did I mention Nick literally planned the ENTIRE trip for us (yes, I'm planning on marrying him). We had an amazing two bedroom villa with our own jacuzzi. It was the perfect end to an amazing two weeks.

Scuba diving | Temples | Lanterns | Dinner on the beach

One of the best parts of Koh Samui was the scuba diving. Elizabeth, Nick and I signed up for a discovery dive off of the island of Koh Tao. Nick and I have never dived before, and Elizabeth's recently gotten really into the sport, so it was really special to do this together. Our guide was an Austrian named Dan. He gave us all the basic info then we went into the water for some exercises (safety exercises, not water aerobics). After that we headed down about 36 feet. It was one of the coolest experiences. We were down there for about 40 minutes then came up for a lunch break. Dan told us that we were the best group he's ever had (we're winners and naturally great at everything we do?). On the second dive we were all so comfortable and had a blast! Something I will definitely do again soon.

A New Adventure

The past year in China taught me so much not just about myself, but about the world. And while I really wasn't interested in staying in China, I also wasn't done learning about other parts of the world. So here I am about to start another adventure. I will be back backing for a few months in Southeast Asia. I have no set route and no set return date. Yes, I am scared.

I have to keep reminding myself that this is a vacation/adventure of a lifetime. I've been a bit apprehensive about the uncertainty ahead. I don't know where I will be going, or where I'll be staying. I don't really know why that's so scary to me? I guess it's just human nature to want stability, and that is something I'll be without. But like I said, this is a vacation and I need to think of it that way. If this turns out to be too much for me or not something I'm cut out to do, oh well. I'll book a flight back home. I also think that once I get out there all these fears will subside. Someone pointed out to me that if I could make it in China for a year then I can make it anywhere. I will somewhat agree with that.

So, while I'm trying to control these nerves I am beyond excited for what is to come. My sister asked me the other night what I hope to get out of this experience. Experience. There is no agenda here. I simply find traveling and other parts of the world to be one of the most valuable experiences.


It is however a bit of an unsettling life decision. I'll be turning twenty-eight this year, and while I know that isn't "old" I thought I'd be in a different place in my life. My expectations of adulthood where severely skewed by 90210 and romantic comedies. I always thought that you met your significant other in college, got your dream job right out of college, and by thirty had a house with 2.5 kids? So if that's the goal for thirty, backpacking in Southeast Asia may not be the best route to lock down a husband. But to be honest, I'm pretty stoked to be doing what I'm doing. While my childhood expectations may have been shattered, I feel like I am in the right place.


 I do constantly think about the future, marriage, kids, and that whole minivan. But common, yesterday I rode and elephant and played with/spooned a tiger. To be honest, I'll take that over breastfeeding. I know there's no rush. I need to just keep reminding myself to take it one day at a time and trust that everything happens for a reason and that it'll all workout. "What screws us up the most in like is the picture in our head of how it is supposed to be" know what I'm saying...

Riding Babar.

Oh yeah, the elephants and tigers you ask. Carinne, Elizabeth and I flew from LA last Friday and met Nick in Bangkok Thailand. Lucky for us he has been to Thailand many times and is making this trip very easy for us. I'm trying to get him to plan or come with me for the next six months. Bangkok was a nice buffer into Thailand. It's a big city, which isn't that exciting to me. I really enjoy the smaller cities that have more character. It was fun to see however and ring in the new year at a ping pong show in Bangkok (don't judge me). From Bangkok we flew up north to Chiang Mai. We stayed at an amazing boutique hotel tucked away in a quiet area. We settled in then went and explored the charming downtown are. The next day we accomplished all of our Chiang Mai goals: ride an elephant and cuddle with a tiger.

Sometimes all you need is a good cuddle.

It was such a special day. To be so close to such beautiful animals in such a beautiful country was magical. Thai people are so kind and happy, its amazing. Just smiling and being friendly... that's what they do. We are flying into Krabi where we will now begin our island adventures! The rest of our time together we will be on a few different islands throughout the south. I think the experience here will just continue to get better and better as we go!

Kiss of death.

