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| From Australia |
Saturday, October 18, 2008
A few more Aus pictures are up
Tomomi - my roommate from Sydney sent me some pictures of our dinner at Pancakes on the Rocks. You'll see Denning, Tomomi and myself.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Random memories
Ever since I got back from my trip, many things have reminded me of my trip, including some stories I don't think I've told you all about.
Land Down Under
While I was staying in Australia, I made a comment to Denning that the only music I knew of that came out of Aus was "Land Down Under" by Men at Work. He told me that most Australians find it a little obnoxious and he doesn't want it to represent him. Later, while driving in his car it came on the radio. It was blessed irony.
Squirrels
Did I mention that they had squirrels for sale at the gigantic market in Thailand? I think my sister would have really appreciated one for her birthday.
LAX
On the recent premier of The Amazing Race 13 (one of my inspirations for the whole trip) the teams started at LAX. Let me tell you - airports are NOT that exciting and LAX is especially tame. There is a reason the short-lived drama "LAX" was canned so quickly.
I recently decided that although my trip is over I will still post periodically.
Land Down Under
While I was staying in Australia, I made a comment to Denning that the only music I knew of that came out of Aus was "Land Down Under" by Men at Work. He told me that most Australians find it a little obnoxious and he doesn't want it to represent him. Later, while driving in his car it came on the radio. It was blessed irony.
Squirrels
Did I mention that they had squirrels for sale at the gigantic market in Thailand? I think my sister would have really appreciated one for her birthday.
LAX
On the recent premier of The Amazing Race 13 (one of my inspirations for the whole trip) the teams started at LAX. Let me tell you - airports are NOT that exciting and LAX is especially tame. There is a reason the short-lived drama "LAX" was canned so quickly.
I recently decided that although my trip is over I will still post periodically.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Giraffe pictures are (finally) up!
My Mexican friend Marcela finally returned from her multi-month trip and had time to e-mail me the photos of me feeding the giraffes. This was probably the second coolest thing I did on my trip.
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| From Kenya |
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
New Zealand pictures and videos are up! Los Angeles Pictures are up!
Australia photos are completely updated too!
There are some good ones in this album:
Not many in this album, but I was only in LA for a couple of hours.
Enjoy!
There are some good ones in this album:
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| New Zealand |
Not many in this album, but I was only in LA for a couple of hours.
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| Los Angeles |
Enjoy!
Visit New Zealand, if you're into it
When I got off my Aerolineas Argentinas flight to Auckland, I glided through passport control and customs (I'm a pro) and met Maurice at the door of the airport as he was holding a sign with my name on it. Let me inform you that I arranged to stay with Maurice and Linda free of charge after writing a letter to the Mountainside Lutheran Church in Auckland. I learned that converting money loses me money so I spent all of my Australian dollars in Australia. The dollar was doing a little better in NZ, at about $0.75NZ to $1USD.
Maurice drove me from the airport to his home in Mt. Wellington - an suburb area named after the dormant volcanic cone that is nearby. It was late afternoon when we arrived at the house, and when I entered the house I met his wife Linda who showed me around and informed me that supper would be served soon. I dropped my stuff inside my room and talked with Maurice and Linda about what I could possibly do during my week. After coming up with a basic plan of what to do, we had dinner. A first round of soup, followed by corned beef and vegetables, finished by fruit for dessert. It was delicious. We watched the evening news while we ate supper, and over the week I followed stories about Tony Veitch's assault and pay-off of his girlfriend 2 years ago, NZ politics, and other NZ stories. NZ is currently in political season, and since they passed a law forbidding anybody to advertise and campaign until closer to the election, some heated yet not blatant verbal-jousting could be seen in the news. After dinner I went for a walk around the neighborhood and went to sleep early.
When I woke up the next day, I was greeted with a breakfast of porage, toast, and coffee. I walked to the bus stop and took a 30 minute bus ride to the city center. There I explored and snapped some photos, and met with a woman at a tourist office to discuss possible day trips. When she let me know about the Zorb option, I took it in a heartbeat. The rest of the day involved me walking around the city looking for souvenirs. I put off buying souvenirs for a lot of people because I didn't want to haul them with me from all around the world. I did lots of exploring of the city, but nothing notable to talk about here. I took the bus home, watched some NZ Wheel of Fortune, and had supper with Maurice, Linda, and their son Peter. It was soup, fish, potatoes, slaw, and fruit for dessert. After a tea I headed to bed because my big day trip left downtown Auckland at 7:30am.
When I woke up the sun was not up. I showered and had breakfast with Linda and Maurice. Maurice lent me a coat because all I had was my blue jacket, and it was quite cold out that day. I headed out the door and down the street to the bus stop, rode the bus, and arrived downtown all before the sun was up. It was winter so the days are very short. I got to watch the sunrise at the ferry terminal in Auckland, which was cool to see it rise over the water. As the frost melted off the cars, I boarded the bus and headed off for my event-packed day trip in Rotorua.
The first stop the bus made was at the Waitomo Caves. Some people headed off to go Black Water Rafting underground in the caves. I was a bit jealous, but I guess it gives me something to want to do when I return. I went with the rest of the people to the glowworm caves. We walked around for a bit inside and took a boat through a terribly dark section where you could see the millions of glowworms. It was quite astounding. It looked like viewing a perfectly clear starry night. What was funny about the caves was that they were actually warmer than the outside air.
During the two hour bus ride to Rotorua we were served lunch. I've eaten many meals on airplanes, but eating on the bus was an experience - far more bumpier and difficult to eat. It was absolutely delicious though, and I managed to not get any on my clothes. Arriving in Rotorua, I was the only person to get off and do the Zorb. I was surprised that no one else was doing the Zorb, but take a tour of a sheep-sheering facility. I entered the building, answered all my health and liability questions and signed the waiver. I then changed into my swimsuit and watched some other people Zorb. Yes it was cold in the swim suit, but I really lucked with the weather for my stay in NZ. Out of the seven I was there I had decent sunshine for three Linda told me the three days were the best days of weather they had had in the last month. After watching other people Zorb, I was taken to the top of the hill by a jeep and after the guy pumped some water into the Zorb I ran and dove in, and prepared to roll like a hamster while slipping and sliding inside the ball in the warm water. 1-2-3 and I pushed myself off the starting platform and began to slosh around inside the Zorb. It was extremely fun and it was over way too fast. I couldn't stand up inside because everything was wet, but I had a blast. I would recommend Zorbing to anyone who is alive.
After the Zorb a tragedy occured. I'm not certain why there is a "delete all" button on digital cameras, but I accidentally hit it. Luckily I took the battery out before all my pictures were gone, but most of my Thailand pictures are gone and some of my Australia pictures - from Pancakes - vanished as well. I'm frustrated, but luckily I've been uploading them for you pleasure and my security.
I walked to meet the bus at the sheep farm and received the cold stare of jealousy from some of the other passengers. we then drove to Te Puia, a Mauri cultural exhibit in Rotorua. I saw some descendants of the Mauri at a carving school that aims to preserve the traditions of the Mauri. We then watched a performance of Mauri song and dance. (Look for a video on my Picasa album). I had a front row seat, and I really enjoyed it. It was a little campy and fake, but it was still nice to absorb a little of the native culture, even if it has been stripped down for tourists. After the show our guide showed us around the Whakarewarewa geothermal area of Te Puia, including the boiling mud pits, geysers, and sulfuric steam escaping through tiny cracks in the rocks. It smelled like the Fourth of July - meaning it smelled like firecrackers. It wasn't an incredibly good smell, but I could stand it. I got to watch the main geyser erupt, and the hot springs looked inviting - even if the guide warned us that they were nearly 95 degrees Celsius. Some of the rocks looked like they were from Saturn due to the greenish color the sulfur gave them.
We boarded the bus and watched the sunset as we drove many hours back to Auckland. I took the city bus back to Maurice's house and it was 14 hours after I had left that morning. Linda made me a quick supper of baked beans, eggs, and toast. Even her quick meals were tasty. I was really blessed to be treated to warm meals prepared for me daily. We had hot cocoa and biscuits (cookies) and I headed off to bed.
The next day brought terrible weather. I woke up and had breakfast and returned to sleep to catch up from yesterday. When I re-woke up I the weather was still foul so I decided to do something indoors. During lunch Maurice and Linda told me they were going to a nearby mall, so I hitched a ride with them and explored the mall for the day. They had a store similar to WalMart called the Warehouse, and many stores you can find in Zona Rosa or American shopping centers. This day was a recovery day from the day before, so I took it easy. I walked back home, passing a Blockbuster Video. After a chicken dinner, some television, then the round of cocoa I headed to bed.
The next day was Bungy day. After breakfast, Peter drove me by the waterfront of Auckland and dropped me off downtown. I walked to the Auckland Harbour Bridge and signed up to jump off of it. After weighing in and paying in I had time to kill so I explored some of the docks, then headed back to get geared up. The apparatus wasn't extremely complicated, and a little piece of me wished there were more straps and buckles to keep me attached to the bungy cord. As the guy strapped me in he joked that he thought the harness "might have one more jump left in it".
We left the building and walked on a small pathway under the bridge. I was trying to think of what to yell when I jumped to keep my head from thinking about the actual jumping. After a good 10 minutes we reached the pod that we would be jumping out of. When we climbed inside they raised the side of it and I saw the platform I would be leaping off of. I started to shake a little, but luckily I didn't have to go first. The operators blasted loud music to get our adrenaline pumping, and informed us that we could have our heads go underwater if we wanted to. I decided against the freezing cold water dive. After watching two guys go ahead of me who had obviously bungied before I didn't feel so freaked out. When they strapped the cord to my legs and I hopped to the edge, all that fear came back. When they told me it was time to jump I hesitated only for one second, then poorly dived off the board and fell through the air for about 40 meters. It was the most terrifying experience for my entire trip, but also my third favorite behind the safari and the Zorb. When falling, you forget that you're tied up, and you remember as soon as you come close to the water. I wasn't scared anymore after I bounced and was down there, and was extremely proud of myself. I even had an audience of boats under the bridge watching me. As they towed me back up, I started to remember what I just did and my hands started to shake again. I couldn't believe that I had actually done this.
After some more people jumped, we headed back off the bridge. I watched the video of me jumping and you can see the look of terror on my face as I am about to jump off. I did not make it look cool at all. I didn't buy the DVD, but I did get a free t-shirt. New Zealand is great!
I headed home early because I was mentally exhausted. I napped, ate dinner, talked with Maurice and Linda for several hours about New Zealand politics and history, drank some tea and headed to bed.
I woke up the next morning and after breakfast headed to church. Mountainside Lutheran Church wasn't extremely big, but it has a growing congregation and a building that was built only 8 years ago. Pastor Milton, who arranged for me to stay with Maurice and Linda was out of town, making this the third out of three church service I attended abroad where the head pastor was out of town. The service was similar to those I attend in the states, but they have cooler accents in New Zealand. Peter then drove me into town where I caught a ferry to Rangitoto Island.
I hiked up the mountain and saw cool caves formed by lava many years ago, volcanic rocks, the crater on the top of the mountain, and a breathtaking view from the summit. There were many tourists on the island due to the good weather, but it was empty enough to be enjoyable. After 43 days of walking and physical activity, I was surprised at how much this mountain kicked my butt. I was exhausted and had a headache by the time I reached the summit, and when I walked down I slept for a short time seaside and awoke to seagulls yelling at me. I took the ferry back to Auckland and a bus back to Mt. Wellington for dinner, where Linda served lamp chops.
I woke up Monday and packed. It was quite chilly so I didn't head out the door until about noon. I walked to the actual Mt. Wellington and decided to climb it. After finally finding a way to get to it, I started climbing. My lungs hadn't forgiven me from Rangitoto, so I didn't go all the way to the top, but I still got pretty far up and a pretty good view of the city. Auckland is a nice place to live, but I wouldn't recommend visiting there. I wish I would have arranged my flights to take me to the South Island of New Zealand, rather than spending it in Auckland. When I look back on France, Egypt, Kenya, and Thailand I don't really see myself returning to those specific countries. When I think about New Zealand and Australia I know I want to return to explore everything I didn't have the time or opportunity to see.
Back home Maurice and Linda and I had lunch and we drove the airport soon after. I got there at about 3pm because my flight took off at 6. After saying my goodbyes, I headed inside and went to the Qantas desk. The man at the desk informed me that the flight was delayed 5 hours. I was extremely upset because I had pictured in my mind being home in less than 24 hours. This delay would cause me to miss my connecting flight in LA to KC. I collected my meal vouchers and pouted around the airport. I had a nice dinner at a restaurant in the airport though, and when I heard that the flight was delayed 2 more hours until 1:20am I decided to take action. I went to the Air New Zealand desk, where a bunch of Qantas flight 25 people were gathered and tried to get a seat on an Air New Zealand flight leaving at 9:30pm. Luckily I got on without having to pay anything extra. While waiting in that line I talked with many other people who were frustrated about the situation: a girl from Canada, a guy from Boston, a Finnish man, and even another guy from KC.
The Air New Zealand flight was good, even if I was seated in the middle of the plane next to a drunk gay guy. He was supposed to be on Qantas 25 as well, and kept reminding me this over and over. The flight was approximately 12 hours long, and I was fortunate to be able to fall asleep. After 8 other flights you'd think I'd be able to sleep on a plane but I assure you I have not acquired this talent. After many hours of movies, music, and some Flight of the Conchords episodes we landed at LAX at 1pm on July 14th.
If you're paying attention I left Auckland at 9:30pm on July 14th, and after a 12 hour flight landed in LA at 1pm on July 14th. I had crossed the international date line, and also crossed something off of my list of things to do before I die. This day was shaping out to be the longest days of my life, both time wise and activity wise. After customs and waiting for my luggage (it was one of the last ones off the plane - when I was the first through passport control) I did what I now call the "airport shuffle". I bustled around the airport trying to find out what I should do. I first ran from terminal 2 to terminal 3 to the Midwest Airlines desk. The desk was closed and there was no number to reach them. I then ran back to the Air New Zealand desk at terminal 2 to ask them what to do. They sent me to terminal 4 to talk to Qantas. When I got to terminal 4 I was sweaty and exhausted. I'm used to the cold New Zealand weather. I didn't feel like waiting in the line, so I walked up to the counter and saw the other guy from KC who was supposed to be on Qantas 25 as well. He had already explained his situation to the guy at the desk who was working on getting him on another flight. After 30 minutes of telephone calls and computer typing we were both set up with 7:30am flights to KC the next morning and a free night's stay at the LAX Hilton.
I called my good friend Jacob, who I learned was back in LA working, and he picked me up from the Hilton (where I had just checked in). We met up with our friend Midori and we went on the hunt for dinner. We ended up going to The Grove, and outdoor shopping center that has lots of little restaurants. Midori had French cuisine, Jacob had Chinese, and I had Mexican. We talked and walked around and saw some people preparing to shoot a scene for a movie - but hey, it's LA. We went back to my hotel room at the Hilton, and after getting lost on the way there hung out and talked for about 30 minutes before they left and I headed to bed. I had to wake up early to catch that flight.
I hate waking up before the sun, but I'm well practiced by now. I caught a shuttle to the airport, was chosen for a random security pat-down, and made it to the gate a good hour before boarding. When we got on I didn't see the other guy who had gone through all the trouble I had. He was one of the last people on the plane because he was selected for a random security pat-down as well. I guess LAX doesn't trust New Zealand visitors. Anyway the flight took off and landed three hours later in Kansas City where I got to see my family 45 days after I had left them. The airport drama was annoying, but at least I got to see Jacob, whom I wouldn't have seen otherwise for a very long time.
New Zealand was great. My short time in LA was a bonus. I guess "karma" read my blog about Australia and how I wouldn't mind if this trip lasted longer. It's sad it is all over, but I am ready to relax.
Maurice drove me from the airport to his home in Mt. Wellington - an suburb area named after the dormant volcanic cone that is nearby. It was late afternoon when we arrived at the house, and when I entered the house I met his wife Linda who showed me around and informed me that supper would be served soon. I dropped my stuff inside my room and talked with Maurice and Linda about what I could possibly do during my week. After coming up with a basic plan of what to do, we had dinner. A first round of soup, followed by corned beef and vegetables, finished by fruit for dessert. It was delicious. We watched the evening news while we ate supper, and over the week I followed stories about Tony Veitch's assault and pay-off of his girlfriend 2 years ago, NZ politics, and other NZ stories. NZ is currently in political season, and since they passed a law forbidding anybody to advertise and campaign until closer to the election, some heated yet not blatant verbal-jousting could be seen in the news. After dinner I went for a walk around the neighborhood and went to sleep early.
When I woke up the next day, I was greeted with a breakfast of porage, toast, and coffee. I walked to the bus stop and took a 30 minute bus ride to the city center. There I explored and snapped some photos, and met with a woman at a tourist office to discuss possible day trips. When she let me know about the Zorb option, I took it in a heartbeat. The rest of the day involved me walking around the city looking for souvenirs. I put off buying souvenirs for a lot of people because I didn't want to haul them with me from all around the world. I did lots of exploring of the city, but nothing notable to talk about here. I took the bus home, watched some NZ Wheel of Fortune, and had supper with Maurice, Linda, and their son Peter. It was soup, fish, potatoes, slaw, and fruit for dessert. After a tea I headed to bed because my big day trip left downtown Auckland at 7:30am.
When I woke up the sun was not up. I showered and had breakfast with Linda and Maurice. Maurice lent me a coat because all I had was my blue jacket, and it was quite cold out that day. I headed out the door and down the street to the bus stop, rode the bus, and arrived downtown all before the sun was up. It was winter so the days are very short. I got to watch the sunrise at the ferry terminal in Auckland, which was cool to see it rise over the water. As the frost melted off the cars, I boarded the bus and headed off for my event-packed day trip in Rotorua.
The first stop the bus made was at the Waitomo Caves. Some people headed off to go Black Water Rafting underground in the caves. I was a bit jealous, but I guess it gives me something to want to do when I return. I went with the rest of the people to the glowworm caves. We walked around for a bit inside and took a boat through a terribly dark section where you could see the millions of glowworms. It was quite astounding. It looked like viewing a perfectly clear starry night. What was funny about the caves was that they were actually warmer than the outside air.
