First bout of sickness :(

It was inevitable. Getting sick is part of travelling. Everyone packs a first aid kit ready for the worst and prays that the illness only lasts a short while. Luckily mine was a quick one - thanks to my stellar first aid kit!! Let's just say I am a bit bias how amazing homeopathy and vitamins can help stimulate the body to heal!! :)

So I write this post to thank my forever friend, homeopathy, for saving the day once again. You are my best friend and will forever be grateful for having you around. You continuously inspire me to learn more about you and I find myself always talking about you to people :) Oh how I love you so!

And yes.... I must also thank Vitamin A, Vitamin C, salt water gargles, and ultimately a clean bed to lay in for MANY hours.

Now, I am back and ready to continue on my journey!!

Agra - home of the Taj Mahal

5 hr morning train ride got us from Jaiupur into Agra around noon. I couldn't wait to go and visit the Taj Mahal!! On the train ride over I read through two different guide books learning that the taj mahal was built by Empeor Shah Jahan as a memorial for his 3rd wife, Mumtaz Mahal. He loved her so much that after her death he built this incredible museolum for her that houses both of their tombs. Talk about true love. However, is true love also having dozens of other wives, concumbines, and dancing girls? Well, this was the norm back at that time. But Shah Jahan must of fancied Mumtaz more than any other.

I was SO excited to visit but my group scheduled a tour to Agra Fort first. The tour was so hard for me. All I wanted to do was save my energy for the taj mahal and this weather drains it so quickly! Oh well. Groups bring both positive and negative things- this happens to be a negative one.


Once again it was hard for me to appreciate this fort and the history behind it. Once again there was talk of expense of the building, how the king would have hundreds of concubines and lock them up when they would talk too much. There were both cells for prisoners as well as overly luxurious rooms used for royal baths. I can't help but feel this is wrong.

Although I may not like this type of injustice, I am still grateful for the opportunity to learn such history in great depth.

Now for the Taj Mahal!!!!
I must begin with saying that this is truly a magnificent structure. The symmetry lends itself to it's beauty along with the way it reflects off the water.

I hate to be a downer in any way, especially because I feel I am a positive person, but the inside of the taj was a bit disappointing. Nothing special.
What was special were the people. Oh- India really shined today!! I must have had at least two dozen people approach me to ask to take a picture with me. They were so friendly. These people were not pushy, rather were intrigued. I not only felt welcomed into their country, I also felt as if I was a celebrity enthusiastically being seen :)

Here are some pictures with some of my fans :)

Overall another great day had on my journey around this world!  India is beginning to shine it's light! Yay

For more pics of my time in Agra - click on this picture below

Ps. I am already sick of Indian food :( it's too heavy and oily to eat day in and day out in this weather. Food in Asia was amazing. Veggies galore and great variety. Shoot... It's only day 3 how can I be sick of it? I'll get thru it.

Jaipur – The Pink City (really the terra cotta city)

I visited the state of Rajastan and ventured off into the capital city, Jaipur. It is called the Pink City as all the buildings in the old city are pink as a symbol of welcome. (It’s not really pink – more terra cotta) The main attractions are the City Palace, the Amber palace/tomb, and lots of shopping! Jaipur is known for its textiles and pottery. The shopping has been fun as I really love Indian fabrics.

However, the palaces were a bittersweet experience for me.  These palaces are hands down stunning. The detail of the architecture is truly magnificent.


However, I can’t  help but reflect on how much money is spent on these overly luxiorius buildings when there  are thousands of poor and starving people just blocks away. Ugh! Why does this happen?!!

As I read through lonely planet and other guide books about India, it is described as a country with great contrasts. 25% of the world’s best software engineers live in India, while 25% of the population go to bed hungry. Kids are dying of starvation every day, while others are suffering from obesity. The first female president was elected in July 2007, yet in some regions girls are still waiting entry approval into primary schools. This country has an incredible disparity that shines through like a sore thumb. This is SO hard for me to process!!

