tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15434505612072870772024-03-05T19:34:51.686-08:00Reachel in AsiaAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08639941421514556805noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543450561207287077.post-57146666549426002662016-12-12T09:13:00.001-08:002016-12-12T09:13:28.745-08:00Singing Nomad: Wherever I'm goingGetting the Indian visa was a mission. I little video compilation of the musical adventures on the way...<br />
<br />
It's not about the destination, it's about the Journey. And the Journey is NOW. Whatever you are doing, even if it's not always going the way you want it to, learn from it and move on. The world wants you to smile. It's highly contagious, you see. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08639941421514556805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543450561207287077.post-86601809432774828992016-11-11T21:56:00.001-08:002016-11-11T21:56:39.314-08:00So Much More (Original)<iframe width="480" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FzIsN4jHI7w" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08639941421514556805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543450561207287077.post-16722685371429746042016-06-29T21:43:00.001-07:002016-06-29T21:43:20.322-07:00Reachel Singh Mash Up Em-C-G-D<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rQznCn_evuw" width="480"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08639941421514556805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543450561207287077.post-68042014048815159582015-12-29T04:56:00.001-08:002015-12-29T04:56:09.620-08:00Lean on - Major Lazor acoustic Cover By Reachel Singh<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DsaqoqUWcDw" width="459"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08639941421514556805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543450561207287077.post-565853501658109942015-11-12T05:02:00.002-08:002015-11-12T08:14:48.841-08:00Teaching in Thailand vs. teaching in the Netherlands. Part 3I started writing this blog in August 2013 and I'm happy that I did. It's a memory of an incredible journey. A journey that taught me so much about myself, the world and the amazing connections we can make with the people around us. A journey I love to share with you all.<br />
<br />
After one year of working in Thailand I thought it was time to go back home, the Netherlands. Eventually I decided to stay longer. Why? Because I'm completely happy with what I'm doing with my life at the moment. In this blog I will tell you more about my teaching experiences in Thailand. I have the most incredible job teaching a different language to these beautiful, young souls. They warm my heart with joy when they laugh and they learn so fast. I've been very lucky that most of my family and close friends had the chance to visit and see how I live my life on the other side of the world. <br />
<br />
The last 1,5 years I've been teaching in Thailand at a primary school with an English program. I have two kindergarten classes with 20 - 30 students in each class. Or let's just say... kids. Because that's what they are. I call them "my kids". I teach them throughout the whole year. After my second year I can say that I had the privilege of teaching about one hundred (mostly Thai) children their first words of English <3<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB5pu3_bsLIoUI59wnYVFAB4ooSIANcKLA0aQn5ORgysXxNMSab-HcMtggf8dfoilaru1Jf9vVXBHCdv1-2v6WKgCK7sSNrYh95-aeOkfDVnbAUtAlQNFvqlB4NjNLy3T5n5R8KweXC3E/s1600/10406955_687463211290728_1418650367254982191_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB5pu3_bsLIoUI59wnYVFAB4ooSIANcKLA0aQn5ORgysXxNMSab-HcMtggf8dfoilaru1Jf9vVXBHCdv1-2v6WKgCK7sSNrYh95-aeOkfDVnbAUtAlQNFvqlB4NjNLy3T5n5R8KweXC3E/s320/10406955_687463211290728_1418650367254982191_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
When my kids start school, most of them don't speak any English. Some of them don't even speak at all. Hearing them say English words and understanding what I'm saying at some point is... it sounds cliche, but yes; Fulfilling.<br />
I'm not gonna lie. It's not easy teaching kindergarten. There are a lot of students in one class. In the beginning of the year most of them cry because it's their first days in school. I'm so thankful for the Thai teachers I'm working with. I have two Thai teachers in each class and they're very helpful. I try to help them and show my appreciation as much as I can. They hardly speak English but we find our way by being friendly. With good intentions we work together. Sadly, there's a huge gap between the Thai teachers and the English teachers in the school. Most teachers find it hard to communicate with each other. Of course there is a language barrier and working together is not easy because of that reason. Also because of cultural differences working together can be challenging. Thai teachers have a different culture than Western teachers. But Americans also have a different culture than South Africans. Western teachers get treated better; we get a higher salary, work shorter days and we get more days off. It's simply not fair. <br />
<br />
I share an office with all the kindergarten teachers. Around six teachers for Kindergarten 1 to Kindergarten 3. Also the number of teachers in our office changes regularly. It's a bunch of people far away from home so you can imagine that stuff happens all the time. Also the school can decide to not extend your contract after a year or after probation (three months).<br />
<br />
In the morning my little ones have to sit and stand in a perfectly straight line of boys and girls. We have no such thing in the Netherlands so I'll try to explain what the morning assembly's like. The assembly takes part in a big hall with all the kindergarten classes. They have to sit, stand, listen, sing, dance and even meditate in this first half an hour of school, without complaining. Most of them don't complain, they just do it. It's not always fun and very interactive, but I can understand that from their perspective, it's important to do this.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpq_AdrFKKtPD1WBQaFU69KKzAmbI75Y5GNFYbTCRFL0_XxHKx5f8fRHs9qFwArjnvfZr9tMp-Zbnh1Wp-R8I9jfzaUFNOJS3koOiImeOHJOsDQIpNcsb3RrU1nm_SLGFu0bTddO8BI1M/s1600/assembly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpq_AdrFKKtPD1WBQaFU69KKzAmbI75Y5GNFYbTCRFL0_XxHKx5f8fRHs9qFwArjnvfZr9tMp-Zbnh1Wp-R8I9jfzaUFNOJS3koOiImeOHJOsDQIpNcsb3RrU1nm_SLGFu0bTddO8BI1M/s320/assembly.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The Kings Song will be played and we all have to stand up before assembly starts. Every once in a while I have assembly duty in which I have to sing, dance or do something with all the kindergarten students. As long as it's educational. The Thai teachers love to dance with the students. Many times we are dancing with them on Thai pop music.<br />
<br />
After assembly I have coffee and prepare my lessons and materials I need for the day. Some days are very busy and other days it's easier to get things done. It's still a job that requires a lot of preparation. Every quarter of the year there are tests, evaluation schedules and scores that need to be put on paper. Every half a year there is the final test. In these times my kids have to sit down with a pencil and a piece of paper and make English and Math tests.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-wzHBKv9vp5d7vDO9pp0TEMcNTqaK6AYh93mOAMV4wAkEq4uNLFVWbFN5eBR7w60HMgNAwFIS7Zrt_AtNvwXGXk8PG8y2foGDI-iB_GnDiGgQ7PW4uCGoLCe94Pu8iup1heM5P04iP8/s1600/testingkindergarten.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-wzHBKv9vp5d7vDO9pp0TEMcNTqaK6AYh93mOAMV4wAkEq4uNLFVWbFN5eBR7w60HMgNAwFIS7Zrt_AtNvwXGXk8PG8y2foGDI-iB_GnDiGgQ7PW4uCGoLCe94Pu8iup1heM5P04iP8/s320/testingkindergarten.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Some of them can barely hold the pencil, simply because they are too young to do this. We also do oral tests with the students which is, to my opinion, more accurate. The tests are made by teachers according to the course outlines. We follow the course outlines that are based on the English and Math books we teach.<br />
<br />
Kindergarten, lower primary and upper primary have their own coordinator who basically makes sure that everyone does what they have to do. Being a coordinator is not an easy job. You're also dealing with people that have never really wanted to be teachers and have troubles teaching. I understand that they teach anyway, just because they can and because they want to have that experience. Not to forget, it's a way of affording to stay in beautiful Thailand. Unfortunately some people don't think of the fact that they are working with children. It's really not fair to them if you're not capable to do this job and decide to leave. You are an inspiration and an example to them. They <u>learn</u> from YOU!<br />
<br />
<i>Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all - Aristotle.</i> <br />
<br />
Before I started teaching in Thailand I was teaching full time at a Primary school in the Netherlands.<br />
I had to find my own way by mixing what I know and learned from teaching back home and what is expected here in Thailand. Here in Thailand, I've seen that it's very important to show the parents, in many ways, that the students are learning English. Sounds logical. But "how it looks" is the main focus, how it actually works best, is not. Whereas in the Netherlands we are extremely focused on what works best and eventually end up having too many rules and regulations. In Thailand there are rules and regulations, but they're not as solid and clear. We show scores on paper and give (mostly positive) comments about the students. The parents want to look inside the classroom and see perfectly lined up students looking and listening to the teacher. Their clothes perfectly ironed and washed, their hair nicely combed. A lot of students get extra English lessons after school. They really want their child to preform well. They want people to notice and show their admiration.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiElccUwGHKGnfqfV24tGOV9o5n2d-xMK8NUvAYx_g4f_450FgGfuOza6WVIRkOCBGs43Jx_ni7T7qURuHqLQUCUAe55Fcu8EJQVMkwQm1Op_cwWb69OwjVBCTIvnZYDw07tvge8Y6zWKc/s1600/teaching1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiElccUwGHKGnfqfV24tGOV9o5n2d-xMK8NUvAYx_g4f_450FgGfuOza6WVIRkOCBGs43Jx_ni7T7qURuHqLQUCUAe55Fcu8EJQVMkwQm1Op_cwWb69OwjVBCTIvnZYDw07tvge8Y6zWKc/s320/teaching1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Math and English involves all around the understanding of numbers and letters and basic knowledge about these subjects. I practice with my students by using a lot of flashcards and by songs, drilling (letting the students repeat and say the words), playing games, roll-play, arts and crafts, reading stories etc. The students have expected learning outcomes for each subject. They have pages of work that need to be done. The students learn to write numbers and letters in their first year of school. How I actually reach the goals, is mostly up to me. It works for me, but if you're an inexperienced teacher you will find that this is a big challenge. I love the fact that I can be creative and think of fun new ways of teaching these subjects. This year we have new books and with this book I can be more interactive with the students and teach them how to answer basic questions like: "What do you want?", "What do you like?", "What is this?" etc. I make my kids answer in full sentences, and they can do it. I'm proud of how much they learn even within half a year time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT-9f9qad3ThmBUiQCgV46VGH2dTsHPJepv5mCpt0dAKoUyrvA1BZVmKqpwqCaU7i4IwCxs2PnmsCkSav20y6fDjsRKT7l7z4-MxWUJLBI3NQx96r0cQlsWCjZl88pYknKUwK4jOwBNLc/s1600/teaching+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT-9f9qad3ThmBUiQCgV46VGH2dTsHPJepv5mCpt0dAKoUyrvA1BZVmKqpwqCaU7i4IwCxs2PnmsCkSav20y6fDjsRKT7l7z4-MxWUJLBI3NQx96r0cQlsWCjZl88pYknKUwK4jOwBNLc/s320/teaching+6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjTyFEFPcBHMHOzvyRjvSDgXqOyaybwPzIe8R8_59SQ8PCnjl9M9xVdrjcJKJlg7GXdqfJ1gfmFlecN46laS5L_YCWt7RPqZq2Y7psg9XvTbNKd_F8khchb3un-OXd4NrpY0DhJKXOg30/s1600/10426701_687463304624052_4237010813504709356_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjTyFEFPcBHMHOzvyRjvSDgXqOyaybwPzIe8R8_59SQ8PCnjl9M9xVdrjcJKJlg7GXdqfJ1gfmFlecN46laS5L_YCWt7RPqZq2Y7psg9XvTbNKd_F8khchb3un-OXd4NrpY0DhJKXOg30/s320/10426701_687463304624052_4237010813504709356_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
All teachers probably wonder how I deal with the differences of the students in my classroom. In this school they don't divide the students in different level groups. I have to teach classical. Classical teaching is not allowed in the Netherlands anymore. The education system in Thailand is quite like the Dutch education system 20 years ago. I teach classical for about 20 minutes and after that the students do book work. The same thing is expected from every one of them. I know that there are students that can't reach all the expected learning outcomes. The differences are huge.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzs26ooQryXwtcbhOOfNbHy-qLeCuWm68t8KF3SlrcsC2zmF4NQPyc4WbFr9uQZCmWSz9E9asKIaOCOMMfzaYNgHZAO4bDxnmGHB7TzQxgUaeUIUOZ6p1SEHpkaZBcs-ap7kel0fboF4o/s1600/10981657_792657800771268_8187782536877245065_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzs26ooQryXwtcbhOOfNbHy-qLeCuWm68t8KF3SlrcsC2zmF4NQPyc4WbFr9uQZCmWSz9E9asKIaOCOMMfzaYNgHZAO4bDxnmGHB7TzQxgUaeUIUOZ6p1SEHpkaZBcs-ap7kel0fboF4o/s320/10981657_792657800771268_8187782536877245065_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZitv9QpoG6dyzI2yNPiCxmiP3_QMUPgp6OKxOrvul3Y9bJ2dzYhpA_fyFb3dIqcVoIUDnEjTJxy16aOVlFPOK8IaVsnPcafaeFgJQ0YZ2yxlpH6fmSO59R66QctMz6xC_iO9ZAPAMB64/s1600/kids+bookwork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZitv9QpoG6dyzI2yNPiCxmiP3_QMUPgp6OKxOrvul3Y9bJ2dzYhpA_fyFb3dIqcVoIUDnEjTJxy16aOVlFPOK8IaVsnPcafaeFgJQ0YZ2yxlpH6fmSO59R66QctMz6xC_iO9ZAPAMB64/s320/kids+bookwork.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
In Primary some students will most definitely struggle and there's nothing you can really do. The only thing you can do is advise the parents and tell them their child needs extra lessons. My main goal is to teach my kids how to be motivated by positive reinforcement and rewarding them. I give them extra guidance in groups or one by one. Most important is that they are having fun while learning
English. Every day I enter
the classroom to teach my kids I see their cute little faces light up when they see
me. It's priceless."Cute" is an understatement.<br />
<br />
<i>Happiness doesn't result from what we get, but what we give. - Ben Carson</i> <br />
<br />
My kids say "thank you" all the time, as well as the parents. Thailand's culture is pleasant, soft, respectful. Time slows down and people smile a lot. The parents show their appreciation by giving treats, telling and/or writing me how their child loves to learn English.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLofDRyPEdGB5REkVp1VBzK4-DkxKBp8YnapiUlbXl0pAMsVw2kTb4hp3ofC6cZ_vK-s5n7FgzEwbfZoGg-elYr9T4MJeiHbZusp0dtUr776HnrtSaMh1Wx1W7v_leRZPrEB8EkZX4Z44/s1600/parentscomment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLofDRyPEdGB5REkVp1VBzK4-DkxKBp8YnapiUlbXl0pAMsVw2kTb4hp3ofC6cZ_vK-s5n7FgzEwbfZoGg-elYr9T4MJeiHbZusp0dtUr776HnrtSaMh1Wx1W7v_leRZPrEB8EkZX4Z44/s320/parentscomment.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Once a year there's "Wai Kru" day; teacher appreciation day. They students bring flowers for the teachers. They kneel down in front of you and "wai". For a Westerner, it can be awkward. I notice a difference in Thailand when it comes to how teachers are treated. The fact that it's already part of their culture to respect teachers definitely helps. Students and parents are mostly polite and giving. Everywhere I go, when I tell them "khun kru", which means: I'm a teacher, they show their appreciation giving discounts or giving you the best service you could get and of course a lot of smiles and "wai's". The way they greet in Thailand, by putting their hands together, is to me, a beautiful and respectful gesture. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg31ge8Gri08J_B-Psp1JesVXuUBodZ1Cz9x7koe-48bipGy54Qd0ucgOGohSojj0-W81mlt7XJS-3gQNjGZnnri32Co6z2xbcBqHkJu4FdZ8ILyC-csfP9nIp7r1Rv1_-t1iKw5hDcRcI/s1600/wai+Khru.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg31ge8Gri08J_B-Psp1JesVXuUBodZ1Cz9x7koe-48bipGy54Qd0ucgOGohSojj0-W81mlt7XJS-3gQNjGZnnri32Co6z2xbcBqHkJu4FdZ8ILyC-csfP9nIp7r1Rv1_-t1iKw5hDcRcI/s320/wai+Khru.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
There is so much more I could tell you about my teaching experiences. I hope that I answered some questions and have given you a good impression of what it's like. Feel free to ask more questions. Remember that this is my experience and I'm not saying that every school in Thailand is the same. I'm sure that Western teachers have totally different experiences over here. <br />
The people that I'm surrounded with have always been supportive and inspiring. I miss my friends and family back home. Especially when I can't be there for special occasions. It's also because of them that I am the person I am today. Home will always be home, but after this amount of time of being here, I can say that Thailand is starting to feel like home too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexxa4PWnaG0bV_nUOFRKSX-9BdRofhjwcdEjBi7nIDEBb-SpbIYLQt5ZDATJshirdJPvTi97yvgsYsNcPn0ZVhN3cOESogkIcHYT3_rS7Gj5cpfWysnfEkyBMAIZvJV4NFTjw-F4SxVI/s1600/dreamers.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexxa4PWnaG0bV_nUOFRKSX-9BdRofhjwcdEjBi7nIDEBb-SpbIYLQt5ZDATJshirdJPvTi97yvgsYsNcPn0ZVhN3cOESogkIcHYT3_rS7Gj5cpfWysnfEkyBMAIZvJV4NFTjw-F4SxVI/s320/dreamers.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I went back to the Netherlands for one month and then came back to Thailand. I found a new beautiful apartment in one day. In that same week life also gave me a big slap in the face. It might look like I live this perfect life, but I also have my ups and downs. It makes me realize what a strong woman I have become. I know what's good for me and what's not.<br />
My work is not stressful, I enjoy teaching. That helps a lot. Almost every day I leave work feeling good about myself. I can decide if I want to watch the sunset on the beach, go home and be lazy, get creative or go out with friends. All I need is myself, love, all that I can give and create. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYizeKEjxduVsBtjImx1X54fJZ2BpY8AcY5sb_7CJREH6FQq5lQpqdkGt1NqCDVWyW3oJGtOmjJlwi06dOgdqpVAIG1ny4ChpTmPT1DAzu_HtuetzOTVb_FZtFBwGwcrXaIhTIbuEDRwA/s1600/10854397_10153049129647625_2389814852761917651_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYizeKEjxduVsBtjImx1X54fJZ2BpY8AcY5sb_7CJREH6FQq5lQpqdkGt1NqCDVWyW3oJGtOmjJlwi06dOgdqpVAIG1ny4ChpTmPT1DAzu_HtuetzOTVb_FZtFBwGwcrXaIhTIbuEDRwA/s320/10854397_10153049129647625_2389814852761917651_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08639941421514556805noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543450561207287077.post-90951622256430406382015-10-14T03:21:00.002-07:002015-10-19T09:23:03.451-07:00Teaching in Thailand vs. teaching in the Netherlands. Part 2<div class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<b>How it all started</b></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span lang="en-US">I
traveled through Southeast Asia for four months. I couldn’t get
enough of Asia. But my money was running out… I decided to extend
my stay by working in a hostel on an island called “Koh Rong” in
Cambodia. Really nothing could Koh Rong there. Living on an island
for one month, it was exactly what I needed. Honestly, I was just
escaping from “real life” for a little longer…</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span lang="en-US"><i>You
can read more about my </i></span><span lang="en-US"><i>island life
in Cambodia here</i></span><span lang="en-US"><i>:
</i></span><a href="http://reachelsingh.blogspot.nl/2014/01/one-month-on-koh-rong-island.html"><span lang="en-US"><i>http://reachelsingh.blogspot.nl/2014/01/one-month-on-koh-rong-island.html</i></span></a></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span lang="en-US">I was trying to think of the moments that I really
enjoyed teaching and trust me, there are many. I’ve always enjoyed
my time studying and doing internships, teaching different grades and
getting more experienced. The full time job after graduating was the
bitter aftertaste that didn’t leave my mouth. Maybe I’m more
ready to face it now? Maybe I was too young to be dealing with all
those responsibilities? But even thinking about it made my heart
race, like the nights I couldn’t sleep after long days of work.
