My time off is dwindling down. Tomorrow I will board a cruise ship with my sisters and younger brother to sail around paradise. A vacation from all the running around Asia and Europe.
I am ridiculous. My life is ridiculous.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Good bye, Europe
Quick blog since I'm standing in an Apple store using the internet. I leave for home tomorrow. I am very tired. A month at times crawled by and at times flew by. It definitely doesn't feel like a month has gone by.
Some Amsterdam highlights
- They have a weird ticket system here where you get it stamped by zone. An alternative is to buy a pass good for a day, 2 days, etc. Yesterday I showed the driver my pass, and he winked at me.
- I was walking down a fairly crowded street yesterday afternoon. I see a woman walk outside what looks to be a pub. As she's about to dial her phone, an older man, maybe 65, dressed in a suit comes out of the same place and attacks her! He grabs her hair really hard and doesn.'t let go. A another man runs out to pull the guy off her. I had never wished more in my life to be able to understand Dutch.
- It hailed.
- Finding free internet.
See you soon!
Some Amsterdam highlights
- They have a weird ticket system here where you get it stamped by zone. An alternative is to buy a pass good for a day, 2 days, etc. Yesterday I showed the driver my pass, and he winked at me.
- I was walking down a fairly crowded street yesterday afternoon. I see a woman walk outside what looks to be a pub. As she's about to dial her phone, an older man, maybe 65, dressed in a suit comes out of the same place and attacks her! He grabs her hair really hard and doesn.'t let go. A another man runs out to pull the guy off her. I had never wished more in my life to be able to understand Dutch.
- It hailed.
- Finding free internet.
See you soon!
Monday, March 3, 2008
Un jour à Bruxelles
I have been and left Bruxelles since my last entry. I was there for about a day and half. And I think that was just enough time. The flight there was awful. The night before CNN was saying there would be delays up north because of crazy winds. My flight was on time and so I thought, "OK, maybe it's already passed." Ha! As we descend to land, the plane is rocking back and forth. A lot. All the way up to when we actually touch the ground. Everyone claps. I almost puked. This is the one time that I actually thought the plane might crash.
Bruxelles has the most confusing mass transit system I have ever used. And I've used many. There are trams and the subway. They look exactly alike but somehow are different. The maps are hard to read. Each stop has two names (one in French, one in Flemish) so I kept on thinking I had missed my stop. Through sheer luck, I managed to get to the hotel without getting lost. I would get on a tram/subway and just hope it was the right direction.
I walked around all day Sunday. Apparently Bruxelles is known for comics. It is where Tin Tin and the Smurfs were created. I went to the comic museum and a couple comic book stores. The weird thing is the comics weren't the conventional paper comics we know in the US. They were all hard covered, like a children's book. I also walked around to find cool murals painted all around town.
I also had the most amazing thing I have ever eaten, a Belgian waffle. They don't use batter, it's a dough. They cook it right there. It comes out hot and it has a glaze. I get strawberries and whipped cream on top. I eat it sitting on the curb and it was sooo decadent.
I wanted to buy some beer to bring home. Damn the whole ban of liquids on airplanes because I would have bought more but I can only fit so much in my suitcase. They have stores just for beer and beer paraphernalia but they mark it up. So being the cheapskate that I am, I went to the grocery store to see if I could get a better deal. And I totally did, like half the cost. As I'm waiting in line, I'm listening to my iPod. I feel a tap on my shoulder and it's the man standing in the line next to me. He looks like he could've been homeless but he was in a grocery store so I was confused. He points to my earphones and starts bopping. I immediately laugh and smile. And then try hard not to bop for the rest of the time I'm in line. That was embarrassing. Sometimes I forget people can see me.
I got into Amsterdam this afternoon. What a truly unique city. The canals and bikes everyone would be enough but then you throw in the occasional whiff of pot as I walk down the street. Crazy town.
Bruxelles has the most confusing mass transit system I have ever used. And I've used many. There are trams and the subway. They look exactly alike but somehow are different. The maps are hard to read. Each stop has two names (one in French, one in Flemish) so I kept on thinking I had missed my stop. Through sheer luck, I managed to get to the hotel without getting lost. I would get on a tram/subway and just hope it was the right direction.
I walked around all day Sunday. Apparently Bruxelles is known for comics. It is where Tin Tin and the Smurfs were created. I went to the comic museum and a couple comic book stores. The weird thing is the comics weren't the conventional paper comics we know in the US. They were all hard covered, like a children's book. I also walked around to find cool murals painted all around town.
I also had the most amazing thing I have ever eaten, a Belgian waffle. They don't use batter, it's a dough. They cook it right there. It comes out hot and it has a glaze. I get strawberries and whipped cream on top. I eat it sitting on the curb and it was sooo decadent.
I wanted to buy some beer to bring home. Damn the whole ban of liquids on airplanes because I would have bought more but I can only fit so much in my suitcase. They have stores just for beer and beer paraphernalia but they mark it up. So being the cheapskate that I am, I went to the grocery store to see if I could get a better deal. And I totally did, like half the cost. As I'm waiting in line, I'm listening to my iPod. I feel a tap on my shoulder and it's the man standing in the line next to me. He looks like he could've been homeless but he was in a grocery store so I was confused. He points to my earphones and starts bopping. I immediately laugh and smile. And then try hard not to bop for the rest of the time I'm in line. That was embarrassing. Sometimes I forget people can see me.
I got into Amsterdam this afternoon. What a truly unique city. The canals and bikes everyone would be enough but then you throw in the occasional whiff of pot as I walk down the street. Crazy town.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Auf Wiedersehen, Vienna
The fire alarm went off in my hotel last night at 12:30am. My thoughts and actions went as followed:
1. "Huh, what is that? Am I dreaming?"
2. "Crap, it's the fire alarm."
3. "Maybe if I wait a little bit, it'll just turn off."
