Thamel
OMG what a kaleidoscope of color, noise, noise traffic and people in the few few streets that make up Thamel in Kathmandu. I can't walk 20M without being offered Hashish, Opium and girls Grr, again I have a sign on my head.
The traffic is horrendous, no rules biggest has the right of way because there are no rules there is no road rage.
Out looking for some music perhaps to dance a little. I am finding it releasing to dance by myself I don't care what people think it releases any bent up frustrations and makes me feel good. Mmm walked into a bar with music (must read all of sign next time). The bar is full of pretty young Nepalese girls they grab my wrists and try to gently pull me in ... nooo not for me. Find out in later chats that they are not hookers just dancing with clothes on and you pay for a girl chatting with you while she drinks expensive cordial. That's all good but not for me.
I find a 'Bar' with live music and spend the night chatting with two Irish blokes and a Yank who lives in India. 11PM the band stops (curfew)and I leave at 11:30. The streets are dim (no shops are open) no people out only police and military checking the odd ID they seem happy with me passing, but! I guess I forget there is an uneasy peace in Nepal. Many travelers I have chatted to tell me that Kathmandu is nothing in comparison to India, Mmm.
Pepsi Cola Orphanage
Sofie has been in contact and offered to show me around an orphanage we help out, its in Pepsi Cola a town named because of the only factory in the town. OMG a 40 minute trip in a taxi during rush hour what a ride. Just shut your eyes Jim. No too much to see there goes a three wheel bus packed with 12 passengers.
I visit the orphanage with Sofia. The house is in darkness as there is load shedding in place but no one cares it's all part of the norm. The kids were great healthy and happy and well cared for. I took a few photos then the oldest boy took over the photo duties with my SLR happily snapping everywhere. The kids were a little standoffish at first but relaxed when we started taking funny pictures.
Pokhara for Some Sanity
Beautiful peaceful Pokhara Lakeside . I took the aircraft on Yetti air 45 minutes $98US but you can negotiate down, better than the 8 hour bus ride for 200km I know I'm a princess.
Its lovely I have a great room at the North Face In looking at the mountains. Although they shut and lock the doors at 11pm and I have to get the owner up to let me in.
I have purchased a yoga mat so can workout each morning in front of the mountains when not covered in cloud. I walk every day for hours and have found a great coffee shop. I walked around the lake to Happy Village where the para gliders land. It looked great 10 para gliders swooping down the mountain all the colors of the rainbow.
Have met and chatted with loads of travelers one in particular was a young German woman and we have been discussion Buddhism and meditation I think she is trying to convert me as she has given me a book on same. It helped her find happiness I guess she lost her husband to cancer 2 years ago at 25, she has a little boy and is just starting her degree.
I walked up to the Peace Stupa (Temple) Its on this huge hill on the other side of the lake. 330 minutes flat and 1 hour up through the Jungle. I kept asking the locals for directions to the bush track and they helped. How can I get lost its all up.
Trekking Poon Hill for 4 days
The plan was for a 4 day trek 5 of us and a guide. I have hired a porter $12US a day because I'm a princess and my SLR is heavy. I have purchased a large umbrella and a trekking stick hopefully they are worth it.
Day 1
Mmm The married couple have pulled out the husband has belly problems ( I would have left him in the Hostel). So it's me Alicia an Aussi Physio returning from 2 years in the UK and Suzanne a doctor from the UK (if anything goes wrong I'm covered) Susan is the same person I met up the top of the hill at the Peace Stupa, the guide Budi and the porter Jini. Budi has already started calling me Buzi ( grandfather)its funny and the Nepalese love it.
A taxi ride to Naya Pur 1100M and then we are off on our first day. An easy walk 4 hours some up some down through a jungle track. Meeting the odd trekking group on the way everyone is happy and relaxed by the time we meet our destination . We have been chatting from another group from the company we are traveling with Christina the Spanish girl and Elania the Russian girl they are doing a similar trek but for 5 days.
Strange things we saw on the way
Goats
A guy carrying an old man in a basket on his back
and a dog that has been following us all day.
Alecia and I went swimming in the freezing river near our tea house 'so cold' the rapids were so strong, her in her bra n nickers and me in my jocks. The Nepalese guys were scoping her out from the swinging bridge overhead so funny. When we were out we thought we could do the 2 hours up right then until the first 10 steps that was.
The guide is hitting on the girls just a little not to bad they say just testing the ground but not right.
Dal Bart for dinner trekkers power food. We play cards for a few hours and go off to bed with the warning that tomorrow will be difficult.
Day 2
Two hours up endless stairs of varying height continuous 1000M up then 3 hours of Nepalese flat (that means not continuous up but still up. I was going to count the stairs but stopped at 100 only 3000 or so more to go until we get to the 'flat'.5 hours later we arrive at the guest house just before the heathens open and the rain lashes down.
We plan to sleep at the lodge and get up at 4:30am to walk up Poon Hill and see the sunrise over the alps back down for breakfast before going on with our trek.
It had been a difficult day but had been told that this was the worst day so we felt quite good.
Played cards again. No drinking too expensive as you get higher and more trekking in the morning.
Day 3
Woe at 4am low cloud cover so the trip up Poon Hill was off unless we wanted to look at fog. Sleep in til 8 instead and hope we get a view at Deuaril instead (basically the same height and view as Poon Hil. Off trekking again 'guess what ' uphill passing through Deuaril at 3000M with a glimpse of the mountains. At one stage I plugged in my Music and it started thumping I'm loving it. I'm distracted by a yell from behind it appears Crowded House and Dal Bart give you extreme trekking power the girls are telling me its rest time is.
What a day 9 hours 8 of which we constant hard trekking up 400M down 1100M, drenching rain all afternoon slippery rocks and river crossings huge steps up to Suzanne's crutch. the girls needed help down some of the steps and over the river crossings luckily I had my trusty stick (I love my stick). I stomped to discuss how slippery it was with Budi and down I went like a sack of potatoes lucky it was mud. Both Alicia and Suzanne went down Alicia quite hard hitting her back on a rock step.
Shitty steps, shitty rain and SHITTY LEACHES I hate leaches Yuck blood suckers on my hands and legs.
Yahoo Ghandruk our guest house time for a shower and warm dry clothes. As I walked up the 'stairs' to my room the porter came up to me with a concerned look on his face pointing to my hip. Holy shit a huge blood stain ' and it was mine' seeping through my clothes Shitty leach had been there and the hole was oozing blood yuck. The leach was gone But Where? I rushed into the shower visual check than hands checking everywhere ' places they wouldn't normally go' Than god no more leaches in nasty places.
Trekking power food for dinner Bal Bart with chicken curry. The guide taught us a new card game fun but early bed. Tomorrow is meant to be easy 2 hours down and 2 hours flat.
Day 4
Suzanne is really struggling a little lowly taking tiny steps wincing with each one. I feel great the sun is out scenery is beautifully. Kids are racing past skipping from rock to rock in their flip flops (I resist tripping them little shits), donkeys carrying gas bottles and men carrying huge loads One guy had a whirlpool fridge on his back still in the box by himself struggling up the hill it looked crippling.
It's not until I use the squat toilet that I realise my legs are a bit stiff. Shit I can't get back up out of the squat thank god for the back wall. They need a rope and handle hanging off the door.
