Regretably it's been a long time since I have updated -- a lot has been going on. After exploring the temples of Angkor we headed off to Bangkok, Thailand. The most that I can say about Bangkok is that everybody there is trying to sell you something, and generally not something that you need. Furthermore, their methods tend to border on crooked. Thai shadebags hang around national monuments telling you that whatever site you want to visit that day is closed for whatever reason, and that to kill time you should come with them to find this great deal on .... (fill in whatever here; suits, gems, etc.). Obviously, they are lying about the place being closed and just want to con you into buying crap.
This happened to us. We were going to see Wat Arun and stopped into a 7-11 to get some water along the way. A Thai man claiming to be a lawyer who liked to see Americans began talking to us about what we did and our trip to Bagkok thus far. He asked what we were doing, and we said we were going to take a river ferry to the temple. Naturally, he told us that the river ferries were not running until 3:00, when the temple would also open for the day. He suggested we go look at this tailor he knew about, who was having a sale that ended at 2:00. Oh, how convenient.
We thanked him for his help and he left. We talked it over and decided to check for ourselves if the Wat Arun was really closed. Of course, the man was outside smoking a ciggie when we left the 7-11 and offered to get us a cab. We said we wanted to check out the temple, but he was adamant that it was closed. Naturally. Finally, we whispered to each other that we'd just get in the damn cab and take it to the temple. He wrote down the address on a piece of paper and gave it to the cab driver, who said something back in Thai, and then the sleezebag told us that the driver didn't know where it was, so he would come with us. Obviously, to make sure we would go to the damn tailor.
At this point, we realized we were obviously caught deep in a scam, but to be honest, the two of us were laughing so hard in the back of the cab that we did not do what we should have done -- gotten out immediately and told the bastard to fuck off. He asked us what was so funny, and we said it was an inside joke. We were cracking up the entire way to the tailor. Granted, I got a good deal on a suit, but we still wasted an entire day. Later in the week, on our way to the Grand Palace, we were approached by three people within 3 km of the Palace telling us that it was a) closed or b) or clothing was inappropriate. All of this despite the fact that we i) specifically dressed for the Palace and ii) there were literally signs right next to one of the guys telling us it was closed saying "Do not trust strangers, we are open every day from 8-3:30". You might think I am kidding about the man next to the sign, but I am not. I did get a chance to tell that man to fuck off.
UPDATE:
Just as we were ready to go insane in Prague for lack of good help, we met a very nice American woman who is living in Prague teaching English. She reassured us that the rude attitudes were to be expected and it was not anything we were doing. She asked about our travels so far and when we mentioned Bangkok, she again validated our opinions for a nasty city, stating, "Oh God, I'm sorry. That city's a fucking armpit." Truer words have not been spoken.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Friday, April 20, 2007
April 20 - Update from Ho Chi Minh
Am I a bad person? Or just a soft American? On Tuesday of this week we found ourselves at the beautiful (really, you need to go there and see how great it is) beachside resort Tropicana on Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam.
Everything about the place is great. There are thatched-roof huts on the beach to shelter from the sun, lots of bamboo loungers, a great pool, tropical plants everywhere ... even women walking up and down the beach selling fresh pineapples. Coupled with blue skies, blue water, and white-ish sand, Phu Quoc quickly became one of my favorite places in the world. Oh, did I mention there was very limited internet and no cell phone service? It bordered on heaven.
The only problem was that our room was not air-c0nditioned. Sure, Tropicana has sealted bungalows that do have a/c, but we were not lucky enough to have booked such a hut. We quickly decided that despite the addtion of fans and mosquito nets, we would not be sleeping there. And so we went next door and got an airconditioned twin room for $18/night ... $27 per person in total.
Does this make me a bad person? Or just a soft American? I'm sure that for the hotel staff, who, we later found out, literally sleep on the hotel terrace at night, this was an extremely extravagant luxury and we decided to keep our pre-paid room at the Tropicana so that we could use its other benefits during out stay. I don't know. I'm a little torn about it. On the one hand, I'm quite refreshed and slept well every night. On the other hand ... lamedotcom, at Stacie would say.
I want to hear what you think, but first let me defend myself by saying that I spent about 70 hours/week from January 4 to April 6 working in a tiny gray cube. Don't I deserve an air-conditioned room when I go on vacation?
Everything about the place is great. There are thatched-roof huts on the beach to shelter from the sun, lots of bamboo loungers, a great pool, tropical plants everywhere ... even women walking up and down the beach selling fresh pineapples. Coupled with blue skies, blue water, and white-ish sand, Phu Quoc quickly became one of my favorite places in the world. Oh, did I mention there was very limited internet and no cell phone service? It bordered on heaven.