4. (30 seconds later) "Ok, it's not going off. If it's a real fire, I should probably evacuate."
5. (Puts pants on, grabs jacket, puts on flip flops)
6. (Walk down stairs, there are groups of confused teenagers. I slip down the stairs, a teenage boy wearing a white, short-sleeved, mock turtleneck comes to help me up. He then locks arms with me and we walk down the stairs. We part after one flight.)
7. (Get to the ground floor and follow exit signs that eventually lead us to a courtyard.) "Balls. Where the hell are we?" ( At this point in the timeline, if it had been a real fire, this is where we all burn to death)
8. (Find another set of doors that lead us to the street.)
9. (Stand outside for 15 minutes. 4 fire trucks are at the scene. They turn off the alarm. We go inside and back to bed)
10. The End.
Brussels tomorrow.
1. "Huh, what is that? Am I dreaming?"
2. "Crap, it's the fire alarm."
3. "Maybe if I wait a little bit, it'll just turn off."
4. (30 seconds later) "Ok, it's not going off. If it's a real fire, I should probably evacuate."
5. (Puts pants on, grabs jacket, puts on flip flops)
6. (Walk down stairs, there are groups of confused teenagers. I slip down the stairs, a teenage boy wearing a white, short-sleeved, mock turtleneck comes to help me up. He then locks arms with me and we walk down the stairs. We part after one flight.)
7. (Get to the ground floor and follow exit signs that eventually lead us to a courtyard.) "Balls. Where the hell are we?" ( At this point in the timeline, if it had been a real fire, this is where we all burn to death)
8. (Find another set of doors that lead us to the street.)
9. (Stand outside for 15 minutes. 4 fire trucks are at the scene. They turn off the alarm. We go inside and back to bed)
10. The End.
Brussels tomorrow.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Guten Abend, Vienna
Well the good news is I have been able to trave around Europe for a month.
The bad news is the US dollar has just hit an all time low against the Euro. Damn it! Damn it! Damn it! I hate doing math and that is what I have to do every time I want to buy something because for every Euro, 1.5 dollars must die in its place. Not that that has stopped me. But you know, I stop and think. For 5 seconds. Before pulling out my credit card.
I thought for sure Vienna would seem like the whitest city I visit and oddly, I feel like there is more different kinds of people and different kinds of cuisine than Paris. I wonder how all these Asians ended up in the middle of this continent.
The bad news is the US dollar has just hit an all time low against the Euro. Damn it! Damn it! Damn it! I hate doing math and that is what I have to do every time I want to buy something because for every Euro, 1.5 dollars must die in its place. Not that that has stopped me. But you know, I stop and think. For 5 seconds. Before pulling out my credit card.
I thought for sure Vienna would seem like the whitest city I visit and oddly, I feel like there is more different kinds of people and different kinds of cuisine than Paris. I wonder how all these Asians ended up in the middle of this continent.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Guten Tag, Vienna
This entry will be a mish mash of thoughts.
While I was sitting in a random piazza in Rome, resting my feet, reading my travel guide, I see a street cleaning machine coming my way. I assess how close the machine will get to me and if I should move. My calculations told me I was ok. And then I watched it clean the cobbled street. I was question how clean it actually gets. It's like mopping your floor but you never change the water in the bucket. So you're basically moving dirt around. So I'm watching and as it's about to pass me, it spits out a dead pigeon right in front of me. I gag. Stand up immediately. And literally run off.
It's weird what brands translate to almost every place in the world. McDonald's. Louis Vuitton. Chuck Taylors. Rihanna. Tall boots (damn it). From snooty French to crazy Japanese to ugly Amercans. Every country I've been to thus far, I can find all these things. What is about them that everyone loves?
I arrived in Vienna this morning aboard the smallest plane I've ever flown on. Smaller than the plane I took to the tiny Greek island of Kefonia. Apparently not many people fly from Rome to Vienna. Since I couldn't check in until 2p, I took the metro down to downtown. I was prepared for colder weather but it has been sunny and warm all day. There are weiner carts everywhere. Tomorrow I will have one.
While I was sitting in a random piazza in Rome, resting my feet, reading my travel guide, I see a street cleaning machine coming my way. I assess how close the machine will get to me and if I should move. My calculations told me I was ok. And then I watched it clean the cobbled street. I was question how clean it actually gets. It's like mopping your floor but you never change the water in the bucket. So you're basically moving dirt around. So I'm watching and as it's about to pass me, it spits out a dead pigeon right in front of me. I gag. Stand up immediately. And literally run off.
It's weird what brands translate to almost every place in the world. McDonald's. Louis Vuitton. Chuck Taylors. Rihanna. Tall boots (damn it). From snooty French to crazy Japanese to ugly Amercans. Every country I've been to thus far, I can find all these things. What is about them that everyone loves?
I arrived in Vienna this morning aboard the smallest plane I've ever flown on. Smaller than the plane I took to the tiny Greek island of Kefonia. Apparently not many people fly from Rome to Vienna. Since I couldn't check in until 2p, I took the metro down to downtown. I was prepared for colder weather but it has been sunny and warm all day. There are weiner carts everywhere. Tomorrow I will have one.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Arrivederci, Rome
Why do people feel compelled to try to guess my nationality no matter where I go? It's not even remotely polite like, "Where are you from?" It's always, without fail, stare, "Japanese? Chinese? Korean?" The order is never the same. Sometimes I get Taiwanese or Filipino. I never get Vietnamese. I always wondered why and then it dawned on me today after I had another guess-my-nationality-guessing game with some security guys at the Vatican today. Yes, the Vatican.
It's because Vietnamese people, for real from Vietnam, don't have the means nor the freedom to travel abroad. Therefore, people in other countries rarely meet Vietnamese. The other Asians of Asia are all over the globe. But the Vietnamese are not.