Throughout the trek we have seen the same folks.
Two sticks - the huffy puffy guy with a group of yanks
The colorful umbrellas - a Chinese couple without a guide who I have seen come down on their ares at least twice
The Old Lady - Traveling withe her daughter who was over it 2 hours into the 9 hours day
Cranky girls - Two young girls who looked stuffer and over to 2 hours into the easiest day and looked worse and worse every day after.
At last back in Naya Pur what a great 4 days. We ride back crammed into a 4WD 8 passengers. I loved it because Suzanne hates the drive, the edge of the mountain and the on coming overtaking trucks she is scared shitless ' that's normally me' It makes me feel comfortable and think how silly I am about that 'nothing is permanent'.
A shower and I collapse on the bed. I am thinking of my next trek. My guide had a 78 Yr old on the Annapurna Circuit last year Mmm.
Thanks Suzanne and Alicia you were great company and many thanks to the guide and porter.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
the start
Yes work is over the planning is sort of in place 3 weeks in Turkey with lilda Berlin then Edenburugh for the fringe festival before I branch off for Nepal then India. Returning when work calls but not before late Oct. I hope they are listening. I am at at a backpacks in sydney and fly out in the morning the continuation of my growth and experiences. The start of another adventure I read an arrival in the travel section of the paper and have taken it up as my travel ethos. Do everything that you want to don't put it off you may never be back, take the risk its part of growing
spend every cent you can't take it to the grave.
A note to all I am using my phone on this trip so the spelling may be even worse, my excuse anyway.
Tomorrow I catch my flight to Bangkok and overnight there must go down stairs and catch the bus to Koran rd 150 bath vs 1200 in a taxi lesson for all in Bangkok. Then immerse myself in massage and Thai food. Linda introduced me to massages one of the many pleasures and experiences she has introduced to me. Then on to Turkey where I meet up with the lovely Linda and Lucy. Hopefully I won't drink too much tonight and will have a nice flight. I am a little pissed that my bag seems bigger than last trip I will have to sort that. Thanks to Sally for driving me in and storing my car I will miss my friends while im away but I still feel driven to go and experience. Dont know howmuch web access I will have but I will try to keep the blog going. Can't wait until I get to Turkey Remember its not how many breaths you take but the moments that take your breath away.
spend every cent you can't take it to the grave.
A note to all I am using my phone on this trip so the spelling may be even worse, my excuse anyway.
Tomorrow I catch my flight to Bangkok and overnight there must go down stairs and catch the bus to Koran rd 150 bath vs 1200 in a taxi lesson for all in Bangkok. Then immerse myself in massage and Thai food. Linda introduced me to massages one of the many pleasures and experiences she has introduced to me. Then on to Turkey where I meet up with the lovely Linda and Lucy. Hopefully I won't drink too much tonight and will have a nice flight. I am a little pissed that my bag seems bigger than last trip I will have to sort that. Thanks to Sally for driving me in and storing my car I will miss my friends while im away but I still feel driven to go and experience. Dont know howmuch web access I will have but I will try to keep the blog going. Can't wait until I get to Turkey Remember its not how many breaths you take but the moments that take your breath away.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
A year in two weeks??
Back to Aus
What a great few weeks back in Australia. Caught up Linda (missed her bad), friends, Clay and Jacinta. Hopefully, I set up work for when I return, lets hope the bid was successful..
There has been heaps of snow so I drove down to Jindabine to do some skiing. Just like the old days I thought, sleep in the back of the Nissan Patrol and drive up the mountain each morning... Somehow I have grown bigger and my back is not as bendy as it use to be, needless to say I only lasted a couple of days, but the snow was great. The time went so fast I am back off to Thailand on the 17 Sep.
A Year of Experiences in Two Weeks
An exaggeration? I'm not certain.
- Bangkok, and Chutachak markets.
- Chang Rai in northern Thailand.
- Staying at the Mirror Foundation village.
- Teaching English to Thai kids.
- Filling sandbags to repair a road slip.
- Visiting Chang Mai.
- Having elephants cuddle me.
- Watching elephants play soccer and produce beautiful paintings.
- Cuddling tigers who have big teeth & claws.
- Staying in a remote village where no white people have stayed before, sleeping on the floor with the kids and adults watching you sleep. Living in huts with pigs and roosters living under the floor.
- Teaching english to preschoolers who do not even speak Thai, all day without their teacher being there to help or interprate.
- Helping to build an outdoor building.
- Riding on an elephant.
- Cuddling a huge Boa Constricter.
We arrived in Bangkok for two decadent days, massages and shopping. We stayed at Rambutin Plaza Inn right in the centre of the city. On Saturday we went to Chutachak Markets north of the city. I introduced Linda to Co San Road and fish massage while she introduced me to Thai massages and the most huge markets I have seen ( well partially seen). I think it will needs another trip to see it all.
We then traveled to Chang Rai in northern Thailand, the stepping off point for the Mirrior foundation, this NGO foundation is involved in many projects which help the hilltribe people in Thailand who are split into several tribes with different dialects many of who do not have Thai citicinship and do not speek Thai. The volunteers here focus on teaching english (helps the kids with future employment), and helping in construction work. Linda and I will be on the teaching team BUT all are expected to help outside in the manual labour as well.
Chang Rai is a great city much smaller than Bangkok but not many Europeans, although they have lots of problems in the city and surrounds with the highest level of HIV AIDS in Thailand and drugs. We have found a nice guest house with aircon and TV, 350 Batt per night thats about $12 Aust for a double.
Monday 20 Sep we saw the Mirror Foundation village (250 Batt in a tuk tuk), did a tour of the grounds and facilities then returned for a lazy afternoon in Chiang Rai and a good nights sleep. Tuesday, a full day back at Mirror for orientation classes and teacher training before joining the outdoor crew moving buckets and buckets of sand from the pond to make sand bags to mend the collapsed road outside Mirror where a big section of dirt road has collapsed into the creek following monsoonal rain. The temperature is in the low 30’s but the humidity level is extremely high. We have decided to change plans and live out at Mirror with the rest of the staff and volunteers, although we will be seperated (no boys and girls together, we can't hold hands (they think its slutty)), it will be uncomfortable but it will get us more involved and there is lots of preparation work to do for the classes.
On Wednesday we teach at Jalea childcare in a village around three quarters of an hour away from Mirror. Little kids aged 3 and 4. We’ve been practising how to say sit down (nung long), form a circle ( tom pen wan galomb) stand up (yern kun) and form groups of three(sum taew) in Thai.
HOW GOOD WAS THAT! I loved teaching and playing with the little kids. They love my overacting. At the start no one wanted to sit near me. Scary bloke in glasses. Until a little guy jabbed me with a balloon sword. I acted like I was stabbed then they all attacked me, it was great. The kids are great, touching me pulling at the hairs on my arms. But the morning was realy strenuous and I was pooped.
Back at Mirror after a lunch of rice and pork, no rest for the wicked - back into the creek to dig sand for the sandbags. Since the roads collapsed, every one has to help dredge sand from the creek/pond and bag it and haul it onto the van to go down the road to fix the collapsed culvert. Hundreds and hundreds of them. So there we were for ages, passing buckets, filling and tying bags and dodging leeches. I got into the water for ages and helped. Arghh.