I was told that there are more than 500 Maharaja’s (Kings) in all of India. Each state has a number of them. For example, in Rajastan alone, there are 22 present. That means a lot of over the top palaces to house these kings! Of course I can definitely appreciate the beauty of the architecture, but it still bothers me how much money is spent building a palace truly for show when there are starving people all throughout India. Ok, Elana, shake it off!

Here is an album of my time in Jaipur.Click on the album below.

Off to Agra to visit the Taj Mahal next. Can’t wait!!

First impressions of India

Chaos, pure chaos. That just about sums up my first day experience in India. Dirty and chaotic. I guess I am finished with this post.

No no… wait. I have more to say.

 I will do my best to describe what I mean by chaos. Tuk Tuk’s  mob the roads, zooming through the lanes, squeezing through traffic, swerving through lanes abiding by zero rules. Horns galore!! You are forced to cover your ears at times from the upheaval of noise created by everyone beeping their freaking horns! People walk right through traffic, along with goats, cows, pigs, donkey, chickens  and dogs roaming directly into traffic holding everyone up. If a Tuk Tuk  driver is held up in traffic they will get out of their Tuk Tuk and walk up to the car that is stopped to yell at them. Chaos. Total chaos!  Then there is trash. Trash everywhere. People have zero regard for the use of trash cans. They dirty their city as if they are not bothered by lack of cleanliness. There are more men on the streets than women, especially at night, as it is the culture for women to stay inside past 10pm. So you often see groups of men lining up the streets, just standing with their group, passing time, staring at the women tourist, approaching you to sell something, asking “where you from? Want to buy?”. People are sitting on the concrete ground, eating with their hands, while they are sweating from the 100+ degree temperatures. Mothers sit on the floor with their babies/infants laid across their laps. These kids look dehydrated and hungry. The mothers beg for money and all I can do is walk by. How can I give one when there are others  a few steps away?  I can’t just give all my money away. I feel so bad. And then there is the smell of the city. Food rotting, trash overflowing the streets and body odor radiating off of bodies. Shame, these women have to be so covered up in this heat. Ok – I hope this idea of chaos is coming through.

Example of trash + animals = dirty :(

The kids look so dirty, dehydrated and hungry. I was SO happy I had saved leftovers to give to this child to eat. Just heartbreaking.

Now that  I have just rambled on about what may seem to be negative qualities of India, there is also an essence of beauty that is hidden behind all of this chaos. However, one must take a step back and have true desire to delve into the depth of India to let its beauty shine. I’m COMPLETELY open to delving in!! This is exactly what I had expected. And I am still very happy to be here!!! As the guide books read, there are so many sides of India. Today, I experienced what I would characterize as a darker side, another city may bring a different feel all together.

The great things so far….. The architecture of some buildings here is truly a piece of art. One that I can appreciate tremendously.  I got to see a bollywood movie in a famous cinema. Good fun! I love how people ask me to take a picture with them, as if they have never seen a white person before.:) And having the opportunity to see life at its poorest always stimulates time of reflection and gratitude for what I have. I am fortunate for these opportunities and experiences right now.

Here is a picture of a group of men with big smiles on their faces. Amongst all the poverty, there is still an expression of happiness. What an amazing thing to witness!

The time has come...

The time has come...

I have come to prefer the squatting toilets over the western ones. Who would have ever thought?!

I'm no longer bothered having to wear the same clothes over and over.

I find myself bargaining over a simple dollar.

I find a 5 hour bus ride to be a quick one.

Am no longer bothered when a fly or insect crawls into my food. I am now able to pick it out and continue eating. Yes I know it's gross but you really have no control over this!

Have gotten use to fish bones and skin any time I order fish.

Getting use to constant sweat!!

I now ALWAYS remember to carry toilet paper with me everywhere I go.

I have finally succumbed to spraying my body with poisonous deet EVERY night :(

Trusting hand sanatizer to keep my hands clean throughout the days

Looking forward to my next meal of rice, veggies and sometimes fish. Haven't gotten sick of it yet.