The only problem was that our room was not air-c0nditioned. Sure, Tropicana has sealted bungalows that do have a/c, but we were not lucky enough to have booked such a hut. We quickly decided that despite the addtion of fans and mosquito nets, we would not be sleeping there. And so we went next door and got an airconditioned twin room for $18/night ... $27 per person in total.
Does this make me a bad person? Or just a soft American? I'm sure that for the hotel staff, who, we later found out, literally sleep on the hotel terrace at night, this was an extremely extravagant luxury and we decided to keep our pre-paid room at the Tropicana so that we could use its other benefits during out stay. I don't know. I'm a little torn about it. On the one hand, I'm quite refreshed and slept well every night. On the other hand ... lamedotcom, at Stacie would say.
I want to hear what you think, but first let me defend myself by saying that I spent about 70 hours/week from January 4 to April 6 working in a tiny gray cube. Don't I deserve an air-conditioned room when I go on vacation?
Monday, April 16, 2007
day 7 - Saigon
Greetings from Steamy Saigon!
I have to admit that at the onset of this "World Tour," I was most nervous about entering the Socialist People's Republic of Vietnam, but now that I am here, I am so glad that we decided to come. Saigon is an extremely colorful city, complete with 3 million motorcylces and people everywhere. There is constantly something going on and always excitement in the air.
We dined al fresco this evening at a neat restaurant in Central Saigon called "Allez Boo", and it was wonderful to see all the people walking around, the moto traffic bustling, and the street vendors looking to make a few bucks (or dong, whatever the case may be). I regret that we don't have more time to explore this city further, but tomorrow morning we are off to relax on the beaches of Phu Quoc Island. After working crazy hours at M&P this semester, I am thrilled to have a chance to do absolutely nothing.
****
On a quick side note, we took a day-tour of the Mekong River Delta today and met quite a few interesting people. Most of them were British or Australian, but all of them were either at the beginning, middle, or end of extremely long tours of Southeast Asia. Some of the Brits were curious about how Tamara and I were able to get so much time off of work, and we had to admit that we were students, and this was not the norm. The English and Australians alike get about 4 weeks paid vacation per year. Australians get paid 117% of their normal salary while on vacation.
Wow.
I have to admit, America doesn't seem to be two weeks' more productive than England or Australia, so why don't we get the extra time? Or the extra pay? What is about the cultures of these two nations that makes them value vacation time so much more than we do? Especially when you consider the extremely strong historical links between us and them. Definitely something to consider more in depth down the line, and all I can say now is that I hope someday I will have a solid 4 week's worth of 100%+ paid vacation time per year.
I have to admit that at the onset of this "World Tour," I was most nervous about entering the Socialist People's Republic of Vietnam, but now that I am here, I am so glad that we decided to come. Saigon is an extremely colorful city, complete with 3 million motorcylces and people everywhere. There is constantly something going on and always excitement in the air.
We dined al fresco this evening at a neat restaurant in Central Saigon called "Allez Boo", and it was wonderful to see all the people walking around, the moto traffic bustling, and the street vendors looking to make a few bucks (or dong, whatever the case may be). I regret that we don't have more time to explore this city further, but tomorrow morning we are off to relax on the beaches of Phu Quoc Island. After working crazy hours at M&P this semester, I am thrilled to have a chance to do absolutely nothing.
****
On a quick side note, we took a day-tour of the Mekong River Delta today and met quite a few interesting people. Most of them were British or Australian, but all of them were either at the beginning, middle, or end of extremely long tours of Southeast Asia. Some of the Brits were curious about how Tamara and I were able to get so much time off of work, and we had to admit that we were students, and this was not the norm. The English and Australians alike get about 4 weeks paid vacation per year. Australians get paid 117% of their normal salary while on vacation.
Wow.
I have to admit, America doesn't seem to be two weeks' more productive than England or Australia, so why don't we get the extra time? Or the extra pay? What is about the cultures of these two nations that makes them value vacation time so much more than we do? Especially when you consider the extremely strong historical links between us and them. Definitely something to consider more in depth down the line, and all I can say now is that I hope someday I will have a solid 4 week's worth of 100%+ paid vacation time per year.
Friday, April 13, 2007
Finally -- an Update!
I realize that I have been on the World Tour for almost six days now and have no posted a single update. For this, apologize. For the length of this post to come, I again apologize. But I ask you bear with me. I guess Hong Kongers (as they like to be called; the adjective "Chinese" offends them) are a wired people, and thus have little use for full-service internet cafes. I have been keeping in touch with my life for 15 minutes at a time thanks to the free internet at Pacfic Coffee Company, but that is not enough time for a significant blog update.