A refreshing shower.... cold but refreshing ( no hot water here) and similar plumbing to Greece, where the paper has to go in a bin; all good but... I'm lucky I have a shower where I am, some of the folks use the bucket method (scooping water over one self with a scoop from a large container of water) which is still ok.
Saturday, 25th September
Well it's a bit of a blur of activity but heaps of fun. The guys here (mostly girls) are all great both the indoor and outdoor folks they are so keen and willing, this is certainly not a holiday camp; its lots of work and good companionship.
Linda and have taken over teaching munchikin class (local village kids) in the afternoon. They are great I have them convinced that I am scared of spiders and they keep trying to frighten me, and its working. Linda made a toy spider from black pipe cleaners and attached it to a piece of cotton and when I returned from the toilet they were hiding outside the door with the spider hanging down. I reacted and ran away and they loved it. Now anytime they see me they say 'spider spider!' and point behind me. One day they took my hand and dragged me off, I was a little suspicious but they said 'caterpillar, caterpillar!' until we got there, then they screaked with laughter, there was a huge spider!
Saturday is children's day at Mirror and hoards of kids come here for 'Guides', games, a one hour English lesson, a one hour Japanese lesson (kids soak up language and the more they learn, the better), then lunch (rice and veg and a meat) that Mirror provides and then games afternoon. Stacey is a gorgeous young girl, Japanese heritage. She's done the preparation and all three classes are following the same theme...Global Warming, what causes it and how it affects our world. Linda spends hours drawing up images for me and Stephen's class to colour in.
A two day break at Chiang Mai
After a volunteer roundup of the weeks experiences we are off on a 3 hour trip to Chiang Mai on a very cold (air con turned down extremely low) trip on the VIP bus. Finally we arrive. After spending ages trying to find our hostel (tuk tuk driver has no idea where is was), we shower and hit the markets with Jayden and Lydia who are staying there too. We have a great meal then a terrific time checking out all the stalls.
Sunday morning and Jayden and Lydia join us to see the amazing show and touch the gorgeous elephants at Masei Elephant Camp. The show is brilliant and we cheer on the soccer players and laugh our heads off as the elephant who successfully blocks a goal swings his trunk around and around in celebration and the other elephant dashes in to plonk a goal in the net behind him. Yes, well rehearsed but bloody funny anyway.
When we feed the elephants not one but three touch or drape their trunks over my shoulders, its so funny. We all end up with elephant 'snot' and dirt on us but love it. When Lydia poses with one it snakes its trunk over her torso and gropes her breast! The baby elephant is cute at the 'nursery' too. It steps on Jaydens foot which is also funny.
Because the windows have heavy shutters, this makes the room a total blackout and we sleep till 10am. After a mad scramble we get a red van to Tiger Kingdom and have a coffee and rice breakfast on the verandah in the gorgeous surroundings of lush trees and tropical plants. The verandah over looks the large tiger pens and we can see five tigers dozing and lounging within metres of us. It's captivating, they are so large and beautiful. Two of them are affectionately lolling on each other and cleaning each other's faces and ears.
We decide to visit two cages - the smallest tigers and largest with a photographer - the lot comes to $80 for us both. Expensive for here, but worth every cent. The small tigers are just stunning with amazing markings, soft fur and huge topaz eyes. I loved to cuddle and smell them We get some great shots especially the one where the tiger looks like it is going to lick Linda. They love to have their bellies rubbed. We have read the rules and understand not to touch their heads at all, just stroke their backs or rub their stomach's. If you touch their heads they think you want to play and will curl their paws or playfully bite just like kittens.
Helping out at the remote Lahu Tribe village
After a 3 hour ride in the back of a truck (a little fast for comfort) we arrive at the turnoff. All ok untill we get to the dirt road and the mud and water start. We roar up a steep muddy hill, our truck makes it but the other two have problems. the rain started pouring and the mud was slippery, as the truck got traction great globs of mud were spat out the back covering all - yuck but fun.
It was a muddy sweaty lot who arrived at the Lahu village (the first europeans who had stayed there.) It all seemed a little awkward when we first got there. Some young guys were playing soccer so to break the ice I joined in. It was fun, I heard them saying something about 'Galah'. Unfortunately that's Lahu for foreigner and it suited my playing ability! At one stage they were passing it to the galah (even the opposition). Anyway it broke the ice. The plan was for the teaching team to teach a little english and the outside guys to help build an extension to the preschool.
We had a welcome dinner and the team were split up and farmed out to stay with villagers. Linda and I got to sleep in the village elders house ( on the hard cement floor) others stayed on high set bamboo floors with pigs and roosters underneath.
The next morning we found out that we would be only teaching preschool, and that it would be from 9am to 3pm without the teachers assistance- eek! Somehow we would wing it. Sooo hard, we had not prepped enough because it was a little unknown. But the kids loved it so we were happy.
The second day was similar but we finished early and had a nap. The folks came into the hut to watch us sleep, kind of weird. The other volunteers had similar experiences.
The evening of the third day was a celebration dinner where lots of the villagers came the kids gathered flowers for Lindas hair (basically raided the head mans garden.. mmm.) Linda, was sketching and again the kids were enthralled with it. The other thing they love is if you take a picture of them and show them the results, they are all hams. The villagers then did traditional dancing and some of the volunteers joined in. These guys have so little but seen so happy.
Anyway our time at Mirror finished (so fast) and we are off to Laos...
What a great few weeks back in Australia. Caught up Linda (missed her bad), friends, Clay and Jacinta. Hopefully, I set up work for when I return, lets hope the bid was successful..
There has been heaps of snow so I drove down to Jindabine to do some skiing. Just like the old days I thought, sleep in the back of the Nissan Patrol and drive up the mountain each morning... Somehow I have grown bigger and my back is not as bendy as it use to be, needless to say I only lasted a couple of days, but the snow was great. The time went so fast I am back off to Thailand on the 17 Sep.
A Year of Experiences in Two Weeks
An exaggeration? I'm not certain.
- Bangkok, and Chutachak markets.
- Chang Rai in northern Thailand.
- Staying at the Mirror Foundation village.
- Teaching English to Thai kids.
- Filling sandbags to repair a road slip.
- Visiting Chang Mai.
- Having elephants cuddle me.
- Watching elephants play soccer and produce beautiful paintings.
- Cuddling tigers who have big teeth & claws.
- Staying in a remote village where no white people have stayed before, sleeping on the floor with the kids and adults watching you sleep. Living in huts with pigs and roosters living under the floor.
- Teaching english to preschoolers who do not even speak Thai, all day without their teacher being there to help or interprate.
- Helping to build an outdoor building.
- Riding on an elephant.
- Cuddling a huge Boa Constricter.
We arrived in Bangkok for two decadent days, massages and shopping. We stayed at Rambutin Plaza Inn right in the centre of the city. On Saturday we went to Chutachak Markets north of the city. I introduced Linda to Co San Road and fish massage while she introduced me to Thai massages and the most huge markets I have seen ( well partially seen). I think it will needs another trip to see it all.