That same feeling that I had back then, it came back to me. I’ve
learned many things while traveling, one thing is: follow your gut.
This feeling definitely told me: DON’T DO IT! </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
“<i><span lang="en-US">When
you become comfortable with uncertainty, infinite possibilities open
up in your life.” - Eckhart Tolle</span></i></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span lang="en-US">There
I was stuck on an island, not sure what to do next. It sounds
horrible, but there was a strange sort of excitement getting to me. I
was surrounded by clear blue water, white sandy beaches and
travelers, mostly, very inspiring people. I realized how blessed I
am. I can do anything that I want to, I can go wherever I want to go.
The only thing I have to do is; make a plan, and just do it!</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span lang="en-US">So
I flew to Phuket -Thailand and did the TEFL (teach English to foreign
learners) course. Other teachers and travelers had told me about it
and it was the perfect way to gain more experience and get confident
again. You can also do this course online but I don’t think you
will learn as much. In this course you’ll practice what you’ve
learned by teaching actual students. Besides, it’s more fun when
you meet new people too. Easing my way into it, it felt good. I
already knew that, no matter what, it WILL be an EXPERIENCE. Good or
bad. I would never forget it and I would never regret it. I could
always say; damn right I did that, and I’m proud!</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<i>You
can read more about my TEFL experience here: http://reachelsingh.blogspot.nl/2014/01/there-and-back-my-last-month-in-asia.html</i><br />
<br />
<span lang="en-US">I
have to say, I’ve always had the confidence to do it because of the
support from my family and friends back home. I see travelers seeking
for freedom but get lost somewhere, influenced by the feeling of
uncertainty and guilt of leaving </span><span lang="en-US">family
members behind</span><span lang="en-US">. My mom is a traveler
herself and my parents always supported every decision I made. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAnOyJJiRrOvLIAkJC1LJfth7XkYMI3sjKLpmFP4bZGdaBM6J7SwxJc0uYV-PwpMjIXZDA5oIqDqY-52bgFKOfhGhFWK5Qh_v0pImxVvt7IyDLfQ_wqcXvryLtw19-79AIophqHYE5BjI/s1600/I%2527ve+chosen+the+beach.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAnOyJJiRrOvLIAkJC1LJfth7XkYMI3sjKLpmFP4bZGdaBM6J7SwxJc0uYV-PwpMjIXZDA5oIqDqY-52bgFKOfhGhFWK5Qh_v0pImxVvt7IyDLfQ_wqcXvryLtw19-79AIophqHYE5BjI/s320/I%2527ve+chosen+the+beach.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span lang="en-US"> </span>
</div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="color: #3465a4;"></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span lang="en-US">With the help of some (teacher)
friends I had met in Phuket I was sorted with a job, a house </span><span lang="en-US">and
a bike</span><span lang="en-US"> within a couple weeks. I applied to one of the schools in Phuket by sending my resume and application letter through e-mail. We arranged a skype interview and before I knew it I had the job. I arranged it
all online while being at home with my family. I love it when things
fall into place like that! It gives me the feeling that I’m doing
the right thing.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="en-US">Sitting
in a plane, knowing that you’re flying to the other side of the
world, to start a new life for a whole year, it’s freaking weird. I
am actually doing this. All by myself...</span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
“<span lang="en-US"><i>If
your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough”</i></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="en-US">My
non- B visa was arranged and I was ready to get my stamp to get into
Thailand after a 17 hour long flight. The immigration officer looked
in my passport and then looked at me again and asked: “You
teacher?” I said: “Yes.” He put his hands together and gave me
a ‘Wai’ which means many things; in this case, I respect you. He
said: “Aaaaah welcoooome teachaaa, welcome to
Thailaaaaand.” I couldn’t stop smiling. It was a good start of a
new life. Thai people are mostly warm and welcoming people.</span><br />
<br />
<span lang="en-US"><b>The lifestyle</b> </span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="en-US">Compared
to the Netherlands I have a higher standard of life and I'm spending </span>much<span lang="en-US"> less money.
You can choose to live in a condo (mostly provided with a pool and/or
gym),or you can share a house with some (teacher) friends. I've
always been living with other teachers. It makes being far away from
home and family easier, you'll never feel alone. Friends become your
family. I've made some really special connections over time.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtfSNfEk4Wcu4oUGkHNXDtoLyob4M9fYHFlde1N9xTn0k_1zLpr9PCpXapHeW6vObP-o1KFyiUSg1pQePfUp8oanquj0rDmu9UAnDHjp0NtkBd7Xjka_nxsN5hdUru6ftkGlkuj5CipCM/s1600/sunsetfriends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtfSNfEk4Wcu4oUGkHNXDtoLyob4M9fYHFlde1N9xTn0k_1zLpr9PCpXapHeW6vObP-o1KFyiUSg1pQePfUp8oanquj0rDmu9UAnDHjp0NtkBd7Xjka_nxsN5hdUru6ftkGlkuj5CipCM/s320/sunsetfriends.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="en-US">Unfortunately people come and go all the time. That's one thing that makes living in a place like this hard and is also the reason I have moved a couple times from place to place. One
of the houses I've lived in was like a dream. It was huge! Surrounded
by beautiful nature. It had two bedrooms, three bathrooms, a big
living area, a dining area, a kitchen and we only paid 18.000 baht
for the whole house. That's 9000 baht each. That is not even 250
euro's each!! In Holland I would have to be a doctor to be able to
afford a house like this.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj79lFqCBrC24EICjKYCQZc3iiG3k7a65WASotxrv5OFomzLvC9dCKjD6lhiE3Sxq89wFC5BvsDRFilEc-czmmrnyuAbZixAprrlAd11PWixs12a0xpB94gYD0obpfX4CmOQX51d-m4WY4/s1600/myhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj79lFqCBrC24EICjKYCQZc3iiG3k7a65WASotxrv5OFomzLvC9dCKjD6lhiE3Sxq89wFC5BvsDRFilEc-czmmrnyuAbZixAprrlAd11PWixs12a0xpB94gYD0obpfX4CmOQX51d-m4WY4/s320/myhouse.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="western">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I love
my bike. It gives me total freedom. I go everywhere on it. I rent my bike for
2500 baht a month which is about 60 euro's. Some people say it's better to buy
a bike. It's definitly cheaper than renting but my bike get's checked every
couple months. For someone that doesn't know a thing about bikes it's the safer
option, I think. Yes, traffic is crazy sometimes. Just be careful, and get
comfortable driving it.</span><br />
<span lang="en-US"></span></div>
<span lang="en-US"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGD_xfEAZ_r3xj85KNk7-aztEmdPls6_Dv0v3T2z3TiiaGs427EJ6ljpf6hXuV4tVbsfLmPpjXMyScqkbSMlvuj4ttMYQek3uItJk3ui99qk5rFUuU59v4AYEtKCwf6vtfKizRN2WmMpo/s1600/zoomzoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGD_xfEAZ_r3xj85KNk7-aztEmdPls6_Dv0v3T2z3TiiaGs427EJ6ljpf6hXuV4tVbsfLmPpjXMyScqkbSMlvuj4ttMYQek3uItJk3ui99qk5rFUuU59v4AYEtKCwf6vtfKizRN2WmMpo/s320/zoomzoom.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span lang="en-US"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<span lang="en-US">In Thailand I almost never cook because I can afford
to go out and eat. It's mostly cheaper than buying all the groceries
yourself anyway. Friends and good food is the perfect combination.We order everything delicious on the menu and share! Massaman curry, pineapple fried rice, penang curry, pad thai, grilled spicy fish. Talking about life with our bare feet sticking in the sand...</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqlTozpbDqgxZeg5EKTnfNBs8ArrSleowyi4qH6WMBYcDGtQImXI4np20bDdfCovELMySnfe5thBnpG-y52-jHZdYbEvxPExd9DzGn6-3Usk3el6OmlVHSgMO5IQ9nDrjYnW9LzVQwQIE/s1600/onthebeach+food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqlTozpbDqgxZeg5EKTnfNBs8ArrSleowyi4qH6WMBYcDGtQImXI4np20bDdfCovELMySnfe5thBnpG-y52-jHZdYbEvxPExd9DzGn6-3Usk3el6OmlVHSgMO5IQ9nDrjYnW9LzVQwQIE/s320/onthebeach+food.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Long weekends or holidays off from work is the time to travel around Asia or beautiful islands nearby. I never get bored of Thailands beauty.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqsbzOCrP5Yo2ms9rTL49rWbx9vep_K7Z0xCbd3AtQqHw1zgeb9CkLzYTVx8R-sIBlGmMqHMzq8-YXhMGLPUsHQvgQyTJtMQ9q0pJ74cEwqgN97cBjMrMHBQbkIGKf_MBgviBcixYWl28/s1600/weekendtrips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqsbzOCrP5Yo2ms9rTL49rWbx9vep_K7Z0xCbd3AtQqHw1zgeb9CkLzYTVx8R-sIBlGmMqHMzq8-YXhMGLPUsHQvgQyTJtMQ9q0pJ74cEwqgN97cBjMrMHBQbkIGKf_MBgviBcixYWl28/s320/weekendtrips.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="en-US">I've
been teaching in Thailand for 1,5 years now, and I still love it. I
teach about 19 hours a week. I have two kindergarten classes. Both of
them have English and Math classes. In each class I have 25 – 30
students. My working hours are like heaven compared to what I was
used to. I have long breaks in between my teaching hours. In this
time I can prepare my lessons, mark my books, get creative and make
fun teaching materials, do whatever needs to be done, or just relax
and drink coffee. I NEVER take work home with me.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
We all know that
teachers in Western countries get underpaid work incredibly hard. I have
so much respect for all the teachers out there giving all their heart
and <u>life</u> for the purpose of teaching. I hope some day we get a
wake up call and finally see that education is what keeps countries
going. Good teachers inspire and have an impact on this
generation, our future. How can we underappreciate that so much?
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>In my next blog
you can have a look in my classroom! I will write what and how I
teach my kids in Thailand, Thai education and their culture. </i></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8XD_uUNTJg3CvOvCoNTzq5zUNI3-PdZWJZF2eOxrfWtz4vYhkSLOtLwVhCVThz6UftrY5mV94274E_L7CegSwj3CORKa_2xPjr3EfdNcm_dk5nEZnj-mXjR5VRGSVeQSUYdSdbZhykk/s1600/teaching1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8XD_uUNTJg3CvOvCoNTzq5zUNI3-PdZWJZF2eOxrfWtz4vYhkSLOtLwVhCVThz6UftrY5mV94274E_L7CegSwj3CORKa_2xPjr3EfdNcm_dk5nEZnj-mXjR5VRGSVeQSUYdSdbZhykk/s320/teaching1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyHa-FgT9XFJCqnlX4FCna4aXXaJUGo7JAqhTRblX6v6PAu2-4F-WUvZrH3pUDXdeqPWY8a0PYjOQXLXK5jvCXXacpAveo3rQIhWumN-2jmWy06_1vWGvRXk8vF0j1c1ptWEZoNRR9JEo/s1600/face85d90ffd58a3fadaff1a4cbde372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyHa-FgT9XFJCqnlX4FCna4aXXaJUGo7JAqhTRblX6v6PAu2-4F-WUvZrH3pUDXdeqPWY8a0PYjOQXLXK5jvCXXacpAveo3rQIhWumN-2jmWy06_1vWGvRXk8vF0j1c1ptWEZoNRR9JEo/s1600/face85d90ffd58a3fadaff1a4cbde372.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i> </i>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08639941421514556805noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543450561207287077.post-73208872166873194582015-10-08T01:39:00.000-07:002015-10-08T05:54:17.391-07:00Teaching in the Netherlands vs. teaching in Thailand.<div class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
In July 2013 I quit my job to travel, it was the best decision I’ve ever made.<br />
<br />
<span lang="en-US">I was a primary teacher in the Netherlands. I was
teaching 9/10 year old students, I had my own very cute and cozy
apartment in the vibrant city Rotterdam. I had a full-time job, a
cat, a car… In my weekends I was hanging out with my friends,
having fun, I was dating, I was working out and feeling healthy. I
had everything a girl wants at 23. I finished my degree in Education
and was very lucky to find a full time teaching job in Rotterdam.