Unfortunately, I don't think I'll ever get use to or comfortable sleeping with cockroaches, but come on... who would be?!


With all that said, I feel like an official traveler now :)

I'm ready for INDIA!!


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Taking a rest in Bangkok and saying goodbye

Wow- it's been a month with my group and now it's come to an end. 30 days beginning in Bangkok, onto visiting the kind people of Cambodia and seeing incredible temple ruins, to Vietnams busy streets, acres of rice fields and hundreds of tailor shops, to Laos where it turned into a laid back environment with scenic lush mountains every direction you turn. Now, back to the bustling streets and polluted air of Bangkok.

I needed some time to rest. We really moved quickly through 4 countries. I'm so grateful I decided to join this tour group. I have met some wonderful people who I will keep in touch with and a handful I will see again in the future. Now I get to visit friends in London, Australia, and Switzerland! How lucky am I :)

I want to take a moment to thank some of my new friends. As I am grateful for everyone who comes in and out my life.
Krysia, Louise and I grew so close. The last couple nights we all crammed into one room. The 3 of us all shared a double bed. Although we had little room to move we were all so happy to be so close and didn't want to leave one another.

I knew Sam and Jeremy were good friends when they convinced me to buy pepper spray for my trip alone to India and tried it out on themselves to make sure it was strong enough. Silly of them but deep down incredibly considerate.
And my tour guide Matt who has to be among the top guides out there. His child like spirit and love of his job was a breath of fresh air from most americans i come across who hate their jobs.
I am grateful for this handful of people that were close in my life for the last 33 days. We started out as strangers and ended feeling as if we were family.

So my finals days in Bangkok were spent resting up, getting last minute things for my time in India, which comprised of a visit to the Bangkok mall which was massive and an experience in and of itself. I also visited Chinatown for a great adventure, went to the floating market, peaked in the grand palace and Wat po, which housed the reclining buddah. And enjoyed the last few nights with my friends before saying my goodbyes.

Chinatown !

Click on this picture below for pictures of my time in Bangkok.

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Reflecting while on the Mekong - Laos back to Thailand

Right at this instance, I am on a long boat, travelling on the Mekong River from Laos to Thailand. We are set out for a 2 day journey (22 hour total) and I am grateful for the down time to reflect and take in the beautiful scenery. What a nice change from a bus ride. Check out my view!

It’s been 6 weeks today since I left USA and somewhere around 9 weeks since I left my home in AZ. Wow! I still have to remind myself sometimes that I am really doing this. I am living one of the biggest goals I have ever made for myself in my life. It feels amazing! With this free time I am finally doing some of the things I have always been interested in doing but didn’t have the time back in the US, like learn how to cook better, read, explore more music, read homeopathy for fun (yes  I’m a dork – but a passionate one at best), deepen my meditation practice, learn about other cultures, and more! I love this time in my life! Couldn’t be happier J
As I reflect on my life at this moment it is a perfect balance of stability and instability. I have no home at this moment, moving day to day to sleep in a different bed, hoping for a decent shower to use, and praying for no cockroaches at my next destination. (Last night, in Pak Beng,  I had the privilege of sleeping with all sorts of insects, on the hardest bed and pillow ever and with a lack of electricity for the first few hours. It is so hard to sleep without a fan or A/C out here).

Check out this creepy crawler. Its gigantic!

I love how I had to take out my head lamp for this hostel! Great fun! It was SO hot, my little hand held fan didn't do squat :( 

But I am dealing with all of this surprisingly well! I never know  what the next day will bring, who I will meet, the places I have the privilege of seeing, and the fact I get to learn something new each and every day about this world. This instability is SO good for me as I tend much towards the planned and stable life back in the US. It feels great!

