So many fireworks...

We're coming to the end of Chinese New Year celebrations so there are
tons of fireworks. Of course, this makes the usually loud Guiyang even
louder as I try to go to sleep...

Back in Guiyang

Well, I've been home for a couple of days now. It was bizarre getting
back- sort of felt like coming here for the first time again. Like my
room seemed strange to me. Comforting though-there's no place like
Guiyang, seriously. I saw Chris and Garry, who have been back for a
while, and it was good to see my friends again. I also met the new
teacher, Maja. We are going to all hang out tonight for a nice
reunion/welcoming Maja. She will start work tomorrow, along with me.
I'm so excited to see my four year old Starter class again. They are
maybe my favorite class and I know they will be really psyched to be
back at school.

I'm trying to get my pictures online so I'll post those soon.

The Journey Home

The last few days in Boracay was more of the same, but in a good way.
Good food, fresh mango drinks every day, sun and sand, and cable TV.
We left early yesterday morning and flew on our little propeller plane
back to Manila. This is where I said goodbye to Kate and Siggy and had
a ride waiting for me to go to a nearby airport hotel.

The Nichols Airport Hotel was pretty nice- it was a luxury to stay in
a real hotel after hostels and guesthouses. I had my own large room,
cable TV again, and I got room service. I also tried to get as much
sleep as possible because my flight was at 5:40 am, meaning I would
be waking up at 2:15 am to catch my ride to the airport.

The flight from Manila to Hong Kong was only a couple of hours, and
then I made it! I decided to send some money home since it's such a
pain to do in China- although there was still a limit much less than
what I wanted to send. But at least the nice people at the airport
spoke English.

Thus I had a lot of Hong Kong dollars and time for some shopping. I'm
actually typing on a brand new mini computer! Maybe it seems like a
spontaneous purchase but my laptop can't access the internet, which
has been crippling my lesson planning, communication, and trip
planning. I will still try to get it fixed but I know either getting
my laptop fixed or buying a new computer would be a big hassle in
China, where it was extremely easy in Hong Kong. It's definitely a
useful tool so it's a present to myself, I guess.

Well, I'm almost done with my very long day of traveling. I'll admit,
I'm somewhat ready to get back although I think the first week back
might be a bit crazy.

Update from Tropical Paradise

Kate and Siggy arrived safely on the 13th! They were late due to various plane delays and rescheduling but they finally made it.

We actually had a pretty good Valentine's Day/Chinese New Year's day on the 14th. There were some nice dinners and fancier buffets going on. We decided to go to an Italian restaurant, which funny enough had all the waitresses in Chinese dresses. Then there was a dragon dance! Right in front of where we were sitting! So that was pretty fantastic. There were also some fireworks later. So we even got some of the Chinese New Year celebrations though we weren't in China.

We've been enjoying all the Western foods that we rarely get in Guiyang/Chia-yi, especially the breakfast foods. We have been getting up late, enjoying a nice brunch, and spending the day lounging on the beach, going for swims, and drinking fresh fruit shakes. We have a cocktail at sunset and then enjoy dinner. We have also started having ice cream every night, since we found a place that does amazing sundaes.

A couple of days ago we went on a trip on a glass bottom boat. They take you out to an area with coral and feed the fish, which you can watch through the glass. I also did a bit of snorkeling and found Nemo, as well as a jellyfish and a rainbow fish.

Kate and I have been doing a bit of pretty dress shopping and bought matching dresses. I can't do too much shopping since I just have my one carry-on backpack but it's hard! The shopping here is pretty fun.

Can't wait to get the pictures online! You'll be amazed at the beauty here.

Chinese New Year in Boracay

So today is the start of the Chinese New Year, and you can tell, because all of the English teachers from China and Taiwan are getting here today. I've already met some in my hotel. And this is the day when Kate and Siggy will arrive! This afternoon. I've already moved into our new bigger room for three.

Going around by myself is kind of nice, although I'm so excited to see my friends. I usually go for swims, walk along the beach, eat someplace with an ocean view, get mango-banana smoothies, and watch the sunset. At night I discovered that you can sit on the beach, closer to the water, and enjoy the live music of the various bands without having to go in and buy a drink. Last night there were even fireworks.

Paradise

Day 11: Boracay

So two days ago, I left KL and flew to Singapore. I spent the night in the Singapore airport, flew out at 6 am, and then flew on a little propeller plane to Boracay (which I thought was great fun, by the way).

Then a guy from my hotel helped me get from the airport, to the boat, to the tricycle, to the hotel. Ocean Breeze Inn is about a minute's walk from the beach, through a maze of guesthouses, grass huts, and roosters (there are lots of roosters in the Philippines). My friends Kate and Siggy will meet me here in a couple of days, so right now I'm still on my own.