Closure

Grab life by the ball.

My contract as a full time teacher at Power Language Training expired a year after it was officially signed, October 27^th 2013. I will be leaving Hangzhou, China in one week. It’s a very surreal feeling. I guess it’s not common to sell your car, cancel your phone contract, and leave a comfortable life.  Granted I was a bartender, so lets not over exaggerate and imply that I had an ideal life. I wasn’t unhappy in any way, but bartending was a temporary situation. I loved it and am so thankful for all I learned, but I wouldn't let myself make it a career just because it was comfortable. Living abroad was something I had always wanted to do.

Growing up I watched as my brother and sister both studied abroad and lived in various parts of the world. I was blessed with the opportunity to travel a lot as a young adult. I think also the internal struggles I face with Orange County were all factors that pushed me to want to get out. I thought going to Northern California for College would suffice, but any of you who know me well know that that did not pan out as planned. Moving to China was the result of all these factors. As difficult as it can be to make that leap I was always well aware that the bubble of Southern California was a surreal existence, and that I wanted to experience more. The world is so much bigger than our surroundings.

Cheers to self growth.

I don't want to make it sound as if this past year in China has changed me into an all knowing, insightful or better person in any way. My day-to-day struggles have most likely been the norm. I’m not in a third world country volunteering… I’m teaching English in the fastest growing nation in the world. I’m in no way a saint for moving here (though I know that’s what you were all thinking).

I will miss my fruit guy and his son the most.

But to be quite honest; I am really proud of myself. I know that I’ve grown here. I know that this experience will prove to be invaluable to my future. I know that if I can do this, there isn’t much I can’t do. Well that's an exaggeration. But I definitely have more confidence in myself. This past year has been so challenging and so rewarding in so many ways, and I am so happy for that. And I know that it was only a year… I didn't spend seven years in Tibet like Brad Pitt. But you can learn a lot about yourself in a year.

A good friend of mine and I were reminiscing the other day on my time here coming to an end. She asked me how I felt about my experience. There is no other way for me to describe this year besides “grateful”. I think she was surprised to hear that I was grateful for all that has happened this year… For those here that witnessed the heartbreak I went through when a relationship ended and I learned of his infidelity, that was not the adjective they were expecting. But I wouldn't change anything that has happened to me for the world.

I couldn't have asked for better friends
 to share this time with.

My time here, as frustrating, difficult, inconvenient and challenging as it has been has also been the biggest test for me. And I’m happy to say that I feel as if I’ve come out on top. For every awful experience here I have had a beautiful one. The experiences and friendships I’ve made here are unlike any other. I wouldn't trade the heartbreak I felt here for anything in the world. I’m happy I went through it. I’m happy I am a stronger person for having been through all I did.

Again, I haven’t been living in Syria. Life here isn’t horrific. But it is different and it is challenging, because it isn’t the norm. Living in a different culture will always have its challenges, and I can say from experience; the cultural differences in Hangzhou can’t be explained. I’m not sure you can even experience them all in a month or two. And I'm sure there are still plenty of experiences I've missed. It’s a different world. But it’s such a gratifying experience to adapt. I miss the conveniences of home all the time! I miss having friends and family close when I’m struggling or having a bad day.  But I know now that I’m pretty strong, and that there aren't many obstacles that I can't overcome.

Margaret Wardrop: The best roommate I have ever had.
You're my Mike Wazowski.

Big life changes create a great deal of self-reflection. As someone who has a LOT of feeling and loves to talk about feelings, this is something I’m grateful for. Introspection is a very important component of growth, and I think it’s something we put aside when we become comfortable. I value the uncertainty of my life at this moment because it pushes me to question the life I’m living. I’m not bored nor do I have it all figured out… And I’m happy for this adventure even if it means I have no idea where I want to go or what I want to do. I figure that stuff will all just fall into place…(fingers crossed).

Getting out of China.