I decided to change up some plans now that I know my residency is going to start sooner than expected. I am no longer going to visit Spain and Portugal and I feel completely at peace with this decision. Since booking my flights I always had a gut feeling that I would not make it there as I never felt a strong pull to visit, whereas SE Asia, India, and Israel have very strong pulls. Spain and Portugal aren’t going anywhere, so I am certain I will visit in my future.

 So, now I will return home in 9 weeks. 9 weeks – yay so much more time!  When I return I look forward to visiting both coasts and plan my cross country road trip from Arizona to what will be my new home in Connecticut. I guess I am not finished my travels by returning to the US. There is SO much to see in our country!

I find it interesting when I meet people who have been travelling for months on end and dread going back home. I feel bad for them. I am looking forward to coming back home, but still enjoying my each and everyday away. I am learning that most people in life don’t really love what they do for work. They seek out travel and vacation time to really live life and use work as the necessity to just pay bills and such. When I am asked what I do for work I begin to smile ear to ear and explain to them what naturopathic medicine is and how I love the work I do. How fortunate I am! I choose to travel to learn and grown rather than to escape. I may not have been able to say that about my travels a few years ago, but as the years I grow older, the more I am loving my life and the path that I have laid out for myself.

And for now, I have another 9 weeks to go! Im sure these weeks will be filled with more challenges and plenty of life altering memories! Awe, so grateful for this time!

Will be back in Thailand again soon to explore Bangkok and then off to the next country. INDIA!!!

For more pics of the Mekong along with our stop at a Buddah Cave, click on this picture below.

Laos food

I really love learning about the different cuisines in each country. So if I end up with more food pictures on my blog than anything else – I am quiet ok with that J

Loas food is very similar to Thai food, however a main difference is the rice that is served. In Thailand, steamed jasmine rice is served, in Laos STICKY rice is served. Other than that, the dishes are fairly similar.

Another difference in Laos is the amount of free alcohol that is served. Almost every restaurant that I went to we were offered a free bottle of either whiskey or rice wine.

Another food that I often found in Laos and not in the other places was Seaweed.

This is a traditional Laos dish called Lap. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy the dish so much but it is made up of minced meat (fish is in this picture), mint, lemon, lemongrass and other spices. Was just OK.

Sticky Rice

Although Papaya Salad is served in other countries, it is extremely popular here in Laos.

Simple curries similar to Thailand.

 
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Luang Prabang – So much happening in a single day!

Alright, bus rides are now starting to get to me. I can’t even count the number of hours I have been spending on buses. 10 hours one day, 7 hours the next, 5 here and there. The first few hours don’t bother me at all. In fact, I like the down time. But once 4 hours hits, I get pretty antsy.

Anyway, the beauty of these long bus rides is that they always seem to take me into another amazing destination J So no complaining here!

I had an incredible day packed with meaningful experiences. I was exhausted by the end, but it was well worth it.

A few of us woke at sunrise to line up and make food offerings to the monks in town. We joined the locals and other tourists in a long line running down the street. Women kneeled while men stood offering anything from sticky rice, to fruits, cookies, packaged goods, etc. There must have been hundreds of monks, young and old, walking in a line with their bright orange garments and silver bowls taking the donations from all of us. What an experience. Was definitely worth the early rising.

 Later in the morning I rented a bicycle and rode into town to volunteer and teach English. The day got even better!! First off, any day cruising around on a bike in a foreign city is an exciting day, but to sit with a Laos local and help him learn English was such a treat for me! I LOVED IT!

Here is the student, Somsuang,  that I was working with. He looks so young but is actually 21 years old. He is in his third year in University and his goal is to return to his hometown in the country side to teach English.

Later in the afternoon I joined my group again and we drove up to visit waterfalls. Beautiful scenery and a nice time to relax.