At any rate ... we made it to Hong Kong in one piece, although that one piece had been folded and contorted several times over in order to squeeze into the United Economy seats. I have flown First and Business class on trans-Pacific United flights and found them to be absolutely fantastic places to fly. I have flow JAL and Lufthansa Economy on Trans-Pac and Trans-Atalantic, respective, routes. They were also great flights. There were individual monitors to keep me entertained, and prevented my view from being blocked by those around me. There was decent food and friendly flight attendants.
Anyone who has flown United Economy on domestic routes knows that the flight attendants are not always pleasant, the seats are tiny, the planes smell funny, and the food stinks. This goes double for international flights. I was actually appalled by how poorly United treats passengers in Economy. I remember something about the marketing edge to be "efficient, inexpensive accommodation," but I didn't realize that meant the shittiest seats ever. I have learned my lesson and will never fly United economy on an international flight again (well, except to Ho Chi Minh tomorrow evening because that flight has already been booked). Chalk it up to Chapter 11 putting a damper on United's fleet upgrade plans, but this airline flies old, tired, and outdated 747s. Word is coach is a lot better on the 777s, but with the 747s making up the majoring of the company's fleet, why can't they put forth a better effort? I guess money talks, and these are cheap tickets. They're just not for me.
*****
On a lighter note, I've been having a blast in Hong Kong. Our hostel is located in Chung King Mansions, which we have since learned is the "ghetto of Hong Kong." There is a whole host of unsavory activities that go on deep within the bowels of Chung King, but so far, I have been blissfully ignorant of what Nicole, my friend studying here, calls "rampant crime". There is a staircase that lets out into a small magazine market that I have been taking to get to and from my room, and the worst that I've encountered thus far is the occasional hash dealer looking to make a buck. Nothing I haven't seen elsewhere ....
We explored Hong Kong island on the first full day in town, and had a great time taking the Peak Tram up to "The Peak" to get a great view of the city's famous skyline. The botanic garden and zoological park was also a great experience, not only because of its beauty, but also because it's free. We have also taken a cable car to see a GIANT, and when I say giant, I really mean humongous, statue of Buddha on Lantau Island. This thing is a freak. It sits on top of a mountain and has to be at least a hundred feet tall. It makes me wonder whether visitors are devout Buddhists, or if they're just looking for a Ripley's-style freak show.
Our adventures in Hong Kong have of course brought us around many streets and through quite a few markets, and the one major observation I have had about this city is that, in general, it looks run down. For as shady as Chung King is alleged to be, there are countless towers in Hong Kong that look, well, neglected. Every looks old and ill-mainatained, with rusted air conditioning units barely hanging onto their mountings. It almost reminds me of the documentaries they show about ghettoes in African cities. Inside, many of the buildings are perfectly suitable to everyday life and work, but the outsides just look so glum. We were walking through Causeway Bay, one of the highest-rent neighborhoods in Hong Kong, and to be honest, if I didn't know any better I'd think I were in a bad neighborhood. Of course, this isn't to say anything bad about the city. It's just a strange phenomenon and I wonder what it is about the local mentality that makes it this way.
One final thought, really, before I sign off for the afternoon. The money here is wacky. I have three twenty-dollar-bills in my pocket right now. One was printed by HSBC, one by Bank of China (Hong Kong) and by Standard Chartered Bank. WTF? How can there be at least three banks printing currency? Isn't there chaos? Isn't there counterfeiting? What's the deal? I figure each bank must be allowed to print money to account for all the cash they have on deposit, but without a single standard, how do you know you're holding real money? I do enjoy the fact, however, that instead of haveing presidents or famous people from history, the banks publish their logo and and generally a picture of their respetive tower on the bills. I guess it must just be a true testament of the strength of capitalism.
At any rate ... we made it to Hong Kong in one piece, although that one piece had been folded and contorted several times over in order to squeeze into the United Economy seats. I have flown First and Business class on trans-Pacific United flights and found them to be absolutely fantastic places to fly. I have flow JAL and Lufthansa Economy on Trans-Pac and Trans-Atalantic, respective, routes. They were also great flights. There were individual monitors to keep me entertained, and prevented my view from being blocked by those around me. There was decent food and friendly flight attendants.
Anyone who has flown United Economy on domestic routes knows that the flight attendants are not always pleasant, the seats are tiny, the planes smell funny, and the food stinks. This goes double for international flights. I was actually appalled by how poorly United treats passengers in Economy. I remember something about the marketing edge to be "efficient, inexpensive accommodation," but I didn't realize that meant the shittiest seats ever. I have learned my lesson and will never fly United economy on an international flight again (well, except to Ho Chi Minh tomorrow evening because that flight has already been booked). Chalk it up to Chapter 11 putting a damper on United's fleet upgrade plans, but this airline flies old, tired, and outdated 747s. Word is coach is a lot better on the 777s, but with the 747s making up the majoring of the company's fleet, why can't they put forth a better effort? I guess money talks, and these are cheap tickets. They're just not for me.
