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Christmas in China

I have been in China for all of three days now. My first thoughts are: Its cold as hell!!! The first things I bought were a hat and good pair of gloves. Its supposedly in the 30′s but feels way colder. Unfortunately, I also just figured out how to work the heater in my room, so its been pretty cold there too, but now it is toasty Shanghai is kind of like a any large city – a bunch of people (except they are all of Chinese) rushing to get places, aloof and pushy, a good amount of lights and skyscrapers and way too many places to eat and shop. Its a cool city, but nothing particularly special and a bit “how’s your father?” It can be seen in 2-3 days and I have five I have seen close to nothing the even resembles American Chinese food here. ITS A … read more

4

Shopping, Trekking, Boxing & Cooking..Thai Style

I have managed to ride an elephant about 3 times within a span of a little over a month. On, Saturday, my final day of volunteering, they took Max, Richard and I on an elephant ride around a Hill tribe village and down a river. It was fine, except for ours broke wind a few times and the one in front of us stopped dead in its tracks to take a dump while we waiting behind it. I also touched an 180 lbs snake. The two guys took a pic with it around their neck, but I passed on that one. Off to Chiang Mai I went that evening. I’ve had quite a nice time since I have been here too. First I am staying at a guest house with a TV in my room for a whopping $13 a night for a single. During this entire trip, I can … read more

5

Present Moment….Wonderful Moment

At the end of last week, the rest of the volunteers (Max, Richard, Gina, Adam, Melissa, Cazumi, Tae and Patti) and I  made our way out of the country side into Chiang Rai town. There is not much of an actual town, most people come here to trekk into the hill tribes.  However, there is a night market, a few temples and a few bars and clubs. In the spirit of backpackerism/tourism we went for a few drinks and proceeded to dance the night away. I got some stiff dancing competition from the ladyboys. Lady-boys as they are called here, are flamboyantly gay males and/or males that cross dress or both as these categories sometimes overlap. They are often involved in the entertainment scene such as cabarets. Anyhow, they can dance well, so I had fun trying to out do them, because really, what woman wants to be out danced … read more

2

Living the Dream!!!???

Some of you have referred to my life right now as “living the dream?” Mmmmm sometimes, then others it seems more like a not so glamorous dream, but not exactly a nightmare either. I just though I would share some signs with you all The life of a volunteer Itchy – I probably get bitten by at least 10 mosquitoes a day. They are all usually within the same hour. Seven pm must be feasting time because between 7 and 8 pm in the volunteer office mosquitoes come out in full force. I got 6 on one foot yesterday. All of the volunteers’ legs are red and blotchy. Stretchy – There is a decent amount of down time and to break from eating rice meals, we are constantly eating junk food. Getting wider wider and wider. Seaweed flavored chips are my favorite. Beds are hard as a rock – We … read more

6

Thoughts from Thailand

As you all know, I have safely arrived in Thailand. I immediately liked it and think it will be one of my favorites. I spent the weekend in Bangkok, which was also an experience. Thailand The Ubiquitous in Bangkok There are 7-11′s everywhere. Sometimes two on one street and tens within a mile.   Street Vendors with everything ranging from bugs, to fried chicken, noodles to pork on a stick. I LOVE the food here, there is such variety of dishes. It seems like the possibilities are endless. I also ate a couple of things that looked kind of nasty but actually tasted good. One thing, kind of looked like an eyeball but I think was some kind of rice flower with some sweet peanut mixture n the middle. Very good. Of course there is Pad Thai but I also had papaya salad, which they do about 10 different ways. … read more