First of all, thank you to everyone that sent us messages concerning our time in Malaysia. I'd just like to state for the record, that 95% of our time was fantastic and life-changing. The other 5% was horrible, but we have moved on. Thanks again, but rest assured that we are doing fine. We even had a couple of moments today where we were saying to each other, 'wow! I couldn't be happier!' 'I feel 10/10!', etc.
So, we're in Indonesia; Yogyakarta to be specific. It's a city of about 500,000 people, but feels much smaller. There are cars, but most people ride around on motorbikes, rickshaws and by horse cart. Also, we heard reports that women should dress conservatively outside of Jakarta; this may be a wise suggestion, but let me tell you that the Muslim men have no problem with Sue walking around in short shorts. She has gotten more cat calls in the last two days than Sharon Stone got in all of the early 90's! I don't even know what to do when the men start whistling at her. I feel like yelling with a strict tone, 'hey, that's my wife here!', but the slight tinge of pride is strong enough to quell my tongue's desire.
Everything is ridiculously cheap here. I had to go online to check the currency exchange one more time just because I couldn't believe we were paying $3 Canadian for dinner, red bull, and a pack of smokes!
The country is absolutely breathtaking! There are literally volcanoes everywhere looming in the distance. Not only are they looming, but actually smoking with sulphuric gas!
A little drunk, I'll cut my losses.
Oh, one last thing. I'm reading 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler. If you are looking for a book to keep you page turning, this will suffice.
chad
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Over-kindness
Over-kindness is always dangerous.
This is our second trip of Malaysia.
My impression of Malaysia is always good.
Our first trip was on our honeymoon on beautiful Tioman Island.
And the second trip is our starting spot of the world trip.
Also we met some people who could easily be friends for life.
I haven’t met any people who forced us to buy shitty stuff. I hate it when they never take “no thanks” and never give up until you open your wallet and we know it’s worthless to buy in other south Asia.
I haven’t even seen a street cat, yet.
The Long beach in Perhentian Island.
Of course, I have to see more countries to agree this island is most beautiful spot in the world.
But so far its scenery has just melted in my heart.
It’s hard to find a place that keeps the natural environment this well without any scratch.
When I look down the ocean from the port, I can see many fishes are swimming as making a group. Those little fish keep changing the shape and playing in the water.
It is so amazing that I can see that scene at the port.
Third day of this island.
We are budget travelers, so we didn’t expect to stay in any fancy hotel like before.
Our first chalet was really well priced, but there wasn’t any electricity during the daytime.
There isn’t attached bathroom in our room either, so we have to use the shared bathroom.
We don’t need hot water in here but there isn’t any choice to choose between hot water and cold water.
The toilet is outside from our room and it stinks when I shut the door to do my business, I need to depend on the light from gap of door. Sometimes lizards are watching me on the wall
When I saw a big one is crawling toward me, I just chickened out and put on my pants to run away.
I guess I am still a city person.
From this environment, naturally we have had trouble with constipation, so I persuaded Chad to move to another chalet which has an attached bathroom.
Even the second place was just beside the jungle where I hate, but it was nicer and cleaner than the first one. As soon as when we got in the room, I could finish my unsolved business.
The managers were super kind to us.
They kindly let us know where the cheapest restaurant here is, and a supermarket where I can finally buy food to cook.
People in this island really connected to each other.
When we asked people where we can buy food, the answer was we have to go to another island which we have to pay for 2-way tickets, the ship fee is almost same as dinner.
After we got the answer, calculated in head and gave up cooking.
Everything here price are twice expensive than outside so I was really happy to save some money to cook.
They also allowed me to use their kitchen no problem.
After I figured out where the supermarket was and I could use the kitchen.
I was so excited!!!
When I cooked in the kitchen, the 2 managers were around me to help me as best they could.
I wasn’t asking them for any favors.
They peeled onion and garlic, washed the pot and dishes for me.
When I drank water while I cooked, they stirred food instead of me, too.
And let me use all the spices in the kitchen, gave me fresh eggs from chicken’s nest.
When I went back to clean the dishes, they pushed me out from the kitchen and took away dirty dishes from me with “you are my friend.”
After the sun goes down, I was going to meet Chad at the bar in the beach.