During the two hour bus ride to Rotorua we were served lunch. I've eaten many meals on airplanes, but eating on the bus was an experience - far more bumpier and difficult to eat. It was absolutely delicious though, and I managed to not get any on my clothes. Arriving in Rotorua, I was the only person to get off and do the Zorb. I was surprised that no one else was doing the Zorb, but take a tour of a sheep-sheering facility. I entered the building, answered all my health and liability questions and signed the waiver. I then changed into my swimsuit and watched some other people Zorb. Yes it was cold in the swim suit, but I really lucked with the weather for my stay in NZ. Out of the seven I was there I had decent sunshine for three Linda told me the three days were the best days of weather they had had in the last month. After watching other people Zorb, I was taken to the top of the hill by a jeep and after the guy pumped some water into the Zorb I ran and dove in, and prepared to roll like a hamster while slipping and sliding inside the ball in the warm water. 1-2-3 and I pushed myself off the starting platform and began to slosh around inside the Zorb. It was extremely fun and it was over way too fast. I couldn't stand up inside because everything was wet, but I had a blast. I would recommend Zorbing to anyone who is alive.
After the Zorb a tragedy occured. I'm not certain why there is a "delete all" button on digital cameras, but I accidentally hit it. Luckily I took the battery out before all my pictures were gone, but most of my Thailand pictures are gone and some of my Australia pictures - from Pancakes - vanished as well. I'm frustrated, but luckily I've been uploading them for you pleasure and my security.
I walked to meet the bus at the sheep farm and received the cold stare of jealousy from some of the other passengers. we then drove to Te Puia, a Mauri cultural exhibit in Rotorua. I saw some descendants of the Mauri at a carving school that aims to preserve the traditions of the Mauri. We then watched a performance of Mauri song and dance. (Look for a video on my Picasa album). I had a front row seat, and I really enjoyed it. It was a little campy and fake, but it was still nice to absorb a little of the native culture, even if it has been stripped down for tourists. After the show our guide showed us around the Whakarewarewa geothermal area of Te Puia, including the boiling mud pits, geysers, and sulfuric steam escaping through tiny cracks in the rocks. It smelled like the Fourth of July - meaning it smelled like firecrackers. It wasn't an incredibly good smell, but I could stand it. I got to watch the main geyser erupt, and the hot springs looked inviting - even if the guide warned us that they were nearly 95 degrees Celsius. Some of the rocks looked like they were from Saturn due to the greenish color the sulfur gave them.
We boarded the bus and watched the sunset as we drove many hours back to Auckland. I took the city bus back to Maurice's house and it was 14 hours after I had left that morning. Linda made me a quick supper of baked beans, eggs, and toast. Even her quick meals were tasty. I was really blessed to be treated to warm meals prepared for me daily. We had hot cocoa and biscuits (cookies) and I headed off to bed.
The next day brought terrible weather. I woke up and had breakfast and returned to sleep to catch up from yesterday. When I re-woke up I the weather was still foul so I decided to do something indoors. During lunch Maurice and Linda told me they were going to a nearby mall, so I hitched a ride with them and explored the mall for the day. They had a store similar to WalMart called the Warehouse, and many stores you can find in Zona Rosa or American shopping centers. This day was a recovery day from the day before, so I took it easy. I walked back home, passing a Blockbuster Video. After a chicken dinner, some television, then the round of cocoa I headed to bed.
The next day was Bungy day. After breakfast, Peter drove me by the waterfront of Auckland and dropped me off downtown. I walked to the Auckland Harbour Bridge and signed up to jump off of it. After weighing in and paying in I had time to kill so I explored some of the docks, then headed back to get geared up. The apparatus wasn't extremely complicated, and a little piece of me wished there were more straps and buckles to keep me attached to the bungy cord. As the guy strapped me in he joked that he thought the harness "might have one more jump left in it".
We left the building and walked on a small pathway under the bridge. I was trying to think of what to yell when I jumped to keep my head from thinking about the actual jumping. After a good 10 minutes we reached the pod that we would be jumping out of. When we climbed inside they raised the side of it and I saw the platform I would be leaping off of. I started to shake a little, but luckily I didn't have to go first. The operators blasted loud music to get our adrenaline pumping, and informed us that we could have our heads go underwater if we wanted to. I decided against the freezing cold water dive. After watching two guys go ahead of me who had obviously bungied before I didn't feel so freaked out. When they strapped the cord to my legs and I hopped to the edge, all that fear came back. When they told me it was time to jump I hesitated only for one second, then poorly dived off the board and fell through the air for about 40 meters. It was the most terrifying experience for my entire trip, but also my third favorite behind the safari and the Zorb. When falling, you forget that you're tied up, and you remember as soon as you come close to the water. I wasn't scared anymore after I bounced and was down there, and was extremely proud of myself. I even had an audience of boats under the bridge watching me. As they towed me back up, I started to remember what I just did and my hands started to shake again. I couldn't believe that I had actually done this.
After some more people jumped, we headed back off the bridge. I watched the video of me jumping and you can see the look of terror on my face as I am about to jump off. I did not make it look cool at all. I didn't buy the DVD, but I did get a free t-shirt. New Zealand is great!
I headed home early because I was mentally exhausted. I napped, ate dinner, talked with Maurice and Linda for several hours about New Zealand politics and history, drank some tea and headed to bed.
I woke up the next morning and after breakfast headed to church. Mountainside Lutheran Church wasn't extremely big, but it has a growing congregation and a building that was built only 8 years ago. Pastor Milton, who arranged for me to stay with Maurice and Linda was out of town, making this the third out of three church service I attended abroad where the head pastor was out of town. The service was similar to those I attend in the states, but they have cooler accents in New Zealand. Peter then drove me into town where I caught a ferry to Rangitoto Island.
I hiked up the mountain and saw cool caves formed by lava many years ago, volcanic rocks, the crater on the top of the mountain, and a breathtaking view from the summit. There were many tourists on the island due to the good weather, but it was empty enough to be enjoyable. After 43 days of walking and physical activity, I was surprised at how much this mountain kicked my butt. I was exhausted and had a headache by the time I reached the summit, and when I walked down I slept for a short time seaside and awoke to seagulls yelling at me. I took the ferry back to Auckland and a bus back to Mt. Wellington for dinner, where Linda served lamp chops.
I woke up Monday and packed. It was quite chilly so I didn't head out the door until about noon. I walked to the actual Mt. Wellington and decided to climb it. After finally finding a way to get to it, I started climbing. My lungs hadn't forgiven me from Rangitoto, so I didn't go all the way to the top, but I still got pretty far up and a pretty good view of the city. Auckland is a nice place to live, but I wouldn't recommend visiting there. I wish I would have arranged my flights to take me to the South Island of New Zealand, rather than spending it in Auckland. When I look back on France, Egypt, Kenya, and Thailand I don't really see myself returning to those specific countries. When I think about New Zealand and Australia I know I want to return to explore everything I didn't have the time or opportunity to see.
Back home Maurice and Linda and I had lunch and we drove the airport soon after. I got there at about 3pm because my flight took off at 6. After saying my goodbyes, I headed inside and went to the Qantas desk. The man at the desk informed me that the flight was delayed 5 hours. I was extremely upset because I had pictured in my mind being home in less than 24 hours. This delay would cause me to miss my connecting flight in LA to KC. I collected my meal vouchers and pouted around the airport. I had a nice dinner at a restaurant in the airport though, and when I heard that the flight was delayed 2 more hours until 1:20am I decided to take action. I went to the Air New Zealand desk, where a bunch of Qantas flight 25 people were gathered and tried to get a seat on an Air New Zealand flight leaving at 9:30pm. Luckily I got on without having to pay anything extra. While waiting in that line I talked with many other people who were frustrated about the situation: a girl from Canada, a guy from Boston, a Finnish man, and even another guy from KC.
The Air New Zealand flight was good, even if I was seated in the middle of the plane next to a drunk gay guy. He was supposed to be on Qantas 25 as well, and kept reminding me this over and over. The flight was approximately 12 hours long, and I was fortunate to be able to fall asleep. After 8 other flights you'd think I'd be able to sleep on a plane but I assure you I have not acquired this talent. After many hours of movies, music, and some Flight of the Conchords episodes we landed at LAX at 1pm on July 14th.
If you're paying attention I left Auckland at 9:30pm on July 14th, and after a 12 hour flight landed in LA at 1pm on July 14th. I had crossed the international date line, and also crossed something off of my list of things to do before I die. This day was shaping out to be the longest days of my life, both time wise and activity wise. After customs and waiting for my luggage (it was one of the last ones off the plane - when I was the first through passport control) I did what I now call the "airport shuffle". I bustled around the airport trying to find out what I should do. I first ran from terminal 2 to terminal 3 to the Midwest Airlines desk. The desk was closed and there was no number to reach them. I then ran back to the Air New Zealand desk at terminal 2 to ask them what to do. They sent me to terminal 4 to talk to Qantas. When I got to terminal 4 I was sweaty and exhausted. I'm used to the cold New Zealand weather. I didn't feel like waiting in the line, so I walked up to the counter and saw the other guy from KC who was supposed to be on Qantas 25 as well. He had already explained his situation to the guy at the desk who was working on getting him on another flight. After 30 minutes of telephone calls and computer typing we were both set up with 7:30am flights to KC the next morning and a free night's stay at the LAX Hilton.
I called my good friend Jacob, who I learned was back in LA working, and he picked me up from the Hilton (where I had just checked in). We met up with our friend Midori and we went on the hunt for dinner. We ended up going to The Grove, and outdoor shopping center that has lots of little restaurants. Midori had French cuisine, Jacob had Chinese, and I had Mexican. We talked and walked around and saw some people preparing to shoot a scene for a movie - but hey, it's LA. We went back to my hotel room at the Hilton, and after getting lost on the way there hung out and talked for about 30 minutes before they left and I headed to bed. I had to wake up early to catch that flight.
I hate waking up before the sun, but I'm well practiced by now. I caught a shuttle to the airport, was chosen for a random security pat-down, and made it to the gate a good hour before boarding. When we got on I didn't see the other guy who had gone through all the trouble I had. He was one of the last people on the plane because he was selected for a random security pat-down as well. I guess LAX doesn't trust New Zealand visitors. Anyway the flight took off and landed three hours later in Kansas City where I got to see my family 45 days after I had left them. The airport drama was annoying, but at least I got to see Jacob, whom I wouldn't have seen otherwise for a very long time.
New Zealand was great. My short time in LA was a bonus. I guess "karma" read my blog about Australia and how I wouldn't mind if this trip lasted longer. It's sad it is all over, but I am ready to relax.
Pancakes on the Rocks
Sorry about the delay of posting. My goal is to get the blog completely up to date right now, so in the following posts you'll get to read about my last day in Australia, my week in New Zealand, and the troubles the airline industry gave me when I tried to come home.
Anyway after I blogged, I headed back to the apartment and Tomomi and Denning and I headed to dinner. They didn't initially tell me where I was going and were trying to act coy about it, but I deduced it was at The Rocks because that was the direction we were walking. Turns out it was a restaurant called Pancakes on the Rocks. (The "on the Rocks" part is purely location, not anything to do with salt). Apparently it is one of the few restaurants in Sydney open 24 hours, so it is like our Ihop. I ordered some crepes with beef inside and an Australian beer. I figured I'll lavish in my options while I was still abroad. The pancakes were good and the beer was beery, and the company was nice. We snapped some photos and talked about Aus, the States, and even about Japan a little.
When we left Pancakes Tomomi headed to work - she's a nurse and she was working the night shift - and Denning and I headed to Darling Harbour to meet a friend of his for coffee. I joined them and we drank coffee at a chique local cafe called Starbucks (mind the sarcasm). Denning talked about his involvement with the Stations of the Cross performance for World Youth Day, his friend talked about how she just got back from Uni, and I talked about being an American. I'm getting pretty used to answering silly questions about America, but I know I ask lots and lots of silly questions about the other countries too - or at least I enjoy discovering the same sort of things too.
From Starbucks the three of us headed back to the apartment for some Wii, and I crashed shortly after because I had a flight the next morning. When I woke up very early - 7am - I got all my stuff together and Denning took me in his car to the airport. That was greatly appreciated because it saved me from buying the expensive train ticket, and I know that waking up at 7am is not the most exciting thing to do. Since this was my 8th flight since June 1st, I was pretty well practiced at the whole airport thing, so I got on my flight relatively hassle-free.
In Australia I met the nicest people, rivaled only by Kenyans. I'd definitely like to go back to Aus because one week is definitely not enough time to enjoy everything it has to offer - just ask my friend Amy who spent several months there and longs to return.
Anyway after I blogged, I headed back to the apartment and Tomomi and Denning and I headed to dinner. They didn't initially tell me where I was going and were trying to act coy about it, but I deduced it was at The Rocks because that was the direction we were walking. Turns out it was a restaurant called Pancakes on the Rocks. (The "on the Rocks" part is purely location, not anything to do with salt). Apparently it is one of the few restaurants in Sydney open 24 hours, so it is like our Ihop. I ordered some crepes with beef inside and an Australian beer. I figured I'll lavish in my options while I was still abroad. The pancakes were good and the beer was beery, and the company was nice. We snapped some photos and talked about Aus, the States, and even about Japan a little.
When we left Pancakes Tomomi headed to work - she's a nurse and she was working the night shift - and Denning and I headed to Darling Harbour to meet a friend of his for coffee. I joined them and we drank coffee at a chique local cafe called Starbucks (mind the sarcasm). Denning talked about his involvement with the Stations of the Cross performance for World Youth Day, his friend talked about how she just got back from Uni, and I talked about being an American. I'm getting pretty used to answering silly questions about America, but I know I ask lots and lots of silly questions about the other countries too - or at least I enjoy discovering the same sort of things too.
From Starbucks the three of us headed back to the apartment for some Wii, and I crashed shortly after because I had a flight the next morning. When I woke up very early - 7am - I got all my stuff together and Denning took me in his car to the airport. That was greatly appreciated because it saved me from buying the expensive train ticket, and I know that waking up at 7am is not the most exciting thing to do. Since this was my 8th flight since June 1st, I was pretty well practiced at the whole airport thing, so I got on my flight relatively hassle-free.
In Australia I met the nicest people, rivaled only by Kenyans. I'd definitely like to go back to Aus because one week is definitely not enough time to enjoy everything it has to offer - just ask my friend Amy who spent several months there and longs to return.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
This will be my last post while overseas
Hello everybody!
Seeing as I'm home in less than a week and it is inconvenient for me to get to this internet cafe, this will be my last post while overseas. I'm currently in New Zealand and will be updating back in KC about my last day in Australia and my entire stay in NZ. I will also be uploading pictures when I get back to the states.
Thanks for all the comments and I'll see you stateside soon!
Seeing as I'm home in less than a week and it is inconvenient for me to get to this internet cafe, this will be my last post while overseas. I'm currently in New Zealand and will be updating back in KC about my last day in Australia and my entire stay in NZ. I will also be uploading pictures when I get back to the states.
Thanks for all the comments and I'll see you stateside soon!
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Everybody do the Tim Tam Slam
So far my experience in Australia has been fantastic. I'm meeting loads of people and can speak their language! Granted I have to get used to them not understanding what a "sack" is (a bag) and I'm still not proficient with my Celsius, but it's a lot easier than Thailand for sure.
After my 9 hour flight from Thailand, plus the fact that I lost 3 hours, I was 12 hours ahead and exhausted. I'm still terrible about sleeping on planes. I then went through passport control I was sent through Australia's rigorous customs. In order to save some time and possibly money, I failed to inform the customs officers that I had been in Africa recently. You also aren't allowed to bring any aquatic or camping equipment into the country that could have soil or water residue that could change Australia's unique environment. They even looked at the bottom of my shoes for dirt.
I then bought an Australian Sim card for my phone because the one I used in Thailand turned out to be a good deal. I ended up paying more than I would have liked for the Sim card and service, and there is no way I will be able to use up all the minutes I purchased.
I then took a $14 subway ride to the Museum station and walked around Hyde Park to the share house where I had arranged to stay for free. I'm not certain if I've explained this to everybody yet, but way back in December 2007 I wrote letters to different Lutheran churches throughout the world asking for host families. That is how I arranged to stay at the church in France, this location in Sydney, and I have a host family lined up for New Zealand.
I met Tomomi, a girl from Japan who has been working as a nurse in Sydney for the past couple of years. She gave me the key to the apartment and showed me my room (with a real bed) and I passed out for a very enjoyable nap. When I woke up I brushed my teeth, changed my contacts (Happy July) and embarked on a trip to the Opera House.
It is winter in Australia right now, but like Kenya their winters are very fair. People are wearing coats and hats and gloves and scarfs and I'm wearing just a t-shirt and carrying my light jacket with me. I'm used to digging my car out of the ice to head to work, so this "winter" feels absolutely fantastic.
I wandered around the city and eventually ended up at Lady Macquarie's Chair - a landmark nearby the Opera House. It was a great place to snap some photos of the Opera House so I took full advantage of my vantage. I then walked around the coast and avoided the millions of joggers. It was a early Tuesday afternoon and there were boatloads of people jogging around the park. I couldn't understand if they were unemployed or on a very late lunch break, but they moved in herds like animals from Kenya. In Sydney you will always see people jogging. Morning, day, and night and nearly everywhere you can find someone jogging. You will also find lots of boys skateboarding. I walked around the coast and reached the Opera House. It is very cool looking, but there is something very 1970s about it. I think it is the wood paneling on the inside. I walked around and dodged the tourists and joggers and snapped some photos of it and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. My budget didn't allow me to book a show in the Opera House, and I decided that a tour of the Opera House would probably bore me, so I decided that the mere fact of seeing it and touching it was enough satisfaction for me.
I wandered around the city some more and ended up at King's Cross. King's Cross is a hip backpacker area filled with hostels and traveling information for people like me. At night it is known for its drunk people and prostitutes. I arranged a day trip to the Blue Mountains for Thursday.
I then walked back to the apartment and met Azelia, Steve, Darryl, Milton, Asher and Denning. Denning lives in the apartment too and is a part time student and works. The other folks were there for a Bible study. I grabbed some spaghetti from a nearby restaurant and joined the study, rather than being anti-social in my room. I then slammed a Tim Tam. I know what you're wondering - what in heaven's name is a Tim Tam and what does slamming it entail. I'll just say it involves a cup of coffee or hot cocoa, a popular type of Australian cookie/biscuit called a Tim Tam, and gobbling a very delicious melty cookie down really fast. What you do is bite off two opposite corners of the Tim Tam, drinking the coffee through the cookie, and shoving it in your mouth before it completely melts and falls in your mouth.