This plant was everywhere around the waterfalls! Such a great metaphor for me right now. It’s called the Wandering Jew!! I’m serious!! J

The night ended with a bike ride to the best night market yet! I wish I got more pictures of it to share but I was so present in the moment enjoying the crafts and eating really cheap food from the buffets I forgot to take my camera out to take pictures. Oops. But of course, I didn’t forget to take pictures of the food with my iphone. Oh Elana…

Here are some more pics of my time in Luang Probang



Laos Cooking and Vang Vieng

I’m doing it! I’m really doing it! A cooking course in each country I visit!! Yay! So far I’m accomplishing this goal! And I am LOVING the experience.

Today, I had the fortunate opportunity to work one on one with a local in the kitchen of the guesthouse I was staying at. I went up to the front desk to ask about cooking classes and the manager totally hooked me up! It was incredible. He told me to meet at the entrance of the guesthouse tomorrow morning at 7:30am and my teacher, Wan, will pick me up, take me to the market and return to cook. I was told to just pay for the ingredients and that’s it. Really?! How can this be?! This is the ideal situation!!!! And did it work out you ask? It worked out even better than I expected. I got to chose exactly what I wanted to cook and vuola – done! Here is a pure example of the kindness of the Laos people. They are giving in nature and accommodating to us tourists.

Here is Wan and I in the outdoor kitchen of the guesthouse. We just got back from the market and ready to cook!

 I chose very basic dishes so I could return home and repeat these recipes. They were each delicious and very easily reproducible.

First we cooked  a Pumpkin Soup

Laos Pumpkin Soup Diced pumpkin (skinned and deseeded) Enough water to blend pumpkin 4 tbsp Coconut milk (+ more for garnish) 1 tbsp butter 1 tbsp Sugar Pinch of Salt Pinch of black pepper  Garnish: Cilantro *I would add ginger next time

Place raw cubed pumpkin and water in blender. Blend till smooth. Heat up butter and coconut milk in pan and heat on high for 5 minutes. Add blended pumpkin to pan. Boil on high for a few minutes. Add a pinch of salt, sugar and black pepper. Garnish with a bit more coconut milk and cilantro.

Next dish was a delicious Steamed Lemongrass Fish dish

Laos Steamed Fish Filet of fish cubed 2 stalks of lemongrass thinly sliced on the diagonal 3 inches of minced ginger 2 minced green onions 4-5 minced kefir lime leaves 6 tbsp of coconut milk 3 tbsp of soy sauce Banana leaves to cook in with toothpicks Steamer

Add fish, veggies, coconut milk, soy sauce into a bowl and mix. Add mixture to a banana leaf and steam for 20 minutes.

Third dish was Veggie/Tofu Stir Fry with Peanut Sauce

Laos Stir Fry Tofu and Veggies with Peanut Sauce Stir Fry: Veggies: Cut on a diagonal a handful each of green leafy and long beans. Mince 2 spring onions, 3 inches of ginger, 2 cloves of garlic. Thinly slice 1 carrot. 1 cup of fish flavored tofu 1 tbsp of oyster sauce 1 tbsp of soy sauce 1 tbsp of sugar Pinch of salt Pinch of black pepper Oil Garnish: cilantro Peanut Sauce: 2 handful of peanuts Water to blend peanuts 4 shallots 2 garlic cloves 4 tbsp of coconut milk 1 tbsp red curry paste 1  tbsp of sugar Pinch of salt

Place oil in a pan and heat. Add ginger and sauté for a minute. Add the tofu and continue to stir fry. Next add all of the veggies and mix until wilted. Add the oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, salt and black pepper. Lastly, add some peanut sauce if desired. Garnish with cilantro Peanut sauce: Blend peanuts, water, shallots and garlic. Set aside. Heat oil in a pan and add the coconut milk. Stir for 5 minutes. Add the peanut mixture and mix well. Let boil. Add salt and sugar.