They worried me even the bar is so close from chalet.
One manager walked with me to the bar and trying to make conversation with me.
The conversation can’t be successful because of their short English.
After few glasses of rum, I fell in sleep in the hammock while waiting for Chad to come back.
One manager came to beside me without any sound to swing it and the other manager sing.
They showed me the clock and invited us for Pakistan dinner with disco.
I expected disco ball or something but all they have was tiny TV with 90’s bad pop music you ever don’t want to listen it but I was happy to watch them.
We had so much fun to pose with chicken and eat good food with free.
Chad went out for grab one more bottle to keep this mood.
I asked one manger who I don’t ever remember, “Why are you so good to me? And thanks for your kindness” he said. “You are my friend and I like you so much. Please don’t say thanks. There are no thanks for between friends.”
Next morning, he asked Chad for scuba diving schedule and he waved his hands for him.
I back to my room to pack our bags to leave this island after Chad finished his diving with open door because there wasn’t any light if I closed door, I didn’t want to lose another thing.
The kind manager came into the room and shut the door.
I surprised, I told him to leave but he looked really horny-dirty animal.
“Let me watching you, I love you, I want to see you” and he took out his tongues.
I told him to leave 5 times but it didn’t work to him.
Luckily I remembered the spray which I bought it in Korea.
I took it out and screamed at him.
It scared the shit out of him and he kept saying sorry and left.
My heart was beating so fast and my hands kept shaking with the spray.
I didn’t know what to do.
All I can do was pack ASAP and run to Chad’s diving school.
Chad came after 30 minutes.
I wanted to tell him this entire terrible story and stay in his arms where safest spot in the world to me is but I couldn’t ruin all his feeling.
He was going to get his license after a few hours.
He had been through bad days until yesterday.
And I wanted to him to avoid fighting in third world country.
I told him about it late night.
He was mad at him and he was proud of me that I could handle the situation.
I am trying to forget about it but it’s hard to.Tonight, I will sleep in my husband’s arms and it makes me feel so safe
Soon-mok
This is our second trip of Malaysia.
My impression of Malaysia is always good.
Our first trip was on our honeymoon on beautiful Tioman Island.
And the second trip is our starting spot of the world trip.
Also we met some people who could easily be friends for life.
I haven’t met any people who forced us to buy shitty stuff. I hate it when they never take “no thanks” and never give up until you open your wallet and we know it’s worthless to buy in other south Asia.
I haven’t even seen a street cat, yet.
The Long beach in Perhentian Island.
Of course, I have to see more countries to agree this island is most beautiful spot in the world.
But so far its scenery has just melted in my heart.
It’s hard to find a place that keeps the natural environment this well without any scratch.
When I look down the ocean from the port, I can see many fishes are swimming as making a group. Those little fish keep changing the shape and playing in the water.
It is so amazing that I can see that scene at the port.
Third day of this island.
We are budget travelers, so we didn’t expect to stay in any fancy hotel like before.
Our first chalet was really well priced, but there wasn’t any electricity during the daytime.
There isn’t attached bathroom in our room either, so we have to use the shared bathroom.
We don’t need hot water in here but there isn’t any choice to choose between hot water and cold water.
The toilet is outside from our room and it stinks when I shut the door to do my business, I need to depend on the light from gap of door. Sometimes lizards are watching me on the wall
When I saw a big one is crawling toward me, I just chickened out and put on my pants to run away.
I guess I am still a city person.
From this environment, naturally we have had trouble with constipation, so I persuaded Chad to move to another chalet which has an attached bathroom.
Even the second place was just beside the jungle where I hate, but it was nicer and cleaner than the first one. As soon as when we got in the room, I could finish my unsolved business.
The managers were super kind to us.
They kindly let us know where the cheapest restaurant here is, and a supermarket where I can finally buy food to cook.
People in this island really connected to each other.
When we asked people where we can buy food, the answer was we have to go to another island which we have to pay for 2-way tickets, the ship fee is almost same as dinner.
After we got the answer, calculated in head and gave up cooking.
Everything here price are twice expensive than outside so I was really happy to save some money to cook.
They also allowed me to use their kitchen no problem.
After I figured out where the supermarket was and I could use the kitchen.