Everybody left me alone in the apartment. Soon after Denning got home and had two friends with him. We played Wii for a while and I headed off to bed.
When I woke up it was Wednesday and I had planned to head to Bondi beach. I took the subway to Bondi Junction and asked the person at the information desk why it was only $3 to go to Bondi beach but $14 to go to the airport. The airport station is owned by the airport rather than the city, so they charge a fee for everyone using it. Jerks.
I walked from the station to the beach which took about half an hour. By now I'm pretty good at walking. When I got the the beach I took of my shoes and waded in the ocean. It was quite cold, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity. There were people surfing so I watched them. It was a beautiful beach, but the photos do a better job explaining it than I do. I then boarded a bus back to the train station (it was uphill from the beach - and I'm on vacation). I guess my patchy beard makes me look like a vagrant since I get concerned looks from parents and other people. I don't even really like it, but I made a promise to myself to not shave and I don't want to back out in the 5th week out of 6.
I went souvenir shopping and took the train back to the Museum station. The apartment is a 2 minute walk from the museum, which is why I use the Museum station. It's a great location in this awesome city. I went to the grocery store to buy groceries and was slightly shocked at the prices. I'm not certain exactly why - the high minimum wage, the losing power of the USD, but food here is crazy expensive. Restaurants are comparably priced, but it is impossible to get a decent meal for about $5, which is my favorite price range. For example, a decent price for a can of soda from a machine is $1.20. I couldn't believe it. I am eating PB&J because I am cheap, but it works out as well because the local flavor is very similar to food in the US: a hodgepodge of food from around the world.
On Thursday morning I woke up early and headed to the pickup spot for my tour. When he picked me up I sat in the window seat and because the tour was fully booked a woman from New Zealand sat next to me. During the tour we talked and it was funny to discover that she is a member of SERVAS and hosts travelers quite often.
The tour started by taking up over the Sydney Harbor Bridge. We drove to a place called Featherdale's where we could see the animals of Australia. I got to pet a koala, kangaroo, wombat, and many other types of animals. Most were not shy and would walk right up to you. It was very cool to see these animals up close. Check the photo album for pictures. From here we headed to a lunch buffet which was included with the tour fees and you can believe I ate as much as I could.
After lunch we went to a park and the bus driver gave us a boomerang throwing demonstration and tried to sell us some boomerangs. We then drove to the Blue Mountains and saw the rock formation called the Three Sisters, from a point called Echo Point. I tried, and it didn't echo very well. Maybe I was doing it wrong. We then trucked on to a cable car ride where some people took a cable car across a waterfall canyon that was beautiful. I later saw that same waterfall for free though. There were three rides at the park, a cable car ride across the canyon, a steep train ride to the bottom of the mountains, and a cable car ride from the bottom to the top. I am cheap, adventurous, and good at walking so I opted to walk 1000+ steps down to the bottom of the mountains and ride the cable car back up. It was not as difficult as I thought it'd be, and it was a decent experience. I climbed down with a guy from UK who had been trapped in the Sydney Tower elevator for 4 hours the night before. (He told this story to everyone with ears). At the bottom of the mountains was a rain forest and you could observe the Lyre birds and nature. To tell you the truth the real beautiful view was from the top of the mountains, but it was neat (and chilly) and the bottom. I took the cable car up and boarded the bus.
We then drove to a rock formation called the Boar's head. I thought it would be boaring but it was a swine view of some really pig rocks. (Sorry.)
From there we drove to a quaint town called Leura where the food was still expensive. It wasn't terribly exciting, but I guess if you're from the city it could be seen as cute. We then drove some more and ended up at Olympic Park. It was cool to see where the 2000 Olympics were, even if it was pretty much a ghost town. We took a private ferry back to Sydney where I walked back to the apartment and crashed after a PB&J dinner.
When I woke up on Friday I made a list of things I wanted to eat in Australia so I wouldn't miss out on the items they are known for. I also remembered that it was the 4th of July. Nobody was making much ado about it, and I decided to not be the obnoxious American and make any fuss myself. I also figured I could make up for it when I get back to the states. It was raining quite hard so I was stuck inside for a while, but when it broke I headed to Sydney's Chinatown. The Chinatown was quite different than any other Chinatown that I had ever been to, and was surprisingly different from what I expected. It was clean and organized, and rather than shady little markets, it was all organized in the basement of a shopping mall. I explored and found some good souvenirs and walked around the city some more.
Later that evening Denning took me to a youth group he runs outside of Sydney. It was a good 30 minute drive. We played pool and ate self-made pizza. I was also quizzed by some teenagers about the states and they laughed at how I pronounced words. They didn't like when I told them they drive on the wrong side of the street, but I didn't like when they told me that I lived where they made the Wizard of Oz. When Denning and I got back from the youth group we went possum hunting in Hyde Park (which is right by the museum and the apartment). I took my camera to shoot the possums, so I consider it hunting. They were friendly looking, and I got some good photos. Some idiots were trying to pet them, but Denning and I figured they had diseases.
The next day was Saturday. When I woke up Denning had some Vegemite for me. Vegemite is terribly disgusting and tastes like salty mud. It is an excellent source of Vitamin B, but I didn't like it. It is an Australian food, so I had to try it.
During the day I walked to the Rocks, a hip shopping center by the Sydney Harbor Bridge. I walked through the outdoor market. I then walked across the Sydney Harbor Bridge and explored the north side of Sydney. When I was crossing the bridge on my way back a kid asked me if I had a smoke. I laughed at him and told him he was too young to smoke which he responded "But I'm 14!" I laughed again and told him that smoking kills. It reminded me when I saw the 7 or 8 year olds smoking in Cairo.
I walked back to the apartment and took a power nap. I then walked to Kings Cross to grab some dinner. It was about 6:30pm, but I guess that is early enough for the seedy people to come out. The sun sets early in Sydney, about 6, so it was dark out. On my way to the shop I was propositioned to by a prostitute for the first time in my life. She asked me if I was looking for fun, and I laughed again and told her that I hated fun. It is humerus that Sydney is the first city on this trip where I've encountered this stuff. But when I think about it I didn't go out too late in France, was with my SERVAS hosts in Kenya and Thailand.
I got some meat pies at a place called "Pie Face". I got a steak pie with mash and peas on top. (Mash is mashed potatoes). I walked a better lit path back to the apartment and devoured the food. After watching a movie with Denning I headed to bed.
I woke up and went to church on Sunday. Some of the Bible study people were there, and we talked afterwords. The service was nearly identical to those I'm used to, but they aren't Missouri Synod so some words are different, and they sung many songs that were composed by members of the church. They used a keyboard and drum instead of an organ as well.
After church I went to the Australian museum, the one that it 2 minutes from the apartment. I saw skeletons, a mineral display, the science of survival in Australia, and dinosaurs. I know this won't be a popular thing to say, but it has been my favorite museum so far on this trip. It was extremely interactive and well set up, and I didn't feel overwhelmed. It was also the smallest. At 2 o'clock there was an Aboriginal didgeridoo, dance, and story telling session. It was very cool because I got to hear him explain the certain noises of the didgeridoo.
After the museum I headed to the Rocks for the yearly Aroma Festival. The Aroma Festival is for lovers of coffee, tea, chocolate, and spice. Basically if you have a tongue or nose you'll love it. It was very cool because there were $1 tastings of coffee, but unfortunately it was all gourmet stuff so I couldn't afford to buy anything other than samples. Plus I'm not certain if I can get it through customs.
After that extremely good smelling experience I headed back to the church, which is right next door to the apartment, and helped with Eternity Cafe. Eternity Cafe is a weekly free coffee and games hangout for homeless people. They were all really nice when they asked for coffee, and one guy kept talking about The USS Missouri, where Japan surrendered during WWII. We also talked about politics (can't avoid it if you're from America right now) and war.
After the cafe, I headed home and attempted to cook some kangaroo meat that I had purchased from the store. I called my dear mother, and she gave me some advice, but I decided to just experiment and hope it would turn out alright. I pan seared it with a glaze that the packaging had told me to make and it wasn't too bad. It tasted like a regular non-kangaroo steak, and I didn't burn it or leave it too undercooked. I guess I can apply at Outback Steakhouse when I get back to the states. I also had baked potatoes, but it is pretty hard to mess that up. Denning and I played a little Wii and I headed to bed.
I woke up this morning and wanted to head to Manly beach. When I walked down to Circular Quay they refused to honor my Student Card for the student rate. I was upset so I refused to pay them money, so I spent the day walking around the Harbor, by the Opera House, and Kings Cross again. Tonight Tomomi, Denning, and I are going to do dinner, which should be nice.
Hopefully this post hasn't been as exhausting to read as it has been to write. More sad news is that I'll be home in one week. I do miss home, but I'm having such a good time I wouldn't mind staying longer.
After my 9 hour flight from Thailand, plus the fact that I lost 3 hours, I was 12 hours ahead and exhausted. I'm still terrible about sleeping on planes. I then went through passport control I was sent through Australia's rigorous customs. In order to save some time and possibly money, I failed to inform the customs officers that I had been in Africa recently. You also aren't allowed to bring any aquatic or camping equipment into the country that could have soil or water residue that could change Australia's unique environment. They even looked at the bottom of my shoes for dirt.
I then bought an Australian Sim card for my phone because the one I used in Thailand turned out to be a good deal. I ended up paying more than I would have liked for the Sim card and service, and there is no way I will be able to use up all the minutes I purchased.
I then took a $14 subway ride to the Museum station and walked around Hyde Park to the share house where I had arranged to stay for free. I'm not certain if I've explained this to everybody yet, but way back in December 2007 I wrote letters to different Lutheran churches throughout the world asking for host families. That is how I arranged to stay at the church in France, this location in Sydney, and I have a host family lined up for New Zealand.
I met Tomomi, a girl from Japan who has been working as a nurse in Sydney for the past couple of years. She gave me the key to the apartment and showed me my room (with a real bed) and I passed out for a very enjoyable nap. When I woke up I brushed my teeth, changed my contacts (Happy July) and embarked on a trip to the Opera House.
It is winter in Australia right now, but like Kenya their winters are very fair. People are wearing coats and hats and gloves and scarfs and I'm wearing just a t-shirt and carrying my light jacket with me. I'm used to digging my car out of the ice to head to work, so this "winter" feels absolutely fantastic.
I wandered around the city and eventually ended up at Lady Macquarie's Chair - a landmark nearby the Opera House. It was a great place to snap some photos of the Opera House so I took full advantage of my vantage. I then walked around the coast and avoided the millions of joggers. It was a early Tuesday afternoon and there were boatloads of people jogging around the park. I couldn't understand if they were unemployed or on a very late lunch break, but they moved in herds like animals from Kenya. In Sydney you will always see people jogging. Morning, day, and night and nearly everywhere you can find someone jogging. You will also find lots of boys skateboarding. I walked around the coast and reached the Opera House. It is very cool looking, but there is something very 1970s about it. I think it is the wood paneling on the inside. I walked around and dodged the tourists and joggers and snapped some photos of it and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. My budget didn't allow me to book a show in the Opera House, and I decided that a tour of the Opera House would probably bore me, so I decided that the mere fact of seeing it and touching it was enough satisfaction for me.
I wandered around the city some more and ended up at King's Cross. King's Cross is a hip backpacker area filled with hostels and traveling information for people like me. At night it is known for its drunk people and prostitutes. I arranged a day trip to the Blue Mountains for Thursday.
I then walked back to the apartment and met Azelia, Steve, Darryl, Milton, Asher and Denning. Denning lives in the apartment too and is a part time student and works. The other folks were there for a Bible study. I grabbed some spaghetti from a nearby restaurant and joined the study, rather than being anti-social in my room. I then slammed a Tim Tam. I know what you're wondering - what in heaven's name is a Tim Tam and what does slamming it entail. I'll just say it involves a cup of coffee or hot cocoa, a popular type of Australian cookie/biscuit called a Tim Tam, and gobbling a very delicious melty cookie down really fast. What you do is bite off two opposite corners of the Tim Tam, drinking the coffee through the cookie, and shoving it in your mouth before it completely melts and falls in your mouth.
Everybody left me alone in the apartment. Soon after Denning got home and had two friends with him. We played Wii for a while and I headed off to bed.
When I woke up it was Wednesday and I had planned to head to Bondi beach. I took the subway to Bondi Junction and asked the person at the information desk why it was only $3 to go to Bondi beach but $14 to go to the airport. The airport station is owned by the airport rather than the city, so they charge a fee for everyone using it. Jerks.
I walked from the station to the beach which took about half an hour. By now I'm pretty good at walking. When I got the the beach I took of my shoes and waded in the ocean. It was quite cold, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity. There were people surfing so I watched them. It was a beautiful beach, but the photos do a better job explaining it than I do. I then boarded a bus back to the train station (it was uphill from the beach - and I'm on vacation). I guess my patchy beard makes me look like a vagrant since I get concerned looks from parents and other people. I don't even really like it, but I made a promise to myself to not shave and I don't want to back out in the 5th week out of 6.
I went souvenir shopping and took the train back to the Museum station. The apartment is a 2 minute walk from the museum, which is why I use the Museum station. It's a great location in this awesome city. I went to the grocery store to buy groceries and was slightly shocked at the prices. I'm not certain exactly why - the high minimum wage, the losing power of the USD, but food here is crazy expensive. Restaurants are comparably priced, but it is impossible to get a decent meal for about $5, which is my favorite price range. For example, a decent price for a can of soda from a machine is $1.20. I couldn't believe it. I am eating PB&J because I am cheap, but it works out as well because the local flavor is very similar to food in the US: a hodgepodge of food from around the world.
On Thursday morning I woke up early and headed to the pickup spot for my tour. When he picked me up I sat in the window seat and because the tour was fully booked a woman from New Zealand sat next to me. During the tour we talked and it was funny to discover that she is a member of SERVAS and hosts travelers quite often.
The tour started by taking up over the Sydney Harbor Bridge. We drove to a place called Featherdale's where we could see the animals of Australia. I got to pet a koala, kangaroo, wombat, and many other types of animals. Most were not shy and would walk right up to you. It was very cool to see these animals up close. Check the photo album for pictures. From here we headed to a lunch buffet which was included with the tour fees and you can believe I ate as much as I could.
After lunch we went to a park and the bus driver gave us a boomerang throwing demonstration and tried to sell us some boomerangs. We then drove to the Blue Mountains and saw the rock formation called the Three Sisters, from a point called Echo Point. I tried, and it didn't echo very well. Maybe I was doing it wrong. We then trucked on to a cable car ride where some people took a cable car across a waterfall canyon that was beautiful. I later saw that same waterfall for free though. There were three rides at the park, a cable car ride across the canyon, a steep train ride to the bottom of the mountains, and a cable car ride from the bottom to the top. I am cheap, adventurous, and good at walking so I opted to walk 1000+ steps down to the bottom of the mountains and ride the cable car back up. It was not as difficult as I thought it'd be, and it was a decent experience. I climbed down with a guy from UK who had been trapped in the Sydney Tower elevator for 4 hours the night before. (He told this story to everyone with ears). At the bottom of the mountains was a rain forest and you could observe the Lyre birds and nature. To tell you the truth the real beautiful view was from the top of the mountains, but it was neat (and chilly) and the bottom. I took the cable car up and boarded the bus.
We then drove to a rock formation called the Boar's head. I thought it would be boaring but it was a swine view of some really pig rocks. (Sorry.)
From there we drove to a quaint town called Leura where the food was still expensive. It wasn't terribly exciting, but I guess if you're from the city it could be seen as cute. We then drove some more and ended up at Olympic Park. It was cool to see where the 2000 Olympics were, even if it was pretty much a ghost town. We took a private ferry back to Sydney where I walked back to the apartment and crashed after a PB&J dinner.
When I woke up on Friday I made a list of things I wanted to eat in Australia so I wouldn't miss out on the items they are known for. I also remembered that it was the 4th of July. Nobody was making much ado about it, and I decided to not be the obnoxious American and make any fuss myself. I also figured I could make up for it when I get back to the states. It was raining quite hard so I was stuck inside for a while, but when it broke I headed to Sydney's Chinatown. The Chinatown was quite different than any other Chinatown that I had ever been to, and was surprisingly different from what I expected. It was clean and organized, and rather than shady little markets, it was all organized in the basement of a shopping mall. I explored and found some good souvenirs and walked around the city some more.
Later that evening Denning took me to a youth group he runs outside of Sydney. It was a good 30 minute drive. We played pool and ate self-made pizza. I was also quizzed by some teenagers about the states and they laughed at how I pronounced words. They didn't like when I told them they drive on the wrong side of the street, but I didn't like when they told me that I lived where they made the Wizard of Oz. When Denning and I got back from the youth group we went possum hunting in Hyde Park (which is right by the museum and the apartment). I took my camera to shoot the possums, so I consider it hunting. They were friendly looking, and I got some good photos. Some idiots were trying to pet them, but Denning and I figured they had diseases.
The next day was Saturday. When I woke up Denning had some Vegemite for me. Vegemite is terribly disgusting and tastes like salty mud. It is an excellent source of Vitamin B, but I didn't like it. It is an Australian food, so I had to try it.
During the day I walked to the Rocks, a hip shopping center by the Sydney Harbor Bridge. I walked through the outdoor market. I then walked across the Sydney Harbor Bridge and explored the north side of Sydney. When I was crossing the bridge on my way back a kid asked me if I had a smoke. I laughed at him and told him he was too young to smoke which he responded "But I'm 14!" I laughed again and told him that smoking kills. It reminded me when I saw the 7 or 8 year olds smoking in Cairo.
I walked back to the apartment and took a power nap. I then walked to Kings Cross to grab some dinner. It was about 6:30pm, but I guess that is early enough for the seedy people to come out. The sun sets early in Sydney, about 6, so it was dark out. On my way to the shop I was propositioned to by a prostitute for the first time in my life. She asked me if I was looking for fun, and I laughed again and told her that I hated fun. It is humerus that Sydney is the first city on this trip where I've encountered this stuff. But when I think about it I didn't go out too late in France, was with my SERVAS hosts in Kenya and Thailand.
I got some meat pies at a place called "Pie Face". I got a steak pie with mash and peas on top. (Mash is mashed potatoes). I walked a better lit path back to the apartment and devoured the food. After watching a movie with Denning I headed to bed.
I woke up and went to church on Sunday. Some of the Bible study people were there, and we talked afterwords. The service was nearly identical to those I'm used to, but they aren't Missouri Synod so some words are different, and they sung many songs that were composed by members of the church. They used a keyboard and drum instead of an organ as well.