Fourth  was Vegetable Fried Rice

Laos Veggie Fried Rice 1 ½ cup cooked rice Small diced long beans Small diced cabbage Thinly sliced carrot Thinly sliced green leafy veggie Minced garlic – 2 cloves 1 tbsp oyster sauce 1 tbsp soy sauce ½ tbsp sugar ½ tbsp black soy sauce Oil Garnish: cilantro

Heat oil in a wok. Add garlic sauté for 1 minute. (If you want to use an egg add the egg at this time and scramble) Add the veggies and sauté until wilted. Next, add the oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and black soy sauce. Lastly, add the rice and sauté for a few more minutes. Garnish with cilantro. *Place rice in a bowl and pack tightly. Flip over the bowl onto a plate and lift bowl. You should be left with a nice dome of rice.

Last, for dessert, was Coconut Sticky Rice. Yummy!

Laos Coconut Sticky Rice 1 cup of sticky rice 1 ½ cup of coconut milk 3 tbsp of sugar Pinch of salt 1 tbsp butter Garnish: fruit and marmalade

Heat butter in a pan. Add the coconut milk and boil for 5 minutes. Add the sugar and continue to stir. Add the sticky rice and break up into pieces mixing it into the sauce. Stir on and off until the mixture thickens. Garnish and serve.

Wan was such a sweet women to work with. And the hug she gave me with appreciation for my gracious tip was a memory I will always remember.

I had SO many leftovers it was such a wonderful feeling to share with all of my new friends. Now, I look forward to reproducing these recipes to share with family and friends!! Can’t wait!!

For detailed pictures of the process click on this photo below.

 

Later that day I took a ride on an ATV to do some sightseeing and of course got super dirty. Here are some pictures of the town I was visiting called Vang Vieng. Great little town full of tourists. Most popular thing to do in Vang Vieng is go tubing down the river, but since this was my only chance to take a cooking course in Laos, I had to pass on the tubing. I don’t regret it at all! One other highlight of Vang Veing to note are the outdoor bars scattered throughout the city with TV’s playing Friends series over and over and over. I am completely and utterly serious. I have some pictures for proof. Felt weird being in Laos watching Friends.

A chat with a Monk!

I am such a curious woman. This characteristic of mine comes out more and more as I get older. I find a local to chat with and find myself holding myself back from the next question I have. Elana - patience! :)

I was brought up with a strong Jewish culture but I also resonate with Buddhism. A big reason why I chose to travel to Asia was to learn more about Buddhism, and Israel to learn more about Judaism.

So what did I learn from chatting with a monk??!!

I learned what it was like to live as a monk! Life in a monastery can start as young as 6 years old. It is common for young kids from the countryside to take advantage of life in a monastery for opportunity for an education, food and shelter, all of which are not easy to come by in a small village in the countryside. Between ages 6-19 these boys are called novice monks and not until age 20 can one be considered a monk. Novice monks have different “rules” than the monks, but for the most part everyone follows these same basic practices. They all meditate morning and night somewhere between 3-4 hours per day. They are only allowed to eat 2 meals per day, breakfast and lunch. I was curious why and was told that dinner was avoided so the men wouldn’t have enough energy in the evening time to think about sex. Since sex is forbidden as a monk the goal is to try and distract their thoughts and rather focus on their hunger. In addition, I learned that monks can’t ask or use money, rather they live off of donations. As a monk you are allowed to marry, however, once married you can no longer be a monk. Therefore, many boys grow up in a monastery and then leave to marry and raise a family. If/when he becomes a widow or divorces his wife, he is welcome to return to the monastery.

After learning this information, I think that this option to become a monk is really a wonderful option for many of these people who have such little opportunity. Since monks are taught English in the monastery, these men tend to be the people who have jobs and thus have more money and a better life after they leave.

So, what other questions did I have for the monk? Well, the obvious one….. what’s the story behind the fat happy buddah? J I’ve been so curious!

Well, I’m not certain this is true, but this monk told us that the fat buddah use to be a very attractive  monk in his early years. He often times had women chasing him around which distracted him from reaching enlightenment. He requested from God to stop these women from chasing him so God placed his hand on his head and squished him into a fat man. At this point, he was able to focus and reach enlightenment, thus transforming from a monk into a happy fat buddah. Ha!! Thought that story was cute. Not sure if its sound but it’s a cute story nonetheless.