I was so excited!!!
When I cooked in the kitchen, the 2 managers were around me to help me as best they could.
I wasn’t asking them for any favors.
They peeled onion and garlic, washed the pot and dishes for me.
When I drank water while I cooked, they stirred food instead of me, too.
And let me use all the spices in the kitchen, gave me fresh eggs from chicken’s nest.
When I went back to clean the dishes, they pushed me out from the kitchen and took away dirty dishes from me with “you are my friend.”
After the sun goes down, I was going to meet Chad at the bar in the beach.
They worried me even the bar is so close from chalet.
One manager walked with me to the bar and trying to make conversation with me.
The conversation can’t be successful because of their short English.
After few glasses of rum, I fell in sleep in the hammock while waiting for Chad to come back.
One manager came to beside me without any sound to swing it and the other manager sing.
They showed me the clock and invited us for Pakistan dinner with disco.
I expected disco ball or something but all they have was tiny TV with 90’s bad pop music you ever don’t want to listen it but I was happy to watch them.
We had so much fun to pose with chicken and eat good food with free.
Chad went out for grab one more bottle to keep this mood.
I asked one manger who I don’t ever remember, “Why are you so good to me? And thanks for your kindness” he said. “You are my friend and I like you so much. Please don’t say thanks. There are no thanks for between friends.”
Next morning, he asked Chad for scuba diving schedule and he waved his hands for him.
I back to my room to pack our bags to leave this island after Chad finished his diving with open door because there wasn’t any light if I closed door, I didn’t want to lose another thing.
The kind manager came into the room and shut the door.
I surprised, I told him to leave but he looked really horny-dirty animal.
“Let me watching you, I love you, I want to see you” and he took out his tongues.
I told him to leave 5 times but it didn’t work to him.
Luckily I remembered the spray which I bought it in Korea.
I took it out and screamed at him.
It scared the shit out of him and he kept saying sorry and left.
My heart was beating so fast and my hands kept shaking with the spray.
I didn’t know what to do.
All I can do was pack ASAP and run to Chad’s diving school.
Chad came after 30 minutes.
I wanted to tell him this entire terrible story and stay in his arms where safest spot in the world to me is but I couldn’t ruin all his feeling.
He was going to get his license after a few hours.
He had been through bad days until yesterday.
And I wanted to him to avoid fighting in third world country.
I told him about it late night.
He was mad at him and he was proud of me that I could handle the situation.
I am trying to forget about it but it’s hard to.Tonight, I will sleep in my husband’s arms and it makes me feel so safe
Soon-mok
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Day 10 - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Back in K.L.
It feels good to be sitting back at the guest house. We found this ittle place called, 'Oasis Guest House'. It sits downtown, just outside of China town and offers a perfect environment for backpackers. When we first walked in, the owner said, 'oh, I'm from Canada, too!' Then he pointed at the Quebec flag on the wall and added, 'man, I miss that good smoke!' 나도 보고싶퍼요!!!
You can stay at this place for about $5 a night, and there are tonnes of great travellers to hang with in the common room. We actually met a German guy with a house in Bali, who offered to let us stay there when we visit the island next week! It has a pool and hot tub ;)
I'm still a little bit pissed at the Pakistani guy that cornered my wife; who wouldn't be? But my mind is so peaceful right now and I can't let people like him bring me down. Sue handled herself fine anyway. Trust me, if you know Sue, you know that he wouldn't have just been sprayed, but would have had a couple swollen nuts to match his black eyes as well.
This country makes me realize how much I undervalued Korea. I think that Korea has come so far in establishing itself in the world. Life is so easy there and like a certain friend I know, it feels as though I may have been crazy for leaving. (nothing written in stone, of course).
Anyway, we're both in one piece and we're ready to head onto Indonesia on Tuesday.
chad.
It feels good to be sitting back at the guest house. We found this ittle place called, 'Oasis Guest House'. It sits downtown, just outside of China town and offers a perfect environment for backpackers. When we first walked in, the owner said, 'oh, I'm from Canada, too!' Then he pointed at the Quebec flag on the wall and added, 'man, I miss that good smoke!' 나도 보고싶퍼요!!!