After church I went to the Australian museum, the one that it 2 minutes from the apartment. I saw skeletons, a mineral display, the science of survival in Australia, and dinosaurs. I know this won't be a popular thing to say, but it has been my favorite museum so far on this trip. It was extremely interactive and well set up, and I didn't feel overwhelmed. It was also the smallest. At 2 o'clock there was an Aboriginal didgeridoo, dance, and story telling session. It was very cool because I got to hear him explain the certain noises of the didgeridoo.
After the museum I headed to the Rocks for the yearly Aroma Festival. The Aroma Festival is for lovers of coffee, tea, chocolate, and spice. Basically if you have a tongue or nose you'll love it. It was very cool because there were $1 tastings of coffee, but unfortunately it was all gourmet stuff so I couldn't afford to buy anything other than samples. Plus I'm not certain if I can get it through customs.
After that extremely good smelling experience I headed back to the church, which is right next door to the apartment, and helped with Eternity Cafe. Eternity Cafe is a weekly free coffee and games hangout for homeless people. They were all really nice when they asked for coffee, and one guy kept talking about The USS Missouri, where Japan surrendered during WWII. We also talked about politics (can't avoid it if you're from America right now) and war.
After the cafe, I headed home and attempted to cook some kangaroo meat that I had purchased from the store. I called my dear mother, and she gave me some advice, but I decided to just experiment and hope it would turn out alright. I pan seared it with a glaze that the packaging had told me to make and it wasn't too bad. It tasted like a regular non-kangaroo steak, and I didn't burn it or leave it too undercooked. I guess I can apply at Outback Steakhouse when I get back to the states. I also had baked potatoes, but it is pretty hard to mess that up. Denning and I played a little Wii and I headed to bed.
I woke up this morning and wanted to head to Manly beach. When I walked down to Circular Quay they refused to honor my Student Card for the student rate. I was upset so I refused to pay them money, so I spent the day walking around the Harbor, by the Opera House, and Kings Cross again. Tonight Tomomi, Denning, and I are going to do dinner, which should be nice.
Hopefully this post hasn't been as exhausting to read as it has been to write. More sad news is that I'll be home in one week. I do miss home, but I'm having such a good time I wouldn't mind staying longer.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Long Live the King
Happy July readers. Let's dive right into my last days in Thailand...
As you know, T works in the showroom at a Suzuki dealership. I haven't told you that his wife works as a trainer for human resource employees. However, they both have a second job. T runs a small shop out of his apartment. The dinner table is the same as the cash drawer and the front door is the entrance to the shop. Gives a new meaning to "work at home". T's parents also work a shop (not their house) a couple of blocks away. It was very interesting to me.
Anyway, my next day in Thailand involved a trip to Chatuchak Market. It was Sunday and I first walked with T and his wife to give offerings to a monk. When he walked by we put food and money in his bucket and then he chanted something in Thai to us and T told me that he told them to pray. It was a very intriguing event, and it was over very quickly. I remember not too long ago sitting through a French church service and now I'm making offerings to a Budhist monk. Mom won't be proud.
T's wife and I then took a bus to Chatuchak market. It is Bangkok's largest outdoor market, and I think it spans nearly 30 acres. I didn't cover all of it, but I did spend a good 4 hours walking around trying to find the cheapest version of the souvenirs I wanted to get. It was very tiring and I was eager to rest. However, I didn't want to waste my last full day in Thailand sleeping so I hoped on the skyrail, transfered to (the wrong) bus, transfered to the right bus, transfered to another bus, and found myself at the Ancient City. What is the Ancient City you may ask? It is a re-creation of Thailand for those short on time and/or money. It is a little park in the shape of Thailand with miniature re-creations of Thailand's landmarks. The student card helped again, and upon entry you are given a bicycle to ride around. It was interesting for the first 5 minutes, but then I realized it was just like Epcot and not what I wanted to do. I wanted to see real Thai temples and landmarks, not cheesy re-creations. I still took several photos and rode my bike around quite a bit to get my money's worth, but I left feeling like I had wasted my time. As you'll see in some of the photos, the details are pretty good. Some of the photos can be deceptive to how scaled down they actually are.
Following my lackluster endeavor, I tried to take the bus back to T's apartment but ended up getting lost in Bangkok. Cities 4, Trevor 0. I finally took a taxi and after eating some yummy fried rice crashed for the night. While I slept Spain won the Euro 2008.
My last day in Thailand wasn't terribly exciting. I did laundry, air dried it in my room, walked around the neighborhood for lunch, packed, said my goodbyes to T, and took a taxi to the airport. Then I blogged adn boarded my flight to Sydney.
I'd have to say that Thailand has been my least favorite place so far. I didn't really connect to it too well, and I didn't find myself desiring to do anything exciting. Sitting on a beach for a week isn't my idea of a good vacation. Don't get me wrong - I had a good time, but it "wow" me.
Thailand photos should be completely updated now! Click on the link in the post below to see them! (Same album as before)
As you know, T works in the showroom at a Suzuki dealership. I haven't told you that his wife works as a trainer for human resource employees. However, they both have a second job. T runs a small shop out of his apartment. The dinner table is the same as the cash drawer and the front door is the entrance to the shop. Gives a new meaning to "work at home". T's parents also work a shop (not their house) a couple of blocks away. It was very interesting to me.
Anyway, my next day in Thailand involved a trip to Chatuchak Market. It was Sunday and I first walked with T and his wife to give offerings to a monk. When he walked by we put food and money in his bucket and then he chanted something in Thai to us and T told me that he told them to pray. It was a very intriguing event, and it was over very quickly. I remember not too long ago sitting through a French church service and now I'm making offerings to a Budhist monk. Mom won't be proud.
T's wife and I then took a bus to Chatuchak market. It is Bangkok's largest outdoor market, and I think it spans nearly 30 acres. I didn't cover all of it, but I did spend a good 4 hours walking around trying to find the cheapest version of the souvenirs I wanted to get. It was very tiring and I was eager to rest. However, I didn't want to waste my last full day in Thailand sleeping so I hoped on the skyrail, transfered to (the wrong) bus, transfered to the right bus, transfered to another bus, and found myself at the Ancient City. What is the Ancient City you may ask? It is a re-creation of Thailand for those short on time and/or money. It is a little park in the shape of Thailand with miniature re-creations of Thailand's landmarks. The student card helped again, and upon entry you are given a bicycle to ride around. It was interesting for the first 5 minutes, but then I realized it was just like Epcot and not what I wanted to do. I wanted to see real Thai temples and landmarks, not cheesy re-creations. I still took several photos and rode my bike around quite a bit to get my money's worth, but I left feeling like I had wasted my time. As you'll see in some of the photos, the details are pretty good. Some of the photos can be deceptive to how scaled down they actually are.
Following my lackluster endeavor, I tried to take the bus back to T's apartment but ended up getting lost in Bangkok. Cities 4, Trevor 0. I finally took a taxi and after eating some yummy fried rice crashed for the night. While I slept Spain won the Euro 2008.
My last day in Thailand wasn't terribly exciting. I did laundry, air dried it in my room, walked around the neighborhood for lunch, packed, said my goodbyes to T, and took a taxi to the airport. Then I blogged adn boarded my flight to Sydney.
I'd have to say that Thailand has been my least favorite place so far. I didn't really connect to it too well, and I didn't find myself desiring to do anything exciting. Sitting on a beach for a week isn't my idea of a good vacation. Don't get me wrong - I had a good time, but it "wow" me.
Thailand photos should be completely updated now! Click on the link in the post below to see them! (Same album as before)
Monday, June 30, 2008
They don't sell Bangkok maps... They sell atlases
I'm at the airport so I might not get to bring this completely up to date, but I'll try.
From the Suzuki dealership we drove to T's apartment. It wasn't too far of a drive, but the traffic in Bangkok is terrible. The drivers are actually safe and obey traffic laws, unlike my Africa stops, but this makes things take longer. The public transport system isn't very big either. The buses are used, but about in relation to the percentage of people who ride the bus in KC. They are expanding their above ground Sky Train and underground subway, but these things take time. About half the cars on the road are taxis - hot pink, bright blue, and traditional yellow and black. They are a fair price unless it is not a metered taxi - then they'll scam you for the tourist you are.
When we got to his apartment his wife had prepared dinner. "Prepared" is a loose term because Thai food is more complex to make than a traditional American meal. Both Mao and T's wife (along with most Thai people) buy food from street vendors and either add their own twist or serve it out of the bag. I have a list of what I had written in my luggage, and I'll get it up soon. It was the best meal I had in Thailand so far. T's father brought over some noodles that he had made but couldn't speak a lick of English. T's wife, however, spoke very good English so I was very comfortable. I drank soda water which is popular here and I wasn't a fan. I also had some tasty apple slices and a honey soaked banana thing.
We then took a taxi to a nighttime market in another part of town. Bangkok is so big that it is impossible to get a picture of the skyline because it stretches for kilometers and kilometers. Anyway, we walked around the market and ended up at a huge flower market. My mother would have been able to spend hours there, but I'm a guy so I wasn't going to buy anything. We continued to walk and we passed some temples and a pier and came to a very touristy street lined with bars. There were lots of white people there socializing. We walked through because if I wanted to socialize with white people I can do that in Missouri. We took a taxi back to their apartment and I checked into my own apartment. T had arranged for me to rent a one room apartment for 400 baht a night. The best news was that it had AC and hot water - and a western toilet. It was midnight so we said our goodnights and they gave me a small flower thing as a gift. I passed out quickly because I had a long day and I had to wake up at 6:30 the next day.
I'm going to head through security now so I'm going to have to stop here. I'll tell you about T's shop and my last 2 days in Thailand soon.
From the Suzuki dealership we drove to T's apartment. It wasn't too far of a drive, but the traffic in Bangkok is terrible. The drivers are actually safe and obey traffic laws, unlike my Africa stops, but this makes things take longer. The public transport system isn't very big either. The buses are used, but about in relation to the percentage of people who ride the bus in KC. They are expanding their above ground Sky Train and underground subway, but these things take time. About half the cars on the road are taxis - hot pink, bright blue, and traditional yellow and black. They are a fair price unless it is not a metered taxi - then they'll scam you for the tourist you are.
When we got to his apartment his wife had prepared dinner. "Prepared" is a loose term because Thai food is more complex to make than a traditional American meal. Both Mao and T's wife (along with most Thai people) buy food from street vendors and either add their own twist or serve it out of the bag. I have a list of what I had written in my luggage, and I'll get it up soon. It was the best meal I had in Thailand so far. T's father brought over some noodles that he had made but couldn't speak a lick of English. T's wife, however, spoke very good English so I was very comfortable. I drank soda water which is popular here and I wasn't a fan. I also had some tasty apple slices and a honey soaked banana thing.
We then took a taxi to a nighttime market in another part of town. Bangkok is so big that it is impossible to get a picture of the skyline because it stretches for kilometers and kilometers. Anyway, we walked around the market and ended up at a huge flower market. My mother would have been able to spend hours there, but I'm a guy so I wasn't going to buy anything. We continued to walk and we passed some temples and a pier and came to a very touristy street lined with bars. There were lots of white people there socializing. We walked through because if I wanted to socialize with white people I can do that in Missouri. We took a taxi back to their apartment and I checked into my own apartment. T had arranged for me to rent a one room apartment for 400 baht a night. The best news was that it had AC and hot water - and a western toilet. It was midnight so we said our goodnights and they gave me a small flower thing as a gift. I passed out quickly because I had a long day and I had to wake up at 6:30 the next day.
I'm going to head through security now so I'm going to have to stop here. I'll tell you about T's shop and my last 2 days in Thailand soon.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Thailand pictures are up!
I've nothing else to do but upload photos and blog...
There will be more later!
Update!
I added the rest of my Thailand photos to this album.
 |
| Thailand |
There will be more later!
Update!
I added the rest of my Thailand photos to this album.
Kenya pictures are up!
Happy weekend!
I will get the giraffe feeding pictures up as soon as I get them from my Mexican friend. Probably in August.
 |
| Kenya |
I will get the giraffe feeding pictures up as soon as I get them from my Mexican friend. Probably in August.
I've finally gotten a grip on this traveling thing...
Today while riding the bus back from Sri Racha I realized that I am getting pretty good at this traveling thing. I understand that I'm going to be bored a lot, and that no matter how much I want things to work out, that I always have to play with what I'm dealt.
Anyway, let's backtrack...
Upon arriving in Bangkok, I had a terrible airport experience. I am used to buying visas when entering a country so I assumed I should wait in the "Visas upon arrival" line that I saw when I got off the flight. I waited in line for about 20 minutes, then the lady told me I needed a photo of myself. I made my way over to the photo machine and took some terrible photos of myself and paid the unheard-of fee of $6USD for these terrible photos. I then waited in the visas line only to be told that I didn't need a visa because I'm American. 40 minutes later I walk to find my bag, the last one on the conveyor belt. At least I didn't have to pay 1000baht (30USD) for a visa.
I then bought a Thai sim-card for my phone for about 3USD. I called home to let them know I am alright, and then called SERVAS people. After calling abotu 20 or so I finally got a hit. I gave the phone to a cabbie who wrote down directions in Thai to give to another cabbie. I then paid a decent price for a ride halfway across this huge city to Mao's apartment. Mao was nice - she bought me lunch and dinner and drove me to the post office. Her apartment - however, did not have the same characteristic. It was about 20F degrees hotter inside the house and the water pressure was terrible. I can't remember the last time I had a regular shower with running hot water and a shower curtain that lasted over 2 minutes... Cairo? I can't complain - I was staying for free.
When I first walked into her house, I knocked over her fan. What a great way to say hello. I fixed it and all was well. Thai people also have indoor shoes and outdoor shoes. I still have yet to get used to this, but a big pile of sandals by a door helps me remember.
After arriving, taxing to Mao's and getting situated at her place, there was really no time left in the day. I walked around the neighborhood a little and went to bed hot and sweaty at about 9. The next morning I woke up and we had breakfast. I packed my bag (by now I'm a pro. I'm used to staying at places for only one night) and was out the door. I was a man with a plan, and my plan involved an island.
Car. Foot. Taxi. Bus. TukTuk. Ferry. Foot. Motorcycle. That is how I got to my bungalow on Ko Shichang island. It wasn't too expensive to get there - about 9USD. If you look at it on a map, you'll notice it is quite close to Bangkok. I checked into my room and walked to the only swimable beach. When I arrived I had sweated off all the food Mao had fed me, and was ready for the cool water. Too bad it was about as warm as a hot tub. It was still cooler than the air so I can't really complain. I walked back to my bungalow on the other side of the island, had dinner (nothing worthwhile blogging about) and hit the sack. At about 3am the electricity on the island went out. This included the fan that was keeping me from boiling to death. I opened the windows hoping for a breeze but all that it did was invite every bug on the island into my room. Because I couldn't sleep with them buzzing in my ear (worse than the Cairo airport? I haven't decided) I got out my earplugs and pushed them in so far the only thing I could hear was my heart beating. Ahhhh..
When I woke up I packed again (imagine...) and moved to the bungalows by Tam Pang Beach. I figured if I was going to be spending my time there anyway I could cut to the chase and move there - plus the price was the same. That entire day was spent swimming, laying in the sun, napping in my powerless room, walking to the top of the island for cellphone reception, and eating. For dinner I had a spicy shrimp salad which was quite spicy. I didn't want to appear weak to the lady who served me who didn't think I could eat it so I ate all of it. Except the tails and peppers. By then the power was back on so I went to sleep with the fan on high.
The next day I woke up and decided to go hiking. After all, I'd need to find a high place on this darn island if I wanted to get reception to call my mother on her birthday. I first tried to shower but the water wasn't running at the resort. I wore long pants and socks and shoes to keep the high grass and bugs off of me. Good decision, even though I lost about 20lbs from sweat. I will refrain from making any other references to Lost except this one: The island was weird, and I didn't understand any of the old stuff on it. From atop the tall hill/mountain I could see huge white silos (wait for pictures). There were all sorts of strange buildings that were run down and power stations and lines running into the ocean that made me question what purpose they could serve. I went back and swam because I was exhausted, then hiked back to a cellphone reception spot and called mother while I watched the sunset. It is weird being 12 hours ahead, but much easier to remember than 8 or 7. Anyway, I kept getting disconnected because I was on an island, but eventually I managed to sputter out "Happy Birthday I love you."
When I got back the power was out again so I ate in the dark. I ordered seafood soup, which turned out to be a big mistake. There were fish bones and tenticles and weird stuff in it, and I only had about 4 bites before I called it quits. It tasted like sour grapes and vinegar, so I couldn't even drink the broth. I showered and slept.
The next morning I woke up and heeding my mother's advice to get off the island if I was bored, I checked out of the bungalow and took a tuktuk to the dock, ferry to Sri Racha, and bus from Sri Racha back to Bangkok. That is when I had my realization about traveling.
But back to the resort. I was the only white person on that island. I saw some French people and some Japaneese, but the island was run by Thai people for Thai people. Mao had told me that Thai people rarely travel because of job security, so they travel within Thailand. I'm not complaining though. At times I was the only person swimming or eating at the entire resort. And I'm used to be alonely.
From the bus I called another SERVAS person and took a taxi to his work - at a Suzuki dealership. Motorcycles are so popular in Thailand it is hard to avoid riding one at one point. I was offered to check one out on Koh Sichang, but I knew that would be a recipie for disaster. Anyway "T" has already bought me lunch and has reserved an entire apartment for 400 baht (12USD) for me to use tonight. AND it has air conditioning.
I wanted to visit Chatuchak Market today, but as I said before I have to pay with what I'm dealt. So now I'm sitting in a Suzuki dealership waiting for T to get off work. Using free internet. In the AC.
Anyway, let's backtrack...
Upon arriving in Bangkok, I had a terrible airport experience. I am used to buying visas when entering a country so I assumed I should wait in the "Visas upon arrival" line that I saw when I got off the flight. I waited in line for about 20 minutes, then the lady told me I needed a photo of myself. I made my way over to the photo machine and took some terrible photos of myself and paid the unheard-of fee of $6USD for these terrible photos. I then waited in the visas line only to be told that I didn't need a visa because I'm American. 40 minutes later I walk to find my bag, the last one on the conveyor belt. At least I didn't have to pay 1000baht (30USD) for a visa.