Now that still doesn't explain why foreign dudes are always trying to guess.
Today is my last day in Rome and it was one straight out of my Latin textbook. Even the trees by the Colosseum looked like they were copied from the cover of the textbook I used in high school. It was breath taking to step out of the Metro exit, on to the street, adjust to the sunlight, and see the Colosseum right there. Cross the street and there it is. Pretty damn cool.
Vienna tomorrow.
It's because Vietnamese people, for real from Vietnam, don't have the means nor the freedom to travel abroad. Therefore, people in other countries rarely meet Vietnamese. The other Asians of Asia are all over the globe. But the Vietnamese are not.
Now that still doesn't explain why foreign dudes are always trying to guess.
Today is my last day in Rome and it was one straight out of my Latin textbook. Even the trees by the Colosseum looked like they were copied from the cover of the textbook I used in high school. It was breath taking to step out of the Metro exit, on to the street, adjust to the sunlight, and see the Colosseum right there. Cross the street and there it is. Pretty damn cool.
Vienna tomorrow.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Buona Sera, Rome
Ok people, hell has officially frozen over.
Someone asked me out to drinks today.
In Italy.
While I lingered at an outdoor cafe.
Who am I?
This has never happened to me in my regular life and now it happens to me in my awesome travel life?!?
I, of course, declined. I'm so paranoid about going out at night and my hotel isn't anywhere close to the city center. But the encounter did put a smile on my face. And guy was kinda cute.
Ahh to be fabulous for a moment.
Someone asked me out to drinks today.
In Italy.
While I lingered at an outdoor cafe.
Who am I?
This has never happened to me in my regular life and now it happens to me in my awesome travel life?!?
I, of course, declined. I'm so paranoid about going out at night and my hotel isn't anywhere close to the city center. But the encounter did put a smile on my face. And guy was kinda cute.
Ahh to be fabulous for a moment.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Buon Pomeriggio, Rome
Made it into Rome after taking a water bus, train, and a regular bus.
Venice was interesting. I didn't go there with specific sites in mind like I had with the other cities I've been to. I figured the site to see was the city itself and I was right. I wandered around. Other than Saint Mark's Square, I didn't have an agenda. I would start my day there and just walk until lunch, eat, and then spend the rest of the day finding my way back. Most of the time it was cool, walking into a church, window shopping, seeing some beautiful buildings, all by accident. Occassionally scary when I ended up down some dark, narrow alley with not a soul around.
St. Mark's Square, while world famous for it's beauty and splednor, may be my nightmare come true. I will explain. I hate birds. They crowd together, on what seems like whim will collectively take flight in massive groups, they poop wherever they feel like, and they could kill us all if they ever wanted to. What I hate more than birds are pigeons. And apparently they called St. Mark's square their home base because they were everywhere. And vendors sold bird food to tourists to encourage these monsters to fly right on to people's arms and heads. Shudder.
Tomorrow Rome. I dedicate this leg of my journey to my high school Latin teacher, Ms. Cherry. She is the reason I know why SPQR is all over Rome (Senātus Populusque Rōmānus: "The Senate and the People of Rome"). She passed away last year and I remember I was sitting in edit 15 mastering a promo when I got a call on my cell phone from my high school business law teacher, Ms. Haynes. She told me the very sad news. Ms. Cherry was older but you always think people are around forever. I had her for four years and she was one of those teachers you would go back to visit high school for.
Anyways, whenever I think of Rome, I think of Ms. Cherry.
Venice was interesting. I didn't go there with specific sites in mind like I had with the other cities I've been to. I figured the site to see was the city itself and I was right. I wandered around. Other than Saint Mark's Square, I didn't have an agenda. I would start my day there and just walk until lunch, eat, and then spend the rest of the day finding my way back. Most of the time it was cool, walking into a church, window shopping, seeing some beautiful buildings, all by accident. Occassionally scary when I ended up down some dark, narrow alley with not a soul around.
St. Mark's Square, while world famous for it's beauty and splednor, may be my nightmare come true. I will explain. I hate birds. They crowd together, on what seems like whim will collectively take flight in massive groups, they poop wherever they feel like, and they could kill us all if they ever wanted to. What I hate more than birds are pigeons. And apparently they called St. Mark's square their home base because they were everywhere. And vendors sold bird food to tourists to encourage these monsters to fly right on to people's arms and heads. Shudder.
Tomorrow Rome. I dedicate this leg of my journey to my high school Latin teacher, Ms. Cherry. She is the reason I know why SPQR is all over Rome (Senātus Populusque Rōmānus: "The Senate and the People of Rome"). She passed away last year and I remember I was sitting in edit 15 mastering a promo when I got a call on my cell phone from my high school business law teacher, Ms. Haynes. She told me the very sad news. Ms. Cherry was older but you always think people are around forever. I had her for four years and she was one of those teachers you would go back to visit high school for.
Anyways, whenever I think of Rome, I think of Ms. Cherry.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Ciao, Venice
I took an overnight sleeper train from Paris to Venice, it took about 14 hours (while Im writing this, Wham just came on over the speakers "Wake Me Up"). This is one of the most interesting social situations I have ever been in. 5 people, including me, who seemingly have never experienced this before. We had to collectively figure out to fold up the seats to make the middle bunk (the compartment sleeps 6) and everyone spoke a differently language so there wasnt much conversation, more gestures and nervous chuckles.
I slept terrible. I was paranoid something would happen. I wasnt sure what I thought might happen, just something bad while I slept.
I get to Venice and the train station is literally on the water. You exit, and there is water. I looked up directions to my hotel before I left but still, I was all disoriented and just hoped I had gotten on the right water bus (Now Kenny Loggins "Footloose" came on). Luckily Im staying near San Marco square so the chances of me finding my way back to my hotel at the end of each day are pretty high.
My hotel has tiny packets of Nutella out on the breakfast bar. Pretty much my heaven on earth.