Even though, I realized this life was not what I expected and wanted
it to be. </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span lang="en-US">I
was very excited to start my first “real” job as a teacher in my
beautiful, modern and multicultural city, Rotterdam. The school was
going through a lot of changes when I started working there because
it got a score of “very low” based on the test - scores of the
students. It was a time of hard work and many meetings. I had some
experience teaching during my studies. But this was my first time
working a “9 to 5 job” as they call it... </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span lang="en-US">I
woke up at 6.30 in the morning to be at work at 7.30 to prepare my
lessons and get ready for the day. The students will come in at 8.30
and then you teach whatever is on the schedule for that day. Math,
English, Geography, History, Dutch language, Arts.. The
students have lunch at 12. In that time I quickly ate my sandwich,
drank my coffee and finish a part of my never-ending to do list. My
“break” was never longer than 20 min. The students come back at 1
o’clock. Then you teach again till 3.30. After 3.30 it’s time to
mark, grade, make individual plans, make group plans, write reports,
fill in scores, meetings etc. Most of the time I didn’t even find
time to actually plan my lessons for the next day, so I had to be at
school early to quickly read through what I’m supposed to teach
that day. I never left work with the feeling that I had finished
everything that I had to do for the day, there was ALWAYS something
else that needed to be done. Often I’d left work at 5 or 5.30 with
books and/or tests to mark at home. The part I enjoy most; being
creative and making my lessons fun for the students, I didn’t find
time to do this. I thought this is something I just need to get used
to, it will all get easier after some time. </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span lang="en-US"><b>Rules,
rules and more rules</b></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span lang="en-US">Education
is very organized in the Netherlands. There are certain rules we need to
follow as teachers. We can’t teach classical, we have to teach in
different level groups. These groups are based on their scores in the
so-called “CITO” test. This is a national test that grades all
students on their knowledge in each subject. Based on those scores we
teach the students giving divided attention to “their needs.” It
sounds great, but this way of teaching requires a lot of preparation
and in the end, it’s based on scores. It doesn’t measure
creativity, social interaction, critical thinking, leadership,
flexibility, motivation, curiosity, humor, will-power, discipline,
empathy and so much more qualities that are definitely something to
focus on when we are educating the new generation to </span><span lang="en-US"><u>real
life</u></span><span lang="en-US">! It only measures their basic
knowledge about these subjects. There is no room for learning about
yourself, what compliments you, what makes you happy as an
individual. </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span lang="en-US">In
the Netherlands we are trying so hard, too hard, </span><span lang="en-US"><i>we
are forgetting the purpose of </i></span><span lang="en-US"><i><u>teaching.</u></i></span><span lang="en-US"><u>
</u></span><span lang="en-US"> I can speak from my own experience
that I was focused on “getting it all done on time” instead of
really getting to know my students and enjoying all their unique
characters. I need to learn about my students to know how to teach
them. I didn’t realize until later that I couldn’t, purely
because I was too stressed. I was working till late every day and
even in the weekends. I was not enjoying my work anymore. In the
Netherlands we love to complain. As a teacher it’s hard to get the
respect you deserve from parents and/or students. Basically, you are
working your ass off and no one will notice or say a thing. When you
make a mistake, like we do as human-beings, you bet you’ll hear it!
My sleeping patterns were becoming abnormal. It got to the point that
I could only sleep 3 hours a night. Not being able to fall asleep,
and waking up hours before my alarm clock, thinking about what I
still had to do and what a bad day it was at work. I felt that I was
failing; I felt that I had made the wrong decision to become a
teacher. </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span lang="en-US"><b>When
nothing goes right… go left.</b></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span lang="en-US">So
that was me, just graduated, started an incredibly challenging job at
a very challenging school, just trying to get it all done and barely
sleeping at night. I was so stressed, I started to get a rash on my
arms, legs and even in my face and around my eyes. It was a lack of
sleep and a lack of happiness getting to me. My body was saying: “no
more”. With some thick make up around my eyes, hiding the red rash
on my face, I just kept on going. </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span lang="en-US">One
day, just after the bell rang, three parents came into my classroom
pointing their finger at me, with my students there, saying how their
child failed the test and it was my fault. I never felt this
disrespected and under-appreciated in my life. I totally broke. I
couldn’t do it anymore.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span lang="en-US">I
stayed at home for a week, did a lot of yoga and meditation. I took
my well deserved rest and decided that I was not going to continue
like this. All through this my co-workers and the school have been
very helpful,they never doubted me as a teacher. I'm thankful for
that. </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span lang="en-US">I
was happy that I had saved some money over the last 6 months of
working, purely because I was too tired to go out and spend it. I had
enough to travel for at least 4 months. I told the school I was going
to leave. It felt so good. I needed time to figure out what I wanted
to do with my life.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span lang="en-US"><i>I
hope it was a good read for you!</i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span lang="en-US"><i>In my next blog I will write about my
experiences teaching in Thailand. </i></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="en-US"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTuJ6reMpFwh5YiM3OqXeuIvzCM7TKVPxHYyjbmQOKcTcPR7nryYDDscjIkgWJ4bWPnYFbfyCEjVXK37YA3uDVhDU051IYh3y5Y4tPVDST_jAW-W7kgfN9XBjbHjZPXwF-XSOu4Jy2n4Y/s1600/10981657_792657800771268_8187782536877245065_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTuJ6reMpFwh5YiM3OqXeuIvzCM7TKVPxHYyjbmQOKcTcPR7nryYDDscjIkgWJ4bWPnYFbfyCEjVXK37YA3uDVhDU051IYh3y5Y4tPVDST_jAW-W7kgfN9XBjbHjZPXwF-XSOu4Jy2n4Y/s320/10981657_792657800771268_8187782536877245065_n.jpg" width="320" /></a> </i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span lang="en-US"><i> </i></span>
</div>
<div class="western" lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08639941421514556805noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543450561207287077.post-43540991244090558912014-01-30T00:16:00.001-08:002015-10-09T03:08:08.764-07:00There and back: my last month in Asia<div dir="ltr">
It's almost half a year since I left home. Time flies. Looking back I am so grateful for all the experiences I've had. Every destination feels like a new chapter of a really good story. That's why traveling is so addictive I guess.. Not really knowing what is going to happen next, the new great people you're going to meet, how beautiful the next destination will be... Living in the moment. Back home I was always always planning. Living from an agenda, making appointments. Traveling gives you the feeling of freedom, that the world is at your feet and not trapped in between four walls, that there are new possibilities everywhere.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Now that I have finished my TEFL (teach English to foreign learners) course, an other new chapter is about to start again.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
It is exciting, but times like these I actually miss my friends and family the most. Home is still the feeling of safety. There is always someone there to rely on when something goes wrong. While traveling I'll always have to face it myself and move on. It's a good thing but it's sometimes scary. But in the end, when I finally reached that goal or destination, I have this great feeling of independence and I know I'll always be fine, even when the safety-net is gone. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
In the beginning of January I started the TEFL course in Phuket town Thailand. I said goodbye to Koh Rong island and my Koh Rong family. The journey was horrible. After not using any atms for a month I found out on mainland that my atm card was not working. I traveled for two days with almost no money, a bag of chips, oreo cookies and a bottle of water. But I made it to Phuket! When I finally had acces to money again I ate loads of food in this huge super modern supermarket. They had practically everything. I appreciated it even more after two days of being hungry. I fell in love with the bakery section. I just love bread and it's really hard to get good bread in Asia. All the luxury was overwhelmingly good.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
My first night in the school-hotel something very special happened. I just got ready to go out to have some drinks with the other students. When I walked outside my room into the computer-room I saw a creature walking on the tables. I thought it was a monkey but it moved so slow, I realised it was something different. I walked inside my room to get my camera and when I walked outside, it was still there trying to "run away" from me. I called my trainer Eric to tell him that there was animal in the school. When I described it, he told me it could be a slow-loris. A creature that is almost about to extinct and is very rare in this part of Thailand! He called the animal rescue team and he made his way over to the school. In the meantime the Loris was hiding behind the closet. I tried to give it some jam and sugar but it was so scared. I searched up some information about the Loris and I read an article: " top 10 cutest but most dangerous animals" .. I read that it's better not to touch the animal because it has toxic saliva.. And I did touch the Loris.. by the time the rescue team came I was sort of freaking out. I just waited it out hoping nothing weird would happen me. My biggest concern was the Loris. The rescue team captured the cute creature and promised to release it in the wild. And I know they will. These guys were the good guys. After all I was fine, nothing weird happened to me and the Loris is set free. What a great start of a new adventure! </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<i>Here's a video of the Loris being captured: </i> </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/reachel.singh/videos/vb.100000811655905/613782415325475/?type=2&theater">https://www.facebook.com/reachel.singh/videos/vb.100000811655905/613782415325475/?type=2&theater</a> </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
We started the course with 8 students. Which is a very small group compared to the number of students normally attend. We finally ended up with just the two of us. Me and Jean from the Philippines. What an awesome girl. She just made me laugh everyday. The rest of the group did half of the course online (cheaters!! ;) ) and 2 left because of other reasons. The first two weeks were doable and the last two weeks were really hard. Class in the morning, preparing your lessons and working on our projects in the day, in the evenings we were teaching. I passed the grammar and phonology test in one go (never expected that, it was really hard) and all my given lessons were satisfactory. Now I have an international degree in teaching English! Victory!!!</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV36x-cXlYp5jf3bwR79736G8uxr_IZLDi88_o13WLj36aE9yRoGra-rHciDo85pfLntzM9l8HBj9in2DWhvrKgqEcD6RsTdbH54WERd_dfzR7v7_YTxcnK7VFrhPZXQpcwQirs6xNvIM/s1600/TEFL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV36x-cXlYp5jf3bwR79736G8uxr_IZLDi88_o13WLj36aE9yRoGra-rHciDo85pfLntzM9l8HBj9in2DWhvrKgqEcD6RsTdbH54WERd_dfzR7v7_YTxcnK7VFrhPZXQpcwQirs6xNvIM/s320/TEFL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBaFhhhdGhiiR_enTfc5rujd1wpUCMhEhi45o8Vd826IizVc9D329S-mk6EOYa9e3EM2-hsg3uBw7W7HuP8GcZxSaKEpXkualZrNAlvGCinhmndORuJsTHc6TqHEeOc2vkPhElaA99JSw/s1600/TEFL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
I managed to get a job in a language school for a few hours in a week. I was looking at apartments, thinking about buying a scooter, starting a life. I met some really cool people whom are also working abroad. Had some great days with these people. Barbequeing on a rooftop, going to fancy beachbars where free champagne was served. The "epic" girls night out (all the ingredients for a "girls night out" included: someone cried, someone puked, someone got angry, someone pied in public, half of the group went home early) chill out sundays drinking cold beers in the best beachbar in Phuket. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQl6p4KVnkXtqE-qGTFGTH-WiGKzuJt774Ei2BkXbAGwT8t-kSuaXmCd97wyybBncWe8xYy1ZpApVrYNtEslB30ChpJCnOEuqNPGDm7imI_UfflU_vT5oenBJXvf8EE25Qz1A48FHJrY/s1600/Phuket+beach+bar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQl6p4KVnkXtqE-qGTFGTH-WiGKzuJt774Ei2BkXbAGwT8t-kSuaXmCd97wyybBncWe8xYy1ZpApVrYNtEslB30ChpJCnOEuqNPGDm7imI_UfflU_vT5oenBJXvf8EE25Qz1A48FHJrY/s1600/Phuket+beach+bar.jpg" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
Life was treating me well. But for some reason I started to miss home really bad. I was looking for another job because I wanted to work full-time. I met so many teachers by now, they knew for sure there are many possibilities to start work in April/May. The schools have summer holiday now. But when I do start working, I'll have to commit to a one year contract. I have already been away for six months. The thought of being away for another year without seeing my friends and family scared me. So I randomly decided to go back to Holland. With the plan that I will return and start working here in Thailand for a year. But first I need to feel ready to start this beautiful life. To enjoy it to the fullest, I'll have to see my loved-ones first.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
I learned one very important lesson while I was traveling. I will never force myself into situations anymore. When it doesn't feel right I should stop doing it. When I meet people or when I'm in place or situation that's making me feel unhappy, I will step away from it. Life is too short to waste time doing things you don't like or spend time with people you don't like. Life always treats me well when I'm doing the things that make me happy.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
People asked me if I have changed. I wouldn't say i've changed, I just know more and more who I am and who I want to be as person. I am more confident, fulfilled , and I can always be myself around everyone and every new stranger that I meet. I'm not afraid of peoples opinions.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
I thank my friends and family for being so involved and supporting. I am back in Holland and they're still there for me. Nothing's changed. I found a great group of people around me that believe in me and my dreams. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Now it's time to enjoy good bread and cheese, my own bed and shower, my huge selection of shoes, jackets, hats, shawls, broodjes kroket, stamppot, movie nights, cooking my own food and offcourse meeting my friends and family and hugging my cat! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08639941421514556805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543450561207287077.post-12661783717965495912014-01-09T01:08:00.001-08:002015-10-14T02:30:40.987-07:00One month on Koh Rong island! <div dir="ltr">