I then bought a Thai sim-card for my phone for about 3USD. I called home to let them know I am alright, and then called SERVAS people. After calling abotu 20 or so I finally got a hit. I gave the phone to a cabbie who wrote down directions in Thai to give to another cabbie. I then paid a decent price for a ride halfway across this huge city to Mao's apartment. Mao was nice - she bought me lunch and dinner and drove me to the post office. Her apartment - however, did not have the same characteristic. It was about 20F degrees hotter inside the house and the water pressure was terrible. I can't remember the last time I had a regular shower with running hot water and a shower curtain that lasted over 2 minutes... Cairo? I can't complain - I was staying for free.
When I first walked into her house, I knocked over her fan. What a great way to say hello. I fixed it and all was well. Thai people also have indoor shoes and outdoor shoes. I still have yet to get used to this, but a big pile of sandals by a door helps me remember.
After arriving, taxing to Mao's and getting situated at her place, there was really no time left in the day. I walked around the neighborhood a little and went to bed hot and sweaty at about 9. The next morning I woke up and we had breakfast. I packed my bag (by now I'm a pro. I'm used to staying at places for only one night) and was out the door. I was a man with a plan, and my plan involved an island.
Car. Foot. Taxi. Bus. TukTuk. Ferry. Foot. Motorcycle. That is how I got to my bungalow on Ko Shichang island. It wasn't too expensive to get there - about 9USD. If you look at it on a map, you'll notice it is quite close to Bangkok. I checked into my room and walked to the only swimable beach. When I arrived I had sweated off all the food Mao had fed me, and was ready for the cool water. Too bad it was about as warm as a hot tub. It was still cooler than the air so I can't really complain. I walked back to my bungalow on the other side of the island, had dinner (nothing worthwhile blogging about) and hit the sack. At about 3am the electricity on the island went out. This included the fan that was keeping me from boiling to death. I opened the windows hoping for a breeze but all that it did was invite every bug on the island into my room. Because I couldn't sleep with them buzzing in my ear (worse than the Cairo airport? I haven't decided) I got out my earplugs and pushed them in so far the only thing I could hear was my heart beating. Ahhhh..
When I woke up I packed again (imagine...) and moved to the bungalows by Tam Pang Beach. I figured if I was going to be spending my time there anyway I could cut to the chase and move there - plus the price was the same. That entire day was spent swimming, laying in the sun, napping in my powerless room, walking to the top of the island for cellphone reception, and eating. For dinner I had a spicy shrimp salad which was quite spicy. I didn't want to appear weak to the lady who served me who didn't think I could eat it so I ate all of it. Except the tails and peppers. By then the power was back on so I went to sleep with the fan on high.
The next day I woke up and decided to go hiking. After all, I'd need to find a high place on this darn island if I wanted to get reception to call my mother on her birthday. I first tried to shower but the water wasn't running at the resort. I wore long pants and socks and shoes to keep the high grass and bugs off of me. Good decision, even though I lost about 20lbs from sweat. I will refrain from making any other references to Lost except this one: The island was weird, and I didn't understand any of the old stuff on it. From atop the tall hill/mountain I could see huge white silos (wait for pictures). There were all sorts of strange buildings that were run down and power stations and lines running into the ocean that made me question what purpose they could serve. I went back and swam because I was exhausted, then hiked back to a cellphone reception spot and called mother while I watched the sunset. It is weird being 12 hours ahead, but much easier to remember than 8 or 7. Anyway, I kept getting disconnected because I was on an island, but eventually I managed to sputter out "Happy Birthday I love you."
When I got back the power was out again so I ate in the dark. I ordered seafood soup, which turned out to be a big mistake. There were fish bones and tenticles and weird stuff in it, and I only had about 4 bites before I called it quits. It tasted like sour grapes and vinegar, so I couldn't even drink the broth. I showered and slept.
The next morning I woke up and heeding my mother's advice to get off the island if I was bored, I checked out of the bungalow and took a tuktuk to the dock, ferry to Sri Racha, and bus from Sri Racha back to Bangkok. That is when I had my realization about traveling.
But back to the resort. I was the only white person on that island. I saw some French people and some Japaneese, but the island was run by Thai people for Thai people. Mao had told me that Thai people rarely travel because of job security, so they travel within Thailand. I'm not complaining though. At times I was the only person swimming or eating at the entire resort. And I'm used to be alonely.
From the bus I called another SERVAS person and took a taxi to his work - at a Suzuki dealership. Motorcycles are so popular in Thailand it is hard to avoid riding one at one point. I was offered to check one out on Koh Sichang, but I knew that would be a recipie for disaster. Anyway "T" has already bought me lunch and has reserved an entire apartment for 400 baht (12USD) for me to use tonight. AND it has air conditioning.
I wanted to visit Chatuchak Market today, but as I said before I have to pay with what I'm dealt. So now I'm sitting in a Suzuki dealership waiting for T to get off work. Using free internet. In the AC.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Warthogs and Children have the right of way
It's been ages since I last blogged. In fact, I visited an entire country and didn't blog the entire time! I'm now in Bangkok Thailand, but I need to recap what I did in Kenya before I forget.
Back at the Cairo airport I met a girl from Mexico while waiting in the gate. We talked about traveling and such, and she was traveling for 7 months. I was mucho impressed. It was even more difficult for her because she had to gauge lots of things in USD when she is used to pesos. Pesos to USD to Kenya Shillings. A girl from Washington DC then introduced herself and we talked about how dangerous Nairobi is supposed to be. The locals call it "Nairobbery". We boarded the flight and I passed out for the entire flight. When I woke up we were in Kenya and the Mexican girl offered to share her prearranged taxi with me to a hostel. I was tired and didn't feel like waiting in the airport for hours to call a SERVAS person, so I took the offer.
I checked into the hostel at about 4am. In Cairo they would have counted that an entire night, but in Kenya they gave it to us for free. I chose to stay in the dormitory style room because it was the cheapest. It turns out hostels aren't just for travelers in Kenya, they're used by residents and people with jobs. Everybody was extremely nice at the hostel - an extremely good change from Egypt.
The next morning I woke up and arranged a safari with the travel agency that runs out of the hostel. I got a decent deal, but I must thank my parents for the early birthday present. I then headed to the City Centre with the Mexican girl, and we walked around and were pleasantly surprised at how safe we felt and how nice everybody was. Rather than scowling at us or ignoring us, many people smiled at us as we walked by. When we asked for directions nobody wanted a tip. The best part was that everybody spoke English. This was not expected, but made my stay easy (I could read street signs!) Because downtown is not a touristy spot we got bored and decided to go to a giraffe sanctuary that Rachel Prevette told me to visit. We took a bus to the nearest stop and were upset that we had to walk quite a way. We asked some guys in a pickup if we could hop in the back while they drove that direction. They said yes because they were nice people - like all Kenyans.
When we arrived at the giraffe sanctuary, we paid our reduced-price for students (love it) and walked to the giraffes. I didn't have my camera but my Mexican friend did so you'll have to wait until August for pictures, but I got right up close to the giraffes. You could feed them out of your hand and pet their heads. They were not afraid of people at all, even though their species was endangered. I even fed the giraffes out of my mouth multiple times, waiting for my friend to take the perfect picture. (It's good! be patient!) When we were finished, I asked a family at the park if we would hitch a ride back to city centre. They said yes because they were nice - like all Kenyans.
We then walked back to the hostel and I called home and slept. Nothing new. When I woke up early the next morning - it was safari time. The van picked me up at the hostel and inside was a girl from Belgium. She was volunteering at an orphanage in Nairobi and was staying with a host family. We drove for several hours on the extremely curvy and bumpy roads. We arrived at the great rift valley and snapped some photos. We were "kindly" hassled by people to buy their stuff, but I wanted to wait. We then drove and drove, stopped at a hotel for lunch, then drove and drove on more bumpy dirt roads to the Masai Mara park. When we arrived, we first stopped at our campsite. I've gone camping many times but these tents and beds were the nicest I've ever used while camping. Oddly enough the shower was also the best shower I got in Kenya too.
We then drove into the reserve and saw some animals. The whole point of going to Kenya was accomplished when I saw lions and zebras living their real lives in their real environments. I saw giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, topi, baboons, ostriches, lions, elephants, a leopard, gazelle, and more. I got good pictures - but you'll have to wait. I made the driver wait until the sunset so I could see it (I've already seen it at the Eiffel Tower, and River Nile). We then went back to camp and had dinner (nothing special) and slept.
We woke up the next morning, had breakfast, then headed to the reserve. It was a slow start, but soon we got a call on the radio that there was some serious animal action going down somewhere close. When we arrived we saw about 8 lions surrounding a group of about 300 zebras. We waited for about 10 minutes then I got to see the lions attack and bring down a zebra. It was one of the coolest things I've ever seen in my life. The lions fought over the zebra like Carly and I fight over cookies, and they growled while they ate. Even though the zebra is my favorite animal out there, I wasn't too heartbroken because it was awesome to watch.
After looking at more animals we drove to the river where the animals migrate every August. We saw hippos and alligators. We had lunch and monkeys came and tried to steal food, but I got away with some good photos. We then drove around and looked at more animals, and left the park.
We went to a Masai village, where the tribe still lives in huts as they did many many years ago. We paid our entrance fee (for the childrens' educations) and saw traditional dances and inside one of the huts. It was weird because one of the Masai had a cell phone and while they wore traditional clothes, they all had modern clothing on in some aspect. It was a good experience, but definitely catered for tourists like myself. They then showed us to the children with jewelry laid out for us to buy. I didn't. We then went to the camp and ate and talked about stereotypes and urban legends.
The third and last day of the safari we woke up really early to head to the park. Unfortunately everything slept in because it was a Saturday, and we didn't see anything more than wildebeests and zebras. We then hit the road and left for Nairobi. We stopped and had lunch at a restaurant (with Chapati- very good stuff), and continued bumping and bouncing our way to Nairobi. Along the way we passed one of the most horrific things I've ever seen. A car vs. semi head-on collision happened mere minutes before we drove by and They had laid the mangled bodies on the side of the road. There were at least 30 people who had pulled over to help, but I didn't know how to react so I just sat in the car. The driver then took off to tell the police. We stopped and told them about 3 miles later.
Back at the city the driver took me on some errands before dropping me off at the hostel. I thought this was strange because I was supposed to give him a tip. Here's a tip: don't bore me while you pick up your dry-cleaning. Anyway he dropped me off at the hostel and I decided to try my luck with a SERVAS host. I got out my book and called the first person on my list, Charles, who worked down the street from the hostel. I waited for him in the lounge and talked about traveling (my new favorite subject) with a reporter from Holland. She was excited about her country's team in the Euro 2008. After losing several games of cards to her Charles picked me up and I went with him to his office. We talked about SERVAS and my journey, then we left for dinner. We met a friend of his at his apartment - Henry - and headed to their favorite place to relax. It was a loud outdoor bar with live music and lots of people having a good time. We ordered a Kenyan meal and drank Kenyan beer. The meal was beef cut up into small pieces on a plate with a delicious sauce. There was also some sort of mashed potato-like substance which didn't have a flavor but was still good with the meat. Charles then drove us to Henry's place (he drank soda water) and I was told I would be sleeping there.
Henry was more than hospitable. Although his apartment was a mess, it was a pleasant stay. Except for the shower. His water heater had broken years ago so you warmed a bucket of water with a heater and used a cup to pour it on yourself in the bathtub if you wanted a shower. It was a weird experience, and rather than making me appreciate what I have in America, I was just weirded out. Ethnocentrism at its finest.
The next day Charles picked me up and dropped me off downtown. I then took a bus to the Nairobi National Park and walked among in the best zoo I've ever been in. They had Kenyan vs. non-Kenyan prices too, but were strict on it rather than being judgemental. I didn't take any pictures because it was nothing new but it was a pleasant stroll. I never get tired of little children staring at me like I'm some sort of weirdo. White weirdo. Some girls even asked to take a picture with me - which I said yes to - but was weirded out by it myself. I am not an animal in a zoo to take a picture of.
I then hitched a ride back to city centre because I'm cheap and made it back to Charles' office. That night we went to a different restaurant/bar/outdoor hangout and had the meat platter again and more Kenyan beer. We went home earlier because I was to get up early the next day for my last day in Kenya.
My last day involved waiting for Charles to pick me up, getting lost in the city centre, shopping at a small market for souvenirs, and riding the bus to the airport. The airport was nice, but a little misleading for the country. I've noticed that no matter how nice an airport is you cannot use it to gauge the country. Cairo airport was clean, but the city was a pit of garbage. I boarded my flight to Doha, Qatar aboard Qatar Airways and enjoyed the "five star" experience. The food wasn't too good - it hurt my stomach - and the crew members wouldn't stop when I waved them down. I'd give them a 1.5 stars. Jerks. My flight from Doha to Bangkok was quite nice though. They were helpful and gave me a free packet with socks and an eye mask and a toothbrush. There were also individual TVs so I got to pick what I watched: Horton Hears a Who (it was good Tom), Dan in Real Life (good too) and Mary Newport's recommended The Bucket List. In the last one two guys do things they want to do in their lives before they die, and they not only see the pyramids, but also go on safari. I'm kinda like them. But not dying of cancer.
I found Kenya to be my favorite country so far on my trip. Everyone was nice and wouldn't bother you if you didn't want them to. I'm sad I didn't get to spend more time there. I don't know why I'm surprised. Rachel Prevette lived in Kenya and she is one of the nicest people I know.
Sorry about the delay with the post and the photos, and sorry to scare you if you thought (like my mother did) that my lack of blogging meant I was dead. Computers aren't exactly lightning fast over there and when I did have time to use the Internet (once) this site wasn't working.
I'll write later about my stay in Bangkok.
Back at the Cairo airport I met a girl from Mexico while waiting in the gate. We talked about traveling and such, and she was traveling for 7 months. I was mucho impressed. It was even more difficult for her because she had to gauge lots of things in USD when she is used to pesos. Pesos to USD to Kenya Shillings. A girl from Washington DC then introduced herself and we talked about how dangerous Nairobi is supposed to be. The locals call it "Nairobbery". We boarded the flight and I passed out for the entire flight. When I woke up we were in Kenya and the Mexican girl offered to share her prearranged taxi with me to a hostel. I was tired and didn't feel like waiting in the airport for hours to call a SERVAS person, so I took the offer.
I checked into the hostel at about 4am. In Cairo they would have counted that an entire night, but in Kenya they gave it to us for free. I chose to stay in the dormitory style room because it was the cheapest. It turns out hostels aren't just for travelers in Kenya, they're used by residents and people with jobs. Everybody was extremely nice at the hostel - an extremely good change from Egypt.
The next morning I woke up and arranged a safari with the travel agency that runs out of the hostel. I got a decent deal, but I must thank my parents for the early birthday present. I then headed to the City Centre with the Mexican girl, and we walked around and were pleasantly surprised at how safe we felt and how nice everybody was. Rather than scowling at us or ignoring us, many people smiled at us as we walked by. When we asked for directions nobody wanted a tip. The best part was that everybody spoke English. This was not expected, but made my stay easy (I could read street signs!) Because downtown is not a touristy spot we got bored and decided to go to a giraffe sanctuary that Rachel Prevette told me to visit. We took a bus to the nearest stop and were upset that we had to walk quite a way. We asked some guys in a pickup if we could hop in the back while they drove that direction. They said yes because they were nice people - like all Kenyans.
When we arrived at the giraffe sanctuary, we paid our reduced-price for students (love it) and walked to the giraffes. I didn't have my camera but my Mexican friend did so you'll have to wait until August for pictures, but I got right up close to the giraffes. You could feed them out of your hand and pet their heads. They were not afraid of people at all, even though their species was endangered. I even fed the giraffes out of my mouth multiple times, waiting for my friend to take the perfect picture. (It's good! be patient!) When we were finished, I asked a family at the park if we would hitch a ride back to city centre. They said yes because they were nice - like all Kenyans.
We then walked back to the hostel and I called home and slept. Nothing new. When I woke up early the next morning - it was safari time. The van picked me up at the hostel and inside was a girl from Belgium. She was volunteering at an orphanage in Nairobi and was staying with a host family. We drove for several hours on the extremely curvy and bumpy roads. We arrived at the great rift valley and snapped some photos. We were "kindly" hassled by people to buy their stuff, but I wanted to wait. We then drove and drove, stopped at a hotel for lunch, then drove and drove on more bumpy dirt roads to the Masai Mara park. When we arrived, we first stopped at our campsite. I've gone camping many times but these tents and beds were the nicest I've ever used while camping. Oddly enough the shower was also the best shower I got in Kenya too.
We then drove into the reserve and saw some animals. The whole point of going to Kenya was accomplished when I saw lions and zebras living their real lives in their real environments. I saw giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, topi, baboons, ostriches, lions, elephants, a leopard, gazelle, and more. I got good pictures - but you'll have to wait. I made the driver wait until the sunset so I could see it (I've already seen it at the Eiffel Tower, and River Nile). We then went back to camp and had dinner (nothing special) and slept.
We woke up the next morning, had breakfast, then headed to the reserve. It was a slow start, but soon we got a call on the radio that there was some serious animal action going down somewhere close. When we arrived we saw about 8 lions surrounding a group of about 300 zebras. We waited for about 10 minutes then I got to see the lions attack and bring down a zebra. It was one of the coolest things I've ever seen in my life. The lions fought over the zebra like Carly and I fight over cookies, and they growled while they ate. Even though the zebra is my favorite animal out there, I wasn't too heartbroken because it was awesome to watch.
After looking at more animals we drove to the river where the animals migrate every August. We saw hippos and alligators. We had lunch and monkeys came and tried to steal food, but I got away with some good photos. We then drove around and looked at more animals, and left the park.
We went to a Masai village, where the tribe still lives in huts as they did many many years ago. We paid our entrance fee (for the childrens' educations) and saw traditional dances and inside one of the huts. It was weird because one of the Masai had a cell phone and while they wore traditional clothes, they all had modern clothing on in some aspect. It was a good experience, but definitely catered for tourists like myself. They then showed us to the children with jewelry laid out for us to buy. I didn't. We then went to the camp and ate and talked about stereotypes and urban legends.
The third and last day of the safari we woke up really early to head to the park. Unfortunately everything slept in because it was a Saturday, and we didn't see anything more than wildebeests and zebras. We then hit the road and left for Nairobi. We stopped and had lunch at a restaurant (with Chapati- very good stuff), and continued bumping and bouncing our way to Nairobi. Along the way we passed one of the most horrific things I've ever seen. A car vs. semi head-on collision happened mere minutes before we drove by and They had laid the mangled bodies on the side of the road. There were at least 30 people who had pulled over to help, but I didn't know how to react so I just sat in the car. The driver then took off to tell the police. We stopped and told them about 3 miles later.