Since internet in Venice is grossly expensive, expect to hear from in a couple days when I get to Rome.
Laters.
I slept terrible. I was paranoid something would happen. I wasnt sure what I thought might happen, just something bad while I slept.
I get to Venice and the train station is literally on the water. You exit, and there is water. I looked up directions to my hotel before I left but still, I was all disoriented and just hoped I had gotten on the right water bus (Now Kenny Loggins "Footloose" came on). Luckily Im staying near San Marco square so the chances of me finding my way back to my hotel at the end of each day are pretty high.
My hotel has tiny packets of Nutella out on the breakfast bar. Pretty much my heaven on earth.
Since internet in Venice is grossly expensive, expect to hear from in a couple days when I get to Rome.
Laters.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Au Revoir Paris
Tomorrow is my last day in Paris. It's been really nice to be able to go out into a city that isn't yours and come back to a homebase that feels like home. My aunt, uncle, and cousin have been awesome. Opening their home, feeding me ridiculously well, making sure I'm set to see the city. Once again I am amazed how I've lucked out and have such generous people in my life.
What I did today:
Sacré-Cœur Basilica
Walked around Montmarte, tried to find the bar Amelie worked in but got lost
Moulin Rouge, which turns out to be surrounded by Paris' red light district
Saint-Honoré to window shop all the designer stores
Louvre (closed so just sat outside)
Palais Royal
Opéra Garnier
Bought what are supposedly the best baguettes in Paris
Tomorrow evening I get on a sleeper train for a 14 hour ride to Venice.
What I did today:
Sacré-Cœur Basilica
Walked around Montmarte, tried to find the bar Amelie worked in but got lost
Moulin Rouge, which turns out to be surrounded by Paris' red light district
Saint-Honoré to window shop all the designer stores
Louvre (closed so just sat outside)
Palais Royal
Opéra Garnier
Bought what are supposedly the best baguettes in Paris
Tomorrow evening I get on a sleeper train for a 14 hour ride to Venice.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Marche Paris
Anyone who knows me knows that music is an integral part of my life. My ipod is always with me. Whether it's playing on my commute to work, before I fall asleep, or when I'm traveling, my ipod is surgically attached to me.
I am obsessed with the idea of soundtracking my life. Very specific memories are evoked when very specific songs play. There are songs that will always remind me of beach week my senior year of high school (Backstreet Boys' "I Want It That Way," Maxamillion's "Sexual Healing"), driving around Europe with my family spring break 9th grade (Anything from the Cardigans first two CDs), and the list goes on. One time I was on the train up to NYC, reading a book, and Nada Surf's "Paper Boats" came on and it blew my mind because the song talked about riding a train and reading a book!!! I know, crazy, right?
So today, as I walked to the Tour Eiffel, along the Seine, and around the Latin Quarter, every so often I would put on the soundtrack from Amelie and it was magical. I stopped myself several times from swaying to the music whenever I was at a crosswalk, waiting for the light to change. It made what was a truly lovely day even lovelier.
Anyone who hasn't seen Paris, je t'aime, you must. It will make you want to come to Paris ASAP.
What I did today:
Tour Eiffel
Walked along the Seine
Hotel des Invalides
Pantheon
Notre Dame Cathedral
Hotel de Ville
Latin Quarter
And a really long lunch that ended with chocolate mousse.
I am obsessed with the idea of soundtracking my life. Very specific memories are evoked when very specific songs play. There are songs that will always remind me of beach week my senior year of high school (Backstreet Boys' "I Want It That Way," Maxamillion's "Sexual Healing"), driving around Europe with my family spring break 9th grade (Anything from the Cardigans first two CDs), and the list goes on. One time I was on the train up to NYC, reading a book, and Nada Surf's "Paper Boats" came on and it blew my mind because the song talked about riding a train and reading a book!!! I know, crazy, right?
So today, as I walked to the Tour Eiffel, along the Seine, and around the Latin Quarter, every so often I would put on the soundtrack from Amelie and it was magical. I stopped myself several times from swaying to the music whenever I was at a crosswalk, waiting for the light to change. It made what was a truly lovely day even lovelier.
Anyone who hasn't seen Paris, je t'aime, you must. It will make you want to come to Paris ASAP.
What I did today:
Tour Eiffel
Walked along the Seine
Hotel des Invalides
Pantheon
Notre Dame Cathedral
Hotel de Ville
Latin Quarter
And a really long lunch that ended with chocolate mousse.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Ensoleillé Paris
First, to address Bootros' comments:
Brocade - a class of richly decorative shuttle-woven fabrics, often made in colored silks and with or without gold and silver threads. The name comes from French "to sew".
Shift - a straight dress with no waist shaping or seam (1960s)
On to travel news...today was my first full day in Paris and I did A LOT of walking. After having a great breakfast of fresh french bread and pâté, I got dropped off at Versailles, Turns out everyone had the great idea of enjoying the sun and not too cold temperature and visit. It took an hour to get a ticket and finally get inside. I love the style and the history of this time period. I've always wanted to dress up like Marie Antoinette for Halloween.
After walking around inside, I made it out back to the gardens. Again, the grounds must be stunning when everything is in bloom. I sat on the steps and ate the lunch my aunt packed. She's awesome. As I ate my chocolate croissant, I listened to the soundtrack to Marie Antoinette while looking at Versailles. I felt pretty awesome in this moment in time.
I spent another hour just walking around the gardens and then I got picked up. We drove back to the city and they dropped me off right in front of the Arc de Triomphe. I made my way down the Champs-Élysées all the way to the Place de la Concorde. And then I walked home stopping in every open patisserie, drooling at all the cakes and tarts.
Lots more walking tomorrow...
Brocade - a class of richly decorative shuttle-woven fabrics, often made in colored silks and with or without gold and silver threads. The name comes from French "to sew".