It feels like it was a week ago when I first arrived on the island, instead it's already been one month, even more. In this blog I will write how life was on Koh Rong. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<b>Working in the White Rose Guesthouse:</b></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br />
I saw the sign "western staff wanted" and the next morning I woke up at 7.00 to start working! Actually.. most of the day talking and chilling with the guests and eating the delicious food from our kitchen. I was working in the guesthouse in return for a free bed and free food. I could eat whatever I want that's on the menu. So my mission was to try everything! One month of delicious food everyday. I'm a food-lover and I was in food-heaven! Omg, the nacho's... I will never forget those nacho's and of course the yummy chicken curry. Delicious foos combined with the most friendly people. Most of the staff working there are Khmer. Even though I couldn't really have a conversation with the girls, I had a great laugh with them anyway. Hugging, boxing, putting icecubes in each others shirts and a lot of smiles. My boss Lee is also from Cambodia. He is just as young as I am and running a successful guesthouse. He is good with people, generous, always happy (sometimes hungover lol). The guests just love him. Jasmine, my German colleague and also one of my best mates on the island. It was always relaxed working with her. After work going out for one drink... ended up not remembering how much we had, ah well.. keep on smiling at work and people will forgive us for messing up their orders. At some point, during highseason, the island got crazy-busy and it started to feel more and more like work instead of a holiday. The guests were different, wining a lot more. I would like the island to stay the way it was three months ago. This easygoing hippy-vibe going on (who cares your food takes one hour, this is Asia and you're on a holiday!!), and more quiet time instead of party people all over the place getting shitfaced. I wish David the best. He will replace me. I think he will almost be just as hardworking as I was ;) he's a cool guy. Just what White Rose needs; a guy, who will tell people to shut the f up because people are trying to sleep. Even though it got busy, I 'm really going to miss this lifestyle and especially my white rose family. One love! </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6dFm1jxbIGlY3sbQwrAnH8p0BwcrCxMEf3u24ik_LOJm7NmKXDM_4TL-SmU__241jU7iJk-ARWRvoFgXzygSJoPi5Px7Olnpk_LFrlFDpuHoRsiCZyShB_QxjRe-6lYJTeLTDz_zacD8/s1600/White+rose+family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6dFm1jxbIGlY3sbQwrAnH8p0BwcrCxMEf3u24ik_LOJm7NmKXDM_4TL-SmU__241jU7iJk-ARWRvoFgXzygSJoPi5Px7Olnpk_LFrlFDpuHoRsiCZyShB_QxjRe-6lYJTeLTDz_zacD8/s320/White+rose+family.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<b>Volunteering for "friends of koh rong":</b><br />
After my morning shift in the guesthouse (if I was not too tired) I would walk into the FOKR house to see where I could help out. I helped out with an art class, did a music class with the kids, helped out painting the house (see picture above, I painted some trees and the sea) and I did some drop-in classes. The music class was so much fun. I had a class full of kids (about 25?) from the age of 5 up to 14 years old. I did the famous English childrens song B-I-N-G-O, the ABC-song and a Christmas song. Soon it was x-mass holiday, but since this island is 75% kids walking around, you could never get rid of them. Always playing, dancing, laughing with one of them in front of the guesthouse. The Cambodian kids are not only cute and beautiful, but they are also so happy! They will climbe you like monkeys, hug and kiss you. I will never forget the girls working at FOKR. They are just awesome. I will miss having colleagues like them! </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4OatnwVLPoS-HFdM8h4nlqBItOS-2oaa6_W78DgHu5ojTvlv3RiSToZxAq7Izrv4ruWiISGHRnXazui3gug3bNLyW4W_SlVEMILgwfjYW703SeoRd_RQPFexwJ0dy6rWYNjnhtzu-tY/s1600/Koh+Rong+teaching.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4OatnwVLPoS-HFdM8h4nlqBItOS-2oaa6_W78DgHu5ojTvlv3RiSToZxAq7Izrv4ruWiISGHRnXazui3gug3bNLyW4W_SlVEMILgwfjYW703SeoRd_RQPFexwJ0dy6rWYNjnhtzu-tY/s320/Koh+Rong+teaching.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<b>My pets on Koh Rong ♥</b></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br />
There are not many cats on the island since it's ruled by dogs. Lee doesn't really like animals in his guesthouse (understandable) so I couldn't adopt a cat :( I am a cat-person but I love all animals so..... I couldn't help myself and started feeding two dogs the leftovers we had from the guesthouse. One mommy called "Lucky": she was so skinny when I first saw her. All her backbones were sticking out.Then I heard her life-story and it made me want to take care of her even more; she was living at the dive center and she got pregnant many times. Most of her puppies died of course, like most puppies do on the island. RIP: Megatron, Bongs' puppy. Died right next to me while I was watching a movie... they tried everything to save this puppy, but once puppies get sick, it's hard to keep them alive. <br />
Lucky got very weak because of being pregnant all the time. The other dogs scared her away and no one was taking care of her after that. Such a shame because she's got a wonderful, warm personality (not aggressive at all like some of the other dogs there, eventhough she's been through alot!), and she has got the cutest face and eyes. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
Then there is Hunter (not Jack, Tiara!! His name is Hunter!!) He's a totally black puppy with one blue eye because he's blind on that eye. On new years eve, right after 12 o'clock I suddenly see Hunter running my way, wiskeling his little tail like he always does when he sees me. He actually found his way through the big crowd and found me!! I picked him up and he started licking my face like he wanted to say; happy newyear, I love you (for giving me food ;) ) </div>
<div dir="ltr">
I'm gonna miss these two dogs!! I know they will be alright, Luke promised to take care of them. Thanks Luke! You're the best!</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOxv5m24O02NswI1ykxQaru0CgM4v7YQ9n5isuGbP8c2rbG_3kM_vBR1Tuil7Z57EIAwo6x2mS5MwxoQwr-tgq4FDcV63jtkctv6WWvmtRYKbrt17MeYhcMOckfizYnMJQEwxIlwbg-cQ/s1600/Koh+Rong+hunter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOxv5m24O02NswI1ykxQaru0CgM4v7YQ9n5isuGbP8c2rbG_3kM_vBR1Tuil7Z57EIAwo6x2mS5MwxoQwr-tgq4FDcV63jtkctv6WWvmtRYKbrt17MeYhcMOckfizYnMJQEwxIlwbg-cQ/s320/Koh+Rong+hunter.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Hunter <3 . Lucky is sleeping in the back under the table.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div dir="ltr">
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<b>Movie nights, crazy nights</b> <b>and beach chill sessions </b></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr">
I spend many nights in the dive center, watching movies with Luke and the rest of the dive center crew. All of them are so friendly and welcoming people. If you go diving on Koh Rong, I'm sure you will have a great time with them. Thanks Luke, for making my stay on the island so wonderful and always inviting me over to movie-nights, beer-pong nights and chillings on the pier, drinking wine and watching the stars.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
I found out that I have a talent for beer-pong. This actually feels more like a sport than a drinking game! Just trying to hit balls in plastic cups. My first game I hit the last cup standing and I did it BLIND!! With my hand in front of my eyes! I couldn't believe it! Ever since me and Luke were partners every beer-pong night. Classic nights out. Will never forget. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br />
A night out on Koh Rong was mostly in coco's but also a visit to my favorite bars with my favorite people: islandboys, Bongs. Vagabonds and mango's when it got very late.. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
My best lunch breaks ever: eat some fruit on the beautiful beach and take swim and a nap.. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
Every single day on Koh Rong has been wonderful. I miss it already. But now it's time for an other new adventure! I'm studying in Phuket- Thailand! I'm doing the TEFL course (teach english to foreign learners). I already had a crazy start. I will write this in my next blog. I don't know if anyone is still reading all of this, if not, I don't really care. It's the memory that counts. By writing all of it down, I will never forget this crazy beautiful life I'm living right now.<br />
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtFo4tRW9xlEOEbyRxLRKCU4SF0t4NCOYD5-hmIF3l9idR7BAWcUEOt6kILjKdjEzWT5glORb3cB6Hu0pLJHwObCFeJNk8Dt7TvXmEAwGJ5R8bSprAinTaWd-LIGgXrah87twD0OW516o/s1600/KohRong+white+sandy+beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtFo4tRW9xlEOEbyRxLRKCU4SF0t4NCOYD5-hmIF3l9idR7BAWcUEOt6kILjKdjEzWT5glORb3cB6Hu0pLJHwObCFeJNk8Dt7TvXmEAwGJ5R8bSprAinTaWd-LIGgXrah87twD0OW516o/s320/KohRong+white+sandy+beach.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08639941421514556805noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543450561207287077.post-82345828155330907562013-12-09T05:10:00.001-08:002015-10-09T02:50:44.092-07:00What could Koh Rong? <div dir="ltr">
Couple days ago I came back to Koh Rong. Arriving on the boat, looking at this beautiful island, it felt like coming home again. Now I am working and living on Koh Rong for one month. In this blog I will tell you about my first days of being an island girl!</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6rAhaV9w28d1TMTcRcTo96j-UewXTs94Jzu3PUTj_de0FI31QgIELp9UvarUIVN58p9wNUswAXshPDB3Ii85zbBY3WInaSUNDMO9g6wO2pjNO3tmJFyZgwoIlmfyCNdbMrAw32DHleCQ/s1600/Koh+Rong+islandgirl+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6rAhaV9w28d1TMTcRcTo96j-UewXTs94Jzu3PUTj_de0FI31QgIELp9UvarUIVN58p9wNUswAXshPDB3Ii85zbBY3WInaSUNDMO9g6wO2pjNO3tmJFyZgwoIlmfyCNdbMrAw32DHleCQ/s320/Koh+Rong+islandgirl+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
The first day I checked into island boys. I stayed in this place one and a half month ago as well.I hoped to see some more familiar faces, but of course it's a place where people come and go. At first I felt a little lost, I had just spend three amazing days hanging out with my brother and mom. Now, I was on this island, I just know a few people. But there's no one that really knows you, like family or friends do. That's the only thing that makes travelling hard sometimes. In these four months I have met so many cool people and with some of them you have a really great time travelling for a while. At some point you have to say goodbye, and that can be hard. But new adventures follow and new people. Offcourse I miss people and I miss home, but I get so many things back in return. Everyday I realise how lucky I am to have this experience. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
I went to visit the school on the island, because I really hoped that I could work for the school while I'm staying here. There is a small organization, runned by a few hard working girls, called friends of Koh Rong. They organise activities for the Koh Rong kids and they teach them english. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
Within two days I had everything sorted out. I really needed some free accommodation so I can survive till January and spending as less money as I can. So I started working in white rose guesthouse, which is right in front of the "friends of koh rong-house". The owner from the guesthouse also helps out at the school so I get the freedom to go and work for the school in the daytime. It's suddenly a very busy lifestyle but at the same time also very relaxed.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
In the morning I start at 8 or 9 o'clock. I'm working with a really sweet girl from Germany and we change shifts every other day. We work till 12.00 and then we have the day off till 16.00. It can get really busy in the morning sometimes, since we are serving the best breakfast on the island. I never thought I would like working in a guesthouse/restaurant so much. But maybe it's just because everybody is so happy and relaxed over here.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI09Ry32-TVtQmshTYKbk-b6iqoWrtEtOcNgJGwMxfzkijbWVXMPAhgs4Gy1aRea7Ls8L7s6iqnVjj__BRPgp1jfUCNbTvSvfH6RaAbZ6754q-Cp5JyuMO5rwL1lhCCl0DULXBwCjXDBE/s1600/Koh+Rong+guesthouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI09Ry32-TVtQmshTYKbk-b6iqoWrtEtOcNgJGwMxfzkijbWVXMPAhgs4Gy1aRea7Ls8L7s6iqnVjj__BRPgp1jfUCNbTvSvfH6RaAbZ6754q-Cp5JyuMO5rwL1lhCCl0DULXBwCjXDBE/s320/Koh+Rong+guesthouse.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
During the daytime I can choose whatever I want to do. I can go and take a nap on the beach, swim and read a little bit. (I mean, best lunch break ever!!) Mostly I hop into the Friends of Koh Rong house to do some one-on-one tutoring lessons with the kids. It's a class where every volunteer can hop in and teach them basic English like counting, colors and letters through fun (card) games. After that just see where I can help out, preparing stuff and helping out at art class or anything that needs to be done. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPn_9TntUdFXJD4Z4s18GnLat9Q7P-kP-x0oiz15IRzCTV9bH-WqE5NS8IIZwmpyieegRy3j184Xy-rdQ7p9oq8bDAb_uHSDlxXPVh-l7ZU42Ei88eaZB-Vp7reCyQHWTk_P8hS_EK04c/s1600/Koh+Rong+island+girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPn_9TntUdFXJD4Z4s18GnLat9Q7P-kP-x0oiz15IRzCTV9bH-WqE5NS8IIZwmpyieegRy3j184Xy-rdQ7p9oq8bDAb_uHSDlxXPVh-l7ZU42Ei88eaZB-Vp7reCyQHWTk_P8hS_EK04c/s320/Koh+Rong+island+girl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
Soon I will be giving music lessons to the kids! Right now I am writing lessonplans for that. It's gonna be so much fun!! </div>
<div dir="ltr">
I start working at the guesthouse again 16.00 again till 21.00. In the evenings it's always very relaxed. I sit down with the people, have a talk, serve some drinks, play my own music through the speakers or play and sing some songs myself. My boss has two guitars so I am very happy that I can play guitar anytime I want and practice some new songs.When I'm done working I go out for some drinks and watch fireshows on the beach. I mean what could Koh Rong!? Life is good <3 </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju56I7KgbDpYPG5I7_XBzj1C0go34XFAUkcIspzVyXhIR5I1QSlvS8eYO1T9Ew9LChpNJZO0hdD15TAND1kRstkRTBPsAgTErKfmknwlalTBai_b28AFF54gFAjOaZtwvcq8KY3rpdCek/s1600/Koh+Rong+Kid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju56I7KgbDpYPG5I7_XBzj1C0go34XFAUkcIspzVyXhIR5I1QSlvS8eYO1T9Ew9LChpNJZO0hdD15TAND1kRstkRTBPsAgTErKfmknwlalTBai_b28AFF54gFAjOaZtwvcq8KY3rpdCek/s320/Koh+Rong+Kid.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08639941421514556805noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543450561207287077.post-45873665127170684732013-11-21T02:22:00.001-08:002015-10-09T04:40:50.858-07:00Vietnam adventures and.. what's next?<div dir="ltr">
After all the craziness in Ho Chi Minh city I was longing for some quiet time on the beach. I headed for Mui Ne and at first I was really disappointed. The backpackers hostel where I wanted to stay was fully booked and it was the only hostel there. Mui Ne is packed with resorts and Russians. After walking for an hour I found a nice place with rooms for 10 dollar and decided to have some more luxury. I booked the backpackers hostel for 2 days later.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