You can stay at this place for about $5 a night, and there are tonnes of great travellers to hang with in the common room. We actually met a German guy with a house in Bali, who offered to let us stay there when we visit the island next week! It has a pool and hot tub ;)
I'm still a little bit pissed at the Pakistani guy that cornered my wife; who wouldn't be? But my mind is so peaceful right now and I can't let people like him bring me down. Sue handled herself fine anyway. Trust me, if you know Sue, you know that he wouldn't have just been sprayed, but would have had a couple swollen nuts to match his black eyes as well.
This country makes me realize how much I undervalued Korea. I think that Korea has come so far in establishing itself in the world. Life is so easy there and like a certain friend I know, it feels as though I may have been crazy for leaving. (nothing written in stone, of course).
Anyway, we're both in one piece and we're ready to head onto Indonesia on Tuesday.
chad.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Day 9 - Perhentian Islands, Malaysia
I lost my zip-lock bag full of cash in the ocean, got the worst sunburn of my life, lost my I-pod and had a my wife pull out a can of mace on my friend who cornered her in our bungalow while I was out. Would you believe me if I said that I'm still in paradise?
Actually, I'm not so sure myself. This island in Malaysia is gorgeous without a doubt, but we've had some major bumps in the road. I'm a man who loves justice and I don't just mean the French electronic duo. I've had a few situations over the past month where I should have fought. The catch is, I'm an English teacher. More importantly, I'm an international ESL teacher, and criminal records can prevent me from getting visas and working with the students that I love so much. But man! I should have beaten the fuck out of a few people!
We were staying at this bungalow in the jungle on this island in Malaysia! (How sexy does that sound?) We met up with the two managers of the place, Imran and Amir from Pakistan. They seemed like awesome guys. They kept calling us friends, letting us use their kitchen, giving us discounts, etc. Actually, last night we were hanging with them at their place, drinking rum and posing with chickens on our shoulders. All the while an Indian movie plays in the background with bad 'dance' music from 1995. I'm not talking about house music here, I'm talking about dance music that 10 year old girls listened to in 1995. Anyway, today I went for a dive, Imran came to our room while I was gone, Sue told him to leave 4 times, he wouldn't. He was saying things like, 'Chad is going to be gone diving', 'I want to be your boyfriend', and of course, 'I love you!'. So she took out the can of mace......He stopped with the 'I love you' thing. I returned back to the place, and he cooked us lunch. It was delicious. Sue just told me now, because she was afraid it would ruin my mood.
Fuck!
Yes, I was in a good mood because I got my open-water diving license. Very cool!
I lost my I-pod! Huge blow! No more Joni singing me to sleep when I miss Canada. No more Richard Ashcroft reminding me that life is electric. I'll survive. I still have the sexiest woman Busan ever produced.
chad
Actually, I'm not so sure myself. This island in Malaysia is gorgeous without a doubt, but we've had some major bumps in the road. I'm a man who loves justice and I don't just mean the French electronic duo. I've had a few situations over the past month where I should have fought. The catch is, I'm an English teacher. More importantly, I'm an international ESL teacher, and criminal records can prevent me from getting visas and working with the students that I love so much. But man! I should have beaten the fuck out of a few people!
We were staying at this bungalow in the jungle on this island in Malaysia! (How sexy does that sound?) We met up with the two managers of the place, Imran and Amir from Pakistan. They seemed like awesome guys. They kept calling us friends, letting us use their kitchen, giving us discounts, etc. Actually, last night we were hanging with them at their place, drinking rum and posing with chickens on our shoulders. All the while an Indian movie plays in the background with bad 'dance' music from 1995. I'm not talking about house music here, I'm talking about dance music that 10 year old girls listened to in 1995. Anyway, today I went for a dive, Imran came to our room while I was gone, Sue told him to leave 4 times, he wouldn't. He was saying things like, 'Chad is going to be gone diving', 'I want to be your boyfriend', and of course, 'I love you!'. So she took out the can of mace......He stopped with the 'I love you' thing. I returned back to the place, and he cooked us lunch. It was delicious. Sue just told me now, because she was afraid it would ruin my mood.
Fuck!
Yes, I was in a good mood because I got my open-water diving license. Very cool!