We then traveled to Chang Rai in northern Thailand, the stepping off point for the Mirrior foundation, this NGO foundation is involved in many projects which help the hilltribe people in Thailand who are split into several tribes with different dialects many of who do not have Thai citicinship and do not speek Thai. The volunteers here focus on teaching english (helps the kids with future employment), and helping in construction work. Linda and I will be on the teaching team BUT all are expected to help outside in the manual labour as well.
Chang Rai is a great city much smaller than Bangkok but not many Europeans, although they have lots of problems in the city and surrounds with the highest level of HIV AIDS in Thailand and drugs. We have found a nice guest house with aircon and TV, 350 Batt per night thats about $12 Aust for a double.
Monday 20 Sep we saw the Mirror Foundation village (250 Batt in a tuk tuk), did a tour of the grounds and facilities then returned for a lazy afternoon in Chiang Rai and a good nights sleep. Tuesday, a full day back at Mirror for orientation classes and teacher training before joining the outdoor crew moving buckets and buckets of sand from the pond to make sand bags to mend the collapsed road outside Mirror where a big section of dirt road has collapsed into the creek following monsoonal rain. The temperature is in the low 30’s but the humidity level is extremely high. We have decided to change plans and live out at Mirror with the rest of the staff and volunteers, although we will be seperated (no boys and girls together, we can't hold hands (they think its slutty)), it will be uncomfortable but it will get us more involved and there is lots of preparation work to do for the classes.
On Wednesday we teach at Jalea childcare in a village around three quarters of an hour away from Mirror. Little kids aged 3 and 4. We’ve been practising how to say sit down (nung long), form a circle ( tom pen wan galomb) stand up (yern kun) and form groups of three(sum taew) in Thai.
HOW GOOD WAS THAT! I loved teaching and playing with the little kids. They love my overacting. At the start no one wanted to sit near me. Scary bloke in glasses. Until a little guy jabbed me with a balloon sword. I acted like I was stabbed then they all attacked me, it was great. The kids are great, touching me pulling at the hairs on my arms. But the morning was realy strenuous and I was pooped.
Back at Mirror after a lunch of rice and pork, no rest for the wicked - back into the creek to dig sand for the sandbags. Since the roads collapsed, every one has to help dredge sand from the creek/pond and bag it and haul it onto the van to go down the road to fix the collapsed culvert. Hundreds and hundreds of them. So there we were for ages, passing buckets, filling and tying bags and dodging leeches. I got into the water for ages and helped. Arghh.
A refreshing shower.... cold but refreshing ( no hot water here) and similar plumbing to Greece, where the paper has to go in a bin; all good but... I'm lucky I have a shower where I am, some of the folks use the bucket method (scooping water over one self with a scoop from a large container of water) which is still ok.
Saturday, 25th September
Well it's a bit of a blur of activity but heaps of fun. The guys here (mostly girls) are all great both the indoor and outdoor folks they are so keen and willing, this is certainly not a holiday camp; its lots of work and good companionship.
Linda and have taken over teaching munchikin class (local village kids) in the afternoon. They are great I have them convinced that I am scared of spiders and they keep trying to frighten me, and its working. Linda made a toy spider from black pipe cleaners and attached it to a piece of cotton and when I returned from the toilet they were hiding outside the door with the spider hanging down. I reacted and ran away and they loved it. Now anytime they see me they say 'spider spider!' and point behind me. One day they took my hand and dragged me off, I was a little suspicious but they said 'caterpillar, caterpillar!' until we got there, then they screaked with laughter, there was a huge spider!
Saturday is children's day at Mirror and hoards of kids come here for 'Guides', games, a one hour English lesson, a one hour Japanese lesson (kids soak up language and the more they learn, the better), then lunch (rice and veg and a meat) that Mirror provides and then games afternoon. Stacey is a gorgeous young girl, Japanese heritage. She's done the preparation and all three classes are following the same theme...Global Warming, what causes it and how it affects our world. Linda spends hours drawing up images for me and Stephen's class to colour in.
A two day break at Chiang Mai
After a volunteer roundup of the weeks experiences we are off on a 3 hour trip to Chiang Mai on a very cold (air con turned down extremely low) trip on the VIP bus. Finally we arrive. After spending ages trying to find our hostel (tuk tuk driver has no idea where is was), we shower and hit the markets with Jayden and Lydia who are staying there too. We have a great meal then a terrific time checking out all the stalls.
Sunday morning and Jayden and Lydia join us to see the amazing show and touch the gorgeous elephants at Masei Elephant Camp. The show is brilliant and we cheer on the soccer players and laugh our heads off as the elephant who successfully blocks a goal swings his trunk around and around in celebration and the other elephant dashes in to plonk a goal in the net behind him. Yes, well rehearsed but bloody funny anyway.
When we feed the elephants not one but three touch or drape their trunks over my shoulders, its so funny. We all end up with elephant 'snot' and dirt on us but love it. When Lydia poses with one it snakes its trunk over her torso and gropes her breast! The baby elephant is cute at the 'nursery' too. It steps on Jaydens foot which is also funny.
Because the windows have heavy shutters, this makes the room a total blackout and we sleep till 10am. After a mad scramble we get a red van to Tiger Kingdom and have a coffee and rice breakfast on the verandah in the gorgeous surroundings of lush trees and tropical plants. The verandah over looks the large tiger pens and we can see five tigers dozing and lounging within metres of us. It's captivating, they are so large and beautiful. Two of them are affectionately lolling on each other and cleaning each other's faces and ears.
We decide to visit two cages - the smallest tigers and largest with a photographer - the lot comes to $80 for us both. Expensive for here, but worth every cent. The small tigers are just stunning with amazing markings, soft fur and huge topaz eyes. I loved to cuddle and smell them We get some great shots especially the one where the tiger looks like it is going to lick Linda. They love to have their bellies rubbed. We have read the rules and understand not to touch their heads at all, just stroke their backs or rub their stomach's. If you touch their heads they think you want to play and will curl their paws or playfully bite just like kittens.
Helping out at the remote Lahu Tribe village
After a 3 hour ride in the back of a truck (a little fast for comfort) we arrive at the turnoff. All ok untill we get to the dirt road and the mud and water start. We roar up a steep muddy hill, our truck makes it but the other two have problems. the rain started pouring and the mud was slippery, as the truck got traction great globs of mud were spat out the back covering all - yuck but fun.
It was a muddy sweaty lot who arrived at the Lahu village (the first europeans who had stayed there.) It all seemed a little awkward when we first got there. Some young guys were playing soccer so to break the ice I joined in. It was fun, I heard them saying something about 'Galah'. Unfortunately that's Lahu for foreigner and it suited my playing ability! At one stage they were passing it to the galah (even the opposition). Anyway it broke the ice. The plan was for the teaching team to teach a little english and the outside guys to help build an extension to the preschool.
We had a welcome dinner and the team were split up and farmed out to stay with villagers. Linda and I got to sleep in the village elders house ( on the hard cement floor) others stayed on high set bamboo floors with pigs and roosters underneath.
The next morning we found out that we would be only teaching preschool, and that it would be from 9am to 3pm without the teachers assistance- eek! Somehow we would wing it. Sooo hard, we had not prepped enough because it was a little unknown. But the kids loved it so we were happy.
The second day was similar but we finished early and had a nap. The folks came into the hut to watch us sleep, kind of weird. The other volunteers had similar experiences.