The next day I went on a trip to see the sanddunes, drove through it on a cart bike, so badass!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaTuz1bKpC-ECuKDPXRvjSpFOZejkuR9MToACdEklRO7sfJSKXXdvSss9b79tU4SngCi3S3v4Z6REHy7alUNvKRxOdan3mR4j9Q7hgE1dCUSf-L0ICJ7TUCFslbtylYjmtzy7mEPWkqEQ/s1600/Vietnam+Dunes+riding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaTuz1bKpC-ECuKDPXRvjSpFOZejkuR9MToACdEklRO7sfJSKXXdvSss9b79tU4SngCi3S3v4Z6REHy7alUNvKRxOdan3mR4j9Q7hgE1dCUSf-L0ICJ7TUCFslbtylYjmtzy7mEPWkqEQ/s320/Vietnam+Dunes+riding.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Saw the sunset at the red dunes and slided down them. It's a good trip, costs only 7 dollars. (Riding through the dunes not included) </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgefMt7AichNYEjHrdbNh5n7R8s7Ly3A_S7Nyb686n-N5ohrhTjaJvK768-KGl3YbIix1QlWNvb7w5E5BvTU_y3I49VmAsQGUo8DzxCK_72RP_q2qSpcrLGgOx80uZANWIHvqEWC6dNKmw/s1600/Vietnam++dunes+sliding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgefMt7AichNYEjHrdbNh5n7R8s7Ly3A_S7Nyb686n-N5ohrhTjaJvK768-KGl3YbIix1QlWNvb7w5E5BvTU_y3I49VmAsQGUo8DzxCK_72RP_q2qSpcrLGgOx80uZANWIHvqEWC6dNKmw/s320/Vietnam++dunes+sliding.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
The day after I hired a bike and just drove around Mui Ne, no plan, just see where I end up. It's the best way to actually see the place because this day turned out to be awesome. I parked my bike somewhere along a beach. There were only 4 people there, they were Vietnamees. The beach was filled with beautiful shells, starfish and little crabs walking around. I saw a lady selling drinks so I ordered a fanta and sat down on the beach. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-zD1K91bZC8eWzkplHFvEb0v5hH3XcijxJG7RmjEPOYPxJhvTbGj8je9oED08iUGvMB6movq_GYDMs-J1uxX-QrCLxrqFiO1OVlAZMcKlVhxFFVex1jX8yRgOB_WAnoTBM2-wmu9ymU/s1600/Vietnam+Shellfish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-zD1K91bZC8eWzkplHFvEb0v5hH3XcijxJG7RmjEPOYPxJhvTbGj8je9oED08iUGvMB6movq_GYDMs-J1uxX-QrCLxrqFiO1OVlAZMcKlVhxFFVex1jX8yRgOB_WAnoTBM2-wmu9ymU/s1600/Vietnam+Shellfish.jpg" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Within no time the Vietnamees people walked up to me, asked me where I'm from. They invited me over to come and sit with them at the house, they were drinking beer and barbecuing seafood. They couldn't really speak English but I had a great laugh with them anyway. Just sitting there, drinking a beer, eating, playing the guitar. I think they were arranging a marriage for me aswell... at some point I just told them I already have a husband. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy7Twd8EzOATcjAFMEvGXvkxs4LvZuLtiEkMtliNF1HLyhyw0OBhHnPcKg2jB00-o3-8kBDMjEbkTeIKGha_g-EzviPzHmyWvBx79zDOlD3juu3X7J_57m49H_B-it2Ow1tRh-rhkNlk0/s1600/Vietnam+eating2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy7Twd8EzOATcjAFMEvGXvkxs4LvZuLtiEkMtliNF1HLyhyw0OBhHnPcKg2jB00-o3-8kBDMjEbkTeIKGha_g-EzviPzHmyWvBx79zDOlD3juu3X7J_57m49H_B-it2Ow1tRh-rhkNlk0/s320/Vietnam+eating2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
I was so happy that I could check in at backpackers, it's the best way to meet other people. And I did. Big thank you to the staff and aspecially Andy for making my stay in MuI Ne awesome. I liked it so much, I could not leave. I am definitly going back there one day and take some kitesurfing lessons. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
In the sleeping bus from Mui Ne to Na Thrang I met two guys from Holland and one from Germany. I've been hanging out with them eversince. But first I was meeting my mom and brother in Na Thrang! I was so happy to see them after three months. After hanging out with them for three days, chilling on the beach, going out, I decided to go on a motorcycle trip with the three guys I met on the bus. I always wanted to do this and now I had find a nice crew to hit the road with! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIiR-50VUGJsp09Zvkm81r6rBSXtU_LPXkOaF1ie8zd4bcfns1DLe-PRjruE2Qk_Gd0jA6hmw_7PjLI0m50MgZel8LeF4Z8oeEOP6V58cfXU3TJZRyKabFZfvsoyCpzfXhQxvrn4ADAWs/s1600/Vietnam+roadtrip+bikes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIiR-50VUGJsp09Zvkm81r6rBSXtU_LPXkOaF1ie8zd4bcfns1DLe-PRjruE2Qk_Gd0jA6hmw_7PjLI0m50MgZel8LeF4Z8oeEOP6V58cfXU3TJZRyKabFZfvsoyCpzfXhQxvrn4ADAWs/s320/Vietnam+roadtrip+bikes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
We were biking 950 km up north to Hoi An through the mountains. The scenery was so beautiful, this is the perfect way to really see Vietnam. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilVvPRv3j8gAQqocZth_42cAOQtUL41cuMNe-FppfyhSfoAQNG6mDPdWIulATgFv9bcxCRECx5AqocY6IgWlKhQO5jPjm-rJnKxontKXgcEjuNUDnYHntkTBB3rK7lMiLBGySQpiNrnQ0/s1600/Vietnam+road+trip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilVvPRv3j8gAQqocZth_42cAOQtUL41cuMNe-FppfyhSfoAQNG6mDPdWIulATgFv9bcxCRECx5AqocY6IgWlKhQO5jPjm-rJnKxontKXgcEjuNUDnYHntkTBB3rK7lMiLBGySQpiNrnQ0/s320/Vietnam+road+trip.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
The last day was really tough, it started to rain like crazy. The streets were floaded and we were biking through water that got up to our knees. The bikes broke down many times.. I was happy to arrive in HoI An after 6 hours of getting totally soaked on the bike. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
The bad weather didn't stop when we were in Hoi An. De hotelstaff woke us up in the early morning and told us to pack our bags immediately and move one floor up. When I stept out of the room the water was already half meter high and it would take only minutes for it to enter the room. We booked a bus to Hanoi for that day to avoid the bad weather. They told us the bus would leave at 10 o clock instead of one thirty so we had to hurry to take our bus in the morning. Going out of the hotel was impossible. They told us to walk there but we had all of our bags and the water would come up to my waist or even higher. There was a boat i<u>n</u> front of the hotel so I insisted them to take us there with the boat. For whatever reason that wasn't possible and then I got a little angry because we were going to miss our bus. The hotelowner looked shocked when I raised my voice a little bit and then finally, after half an hour of not knowing what to do, he arranged some people to bring us to the bus. While sitting in the boat it was shocking to see how much damage this will bring. The whole street, about a km long I guess, was totally floaded from a meter to almost two meters high. All the shops and houses will be totally destroyed. At the end of the street the floading stopt and we got out of the boats and ran for the bus. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ0sX0KTubGzfjzLJ_Ym_WEM0r5vfPGwnLB2hrQM6zeHEhdY9mSkEsQKdpvmrnzQUI1uXXlJmgItwcUxepVrxQbTANaAn9OHd4x8GUJOQE-UH8I7_c3EX4jSPRh1VW415lPWMs59AB-gI/s1600/Vietnam+floads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ0sX0KTubGzfjzLJ_Ym_WEM0r5vfPGwnLB2hrQM6zeHEhdY9mSkEsQKdpvmrnzQUI1uXXlJmgItwcUxepVrxQbTANaAn9OHd4x8GUJOQE-UH8I7_c3EX4jSPRh1VW415lPWMs59AB-gI/s320/Vietnam+floads.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
When we finally arrived at the busstation we found out that the bus was leaving 3 hours later... ooohh Asia is a pain in the ass sometimes!<br />
<br />
We ended our Vietnam adventures in beautiful Halong Bay. The weather was not that great, but it was ok. We had our own family boat, some wine, good fresh sea food and an incredible view.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-23yeVZ6QFtIds53ipfkdT2FBYaepQXSqFq5SlFV6871zf6Lo043nwQWCg6PMh2VKD-kqfOPL4DFTmsc9sJJ-OF_UvCEEzA7xGe-STBKHPNwfNAf7_mmiMtQiOjoDY7gOy4iL5MbQYs/s1600/Halong+bay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-23yeVZ6QFtIds53ipfkdT2FBYaepQXSqFq5SlFV6871zf6Lo043nwQWCg6PMh2VKD-kqfOPL4DFTmsc9sJJ-OF_UvCEEzA7xGe-STBKHPNwfNAf7_mmiMtQiOjoDY7gOy4iL5MbQYs/s320/Halong+bay.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ZQy3zjx-6r8IpyFfdgVqNIKmZLoDJagcw_d7vSBbebQJBrxIfpPVg53O0DYMS6RlMayfy1o1Hg8M7XroxYSeOL2MUo_gY-QjuJIQIXDkYaQOp2yJmG-mbliMOfvMxJLixcGAyMzhCsI/s1600/halong+bay2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ZQy3zjx-6r8IpyFfdgVqNIKmZLoDJagcw_d7vSBbebQJBrxIfpPVg53O0DYMS6RlMayfy1o1Hg8M7XroxYSeOL2MUo_gY-QjuJIQIXDkYaQOp2yJmG-mbliMOfvMxJLixcGAyMzhCsI/s320/halong+bay2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
A lot of adventures in Vietnam and the whole big adventure is almost about to end.. or is it not? I'm now starting to think about what I want to do. I booked a one way ticket for a reason. So that I have all the freedom to decide when and where I want to go.. no plans fixed yet, but I'm thinking about doing a one month course for teaching English in Vietnam. After that I want to teach English somewhere in Asia for a while. I miss home a lot but what is a year in a lifetime? I feel that now it's the time to get everything out of it and take as much memories and wisdom home with me as I can. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSfMhOt3IDa5ji3vBScjq902kafw68lSO2dGMqhPYSVtw1MQuBlCtHw_szlveKlCjoZEq0HJJsNWrFzoULeqjs31KfHaTygRFJt48Ved8hG8jJx56XWQH4ku9dp_GL59yHCnxTVECOM8I/s1600/vietnam+roadtrack+crazy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSfMhOt3IDa5ji3vBScjq902kafw68lSO2dGMqhPYSVtw1MQuBlCtHw_szlveKlCjoZEq0HJJsNWrFzoULeqjs31KfHaTygRFJt48Ved8hG8jJx56XWQH4ku9dp_GL59yHCnxTVECOM8I/s320/vietnam+roadtrack+crazy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08639941421514556805noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543450561207287077.post-8081723948675939562013-11-01T07:43:00.001-07:002015-10-09T02:16:37.372-07:00Beach and big city lifestyle<div dir="ltr">
My first night on Koh Rong island with the bonfire on the beach was so amazing! I thought; I can never leave this place.. On one side of the island you have a couple hostels, bars and huts. On the other side is a white sanded beach with the clearest water I have ever seen and there is nobody there... Koh Rong has the best barbecue squid I have ever tasted, and your spending your days there in between locals, unlike Thailand or any other island I've been to. After a few days you know so many people, it starts feeling like home. We went to the full moon party with the partyboat. The party was on Koh Rong Samloem, a smaller island right next to it. It was not to crowded, on a beautiful beach, cool people, fireshows. This was full moon at it's best I think. How it used to be 10 years ago. Dancing until sunrise... this was my first sunrise during this trip. It was magical. So many beautiful colored clouds, with a storm far away in the south and the full moon still shining behind you. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi80YurLxqL3JXKEI-NlHiICH96dV0J83AU8Mcu5mHYj4eDqaNJSWV0coXkmZb_km51eRiVy-d2k2P-hHulzjEZpPfW1rCEWatInpiyMW5w41auULKIcmujH0Up_BD0PTSDlBBUsvE86YA/s1600/Koh+Rong+Sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi80YurLxqL3JXKEI-NlHiICH96dV0J83AU8Mcu5mHYj4eDqaNJSWV0coXkmZb_km51eRiVy-d2k2P-hHulzjEZpPfW1rCEWatInpiyMW5w41auULKIcmujH0Up_BD0PTSDlBBUsvE86YA/s320/Koh+Rong+Sunset.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHY4SbWa-1wR62nfij2LGgPVkDaXFsF00TlBFxQcE1BTWwf0fqQwNZm29Efl073xQ8etbEm1mlYylT8c8btxHphlscTBtQ7usKe8CmtNjz25ATfdSORi10vn9b9Uc7bOy40jCadXD-nZM/s1600/Koh+Rong+Party+Boat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Took the partyboat back "home" with al these great people I met. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD2lLx3WNgE7Dq07y9Yx_YVq4ioArNSEhaZ2nwx9ikiQ_nh4xyxw4bhQrkamxN-eVmeXHuXdrllnhj9TbvVnFRWP_np25-aHklDsejTH17iKJbwo-dIvGPuolBtG7vwTvaOMBX0BZvv-Q/s1600/Koh+Rong+Party+Boat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD2lLx3WNgE7Dq07y9Yx_YVq4ioArNSEhaZ2nwx9ikiQ_nh4xyxw4bhQrkamxN-eVmeXHuXdrllnhj9TbvVnFRWP_np25-aHklDsejTH17iKJbwo-dIvGPuolBtG7vwTvaOMBX0BZvv-Q/s320/Koh+Rong+Party+Boat.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
After 10 amazing days I left the island and then got stuck in Sihanoukville voor another week. Almost everyday the same routine: rent a bike, drive up to Otres beach, swim, chill, have an Amok chicken, hang out at this bar called "blame canada", have some drinks in the night and spend almost nothing... it's a great lifestyle. After travelling and seeing a lot of stuff, this felt like the two-week-beach-holiday in between. It was so hard to leave this place. But I was very excited to go to Vietnam. New adventures, new people. Travelling is so good, I could do this forever.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Now I am in Ho Chi Minh city, what a contrast! It's crazy! So crowded! But I like it a lot. I am sharing a four bed dorm with a really cool girl I met on the bus. And crazy enough i've bumped into some other people i have met before too. <br />
The first day in Ho Chi Minh we went to the war museum. A lot of pictures made during that time, and they are really impressive. A must-see museum! The next day we went to the floating market, which was ok.. it was a six hour busride and a 3 hour tour, so I mostly slept that day!</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
I was looking forward to celebrate Halloween. Vietnamese people love Halloween. We got our face painted on the street. I was pretty happy with how it turned out. After the facepaint everybody wanted to take pictures with us! </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiii2hQWD3ydDQIrxIB0Jf5SFSuZ25SJ4kfZaQvTjBhni4sINMNBXN_JgP1Sdm4kEWhfxm5tr97aeeKHNr3Io2dnssCnz-K3_qwV0t-kKqVUlRBcKlIFHNelHs1yArIV4-gxsP1qANDLmo/s1600/Ho+Chi+Minh+facepaint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiii2hQWD3ydDQIrxIB0Jf5SFSuZ25SJ4kfZaQvTjBhni4sINMNBXN_JgP1Sdm4kEWhfxm5tr97aeeKHNr3Io2dnssCnz-K3_qwV0t-kKqVUlRBcKlIFHNelHs1yArIV4-gxsP1qANDLmo/s320/Ho+Chi+Minh+facepaint.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRaaTsmEMMRnX8wRWSAON6Zx_a4WqcQ17BxD2i5HRfsq-nGgD4ntHiTJBNQYklTpgHjl9V5bVlnKjy6XIfJmw_omgLrAcTPSv4FckW1EnNrA0JsrisUReW2vLbSr8ADYsJ9g95TyZMGB4/s1600/HoChiMin+facepaint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRaaTsmEMMRnX8wRWSAON6Zx_a4WqcQ17BxD2i5HRfsq-nGgD4ntHiTJBNQYklTpgHjl9V5bVlnKjy6XIfJmw_omgLrAcTPSv4FckW1EnNrA0JsrisUReW2vLbSr8ADYsJ9g95TyZMGB4/s320/HoChiMin+facepaint.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
The street was so crowded that at some point you just couldn't walk through it. But it was good sitting and watching al these crazy costumes. People were cheering and applauding when they saw a good costume walking by. Great atmosphere! The clubs are really fancy and big, but I liked it more on the street. Simple, but good! Vietnam and Vietnamese people are awesome! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08639941421514556805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543450561207287077.post-34671547614464894952013-10-14T04:17:00.001-07:002015-10-08T17:51:58.451-07:00Cambodia: from ruins to paradise<div dir="ltr">
The busride to Cambodia was crazy. The bus left three hours later then it was supposed to, broke down three times. While sitting on the street, watching the guys fix the bus with some water, I already realised: I think I love this country. It was the first time on my trip that something went wrong. The Asians nowadays really know how to adapt to the foreigners. But I like the craziness more.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp1Ri9HIwQPZgYeQT7EqsLv7eL3FdmLcul2huBU52sTxi0EfhYRrHQuVqJUSJoWVPPFSx1ZTGNqplvhrkBlwwe2Fys5FsLjhDOiewCR_F-J7tm9MT3H_1el7WDPWH64tdWa5YdReJ1tsw/s1600/Cambodia+water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp1Ri9HIwQPZgYeQT7EqsLv7eL3FdmLcul2huBU52sTxi0EfhYRrHQuVqJUSJoWVPPFSx1ZTGNqplvhrkBlwwe2Fys5FsLjhDOiewCR_F-J7tm9MT3H_1el7WDPWH64tdWa5YdReJ1tsw/s320/Cambodia+water.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Phnom Phen is a weird city. There was a festival going on so all the shops were closed. It was like a ghost town and the first tuktukdriver right away warned us for people mugging you. So I stayed in Phnom Phen for a day, just to see the killing fields. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