I lost my I-pod! Huge blow! No more Joni singing me to sleep when I miss Canada. No more Richard Ashcroft reminding me that life is electric. I'll survive. I still have the sexiest woman Busan ever produced.
chad
the sunburn.
As soon as we get up, we skipped showering and jumped in the blue ocean.
We are the whitest people on this whole island.
My husband hates that he is white and he regrets not going to the tanning salon in Korea.
It is so weird. American and Europeans want to be more dark so they pay money to be dark.
Africans and Asians want to be more white, because it represents beauty.
Why do people want to be what they don't aren't?
Can't they just be satisfied with themselves?
I think they are beautiful way they look.
Anyway, we wanted to get a tan.
I put some suncream on Chad really clumsily and we played with waves and played frisbee on the beach.
Luckily I turned brown easily, but Chad didn't.
He looks like a tandoori chicken now so we bought one bottle of rum and vodka to forget about the pain, however it doesn't work at all for Chad.
I went to back to buy 100% aloe cream for him.
Hope It works to him.
After all the pleasure, the pain is so big and it hurts!
From today we realize how suncream is important.
I got a good lesson.
Soon-mok
We are the whitest people on this whole island.
My husband hates that he is white and he regrets not going to the tanning salon in Korea.
It is so weird. American and Europeans want to be more dark so they pay money to be dark.
Africans and Asians want to be more white, because it represents beauty.
Why do people want to be what they don't aren't?
Can't they just be satisfied with themselves?
I think they are beautiful way they look.
Anyway, we wanted to get a tan.
I put some suncream on Chad really clumsily and we played with waves and played frisbee on the beach.
Luckily I turned brown easily, but Chad didn't.
He looks like a tandoori chicken now so we bought one bottle of rum and vodka to forget about the pain, however it doesn't work at all for Chad.
I went to back to buy 100% aloe cream for him.
Hope It works to him.
After all the pleasure, the pain is so big and it hurts!
From today we realize how suncream is important.
I got a good lesson.
Soon-mok
In front of the ocean.
The natural colors are so beautiful.
I don't know how to explain all these colors by words.
Crayon and colored pencils can't even represent these colors.
The ocean is not just blue, it is pure white, light sky blue, light blue,dark blue, yellow green and so on.
How can it have all these wonderful colors at one time?
Nature is amazing
When the sun reflects the surface of ocean, it shines like a diamond.
The waves are dancing with all the white sparkles and leaves are waving to me by wind.
Listening to the sounds and looking at all the scenery is better than any movie or music for me.
Soon-mok
I don't know how to explain all these colors by words.
Crayon and colored pencils can't even represent these colors.
The ocean is not just blue, it is pure white, light sky blue, light blue,dark blue, yellow green and so on.
How can it have all these wonderful colors at one time?
Nature is amazing
When the sun reflects the surface of ocean, it shines like a diamond.
The waves are dancing with all the white sparkles and leaves are waving to me by wind.
Listening to the sounds and looking at all the scenery is better than any movie or music for me.
Soon-mok
Learning how to be a traveller.
We're travelers who have to know more about how to travel.
I was so disappointed my myself after one week.
I was surprised what we spent uncarefully.
When we left Korea, we wanted to be a hippie travelers.
Finally, I figured out about currency between Korea and Malaysia money.
I'm always bad at math.
When I was in Korea, I bought things which were so essential like moisture cream, anti-winkle
cream, hair dryer and clothes.
Since we started traveling, this stuff makes my shoulders heavier and heavier.
I realized that they weren't essential to me anymore.
So I was busy to get rid of them to reduce even a few grams for our European trip.
I put all the creams on my face after a fresh shower in the morning but after I walked under the
strong sun for 10 minutes it all melted with my sweat as white water through my neck.
I always thought these items are a must for women.
However they are worthless here.
If I can go back to the time when I packed the bags, I wouldn't pack those things.
I would pack more soap, toothpaste, laundry soap, shampoo and so on.
After I knew how to count money, I became more careful than before.
Actually I am starving now but I will wait until the lady who sells local food in her basket from
1Rm-3Rm on the street comes by. She is 5 times cheaper than restaurants.
I want to eat right now, Please come quick!!!!
Soon-mok
I was so disappointed my myself after one week.