It's a gorgeous island of palm trees and a long white sand beach. Clear water, blue skies. The beach is lined with restaurants serving all kinds of food, dive shops, vendors, bars, and hotels.

Last night I walked along the beach and decided to eat dinner at a Mexican restaurant. The food was quite good, and I'm picky about my Mexican food being Arizonan and all. At the next restaurant over there were fire dancers. At night there's lots of beachside dining, live music, and sandcastles lit up with candles.

I've never been to Hawaii but I'm imagining it's somewhat similar (except lots cheaper).

Here's what I did today: lots of swimming and sunbathing, got a massage beachside, drank a fresh fruit smoothie.

wait til I get the photos online...

Day 8: KL

I just had the most amazing lunch. I wanted some south Indian food because I remembered it being good. Though I couldn't remember well what it tasted like. So I went to a restaurant near the hostel recommended in their food book. This is on an Indian street, with Indian music wafting in and I was definitely the only tourist in there. I went for a sampler platter and a mango lassi. It turned out to be a 3 course meal (and all this for less than $7 us). First I got the most perfect spicy tomato soup ever. Then, my platter with rice. I don't even know what all the food was but it was delicious. Including a wonderful sweet little cake. Then they asked me if I was ready for my ice cream. There's ice cream too? Dude. We all know I love meat but even I would consider turning vegetarian if I could eat this every day.

Now I'm in a bit of a food coma and have less than 4 hours to kill til I should get going. I don't really know what to do, since I'm a bit tired to walk around, but I want to soak up as much Malaysia as posible. Oh well

Day 7: KL

For dinner I headed back to my favorite street, Jalan Alor. I got my usual coconut to drink and mango dessert, and satay. Then I went down the road to try another place for more satay. Meat on a stick is always good, but there's something special about the satay here. It seems to be universally deliocious, but with slightly different peanut sauces.

At any rate, it's a great street to sit on and watch the world go by.

Tomorrow I leave, but not til 10 pm. So I still have a whole day before I fly to paradise.

Back at the hostel...

And I can't believe I failed to notice that my hostel has a food guide! Especially for places close by...

Day 7: KL

Or, how I spent an entire day eating.

That's what will likely happen. I have picked up a cough somewhere along the way that I can't seem to shake no matter how much water I drink. So I decided to take it easy today. I slept as late as I could and am trying not to do too much walking around in the hot Malaysian sun.

Thus, the day spent eating. I hopped on the monorail to bukit bintang, and went down to my favorite food street for a breakfast of delicious Penang noodles. Then, I came here to pavilion mall, and headed for the local coffee chain Old Town White coffee. when I see foreigners in starbucks I want to yell at them: go to old town instead! Here I got the famous white coffee and Kaya and butter toast. I don't know what Kaya is but it's delicious. If I lived here I'd never go to starbucks. Simple but delicious. And free wifi!

Day 6: KL

I went to Bukit Bintang this afternoon. It's where I stayed last time I was in KL. First I walked around the main drag. There was lots of Chinese new years stuff going on and decorations eveywhere. I went to a big fancy mall and happened to see that here was a restaurant called Mr Baoz in it, so I went down to the food court. Now, a mall food court in Kuala Lumpur shames all other food courts. I think when I see a food court in America again I'll cry, knowing it could never even come close to the wonderful selection we have here. All kinds of foods, including a satay grill. So I went to Mr Baoz and found it served baozi, the doughy Chinese steamed buns filled with goodness. I ordered a BBQ pork, potato and cheese, taro, and chocolate. The chocolate was more like a cream puff. So delicious. They gave them to me in a to go box, probably thinking I wouldn't eat all 4 at once. But oh, I sure did.

After that, I walked around a bit and discovered a set of malls where the locals go for their deals. So I did a bit of shopping, though I have limited room in my one carry on backpack. I decided to get a haircut. I haven't gotten one months. I'm trying to grow it out but I was getting that mullet. After my haircut it was time. For my favorite food street in the world.

It was a bit early for Jalan Alor to really get going, but I was ready. I got a coconut to drink out of, satay, stingray, and a mango ice. My favorites that i've been dreaming about for 2 years. I ate all this by myself. Then, on the way home I watched my second Chinese dragon dance. The dragons are quite funny. This one was throwing oranges from it's mouth for people to catch.

Well going back to my favorite food street tomorrow for dinner, that's for sure.

Day 6: KL

At first this morning at my hostel I was a bit sad not to make any friends- most people seem to be travelling in groups. But now I have been enjoying he utter freedom of travelling alone. Since I've been to kl before, I can skip everything I don't want to see again or I know is boring. First I walked among some of the lovely historic buildings before heading to Central Market. The market is full of Malay crafts and pashminas and batiks. Then I headed to Chinatown, vaguely remembering some cheaper shopping there. There is one very cheap store I bought my batik and one of my famous colorful pj pants at, hari taris. Then I ate some Hakkian noodles which had prawns and pork, in a restaurant where I could sit and overlook Chinatown.