The evening of the third day was a celebration dinner where lots of the villagers came the kids gathered flowers for Lindas hair (basically raided the head mans garden.. mmm.) Linda, was sketching and again the kids were enthralled with it. The other thing they love is if you take a picture of them and show them the results, they are all hams. The villagers then did traditional dancing and some of the volunteers joined in. These guys have so little but seen so happy.
Anyway our time at Mirror finished (so fast) and we are off to Laos...
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Bangkok Continued
Bangkok
I chatted to a young lady from Canada and mentioned my concerns with the hookers/pimps approaching me and the ‘old’ men taking advantage of the girls. She provided a more balanced opinion that is probably more reasonable. She sees the girls taking advantage of the men as much as the men taking advantage of them. The girls are looking for money and a possible way out of their situation therefore both parties are gaining from the arrangement.
There was an incident that I have been holding back on writing about, partly because of my own shame at my lack of action. I had seen a bloke the day before and noted him with a young local girl (he was in has 40s she was perhaps in her 20s) I don’t know why he stuck in my mind as it was a common sight. The next night I was walking down Koa San Rd through the markets, it was very crowded, there he was again walking past me and he had a different girl in tow this time, with his hand on her back urging her on, the problem is that she was only a child, and his intent seemed obvious. I felt sick, it was like in a dream he passed me and no one looked, no one seemed concerned. I let them disappear into the crowd, I felt this urge to do something, run after them, front him or follow them and report him to the police. But I did nothing, it was too late I thought (only an excuse), I let it pass. This has been worrying me for some time and I still think of it several weeks later. I have discussed this with Linda and agree that if I did manage to do something right there it would have been unlikely to change anything in the long term, as the same thing would happen the next night... we need to do something that stops this type of thing at the beginning, perhaps indirectly by educating or providing folks with another avenue to survive. However, when I look back I still feel upset and disappointed with myself, something I will have to live with.
Acting under instructions I have had lots of massages
• The foot massage – 30 minutes of luxury where a young lady works on your legs from the hips down,
• The Thai massage – great for the back and shoulders,
• A facial - even with a cucumber pack and the most exhilarating,
• A fish massage - where little fish nibble all the dead skin off your feet. I sat on the edge of this tank with 6 other folks (beer in hand). Well they loved me (the fish), must have been the six weeks in sandals they mostly deserted everyone else, I had hundreds of the little things chomping on me, so very weird it’s a must do.
I had planned to spend a day at Chatuchak Markets before my flight but time got away from me. Left my glasses at the Airport mmmm not good
I chatted to a young lady from Canada and mentioned my concerns with the hookers/pimps approaching me and the ‘old’ men taking advantage of the girls. She provided a more balanced opinion that is probably more reasonable. She sees the girls taking advantage of the men as much as the men taking advantage of them. The girls are looking for money and a possible way out of their situation therefore both parties are gaining from the arrangement.
There was an incident that I have been holding back on writing about, partly because of my own shame at my lack of action. I had seen a bloke the day before and noted him with a young local girl (he was in has 40s she was perhaps in her 20s) I don’t know why he stuck in my mind as it was a common sight. The next night I was walking down Koa San Rd through the markets, it was very crowded, there he was again walking past me and he had a different girl in tow this time, with his hand on her back urging her on, the problem is that she was only a child, and his intent seemed obvious. I felt sick, it was like in a dream he passed me and no one looked, no one seemed concerned. I let them disappear into the crowd, I felt this urge to do something, run after them, front him or follow them and report him to the police. But I did nothing, it was too late I thought (only an excuse), I let it pass. This has been worrying me for some time and I still think of it several weeks later. I have discussed this with Linda and agree that if I did manage to do something right there it would have been unlikely to change anything in the long term, as the same thing would happen the next night... we need to do something that stops this type of thing at the beginning, perhaps indirectly by educating or providing folks with another avenue to survive. However, when I look back I still feel upset and disappointed with myself, something I will have to live with.
Acting under instructions I have had lots of massages
• The foot massage – 30 minutes of luxury where a young lady works on your legs from the hips down,
• The Thai massage – great for the back and shoulders,
• A facial - even with a cucumber pack and the most exhilarating,
• A fish massage - where little fish nibble all the dead skin off your feet. I sat on the edge of this tank with 6 other folks (beer in hand). Well they loved me (the fish), must have been the six weeks in sandals they mostly deserted everyone else, I had hundreds of the little things chomping on me, so very weird it’s a must do.
I had planned to spend a day at Chatuchak Markets before my flight but time got away from me. Left my glasses at the Airport mmmm not good
Friday, August 13, 2010
Bangkok
12 Aug Bangkok
The journey to Bangkok, well what a day (and a half).
Bit sad to be leaving Corfu but also happy (really happy) Hey got my money back on the motorbike rental which was not used, how good is that, it was a little unexpected (loved the bike).
What a saga of a trip
7am bus from Kasiopi to Corfu then taxi to airport (saved 50 Euro on the taxi fare);11:20 flight to Gatwick Bus to Heathrow;7pm flight to Tokyo ( hey that means I have been to Japan does that mean I can get another patch on my bag); and 6pm connection to Bangkok; arrived at motel after midnight so that’s 37 hours or so, very little sleep, there was this guy next to me who on the last leg who maybe had Terets Syndrone poor bloke, but he was twitching all the way and making noises, no sleep, soooo sleepy but couldn’t sleep when I arrived (different time zone I guess.
The Motel room at Rambaturri Village Inn is ok (lots better than the Pensions, aircon double bed luxury), however not as plush as the Viengtai Motel, up the rich end of the street. There is a bit of rain about especially in the afternoon still a bit monsoonal I think.
What a difference from Europe and Greece, drivers are still mad but mainly took took, and scooters. Arrived on a public holiday (day after someone’s birthday (maybe the Queen) I thought this might restrict my entry into some places, but with my Linda luck!! Bumped into a nice local bloke ( they are all so friendly ) who pointed out to me that because of the holiday and to promote tourism a lot of the places had free entry and I had a (Government) took took for about 2 hours for 10 Batt that’s about 30c Aus, how good is that. Although I did help him out by stopping at a couple of shops that gave him a petrol ticket, least I could do. And I saw the lucky Buddha (don’t need it because I now have Linda luck rubbed off on me) and the 45 ft tall Buddha (big golden guy).
The food is sooo good, I don’t know what to eat noodles, curry, heaps of great food off the Machan Carts, so reminds me of my life when I lived in Malaysia, different smells it’s fantastic as I walk around. Oh yeh and tonight I’m going to try some fried grasshoppers and other bugs they look sooo good at the street markets at Koa San Rd (wish me luck). When I was out socialising I met a couple of kids on a world tour, off to an orphanage in Cambodia for 5 weeks first, how good is that, they were only kids but are doing their bit by giving some back. The only problem I have is in the evening in the markets or at night if I’m having a drink I’m targeted, I guess because I’m a middle aged male alone, grrr everyone thinks I want a girl.. .. (both by the girls and their pimps) It’s not right, and it’s sad; I bet the girls who are alone don’t get approached! I need a sign saying I’m attached and I’m really happy.
The plan is to go to spend today seeing the sights in Bangkok and to go to Chatuchak Markets tomorrow before my flight. There is no doubt I want to come back there is so much to see, I want to get out of the city into northern Thailand and perhaps into Laos.