I was surprised what we spent uncarefully.
When we left Korea, we wanted to be a hippie travelers.
Finally, I figured out about currency between Korea and Malaysia money.
I'm always bad at math.
When I was in Korea, I bought things which were so essential like moisture cream, anti-winkle
cream, hair dryer and clothes.
Since we started traveling, this stuff makes my shoulders heavier and heavier.
I realized that they weren't essential to me anymore.
So I was busy to get rid of them to reduce even a few grams for our European trip.
I put all the creams on my face after a fresh shower in the morning but after I walked under the
strong sun for 10 minutes it all melted with my sweat as white water through my neck.
I always thought these items are a must for women.
However they are worthless here.
If I can go back to the time when I packed the bags, I wouldn't pack those things.
I would pack more soap, toothpaste, laundry soap, shampoo and so on.
After I knew how to count money, I became more careful than before.
Actually I am starving now but I will wait until the lady who sells local food in her basket from
1Rm-3Rm on the street comes by. She is 5 times cheaper than restaurants.
I want to eat right now, Please come quick!!!!
Soon-mok
I Am Clumsy
I am clumsy. Yes, I am.
I know many people already know it.
Today I lost Chad's I-pod which I gave him as a present for our second wedding anniversary.
Chad got horrible sunburn, of course because of me.
I was too excited to jump into the beautiful ocean so I didn't rub enough on his body.
I have felt so guilty the whole time since he got bad sunburn, so I decided to be a super wife to help him feel more comfortable.
I know many people already know it.
Today I lost Chad's I-pod which I gave him as a present for our second wedding anniversary.
Chad got horrible sunburn, of course because of me.
I was too excited to jump into the beautiful ocean so I didn't rub enough on his body.
I have felt so guilty the whole time since he got bad sunburn, so I decided to be a super wife to help him feel more comfortable.
I packed everything except the I-pod which was just between the beds.
And we realized it's gone after 12 hours.
We went to back to place where we lost it, but they pretended to not know about it.
But I know they have it for sure and don't want to give it back to us.
Why?... Why did we have such a tough day?
My husband got sunburned, lost 100 RM in the ocean when we played with waves, and lost an I-pod.
Chad avoided from sun all day and we even didn't put one toe in the beautiful ocean.
But I want to be positive because we waited for this trip for a long time.
I hope this bad luck will prevent from bad luck in our future.
We're in paradise where I can only see the gorgeous beach, just like on post cards.
I don't want to ruin this moment and waste any minutes of losing and worried.
So sorry my love!
Let's buy an I-phone soon!
I promise to be more organized and careful for everything.
I'm so appreciative that you were so cool in that situation.
I wouldn't behave like you, so that's why I can't stop loving you.
Soon-mok
And we realized it's gone after 12 hours.
We went to back to place where we lost it, but they pretended to not know about it.
But I know they have it for sure and don't want to give it back to us.
Why?... Why did we have such a tough day?
My husband got sunburned, lost 100 RM in the ocean when we played with waves, and lost an I-pod.
Chad avoided from sun all day and we even didn't put one toe in the beautiful ocean.
But I want to be positive because we waited for this trip for a long time.
I hope this bad luck will prevent from bad luck in our future.
We're in paradise where I can only see the gorgeous beach, just like on post cards.
I don't want to ruin this moment and waste any minutes of losing and worried.
So sorry my love!
Let's buy an I-phone soon!
I'm so appreciative that you were so cool in that situation.
I wouldn't behave like you, so that's why I can't stop loving you.
Soon-mok
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Day 3 - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The journey has commenced!
I'm very impressed with K.L. The city has a really nice vibe to it. Sue and I agree that it is our favorite city in South-East Asia. There are so many restaurants and cheap food stalls on the streets and it's all great! The only thing about the food that I don't enjoy is the sardines. They serve some of their dishes with this spicy chili sauce that is mixed with sardines and it's just not my style. However, most places serve Indian dishes and they have blown my mind! We went to a Jain vegetarian restaurant today at the foot of a Hindu worship site and this meal convinced me that Indian cuisine is the world's best; for just $2!! Then again, perhaps a juicy t-bone steak with mashed potatoes could give Indian curry dishes a run for their money.