Arrived at an airport with free WIFI. Three men helped me find my correct bus to get into the center of town. A Japanese man befriended me in the bus line and instructed me how to pay and when to get off the bus. The airport bus that takes you to all the different parts of the city was a limousine bus! This was the nicest bus I've ever been in. I think they polish the armrests. The bus driver then bowed to us before he started driving. Oh, and he was wearing white gloves. There where a dozen people on the bus and everyone was quiet. How rare for me. The woman behind me made a phone call and was practically whispering. Then a Chinese man answered his phone; he was two rows behind the Korean girl and was much louder. However, there are Korean music videos playing... and boy band is scaring me with their perfect cosmetically sculpted faces. And this was my first impression of South Korea.

It was pretty simple to find my hostel. I changed real quickly and went to meet a friend who conveniently lived a two-minute walk from my hotel. We grabbed dinner at a Korean BBQ restaurant down the street. Then met a few of his friends at a bar. They are all in the military and the neighborhood they live in is called Itaewon.  The army base has been in this area since the 50's so there is a large international influence. In fact the little downtown area of Itaewon felt similar to downtown Fullerton.

The following day I did my favorite thing: walk around a new city. I truly get giddy walking around a new city. I think also because walking in Hangzhou can be so unpleasant at times (smells, people, etc) so being anywhere else is rather refreshing.

I did that for two days and in the evenings went out with Nick. It was so great to have someone to hang out with. Sunday morning I left for Taipei, Taiwan. I got into Taipei around 6pm. From the airport I took about an hour bus into the center of town. I'm getting really good at navigating and finding my way (without a smart phone to guide me that is). After arriving at the Main Station I found my way to my hostel. The place was super cozy and clean and I was instantly given a glass of wine from a guy from San Francisco. The next two days I did the same thing as in Seoul: explore.

I went to the top of the second tallest building in the world (though soon to be surpassed by The Shanghai Tower in Shanghai). I walked all day and in the evening visited a few night markets and temples. I wasn't aware of the heavy influence of Buddhism here. I took a glass bottom gondola to some mountains/tea fields on the outskirts of the city, then went to the zoo!! Animals make me happy... Why not.

I wanted to visit another area of Taiwan while here. Taipei is great in that it is a big city with a very tropical feel, but Taiwan is also known for their beautiful beaches. A Taiwanese couple I met highly recommended Hualien. From Taipei it was about a two and a half hour train ride. I arrived in a very small city and spent that evening just walking around and people watching. The owner of my hostel was so helpful in helping me to plan my stay. He highly recommended renting a scooter (I was planning/hoping to do so) and riding to Taroko National Park. This park is known as one of Taiwan's most beautiful attractions. It was about an hour ride up the coast to the park. I spent the day riding through the park on my little blue scooter, stopping often to go for a hike and explore some of the trails. I met so many nice people; Taiwanese are extremely friendly and helpful. In China I would often feel hesitant to ask a stranger for help, here not at all. The language barrier isn't as much of a problem here, which makes a HUGE difference!

After a few hours in the park I continued up the coast a bit to see a beach I'd heard about. It was so tranquil and calming to be near the ocean. I had to head back the Hualien to return the bike by 6:30. It was a great day! I enjoyed being in nature and exploring on my own. Also I saw monkeys in the park. You can't be mad when you see monkeys!

I took the train back to Taipei the following day. The older Taiwanese woman on the train asked me a few questions in broken English then handed me an orange. She then got my email address, had our neighbor take a photo of us, and put her scarf on me like a blanket when she saw I was cold. She is my new adopted grandmother.

I spent a total of ten days traveling on my own (well, I guess I wasn’t really alone in Seoul). It was a great experience and test for what’s to come next year. I have a one-way ticket to Bangkok, Thailand for January 28^th. I have given myself a window of about six months to travel in Southeast Asia. I will have friends with me at times and will be meeting up with friends a long the way, but there will definitely be many times that I will be on my own. So I have to really prepare myself for time alone as well as really put myself out there with strangers and trying to make friends…

This is my last week of work here in Hangzhou. I’ve been working part time this last month. Saturday my friends and I will celebrate Thanksgiving, which will be so wonderful! It will be the last time I see a lot of these wonderful friends I’ve made here. I will fly back to Southern California on Friday December 6^th!! I am beyond excited to see friends and family again.