The journey to Bangkok, well what a day (and a half).
Bit sad to be leaving Corfu but also happy (really happy) Hey got my money back on the motorbike rental which was not used, how good is that, it was a little unexpected (loved the bike).
What a saga of a trip
7am bus from Kasiopi to Corfu then taxi to airport (saved 50 Euro on the taxi fare);11:20 flight to Gatwick Bus to Heathrow;7pm flight to Tokyo ( hey that means I have been to Japan does that mean I can get another patch on my bag); and 6pm connection to Bangkok; arrived at motel after midnight so that’s 37 hours or so, very little sleep, there was this guy next to me who on the last leg who maybe had Terets Syndrone poor bloke, but he was twitching all the way and making noises, no sleep, soooo sleepy but couldn’t sleep when I arrived (different time zone I guess.
The Motel room at Rambaturri Village Inn is ok (lots better than the Pensions, aircon double bed luxury), however not as plush as the Viengtai Motel, up the rich end of the street. There is a bit of rain about especially in the afternoon still a bit monsoonal I think.
What a difference from Europe and Greece, drivers are still mad but mainly took took, and scooters. Arrived on a public holiday (day after someone’s birthday (maybe the Queen) I thought this might restrict my entry into some places, but with my Linda luck!! Bumped into a nice local bloke ( they are all so friendly ) who pointed out to me that because of the holiday and to promote tourism a lot of the places had free entry and I had a (Government) took took for about 2 hours for 10 Batt that’s about 30c Aus, how good is that. Although I did help him out by stopping at a couple of shops that gave him a petrol ticket, least I could do. And I saw the lucky Buddha (don’t need it because I now have Linda luck rubbed off on me) and the 45 ft tall Buddha (big golden guy).
The food is sooo good, I don’t know what to eat noodles, curry, heaps of great food off the Machan Carts, so reminds me of my life when I lived in Malaysia, different smells it’s fantastic as I walk around. Oh yeh and tonight I’m going to try some fried grasshoppers and other bugs they look sooo good at the street markets at Koa San Rd (wish me luck). When I was out socialising I met a couple of kids on a world tour, off to an orphanage in Cambodia for 5 weeks first, how good is that, they were only kids but are doing their bit by giving some back. The only problem I have is in the evening in the markets or at night if I’m having a drink I’m targeted, I guess because I’m a middle aged male alone, grrr everyone thinks I want a girl.. .. (both by the girls and their pimps) It’s not right, and it’s sad; I bet the girls who are alone don’t get approached! I need a sign saying I’m attached and I’m really happy.
The plan is to go to spend today seeing the sights in Bangkok and to go to Chatuchak Markets tomorrow before my flight. There is no doubt I want to come back there is so much to see, I want to get out of the city into northern Thailand and perhaps into Laos.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Kasiopi Adventure?
Kasiopi
The emerald island of Greece (I guess because it’s green). Well it has been a while since I have written I have been winding down into the relaxed stage. Kasiopi is a small fishing village in Corfu, although they mainly survive on the tourist dollar. Mainly the tourists are family’s, couples and younger kids out for a good time.
My routine has settled down a little in between the adventures of scouring the island I have a morning swim in the crystal waters, coffee at Kasiopi corner (more about that later) muddle around, afternoon siesta, afternoon swim then afternoon and evening antics enjoying the terrific food, ample alcohol and fun karaoke singers (not me I’m saving my debut for a duet with Linda). Plenty of time to reflect on my life, and my future life (more about that later as well).
Kasiopi corner
Kasiopi has three main streets (cobblestone, skinny streets lined by shops restaurants and taverns) the two one-way streets are the top of a ‘Y’ and the two-way street at the bottom of the ‘Y’ leads to the small fishing harbour. The streets are full of meandering people, scooters, cars, trucks, and huge busses intermingled like a flowing mass (well perhaps not always flowing). The parked cars cause some interesting problems, in the two-way street cars have to back up for other cars/trucks/busses to pass. At Kasiopi corner busses have two goes at negotiating the bend, without parked cars in the way, and when there is a parked car it all comes to a halt. The bus honks for the person to come out of the shop and move the car, the small cars, scooters and pedestrians in the mean time try to get around the stoped bus causing a bigger jam and the people waiting for the bus try to pile on becoming a solid mass, it’s just so hard to describe (I have tried to sketch it mmm need help). But no one seems to get cranky it is just part of the normal day.
I have been out on my bike for several long trips around the island to see the sandy beaches on the other side and up to the highest point on the Island (why does everyone seem to overtake on blind corners, why are the roads full of potholes and why does no one wear helmets, it’s so common to see someone without a helmet on their head, with their arm through the helmet strap protecting their elbow!). The trip to the highest point on Corfu was great, although just a little scary, steep windy roads, gravel, lots of cars, bikes, busses (there was a festival on). Great view and a monastery, and of course coffee on top of Corfu.
Despite the risks with the hired bike I love it, even though I have learnt some lessons.
Note to self: When stopping motorbike on steep sloped driveway for traffic (at exit to my taverna), ensure there is no slippery gravel under foot, otherwise you may slip, drop bike, fall over like clown and slide down the associated ditch: resulting in red stuff, pain and greatly damaged ego.
That said I have a rule if I drink I don’t ride I did that when I was a lot younger and it ended up very ugly.
I have been hanging with Rose and her Sister Marlene a little. Had a great boat trip to the East coast, jumping off the top of the boat into the water, diving for champagne (yes I’m a winner) and going through a cave where the last few fee you have to swim underwater to get to the other side, cool. Also had a trip into old town Corfu interesting skinny lanes with sprawling shops.
Had dinner with Rose George (Roses Ex) and Marlene at the Taverna I’m staying at. It was magnificent, we just shared a range (lots) of appetisers, lets see, baby squid, feta cheese, little salty fish (white bait), fried prawns, tomato salad, skinny bits of fried zucchini, pastry something, wild mushrooms, ..... Marlene has gone back to Wales now, to the hubby and kids and Rose’s boss is in town so she will be scarce, but it was a great few days they are both great company.
I have met some nice folk, and some interesting ones at the local pub ‘Illusions’. They come and go as tourists do. Three of the stranger encounters are:
1. I was talking to some young girls and their mum and somehow I got dragged into passion, a night club (I got in free because the kids said I was their dad and had to look after them). Dancing in a crush of bodies, with bubbles coming from the ceiling. I got home before the sun got up (just), only because I refused the invite from the kids to have breakfast, suffered for it but.
2. I got accosted by a young lady from the Isle of Man, she was about 30 and gorgeous, hehe, must have forgotten her contacts. I’m certain she had evil intents for me (or so she told me). But sorry, 'thanks for the offer but I’m happily taken by the lovely Lind'a who is a little older (not on the inside) and just as gorgeous, dance only and not so close. Now that was good for the ego, that said the ego was soon to be severly tested.