Other than food, we met up with the two sweetest ladies in the world Nurul and Nuur. We hosted them at our place in Seoul through the couchsurfing system. They've shown us around the city, drove us out to the suburbs for a hot air balloon festival and just been really warm and generous. I've yet to meet an unkind Malay person; this is a very cool country indeed.
I got wasted last night. I can't get really drunk off beer because I just get full and bloated before I start to lose control. So I got into the Long Island Ice Teas which led me to go to the store and buy beers for random people. Met another cool German guy last night. Germans rock! (Hope that makes your day Dennis!)
Flying out to Kota Baharu tomorrow, then catching a boat to the Perhentian Islands. Going to get my scuba diving license! Going to trek through the jungle! Going to get wasted again and take a dump in the ocean.....
chad
I'm very impressed with K.L. The city has a really nice vibe to it. Sue and I agree that it is our favorite city in South-East Asia. There are so many restaurants and cheap food stalls on the streets and it's all great! The only thing about the food that I don't enjoy is the sardines. They serve some of their dishes with this spicy chili sauce that is mixed with sardines and it's just not my style. However, most places serve Indian dishes and they have blown my mind! We went to a Jain vegetarian restaurant today at the foot of a Hindu worship site and this meal convinced me that Indian cuisine is the world's best; for just $2!! Then again, perhaps a juicy t-bone steak with mashed potatoes could give Indian curry dishes a run for their money.
Other than food, we met up with the two sweetest ladies in the world Nurul and Nuur. We hosted them at our place in Seoul through the couchsurfing system. They've shown us around the city, drove us out to the suburbs for a hot air balloon festival and just been really warm and generous. I've yet to meet an unkind Malay person; this is a very cool country indeed.
I got wasted last night. I can't get really drunk off beer because I just get full and bloated before I start to lose control. So I got into the Long Island Ice Teas which led me to go to the store and buy beers for random people. Met another cool German guy last night. Germans rock! (Hope that makes your day Dennis!)
Flying out to Kota Baharu tomorrow, then catching a boat to the Perhentian Islands. Going to get my scuba diving license! Going to trek through the jungle! Going to get wasted again and take a dump in the ocean.....
chad
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Last Sleep in Korea
So this day hasn't been spectacular. Sue is sick as I write this. We are nesting in a love motel in Incheon waiting for friends to finish work, but I doubt Sue will make it out for the festivities. Just a sore stomach, but she is in some serious pain! We picked up some medicine for her, so hopefully she'll be energetic in the morning for our flight to K.L!
This keyboard is a little sticky, and I'm hoping that's just from old age and has nothing to do with my current location.
Korea has been damn good to me! I wouldn't say that I was a loser in Canada, but I don't think I was winning the game there either. Since coming to Korea my life has gained so much stability and I think that I underestimated the importance of building a good foundation. Life seems to always bring waves that try to toss you off your rock, but if your rock is wide enough, you can always stand up again.
I do have a few beefs with Korea; there are some things I won't miss.
*Old men spitting on the sidewalk. Not just spit, but some serious hacking flem!
*Young men listening to ballads while playing video games!
*Motorcycles on the sidewalk! This almost got me in a few fights.
*Kids pointing at me and saying, 'Hey! There's a foreigner!' Happens almost everyday!
Things I will miss
*Korean service. Korean restaurant service absolutely murders Canadian service!!! I will not be tipping in Canada unless I receive above average service. Waiters and waitresses here make like $4 bucks an hour and run to your table when you call for them.
*Seoul's subway system. Like a giant spider web! For under a dollar a ride!
*I've nicknamed Seoul, 'Boner City'. Enough said. Just my eyes, I'm a faithful man!
*Korean BBQ
*All the wonderful students I taught that were so goddamn cute!
OK that's enough, just a quote because I was listening to Floyd last night
'And then one day you find,
Ten years have got behind you,
No one told you when to run,
You missed the starting gun.'
chad
*
This keyboard is a little sticky, and I'm hoping that's just from old age and has nothing to do with my current location.
Korea has been damn good to me! I wouldn't say that I was a loser in Canada, but I don't think I was winning the game there either. Since coming to Korea my life has gained so much stability and I think that I underestimated the importance of building a good foundation. Life seems to always bring waves that try to toss you off your rock, but if your rock is wide enough, you can always stand up again.