Sellin the white.

My business card.

No, no, I’m not selling drugs! Over the last year I have been aware of the wide range of “foreigner” jobs that are available in China. Many foreigners living in China have something that Asians idolize: white skin. As a foreigner there are a wide range of gigs to make a few bucks. There are many companies’s that just want a “white face” to represent the brand. As if that gives the company a better image? I don’t know, I don’t understand why companies wouldn’t want someone that actually represents the culture?  A friend of mine asked me to attend an event for the equivalent of $80 on my day off. I had the time and sticking to my “just say yes” to any unique experience policy,  I accepted. I didn’t even ask questions, I just said yes.

The morning of the “event” we were to meet the bus at 8am wearing business professional clothing (pfff, is flannel professional?). There were about 30 of us, a mix of mostly South and North Americans. The bus didn’t leave until almost 9:30, and it takes approximately 2 hours to get to the city of Yiwu (where the event was).  We got to the convention center around noon. The “job” was supposed to be from 10:00-12:00, so at this point we’re all a little annoyed that we wouldn’t be back till much later than expected. We spent an hour walking and waiting. What does that mean Carrie? Exactly how it sounds. These types of things never go according to plan. We literally walked around the entire convention center to meet with some women to receive our fake business cards. Yes. We were all given a stack of fake business cards with our name on them. I can now add Vice President of Multi-Tech LLC to my resume.

Shortly before I threw up.
At least I got to hang with these chicks.

By 12:30 we were ready to begin, yet we were already giving the organizers a hard time that we were supposed to be done by now. They told us we could meet outside at 1:30 and head back to Hangzhou. So our “job” was to walk around a commodities convention. It was so funny. I’m assuming the sponsors of the convention want foreigners attending to help with appearances and popularity? Any and every product you need could be found at the convention. They had it all. Which actually made it kind of fun, it was the equivalent of paying us to window shop.

Unfortunately I think I came down with some kind of virus that morning. I threw up when I woke up and thought maybe it was just something I had eaten the night before and decided to go anyway. I was so nauseous the whole bus ride there, then got sick again right before walking into the convention center. So after visiting two or three stalls I had to go sit down near the restroom while everyone walked around pretending to be interested buyers. I feel kind of bad. I got paid $80 to sit and read 1984.

The driver was taking too long.

At 1:30 we headed back to the bus and waited for everyone to return so we could head home. Again… things never go according to plan. We waited a couple of hours before we could go. Apparently there was some problem getting the money from whoever it was that was paying us? It was ridiculous. We didn’t get back to Hangzhou until about 7:00. It was a long day and one of the most bizarre things I’ve ever done. It’s just so sleezy how common lying is here. Even at my school I’m often asked to speak with parents and students and lie to them about my experience or how long I have been and will be with the company. I guess that’s why Chinese businessmen have such a bad reputation.

Speaking of bad reputations in China; this article was recently published in the Washington Post titled “China’s bystander problem: Another death after crowd ignores woman in peril.” I was not aware of the bystander problem in China before moving here, but after being here for a year I can name countless accounts in which I have seen it. And not all cases are as serious as this latest story, but it is true nonetheless. And I have to admit it is one of my biggest pet peeves about this country. The author discusses possible reasons for this issue, and while I can understand and partially sympathize, it’s still unacceptable.

Washington Post Article

I rarely see Chinese take initiative or think outside the box. They live in a country where everything is censored, they are brainwashed and told exactly what to do in regards to everything. There is no creativity or common sense. People do what they are told and never ask any questions.

So maybe they have never been told what to do if they see someone hurt or in need? Whatever the reason is, it’s difficult to watch. I hate to see the gawking faces. At home you see care and concern in a neighbors face. Not here.

On a lighter note: This past weekend was my last working full time! Saying goodbye to my students was a lot harder than I thought it would be. For the next month that I am here I have offered to work about three nights a week for about three hours. I'm so happy to finally have weekends free and some more free time. I’ve got a fun month ahead of me planned.

My favorites.