3. Two older folk were chatting to me (well older than me) seemed nice. Invited me back for a drink on my way home, how nice I thought. She was acting a bit flirtatious (the drink I thought, so wasn’t worrying me). ‘I’m off to the bathroom’ I said. On my return, OMG! They are making out on the bed, he is down to his undies (little black briefs), all I could see was his tanned leathery wrinkly skin and this white blobby mass intertwined and wriggling on a mass of white sheets (it reminded me of the time I was 12 and I walked in on my parents), yuck. There was a voice I could hear through the haze of disbelief asking if I would like to help out. Nooooooo, Eeeeeek, the haze has come over me I can’t speak, I have difficulty hearing and my vision is blurred, through the tunnel vision I can see is a door, Escape, Run, Flee; in a blind rush I’m out of there, my perception of older folks ruined for life. Yuckkkkkkkk! They have destroyed my innocents, I am scarred for life. I can never ever go for a drink with someone I just meet again, unless it’s in a public place. Every time I venture out now I am discreetly scanning restaurants and tavernas before I enter, like an escapee from prison looking for the faces which are burnt forever into my brain.
Don’t get me wrong most of the folk are great just thought I would share a few (interesting highlights).
Jim’s Reflection
I have been reflecting the life here, and my life (which is terrific), and work; and I am having a difficult time matching it all up. I love the benefits that work gives, stability comfort, travel, coffee, good wine, food; but the self indulgence I see here and that I am taking for granted, and the ‘stuff’ we have all collected (well almost all of us), makes me reflect on what’s right. I’m not saying we should throw it all away by any means, but there needs to be a balance, give a little back, have some compassion, it is so easy to ignore it when we see the masses on the news, what if it was us or our children, how would we feel. Our troubles are insignificant compared to soooo many others. How can we have so much time, money, and food when others have so little, I have been watching the news on the floods in Pakistan, I read a recent email about the poor orphans in Kathmandu Valley, it can’t be all about us. If everybody just helped a little, and it doesn’t have to be money, it can be in a way that gives us joy in giving, then you never know where we could go.
I have decided to cut my time short a little in Corfu. I am off to Thailand next week then a few weeks in Australia to see Linda (yahoo), Clay and Jacinta, catch up on friends and sort a few things I have to do. Then off to Thailand Laos Cambodia for a month.
The emerald island of Greece (I guess because it’s green). Well it has been a while since I have written I have been winding down into the relaxed stage. Kasiopi is a small fishing village in Corfu, although they mainly survive on the tourist dollar. Mainly the tourists are family’s, couples and younger kids out for a good time.
My routine has settled down a little in between the adventures of scouring the island I have a morning swim in the crystal waters, coffee at Kasiopi corner (more about that later) muddle around, afternoon siesta, afternoon swim then afternoon and evening antics enjoying the terrific food, ample alcohol and fun karaoke singers (not me I’m saving my debut for a duet with Linda). Plenty of time to reflect on my life, and my future life (more about that later as well).
Kasiopi corner
Kasiopi has three main streets (cobblestone, skinny streets lined by shops restaurants and taverns) the two one-way streets are the top of a ‘Y’ and the two-way street at the bottom of the ‘Y’ leads to the small fishing harbour. The streets are full of meandering people, scooters, cars, trucks, and huge busses intermingled like a flowing mass (well perhaps not always flowing). The parked cars cause some interesting problems, in the two-way street cars have to back up for other cars/trucks/busses to pass. At Kasiopi corner busses have two goes at negotiating the bend, without parked cars in the way, and when there is a parked car it all comes to a halt. The bus honks for the person to come out of the shop and move the car, the small cars, scooters and pedestrians in the mean time try to get around the stoped bus causing a bigger jam and the people waiting for the bus try to pile on becoming a solid mass, it’s just so hard to describe (I have tried to sketch it mmm need help). But no one seems to get cranky it is just part of the normal day.
I have been out on my bike for several long trips around the island to see the sandy beaches on the other side and up to the highest point on the Island (why does everyone seem to overtake on blind corners, why are the roads full of potholes and why does no one wear helmets, it’s so common to see someone without a helmet on their head, with their arm through the helmet strap protecting their elbow!). The trip to the highest point on Corfu was great, although just a little scary, steep windy roads, gravel, lots of cars, bikes, busses (there was a festival on). Great view and a monastery, and of course coffee on top of Corfu.
Despite the risks with the hired bike I love it, even though I have learnt some lessons.
Note to self: When stopping motorbike on steep sloped driveway for traffic (at exit to my taverna), ensure there is no slippery gravel under foot, otherwise you may slip, drop bike, fall over like clown and slide down the associated ditch: resulting in red stuff, pain and greatly damaged ego.
That said I have a rule if I drink I don’t ride I did that when I was a lot younger and it ended up very ugly.
I have been hanging with Rose and her Sister Marlene a little. Had a great boat trip to the East coast, jumping off the top of the boat into the water, diving for champagne (yes I’m a winner) and going through a cave where the last few fee you have to swim underwater to get to the other side, cool. Also had a trip into old town Corfu interesting skinny lanes with sprawling shops.
Had dinner with Rose George (Roses Ex) and Marlene at the Taverna I’m staying at. It was magnificent, we just shared a range (lots) of appetisers, lets see, baby squid, feta cheese, little salty fish (white bait), fried prawns, tomato salad, skinny bits of fried zucchini, pastry something, wild mushrooms, ..... Marlene has gone back to Wales now, to the hubby and kids and Rose’s boss is in town so she will be scarce, but it was a great few days they are both great company.
I have met some nice folk, and some interesting ones at the local pub ‘Illusions’. They come and go as tourists do. Three of the stranger encounters are:
1. I was talking to some young girls and their mum and somehow I got dragged into passion, a night club (I got in free because the kids said I was their dad and had to look after them). Dancing in a crush of bodies, with bubbles coming from the ceiling. I got home before the sun got up (just), only because I refused the invite from the kids to have breakfast, suffered for it but.
2. I got accosted by a young lady from the Isle of Man, she was about 30 and gorgeous, hehe, must have forgotten her contacts. I’m certain she had evil intents for me (or so she told me). But sorry, 'thanks for the offer but I’m happily taken by the lovely Lind'a who is a little older (not on the inside) and just as gorgeous, dance only and not so close. Now that was good for the ego, that said the ego was soon to be severly tested.
3. Two older folk were chatting to me (well older than me) seemed nice. Invited me back for a drink on my way home, how nice I thought. She was acting a bit flirtatious (the drink I thought, so wasn’t worrying me). ‘I’m off to the bathroom’ I said. On my return, OMG! They are making out on the bed, he is down to his undies (little black briefs), all I could see was his tanned leathery wrinkly skin and this white blobby mass intertwined and wriggling on a mass of white sheets (it reminded me of the time I was 12 and I walked in on my parents), yuck. There was a voice I could hear through the haze of disbelief asking if I would like to help out. Nooooooo, Eeeeeek, the haze has come over me I can’t speak, I have difficulty hearing and my vision is blurred, through the tunnel vision I can see is a door, Escape, Run, Flee; in a blind rush I’m out of there, my perception of older folks ruined for life. Yuckkkkkkkk! They have destroyed my innocents, I am scarred for life. I can never ever go for a drink with someone I just meet again, unless it’s in a public place. Every time I venture out now I am discreetly scanning restaurants and tavernas before I enter, like an escapee from prison looking for the faces which are burnt forever into my brain.
Don’t get me wrong most of the folk are great just thought I would share a few (interesting highlights).