I was also curious about how Buddhism differed in different regions of the world, specifically in India since that is my next stop.

I was told that in SE Asia, Buddhists believe in nirvana and that people are cremated so the smoke and ashes can reach the heaven. Apparently, in India and Tibet Buddhist’s believe in reincarnation instead. I would love to look more into this when I get to India.

Lastly, I asked how popular Buddhism is in Laos and what other religions are practiced here?

He shared with us that there are 3 classes of people in Laos. The high grounds, middle and lower grounds. The lower grounds practice Buddhism, are more educated and have more money. The middle and higher grounds practice Animism – which was explained to me as believing in jungle spirits. These groups of people often times live poorer lives with less education.

And a bit of history to share about Laos too that I learned from him.

During the Vietnam War, Laos was very much involved but was rarely spoken about, hence the reason why the war in Laos is referred to as the “Secret War”. Laos was bombed more than any other country during the war. Ho Chi Minh, who was the leader of the communist government in Northern Vietnam, used the southern part of Laos, which parallels Vietnam, to move troops from the North to the South of Vietnam. Since the South and America knew this route, there were many bombs and landmines planted all throughout southern Loas.  Similar to Cambodia, during the Khmer Rouge, landmines were placed and forgotten about, therefore there are still people today that die each year from accidently stepping on one. The monk said that 30-50 people every year die from them.

So here is a tidbit of info directly from a monks mouth to my curious ears. Love sharing what I have been learning on the road!

Vientiane and Buddah Park - Laos

Oh how nice it is to cross the border from the fast paced life of Vietnam to the laid back relaxed feel of Laos!!
The 10 hour drive was one of the most scenic yet. I couldn't imagine it getting better after bicycling through rice fields but driving through the thousands of bright green mountains with a creek running thru was truly a warm welcome.

My group went from 16 in Cambodia, to 15 in Vietnam to now a small group of 6 of us.  Louise and Krysia from England, Sam from Switzerland, Jeremy from Virginia and Matt from Canada.

Unlike my experience with northern Vietnamese people, the people of Laos are incredibly friendly and smile very often. It feels like I'm back in Cambodia in this regard. Oh how that touches my heart. Poverty is pretty apparent here in Laos and smiles still prevail. Such a good example for me to learn from.

Unlike Vietnam, Laos is comprised mainly of Buddhists so temples (wats) are scattered throughout country. Im so happy to return to a Buddhist country as part of this journey of mine is somewhat of a pilgrimage. Feels great to walk down the street and pass by a monk, chat with him for a bit and then walk into a massive temple full of beautiful buddahs. These temples are constant reminders of the life I continually seek out - that of simplicity, meditation and ultimately happiness. I admire these monks and feel honored to be welcomed into their temples.

My tour guide said something interesting to me on our drive to Laos. He warned us that there will be a lot of monasteries and young novice monks walking the streets of the capital city, Vientiane. He mentioned how these boys often times chose to leave their homes in the countryside and take advantage of the free education at the monasteries in order to have future opportunities. They are free to leave whenever they want but choosing this path definitely sets them up for a better life then if they chose to stay put in the countryside.

I thought of how this compares to opportunities in the US and thought about the military as an option for young boys to create future opportunities. Not in all circumstances is this true but I've met many men who choose to join the military because they lack direction in life and figure they can get a free education and make some money to serve their country. I am leaving my judgment out of this choice people make as I feel everyone needs something different in his/her life and I commend those who fight for our country. But with this comparison I found it interesting that in SE Asia, boys go off to become monks and in the US boys go off to be soldiers fighting. These are two extreme opposite ends of the spectrum. One instilling peace and the other instilling violence and fear. Just think the contrast is quiet extreme.