Back at the city the driver took me on some errands before dropping me off at the hostel. I thought this was strange because I was supposed to give him a tip. Here's a tip: don't bore me while you pick up your dry-cleaning. Anyway he dropped me off at the hostel and I decided to try my luck with a SERVAS host. I got out my book and called the first person on my list, Charles, who worked down the street from the hostel. I waited for him in the lounge and talked about traveling (my new favorite subject) with a reporter from Holland. She was excited about her country's team in the Euro 2008. After losing several games of cards to her Charles picked me up and I went with him to his office. We talked about SERVAS and my journey, then we left for dinner. We met a friend of his at his apartment - Henry - and headed to their favorite place to relax. It was a loud outdoor bar with live music and lots of people having a good time. We ordered a Kenyan meal and drank Kenyan beer. The meal was beef cut up into small pieces on a plate with a delicious sauce. There was also some sort of mashed potato-like substance which didn't have a flavor but was still good with the meat. Charles then drove us to Henry's place (he drank soda water) and I was told I would be sleeping there.
Henry was more than hospitable. Although his apartment was a mess, it was a pleasant stay. Except for the shower. His water heater had broken years ago so you warmed a bucket of water with a heater and used a cup to pour it on yourself in the bathtub if you wanted a shower. It was a weird experience, and rather than making me appreciate what I have in America, I was just weirded out. Ethnocentrism at its finest.
The next day Charles picked me up and dropped me off downtown. I then took a bus to the Nairobi National Park and walked among in the best zoo I've ever been in. They had Kenyan vs. non-Kenyan prices too, but were strict on it rather than being judgemental. I didn't take any pictures because it was nothing new but it was a pleasant stroll. I never get tired of little children staring at me like I'm some sort of weirdo. White weirdo. Some girls even asked to take a picture with me - which I said yes to - but was weirded out by it myself. I am not an animal in a zoo to take a picture of.
I then hitched a ride back to city centre because I'm cheap and made it back to Charles' office. That night we went to a different restaurant/bar/outdoor hangout and had the meat platter again and more Kenyan beer. We went home earlier because I was to get up early the next day for my last day in Kenya.
My last day involved waiting for Charles to pick me up, getting lost in the city centre, shopping at a small market for souvenirs, and riding the bus to the airport. The airport was nice, but a little misleading for the country. I've noticed that no matter how nice an airport is you cannot use it to gauge the country. Cairo airport was clean, but the city was a pit of garbage. I boarded my flight to Doha, Qatar aboard Qatar Airways and enjoyed the "five star" experience. The food wasn't too good - it hurt my stomach - and the crew members wouldn't stop when I waved them down. I'd give them a 1.5 stars. Jerks. My flight from Doha to Bangkok was quite nice though. They were helpful and gave me a free packet with socks and an eye mask and a toothbrush. There were also individual TVs so I got to pick what I watched: Horton Hears a Who (it was good Tom), Dan in Real Life (good too) and Mary Newport's recommended The Bucket List. In the last one two guys do things they want to do in their lives before they die, and they not only see the pyramids, but also go on safari. I'm kinda like them. But not dying of cancer.
I found Kenya to be my favorite country so far on my trip. Everyone was nice and wouldn't bother you if you didn't want them to. I'm sad I didn't get to spend more time there. I don't know why I'm surprised. Rachel Prevette lived in Kenya and she is one of the nicest people I know.
Sorry about the delay with the post and the photos, and sorry to scare you if you thought (like my mother did) that my lack of blogging meant I was dead. Computers aren't exactly lightning fast over there and when I did have time to use the Internet (once) this site wasn't working.
I'll write later about my stay in Bangkok.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
If you prayed, thanks. An angel showed up.
I'm 2 hours away from leaving Egypt and this blasted airport. They will probably be the slowest yet.
Today was the worst day of my trip by far and the first (and hopefully only) time I contemplated going back to the US.
After blogging last night, I tried to find a place to sleep. Unfortunately the part of the airport available to people without tickets is quite small. I had by spying the second floor of the airport where I thought I could get more privacy and less noise. Unfrtunately there was a guard by the staircase. When I finished blogging I pretended to be on my phone still, waiting for him to leave. He knew I wanted to go up there because he'd stopped me before. When he was called by another guard I quickly walked up the stairs and hid behind an unused bar. I waited around to see if he was going to cme find me, but I don't think he cared that much. Some custodians found me and I motioned that I intended to sleep there. They left and brought me back some cardboard to use as a padding from the cold hard tile. I got out my sleeing bag and curled up, trying to hide my eyes from the bright lights that I knew they wouldn't turn off. Worse than the cramped quarters, hard surface, and bright lights was the loudspeaker. It announced every flight that arrived and departed from the airport. It was extremely obnoxious and I considered gnawing off my fingers to use as ear plugs. I did manage to sleep a little on and off for the next 7 hours. If I can sleep through class, I could sleep through this.
I woke up at about 8am and had to use the restroom. I knew that if I went downstairs to use the restroom I wouldn't be able to make it to my hiding spot. I tried to squeeze out an hour of sleep but by 9 I was packed up and practically running to the bathroom. It was the same guard by the stairs, but he didn't say anything.
The rest of the day included looking forward to eating the two pieces of fruit I had from Taher, walking, sitting, walking, sitting, reading an entire book, and trying to sleep. I managed to finds cafe at a well hidden arrival gate with comfy couches. I squeezed out an hour long nap. I also ventured outside and found a shady spot to relax, but the bugs began to sting so I decided brushing my teeth in the public restroom was a good use of time. I'd done it at my dorms in college, but no body else thought I was sane.
At about 6 oclock I ventured to a cafe to charge my phone (thank God for the free wifi, otherwise I'd be dead by boredom.). The seats by the plugs were taken, so I asked a man if I could share his table. I know he was American by his laptop and clothing choice. He glared at me and ignited my request, but a woman at the next table offered to share. I plugged in my iPhone (which Steve Jobs decided to make outdated recently) and started the best conversation I've started yet. I asked where she was flying and she said to Jordan to see her son. After she asked me the same question I told her that I had been in the airport for nearly 20 hours and didn't have any money. Having a son of her own she practically demanded to buy me dinner. When it was all said and done she gave me 50 EP worth of food and 150 EP cash. She was the guardian angel I know my mother prayed for me. She was extremely nice and from Kuwait. It turns out she's a student too, working on her masters in education. She had to leave to catch her flight (due to circumstances she missed her first flight as well). I was greatly blessed to have met her.
At 8:20 - the exact minute possible to begin checking in for my flight, I checked in. I now have 98 minutes to go until I leave and can't wait to reach Kenya - even if I am scared by people warning me of the crimes there. I figured that if Rachel Prevette could handle it, I could too. She's lived there and didn't worry about me being pickpocketed.
I'll write later, and hopefully my next post will contain exciting content rather than a retelling of the most boring day of my life.
Today was the worst day of my trip by far and the first (and hopefully only) time I contemplated going back to the US.
After blogging last night, I tried to find a place to sleep. Unfortunately the part of the airport available to people without tickets is quite small. I had by spying the second floor of the airport where I thought I could get more privacy and less noise. Unfrtunately there was a guard by the staircase. When I finished blogging I pretended to be on my phone still, waiting for him to leave. He knew I wanted to go up there because he'd stopped me before. When he was called by another guard I quickly walked up the stairs and hid behind an unused bar. I waited around to see if he was going to cme find me, but I don't think he cared that much. Some custodians found me and I motioned that I intended to sleep there. They left and brought me back some cardboard to use as a padding from the cold hard tile. I got out my sleeing bag and curled up, trying to hide my eyes from the bright lights that I knew they wouldn't turn off. Worse than the cramped quarters, hard surface, and bright lights was the loudspeaker. It announced every flight that arrived and departed from the airport. It was extremely obnoxious and I considered gnawing off my fingers to use as ear plugs. I did manage to sleep a little on and off for the next 7 hours. If I can sleep through class, I could sleep through this.
I woke up at about 8am and had to use the restroom. I knew that if I went downstairs to use the restroom I wouldn't be able to make it to my hiding spot. I tried to squeeze out an hour of sleep but by 9 I was packed up and practically running to the bathroom. It was the same guard by the stairs, but he didn't say anything.
The rest of the day included looking forward to eating the two pieces of fruit I had from Taher, walking, sitting, walking, sitting, reading an entire book, and trying to sleep. I managed to finds cafe at a well hidden arrival gate with comfy couches. I squeezed out an hour long nap. I also ventured outside and found a shady spot to relax, but the bugs began to sting so I decided brushing my teeth in the public restroom was a good use of time. I'd done it at my dorms in college, but no body else thought I was sane.
At about 6 oclock I ventured to a cafe to charge my phone (thank God for the free wifi, otherwise I'd be dead by boredom.). The seats by the plugs were taken, so I asked a man if I could share his table. I know he was American by his laptop and clothing choice. He glared at me and ignited my request, but a woman at the next table offered to share. I plugged in my iPhone (which Steve Jobs decided to make outdated recently) and started the best conversation I've started yet. I asked where she was flying and she said to Jordan to see her son. After she asked me the same question I told her that I had been in the airport for nearly 20 hours and didn't have any money. Having a son of her own she practically demanded to buy me dinner. When it was all said and done she gave me 50 EP worth of food and 150 EP cash. She was the guardian angel I know my mother prayed for me. She was extremely nice and from Kuwait. It turns out she's a student too, working on her masters in education. She had to leave to catch her flight (due to circumstances she missed her first flight as well). I was greatly blessed to have met her.
At 8:20 - the exact minute possible to begin checking in for my flight, I checked in. I now have 98 minutes to go until I leave and can't wait to reach Kenya - even if I am scared by people warning me of the crimes there. I figured that if Rachel Prevette could handle it, I could too. She's lived there and didn't worry about me being pickpocketed.
I'll write later, and hopefully my next post will contain exciting content rather than a retelling of the most boring day of my life.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Its not always a Race, but its always Amazing
Tonight I blog via iPhone. From the Cairo airport. Where I will be sleeping.
Its been a long day so I'll start where the last post ended. After blogging I got the rest of my luggage from the hostel where I stayed my first night. I then called Taher, my first SERVAS host and met up with him at 11:30 at the metro station near his apartment. He was very nice, and his apartment was very classy and nice as well. He had two cats which irritated my left eye (its always my left one). He showed me my guest room and shower. He then offered me the choice to have pizza or an Egyptian dinner. Being the adventurous culinary tourist that I am I opted for the Egyptian type. It was not cow brain or spleen, but pocket bread (no surprise) with honey, molasses, some type of canned cream, some fancy cheese dip, and some other molasses dip. It was good but the cheese was bitter (which I assume it is supposed to be). We talked about languages and politics. He's not even American and he cares more about the up combing election than I do. He is a doctor and is well educated and traveled, and seemed to know more about every subject than I did. Except movies. We got to a topic that I like to think of myself as well versed in. I turned down my 7,000th cigarette in Egypt and hit the bed.
The next morning Taher showed me a bag of fruit that I could have. He also offered me a sandwhich which I foolishly rejected. For breakfast I had more pocket bread with a more traditional type of cheese. I was also given a giant chocolate ball coated in chocolate with chocolate drizzeled over it. It was tasty and delicious, but very rich. It took me the whole day to finish the thing. When he left for work, I took a nap. Then I started reading a book. Then I watched a movie. Then I went on a walk around the neighborhood. This was a completely different side of Cairo - nobody hasseling me or trying to rip me off. It was nice. I visited his hospital and got the keys from him and made my way back to the apartment. I decided to wait until 9:30 when he got off work to leave, rather than return the keys to him at the hospital. Since I had time to spare I decided to do my laundry: thus starting a comedy of errors. First I got my clothes locked in his washing machine. After a good 30 minutes, I finally managed to open the thing without breaking it. Because I was running short on time and I didn't want to carry wet clothes in my backback, I used the breeze on the porch, two housefans, and a spaceheater to accelerate the project. I ran through the apartment carrying shirts and cycling them on the fans. Eventually the cats learned to stay out of my way and the clothes were dry. It was then 9:15. I packed and waited for Taher. And waited. And waited.
By 9:45 he still didn't show. I asked his neighbor to call and he said he was still at the hospital (one block away). I hoofed it there and gave him the keys. I wanted to talk a little and say goodbye but I was running desperately late and had to go. I headed outside and hailed a taxi. I managed to pick up the best cabbie in Egypt. He never used the horn and drove like the wind. He would squeeze between cars and weave through lanes. I got to the airport in good time for my distance, and went to check in. But I was too late. Check in had ended 10 minutes ago. So I went to the EgyptAir office and rescheduled for a flight 24 hours later.
Being completely out of Egyptian pounds I decided to sleep in the airport tonight. I don't know where, I don't know if they'll kick me out, and I don't know if this is a good idea.
I felt like I was living an episode of The Amazing Race. Crazy taxi ride, airline trouble, sleeping in less than ideal circumstances - looks fun on tv but turns out it isnt fun at all. Its going to cost me $30usd to change the flight and a bad nights rest. Good thing I napped today.
It is now 12:30 am and I am yawning like a madman so I'm going to find a quiet (ha!) place to sleep.
Its been a long day so I'll start where the last post ended. After blogging I got the rest of my luggage from the hostel where I stayed my first night. I then called Taher, my first SERVAS host and met up with him at 11:30 at the metro station near his apartment. He was very nice, and his apartment was very classy and nice as well. He had two cats which irritated my left eye (its always my left one). He showed me my guest room and shower. He then offered me the choice to have pizza or an Egyptian dinner. Being the adventurous culinary tourist that I am I opted for the Egyptian type. It was not cow brain or spleen, but pocket bread (no surprise) with honey, molasses, some type of canned cream, some fancy cheese dip, and some other molasses dip. It was good but the cheese was bitter (which I assume it is supposed to be). We talked about languages and politics. He's not even American and he cares more about the up combing election than I do. He is a doctor and is well educated and traveled, and seemed to know more about every subject than I did. Except movies. We got to a topic that I like to think of myself as well versed in. I turned down my 7,000th cigarette in Egypt and hit the bed.
The next morning Taher showed me a bag of fruit that I could have. He also offered me a sandwhich which I foolishly rejected. For breakfast I had more pocket bread with a more traditional type of cheese. I was also given a giant chocolate ball coated in chocolate with chocolate drizzeled over it. It was tasty and delicious, but very rich. It took me the whole day to finish the thing. When he left for work, I took a nap. Then I started reading a book. Then I watched a movie. Then I went on a walk around the neighborhood. This was a completely different side of Cairo - nobody hasseling me or trying to rip me off. It was nice. I visited his hospital and got the keys from him and made my way back to the apartment. I decided to wait until 9:30 when he got off work to leave, rather than return the keys to him at the hospital. Since I had time to spare I decided to do my laundry: thus starting a comedy of errors. First I got my clothes locked in his washing machine. After a good 30 minutes, I finally managed to open the thing without breaking it. Because I was running short on time and I didn't want to carry wet clothes in my backback, I used the breeze on the porch, two housefans, and a spaceheater to accelerate the project. I ran through the apartment carrying shirts and cycling them on the fans. Eventually the cats learned to stay out of my way and the clothes were dry. It was then 9:15. I packed and waited for Taher. And waited. And waited.
By 9:45 he still didn't show. I asked his neighbor to call and he said he was still at the hospital (one block away). I hoofed it there and gave him the keys. I wanted to talk a little and say goodbye but I was running desperately late and had to go. I headed outside and hailed a taxi. I managed to pick up the best cabbie in Egypt. He never used the horn and drove like the wind. He would squeeze between cars and weave through lanes. I got to the airport in good time for my distance, and went to check in. But I was too late. Check in had ended 10 minutes ago. So I went to the EgyptAir office and rescheduled for a flight 24 hours later.
Being completely out of Egyptian pounds I decided to sleep in the airport tonight. I don't know where, I don't know if they'll kick me out, and I don't know if this is a good idea.
I felt like I was living an episode of The Amazing Race. Crazy taxi ride, airline trouble, sleeping in less than ideal circumstances - looks fun on tv but turns out it isnt fun at all. Its going to cost me $30usd to change the flight and a bad nights rest. Good thing I napped today.
It is now 12:30 am and I am yawning like a madman so I'm going to find a quiet (ha!) place to sleep.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Nothing says "I love you dad" like seeing a marvel without him
After blogging last night, I wandered around town and found a shop where they sold small sandwhiches for 1.5 EP. I was surprised he didn't try to scam me - maybe I was wrong about Egyptians.
I then boarded the train with some South Africans (note: they are white). They were throwing money left and right - 50EP for 4 candy bars (worth 2EP a piece). They invited me to hang out in their car on the train. They had rented all 6 seats in a room on the train because they "didn't want any locals bothering them". They were absolutely insane. They bought me sodas and breakfast and saved me from my seat - which would have been next to a woman with a baby.
I got off the train at Giza and intended to walk to the pyramids. This didn't pan out to well as it would have been several miles. I then got a taxi and told him to take me to the pyramids for the reasonable price of 15 EP. I also made it a point to tell him "NO horses and NO camels!" But guess what. He did not drop me off at the pyramids, he dropped me off at the freaking horses and camels that take you to the pyramids. I yelled at the camel guy to give me a free ride (because I was so cheesed off at the taxi driver) but he was money-hungry like all other Egyptians. No surprise.
I got another taxi to take me to the REAL entrance, but he was about 107 years old but didn't know where to go. I figure they are only the most visited spot in Egypt so it made perfect sense for him to not know where to go. I ended up directing him which way to go - which was funny because all the signs are in Arabic and I can't read it.
Arriving at the Pyramids I gave him 10 EP and he yelled but I walked away. I got my student ticket and went in. (Don't forget - I'm carrying my big backpack.) I walked around - still upset about the situation with the taxis - but actually seeing these pyramids up close has been one of my life goals and I was accomplishing it. I walked around in the hot desert heat and sun getting plenty of sand in my shoes to bring home to mom. I touched all three pyramids, and walked around sweating. I was constantly hasseled by people to take camel or horse rides. I then ran into a Chinese guy by himself. We started talking and he was a student too on holiday and he knew of a cheap way to get back to Cairo - only 1.5 EP. After I saw the Sphnix (which was cool), we left the complex and headed for the bus stop.