I met some cool people from Argentina in the hostel where I was staying. With them I went to the killing fields and toulsleng; the school prisons. The Killing Fields were really impressive. Walking there everything seems so peaceful. But what happened there is one of the most horrible stories I've ever heard. The Cambodians had a long history of violence. About 2.5 million people died during the Khmer regime. Innocent men, children, women, even baby's. They call Pol Pot the hitler of Cambodia. He wanted to kill everyone whom he think had contact with foreign countries. Our tuktuk drivers dad died during this time. Then I realised this country is still recovering from all of this.<br />
Toul Sleng was even more impressive. Pol pot thought there is no need for education so he closed the schools and turned them into prisons and torture rooms. They kept everything the way it was, you can even still see the blood on the floors. Seeing all the pictures of the people getting abused was horrible. It hits you in the face, but it's a piece of history you really need to know about before travelling around this country. Because it happened only 30 years ago.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
After Phnom Phen to Siem Reap. I met someone from Holland in the place where I was staying, so we decided to go cycling like real dutchies the next day. We rented <u>a</u> bike for one dollar for the whole day! And we got a free bottle of water. My bike was so cute. It had a purple bell and a blue basket. :)</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhajzU327pp0jXI9jMXut6t57PU_N-EDj78p0fTpZ-bOZfWt4BwvfNPMBSStm-N9uecMGAgnt3dwCoEKQYuOqdLIPzdKNedAcMANMM82vVCjskOsICFonh1sCoRTsuSpTyCuUfoR908-xc/s1600/Cambodia+Bicycle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhajzU327pp0jXI9jMXut6t57PU_N-EDj78p0fTpZ-bOZfWt4BwvfNPMBSStm-N9uecMGAgnt3dwCoEKQYuOqdLIPzdKNedAcMANMM82vVCjskOsICFonh1sCoRTsuSpTyCuUfoR908-xc/s320/Cambodia+Bicycle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br />
Angkor Wat was beautiful, but the fact that we went cycling made it much, much cooler. We did the tour that most people do in three days, sitting inside a tuktuk, in one day. We saw all the temples, but we didn't climbe them all though.. and at some point you've seen enough ruins. But still it's beautiful. Glad I've seen Cambodia's pride!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tU6paBkBo27dCA3Y5pX6zeC0Y1WQk6R_x1ZALdQuhGYK3EQjhwKC4-6l7yCGPamhj-qBFC5iGqYUcg9NahMouuRMlf3jP4gOuVPZuLgllSxAOvhgZ0w-DA6B0c0D5uMXIBPEsyo-3xM/s1600/Cambodia+Ankor+Wat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tU6paBkBo27dCA3Y5pX6zeC0Y1WQk6R_x1ZALdQuhGYK3EQjhwKC4-6l7yCGPamhj-qBFC5iGqYUcg9NahMouuRMlf3jP4gOuVPZuLgllSxAOvhgZ0w-DA6B0c0D5uMXIBPEsyo-3xM/s320/Cambodia+Ankor+Wat.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br />
The next day we decided to go to the floating villages. The people living there are really poor. They live on the water so they don't have to pay tax and they live from fishing. I had mixed feelings about it. It was interesting to see how they live, but they try to get money from you in many ways. Alot of money. I wanted to buy some rice for the school children but they asked 45 dollars for the whole bag. We just left after that, I really wanted to give something but this was not feeling good. All and all, still an impressive village to visit!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSymdDdqk0VGkAVi76WkmZk1OhT52TYR4OubhRI5oZhURS1r-dh5PytmE4HyN2jhrcaQU1_fDYJs8qVcdZEZxYE8BCo93dDv9jq7aU_LkiJoJuU4cymag95MCw9d57s4E_zVQ2eDHlays/s1600/Cambodia+water+houses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSymdDdqk0VGkAVi76WkmZk1OhT52TYR4OubhRI5oZhURS1r-dh5PytmE4HyN2jhrcaQU1_fDYJs8qVcdZEZxYE8BCo93dDv9jq7aU_LkiJoJuU4cymag95MCw9d57s4E_zVQ2eDHlays/s320/Cambodia+water+houses.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
The beach! Haven't seen one during my trip so I was really looking forward to sticking my feet in the sand and taking a dive in clear blue water. Also my friend Evert from Holland was coming to visit me. I was so happy to meet him here. Sihanoukville serendipity beach is a quiet party beach right now, in high season it must be packed. Everything is so cheep over there! I went a night out and I had spend only four dollars... </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Enough party on serendipity, time to relax at Koh Rong island. The atmosphere here is so chilled out, and the Cambodian people are so cool!!!<br />
On the first night there was a birthday party going on the beach, right next to our hostel. It was a birthday party for a two year old baby. This wasn't a birthday party with clowns and "broodjes knakworst." They were playing really loud Cambodian party music and everybody; foreigners, Cambodian were dancing, jumping, having a good time. I loved it!!! <br />
After that there was a huge bonfire on the beach and we went swimming in the dark to see the plankton lid up. It was amazing!! What a great first night. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOqsXl-5f7XagAlseuCncOeTmsPT30RUKuHDlvgCkN_RftD7NpZkTDDAPpyQH1tamGFua3FJoExmQ2IvThtaaizFD7IGkipLYoW6dBKe7xZCtsfclEqKp9sWDLeXekqD0fEgj67CcSOOI/s1600/Cambodia+Bon+fire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOqsXl-5f7XagAlseuCncOeTmsPT30RUKuHDlvgCkN_RftD7NpZkTDDAPpyQH1tamGFua3FJoExmQ2IvThtaaizFD7IGkipLYoW6dBKe7xZCtsfclEqKp9sWDLeXekqD0fEgj67CcSOOI/s320/Cambodia+Bon+fire.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1QwZupBn76hkqyIJKzC1BVyt6OwPv2g3-EorN-gi9l6o8z7N9OONDb3j6i7hwmLcIp3_jW4JuJ2X6w0nBDfE5i3tK-0QGyyO72Q7ova6WHxI7f4cSkqPbX3OM1MeifTxzRmEXEd5V2aA/s1600/Cambodian+Party.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1QwZupBn76hkqyIJKzC1BVyt6OwPv2g3-EorN-gi9l6o8z7N9OONDb3j6i7hwmLcIp3_jW4JuJ2X6w0nBDfE5i3tK-0QGyyO72Q7ova6WHxI7f4cSkqPbX3OM1MeifTxzRmEXEd5V2aA/s320/Cambodian+Party.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
I.am.in.paradise.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_3yA4vyIJxSviF83kjC_s8Gu4ytzAOZFAFAcFSB1Q7JpcdO0xlWGT6-N0hO3-fAZrWe4Fuabq-1vTTOuVI4Xequx7QHUgSo5Y3Pbu0yeZAtZbGjRegSB5iTR8Oebbd9pLKRkreG6jQQ/s1600/Cambodia+Koh+Rong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_3yA4vyIJxSviF83kjC_s8Gu4ytzAOZFAFAcFSB1Q7JpcdO0xlWGT6-N0hO3-fAZrWe4Fuabq-1vTTOuVI4Xequx7QHUgSo5Y3Pbu0yeZAtZbGjRegSB5iTR8Oebbd9pLKRkreG6jQQ/s320/Cambodia+Koh+Rong.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08639941421514556805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543450561207287077.post-8085645796127425972013-10-03T21:09:00.001-07:002015-10-08T17:19:51.554-07:00Laos - the highlights of my trip<div dir="ltr">
<br />
Luang prabang is a beautiful city among the river with a few temples and many monks coloring the street with their orange gowns. The first day when I arrived I decided to be alone for a while, because while travelling, you're actually never alone. You'll always meet great people along the way. That's what makes travelling by yourself so good. But now, I really needed some alone time. So I rented a motorbike and went to the waterfalls. It was a great ride, driving through the lao country side. People ask me if it safe.. don't worry, I never drive fast and I wear a helmet. I always ask beforehand if the roads are good. Besides, people over here drive much safer than in Holland, believe me! It looks like it's one big chaos, but there is a system, and it works. They drive very slow and hunk the horn when they pass. Works for me, although I mostly bike through areas that are quiet, with just a few cars or motorcycles passing by. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxxEnOHhjdBeQE5HTx7rl0P9Pe_MvryOXWgUMrVr3Mdev9-3ytwuwt94-PjwSV8be_d_JdxHz8_piR_BrvbgwFlwyUuTjaUGoOHbZ9_Kx5LSvlIOzhbgI2RNqxvI3-_TTDXU7afY3Qv4/s1600/Laos+mountains.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxxEnOHhjdBeQE5HTx7rl0P9Pe_MvryOXWgUMrVr3Mdev9-3ytwuwt94-PjwSV8be_d_JdxHz8_piR_BrvbgwFlwyUuTjaUGoOHbZ9_Kx5LSvlIOzhbgI2RNqxvI3-_TTDXU7afY3Qv4/s320/Laos+mountains.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
The waterfalls in luang prabang are beautifull! I jumped in the waterfall from a tree, got a great action picture too! The fish over there bite your legs, so no chilling or swimming in the water for a long time unfortunately. As I was alone and with the bike I didn't had to leave with a group to go to the tuktuk driver that's waiting. I could go whenever and wherever I wanted to. That's the best way of travelling. So I sat down by the waterfalls, read my book, with the sound of the water falling in the background. Being alone felt great.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVqJv6yIT4gHwFS36Qj67B-0wZbUtuVTU1HKLaAmzxr1FC7dsJTkprYWpqgsU9HWQEZtcjyTAasF34fVCJkRDHJBCUmoIqFUwOdDhKK66LMVGnIYqnRzpH6J6acytF80IkXomu9gUjrOo/s1600/1271097_569764683060582_1756063941_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVqJv6yIT4gHwFS36Qj67B-0wZbUtuVTU1HKLaAmzxr1FC7dsJTkprYWpqgsU9HWQEZtcjyTAasF34fVCJkRDHJBCUmoIqFUwOdDhKK66LMVGnIYqnRzpH6J6acytF80IkXomu9gUjrOo/s320/1271097_569764683060582_1756063941_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
The next morning I decided to wake up early to see the caves. I had the bike until 12.00 and it would take me an hour to get there.I left at 8.00 to be sure I had enough time. It was a great feeling again, but the whole adventurous feeling didn't last for long.. because I had to take my wallet out every 5 minutes to actually see the cave. And it wasn't so impressive too.. 5000 kip to park the bike, 15000 kip to go with the boat, 20000 kip to see the cave, 2000 kip to go to the toilet, 5000 kip to use a flashlight in the cave..!? I mean, where does it stop? It's still not a lot of money (10.500= €1,-) but it's definitely a sign of tourism having a negative effect on Laos and the people. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
Later that day I walked into a library and I saw people teaching English to monks and highschool children. This was the time to really give something back to Laos and the people (instead of my money), so I signed myself up to volunteer the next day. It was great, the children were so grateful and I could practice my teaching skills again. I remembered how much I love teaching, and they appreciated it so much!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeWuYxQQsrQBg4mohtQOCbQqyDnQrzgpjcjsMUCMDzjJ2zQK4iVFTDvsZ9pG-dwXGsJO0Wb_S7vnDQrw1DuyBghUzuU8wHtnHXSDBmUaHTSUnFhLsOrUzOsC2VijYv55MeGSwnBKLEjL0/s1600/Laos+teaching.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeWuYxQQsrQBg4mohtQOCbQqyDnQrzgpjcjsMUCMDzjJ2zQK4iVFTDvsZ9pG-dwXGsJO0Wb_S7vnDQrw1DuyBghUzuU8wHtnHXSDBmUaHTSUnFhLsOrUzOsC2VijYv55MeGSwnBKLEjL0/s320/Laos+teaching.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
I stayed in a very nice hostel where I met some people from Holland and Germany. We chilled at Utopia bar and ate some really good and cheap food on the nightmarket. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
After a few days in Luang prabang I went to Vang Vieng. Vang Vieng is al about partying and tubing. Went tubing twice! Floating in the water, playing volleyball at the bars, dancing, float your way to the next bar. Great fun! Except the fact that my camera got wet during tubing... but surprisingly enough a really sweet girl from England just gave me her camera because she wasn't using it anymore... how generous is that! So I don't have a lot of pictures of Vang Vieng but I was very happy I could make pictures after that! </div>
<div dir="ltr">
Besides tubing I went on a day trip with a group of girls. We climbed a cave and jumped from trees in the beautiful blue lagoon. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtOvDTcYEGpi9dZup1Bh1t_2wJ4niH6mEyz2Jv7ez2Gt3YRlQ5Dhlmdbpyg8sEd9AQA8RezpO3rlxjURIGU4Ob0N9oe8NuQxBNJ5ZwVuC_OMPwoJsGfs0f_4z4bZHkoKJQNxB1C1i5IUA/s1600/1234408_10153266438490417_730593116_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtOvDTcYEGpi9dZup1Bh1t_2wJ4niH6mEyz2Jv7ez2Gt3YRlQ5Dhlmdbpyg8sEd9AQA8RezpO3rlxjURIGU4Ob0N9oe8NuQxBNJ5ZwVuC_OMPwoJsGfs0f_4z4bZHkoKJQNxB1C1i5IUA/s320/1234408_10153266438490417_730593116_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
In the evening I went on stage and sang in this little pub together with an other guy, whom played and sang very well! </div>
<div dir="ltr">
From Vang Vieng off to Pakse with some English friends I met along the way. Pakse seems boring but biking around is great over there. Many beautiful and amazingly huge waterfalls. I went the first day with some girls, but we literally saw NOTHING because it was raining so much.. it was alot of fun though.. 4 girls on a road trip together. After all, we had a great laugh. <br />
I was lucky to go there the next day again with two guys, one from England and one from Australia. I had met them before in Vang Vieng. They are travelling around on the motorbike. I am so jealous! I mean, that's total freedom! It was worth going there again, because this waterfall was definitely the most beautiful one I've seen on this trip so far.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikjCzY7sexr8g-pLjx91scs3NJupwgdXtMLBUyiUjGI6xPfo1rJ9VTOjerWc5iCUAEyc9k8mGpqJ9KB1PgeWBE0AEHmzmm14i_4HsmZvutpUDh6qhdQhNeOeZdqPQWN8aSeXeYXvbtDc4/s1600/Laos+waterfall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikjCzY7sexr8g-pLjx91scs3NJupwgdXtMLBUyiUjGI6xPfo1rJ9VTOjerWc5iCUAEyc9k8mGpqJ9KB1PgeWBE0AEHmzmm14i_4HsmZvutpUDh6qhdQhNeOeZdqPQWN8aSeXeYXvbtDc4/s320/Laos+waterfall.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Last destination in Laos: 4000 islands. What a great place to chill out in your hammock, listen to music, enjoy the sunset.. Did you know that there are actual dolphins in the Mekong river!? It's true, you can spot dolphins at 4000 islands! You can see them coming up every few minutes and you hear the sound of them breathing above the water. It's always heartwarming to see animals in the wild. Especially somewhere where you would least expect it.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
I could write a lot more about Laos, but these were definitely the highlights of my trip! Laos has everything and even more than I saw coming. Khob Jai Laos, now off to Cambodia! </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3vL7lMuGug0BOvMeuTwsZTtlXqaA0v1NQbhzmDD4mXsbKHVIY9R4Kplhyphenhyphen548iupQNvHWguKSoEJxWUdO0e-n3cjstZLevpbugIjfqkpJti5C7Wq9YN-wTC24gqS9_qfeR4qmsft7-v_4/s1600/Laos+beer+and+sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3vL7lMuGug0BOvMeuTwsZTtlXqaA0v1NQbhzmDD4mXsbKHVIY9R4Kplhyphenhyphen548iupQNvHWguKSoEJxWUdO0e-n3cjstZLevpbugIjfqkpJti5C7Wq9YN-wTC24gqS9_qfeR4qmsft7-v_4/s320/Laos+beer+and+sunset.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08639941421514556805noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543450561207287077.post-49247171588785872692013-09-16T01:24:00.001-07:002015-10-08T16:51:33.237-07:00Chiang Rai: bizarre bars, temples and foods<div dir="ltr">
Chiang Rai is a place you should definitely go to, even though it's just for the white temple. At some point you've seen so many temples that you don't really feel like seeing an other one, but this one is very special. It's a completely white temple with amazing art on the inside. I have been wandering there for hours, trying to understand the artist's message. It's not finished yet, but already very beautiful! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzHbAN_514_99A8E4nX4xjS3EmG56A6xE8CYm1f5sMEIUDzbcjj0pg-Jg8u4YKD6L_Nj2j-PQ6yAubnXllMqU_0gKLE0vXVDs-Qrugb3HzpSshwIyZsNeT1cwU25-xcBcJGy6M2ozQbLA/s1600/White+temple+Chiang+Rai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzHbAN_514_99A8E4nX4xjS3EmG56A6xE8CYm1f5sMEIUDzbcjj0pg-Jg8u4YKD6L_Nj2j-PQ6yAubnXllMqU_0gKLE0vXVDs-Qrugb3HzpSshwIyZsNeT1cwU25-xcBcJGy6M2ozQbLA/s320/White+temple+Chiang+Rai.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEzgJ2e3CGa7uG0g0zAs8LGv-tZwloJrop8ZfTg6GbO2GIQmDCKuySLaeCTkyM3cmoU1alxTC0x_VtwgTsFpw-MGDBmN5CiOHnKRL-MTAJQC9iC61E_sGGGLbXfwmyuqETrQyfLeVMglw/s1600/White+temple+2+Chiang+Rai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEzgJ2e3CGa7uG0g0zAs8LGv-tZwloJrop8ZfTg6GbO2GIQmDCKuySLaeCTkyM3cmoU1alxTC0x_VtwgTsFpw-MGDBmN5CiOHnKRL-MTAJQC9iC61E_sGGGLbXfwmyuqETrQyfLeVMglw/s320/White+temple+2+Chiang+Rai.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