Shift - a straight dress with no waist shaping or seam (1960s)
On to travel news...today was my first full day in Paris and I did A LOT of walking. After having a great breakfast of fresh french bread and pâté, I got dropped off at Versailles, Turns out everyone had the great idea of enjoying the sun and not too cold temperature and visit. It took an hour to get a ticket and finally get inside. I love the style and the history of this time period. I've always wanted to dress up like Marie Antoinette for Halloween.
After walking around inside, I made it out back to the gardens. Again, the grounds must be stunning when everything is in bloom. I sat on the steps and ate the lunch my aunt packed. She's awesome. As I ate my chocolate croissant, I listened to the soundtrack to Marie Antoinette while looking at Versailles. I felt pretty awesome in this moment in time.
I spent another hour just walking around the gardens and then I got picked up. We drove back to the city and they dropped me off right in front of the Arc de Triomphe. I made my way down the Champs-Élysées all the way to the Place de la Concorde. And then I walked home stopping in every open patisserie, drooling at all the cakes and tarts.
Lots more walking tomorrow...
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Bonsoir, Paris
Just arrived in Paris and am so happy to be with family. My uncle met me at the bus stop, took the Air France bus from the airport right into the city and a couple blocks away from the apartment. The building had this amazing intricate heavy iron door, the lobby, which was just the stairway up and an elevator, was all dark wood and all these moldings. So French! I love it! The apartment is just what I imagine a French apartment to look like. I was expecting something small since it's in a pretty central location but it's spacious. Creaky wooden floors, great ceiling moldings.
I flew this airline today called Air Comet. At first I thought it was some make believe airline and Orbitz had swindled me but it's real! The flight attendants wore the cutest uniforms I have ever seen, a fitted shift with elbow length sleeves made out of this pretty dark teal and gold brocade. No neckerchiefs which I hate the airline industry for.
I am looking forward to stuffing my face with baguettes and window shopping.
While traveling to places in the off season is a good way to save some money and avoid crowds, I keep on saying in whatever city I am that it must be amazing in the spring and winter. I think I will make a vow to travel only when it's warm, wherever it is I go. So sorry Shapanka, I was thinking about Chicago in March but it's too damn cold.
And I smell dinner. Yea!
I flew this airline today called Air Comet. At first I thought it was some make believe airline and Orbitz had swindled me but it's real! The flight attendants wore the cutest uniforms I have ever seen, a fitted shift with elbow length sleeves made out of this pretty dark teal and gold brocade. No neckerchiefs which I hate the airline industry for.
I am looking forward to stuffing my face with baguettes and window shopping.
While traveling to places in the off season is a good way to save some money and avoid crowds, I keep on saying in whatever city I am that it must be amazing in the spring and winter. I think I will make a vow to travel only when it's warm, wherever it is I go. So sorry Shapanka, I was thinking about Chicago in March but it's too damn cold.
And I smell dinner. Yea!
Friday, February 15, 2008
Buenos noches, Barcelona
Today is my last day in Barcelona. I really only got two days in so I´ve been motoring around the city. This city has pretty much everything, a harbor, beach, parks, mountiain, narrow Gothic streets, shopping, food, etc. I would definitely say I would pick Barcelona over Madrid.
Most of my days, regardless of the city, has been going to a tourist information office or stand, grabbing a city map and walking around. Most the hot spots are close to each other so I´ve either purposefully found a site or on my way to finding something, stumble across something definitely worth seeing. Being the cheapskate that I am, I try to avoid for paying for things if possible. This means I have to pick the one museum I want to see in each city that I will pay for. Otherwise, wandering around or taking public transportation has been working so far.
The hotel I am currently staying at only has Spanish channels. No CNN or BBC World. So sometimes I find myself watching the news trying to figure out what the story is. There was a huge cell phone expo in town. And Robert Redford was in town for it. And Thierry Henry is back to the Barcelona futbol club he plays for. And he and Ronaldinho love each other. I think.
I head to Paris tomorrow to stay with my uncle Cau Ngoc, aunt Co Ngoc, and cousin Johnny. I am very excited to stay with family, have a home cooked meal and a free place to rest my head.
Most of my days, regardless of the city, has been going to a tourist information office or stand, grabbing a city map and walking around. Most the hot spots are close to each other so I´ve either purposefully found a site or on my way to finding something, stumble across something definitely worth seeing. Being the cheapskate that I am, I try to avoid for paying for things if possible. This means I have to pick the one museum I want to see in each city that I will pay for. Otherwise, wandering around or taking public transportation has been working so far.
The hotel I am currently staying at only has Spanish channels. No CNN or BBC World. So sometimes I find myself watching the news trying to figure out what the story is. There was a huge cell phone expo in town. And Robert Redford was in town for it. And Thierry Henry is back to the Barcelona futbol club he plays for. And he and Ronaldinho love each other. I think.
I head to Paris tomorrow to stay with my uncle Cau Ngoc, aunt Co Ngoc, and cousin Johnny. I am very excited to stay with family, have a home cooked meal and a free place to rest my head.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Adios Madrid
Alas it is getting a little colder here in Madrid. Although compared to what its been like in the DC, not that cold. I just have to zip my coat now.
In my quest to save money, I have sacrficed any good eating habits I had and my dignity. The good news, the places I´ve been staying at include breakfast. The bad news, apparently they frown upon taking apples to go. I was eating breakfast yesterday, I grabbed an orange and an apple. After the orange, I was full. I thought it would be rude and gross to put back the apple after I had man-handled and coughed all over it so I went to go put it in my backpack. I was immediately scolded and told I couldn´t do that. At least that´s what I´m guessing he said since my Spanish is terrible.