It's wrong to call it a bus "stop" because the buses don't stop. They slow down. I was scared enough to get on and off, but there were elderly people on that bus! We took the bus to the subway station, and boarded the subway. The subway station and the train itself was probably the nicest, most advanced, and cleanest part of Cairo. This city could really be nice if they got their act together, and this system is proof of that.
I then wandered around downtown and am now blogging. And hungry.
The pyramids were awesome. I really can't describe them - you have to see for yourself. The pictures I took can't even contain how cool they were.
I then boarded the train with some South Africans (note: they are white). They were throwing money left and right - 50EP for 4 candy bars (worth 2EP a piece). They invited me to hang out in their car on the train. They had rented all 6 seats in a room on the train because they "didn't want any locals bothering them". They were absolutely insane. They bought me sodas and breakfast and saved me from my seat - which would have been next to a woman with a baby.
I got off the train at Giza and intended to walk to the pyramids. This didn't pan out to well as it would have been several miles. I then got a taxi and told him to take me to the pyramids for the reasonable price of 15 EP. I also made it a point to tell him "NO horses and NO camels!" But guess what. He did not drop me off at the pyramids, he dropped me off at the freaking horses and camels that take you to the pyramids. I yelled at the camel guy to give me a free ride (because I was so cheesed off at the taxi driver) but he was money-hungry like all other Egyptians. No surprise.
I got another taxi to take me to the REAL entrance, but he was about 107 years old but didn't know where to go. I figure they are only the most visited spot in Egypt so it made perfect sense for him to not know where to go. I ended up directing him which way to go - which was funny because all the signs are in Arabic and I can't read it.
Arriving at the Pyramids I gave him 10 EP and he yelled but I walked away. I got my student ticket and went in. (Don't forget - I'm carrying my big backpack.) I walked around - still upset about the situation with the taxis - but actually seeing these pyramids up close has been one of my life goals and I was accomplishing it. I walked around in the hot desert heat and sun getting plenty of sand in my shoes to bring home to mom. I touched all three pyramids, and walked around sweating. I was constantly hasseled by people to take camel or horse rides. I then ran into a Chinese guy by himself. We started talking and he was a student too on holiday and he knew of a cheap way to get back to Cairo - only 1.5 EP. After I saw the Sphnix (which was cool), we left the complex and headed for the bus stop.
It's wrong to call it a bus "stop" because the buses don't stop. They slow down. I was scared enough to get on and off, but there were elderly people on that bus! We took the bus to the subway station, and boarded the subway. The subway station and the train itself was probably the nicest, most advanced, and cleanest part of Cairo. This city could really be nice if they got their act together, and this system is proof of that.
I then wandered around downtown and am now blogging. And hungry.
The pyramids were awesome. I really can't describe them - you have to see for yourself. The pictures I took can't even contain how cool they were.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
25 EP for Americans, 1 EP for Arabs
I took a great picture today that actually listed the blatant racism in Egypt. If you are Arabic you can get into many sites for dirt cheap. I understand if you are Egyptian, but this racism is just one of the many reasons you should never visit. But I'm going to counter with many more reasons why you should.
Don't visit Egypt
- Every Egpytian will try to rip you off. Guaranteed. Even if they are 2 months old.
- Egyptians demand tips. And they ask for more when you do tip them. I've learned that you don't need to tip them - they're ripping you off anyway.
- The friendly facade will instantly disappear when you do not buy/tip. They aren't excited for you to be here - they're excited for your wallet to be here.
- The blatant racism stated above.
- The disorganation of everything
- No set prices at stores
Visit Egypt. You'll love it.
- The prices are cheap. Dirt cheap. I can buy (after much arguing) a 1.5L bottle of water for 2 EP. That is about $0.37 USD
- It is unique. The country has made it's own type of degree - Egpytology.
- You won't experience the authenticity anywhere else.
- You will sweat off 345 pounds.
- The pyramids.
- When it's all said and done, you get a good experience for a decent price. Even if they do rip you off they 1) could use the money and 2)you're getting a better deal than you would in the states.
I have a love/hate relationship with Egypt. I blame the fact that the graffiti was not in hieroglyphics like I wanted it to be and because all Egyptians are greedy and scammy. It may sound rude but you'll understand when you visit. Which I highly reccomend.
Update
Don't visit Egypt
- Every Egpytian will try to rip you off. Guaranteed. Even if they are 2 months old.
- Egyptians demand tips. And they ask for more when you do tip them. I've learned that you don't need to tip them - they're ripping you off anyway.
- The friendly facade will instantly disappear when you do not buy/tip. They aren't excited for you to be here - they're excited for your wallet to be here.
- The blatant racism stated above.
- The disorganation of everything
- No set prices at stores
Visit Egypt. You'll love it.
- The prices are cheap. Dirt cheap. I can buy (after much arguing) a 1.5L bottle of water for 2 EP. That is about $0.37 USD
- It is unique. The country has made it's own type of degree - Egpytology.
- You won't experience the authenticity anywhere else.
- You will sweat off 345 pounds.
- The pyramids.
- When it's all said and done, you get a good experience for a decent price. Even if they do rip you off they 1) could use the money and 2)you're getting a better deal than you would in the states.
I have a love/hate relationship with Egypt. I blame the fact that the graffiti was not in hieroglyphics like I wanted it to be and because all Egyptians are greedy and scammy. It may sound rude but you'll understand when you visit. Which I highly reccomend.
Update
I have experienced the BFE
If you don't know what BFE means, don't worry. You don't need to know.
I'm losing count of the days of the week, the time, and the day number I've been in Cairo. But it's great. I bought a watch at Walmart for $6USD before I left, and I'm not using it anymore. Maybe I can trade it in Kenya...
I'm going to give you a quick run down of what I've been doing recently. After blogging last I hit the sack, and when I woke up I went on a tour of the Nile. Because I'm not my mother I didn't pay money to see a botanical garden, but opted to cruise around and swim in the Nile river. It was surprisingly cold and I am not so surprisingly pale. Oh - and the New Zealander was with me.
After this I boarded my felucca and took off on my voyage down the Nile. Guess who was onboard? The two French-Canadians and the three French ladies from the day previous. Onboard the felucca was nice and relaxing. We slept onboard and ate our meals onboard. It was awesome. We stopped and swam on several occastions. We played cards, napped, ate, napped, ate, talked, napped, and slept. It was a rough lifestyle. Our felluca crew included Captain Atta, his son cook Muhammed, his son cabin-boy Kareem. Also joining us was "Captain Cool" as he called himself but should have been called "Captain Crackhead" for he was insane.
I had the evening on the felucca, the whole next day, and the third morning we woke up and went into town. We took tucktucks into the shantytown - the kind you see on the Amazing Race. (It's funny how in Egypt all buildings aren't finished. We couldn't decide if it is to have the possibility to add on, or due to laziness.) Anyway, in town was crazy low-tech. It was interesting - very different. After this we drove to a couple of temples - first the Kom Ombo Temple, followed by Edfu Temple. They very nice. (Be patient on pictures!)
After that we took the van to Luxor, Egypt. Onboard the Felucca I met an Australian and some more Canadians and some Americans. They were also in the bus. When we got to Luxor I checked into my fancypants 3-star hotel. It's probably the nicest place I plan on staying on this trip. But they've been helpful and they have a pool so I'm happy. I ate Egyptian potato chips and Egyptain soda for dinner (because I'm cheap) and passed out early.
I woke up today at 6am to get ready and pack and leave for the day. I first toured the West Bank, which included the Valley of the Queens, Valley of the Kings, Matshtsut Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon. (If you care, you can Google/Wikipedia this stuff) I didn't see King Tut's tomb because it was a rip off, but I did see a mummy fetus - the weirdest thing I've seen on this trip yet. In the three tombs I did go in it was quite impressive how the paint was still on the walls. These ancient people really wanted their kings to have an after-life and created these elaborate tombs. I don't think they knew that thousands of years later their ansestors would be ripping off tourists.
After these we went for a sandwhich lunch in Luxor, and I hurried back to the hotel to leave for my 3 oclock tour. I said goodbye to everybody, thinking that would be the last time - but I've learned that I'll probably run into all these people again. I then toured the East Bank which included the Karnak Temple and the Luxor Temple. It it crazy how developed it is around these ancient temples. It makes me very mad that these people have these national treasures and 1) Don't care 2) Don't respect them at all (litter is every where and if you know my I hate litterbugs) and 3) Take advantage of.
The temples were great - huge and beautiful. But I'm templed out. It is funny how Christians have gone into so many of these Egpytian temples and defaced to make them into Christain churches. (Stay tuned for pictures!)
After that I was informed that I'm taking the bus at 23 to Cairo. That's late. And I know it will be late to Luxor, and really late to Cairo. But now I'm prepared. I then ran into the French Canadians again! They are charging my camera in their room (because I've checked out).
I'm going to blog again right now the good and bad things about Egypt overall. Get excited!
I'm losing count of the days of the week, the time, and the day number I've been in Cairo. But it's great. I bought a watch at Walmart for $6USD before I left, and I'm not using it anymore. Maybe I can trade it in Kenya...
I'm going to give you a quick run down of what I've been doing recently. After blogging last I hit the sack, and when I woke up I went on a tour of the Nile. Because I'm not my mother I didn't pay money to see a botanical garden, but opted to cruise around and swim in the Nile river. It was surprisingly cold and I am not so surprisingly pale. Oh - and the New Zealander was with me.
After this I boarded my felucca and took off on my voyage down the Nile. Guess who was onboard? The two French-Canadians and the three French ladies from the day previous. Onboard the felucca was nice and relaxing. We slept onboard and ate our meals onboard. It was awesome. We stopped and swam on several occastions. We played cards, napped, ate, napped, ate, talked, napped, and slept. It was a rough lifestyle. Our felluca crew included Captain Atta, his son cook Muhammed, his son cabin-boy Kareem. Also joining us was "Captain Cool" as he called himself but should have been called "Captain Crackhead" for he was insane.
I had the evening on the felucca, the whole next day, and the third morning we woke up and went into town. We took tucktucks into the shantytown - the kind you see on the Amazing Race. (It's funny how in Egypt all buildings aren't finished. We couldn't decide if it is to have the possibility to add on, or due to laziness.) Anyway, in town was crazy low-tech. It was interesting - very different. After this we drove to a couple of temples - first the Kom Ombo Temple, followed by Edfu Temple. They very nice. (Be patient on pictures!)
After that we took the van to Luxor, Egypt. Onboard the Felucca I met an Australian and some more Canadians and some Americans. They were also in the bus. When we got to Luxor I checked into my fancypants 3-star hotel. It's probably the nicest place I plan on staying on this trip. But they've been helpful and they have a pool so I'm happy. I ate Egyptian potato chips and Egyptain soda for dinner (because I'm cheap) and passed out early.
I woke up today at 6am to get ready and pack and leave for the day. I first toured the West Bank, which included the Valley of the Queens, Valley of the Kings, Matshtsut Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon. (If you care, you can Google/Wikipedia this stuff) I didn't see King Tut's tomb because it was a rip off, but I did see a mummy fetus - the weirdest thing I've seen on this trip yet. In the three tombs I did go in it was quite impressive how the paint was still on the walls. These ancient people really wanted their kings to have an after-life and created these elaborate tombs. I don't think they knew that thousands of years later their ansestors would be ripping off tourists.
After these we went for a sandwhich lunch in Luxor, and I hurried back to the hotel to leave for my 3 oclock tour. I said goodbye to everybody, thinking that would be the last time - but I've learned that I'll probably run into all these people again. I then toured the East Bank which included the Karnak Temple and the Luxor Temple. It it crazy how developed it is around these ancient temples. It makes me very mad that these people have these national treasures and 1) Don't care 2) Don't respect them at all (litter is every where and if you know my I hate litterbugs) and 3) Take advantage of.
The temples were great - huge and beautiful. But I'm templed out. It is funny how Christians have gone into so many of these Egpytian temples and defaced to make them into Christain churches. (Stay tuned for pictures!)
After that I was informed that I'm taking the bus at 23 to Cairo. That's late. And I know it will be late to Luxor, and really late to Cairo. But now I'm prepared. I then ran into the French Canadians again! They are charging my camera in their room (because I've checked out).
I'm going to blog again right now the good and bad things about Egypt overall. Get excited!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Cairo, Egypt - Days 1, 2 and 3
Day one of Cairo was the worst day I've had this entire trip. Day two was the best.
Cairo - Day 1
The EgyptAir flight from Paris to Cairo was delayed three hours due to mechanical problems. Rather than having us wait in the terminal, they clanked away at the undercarriage as we sat in the plane for three hours. The flight wasn't very good either. I was sitting over the wing so my view was terrible. Plus the inflight movie was August Rush (which I didn't care for)... in French. It stinks to be a foreigner.
When I landed in Cairo some man told me that he could get me a hostel for 10 euros a night. I was exhausted and wanted to sleep in the airport but he told me it wouldn't be a good idea. I, a tired and unknowing tourist, didn't know he was probably lying. He then took me to a travel agent to book the hotel and he ended up talking me into a trip down the Nile river on a Felucca. I left not happy because I didn't want to spend as much money as I did on this trip. (Don't worry - it works out in the end.) I then took a crazy taxi to the hostel and slept at the hostel which was actually nice. (I was later told I was conned for the price).
Cairo - Day 2
I woke up early because of the traffic. Then I blogged. After blogging I walked around the city with my luggage - which was a mistake. I have a multi-tool with a knife in it in my backback, and the x-ray machines catch it every time. When I walked to the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities they saw it and I confirmed it was a knife and they said I could take it in but not to use it. Tightest security ever. I ended up checking my bag but had to tip the guy. People in Cairo don't expect tips - they demand them. Be wary. They will ask for 20 Egyptian pounds but will settle for 2. Don't tip if they haven't done anything to merit it. (No need to tip taxi drivers either). At the museum I saw king Tut's headdress and the Rosetta Stone, along with some other old artifacts. I must say that for being as well known as it is, it was unorganized beyond belief. Not everything was labeled, some things were stacked on top of each other, and some rooms were boarded off with random items.
I then walked to the Cairo tower which was closed. Darn. From then until 8 I walked about the city and continued to worry about my tour arrangements for the next day. At 8 I went to the trainstation and talked to an Egyptian who had OK English, and was excited to see that he was putting it into practical use. When we boarded the train we were told it was going to be a 12 hour ride. That would turn out to be a lie.
Aboard the train I sat next to a man from India who had immigrated to Great Britain several years ago. He told me he had called out sick from work to visit Egypt with his mother sister and brother (he also left his wife and kid behind). We talked about traveling and Egypt and most importantly American stereotypes. I think he was surprised that I was not a gigantic fatty, because he says most British people think that Americans are "large" and that everyone drives. He has the second one correct.
No one seems to know where Missouri is, and many people not even Kansas. Chicago is the best reference point I have. Also, many Egpytians say "Howdy" when I tell them I'm American. I'm also one of the only people wearing shorts because Egpytians ALWAYS wear pants - even if it is 100+ degree weather.
After my British friend and I talked for a while I fell asleep and slept terrible on the train.
Egypt - Day 3
It got wicked cold at night on the train. I was shivering and sad that I wasn't wearing long pants. (Later when the AC died in our cab I wasn't complaining about being cold). At about 9am people started bustling about the train, reading, listening to music, playing cards. These weren't Egyptians though - all tourists doing exactly what I was going to do. I was the only American in the car though. There were some British people way up in front, a Jamacian, and some Australians right in front of me. I talked with them for a while about what to do when I get to Sydney.
When I got off the train 16 hours later in Aswan, my travel buddy told me that he was not going to tell me his name because he wants it to be a mystery for the rest of my life. I normally start a conversation by asking where someone is from, rather than their name. To me it's more important. (and interesting)
I met my guide at the station who took me to my hotel. It turns out 90% of the train was staying at that hotel.
I took a quick shower and then jumped in a van headed to some dams by the city and to the temple. In the van we picked up my Indian-British friend and his family. Coincidence? Also in the van was a student from China, a "youth" from New Zealand, and people from Montreal. It was quite a UN inside that bus. I talked with the New Zealander and Chinese guys during our ride to the damn. At the damn nobody but 3 people wanted to see the damn so the rest of us sat outside and saved our money. (8 Egyptian pounds = $2USD). After a drive to a port, we all took a very rickety boat to the Philae temple. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philae) It was cool, but notvery authentic because it had been transported piece by piece before they built the damn.
Arriving back at the hotel, the Canadians, Indians, Chinese, New Zealanders, and Americans decided to eat at a restaurant nearby. It was very cheap, but the most exciting thing was the menu choices: Spleen, liver, brains. I, of coarse, ordered the brains. When else am I going to eat brains? How can I say no to an opportunity like this? They were fried, and they tasted alright but the consistency was strange. It was only hard to eat when you thought about what it really was. Other than that it was fine.
I'm in an internet cafe next door to the hotel, sitting next to the Chinese and New Zealander travelers, still not knowing their names.
My first full day in Egypt was so overwhelming I didn't enjoy the day at all. The second day was exactly what I wanted to do - meet interesting people and do interesting things. And it has been great. Even if I did eat brains.
Cairo - Day 1
The EgyptAir flight from Paris to Cairo was delayed three hours due to mechanical problems. Rather than having us wait in the terminal, they clanked away at the undercarriage as we sat in the plane for three hours. The flight wasn't very good either. I was sitting over the wing so my view was terrible. Plus the inflight movie was August Rush (which I didn't care for)... in French. It stinks to be a foreigner.
When I landed in Cairo some man told me that he could get me a hostel for 10 euros a night. I was exhausted and wanted to sleep in the airport but he told me it wouldn't be a good idea. I, a tired and unknowing tourist, didn't know he was probably lying. He then took me to a travel agent to book the hotel and he ended up talking me into a trip down the Nile river on a Felucca. I left not happy because I didn't want to spend as much money as I did on this trip. (Don't worry - it works out in the end.) I then took a crazy taxi to the hostel and slept at the hostel which was actually nice. (I was later told I was conned for the price).
Cairo - Day 2
I woke up early because of the traffic. Then I blogged. After blogging I walked around the city with my luggage - which was a mistake. I have a multi-tool with a knife in it in my backback, and the x-ray machines catch it every time. When I walked to the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities they saw it and I confirmed it was a knife and they said I could take it in but not to use it. Tightest security ever. I ended up checking my bag but had to tip the guy. People in Cairo don't expect tips - they demand them. Be wary. They will ask for 20 Egyptian pounds but will settle for 2. Don't tip if they haven't done anything to merit it. (No need to tip taxi drivers either). At the museum I saw king Tut's headdress and the Rosetta Stone, along with some other old artifacts. I must say that for being as well known as it is, it was unorganized beyond belief. Not everything was labeled, some things were stacked on top of each other, and some rooms were boarded off with random items.