I rented a scooter and drove around with an english friend I had met before in Pai. For me it was a good practice, the roads are good and the scenery is beautiful. Green mountains with white Buddha's decorating the nature, tea plantations and many waterfalls to visit. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrPy_Nl7iqDDv0nX5XvOUda5OMG6b2GYMtGXAr5O1i56nJibZx0MsXXqoO2uxXJ4mSw2JMbzqdb76bYMUtNqAYwo1nkrfd5iBVDrY9rgECrqELj8kFisnwhag3EO2n3bXdW3YLx6B38fk/s1600/Buddha+Rice+fields+Chiang+Rai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrPy_Nl7iqDDv0nX5XvOUda5OMG6b2GYMtGXAr5O1i56nJibZx0MsXXqoO2uxXJ4mSw2JMbzqdb76bYMUtNqAYwo1nkrfd5iBVDrY9rgECrqELj8kFisnwhag3EO2n3bXdW3YLx6B38fk/s320/Buddha+Rice+fields+Chiang+Rai.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
The nightlife here is not that vibrant but there are some nice bars around. The happy teepy bar is one of a kind. They play old classic rock songs and the owner is a crazy rock n roll chick whom you can have great laugh with. But what makes the bar even more special is that they have pets walking around. Two bunnies and a rhinobeetle. It's surreal, but true! You could just pick them up and cuddle with them. Offcourse I always did when I was there, and I even cuddled the rhinobeetle. Big accomplishment for me, I mean, it's still a giant black bug! But you could stroke it and let it walk over your hand. It seemed like he liked the attention to. Rhinobeetles are as cute as the bunnies! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi60LeZfdGae9SASEM3W8Pvu9fO2bjpqFD_TnZs7Y98Jr0VqmzYlT1xQOU0IZNqNPkoPOCjQv_DYN3lrVtF6gMD3tCYDPiSWfVmZVm06R5AsPZhvsk9fHD0DyjTLZ2haEHBUCJPxfBlKMg/s1600/Bunny+Chiang+Rai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi60LeZfdGae9SASEM3W8Pvu9fO2bjpqFD_TnZs7Y98Jr0VqmzYlT1xQOU0IZNqNPkoPOCjQv_DYN3lrVtF6gMD3tCYDPiSWfVmZVm06R5AsPZhvsk9fHD0DyjTLZ2haEHBUCJPxfBlKMg/s320/Bunny+Chiang+Rai.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi1QI9b1MED54gPTVCbkXMO9yamHvj_zuOL7WyJqk-FHRpIBC0O4lPGLnLRpgyIHT5RGsYDMiLNKMSVHAv8He3LVePX83PcdnwzIzgHgow4WenjVFgbhX5fQb_pZ1KPgVjqhmyYfbOaWM/s1600/Beetle+Chiang+Rai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi1QI9b1MED54gPTVCbkXMO9yamHvj_zuOL7WyJqk-FHRpIBC0O4lPGLnLRpgyIHT5RGsYDMiLNKMSVHAv8He3LVePX83PcdnwzIzgHgow4WenjVFgbhX5fQb_pZ1KPgVjqhmyYfbOaWM/s320/Beetle+Chiang+Rai.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Chaing Rai has many markets, the saterday and sundaymarket, which are really good. Every night they have a nightmarket with good and also unusual "bizarre" foods. My english friend eats and tries everything. I love food and I love people who love food so let's go and eat! Everything! We ate some bugs, they taste like peanuts. blue, red and green noodles filled with.. I don't know, but it was good! Something called the thousand year old egg.. wouldn't eat that again. We finished the evening dancing at the market with thai people on thai music. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqG3-BfjSL2v5XhpLt6XWQwF_eY0_7WzhEzS3jcPmFE8o0yXjoKuijAjmaEy0pD4vVyxjvwiqDlcdS4A6OOVi9KLcOYTZdh3ej5VuehX1lsFR3OrMRkk8R_z-vMdBNfk1rQ2lWzG7zylE/s1600/eating+bugs+Chiang+Rai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqG3-BfjSL2v5XhpLt6XWQwF_eY0_7WzhEzS3jcPmFE8o0yXjoKuijAjmaEy0pD4vVyxjvwiqDlcdS4A6OOVi9KLcOYTZdh3ej5VuehX1lsFR3OrMRkk8R_z-vMdBNfk1rQ2lWzG7zylE/s320/eating+bugs+Chiang+Rai.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
I'm in Loas now, looking across the Mekong river. On the other side is Thailand. Thinking back how great Thailand has been. The Land of Smiles. Kapkunka Thailand, you have treated me well! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5lKxx9dMh80mLyFs6YDVgFMjdsXdevkNdKsCarhVNkUHmGDavm4ePHMmtB2elSw6Uctg9KnWdMfMNbsDTIZCQgTzJhq5266Xk8yDD6JFedc0u4HTUWPHkqXp7XGYGLaUMefgvagopxSc/s1600/Chiang+Rai+border.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5lKxx9dMh80mLyFs6YDVgFMjdsXdevkNdKsCarhVNkUHmGDavm4ePHMmtB2elSw6Uctg9KnWdMfMNbsDTIZCQgTzJhq5266Xk8yDD6JFedc0u4HTUWPHkqXp7XGYGLaUMefgvagopxSc/s320/Chiang+Rai+border.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08639941421514556805noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543450561207287077.post-23494813293036992042013-09-03T00:39:00.001-07:002015-10-08T17:36:58.836-07:00Pai: Music, Motorcycle and Treehouse adventuresWords cannot explain how much I love Pai. It's a small village in the North of Thailand. It has a sort of hippy-vibe. Nice chill-out bars, beautiful green nature, mountains, people playing music everywhere. I get myself into a situation every night that I'm somewhere singing and/or playing the guitar. With or without a band, jamming. People start asking: "are you going to sing tonight? Come over and sing with me at that place." In Holland I tend to forget how much I love singing and making music, people keep reminding me here.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrIj1vdD6eG7lhS3jqQ9A27yxwg7hvxjeacPkJV-CZ81G0FNYNs6sfY8lxbvdIMJpv1KJFGztJUATjp7PVQTd_JFJ3-Ku8d5S6TYPIl4Yr9QWPripha1CPDD_SKxo5DLDUlS6l4hcDY5Y/s1600/On+stage+in+Pai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrIj1vdD6eG7lhS3jqQ9A27yxwg7hvxjeacPkJV-CZ81G0FNYNs6sfY8lxbvdIMJpv1KJFGztJUATjp7PVQTd_JFJ3-Ku8d5S6TYPIl4Yr9QWPripha1CPDD_SKxo5DLDUlS6l4hcDY5Y/s320/On+stage+in+Pai.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
I met three amazing girls from the US at one of the bars. They were travelling together and invited me to go to the waterfalls the next day. Four girls, two bikes, road tripping around Pai.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZCSVU5XQe_JsfBPXHPvxki2C2wM7zk1qoNjn5VU02F44308Yozdxo6JrKvRO5v_I4QjwdqASJj3NR33Nh60cCtbNQv53x_YDEqyPWsslYiyenRP-gLmehmBHLpDKL6yKKrsbkWmCf6do/s1600/riding+bikes+Pai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZCSVU5XQe_JsfBPXHPvxki2C2wM7zk1qoNjn5VU02F44308Yozdxo6JrKvRO5v_I4QjwdqASJj3NR33Nh60cCtbNQv53x_YDEqyPWsslYiyenRP-gLmehmBHLpDKL6yKKrsbkWmCf6do/s320/riding+bikes+Pai.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We got ourselves a nice scrub-mud-bath at the hotsprings and then went for a swim at one of the waterfalls. We were the only four there. It's rare that your the only ones there, such a beautiful place, and nice water swim in under the waterfalls, perfect!<br />
<br />
While driving around we saw this amazing place by accident. The Tree Houses. We decided to have some lunch in one of the tree houses and then came up with the great idea to spend the night in one of them. And so we did, the four of us rented a family tree house for the next day. Best idea ever.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEc-BF6Qtmc5v6YIF_o4c2tp7XRN4AgMqrdqhCfO5ABivQTIehkDoAeNL_9CvxTR3zGBF_vcP908WldyRpWhD_VXyP8T0RnMPWYJgUhUhkvJMhtDNOyhVib5lMqmT9IC8SMtI1s4SuR3E/s1600/Tree+house+cheers++Pai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEc-BF6Qtmc5v6YIF_o4c2tp7XRN4AgMqrdqhCfO5ABivQTIehkDoAeNL_9CvxTR3zGBF_vcP908WldyRpWhD_VXyP8T0RnMPWYJgUhUhkvJMhtDNOyhVib5lMqmT9IC8SMtI1s4SuR3E/s320/Tree+house+cheers++Pai.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We had a little party with the staff from the treehouses. They really wanted us to join them for a drink. The atmosphere was so funny, I mean, we were in a treehouse with these amazingly friendly Thai people. One of the staff, who is our friend now, brought us some great whine. Whine is pretty expensive, I feel so honored that she wanted to share that with us. Oh yeah, don't say "love" or "monkey" because something weird will happen. At some point one of my US friends told to the woman from the staff that she loved her pants. The woman just took her pants of and gave it to her! And don't try giving it back! No, she loved her pants, it's a present right away. No problem. <br />
<br />
I had such a good time with these three girls, we laughed, cried, biked around Pai, had a party with the staff from the Tree Houses, slept in one of them, I mean.... Best time ever. Will never forget.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiv_mGUxuNDgAAmFdtf-VM5P-POAC-Ui_N7yf31I_LnVnQCBBkAvd9Ansg3TyME7MbFJFdqiKOr2APQJoaF3Ljy4fVk_z6kMzE7HBi-VQIGhyphenhyphenFQw2AgaMUZZBAHq5bbKnTmvOu0peaR3Y/s1600/Treehouse+Pai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiv_mGUxuNDgAAmFdtf-VM5P-POAC-Ui_N7yf31I_LnVnQCBBkAvd9Ansg3TyME7MbFJFdqiKOr2APQJoaF3Ljy4fVk_z6kMzE7HBi-VQIGhyphenhyphenFQw2AgaMUZZBAHq5bbKnTmvOu0peaR3Y/s320/Treehouse+Pai.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiv_mGUxuNDgAAmFdtf-VM5P-POAC-Ui_N7yf31I_LnVnQCBBkAvd9Ansg3TyME7MbFJFdqiKOr2APQJoaF3Ljy4fVk_z6kMzE7HBi-VQIGhyphenhyphenFQw2AgaMUZZBAHq5bbKnTmvOu0peaR3Y/s1600/Treehouse+Pai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
Still stuck in Pai, for almost a week now. Going to take some scooter-lessons today. I've been so lucky I could just get a ride everywhere till now. But I definitely got to need those skills for the rest of my trip. Tomorrow I'm going to take the bus to Chiang Rai. Bye Bye, amazing Pai, when I saw this I was pretty...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-lK_0qoryVbNXMNh8fu-iYgFig_gj6uF82hTlMETVhQ3_rhdH57b48HaTPU5-iLTUdEUg7kDaAu1JZnDNBPpOnWBsMDcwhQ9JSiK2JXS7d-hdnaeD4wW9pJkcG3hPYwDQpfT9qGQkHg/s1600/Sunset+Pai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-lK_0qoryVbNXMNh8fu-iYgFig_gj6uF82hTlMETVhQ3_rhdH57b48HaTPU5-iLTUdEUg7kDaAu1JZnDNBPpOnWBsMDcwhQ9JSiK2JXS7d-hdnaeD4wW9pJkcG3hPYwDQpfT9qGQkHg/s320/Sunset+Pai.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08639941421514556805noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543450561207287077.post-76342570108521778972013-08-27T04:34:00.001-07:002015-10-08T17:33:10.157-07:00Chaing Maiii ooohh my! <div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwDSekHPSV-O5zyrBGlxT-oeJne2rCcP93iw9dsj4kbZl9dkIf6hYn1AsTjUCUEKSJM3RR5htZT0aHFLrbrU4VErL6I1zsX2DZMlDhE_B6iFDjG1gkbyxW9iB39f9750eM8eYZxXeQaKQ/s1600/train+Chiang+Mai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwDSekHPSV-O5zyrBGlxT-oeJne2rCcP93iw9dsj4kbZl9dkIf6hYn1AsTjUCUEKSJM3RR5htZT0aHFLrbrU4VErL6I1zsX2DZMlDhE_B6iFDjG1gkbyxW9iB39f9750eM8eYZxXeQaKQ/s320/train+Chiang+Mai.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
The trip from Bangkok to Chiang mai was beautiful. From the taxi-guy that was cheering for Dutch soccer, to the train-lady that said "goedemorgen" and that I'm pretty like a thousand times, to the guy from the restaurant in Chiang Mai that ran for a taxi because he didn't wanted me to walk in the rain. Although I was alone for the first time during this trip, I felt so happy. Especially with these Thai people, they make me smile all the time. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj734CGd4Z_sH8d6vKvqfMfDFTv_Mq77VFBOFItGCAplJwBzuOa369MONXRs2Ae94SL7CH1HgqDZnb2B4waeiCnOTV-FypDfY4-ujxL4YCeM6Hg93yRSb1FNwczJC2VkIPZZoX7E_afrv0/s1600/sleeper+Chiang+Mai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj734CGd4Z_sH8d6vKvqfMfDFTv_Mq77VFBOFItGCAplJwBzuOa369MONXRs2Ae94SL7CH1HgqDZnb2B4waeiCnOTV-FypDfY4-ujxL4YCeM6Hg93yRSb1FNwczJC2VkIPZZoX7E_afrv0/s320/sleeper+Chiang+Mai.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
The next day I arrived (two and a half hour later than I was supposed to) in Chiang Mai. I went to Kikie's hostel, it was recommended by a friend. The dorm was full but there were single rooms, really cosy and clean for only 250 baht! </div>
<div dir="ltr">
Only two minutes walk from the hostel there were many nice places to eat and hang out so I went for some good thai food and later a beer on a terras where I met a really cool Australian couple. They actually had a third glass on their table and a huge beer-tap. They really wanted someone cool to join them at the table and they told me I was the first cool traveller they'd met during their trip. Wow, thanks mate! We did had really good conversations about music, travelling.. everything! Good times, time flew by. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
Chiang Mai has sooo many beautiful temples, they are really worth seeing. Annique, my friend from Holland, also arrived in CM. We decided to book a two day trip together to go hiking and see the elephants. At Kikies hostel they informed us well about which trip is the best and also which one is the most animal friendly. PLEASE PEOPLE, DO INFORM YOURSELF ABOUT THIS BEFORE TAKING ANY OF THESE TRIPS!! There are so many elephant trips were the elephants get abused, walking around with uncomfortable chains and people sitting on their backs all day. It makes me really sad and I don't want incorporate with any of these business!</div>
<div dir="ltr">
The two day trek was indeed fan-tas-tic! We went hiking for three hours through the jungle and then we arrived at the elephant camp where we were going to ride the elephants and cook, eat and sleep. We had a cosy night with music by the campfire. The huts and sanitary were really basic but I just love sleeping in the jungle. All the noises of the animals, and I even heard the elephants trumping. Magical. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
The next day we took the elephants for a bath and a scrub by the river and I was so lucky that I could actually sit on the back of one of the smaller elephants. No bench, just like that, I really felt like Mogli from junglebook! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXK7tvWtEifgQOzJFQKXSETC9RnuFpdZW_mRm5r2M0Rlgy6VrAxfiaxnWMISd_RGLshA291hHiDFktjv_Rzs1a6IK31GC_efhu7p7zoS2H94SScRqoMcM-EwjxvDUTD7WIyiLzl7Qyd9I/s1600/Elephant+Chiang+Mai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXK7tvWtEifgQOzJFQKXSETC9RnuFpdZW_mRm5r2M0Rlgy6VrAxfiaxnWMISd_RGLshA291hHiDFktjv_Rzs1a6IK31GC_efhu7p7zoS2H94SScRqoMcM-EwjxvDUTD7WIyiLzl7Qyd9I/s320/Elephant+Chiang+Mai.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
This camp had many elephants and they were free to walk around in the nature. How it should be! Happy elephants, happy me!</div>
<div dir="ltr">
Later that day we went to the waterfalls, swam there and enjoyed some food picknicking at the waterfalls. After that we went wild water rafting and bamboo rafting, which was more fun than I had ever expected it to be! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_FORVLhCr4fLo46Ii0JX1zn3NileXNoMNiQG9egKS68UkCkVM7NUq9oZnNRnG2NiTKL20vnqCVp_h1kcJ9apfb-OfvZbCDbYvxgLbnH06_w40gdFUgBFEcqmG6fhtqsVXv_NxO8ZnJg/s1600/waterfal+Chiang+Mai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_FORVLhCr4fLo46Ii0JX1zn3NileXNoMNiQG9egKS68UkCkVM7NUq9oZnNRnG2NiTKL20vnqCVp_h1kcJ9apfb-OfvZbCDbYvxgLbnH06_w40gdFUgBFEcqmG6fhtqsVXv_NxO8ZnJg/s320/waterfal+Chiang+Mai.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJa-QW2CeJi_bYYLM78YVo2eOIolZpn2HRbbwkviPNO13YbiW44CLL6lmZ0DzE17OlZJ_AKvsJCd44kiPchJB3tAtQit1dgLVb3F6hAsDiUY8xCy7eQrzrTcB2ITJ09jdpJTh-smthyd8/s1600/Chiang+Mai+rafting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJa-QW2CeJi_bYYLM78YVo2eOIolZpn2HRbbwkviPNO13YbiW44CLL6lmZ0DzE17OlZJ_AKvsJCd44kiPchJB3tAtQit1dgLVb3F6hAsDiUY8xCy7eQrzrTcB2ITJ09jdpJTh-smthyd8/s320/Chiang+Mai+rafting.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Annique is my childhood friend whom I grew up with as a child. We didn't see each other for maaaaaany years. It was so good that I had this experience with her. Bringing back childhood memories while sitting in the jungle..</div>
<div dir="ltr">