*****
On a lighter note, I've been having a blast in Hong Kong. Our hostel is located in Chung King Mansions, which we have since learned is the "ghetto of Hong Kong." There is a whole host of unsavory activities that go on deep within the bowels of Chung King, but so far, I have been blissfully ignorant of what Nicole, my friend studying here, calls "rampant crime". There is a staircase that lets out into a small magazine market that I have been taking to get to and from my room, and the worst that I've encountered thus far is the occasional hash dealer looking to make a buck. Nothing I haven't seen elsewhere ....
We explored Hong Kong island on the first full day in town, and had a great time taking the Peak Tram up to "The Peak" to get a great view of the city's famous skyline. The botanic garden and zoological park was also a great experience, not only because of its beauty, but also because it's free. We have also taken a cable car to see a GIANT, and when I say giant, I really mean humongous, statue of Buddha on Lantau Island. This thing is a freak. It sits on top of a mountain and has to be at least a hundred feet tall. It makes me wonder whether visitors are devout Buddhists, or if they're just looking for a Ripley's-style freak show.
Our adventures in Hong Kong have of course brought us around many streets and through quite a few markets, and the one major observation I have had about this city is that, in general, it looks run down. For as shady as Chung King is alleged to be, there are countless towers in Hong Kong that look, well, neglected. Every looks old and ill-mainatained, with rusted air conditioning units barely hanging onto their mountings. It almost reminds me of the documentaries they show about ghettoes in African cities. Inside, many of the buildings are perfectly suitable to everyday life and work, but the outsides just look so glum. We were walking through Causeway Bay, one of the highest-rent neighborhoods in Hong Kong, and to be honest, if I didn't know any better I'd think I were in a bad neighborhood. Of course, this isn't to say anything bad about the city. It's just a strange phenomenon and I wonder what it is about the local mentality that makes it this way.
One final thought, really, before I sign off for the afternoon. The money here is wacky. I have three twenty-dollar-bills in my pocket right now. One was printed by HSBC, one by Bank of China (Hong Kong) and by Standard Chartered Bank. WTF? How can there be at least three banks printing currency? Isn't there chaos? Isn't there counterfeiting? What's the deal? I figure each bank must be allowed to print money to account for all the cash they have on deposit, but without a single standard, how do you know you're holding real money? I do enjoy the fact, however, that instead of haveing presidents or famous people from history, the banks publish their logo and and generally a picture of their respetive tower on the bills. I guess it must just be a true testament of the strength of capitalism.
Saturday, April 7, 2007
the world tour begins
Those of you who know me know that on April 9, 2007, I depart for the trip of a lifetime. My friend, Tamara, and I will be taking forty-four days to circumnavigate the globe via jet plane. We will be making scheduled stops in:
1.) Hong Kong
2.) Ho Chi Minh City
3.) Duong Dong Village (Phu Quoc Island)
4.) Siem Reap
5.) Bangkok
6.) London
7.) Prague
8.) Vienna
9.) Rome
Rather than clog your inboxes like oil clogs pores, I have decided in lieu to post updates on this blog. I will do my best to post regularly, and get pictures up as much as I can. I will send out a few emails every now and then to certain groups of people, but this is going to be my primary means of mass communication. That means if you're curious as to whether or not I've walked onto any landmines, check for updates.
I have read several travel blogs, and while all of them have been interesting, I have noticed that in general they seem ho-hum, not much more than a collection of tales from daily life. Interesting as daily life may be in a foreign country, it is daily life nonetheless. To that end, I am going to attempt to keep this blog spicy. I will of course relay much of my every day experiences, but my goal is to highlight the craziness that is Southeast Asia, and the insanity that is whirlwind travel. Wish me luck.
1.) Hong Kong
2.) Ho Chi Minh City
3.) Duong Dong Village (Phu Quoc Island)
4.) Siem Reap
5.) Bangkok
6.) London
7.) Prague
8.) Vienna
9.) Rome
Rather than clog your inboxes like oil clogs pores, I have decided in lieu to post updates on this blog. I will do my best to post regularly, and get pictures up as much as I can. I will send out a few emails every now and then to certain groups of people, but this is going to be my primary means of mass communication. That means if you're curious as to whether or not I've walked onto any landmines, check for updates.
I have read several travel blogs, and while all of them have been interesting, I have noticed that in general they seem ho-hum, not much more than a collection of tales from daily life. Interesting as daily life may be in a foreign country, it is daily life nonetheless. To that end, I am going to attempt to keep this blog spicy. I will of course relay much of my every day experiences, but my goal is to highlight the craziness that is Southeast Asia, and the insanity that is whirlwind travel. Wish me luck.
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