I then walked to the Cairo tower which was closed. Darn. From then until 8 I walked about the city and continued to worry about my tour arrangements for the next day. At 8 I went to the trainstation and talked to an Egyptian who had OK English, and was excited to see that he was putting it into practical use. When we boarded the train we were told it was going to be a 12 hour ride. That would turn out to be a lie.
Aboard the train I sat next to a man from India who had immigrated to Great Britain several years ago. He told me he had called out sick from work to visit Egypt with his mother sister and brother (he also left his wife and kid behind). We talked about traveling and Egypt and most importantly American stereotypes. I think he was surprised that I was not a gigantic fatty, because he says most British people think that Americans are "large" and that everyone drives. He has the second one correct.
No one seems to know where Missouri is, and many people not even Kansas. Chicago is the best reference point I have. Also, many Egpytians say "Howdy" when I tell them I'm American. I'm also one of the only people wearing shorts because Egpytians ALWAYS wear pants - even if it is 100+ degree weather.
After my British friend and I talked for a while I fell asleep and slept terrible on the train.
Egypt - Day 3
It got wicked cold at night on the train. I was shivering and sad that I wasn't wearing long pants. (Later when the AC died in our cab I wasn't complaining about being cold). At about 9am people started bustling about the train, reading, listening to music, playing cards. These weren't Egyptians though - all tourists doing exactly what I was going to do. I was the only American in the car though. There were some British people way up in front, a Jamacian, and some Australians right in front of me. I talked with them for a while about what to do when I get to Sydney.
When I got off the train 16 hours later in Aswan, my travel buddy told me that he was not going to tell me his name because he wants it to be a mystery for the rest of my life. I normally start a conversation by asking where someone is from, rather than their name. To me it's more important. (and interesting)
I met my guide at the station who took me to my hotel. It turns out 90% of the train was staying at that hotel.
I took a quick shower and then jumped in a van headed to some dams by the city and to the temple. In the van we picked up my Indian-British friend and his family. Coincidence? Also in the van was a student from China, a "youth" from New Zealand, and people from Montreal. It was quite a UN inside that bus. I talked with the New Zealander and Chinese guys during our ride to the damn. At the damn nobody but 3 people wanted to see the damn so the rest of us sat outside and saved our money. (8 Egyptian pounds = $2USD). After a drive to a port, we all took a very rickety boat to the Philae temple. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philae) It was cool, but notvery authentic because it had been transported piece by piece before they built the damn.
Arriving back at the hotel, the Canadians, Indians, Chinese, New Zealanders, and Americans decided to eat at a restaurant nearby. It was very cheap, but the most exciting thing was the menu choices: Spleen, liver, brains. I, of coarse, ordered the brains. When else am I going to eat brains? How can I say no to an opportunity like this? They were fried, and they tasted alright but the consistency was strange. It was only hard to eat when you thought about what it really was. Other than that it was fine.
I'm in an internet cafe next door to the hotel, sitting next to the Chinese and New Zealander travelers, still not knowing their names.
My first full day in Egypt was so overwhelming I didn't enjoy the day at all. The second day was exactly what I wanted to do - meet interesting people and do interesting things. And it has been great. Even if I did eat brains.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Last days in Paris, first day in Cairo
I'm sorry I'm not keeping this up to date (especially not the pictures) but please note that blogging is not my top priority.
That being said I'll give you the fast version of what I've done since.
Paris day 5
Friday. My only plans were to go to the L'Ouvre at 6pm for free. I woke up around 11 and walked around the neighborhood. Nothing to exciting happened expect I saw some old lady talking to the pigeons. At 6 I took the train to the L'Ouvre and was overwhelmed with people. I guess I wasn't the only cheap student... Anyway the L'Ouvre has huge signs pointing you to the Mona Lisa as if it is the only thing I wanted to see (it was). I walked around, took some pictures, watched the French guys hit on the tourist girls, and eventually left. If you want a decent description of the L'Ouvre you'll have to go yourself, but it's nothing like the Da Vinci Code movie.
Paris day 6
Saturday. I decided that my last full day in Paris should include a lot of walking. I walked to the Moulin Rouge and was severely let down. It was the most lame thing I've even seen since the last time I saw Kirby. Imagine throwing a windmill and some red paint on top of Priscillas on N. Oak. Lame.
I then walked to Sacre Coeur and took some more pictures. I didn't pay more money to go up more stairs to the top since I've seen Paris from above twice already. It makes me think that they should call it the city of stairs instead of the city of love.
That evening I did the most impressive thing I've ever done in my life (including that time I went a whole day without eating). You might want to open Google Earth first to track it. I walked from my church (by Sacre Coeur) to Centre Pompidou to Notre Dame to the L'Ouvre to the Arc de Triomphe to the Eiffle Tower. It was basically a montage of my trip, but took a lot longer and didn't have any cheesy music. (but there was a guy playing an accordian in the subway on the way home). This lengthy walk earned me a good nights sleep and a big blister on my right foot.
My last day in Paris
Sunday. I woke up early and went to the shower house. Since Pastor Herald left on Thursday I've been using the local shower house that the city provides for people who's apartments don't have showers. Weird. There were stalls and they were a lot nicer than my dorm's. I then sat through a church service in French and didn't pick up much. The offering was collected by bags on poles, and the communion was done by getting in a big circle in the front of the church. Not many people attended, and the average age was 75, beaten only by Holy Cross.
I then took the train to the airport, walked, waited, walked, and waiting and boarded my flight. The plane promptly broke and we were stuck in the plane on the tarmac for 3 hours. We then took off and landed in Cairo at 1:10am
Cairo - day 1
Monday. I got in early and was sent through customs. Nothing exciting. It is weird being the only white person around though. A travel agent met me and told me of a hostel and arranged a car to take me there. Driving in Cairo is the crazing thing in the world. And I love it. They have no lanes and it is always a race. I think we're doing it wrong in America. Anyway when I arrived at 2:30am people were still bustling about. I was shown my relatively large room for a decent price.
At about 5am some loudspeakers blasted some Arabaic prayers. Then at about 9am the drivers got out and started honking. Cairo drivers use their horns more than the accelerator.
Cairo - day 2
Tuesday. Today. I woke up and had a free breakfast on the roof of the hostel. By the way, it is nearly 100 degrees here and quite a change from Paris. I checked out of the hostel (am in their computer lounge now) and am about to meet with a guy who is chartering my a trip down the Nile for the next 5 days. It should be exciting, but don't expect any blog posts or pictures for a while.
It might not be until Nairobi, Bangkok, or even Sydney before I get to upload any more pictures. I have some good ones of the Eiffle Tower at sunset, so get excited.
That being said I'll give you the fast version of what I've done since.
Paris day 5
Friday. My only plans were to go to the L'Ouvre at 6pm for free. I woke up around 11 and walked around the neighborhood. Nothing to exciting happened expect I saw some old lady talking to the pigeons. At 6 I took the train to the L'Ouvre and was overwhelmed with people. I guess I wasn't the only cheap student... Anyway the L'Ouvre has huge signs pointing you to the Mona Lisa as if it is the only thing I wanted to see (it was). I walked around, took some pictures, watched the French guys hit on the tourist girls, and eventually left. If you want a decent description of the L'Ouvre you'll have to go yourself, but it's nothing like the Da Vinci Code movie.
Paris day 6
Saturday. I decided that my last full day in Paris should include a lot of walking. I walked to the Moulin Rouge and was severely let down. It was the most lame thing I've even seen since the last time I saw Kirby. Imagine throwing a windmill and some red paint on top of Priscillas on N. Oak. Lame.
I then walked to Sacre Coeur and took some more pictures. I didn't pay more money to go up more stairs to the top since I've seen Paris from above twice already. It makes me think that they should call it the city of stairs instead of the city of love.
That evening I did the most impressive thing I've ever done in my life (including that time I went a whole day without eating). You might want to open Google Earth first to track it. I walked from my church (by Sacre Coeur) to Centre Pompidou to Notre Dame to the L'Ouvre to the Arc de Triomphe to the Eiffle Tower. It was basically a montage of my trip, but took a lot longer and didn't have any cheesy music. (but there was a guy playing an accordian in the subway on the way home). This lengthy walk earned me a good nights sleep and a big blister on my right foot.
My last day in Paris
Sunday. I woke up early and went to the shower house. Since Pastor Herald left on Thursday I've been using the local shower house that the city provides for people who's apartments don't have showers. Weird. There were stalls and they were a lot nicer than my dorm's. I then sat through a church service in French and didn't pick up much. The offering was collected by bags on poles, and the communion was done by getting in a big circle in the front of the church. Not many people attended, and the average age was 75, beaten only by Holy Cross.
I then took the train to the airport, walked, waited, walked, and waiting and boarded my flight. The plane promptly broke and we were stuck in the plane on the tarmac for 3 hours. We then took off and landed in Cairo at 1:10am
Cairo - day 1
Monday. I got in early and was sent through customs. Nothing exciting. It is weird being the only white person around though. A travel agent met me and told me of a hostel and arranged a car to take me there. Driving in Cairo is the crazing thing in the world. And I love it. They have no lanes and it is always a race. I think we're doing it wrong in America. Anyway when I arrived at 2:30am people were still bustling about. I was shown my relatively large room for a decent price.
At about 5am some loudspeakers blasted some Arabaic prayers. Then at about 9am the drivers got out and started honking. Cairo drivers use their horns more than the accelerator.
Cairo - day 2
Tuesday. Today. I woke up and had a free breakfast on the roof of the hostel. By the way, it is nearly 100 degrees here and quite a change from Paris. I checked out of the hostel (am in their computer lounge now) and am about to meet with a guy who is chartering my a trip down the Nile for the next 5 days. It should be exciting, but don't expect any blog posts or pictures for a while.
It might not be until Nairobi, Bangkok, or even Sydney before I get to upload any more pictures. I have some good ones of the Eiffle Tower at sunset, so get excited.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Paris, France - day 4
I didn't have much of anything planned for today so I started walking and found a park with free wifi so here I am, blogging in a park in Paris.
Yesterday was without a doubt my biggest tourist day. I started the day off helping set up a rummage sale inside the church's courtyard. Pastor Herald then told me I could stay until Sunday, even though he was leaving that day for Sweden.
I then rode the trains to the Eiffel Tower. More people spoke English here than any other language, which took away a bit of the "experience" I was looking for. But it was still a sight. Even more entertaining was watching the unlicensed vendors run from the police. The police didn't seem to chase off the foreign girls/ladies who asked if you spoke English then showed you a tatered old piece of paper with the same "I'm broke and my mom is dead and I need money" sob story. I didn't fall for it the first time I was approached approximately10 minutes after I arrived in Paris, nor at Notre Dame, nor anywhere else.
The Eiffel tower was grand, but I had more to do. I then walked to the Arc de Triomphe. Its a lot bigger than I thought it'd be. One thing I learned from The Amazing Race (which I must admit was one inspiration for this journey) was that you take a tunnel under the road circling the Arc. I paid my 5,50€ to climb the many stairs to the top. I'm still surprised I keep paying money to climb cramped spiral staircases. The top held quite a view though: the Champs Elysèes, the Eiffel Tower, and the rest of the city. (be patient for photos) You could also see the skyscrapers outsideof the city. The government won't allow them to build inside the main city. After snapping photos I descendedand began my trek down the Champs Elysèes. I didn't buy anything Louis Vuitton for my sister on her birthday. I did buy a crepe from a stand and ate it. Of course it was overpriced, but I am staying cheap on all other foodstuffs, plus I get a student discount nearly everywhere.
I walked and walked down to the L'Ouvre. I didn't see Tom Hanks, but saw lots of tourists. After the L'Ouvre, I made my way to the Musee Orly. I didn't enter either. I then made my way to the Avenue Champs Elysèes again and had a sandwhich for dinner. I walked back to the Eiffel Tower again because I wanted a picture if it lit up against the dark night sky. I sat around for nearly 3 hours because the sun doesn't set until about 10:15. When did take the picture, my camera decided to die so I only got one photo. At least it was decent. I then took the train back and retired for the night.
The strangest thing is how much Egyptian stuff I keep seeing: the oblisk at the Champs Elysèes, pyramids at L'Ouvre, I walkedby the Egyptian embassy, there was a film about Egypt playing at Centre Pompidou. I guess its a good segway to my next city.
Yesterday was without a doubt my biggest tourist day. I started the day off helping set up a rummage sale inside the church's courtyard. Pastor Herald then told me I could stay until Sunday, even though he was leaving that day for Sweden.
I then rode the trains to the Eiffel Tower. More people spoke English here than any other language, which took away a bit of the "experience" I was looking for. But it was still a sight. Even more entertaining was watching the unlicensed vendors run from the police. The police didn't seem to chase off the foreign girls/ladies who asked if you spoke English then showed you a tatered old piece of paper with the same "I'm broke and my mom is dead and I need money" sob story. I didn't fall for it the first time I was approached approximately10 minutes after I arrived in Paris, nor at Notre Dame, nor anywhere else.
The Eiffel tower was grand, but I had more to do. I then walked to the Arc de Triomphe. Its a lot bigger than I thought it'd be. One thing I learned from The Amazing Race (which I must admit was one inspiration for this journey) was that you take a tunnel under the road circling the Arc. I paid my 5,50€ to climb the many stairs to the top. I'm still surprised I keep paying money to climb cramped spiral staircases. The top held quite a view though: the Champs Elysèes, the Eiffel Tower, and the rest of the city. (be patient for photos) You could also see the skyscrapers outsideof the city. The government won't allow them to build inside the main city. After snapping photos I descendedand began my trek down the Champs Elysèes. I didn't buy anything Louis Vuitton for my sister on her birthday. I did buy a crepe from a stand and ate it. Of course it was overpriced, but I am staying cheap on all other foodstuffs, plus I get a student discount nearly everywhere.
I walked and walked down to the L'Ouvre. I didn't see Tom Hanks, but saw lots of tourists. After the L'Ouvre, I made my way to the Musee Orly. I didn't enter either. I then made my way to the Avenue Champs Elysèes again and had a sandwhich for dinner. I walked back to the Eiffel Tower again because I wanted a picture if it lit up against the dark night sky. I sat around for nearly 3 hours because the sun doesn't set until about 10:15. When did take the picture, my camera decided to die so I only got one photo. At least it was decent. I then took the train back and retired for the night.
The strangest thing is how much Egyptian stuff I keep seeing: the oblisk at the Champs Elysèes, pyramids at L'Ouvre, I walkedby the Egyptian embassy, there was a film about Egypt playing at Centre Pompidou. I guess its a good segway to my next city.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
My second and third days in Paris
Tuesday I was offered the opportunity by Pastor Herald to go up to the countryside with some old ladies from church (his words). We left at 10h00 and I got to experience the close proximity all Parisien drivers face each day. One and a half hours later we finally got to the toxn of Hombleux. At the house of the former pastor's widowed wife I was shown the backyard and garden. In the garden there was a cherry tree, and the old ladies started picking them right off the tree and eating them. None of the, spoke English and my French is a lot worse than I thought, so it was hard to communicate. We then sat down and had ourselves a good 3 hour French lunch. It started with a local rum drink, followed by melon, then some bread, then sausage and three sides (one was ,ade from potatoes, another carrots; the third tasted like ranch dressing. This was followed by a cheese platter and wine, folloed by ice cream, followed by coffee (black), and was finished with pie.
Herald and I then walked through the town and I snapped some photos. On the way to the village we passed many other small villages, all which we built around a central church. While we were walking Herald told me that in his head he envisions that all people who don't live in cities and far away in the countryside are uncivilized and eat children. I had quite a laugh.
When we got back I walked around town again. I wasn't hungry so I just had something from the bakery (If I don't note where I ate a meal it was either skipped or something small from a bakery). I took photos that you can view later.
Day 3
Today I slept in because I was still exhausted. I then took the subway to Les Catacombes. Dating to around 1777, they are underground tunnels and graveyards. Basially when they had too many bodies (or needed to develop on graveyards) they moved the bones to the catacombes. There were millions of bones and it really gave me a time perspective. People have been around for a long time, and time goes on after them.
I then took the train to Notre Dame. This is the most touristy church of all time. I kinda felt bad about taking pictures inside a church; but then I remembered all the times my mother was sacreligious and snapped photos of me in church. It was quite a sight, but the best part I had to pay 4,80€ for: a view of Paris from the top of Notre Dame. More people spoke English up there, but I continued my act of not being a tourist (I'm "experiencing" the world, not touring it) by not talking.
After that breathtaking view I found my way to the Centre Pompidou. It was very cool, but I understand why some Parisians didn't like it: it looked nothingn like any other buildings.
Next on my agenda was Les Halles. I was exhausted so I took off real fast back to the train to the church.
Herald and I then walked through the town and I snapped some photos. On the way to the village we passed many other small villages, all which we built around a central church. While we were walking Herald told me that in his head he envisions that all people who don't live in cities and far away in the countryside are uncivilized and eat children. I had quite a laugh.
When we got back I walked around town again. I wasn't hungry so I just had something from the bakery (If I don't note where I ate a meal it was either skipped or something small from a bakery). I took photos that you can view later.
Day 3
Today I slept in because I was still exhausted. I then took the subway to Les Catacombes. Dating to around 1777, they are underground tunnels and graveyards. Basially when they had too many bodies (or needed to develop on graveyards) they moved the bones to the catacombes. There were millions of bones and it really gave me a time perspective. People have been around for a long time, and time goes on after them.
I then took the train to Notre Dame. This is the most touristy church of all time. I kinda felt bad about taking pictures inside a church; but then I remembered all the times my mother was sacreligious and snapped photos of me in church. It was quite a sight, but the best part I had to pay 4,80€ for: a view of Paris from the top of Notre Dame. More people spoke English up there, but I continued my act of not being a tourist (I'm "experiencing" the world, not touring it) by not talking.
After that breathtaking view I found my way to the Centre Pompidou. It was very cool, but I understand why some Parisians didn't like it: it looked nothingn like any other buildings.
Next on my agenda was Les Halles. I was exhausted so I took off real fast back to the train to the church.
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| Paris, France - Day 2 |
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