I´ve had a couple people ask if I´m ¨China¨ They always looked so surprised when I say American. I had an actual conversation today in park after a man asked me where I´m from. He seemed to be a Madrid native and was asking where I´m from and what brings me here. After I told him I´m Vietnamese, I asked there were any Vietnamese restaurants in Madrid. He said he thinks there might be but wasn´t sure. He did direct me to an Asian market around the corner in case I was in search of soy sauce. I miss rice.
This whole travelng alone thing gives me so much time that I find myself seeing all the sites I plan for the day that I´ve taken to bringing a book with me. That way, I can take longer walks and breaks in parks. It´s been warm enough where I can sit on a park bench and read.
I head to Barcelona tomorrow by train. I look forward to lugging around my suitcase through the subway.
In my quest to save money, I have sacrficed any good eating habits I had and my dignity. The good news, the places I´ve been staying at include breakfast. The bad news, apparently they frown upon taking apples to go. I was eating breakfast yesterday, I grabbed an orange and an apple. After the orange, I was full. I thought it would be rude and gross to put back the apple after I had man-handled and coughed all over it so I went to go put it in my backpack. I was immediately scolded and told I couldn´t do that. At least that´s what I´m guessing he said since my Spanish is terrible.
I´ve had a couple people ask if I´m ¨China¨ They always looked so surprised when I say American. I had an actual conversation today in park after a man asked me where I´m from. He seemed to be a Madrid native and was asking where I´m from and what brings me here. After I told him I´m Vietnamese, I asked there were any Vietnamese restaurants in Madrid. He said he thinks there might be but wasn´t sure. He did direct me to an Asian market around the corner in case I was in search of soy sauce. I miss rice.
This whole travelng alone thing gives me so much time that I find myself seeing all the sites I plan for the day that I´ve taken to bringing a book with me. That way, I can take longer walks and breaks in parks. It´s been warm enough where I can sit on a park bench and read.
I head to Barcelona tomorrow by train. I look forward to lugging around my suitcase through the subway.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Hola from Madrid
So it turns out, Spanish and Portugese sometimes similar, sometimes not at all. For instance, Ola in Portugese, Hola in Spanish. Obrigado in Portugese, Gracias in Spanish. Weird I know.
I took an overnight train from Lisbon to Madrid. I got to the train station really early because I was paranoid it would take me awhile to figure out where I was going. Turns it out it was easy and I waited for 3 hours. In those three hours, 2 other Asians appeared in the waiting area. Which is weird because my entire time in Lisbon, I did not see a single Asian person. Not one! I was hoping one of them spoke English but they both turned out to be anti social Japanese guys. Sigh.
The train took about 7 hours and made me long for the bullet train in Japan because this train moved at the speed of a donkey. By the time I got the hotel in Madrid, I could feel some sniffles coming on so I took it easy yesterday. Just walked around the neighborhood and got to bed early.
Today it is lovely out. Sunny, 60. Lots of tourists and locals walking about since its the weekend. I spent the entire morning at the Prado Museum. Even for an art moron like myself, theres such much to see there. Nothing contemporary or modern thank god. Lots of Goya.
Lillo, I had a calamari sandwich today. Yummy good!
Also, from watching BBC World, CNN and looking at all the newspapers here and in Lisbon, apparently the primaries is a big deal to the rest of the world too. Also, big news according to CNN, the lifting of the head scarf ban in Turkey. Who knew?
Thank you for reading and posting your comments. I love it! I miss you all dearly. I havent laughed in a week because apparently no matter what country you´re in, laughing aloud by when youre by yourself is considered crazy.
PS - I still cant figure out where the apostrophe is on these crazy keyboards.
I took an overnight train from Lisbon to Madrid. I got to the train station really early because I was paranoid it would take me awhile to figure out where I was going. Turns it out it was easy and I waited for 3 hours. In those three hours, 2 other Asians appeared in the waiting area. Which is weird because my entire time in Lisbon, I did not see a single Asian person. Not one! I was hoping one of them spoke English but they both turned out to be anti social Japanese guys. Sigh.
The train took about 7 hours and made me long for the bullet train in Japan because this train moved at the speed of a donkey. By the time I got the hotel in Madrid, I could feel some sniffles coming on so I took it easy yesterday. Just walked around the neighborhood and got to bed early.
Today it is lovely out. Sunny, 60. Lots of tourists and locals walking about since its the weekend. I spent the entire morning at the Prado Museum. Even for an art moron like myself, theres such much to see there. Nothing contemporary or modern thank god. Lots of Goya.
Lillo, I had a calamari sandwich today. Yummy good!
Also, from watching BBC World, CNN and looking at all the newspapers here and in Lisbon, apparently the primaries is a big deal to the rest of the world too. Also, big news according to CNN, the lifting of the head scarf ban in Turkey. Who knew?
Thank you for reading and posting your comments. I love it! I miss you all dearly. I havent laughed in a week because apparently no matter what country you´re in, laughing aloud by when youre by yourself is considered crazy.
PS - I still cant figure out where the apostrophe is on these crazy keyboards.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Ola from Lisbon
The end of day 1 in Lisbon. I exchanged some money at the airport last night while waiting for my luggage. The Euro is kicking some major Dollar butt. While I ate my way through Asia, I think I may come out of Europe a couple pounds lighter just so I can save some money.
While the money exchange guy was exchanging my money, there was some chit chat about what brings me to Lisbon. I say vacation and he says too bad it is cold. Little does he know that 65 and sunny is pretty much perfect weather forr me since I tend to profusely sweat even when there is a slight chill in the air.
Lisbon is beautiful, right on the water. It has cobbled streets that are at time very narrow and very steep.
I am trying to get used to being completely by myself. It is going to be a huge adjustment. We will have to see in a few days how I am dealing with this.
Also, I found this place wth free internet. It seems to be some sort of youth center that is playing MTV on the TV. This keyboard is a little wacky and I cannot seem to find the apostrophe.