Day 5: Singapore/KL

Today I checked out of my hostel and headed to china town to see the Chinese new years decorations. There is also a street market there. I like the colonial style architecture in Singapore with the different ethnic towns.

After that I went to a mall near the subway, thinking I'd have lunch in the airconditioned food court. But then I saw a restaurant called the Handburger, which the night before had a line outside of it. Now when it comes to food in Asia I like to follow the rule: if it's crowded eat there. So I did. Everything is handmade, and you can watch the guy make the very delicious buns. I ended up getting a duck burger that combined two of my favorites: duck and mandarin oranges. I also had a huge icy drink called lemonade mint (perfect for he heat of Singapore, and fries with homemade ketchup.

After that I pretty much headed to the airport. I'd heard the singApore airport is pretty amazing, and it is quite a nice place to hang in. Each gate has it's own security check, which is fantastic. They even had special events for Chinese new year, like calligrapy demos.

The flight to Kuala Lumpur was shorter than the bus ride into town. I was able to find my hostel, and boy, is it nice. My Singapore hostel was pretty good but this place has large beds, a sink in the room, and a beautiful outdoor bathroom.

Obviously my first KL mission was to find food. Chinatown is a five minute walk away, so I ate some delicious noodles and wontons there. I plan to find my favorite food street from he last time I was here tomorrow.

Day 5: Singapore/KL

Today I checked out of my hostel and headed to china town to see the Chinese new years decorations. There is also a street market there. I like the colonial style architecture in Singapore with the different ethnic towns.

After that I went to a mall near the subway, thinking I'd have lunch in the airconditioned food court. But then I saw a restaurant called the Handburger, which the night before had a line outside of it. Now when it comes to food in Asia I like to follow the rule: if it's crowded eat there. So I did. Everything is handmade, and you can watch the guy make the very delicious buns. I ended up getting a duck burger that combined two of my favorites: duck and mandarin oranges. I also had a huge icy drink called lemonade mint (perfect for he heat of Singapore, and fries with homemade ketchup.

After that I pretty much headed to the airport. I'd heard the singApore airport is pretty amazing, and it is quite a nice place to hang in. Each gate has it's own security check, which is fantastic. They even had special events for Chinese new year, like calligrapy demos.

The flight to Kuala Lumpur was shorter than the bus ride into town. I was able to find my hostel, and boy, is it nice. My Singapore hostel was pretty good but this place has large beds, a sink in the room, and a beautiful outdoor bathroom.

Obviously my first KL mission was to find food. Chinatown is a five minute walk away, so I ate some delicious noodles and wontons there. I plan to find my favorite food street from he last time I was here tomorrow.

Day 4: Singapore

After taking a break at the hostel, I decided to head back to Arab street to relax at one of the cafes. I ended up being caught in a downpour, so I ducked into an Indian food cafe and got a snack, which turned out to be more like dinner, of maybe my favorite meal so far. Garlic naan dripping with butter, butter chicken masala, and 2 amazing coffees. I sat and watched the rain pour down. I love tropical thunderstorms- they're sudden and warm and thundering. There was some sort of song coming from he mosque maybe? A nearby store? It was peaceful and lovely.

After that I said goodbye to Amy, who is now occupied with her parents. I ended up going to a mall and hanging out in a bookstore and a record store- things I miss from home.

Now I'm quite tired so I'm resting up for tomorrow, when I leave for kuala lumpur. I'm so excited to go back.

Day 4: Singapore

Today, Amy's parents were arriving in Singapore. We arranged to meet again in the evening, so I had the day to explore by myself. I decided to attempt to go to a food stall market that my favorite hostel front desk worker, Adrian, had recommended. So I set off with my map. On the way this random guy started talking to me, and he helped me find the market. Then, as I was trying to decide what to eat, I met an older Singapore guy. He told me that this food stall wasn't so good today so I should go to Queen Street (I later realized this is where I went yesterday). Then he offered to give me a lift there in his car. He told me he was a Catholic missionary, and then he showed me a photo album in the church's car. He has done work building hospitals in Indonesia, and he has met Mother Theresa and Pope John Paul's sister.

Soon I discovered that Bernie's (what an unfitting English name for this guy) main job was massage and natural therapy. He considers himself a doctor. He took my hand and simply by feeling the pressure point told me that I don't exercise much (yeah....most definitely).

We ate roast chicken rice for lunch. He told me he would order because he could get a lower price simply by not being white. Then he offered to drive me to the Botanic Gardens. So we headed there next. He showed me the foot reflexology path. This is basically a bunch of stones in the ground that you walk in. Bernie told me that it would be quite painful for me, but his body is in balance and healthy so he could walk quite quickly over the stones (he also did 3 rounds on the path, while I did half of one). It was painful but my feet felt good afterward.