I'm going to Pai tomorrow and she will soon go to Vietnam. I wish her all the best on the rest of her trip! And thank you for making so many great pictures with your awesome camera!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguaxGQy0Lgn1KX_CyjrNxGX1iZ3rZcUn17poLmrIj-vq0C_jccZN1kNXVoVFcgPW7bUDzbJVbKUR0TG_v3zvG7aQN99zLbyHFBeFpPadma5UPQLvQmWYc4tBRXbbDKA9D-MfUZieakSfo/s1600/Chiang+Mai+nature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguaxGQy0Lgn1KX_CyjrNxGX1iZ3rZcUn17poLmrIj-vq0C_jccZN1kNXVoVFcgPW7bUDzbJVbKUR0TG_v3zvG7aQN99zLbyHFBeFpPadma5UPQLvQmWYc4tBRXbbDKA9D-MfUZieakSfo/s320/Chiang+Mai+nature.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08639941421514556805noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543450561207287077.post-20232182650792114922013-08-22T00:55:00.000-07:002013-08-22T02:03:52.033-07:00Bangkok vs. RotterdamPeople often ask me, are you staying? Are you going back to Rotterdam? Being in Bangkok for almost a week now, I think I can make a good opinion about Bangkok. What I like about Bangkok is that you can find everything here. There's religion, Chinatown, a street with Arabic food and shops, there's a street for gaysexual, a street filled with french people where you can get croissants and good whine, a street for young stravellers that want to get wasted on alcohol and laughing gas (khoa san rd. Way to overrated!), and probably a lot more, but this is what I've seen and heard until now. I really like the diversity and the friendly people but.... and Elodie is going to hate me for saying this.. I love "mijn stadje" Rotterdam more. In Rotterdam you can find all of this, but mixed up together. And I love the people living in it (or close to).. my friends.. I miss you! <div>
<br>
I did speak some dutch yesterday with my friend, Annique, who flew in two days ago. It was really nice to see her again after so many years.<br>
<br>
A BIG THANK YOU to Elodie!!! For welcoming me in her lovely apartment, for taking me on trips around the city on her awesome bike, for making me laugh, for making my stay in Bangkok sooooo great!!!<br>
<br>
All together, Bangkok is one of a kind. The weather will always be better, de food will always be tastier, de people will always be more friendly and everything will always be cheaper. But now... I' m ready for some mountains and clean air! Tonight I'm going to take the train to Chiang Mai! <br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisvZLtTI7TlbJlPVNnXVjyVQpAs3Nm-U01S-hm9vWFU__aNOiOW0Z0ILfVARn1Wm99GHAnu8a5QyP3-N_0bz_fAe8vew6DaFeO2Hi-NPB4_paeaUjB4YM7boVlQx_KgNQQn_Qd5KvKwPg/s1600/IMG_2888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qsa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisvZLtTI7TlbJlPVNnXVjyVQpAs3Nm-U01S-hm9vWFU__aNOiOW0Z0ILfVARn1Wm99GHAnu8a5QyP3-N_0bz_fAe8vew6DaFeO2Hi-NPB4_paeaUjB4YM7boVlQx_KgNQQn_Qd5KvKwPg/s320/IMG_2888.JPG" width="240"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxvk1f5-o2utPI2wKV8dS5kzSJi-1PTnPS8cDME4LroeLt5YJ37Cd8GP4QnZSZCGCndUwCSidk5aSnpfDzHo1URLIcezl8xwic0pT4Rc4ESSog9fqlk-pRdP7hFHs0ZgtBy3OspiRzP2c/s1600/IMG_2887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qsa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxvk1f5-o2utPI2wKV8dS5kzSJi-1PTnPS8cDME4LroeLt5YJ37Cd8GP4QnZSZCGCndUwCSidk5aSnpfDzHo1URLIcezl8xwic0pT4Rc4ESSog9fqlk-pRdP7hFHs0ZgtBy3OspiRzP2c/s320/IMG_2887.JPG" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXum0OQBz9GL7XK9wMxKd51QLMOVCUfHbg3mw069orIWtLXU_9NHM_k-0ubetXXrcASoFVgn6mBZ4P57_FVsgp-UQDeuqFgiWA79RQ3Ln1bwSWQFkrYo6Pl6OTnXu4xQ_DMmb8kkF1wO8/s1600/IMG_2894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qsa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXum0OQBz9GL7XK9wMxKd51QLMOVCUfHbg3mw069orIWtLXU_9NHM_k-0ubetXXrcASoFVgn6mBZ4P57_FVsgp-UQDeuqFgiWA79RQ3Ln1bwSWQFkrYo6Pl6OTnXu4xQ_DMmb8kkF1wO8/s320/IMG_2894.JPG" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXmK0Q_4B9kGntV4XHF9FO0hIPbytXJxI3W_GDf5J1RvtVhAFyQqDiOW9UxQ0jk4vjgE_FDFs420SGS_BOdZaOP_klcmfg93GLdc5tMyRI6mkthSi-NOMwZaY8DwnJww2ntVNYXhXldI/s1600/IMG_2897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qsa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXmK0Q_4B9kGntV4XHF9FO0hIPbytXJxI3W_GDf5J1RvtVhAFyQqDiOW9UxQ0jk4vjgE_FDFs420SGS_BOdZaOP_klcmfg93GLdc5tMyRI6mkthSi-NOMwZaY8DwnJww2ntVNYXhXldI/s320/IMG_2897.JPG" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7I2G4s7Mv8TSR4e_ioqrcUwQXwlA7A-g3uwx2B2_X8T8n_OvhehtqpXlLat-VxLbYZKW7SSZqwcYjGeliXn57Qzu2zmDOTQdkK0TougjzGRNS4Yqxt316GbVLZzXymj7icgYvqmv_azk/s1600/IMG_2904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qsa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7I2G4s7Mv8TSR4e_ioqrcUwQXwlA7A-g3uwx2B2_X8T8n_OvhehtqpXlLat-VxLbYZKW7SSZqwcYjGeliXn57Qzu2zmDOTQdkK0TougjzGRNS4Yqxt316GbVLZzXymj7icgYvqmv_azk/s320/IMG_2904.JPG" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkJEyP5YHJ5dPEEAREata2rtw3Vp2fjI6ORmHnJXSffUdr9VmCBWXTLIW6RJ3nxo_CqZAxAg1Jz7OIekfeMlLo4wYUbN4CZBAlkQW7KBjCaXRQ1nLZ6pJy4bWtpXMO6YKr_EDlBQ8vVIY/s1600/IMG_2910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qsa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkJEyP5YHJ5dPEEAREata2rtw3Vp2fjI6ORmHnJXSffUdr9VmCBWXTLIW6RJ3nxo_CqZAxAg1Jz7OIekfeMlLo4wYUbN4CZBAlkQW7KBjCaXRQ1nLZ6pJy4bWtpXMO6YKr_EDlBQ8vVIY/s320/IMG_2910.JPG" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXddFS4LFgZAbmWWEx6E3qoh0k3JgYbQnO4L5eiABql0rK78boboLqIB58z9LW7SK3m8P5JOihW7QROGDOTjDLij0h3hYdrV_zsl4eKrnvN0Roj-D8Ho6mqfcfLbEdheWRQlFvtEdgC6U/s1600/IMG_2919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qsa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXddFS4LFgZAbmWWEx6E3qoh0k3JgYbQnO4L5eiABql0rK78boboLqIB58z9LW7SK3m8P5JOihW7QROGDOTjDLij0h3hYdrV_zsl4eKrnvN0Roj-D8Ho6mqfcfLbEdheWRQlFvtEdgC6U/s320/IMG_2919.JPG" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoim8DwxILpO4dBG-h85puhMK6ZdjwuM56NQccxtVd8rgRKFt8m4aN0PlGpdYfgXgvUiHyOqD3n9usJddw9PJVUQ7vKK1sVtUxeWnJfnRFn54zWYjyRW5iGhCb3kyKxd3nU_Qii6DYhqk/s1600/IMG_2921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qsa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoim8DwxILpO4dBG-h85puhMK6ZdjwuM56NQccxtVd8rgRKFt8m4aN0PlGpdYfgXgvUiHyOqD3n9usJddw9PJVUQ7vKK1sVtUxeWnJfnRFn54zWYjyRW5iGhCb3kyKxd3nU_Qii6DYhqk/s320/IMG_2921.JPG" width="240"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_dC2glzf5Z4mtZ2xzwZjYv_e_IpS5qGt_NpEuWMDyC1GvyJ7EzWyb4PsQwo3wGZGK90Wy0ptXyoY8PnjtHyutIl_AVNOynQvpRg5eKTuaWsBPLAUSalqETBTBnhcoHnSM8XUpBxIoYg/s1600/IMG_2932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qsa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_dC2glzf5Z4mtZ2xzwZjYv_e_IpS5qGt_NpEuWMDyC1GvyJ7EzWyb4PsQwo3wGZGK90Wy0ptXyoY8PnjtHyutIl_AVNOynQvpRg5eKTuaWsBPLAUSalqETBTBnhcoHnSM8XUpBxIoYg/s320/IMG_2932.JPG" width="240"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgQ4K9FYWp7pJpRnLyv2pS_fjTh70-cjZtifrd1xTv-xw87CNu4HQrtgcqXwaJdmn_FFFjgpjbRZuNm4jYUlfJmN08209yG9TW2zpXbHj_eiGudK-_XoTlIRGRL-2tE4AcwYvj-LsSP0/s1600/IMG_2941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qsa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgQ4K9FYWp7pJpRnLyv2pS_fjTh70-cjZtifrd1xTv-xw87CNu4HQrtgcqXwaJdmn_FFFjgpjbRZuNm4jYUlfJmN08209yG9TW2zpXbHj_eiGudK-_XoTlIRGRL-2tE4AcwYvj-LsSP0/s320/IMG_2941.JPG" width="240"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKUVEP6cmh6SwjwbwcvVZSoDKiufJFe6v7YIXKB77-ziDWvlg7wJHp23BoJ7CXf93DHr1Q9buuiTUEUt8uv2JPKiWUQiPdZA1wmfPgiR3ONpTo6K7KODSJmgBqJbeRbefVXxShi81CLsE/s1600/IMG_2944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qsa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKUVEP6cmh6SwjwbwcvVZSoDKiufJFe6v7YIXKB77-ziDWvlg7wJHp23BoJ7CXf93DHr1Q9buuiTUEUt8uv2JPKiWUQiPdZA1wmfPgiR3ONpTo6K7KODSJmgBqJbeRbefVXxShi81CLsE/s320/IMG_2944.JPG" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2t-ekk1tDCFbvyVtd2_y94oqxNLZS1LkAFwwDrslUrbygyTgi07rB2_CBclQankLY7VRi3AK7dfHPLrxsUVd-3Swc0ukRdL84ojuTqZgTjohVu4Uk5za9dguALGjTAWJqQ839Cw6DfQ/s1600/IMG_2948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qsa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2t-ekk1tDCFbvyVtd2_y94oqxNLZS1LkAFwwDrslUrbygyTgi07rB2_CBclQankLY7VRi3AK7dfHPLrxsUVd-3Swc0ukRdL84ojuTqZgTjohVu4Uk5za9dguALGjTAWJqQ839Cw6DfQ/s320/IMG_2948.JPG" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj420hz0yAfOzQEufbX8Yyi6YNZaWl6jARUj8JE8QIR9bnMV5kpU2KlY9rpvngmE-ZNc2hPGRf1D-f3wl4AKJ3ysVPXwfA6xpPtfzNKHyIAavoyeHOOu3pBuOZMLjglX_n8jXHgKFVj7Og/s1600/IMG_2950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qsa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj420hz0yAfOzQEufbX8Yyi6YNZaWl6jARUj8JE8QIR9bnMV5kpU2KlY9rpvngmE-ZNc2hPGRf1D-f3wl4AKJ3ysVPXwfA6xpPtfzNKHyIAavoyeHOOu3pBuOZMLjglX_n8jXHgKFVj7Og/s320/IMG_2950.JPG" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaOlcavOJMcwlOe0buz9vidj4aQ_8RWgBGm5NSCs_rpF6PRitCZchKeNf_w7e_504cMsbDRDSH6i7FlP711DQskkKs7ipGCcuLoyEVKeELv0OlY-_f1Zy1qBm58lZmF9HQaRJwNMKcvzM/s1600/IMG_2955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qsa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaOlcavOJMcwlOe0buz9vidj4aQ_8RWgBGm5NSCs_rpF6PRitCZchKeNf_w7e_504cMsbDRDSH6i7FlP711DQskkKs7ipGCcuLoyEVKeELv0OlY-_f1Zy1qBm58lZmF9HQaRJwNMKcvzM/s320/IMG_2955.JPG" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfap2l8_e7795EVJu7k0pQrZyT3oLaSEERubdFYQYlBSndU39dve2CdcHhsP9tivtzlklVauC3Sl0Hir6YyBAMkeESArRdu8YOrwZFZe_cEG0Oy1sYl6MvO3erbTvjv1p6st2RlGDDc0Q/s1600/IMG_2960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qsa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfap2l8_e7795EVJu7k0pQrZyT3oLaSEERubdFYQYlBSndU39dve2CdcHhsP9tivtzlklVauC3Sl0Hir6YyBAMkeESArRdu8YOrwZFZe_cEG0Oy1sYl6MvO3erbTvjv1p6st2RlGDDc0Q/s320/IMG_2960.JPG" width="240"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ilxYvSPErdld4zeHgZmjH8k5cvFQAF0A5E_5FTk8uIBL5ah7ZJTWJ-D3UJnSyaltF3q_yFa8-ad5j4xXuQC03efOJw-Mstr6u0yup30ONad7VtJtTMtgnXZTHmAT1bIPus-0SGQfZe4/s1600/IMG_2961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qsa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ilxYvSPErdld4zeHgZmjH8k5cvFQAF0A5E_5FTk8uIBL5ah7ZJTWJ-D3UJnSyaltF3q_yFa8-ad5j4xXuQC03efOJw-Mstr6u0yup30ONad7VtJtTMtgnXZTHmAT1bIPus-0SGQfZe4/s320/IMG_2961.JPG" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbSYr6_NgFaoUy9eZpUm3OI8FGIhIkJJI_7L1rK40vypxMOu1gzlQf8ANXV5r5bm3rFEAiYXqkqE5oFa9SeW0P0wziUvRWlZW0U83ORiQ-ec-FspMqdI_0x8cUMSIA5jmCBPQ9_1nGRQw/s1600/IMG_2914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qsa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbSYr6_NgFaoUy9eZpUm3OI8FGIhIkJJI_7L1rK40vypxMOu1gzlQf8ANXV5r5bm3rFEAiYXqkqE5oFa9SeW0P0wziUvRWlZW0U83ORiQ-ec-FspMqdI_0x8cUMSIA5jmCBPQ9_1nGRQw/s320/IMG_2914.JPG" width="320"></a></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08639941421514556805noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543450561207287077.post-81491962820965998192013-08-17T14:07:00.001-07:002013-08-17T14:07:01.569-07:00I <3 bangkok<p dir=ltr>When I arrived in Bangkok I went to Elodies apartment and I really love the street were she lives. Cosy restaurants, a lot of shops and everything you want you can find here. Till now.. everything is perfect. Got a great massage, got my nails done, got some nice food, went shopping. Elodie knows exactly the right places to go. She has been living and working in bangkok for a year now. She takes me everywhere on her bike, she's a good driver. And I bought the cutest helmet ever. We just had dinner with her friends and then went to khao san for a drink. We had a blast. I'll post pictures soon! All of her friends got stuck here and never left. I'll be leaving this week to Chiang Mai and I already heard of a lot of other places I should really go to. I'm in Asia, and I can go wherever I want to. This is what freedom truly feels like. And it feels good. </p>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08639941421514556805noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543450561207287077.post-79257796285074337952013-08-15T15:44:00.001-07:002013-08-15T15:44:12.126-07:00To my awesome friends: <p dir=ltr>Did I mentioned that I have the most awesome friends in the world! Together with my parents they arranged a surprise party last monday and yes, by the look on my face you can see I was very surprised. I'm going to miss you and thank you so much for being so involved! I love you all! <br>
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRgDsKjKmdFEfn5zoU5_p0CqwFH3fN-NIah6EAl4JNBcmS_eggaF-85OFGynsjF4NytHzj5_xXpsloofJYdgKwiSOsuGY6zEcHqpiHVllkFTRJ-U_FmPPljvqoOVJLlp5alHxOGZFUxQg/s1600/IMG_1763402526888.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRgDsKjKmdFEfn5zoU5_p0CqwFH3fN-NIah6EAl4JNBcmS_eggaF-85OFGynsjF4NytHzj5_xXpsloofJYdgKwiSOsuGY6zEcHqpiHVllkFTRJ-U_FmPPljvqoOVJLlp5alHxOGZFUxQg/s640/IMG_1763402526888.jpeg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5TaCnDlhMuUWxUVxT_86eNe3EYsOf5RfQCMhj3_AdeuMdQzGkefnpZn0pUVEds0rQiW6XAtbu-FqN38BUpYwLWcQJzRheewe5vpYM_RQSBxBoybVPHZlte327Lu34TLsrJSk1II-rJD8/s1600/IMG_1821316558869.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5TaCnDlhMuUWxUVxT_86eNe3EYsOf5RfQCMhj3_AdeuMdQzGkefnpZn0pUVEds0rQiW6XAtbu-FqN38BUpYwLWcQJzRheewe5vpYM_RQSBxBoybVPHZlte327Lu34TLsrJSk1II-rJD8/s640/IMG_1821316558869.jpeg"> </a> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08639941421514556805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1543450561207287077.post-33018082554020851802013-08-15T15:27:00.001-07:002013-08-15T15:28:16.428-07:00The adventure has begun! <p dir=ltr>My parents picked me up at 8.30 to leave to the airport. I was ready to leave. Packed my backpack and checked in online. Bye bye home and kittycat.. Gonna miss you. I felt a little sad.. but at the same time very excited. We arrived just on time. I had more then an hour left till my departure. I gave my passport and ticket to the woman behind the  counter. She looked at me and asked: "did u buy a oneway ticket?" I answered yes.. "it's not allowed to fly with a one way ticket. You have to show that you're leaving the country" she told with a monotone voice. "And why are you telling me this now?!" t was hard to stay calm, my plane was leaving in an hour! My parents explained that I was going to travel around, the woman felt no sympathy and wasn't very helpful to. Downstairs there was a restaurant with wifi so we could arrange something. We stopped discussing and ran to the restaurant. </p>
<p dir=ltr>The clock was ticking and wifi was to slow or not working at all.. we tried it on my tablet, on the phone, on the computer. Three times in a row it stopped working, when my ticket to Phnom Pen - Cambodia, was only two clicks away. At some point there was only half an hour left.. and then I panicked.  I tried hard not to. But I hadn't slept at all because of excitement.. "I'm going to miss my plane." I gave up.. thinking this must be a sign.. my mom told me not to worry.  "If you miss it, you just take the next plain!" That cheered me up a little. I was going, no matter what. My dad finally managed to buy the ticket and we ran to the counter. The woman was not there anymore.. another man recognized us and helped us out. I gave my backpack and one of the ladies walked with me to the the gate so I didn't had to stand in line. Half running, half walking I had to say goodbye to my parents. My mom was getting emotional and told me everything is going to be alright and she loves me very very much. She was trying to be comforting, but instead I teared up because I couldn't really say goodbye. A quick "I love you"  and a kiss and then I had to ran.</p>
<p dir=ltr>I realise things like this can happen, and I look at it as a part of  the adventure. Just as life, travelling will be hard sometimes. But that's what makes it an adventure, right? </p>
<p dir=ltr>Right now I'm in singapore, ready to take my next flight to bangkok. Still didn't sleep much but my friend Elodie is welcoming me in her home when I arrive. Looking forward to see her again and getting my first pat thai and thai massage! Hello Asia! I'm soooo ready for you! Whatever you may bring me! I know in the end everything will be alright. </p>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08639941421514556805noreply@blogger.com3