While the money exchange guy was exchanging my money, there was some chit chat about what brings me to Lisbon. I say vacation and he says too bad it is cold. Little does he know that 65 and sunny is pretty much perfect weather forr me since I tend to profusely sweat even when there is a slight chill in the air.
Lisbon is beautiful, right on the water. It has cobbled streets that are at time very narrow and very steep.
I am trying to get used to being completely by myself. It is going to be a huge adjustment. We will have to see in a few days how I am dealing with this.
Also, I found this place wth free internet. It seems to be some sort of youth center that is playing MTV on the TV. This keyboard is a little wacky and I cannot seem to find the apostrophe.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Travels, Leg #2
Clearly I'm a terrible blogger. I make all these promises of posting back logged entries and exotic pictures of the Far East. And since I've been back, I've done absolutely nothing. Literally. Hours and hours spent on the couch in my sweat pants watching the OC on dvd.
Now the eve of my flight to Lisbon, I'm going to make another promise. That I will blog in Europe as I go along. At least once a week. Hopefully. Maybe.
I'm getting nervous as the clock creeps closer to take off. I've never gone on a trip by myself, let alone for an entire month. But this is the reason why I took time off from work. To do things I wouldn't normally do that may take me out of my comfort zone.
First is Lisbon, then Barcelona, Madrid...
Monday, January 21, 2008
Bethesda, MD
This blogging thing is turning out to be more work than I had anticipated. I will be spending the next couple days post blogging the past 3 weeks. Hold tight and I'll have some pictures to accompany the words.
Left Toyko Monday 11am, arrived at Dulles 10am. Time travel not all it's cracked up to be. It surprisingly takes a long time, 12 hours to be extact. Currently not feeling the affects of jet lag but that could be because my body has no idea what time and day it's supposed to be.
Left Toyko Monday 11am, arrived at Dulles 10am. Time travel not all it's cracked up to be. It surprisingly takes a long time, 12 hours to be extact. Currently not feeling the affects of jet lag but that could be because my body has no idea what time and day it's supposed to be.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Tokyo, day 2 continued
After the fish market we took the subway to Akihabara aka Electric town. The street is full of stands selling cameras, cell phones, lights, and any other electronics you can think of. There are also stores, 6, 7, 8 floors full of goodies. The most fascinating merchandise for me were the high tech rice cookers and toilet seats.
Next neighborhood was Asakusa. There is a street lined with stands selling food, clothes, and souvenirs that lead to Sensoji Temple. It was packed with people who were shopping but also going to the temple to pray.
The marathon day continued with a visit to Harajuku to see the famous fashion and all the teenagers hanging out in their goth maid costumes at 3p like it's completely normal which I guess for them it is. Crepes are big here so there were girls hanging out on the street eating crepes. No walking around eating, standing and eating. It's hard for me to not walk and eat. The Japanese do not. I think because there are no trash cans anywhere.
Went home where my aunt made dinner, took a break and then went out to see the lights of Roppongi. There's this huge development called Roppongi Hills that's relative new, I think built in 2004. It's a series of office buildings, apartments, shops, movie theater, museums, and restaurants intertwined with each other. It's beautiful.
We did not make it to the Cavern Club. But it turns out my sisters saw the Silver Beats open for the Killers back in states and were interested in going. We couldn't find it and also were pretty beat so we headed home.
Phew.
My aunt Co Ha and uncle Chu Vu took us around the whole day. I've learned a lot of things on this trip but the one thing that I'm most amazed about is somehow I've been lucky enough to be surrounded by incredibly generous, kind people. What have I done to deserve such kindness? My uncle Bac Kim in Saigon, Alex in Nha Trang, Co Ha and Chu Vu in Tokyo. They've all gone completely out of their way to make sure we see everything we want to, are well fed and well rested, and always happy. Thanking them well never be enough for what they've given us.
Next neighborhood was Asakusa. There is a street lined with stands selling food, clothes, and souvenirs that lead to Sensoji Temple. It was packed with people who were shopping but also going to the temple to pray.
The marathon day continued with a visit to Harajuku to see the famous fashion and all the teenagers hanging out in their goth maid costumes at 3p like it's completely normal which I guess for them it is. Crepes are big here so there were girls hanging out on the street eating crepes. No walking around eating, standing and eating. It's hard for me to not walk and eat. The Japanese do not. I think because there are no trash cans anywhere.
Went home where my aunt made dinner, took a break and then went out to see the lights of Roppongi. There's this huge development called Roppongi Hills that's relative new, I think built in 2004. It's a series of office buildings, apartments, shops, movie theater, museums, and restaurants intertwined with each other. It's beautiful.
We did not make it to the Cavern Club. But it turns out my sisters saw the Silver Beats open for the Killers back in states and were interested in going. We couldn't find it and also were pretty beat so we headed home.
Phew.
My aunt Co Ha and uncle Chu Vu took us around the whole day. I've learned a lot of things on this trip but the one thing that I'm most amazed about is somehow I've been lucky enough to be surrounded by incredibly generous, kind people. What have I done to deserve such kindness? My uncle Bac Kim in Saigon, Alex in Nha Trang, Co Ha and Chu Vu in Tokyo. They've all gone completely out of their way to make sure we see everything we want to, are well fed and well rested, and always happy. Thanking them well never be enough for what they've given us.
Tokyo, day 2
We're about to sit down to dinner that my aunt is cooking. While I've enjoyed the food I've eaten thus far in the trip, I miss home cooking. Nothing compares.
Today we got an early start because we wanted to get to the legendary fish market. Unfortunately to see the real action, which is the fish auction, we would need to be there at 7am. We didn't get down there until 8:30am so we missed the auction but still got to see seafood that I've never seen in my life, wriggling and in technicolor. There was tuna so big they were using an axe to skin it and a table saw to cut up pieces. Fresh scallops still in the shell, octopus, eel, and many unidentifiable creatures. After dodging buckets of fishy water being thrown on the ground and carts zooming by, we got some breakfast sushi. Yup, sushi for breakfast. We sat at the bar, pointed to the picture menu and they give it to you as they make it. Amazing. They rolled the seaweed like an ice cream cone.