Our first stop was Vientiane, the capital city. Only a short stay was needed as the entire city was comprised of one major street with French inspired bakeries, coffee shops, massage places, the night market along the Mekong river and an amazing buddah park outside the city limits. There is a big French influence here in Laos because the French colonized this part of Asia by the late 19th century. It has been a month now and this was the first time I stepped foot in what seemed like such a western shop to eat. I actually didn't care for it much. In fact I don't miss western restaurants AT ALL! I'm enjoying Asian food so much!

Coincidently my friend, Mike, who I met in Chiang Mai, was in Vientiane so we met up and had another amazing dinner together. Mike took me to a restaurant called Makphet that hires street kids to cook and serve. The mission is to get kids off the streets from begging and give them jobs and empower them to work and make a life for themselves. I was so happy to spend loads of money at this restaurant! It was perfect!

They have sister restaurants to. As a group we visited the one in Cambodia called Friends. These are must restaurants to visit and contribute to!

Next morning we rose early to visit the Buddah Park before our 6 hour journey to our second stop, Lauang Prabang. (hence more writing as I have plenty of time to waste so there may be more details to share while I'm in Laos)

Oh this park was great fun! Two favorite things in one place - buddahs and nature - happy as can be!

For more pics of Vientiane and the Buddha Park click on this picture below!

Hanoi - Northern Vietnam

Some places I am going to love and some I will hate. Unforutately, Hanoi falls into the latter category.

Hanoi is the capital city of Northern Vietnam. It is massively crowded, motorbikes whizzing in and out of traffic without regard to pedesitrians, locals are rude to me - won't look me in the eye and seem as though they are annoyed at my presence, and so few places have air conditioning everyone is constantly sweating from the sticky humid weather.

Ironically, in the US my favorite places are the big cities. Now that I am travelling so much, I am realizing that it is the exact opposite abroad. I really dislike the big cities, all of the pollution, the crowds and the trash.

North and South Vietnam are quiet different. Although the country is no longer divided, the North definitely has a stronger sense of communism and the people are much more rude up here.

As I always do, I try to put myself in their shoes to try and understand why these people seem unfriendly and rude. As I walk the streets of Hanoi I see shop after shop with the exact same goods as their neighbor sells. The family will sit infront of their shop day in and day out just waiting for a customer to come in - they look bored to tears. There is no business sense here. How can they function when there are a row of the exact same shopes right beside them?! They sit, they wait, and when they get desperate (which is often) they come out from their store and find people walking by and try their hardest to get them to come into their shop. This gets old really quick.

They sit with their families eating mostly street food - often noodle soup - outside in the hot sticky weather, sitting on the low tables and chairs, eating food that has been sitting out all day with flies all around it. Then a customer comes into their shop and starts barganaing with them over a mere US dollar.

If this were my life, I would be unfriendly and rude too!!

Although I am just an outsider looking in, this assumption of a families life may be right on for some and far off from others. But, as a general rule I like to give people the benefit of the doubt and understand why these people are the way they are.

It still doesn't change my opinion of the city of Hanoi, rather it makes me sad that these people have to endure this type of enviornment and hope they are finding joys in the simple things in life like family and friends.

Today is my last day in Vietnam and I am ready to leave for Laos. I am grateful for the opportunity to visit Vietnam as it brought a unique flavor to SE Asia with its landscape, people and daily customs. It has had some of my favorite spots like Hoi Ann and Halong Bay along with some of my least favorite spots. Overall, I am grateful for this experience.

10 hour bus ride to Laos tomorrow - here I come!

Halong Bay - another favorite spot in Vietnam

The cockroach infested train ride was worth it for a visit to Halong bay!! This place deserves a spot as one of the top places I have visited so far!

We chartered a private junk boat for 4 hours to view these mountainous islands and visit the caves. I felt like I was in the movie Pirates of the Caribbean. Nice and relaxing. Beautiful sites!
Once again, my iPhone camera can only capture so much. The web album below is much better!

Click on this picture below to see much better pictures of the islands and of the massive cave!