Jim’s Reflection
I have been reflecting the life here, and my life (which is terrific), and work; and I am having a difficult time matching it all up. I love the benefits that work gives, stability comfort, travel, coffee, good wine, food; but the self indulgence I see here and that I am taking for granted, and the ‘stuff’ we have all collected (well almost all of us), makes me reflect on what’s right. I’m not saying we should throw it all away by any means, but there needs to be a balance, give a little back, have some compassion, it is so easy to ignore it when we see the masses on the news, what if it was us or our children, how would we feel. Our troubles are insignificant compared to soooo many others. How can we have so much time, money, and food when others have so little, I have been watching the news on the floods in Pakistan, I read a recent email about the poor orphans in Kathmandu Valley, it can’t be all about us. If everybody just helped a little, and it doesn’t have to be money, it can be in a way that gives us joy in giving, then you never know where we could go.
I have decided to cut my time short a little in Corfu. I am off to Thailand next week then a few weeks in Australia to see Linda (yahoo), Clay and Jacinta, catch up on friends and sort a few things I have to do. Then off to Thailand Laos Cambodia for a month.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
23 July 2010 Transit to and the start of the Corfu adventure
Transit to and the start of the Corfu adventure
A relatively smooth trip back to the UK and Heathrow airport. It is so good having a UK passport, easy entry through the short line, although the immigration officers give me a funny look when they hear the Aussie accent with the British Passport. With the early start (5.30 flight) out of Gatwick I decided to stay at the Gatwick airport in the airport short term accommodation. How interesting is that down the lift into an automated reception centre (there was a desk person if required) and you are issued with a key to your cubical. You enter into a very sterile (small) room a bed that you step up into, flat screen tv at the end of the bed, fold out desk and chair and a toilet and shower behind a glass partition. Perfect, as long as you are not worried about confined spaces.
Arrived in Corfu and the choice was a 50 Euro taxi ride to Kasiopi or try to sort the bus which had a terminal somewhere in town. So jump right in and after a 10 Euro taxi to the ‘green’ bus station I manage to sort out the bus to Kasiopi which leaves 10 minutes after I get there how good is that ‘Linda luck’. The bus ride is 3.30 Euro soooo cheap. I had forgotten the mountainous road to Kasiopi and the bus charging around the skinny roads with huge drop-offs all, good but.
I arrived in Kasiopi and had a 1K walk up to the Taverna and accommodation; the majority of the folks speak English here so things are relatively easy.
The room I'm in is basic but a nice size with air-conditioning, Yeh ( although trying not to use). About 10 minutes walk into town, I have now gotten some food water and red wine in so I will settle into a routine. The room is connected onto the Tavana (Fish Tavana) yum. It is picture perfect I will take photos over the next few days, but let me describe it if I can It is lunch time I am sitting at the small open bar, a purple flowered tree with a huge group of flowers is just above my head. I can smell the faint sent of flowers,the stronger smell of cooking fish and spices from the restaurant mingled with the salty ocean smell, behind me I can see the white tiled courtyard 20M x 20M with a few scattered tables under large square white umbrellas for the restaurant, directly beyond that (over the balcony) is the rocky beach and the crystal clear waters of the bay I will swim in. There are some small colourful boats anchored close in and a sailing boat further out. In the distance (only about 4 K) you can see the Albanian coast and the majestic hills raising out of the sea.' Honestly, I can’t find all the right words.
Time for a swim
I step down the flight of stairs from my room, turn left there are the three steps up to the Taverna or I keep going straight ahead another 20 paces onto the stony beach, I keep going another 20 paces onto the end of the dock, I drop my clothes place my thongs on the wooden strut near the water line and dive into the crystal clear waters, not super warm like Valencia but no chill, about 23deg. I swim down the beach and back picking up my thongs on the way back, to help me stumble out of the water over the rocks. How good is that. By the end of the stay here my aim will be to swim into the beach on the edge of town and back about 1.5 Ks or so.
A friend 'Rose' She stayed at Kay’s for a while last summer has just facebooked me she lives just up the street we are going for a beer, it will be good to catch up. A good catch up although Rose had to work o she left early (lovely Rose has offered to help out with my washing - I dont think she thought much of the wash in the shower idea). I should have went home when Rose left Grr sore head, throat and feel like crap in the morning must have been bad beer or ouzo.
A relatively smooth trip back to the UK and Heathrow airport. It is so good having a UK passport, easy entry through the short line, although the immigration officers give me a funny look when they hear the Aussie accent with the British Passport. With the early start (5.30 flight) out of Gatwick I decided to stay at the Gatwick airport in the airport short term accommodation. How interesting is that down the lift into an automated reception centre (there was a desk person if required) and you are issued with a key to your cubical. You enter into a very sterile (small) room a bed that you step up into, flat screen tv at the end of the bed, fold out desk and chair and a toilet and shower behind a glass partition. Perfect, as long as you are not worried about confined spaces.
Arrived in Corfu and the choice was a 50 Euro taxi ride to Kasiopi or try to sort the bus which had a terminal somewhere in town. So jump right in and after a 10 Euro taxi to the ‘green’ bus station I manage to sort out the bus to Kasiopi which leaves 10 minutes after I get there how good is that ‘Linda luck’. The bus ride is 3.30 Euro soooo cheap. I had forgotten the mountainous road to Kasiopi and the bus charging around the skinny roads with huge drop-offs all, good but.
I arrived in Kasiopi and had a 1K walk up to the Taverna and accommodation; the majority of the folks speak English here so things are relatively easy.
The room I'm in is basic but a nice size with air-conditioning, Yeh ( although trying not to use). About 10 minutes walk into town, I have now gotten some food water and red wine in so I will settle into a routine. The room is connected onto the Tavana (Fish Tavana) yum. It is picture perfect I will take photos over the next few days, but let me describe it if I can It is lunch time I am sitting at the small open bar, a purple flowered tree with a huge group of flowers is just above my head. I can smell the faint sent of flowers,the stronger smell of cooking fish and spices from the restaurant mingled with the salty ocean smell, behind me I can see the white tiled courtyard 20M x 20M with a few scattered tables under large square white umbrellas for the restaurant, directly beyond that (over the balcony) is the rocky beach and the crystal clear waters of the bay I will swim in. There are some small colourful boats anchored close in and a sailing boat further out. In the distance (only about 4 K) you can see the Albanian coast and the majestic hills raising out of the sea.' Honestly, I can’t find all the right words.
Time for a swim
I step down the flight of stairs from my room, turn left there are the three steps up to the Taverna or I keep going straight ahead another 20 paces onto the stony beach, I keep going another 20 paces onto the end of the dock, I drop my clothes place my thongs on the wooden strut near the water line and dive into the crystal clear waters, not super warm like Valencia but no chill, about 23deg. I swim down the beach and back picking up my thongs on the way back, to help me stumble out of the water over the rocks. How good is that. By the end of the stay here my aim will be to swim into the beach on the edge of town and back about 1.5 Ks or so.
A friend 'Rose' She stayed at Kay’s for a while last summer has just facebooked me she lives just up the street we are going for a beer, it will be good to catch up. A good catch up although Rose had to work o she left early (lovely Rose has offered to help out with my washing - I dont think she thought much of the wash in the shower idea). I should have went home when Rose left Grr sore head, throat and feel like crap in the morning must have been bad beer or ouzo.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)