Dinner break. To be continued after Roppongi tonight. Aaron, I'll see if the gang wants to go the Cavern Club...
Today we got an early start because we wanted to get to the legendary fish market. Unfortunately to see the real action, which is the fish auction, we would need to be there at 7am. We didn't get down there until 8:30am so we missed the auction but still got to see seafood that I've never seen in my life, wriggling and in technicolor. There was tuna so big they were using an axe to skin it and a table saw to cut up pieces. Fresh scallops still in the shell, octopus, eel, and many unidentifiable creatures. After dodging buckets of fishy water being thrown on the ground and carts zooming by, we got some breakfast sushi. Yup, sushi for breakfast. We sat at the bar, pointed to the picture menu and they give it to you as they make it. Amazing. They rolled the seaweed like an ice cream cone.
Dinner break. To be continued after Roppongi tonight. Aaron, I'll see if the gang wants to go the Cavern Club...
Friday, January 18, 2008
Konichiwa from Tokyo
Got into Tokoyo today on the bullet train from Kyoto. Some sailing until we get off the train in the Tokyo station. People everyone moving at a very fast pace. Now if you know anything about me, I'm a person who likes to walk fast but the Tokyo train station is double time.
Since taxis are so expensive and we'd have to take two taxis, we decide on the subway and now figure out the subway to my uncle and aunt's place. Luckily my sister Khue has a good sense of direction and can read a map without getting flustered.
My uncle works for the World Bank and started his post in Tokyo in September. He and my aunt in living in an executive apartment during their time here. Basically a hotel but with a kitchen and a second bedroom. Very spacious for Tokyo standards.
Tomorrow we really get into Tokyo. Stay tuned.
Since taxis are so expensive and we'd have to take two taxis, we decide on the subway and now figure out the subway to my uncle and aunt's place. Luckily my sister Khue has a good sense of direction and can read a map without getting flustered.
My uncle works for the World Bank and started his post in Tokyo in September. He and my aunt in living in an executive apartment during their time here. Basically a hotel but with a kitchen and a second bedroom. Very spacious for Tokyo standards.
Tomorrow we really get into Tokyo. Stay tuned.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Kyoto
Konichiwa from Kyoto. Took a 12am flight from Saigon, landed 4 hours later in Osaka at 7am and then struggled to figure out how to get train to Kyoto. From the Kyoto train station hailed a cab to get to a very nice hotel.
We took a power nap and spent the rest of the afternoon walking about the city center and getting lost down the many shopping arcades. The street names are all very long and all seem the same but we managed to find our way back to the hotel.
Japan and Vietnam, light years away from each other. The weather is different. The clothes are different. The traffic is different. Everything. In Vietnam, finding a toilet and not a hole with toilet paper was a victory. In Japan, the toilet seat is heated, it flushes itself, and you have the option to use it as a bidet. Amazing.
One more day here and the we're on a Friday morning bullet train to Toyko.
We took a power nap and spent the rest of the afternoon walking about the city center and getting lost down the many shopping arcades. The street names are all very long and all seem the same but we managed to find our way back to the hotel.
Japan and Vietnam, light years away from each other. The weather is different. The clothes are different. The traffic is different. Everything. In Vietnam, finding a toilet and not a hole with toilet paper was a victory. In Japan, the toilet seat is heated, it flushes itself, and you have the option to use it as a bidet. Amazing.
One more day here and the we're on a Friday morning bullet train to Toyko.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Hanoi
Quick post from Vietnam. Currently in Hanoi, last day here. I always thought NYC was crazy busy but it doesn't even compare to Hanoi or Saigon. I don't know how peolpe get any rest or peace of mind. It's so densely populated.
That's it. I'll post blog when I get back to the states.
That's it. I'll post blog when I get back to the states.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Eve Before Vietnam
so it's finally here. the eve before flying to vietnam. a little backstory on how i got to this point.
a couple months ago, i think beginning of summer, TLC decides to move the network to LA. i immediately think that i won't have job come the end of 2007. perfect! it's a natural break in the work cycle. i decide that i should make it easy for team and quit to travel. one of my biggest regrets in life is that i didn't study abroad in college and i never took advantage of all the long summer and winter breaks. all these chances to travel and i didn't take them.
and this brings us to now. i've been so busy with the holidays, moving tlc's library, and just work in general that i haven't had time to absorb that i actually quit my job and that i'm actually going to travel for 3 months. 12 hours from now i'm getting on a plane and it still hasn't sunk in.
everyone who knows me knows that i'm a type a personality. hmm...type a probably doesn't begin to describe how much i need order and to plan and to organize. this is a big deal what i'm doing so wish me luck.
i hope to post every couple days or at the very least back blog when i get back at the end of the month.
a couple months ago, i think beginning of summer, TLC decides to move the network to LA. i immediately think that i won't have job come the end of 2007. perfect! it's a natural break in the work cycle. i decide that i should make it easy for team and quit to travel. one of my biggest regrets in life is that i didn't study abroad in college and i never took advantage of all the long summer and winter breaks. all these chances to travel and i didn't take them.
and this brings us to now. i've been so busy with the holidays, moving tlc's library, and just work in general that i haven't had time to absorb that i actually quit my job and that i'm actually going to travel for 3 months. 12 hours from now i'm getting on a plane and it still hasn't sunk in.
everyone who knows me knows that i'm a type a personality. hmm...type a probably doesn't begin to describe how much i need order and to plan and to organize. this is a big deal what i'm doing so wish me luck.
i hope to post every couple days or at the very least back blog when i get back at the end of the month.
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