I do have a few beefs with Korea; there are some things I won't miss.
*Old men spitting on the sidewalk. Not just spit, but some serious hacking flem!
*Young men listening to ballads while playing video games!
*Motorcycles on the sidewalk! This almost got me in a few fights.
*Kids pointing at me and saying, 'Hey! There's a foreigner!' Happens almost everyday!
Things I will miss
*Korean service. Korean restaurant service absolutely murders Canadian service!!! I will not be tipping in Canada unless I receive above average service. Waiters and waitresses here make like $4 bucks an hour and run to your table when you call for them.
*Seoul's subway system. Like a giant spider web! For under a dollar a ride!
*I've nicknamed Seoul, 'Boner City'. Enough said. Just my eyes, I'm a faithful man!
*Korean BBQ
*All the wonderful students I taught that were so goddamn cute!
OK that's enough, just a quote because I was listening to Floyd last night
'And then one day you find,
Ten years have got behind you,
No one told you when to run,
You missed the starting gun.'
chad
*
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Less Than 48 Hours Until Departure
I'm new to the blogging world, so forgive me if I'm not using all the fancy new lingo and slang.
This blog will be covering the trip that my wife and I are embarking on this coming Friday. We're planning to cover 4 or 5 continents and probably find work along the way, which may lead to the trip being extended for several years.
We will be doing these countries in this rough order:
Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, >Malaysia, Turkey, Greece, Italy, Spain, >Italy, Germany, Czech Republic, Netherlands, France, Belgium, Ireland, Scotland, England, Canada.
We haven't decided exactly what we'll be doing after Canada, it may depend on how much of our budget remains. Most likely we'll be heading down to South America as both my wife and I are hoping to learn Spanish. I'm also hoping to sharpen my Korean, which currently sits at the level of a retarded 4 year old (give or take a year)
Such events we are looking forward to are;
Soon-mok's B-day in Istanbul,
Drinking strange shakes in Indonesia,
Going back to our favorite place in the world Aonang, Thailand,
Sailing through the Greek islands on the way to Athens,
Taking a flight from Pisa to Ibiza,
Ibiza with my bro!
Clubbing in Ber-fucking-lin!
Reading menus and drooling in Amsterdam,
Drinking Bavarian beer in Prague crossing bridges,
Seeing Justice play at some club in Europe!!!!!
Having a Guinness in Ireland!
Watching the England/USA World Cup Soccer match in London!
Back to Canada for weddings, friends, family, etc.
I'm excited to keep this blog updated, as it also acts as a journal. Considering how much we love to party and the places we're going to, I'll need some tangible means of remembering details.
chad
This blog will be covering the trip that my wife and I are embarking on this coming Friday. We're planning to cover 4 or 5 continents and probably find work along the way, which may lead to the trip being extended for several years.
We will be doing these countries in this rough order:
Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, >Malaysia, Turkey, Greece, Italy, Spain, >Italy, Germany, Czech Republic, Netherlands, France, Belgium, Ireland, Scotland, England, Canada.
We haven't decided exactly what we'll be doing after Canada, it may depend on how much of our budget remains. Most likely we'll be heading down to South America as both my wife and I are hoping to learn Spanish. I'm also hoping to sharpen my Korean, which currently sits at the level of a retarded 4 year old (give or take a year)
Such events we are looking forward to are;
Soon-mok's B-day in Istanbul,
Drinking strange shakes in Indonesia,
Going back to our favorite place in the world Aonang, Thailand,
Sailing through the Greek islands on the way to Athens,
Taking a flight from Pisa to Ibiza,
Ibiza with my bro!
Clubbing in Ber-fucking-lin!
Reading menus and drooling in Amsterdam,
Drinking Bavarian beer in Prague crossing bridges,
Seeing Justice play at some club in Europe!!!!!
Having a Guinness in Ireland!
Watching the England/USA World Cup Soccer match in London!
Back to Canada for weddings, friends, family, etc.
I'm excited to keep this blog updated, as it also acts as a journal. Considering how much we love to party and the places we're going to, I'll need some tangible means of remembering details.
chad
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