Bernie offered to give me a "treatment," which would be a massage therapy in his home. It was tempting- I wasn't sure if I would even have to pay (he kept saying that we were friends). I could go for a back adjustment. I trusted Bernie; his patients kept calling him to ask for advice and such. But in the end, since I was alone I decided it would be safest to leave. I felt a bit uncomfortable. So he dropped me off on the main fancy shopping road, Orchard Street.

It was quite an experience. I am certainly going to go for a massage this trip though, now that Bernie has told me how much I need one.

Well...off to meet Amy later tonight.

Day 3: Singapore

This evening, my new friend Amy and I went down the street to an Indian restaurant. We went upstairs for eating on t he floor barefoot. The staff there were fantastically nice. The food was also excellent. So nice to have a variety of great food.

Next we headed to the tallest building in Singapore for drinks at a bar with a lovely view of the city. I went for a fruity drink called the Merlion. And it came in a merlion shaped glass! I'll have to put up a picture. Amy got the drink in a glass shaped like the building we were in.

Until tomorrow...

Day 3: Singapore

Today we went back to Arab Street during the day. Instead of all the
people sitting outside eating and smoking sheeshah there were lots of
fabric and other stores. I love the shopping here- although I'm
holding out a bit for the cheaper prices of Malaysia. But the
diversity is fantastic- I love all the different cultures coming
together. It's like the best food, clothes, and shopping of Asia. We
then walked to Bugis. Apparently this used to be where pirates lived?
But now there is a huge market. Everything is all decked out for
Chinese New Year as well, and Singapore is pretty colorful as it is-
women wearing beautiful cloth, bright buildings. I had a dragonfruit
juice and something pretty indescribable at a some of the food stalls-
carrot cake (more like an omelette than a dessert). And soy milk with
tapioca bubbles.

Then our hostel owner told us about some malls that have underground
passages to move between them. So we headed off there, in the
direction of the harbour, with a quick stop at McDonalds for a Milo
Flurry. I used to be obsessed with Milo (kind of like Nesquik except
good) when I first went to KL. Apparently they make Milo chocolate
candy, pretty good! We ended up sitting by the water outside of the
Esplanade, which is their huge theater/concert hall. Singapore is so
cool! They have a fantastic variety of shows playing, from Chinese
opera to rock to classical to everything in between. The Esplanade is
quite a cool building, and across from it we could see the statue of a
Merlion (apparently the symbol of Singapore). It's a combination of a
lion and a fish-seriously.

Now a break before we're off to the tallest building in Singapore for
a nighttime view.

Day 2: Singapore

Singapore is firstly, wonderfully hot and humid. I'm loving wearing shorts and eating outside and drinking cold drinks.

If you know me, you know I have a few things I love, and one is food. I won't say I came to Singapore solely for the food, but yeah- I kinda did. As I walked to my hostel in Little India I realized just how easy it'll be to eat my way through Singapore.

So at first I arrived and panicked that I hadn't immediately made friends. Making friends at hostels is effortless, right? I sat around and watched tv, then noticed a new girl arriving. We were both interested in asking the front desk hostel guy where to go (ok ok so my question was more where to eat) and he gave us exactly what I was hoping for: a rundown of his favorites. I've heard before that singapore is boring, even sterile. But come on, you have all these fdifferent cultures coming together.

We headed to a restaurant that the hostel guy recommended- indian food. Not the fancy coffee shop, but the place across the street with plastic chairs and open air. It was simple, good, and cheap. Then we went to arab street. We went to a sheeshah place that had milk instead of water in the pipe, together with berry flavor to make it a berry cream. I had a mint iced tea, and we sat on the floor. I love that in Asia you can get food or drinks any time of night. By 11, Arab street was still serving lots of food and drinks.

My new friend was an English teacher in Korea for 3 years and australia for one, so we already have teaching in common.

Tomorrow: food food and food.

Day 1: hong kong

I am currently at the hk airport waiting to fly to Singapore. I couldn't wait to leave a cold and rainy morning in Guiyang, and I got to the airport early. Luckily, Chris and his gf were also flying out, so I hung out with them for a while. Getting back into hong kong felt absolutely amazing. I really love this place, and just the familiar hk sights filled me up with joy, as cheesy as it sounds. I had an afternoon and one night, so I hit up all my favorites. I walked around Mongkok. You know living in China I thought I knew crowded but I forgot what Mongkok crowded was like. It's full of people in a good way. So I had Hui lau Shan mango desserts (twice), burned my mouth on japanese dumplings, and window shopped. Then it was back to TST just in time for the light show, and to the bookstore. I miss hanging out in bookstores, even though I haven't finished the books I have at home. It's just that bookstore vibe I guess.

Well, my flight is about to board. I blogged this all on my iPod touch by the way. Technology is amazing